If you’re looking for healthy foods to reach for during the day which also boost your metabolism, then you’re in the right place.
Your metabolism is the rate at which your body creates energy from your food. Metabolism can be affected by a number of different factors including your age, hormones and even stress levels. So reaching for that extra treat when you’re feeling stressed isn’t always the best idea. Foods high in carbs and sugar can also slow down your metabolism and help you pile on the pounds.
However there are certain foods which can give your metabolism a little boost, helping burn calories and maintain your weight or help you get closer to your goal weight.
1. Tuna
Proteins can keep you feeling fuller for longer which naturally prevents you from over eating, or reaching for the snacks after a meal.
Tuna also contains omega 3 fatty acids which are known to help reduce a hormone in the body, called leptin. Leptin has been known to contribute to a slower metabolism, so by reducing the levels of leptin in your body, your metabolism is boosted.
Incorporating tuna into your breakfast or meals early on in the day is a great way to boost metabolism as soon as you start your day!
2. Eggs
Eggs are another high protein food, requiring your body to use more energy to digest it. Protein also helps to build muscle mass and higher muscle mass can increase your metabolism too. So eggs are another great breakfast food if you’re trying to increase your metabolism.
3. Coffee
Those nights you lay awake after a late night coffee showed you just how much caffeine a coffee contains… and at night time, this isn’t the best thing to consume if you’re hoping to drift into sleep quickly.
However, the caffeine in coffee can actually boost your metabolism… so a coffee in the morning when you wake up, or a mid morning coffee is the perfect boost to not only wake you up, but also kick start your metabolism. Try not to add sugar or creams though as these work to slow metabolism.
4. Avocados
One of the go-to snacks for those on a health kick… and rightly so! Avocados are high in fibre and packed with vitamins so they are the perfect healthy addition to a meal. But did you know that avocados also contain carnitine? Carnitine is an amino acid which helps with metabolism. Starting the day with avocado is a great way to boost metabolism from the first meal of the day.
5. Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Well it can also keep the slow metabolism away too. Apples contain a fibre called pectin which helps with the digestive process and also detoxifies the body. So you can enjoy a sweet snack without worrying about slowing down your metabolism!
6. Almonds
Almonds are a tasty treat to snack on during the day when you find yourself getting peckish. And they’re a good choice if you’re trying to boost your metabolism too. Almonds contain healthy fatty acids and also protein which helps boost metabolism and also makes you feel fuller for longer.
7. Chilli peppers
Whilst you might not imagine yourself reaching for a chilli pepper when hunger pangs present themselves, this little hottie actually contains a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin can increase the amount of calories and fat you burn and in turn increase your metabolism. So whether you add chilli pepper to your lunch, or choose to snack on some spicy hummus, give this one a try!
