5 Foods that Boost Metabolism for Weight Loss

According to Harvard Health, “…metabolism is the internal process by which your body expends energy and burns calories.” 

As you age your metabolism can become slower and slower. A slow metabolism could cause you to gain weight when you never had to worry about gaining weight before. If you exercise regularly, that can help, however you may need to workout a little harder to make up for your fat burning decline. 

Give your body and your waist some assistance with these 5 foods that boost metabolism for weight loss. In addition to exercise and healthy living, eating for optimal metabolic functioning  could bump you up to that weight loss goal you haven’t been able to reach.

Wistful Egg Whites 

The high protein content of egg whites is an easy way to rev up your inner engine. Natural News reports that,

“A study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism found that protein-rich foods can increase the thermic effect of food (TEF), which refers to the amount of energy needed to digest, absorb and process the nutrients in the food you eat. According to the researchers, protein-rich food can increase your TEF or diet-induced thermogenesis (DIT) by 15 to 30 percent.”

Eat egg whites with whole grain toast and greens such as spinach for optimal effects. Adding cheese, milk, potatoes, etc. could reduce the metabolism boosting ability of egg whites so stick to clean eating. 

For The Spicy Tongue

This may be a difficult food for those sensitive to spicy foods but if that’s not you, adding hot peppers to your diet may be like adding gasoline to a flickering fire. 

Research published in the journal Appetite stated that,

“It was observed that consumption of capsaicinoids [group of chemicals found in chili peppers] increases energy expenditure by approximately 50 kcal/day, and that this would produce clinically significant levels of weight loss in 1–2 years. It was also observed that regular consumption significantly reduced abdominal adipose tissue levels and reduced appetite and energy intake.”

Chili peppers are the best capsaicinoid source but many other peppers also contain this compound. 

Fantabulous Flaxseeds

As more people search for superfoods, flaxseeds fall in the mix. These tiny seeds pack a powerful punch that just may reduce your fat storage. 

The journal Obesity Reviews cited a systemic review and meta-analysis of 45 randomized placebo controlled trials reporting that,

“Meta-analyses suggested a significant reduction in body weight, BMI [body mass index], and waist circumference following flaxseed supplementation…Whole flaxseed is a good choice for weight management particularly for weight reduction in overweight and obese participants.”

Get whole flaxseeds at your local supermarket or health food store and add to smoothies, salads, soups and more as a good weight maintenance assistance food. There is also flaxseed milk that is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids for optimal health results.

Super Nut

Packaged in a shell that looks more like a chunk of wood, large Brazil nuts are the unsung heroes of the nut world. This is because they contain high amounts of the nutrient selenium which has been linked to supporting thyroid function. Your thyroid is the epicenter of your systemic activity which includes regulating your metabolism.

A study published in the Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism it was concluded that

“…the consumption of a single serving of Brazil nut is sufficient to improve the lipid [fat] profile of healthy volunteers (lowered LDL-c and raised HDL-c), without producing hepatic [liver] and renal [kidney] toxicity,” 

Brazil nuts could be a little pricey but three or four palmfuls per week is all you’ll need to poke your thyroid into action.

Jumping Ginger

The spice ginger has long been a go-to herb for weight loss assistance. Its pungent zesty taste can be added to just about any savory dish or even sweet dessert. Ginger tea is also a good choice for a morning boost beyond coffee. 

“The results indicated that the supplementation with ginger significantly decreased body weight,…Overall, the current meta-analysis demonstrated that ginger intake reduced BW [body weight], WHR [waist-to-hip ratio], HR [hip ratio], fasting glucose and HOMA-IR [insulin resistance index], and increased HDL-cholesterol, but did not affect insulin, BMI [body mass index], triglycerides, total- and LDL-cholesterol levels.”

Raw ginger root is an excellent natural source that can be grated or sliced into your favorite food dishes for an optimal weight loss boost. Drink ginger tea hot or make a cold one and take it with you on the go. Not only will it help boost your metabolism, it all also support your digestive system.

These 5 foods that boost metabolism for weight loss are easy choices to incorporate into your diet. Stay away from weight causing processed foods, alcohol, baked goods and so many other tempting vices you may be reaching for more often than not. Avoid bad habits and give these foods the place they deserve to help you achieve your best, healthy self.