Wednesday 18 May 2011

14 FOODS TO BOOST YOUR METABOLISM AND LOSE WEIGHT

When we are dieting or trying to lose weight, one common word we hear is metabolism.  Metabolism is the amount of energy or calories your body burns to maintain vital functions. Whether you are sleeping, shopping or exercising, your body is constantly burning calories. It needs fuel just as a car needs fuel to power itself. Your metabolism is the regulator and manager of your body’s fuel.

You know, some people were born with a faster metabolism than others. That’s why they can eat some more and they rarely gain any weight. While other people are hard-wired for a slower metabolism. But with the right program like eating the right foods in right amounts, foods low in fat and most importantly regular exercise that includes cardio, aerobics and walking, you can certainly speed up your metabolism and the benefits are definitely worth it.

There are some foods that actually help boost your metabolism and let me share that with you.

1. Grapefruit which is a super duper diet fruit, lowers the insulin levels in your body that trigger your system to store fat.  Plus, it is rich in fiber, and your body must burn extra calories in order to break it down.
2. Green Tea is the main source of epigallocatechin gallate, known better as EGCG which speeds up your brain and nervous system, causing your body to burn more calories.
3. Yogurt has high levels of protein that require a lot of energy to be processed.

4. Almonds’ essential fatty acids help raise your body’s metabolism. Just don’t overdo it because they’re also very high in calories.

5. Turkey is rich in protein and  builds lean muscle tissue, which causes your body to burn extra calories and raises your metabolism.

6. Apple is a  low-calorie snack is high in fiber, which your body must burn calories to break down. Since apples help you stay full for longer, you’ll eat less. I have started eating an apple everyday!

7. Spinach  not only helps in speeding up your metabolism, it’s a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, iron and vitamin C.

8. Beans are low in fat and packed with protein and keep you full for long durations, and your body must burn extra calories in order to process this fiber-rich vegetable.

9. Jalapenos contain capcaisin that causes your body to burn extra calories for hours after you consume them, speeding up both your heart rate and metabolism.

10. Broccoli contains a highly effective metabolism-boosting team of nutrients: calcium and vitamin C. Calcium acts as a metabolic trigger, while vitamin C helps your body absorb more calcium.

11. Oatmeal takes a long time for your body  to break down the fat-soluble fibre it contains , which lowers your body’s insulin level and speeds up your metabolism as a result.
12. Soy Milk that is fortified is loaded with calcium, helps boost your metabolism. Don't have the sweetened varieties.
13. Curry increases the amount of calories your body burns and speeds up your metabolism.
14. Cinnamon in your  daily cup of tea will help your body metabolize sugars more effectively and maintain steadier blood sugar levels. Cinnamon can also help lower your cholesterol.

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