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While it is important to cut back on the daily amount of
calories consumed, it is equally as important to watch where
those calories are coming from and then spread those out over
5-6 meals per day, to keep the metabolism constantly working.
Certain foods are known for keeping the metabolism working
at a high level. Complex carbohydrates and fiber, for instance,
which can be found in oatmeal, whole grain cereal, and milk
every morning at breakfast, are known for keeping insulin
levels low after eating. Insulin sends messages to the body
that it should store fat, so keeping insulin levels low will
allow the metabolism to burn more excess fat. Stockpiling
fat by the body results in a slowdown of the metabolism, which
basically translates to fewer calories will be burnt and less
fat will be lost.
Capsaicin, a chemical found in many peppers such as cayenne
peppers, habanero, and jalapenos, is known for its ability
to boost the metabolism. If you don’t mind adding a
little spice to meal, throw in some peppers to give your metabolism
a boost! Green tea and caffeine are also metabolism boosters.
Caffeine, a suggested method of metabolism boosting, but
may keep you awake and jittery, the more calories will be
burnt. Green tea, on the other hand, contains a chemical known
as EGCC which causes the brain and nervous system to work
more quickly, also translating into more burned calories.
Foods high in protein, such as lean beef, fish, turkey, and
chicken, are all great for keeping the metabolism active.
Protein, in its nature, takes more effort to digest than carbohydrates
or fat and this additional energy results in more calories
being burnt in order to digest and use protein.
Although it may be a strange concept to some, essentially,
the more protein you eat, the harder the body has to work
to digest it. Fish, additionally, along with some other foods,
contain what are known as Omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty
acids affect the levels of a hormone known as leptin in the
body. Leptin directly influences the metabolism and can help
to determine whether the metabolism decides to burn fat or
store it.
These are the most suggested foods and nutrients to involve
in your daily diet to help boost your metabolism. Before seeking
out any supplements or herbal medications, it is always good
to try to boost your metabolism naturally by simply eating
foods such as this which will help to give your metabolism
that little extra kick you’ve been hoping for.
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