Most serious dieters know that a higher metabolic rate equals more calories burned and more weight lost. So along with exercise and eating nutritious low-calorie foods, increasing the metabolism is also a key factor in losing weight. The good news is that there are some great options to provide a small boost in your metabolic rate. They include foods, herbs and supplements, and changes to your lifestyle like getting more sleep or implementing certain exercise techniques.
Some foods take more energy to process, raising thermogenesis which is where your body produces heat and burns extra energy.
Chili peppers have the dual effect of increasing your metabolism while also reducing your food intake. The capsaicin in the chili peppers reduces your overall food intake (particularly fatty, salty, and sweet foods), increases both your metabolism and your fullness after a meal. One interesting note is that the effects of capsaicin are reduced in people who eat chili pepper regularly.
Antioxidants can also raise your metabolism and one great source for those antioxidants is berries. In one study, people on a high-fat diet who also ate lingonberries, blackcurrants, raspberries, or bilberries gained less weight and had lower insulin levels than people who ate a high-fat diet without berries.
There are many that can boost your metabolism including foods that are rich in iron like spinach, beans, and dark chocolate, also calcium rich foods like collard greens, soybeans, kale and a variety of other vegetables.
There are other ways to raise your metabolism besides just eating specific foods. There can also be an effect on your metabolism that is dependent on how much water you drink and what temperature it is, cold water seems to have the best effects. Drinking tea can also be a factor.
There are many ways to raise your metabolism while maintaining a healthy diet.
