Low on energy? Want your body to start burning fat faster? There are two major factors when you want to speed up your metabolism to start burning fat all day long--including while you sleep!
First: Eat regularly
- Don't skip meals, especially breakfast, and eat enough calories. Eating too few calories or skipping meals can cause your body to slow down your metabolism to preserve energy.
Second: Eat metabolism-boosting foods
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- Try eating more protein, spicy foods, or drinking green tea or coffee:
With both of those tips in mind, start mixing and matching these metabolism-boosting foods below to give your body’s engine the fuel it needs to burn, baby, burn! It will help you see results faster by turning your body into a fat-burning machine and even improve your mood!
15. Almonds
Though high in calories, when eaten in moderation these nuts are a great source of unsaturated fats (keeping you fuller longer) and rich in protein, causing your body to burn more calories following consumption.
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14. Asparagus
This veggie is a nutrient powerhouse. Whether grilled or tossed into a salad, you’ll nab the benefits of 4 grams of protein per cup, all for 30 calories.
Not to mention, one serving is loaded with as much as 73 percent of your recommended daily value of vitamin C, 180 percent of your vitamin K and 61 percent of your folate.
RELATED: What is Metabolism & Why Is It Important?
13. Avocado
Avocado contains all 9 essential amino acids, plus heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (found in fish like salmon, tuna and halibut) necessary for reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases such as arthritis and heart disease.
Did we mention this fruit is also packed with 2 grams of protein per half?
12. Broccoli
This cruciferous veggie packs serious nutritional power in just a few calories per bite.
High in water and fiber (4 grams per NLEA serving), your body will be left feeling reenergized.
11. Cheese
Low-fat options like cottage cheese are packed with 14 grams of protein for every ½ cup.
10. Edamame
Edamame is good enough to eat daily. Low in calories (190 cal per cup), this dish boasts of vitamin C, A, and iron – nutrients experts say both carry oxygen to the muscles (enabling them to work harder and burn more fat) and store energy.
9. Eggs
This is hands down one of the best foods you can eat for breakfast. Eggs contain protein, omega 3 fats, healthy B vitamins, and essential amino acids – all of which help your metabolism work for you, all day long.
RELATED: 7 Simple Secrets For A Faster Metabolism
8. Fish and shellfish
There’s a reason experts suggest aiming for 3 to 5 servings a week. Packed with up to 28 grams of protein per 4 ounces, options like salmon, halibut, or tuna are never a miss.
7. Grapefruit
Containing an antioxidant called naringenin, researchers at the Scripps Clinic in California found that this pink fruit helps your body use insulin more efficiently, keeping your blood sugar in check and improving calorie burn.
6. Greek yogurt
For every 6 ounces, you’ll get 18 grams of protein (twice as much as regular yogurt) and loads of calcium to give your body the energy it needs to just keep swimming.
5. Legumes
Think black beans, chickpeas and lentils… each containing 7-9 grams of protein per ½ cup (cooked). Also containing resistant starch, this dish helps repair the lining of the intestine, helping fight inflammation and harmful bacteria.
4. Poultry
Not big on fish? Skinless chicken also packs a powerful punch of protein, delivering 28 grams per 4 ounces.
3. Spinach
One cup of this dark leafy green (cooked) delivers 5 grams of protein to build muscles and burn fat.
2. Tofu
Made from soybeans, this low-calorie option carries 12 grams of protein for every 3 ounces.
1. Whey protein
Add a scoop of this seemingly tasteless protein powder to your morning smoothie for a quick hit of protein – 24 grams per 1 ounce! It will really help speed up your metabolism.
