Metabolism is a process in which the consumed food is converted into energy that works as a fuel for the body to function efficiently. Thyroid gland takes care of the metabolism rate in the body.
It is important to increase metabolism as it aids in losing weight rapidly. Instead of jumping on to some crash diets or hard core weight loss regimes, we would recommend that you work on your metabolism.
Here’s a guide that will assist you in choosing the right balance of food to increase metabolism.
While we will never suggest any short-cut methods for losing weight, we can definitely help you in increasing your metabolism which will ultimately lead to weight loss. Two of the most important factors that will act as metabolism boosters for you are:
#. Daily work out regime
#. Adequate sleeping hours
Apart from these, there are certain food items that function as natural metabolism booster for your body.
(Image Courtesy: PPopcorn)
#1. Citrus fruits
To increase metabolism, consumption of fruits like oranges, grapefruit, lemons, and limes (containing vitamin C) is suggested. Vitamin C helps in improving metabolism which eventually leads to weight loss.
#2. Berries
Berries are full of dietary fiber, which helps in the process of burning calories. One cup of strawberries, blackberries, blueberries or raspberries contains 8 gm of fiber.
#3. High-Fiber Cereals
High-fiber cereals are a great breakfast pick because they not only increase your metabolism but also aid in slow digestion making you feel fuller for a longer span of time.
(Image Courtesy: Lumiohealth)
Speeding up of metabolism depends highly on your lifestyle. There are a lot of food items that work as natural metabolism boosters, but diet alone cannot perform all the functions. There are certainly other factors that need to be considered as well.
#. Drink plenty of cold water
#. Workout regularly
#. Prefer standing while talking; it helps in burning calories
#. Drink Green Tea
#. Add more spice to your food.
#. Do not compromise on your sleeping hours.
(Image Courtesy: The News Potato)
#1. Food Rich In Protein
Food items like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, legumes, nuts and seeds, are helpful in increasing the metabolism as they demand more energy to get digested.
This process of absorbing, digesting and processing the nutrients from your meals is referred to as the Thermic Effect of Food (TEF).Food rich in proteins is known to increase the metabolic rate the most, i.e., by 15-30%.
Protein-rich foods not only elevates your metabolism but also help in maintaining the muscle mass, in addition to keeping you away from overeating.
#2. Food Rich In Iron, Zinc, And Selenium
Iron, zinc and selenium, all the three are important for the proper functioning of your body, especially the thyroid gland. A diet low in iron, zinc or selenium can lead to reduced production of hormones (which regulates metabolism) from the thyroid gland.
It is important to include iron rich food like meat, nuts, seeds, and legume in your daily meals to let the thyroid gland function to its full potentials.
#3. Chili Peppers
Chili peppers are full of a juicy chemical named Capsaicin, which is known to boost your metabolism by burning down a plenty of fat and calories that we consume. Reports suggest that it can burn down an extra 50 calories every day because the chemical also has properties that keep you full for longer, hence reducing the appetite.
#4. Coffee
Studies suggest that caffeine helps in increasing the metabolic rate by up to 11%. Consuming about three cups of coffee (270mg) can help in burning about 100 extra calories every day.
(Image Courtesy: Appetite For Health)
Do you wish to add any more food items to the list? Let us know in the comment section below.
(Featured Image Courtesy: My Domain)
Share
