Boosting Your Metabolism

Whether you’re trying to lose weight or just wanting to maintain your physique, boosting your metabolism to a higher rate is a lways a good idea. There are several ways to give your metabolism an extra push—including exercising early in the day—but eating can also be a factor in its elevation. Here are foods that have been shown to help give your metabolism a boost and get you on your way to a fitter you.

Oatmeal - I’m not talking about the sugar-laden single-serving packages of instant oatmeal that come in a million different flavors. I’m talking about steel cut or slow-cooking rolled oats. Oats are a great source of both insoluble and soluble fiber and a good source of nutrients including Vitamin E, zinc, selenium, copper, iron, manganese and magnesium. Oats are also a good source of protein.

Spices - There are plenty of spices out that have been shown to be able to rev up your metabolism. Curry, Black Pepper, Mustard, Cayenne Pepper, and Cinnamon to name just a few. You don’t have to eat spoonfuls of these spices directly, but don’t be shy with them they can help to add flavor to otherwise bland foods

Water - Almost 2/3 rds of our body weight is “water weight”. Blood is 83% water. Muscles are 75% , the brain is 74% and bone is 22% water. So what do you think happens when we aren’t adequately hydrated? Your bodily processes can’t function optimally. We’re depriving them of an essential nutrient. Ideally ½ your body weight in ounces of water will improve your energy, increase your mental and physical performance, remove toxins & waste products from your body, keep skin healthy and glowing, help you lose weight, reduce headaches and dizziness, allow for proper digestion, and help to keep your Alkaline levels balanced (prevents the build up of acids).

Green Tea - Green tea has plenty of health benefits, and shows up as a superfood on many lists of the healthiest things you can put in your body. If you’re looking for increased metabolism production go with the natural source and increase your intake of green tea. If hot tea isn’t your thing, brew a pot and let it cool or pour it over ice.

Beans - Beans are often suggested for those wanting to lose weight because their nutrient makeup is such that they have a very positive effect on your metabolism. They make a great side dish for most lunches and dinners, and they can easily be added to soups and chili to make them more robust and flavorful.

Cruciferous Vegetables - The B Vitamins that are contained in foods like Cabbage, Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Cauliflower, and others has a healthy effect on your metabolism and can really start to turn things around if you previously didn’t give much care or attention to the matter. These aren’t the easiest veggies to increase your intake of, but if you look for recipes that contain them they’ll usually include them with other ingredients that make them taste better than eating them straight.

Almonds - Almonds and other tree nuts contain essential fatty acids. The good thing is they taste great, so you can use them as a snack to hold you over until your next meal, or you can chop them up and use them to top a main or side dish. Just remember they are high in fat so don't over eat.

Whole Grains - Stop thinking that carbs are the enemy. Whole grains like oats and barley have great nutritional value and can even help control your appetite. The high levels of fiber in whole grains also help us feel full by slowing blood-sugar release and steadying insulin levels. The trick is to eat grains that are truly whole — no refined carbs like white bread.

Garlic - Garlic and other foods in the allium family (onions, leeks, chives, shallots, and scallions) work to stimulate the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that is especially important in the liver, where it helps remove hormone-disrupting chemicals. Alliums also lower total cholesterol while raising the level of HDL cholesterol (the “good” kind).