Metabolism-Boosting Foods

What Is Metabolism

Metabolism is defined as the bodily process that is needed to maintain life. It does this by turning the food that you eat into the energy that your body needs. Humans are not the only creature that has a metabolism as all living things have it too. In today’s times, it is commonly associated with weight issues.

Protein

Protein-rich foods could help boost your metabolism for a few hours. They do this because your body uses more energy to digest them than other foods. Another benefit of these protein-rich foods is that they can also help you feel full for longer amounts of time. Try These foods next time you want to add some protein to your diet:

Meat: Some of the best options are lean meats such as chicken and turkey. Beef is another great choice too.

Fish: These also contain Omega-3 fatty acids. Try to get it from salmon, mackerel, and tuna as some other species are high in mercury.

Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein because they are affordable, easy to come by and are versatile when it comes to cooking them.

Dairy Products: These include milk, cheese, and yogurt. Some dairy products have been fortified with other nutrients too. Check the label to see what is in yours.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is a chemical that is found in chili peppers. It can also boost your metabolism by increasing the number of calories that you burn. A recent review of 20 studies reported that capsaicin can help you burn somewhere around 50 calories per day.

Avocados

Another one of our metabolism-boosting foods is avocados. These fruits contain many nutrients like polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. They can help because they can help you feel more satisfied and have less desire to eat afterward. One study showed that in individuals who ate avocados with their meal, 23% of them felt more satisfied. Of that same group, 28% also had a lower desire to eat within the next 4-5 hours.

Other Things To Help Boost Metabolism

Drink Water

Not only is drinking enough water important because you need to stay hydrated but it can also increase your metabolism. A recent study showed that it can boost metabolism by 25% of overweight children. Another reason why water can help you if you want to lose weight is by drinking before meals. This can fill your stomach and cause you to feel full quicker. This makes it so you eat less and gives your metabolism more time to work. Be sure to check out one of our previous posts to learn more about the Effects Of Dehydration On Your Body.

Get A Good Night’s Sleep

Getting enough sleep helps with metabolism along with overall health. A recent study suggests that a lack of sleep may be contributing to obesity. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults should aim to get between 7 and 9 hours of sleep each night to avoid sleep deprivation. Another study conducted back in 2002 showed that in sets of identical twins, the sibling who slept more had less visceral fat and stress. This could be because when they slept, their metabolism was working to get ready for the next day.