What Are Metabolism-Boosting Foods?

Boosting your metabolism is a game changer when you’re on a weight loss journey. But what exactly does that mean, and why does boosting your metabolism matter when losing weight? Most importantly, how can you boost your metabolism naturally with food? Let’s discover the top 10 foods that can help you.

Natural Metabolism-Boosting Foods

The body burns calories and performs other functions using a process called “metabolism”. Specific nutrients in certain foods are known to increase the body’s metabolic rate.

The more your metabolic rate increases, the easier it gets to lose and manage weight.

To help you burn more body fat, here are our top 10 metabolism-boosting foods.

1) Chili pepper

Chili peppers are the first ingredient to try when it comes to metabolism boosting.

The bioactive compound called capsaicin is the main substance responsible for burning more calories and curbing hunger pangs.

Even if chilis are too hot for you to handle, a pinch of cayenne pepper will also help boost your metabolism.

Adding a tablespoon of chopped chili peppers per day to your meals is more than enough.

2) Eggs

Iodine is an important actor in keeping the thyroid gland working well, which is crucial for helping your metabolism burn calories and control your appetite.

Eating foods high in iodine, like egg whites, is a good idea to help the thyroid gland do its job.

Branched-chain amino acids in eggs are also perfect for keeping your metabolism on fire throughout the day.

Whether you eat them boiled or in omelet form, try to eat at least 1 egg per day.

3) Ginger

It’s impossible to imagine a metabolism-boosting diet without this nutritious root.

Ginger has a powerful impact on increasing body temperature, which boosts the metabolic rate and regulates blood sugar levels, helping you to control your appetite.

The bonus effects of consuming ginger are relief of abdominal pain and a more efficient immune system, with lower inflammation levels.

Whether you eat it raw, in spice form, or drink it as tea, the key is to add it to your daily nutrition.

4) Avocado

The queen of the wellness and healthy eating world, avocados are great at boosting your metabolism, with their monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

Just half of a ripe avocado will keep you full for a long time and will help you control your appetite.

The anti-inflammatory properties in avocados are a big bonus, and will also help you lose weight along with improving your immune system.

5) Beans and legumes

Kidney beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas… These rich-in-fiber miracles of nature are perfect for accelerating your metabolism. It takes a long time to digest them and as a result, you feel full for longer and eat less.

These protein-packed plant foods also lower insulin levels, so you’re less likely to crave more food after eating beans and legumes.

To eat legumes richer in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, you can consider sprouting them. Sprouted legumes also make you feel less bloated.

6) Cacao

Cacao may be the tastiest option to boost your metabolism. You can consume it in dark chocolate form.

The magnesium in cacao promotes fat-burning, and it also reduces the absorption of fats and carbohydrates.

But consume it wisely and don’t go for the highly processed chocolate on the market. Instead, eat it raw and preferably in sugar-free form.

7) Green tea

All-time most consumed beverage of the diet lists: green tea! Three to five cups of green tea a day can help you burn fat.

You can drink it in the morning to wake yourself up with its caffeine content, or simply have it as a snack-time beverage. Caffeine is proven to increase the metabolic rate, so green tea is a perfect alternative if you’re not a coffee person.

Just remember not to drink it in the evening or at night, as it may disrupt your sleep.

8) Apple cider vinegar

In addition to its countless health benefits, apple cider vinegar is a good metabolism booster, so it’s a good idea to consume it daily.

1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar a day will slow your stomach emptying and make you feel full for longer.

Don’t exceed the suggested daily amount and make sure you dilute it in a glass of water, as excessive amounts can damage the lining of your digestive tract.

9) Cinnamon

Cinnamon is more than a sweet-nutty spice you can add to your granola bowls. Its thermogenic properties elevate your body’s temperature, in the same way as chili peppers. And an increased temperature is nothing but a good way to burn calories faster.

It also helps you control blood sugar and fight a sweet tooth.

Add 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon powder per day to your meals or drinks.

10) Flaxseeds

These nutrient-rich seeds are perfect for improving metabolic rate by being high in fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and a compound called “lignin”, which is known to help weight loss.

Flaxseeds also improve gut microbiome, which will eventually accelerate your metabolism.

You can have the benefits of flaxseeds by consuming 1-2 tablespoons per day.

The last word

Eating more metabolism-boosting foods is a sure way to help yourself lose weight but it doesn’t mean you can eat them as much as you want. Always consume these foods in moderation and in well-balanced meals to achieve the weight loss results you’ve dreamed of.