Foods to fire your metabolism
What we eat can have a significant impact on our bodies. Here are some of the best fire-starting foods to give your metabolism a kick start and help you achieve or maintain your ideal body more easily…
1. Chillies
Not only do chillies add a kick to your meal, they also contain an active chemical which causes the body to heat up and gives your metabolism a temporary boost. This process, called ‘thermogenesis’, helps your body burn extra calories by turning energy to heat.
2. Spinach
This iron-rich leafy green is bursting with protein, fibre, B vitamins and vitamin C, helping to give weight loss a boost by curbing cravings for sweet treats and junk food. So start channelling your inner Popeye and make spinach a staple in your diet. Not only will it help to control your hunger pangs, it’s great for your skin, hair and overall health too.
3. Eggs
Eggs are rich in protein and low in calories, helping you to feel fuller for longer. Eggs may also give your metabolism a boost in the hours after you’ve eaten, thanks to a process known as the thermic effect of food – meaning your body needs to use more energy to digest the food you’ve eaten.
4. Flax Seeds
Flax contain phytoestrogens and omega 3s that help to regulate your hormone levels – essential if you’re trying to lose weight. Packed with fibre, flax seeds help you to feel fuller for longer and keep your blood sugar levels more stable than other starchy foods.
5. Oily fish
Oily fish seems to appear in every feel-good list and there’s a reason for that. It’s so good for your waistline and your health that it deserves to be at the heart of any healthy eating plan. For the best boost of omega 3, which triggers the fat-burning magic, try choosing salmon or halibut. To create an unbeatable fat burning meal, serve up with dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale or broccoli.
6. Lemons
Lemons help to detox your liver – your metabolic powerhouse – from harmful fats thanks to the rich vitamin C content, so if this potent citrus fruit isn’t already a regular item on your shopping list, it really should be.
By cleansing your liver, you’re giving it the best possible chance to work at its best, so try to incorporate lemons into your plan. Warm water with lemon first thing in the morning on an empty stomach is the best way to give your metabolism a kick start.
Get fired up!
Be sure to eat more of these fat-burning foods and avoid processed foods as much as possible to fire up your metabolism and to achieve weight loss results. Heavily processed foods are often low in nutritional content, yet loaded with calories.
What’s more, these foods generate damaging free radicals and may raise your blood pressure. They also cause your insulin levels to surge and fall, leaving you feeling hungry soon after you’ve eaten, – and meaning that you end up consuming more than you need. So stick to this guiding principle and you’re certain to start looking and feeling great.
Do you have a favourite food to give your metabolism a kick start? Share it with us here at the Detox Bible!
