Hydration and exercise are crucial for maintaining a steady metabolism, but they are not the only factors. Consuming enough calories is also important, as not consuming enough can slow down our metabolism. Certain foods can also help boost our metabolism, such as those high in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, vitamin C, fiber, and lean protein.
Incorporating these 15 superfoods into your diet can help boost your metabolism and reach your ideal weight.
1. Green Tea
Green tea has powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Its caffeine content also helps give your metabolism a boost.
2. Garlic
Garlic is a true superfood. It does wonders for your immune system, has anti-inflammatory benefits, and helps regulate blood pressure.
It also helps your body process iron, and an iron deficiency can slow down your metabolism.
3. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is packed with vitamin C, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
Grapefruit also contains naringenin, an antioxidant that researchers have found helps your body use insulin more efficiently, keeping your blood sugar in check and improving calorie burn.
4. Apple
The pectin found in apples is an excellent source of fiber.
It regulates your blood sugar levels to keep you full, and gives your metabolism a boost.
5. Tuna
Tuna is filled with amino acids, which is harder for your body to break down – so you burn more calories by getting rid of them.
Tuna is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which stimulate the production of leptin, a hormone that increases feelings of fullness (so you stop eating sooner).
6. Chilli Peppers
Jalapeños, habañeros, and cayennes don’t just add flavor—thanks to a chemical called capsaicin, these veggies amp up your calorie burn too.
Research shows that a spicy meal can increase your metabolism by up to 25 percent for three hours after you’ve eaten it.
7. Rolled Oats
Oats are a great way to start your day.
They not only help you stave off hunger, but whole grains also take more energy to digest, so your body burns more calories when you eat them.
8. Dark Chocolate
Not only is it a great tasty snack that is sure to satisfy any cravings, dark chocolate contains metabolism boosting caffeine.
9. Cinnamon
Cinnamon has serious anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties, antioxidants, and fiber.
It can also help regulate blood sugar and improve insulin sensitivity, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy metabolism.
Add a dash to your morning coffee or your oats!
10. Lentils
An iron deficiency can slow down your metabolism and contribute to weight gain.
Lentils are high in iron, as well as in fiber and protein.
11. Avocados
Fewer foods are better for your metabolism than avocado.
Since avocados are loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and potassium, they help lower LDL cholesterol.
12. Broccoli
As your mom would say, finish your broccoli! And she’s right. Calcium-rich foods have been shown to speed up your metabolism, and broccoli is packed with calcium.
It’s also a great source of fiber, vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium – which are metabolism booting properties.
13. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is rich in the calcium needed to keep your metabolism working hard, is high in protein, and has probiotics to keep your gut healthy and happy.
In addition to being a delicious breakfast food, it makes a healthy alternative to mayo and sour cream.
14. Salmon
Salmon is a fantastic source of omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein, both of which help lower your LDL cholesterol and burn fat.
15. Coffee
A study conducted by the University of Alberta found that the average metabolic rate of people who drank caffeinated coffee was 16 percent higher than that of those who drank decaf.