It helps to know which foods and beverages help speed up the calorie-burning process. Here are 10 metabolism-boosting foods and beverages to start incorporating into your diet.
Green Tea
If you’re looking to kick your metabolism into high gear, try sipping on a few cups of green tea each day. The high concentration of catechin polyphenols found in green tea helps intensify the fat-burning process, while the caffeine content acts as a stimulant, helping to accelerate your metabolism even more.
Hot Peppers
Hot peppers, such as chili peppers or jalapenos, contain a naturally occurring compound called capsaicin, which is what causes the “hot” part of the hot pepper. So in addition to adding zest to a nice spicy dish, capsaicin has the added benefit of speeding up your metabolic rate.
Dairy Products
While nearly everyone knows that calcium strengthens your bones and teeth, studies have also proven that calcium can help boost your metabolism. A diet rich in low-fat dairy products can keep your fat intake in check while raising your calcium levels.
Water
Reaching for a simple glass of calorie-free water is probably the easiest metabolism-booster around. Scientific studies have shown that drinking approximately 500 ml of water can increase metabolic rate by up to 30 per cent, and drinking two cups of water before a meal could decrease your calorie meal intake by 75 to 90 calories.
Bananas
Feel like you absolutely need a mid-afternoon snack? Grab a banana. Bananas are chock-full of something called resistant starch — a healthy carb that helps keep you full (similar to fibre) and boosts your metabolism. The high content of potassium in bananas can also help your body regulate the transfer of nutrients into cells, which may increase your metabolism as well.