There are several ways to boost your metabolism but one way that is so often over-looked is changing foods that speed metabolism. Many of us that are challenged to take off a few pounds already know that when we are able to speed our metabolism, the weight loss journey gets a whole lot easier. Let’s take a look at the types of foods that speed metabolism so that we can boost our metabolism every time we eat!
We live in a fast food world. Even if we are dedicated enough in our lifestyle to avoid eating out at fast food restaurants, we still lead busy lives and may tend towards wanting to prepare meals that are pre-prepared or “out of the box types” of foods. Most all prepackaged foods is what we want to steer clear of if we are trying to lose weight.
Why? Because they have been over processed and in so doing they have added ingredients that slow down your metabolisms such as added sugars, artificial sweeteners, chemical additives, preservatives and hydrogenated fats. These foods work against your weight loss efforts because they are of no nutritional value and so the body considers them to be foreign or even toxic to the body. Because of this, your metabolic energy will be spent on cleaning the body of toxins rather than burning fat.
Foods that speed your metabolism are the foods that are unprocessed and are free and clear of any additives or added sugars and fats, etc. When shopping in your grocery store for foods that speed your metabolism, try shopping only on the outer perimeter of the store instead of the inside store aisles. Generally, in the outer perimeter of most grocery stores, you will find foods such as fresh meats, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruits, eggs, fresh dairy, raw nuts, raw seeds and bulk whole grains.
Once you venture into the center aisles then you will find all the foods that slow down your metabolisms such as processed cereals, instant pre-cook grains, cakes, cookies, candies, microwave or quick meals, snack chips, crackers, processed nut or seed snacks, commercial breads, etc. Most anything that is pre-prepared or labeled as quick-cooking is what you want to eliminate or at least greatly reduce in your diet in order to speed your metabolism.
Here is a list of foods that speed metabolism that you can add to your grocery list:
Proteins:
Fresh or frozen lean meats including beef, pork, lamb and game meats with no additives. Fresh or frozen poultry such as chicken, turkey again without any additives. Fresh or frozen fish is preferred, although some canned fish is acceptable as long as they are packed in water. Fish that is not pond raised is best because of less additives in their food. Fresh eggs, low-fat cheeses, low-fat cottage cheese, natural yogurt or kefir (without added sugars) and low fat or skim milk.
Vegetables:
Fresh vegetables are the best choice but in a pinch, frozen is the next best choice provided that they contain no additional additives. Choose leafy green vegetables as well as other green, red, and yellow vegetables that are low in starch. Also include all sprouts such as whole pea, lentil, alfalfa, radish etc.
Fruits:
The best metabolism boosting fruits are ones with a low glycemic index or low in natural sugars. Some of these choices would be lemons, limes, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, apples, pears, grapefruit, kiwi, and plums.
Grains, Beans and Nuts:
Whole natural unprocessed grains such as whole rolled oats, natural brown rice, barley, quinoa, buckwheat, bulgur, and millet. Beans such as lentils, chana dahl, kidney beans, peas, chickpeas (garbanzo beans), black-eyed peas are all good choices. Raw unsalted nuts are also excellent foods that can raise metabolism as long as they are not eaten in excess. Good choices are almonds, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts or filberts and walnuts.
Remember when making your meal plans from the above list of foods that you select a balance of foods with each meal containing a protein and carbohydrates. Enjoy a balance of these basic foods that speed your metabolism and you will lose weight faster and with less effort.