While a "slow metabolism" is often blamed for weight gain, we all know that maintaining a healthy diet free of junk food and preservatives, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly are the best ways to burn fat and lose weight. Metabolism is the process by which the body converts what you eat and drink into energy. Calories are combined with oxygen to release energy that the body needs to function. The number of calories the body uses to carry out basic functions is known as the basal metabolic rate, and that number is different for everyone. It largely depends on body size and composition, gender, age, physical activity and food processing.
If you're already practicing a healthy lifestyle and you want to give your metabolism a little extra boost, there are certain foods that will naturally speed things up and accelerate the fat-burning process. Water is one of the most important factors in keeping the body healthy. If you're even remotely dehydrated, your metabolism may slow down. Drinking cold water forces the body to use a few more calories to warm it up. If you find the taste of water too bland, squeeze in some lemon or infuse it with other fruits and vegetables to give it a natural flavor boost that allows you to drink it throughout the day.
Here are 10 other metabolism-boosters to add to your diet:
1. Peppers
If you're not into spicy food, this one may be a no-go for you. But if you like a little spice, add some jalapeño or chill peppers to your diet. The capsaicin in these peppers can kick the metabolism into a higher gear.2. Avocado
Avocados are a source of healthy fat that keeps you full while providing the body with protein, fiber and fat. Add avocado to your smoothies, spread it on toast in the morning, add it to your salad or use it as a sandwich spread for a quick and healthy boost.
3. High-Fiber Cereal
Eating high-fiber cereal for breakfast can help keep you full longer and provide you with a morning energy boost. Whole grains help the body burn more fat because they take a little extra effort to break down.4. Garlic
Among many other health benefits, garlic aids in maintaining a healthy metabolism. It works to stimulate the production of glutathione, an antioxidant that removes hormone-disrupting chemicals.
5. Organic Lean Meat
Lean cuts of organic beef and poultry can help support a healthy metabolism. Iron deficiencies can slow down the metabolism, and lean meat is full of iron.6. Raspberries
Raspberries are packed with fiber and are low in calories, and some studies have found that they may stop individual fat cells from getting larger, while reducing inflammation. Raspberries make a great metabolism-boosting snack.
7. Green Tea
Green tea has been shown to boost the metabolism while giving the body an extra boost of energy. It contains a plant compound called EGCG, which promotes fat burning.8. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is full of nutrients, including fiber, which keeps you feeling full, and Vitamin C, which reduces insulin spikes. Grapefruit contains natural acids that help the body break down stored fat and boost the metabolism.
