Metabolic rate is closely linked to weight loss or weight maintenance. If you’re hoping to burn calories and stabilize your weight, consider adding these foods to your daily diet.
Protein-Rich Meat
Protein-rich fish and lean meat like chicken takes more energy to digest so it will increase your metabolism for a few hours while keeping you fuller for longer. This can also help with overeating and help maintain muscle mass, even during weight loss.
Chili Peppers
Hot peppers have been found to slightly increase the rate at which your body burns calories which speeds up your metabolism. This is because of the capsaicin that gives chili peppers, jalapenos, cayenne and other spicy peppers heat. As little as one jalapeno pepper per day could benefit you. You can also consider eating a few milligrams of capsaicin before a meal since some studies have shown this can reduce calorie consumption.
Beans and Legumes
Beas and legumes are a great source of plant-based protein, so the effects are similar to those from chicken or fish. Legumes are also a rich source of fiber which your body uses as a prebiotic for good bacteria in your large intestine. These good bacteria produce short-chain fatty acids that help your body burn fat for energy and maintain blood sugar levels.
Tea and Coffee
The caffeine in tea and coffee can help your body burn fat and increase its metabolic rate. Tea also contains catechins that work with caffeine for a compound metabolism-boosting effect. Oolong and green teas are especially helpful since they may increase fat oxidation and help you burn more calories when working out.
Water
Staying hydrated has many health benefits, including the ability to temporarily boost metabolism and help you suppress your appetite. Water is necessary to metabolize stored fat and turn it into energy, so it is important to drink water regularly throughout the day.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a great source of iodine, which is a mineral required to produce thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones have many important functions, including regulation of your metabolic rate. Other iodine-rich foods include seafood such as tuna and shrimp, eggs, and dairy.
Ginger
Some studies have shown that dissolving 2 grams of ginger powder in hot water can help you burn up to 43 more calories than drinking water alone. Ginger can also decrease levels of hunger, which keeps you feeling full longer and prevents overeating.
Schedule a Consultation
If you need help on your weight loss journey, schedule a consultation with bariatric surgeon Dr. Louis Balsama, MD. Our team is here to help you with exercise groups, nutritional counseling, and bariatric surgery procedures.
