Can eating certain foods help you burn fat? Activating your metabolism with the right blend of nutrients and exercise can make reaching your optimal weight possible. Not all foods are created equal when it comes to affecting how your body burns fat. Take a look at six foods that will help boost your body’s metabolism.
1. Fish
It’s a myth that fat needs to be banished from your diet if you want to lose weight. Focus on healthy fats instead. Did you know that increased fish consumption is associated with a dramatic decrease in risk for developing metabolic syndrome? Salmon, mackerel, tuna, sardines, and shellfish are all full of healthy fats that can boost your metabolism. The abundant omega-3 fatty acids and protein in fish leave you energized and satisfied. In addition, the protein in fish forces the body to expend more calories compared to digesting fat or carbohydrates.
2. Chili Peppers
Spicing up your diet with chili peppers could also speed up your weight loss. Research shows that capsaicin in chili peppers helps induce fat burning by elevating internal body temperature. In addition to boosting metabolism overall, chili peppers are credited with helping to burn off stubborn belly fat. Another added perk is that chili peppers can help to reduce swelling.
3. Legumes
Beans, lentils, chickpeas, and other fiber-rich legumes have been shown to boost metabolism. One study found that adults who included legumes in their diets experienced significantly reduced 10-year weight gain, a lower body mass index (BMI), and a leaner waist compared to those who did not. Legume consumption is also linked with improved fasting blood glucose and insulin levels.
4. Berries
Berries of all kinds have been shown to speed up metabolism. In one study, consuming blueberries on a daily basis was shown to speed up weight loss, reduce body fat, and increase insulin resistance. Another study found that consuming 12 ounces of elderberry juice daily for a week increased the body’s natural fat-burning ability while also regulating blood sugar levels. In addition, berries have been shown actually to alleviate metabolic damage induced by a high-fat diet.
5. Ginger
Boiling a little ginger for a hot drink could supercharge your metabolism. Ginger increases the body’s thermogenesis. As your body generates more heat in response to ginger, it burns more calories regardless of how much physical activity you’re doing.
6. Avocado
Yes, a creamy, delicious avocado can indeed help speed up your metabolism when used the right way. It comes down to the fact that the monounsaturated fat (MUFA) found abundantly in avocados causes the body to burn more calories. However, the key here is that avocados and other MUFA-rich foods must be consumed as part of a diet that’s lower in carbohydrates.
Finding foods that boost metabolism isn’t a magic trick. In reality, a food that supercharges one person’s metabolism might not work for another. If you’re serious about finding foods that help you burn more fat, consider doing a body scan with a reputable wellness lab to measure hydration, metabolism, cellular energy, and other factors that influence how your body processes different foods.