I’m sure I’m not the only who fears a slowing metabolism as we continue to get older. I can’t help but reminisce about the days when I was 7 years old and had an appetite similar to Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s. Who remembers the days when you could eat a whole box of Oreos without worrying about the consequences the next day?
Unfortunately, we can’t have a killer metabolism forever. On top of a steady workout regimen, there are foods out there that can help maintain and prolong your metabolism. Here’s a list of 10 foods that keep the calories burning while also leaving you full and satisfied.
1. Almonds
People may be a little skeptical about how almonds help your metabolism because they are so high in calories and have a high-fat content. However, almonds are very rich in protein (15 grams in a half cup serving), fiber (8 grams in a half cup serving), and healthy fatty acids that are necessary to raise your metabolism. A small handful of almonds will give you a healthy dose of nutrients.
2. Avocados
I categorize avocados as one of nature’s miracle foods because they are loaded with some of the best nutrients for your body including fiber, several vitamins, glutathione, lutein, and folate. Another important nutrient they contain is carnitine, a substance in the body that is essential for creating energy and maintaining a high metabolism.
3. Broccoli
Broccoli is filled with vitamin C and calcium, which are both prime ingredients in boosting your metabolism. Vitamin C can assist in improved metabolism by burning 30 percent more fat while exercising. Furthermore, studies have shown that 1,000 milligrams of calcium contribute to decreasing fat intake and improving fat metabolism.
4. Coffee
Coffee is pretty rich in caffeine. Great news for all the coffee junkies out there because it turns out caffeine gives your metabolism a healthier boost when compared to energy drinks that are often loaded with sugar.
5. Dark Chocolate
The cocoa found in dark chocolate contains flavonoids that support your metabolism by alleviating stress. Stress can wreck your metabolism, so don’t feel guilty for enjoying that piece of dark chocolate every once in awhile.
6. Green Tea
I’ve never been a tea fan, but adding green tea to an all-coffee regimen may improve metabolism thanks to antioxidant-rich green tea extract. Green tea contains epigallocatechin gallate, a substance that enforces the fat burning process. Research has shown that having around three cups a day assists in burning an extra 70 calories per day.
7. Hot Peppers
I LOVE spicy foods. I even went through a phase where I put Cholula on anything savory. I may have grown out of that phase, but I still enjoy spicing up my meals. Hot peppers contain capsinoid, a chemical that makes your body physically work harder to burn calories. Once consumed, the chemical sends a signal to your hormones, and your heart rate begins to pick up speed. As a result, you breathe faster, causing you to burn more calories.
8. Salmon
A great source of omega-3 fatty acids, salmon raises your metabolism by lowering blood sugar levels and stress hormones. There’s plenty more fish in the sea, but salmon is your best pick for boosting your metabolism.
9. Spinach
Kids, eat your veggies because leafy green vegetables, such as iron-rich spinach, are essential for cellular metabolism energy. They also contain high amounts of fiber, which allows your body to expend more energy digesting.
10. Water
Your body is made up of about 75 percent water, so it’s really no surprise that it helps your metabolism as well as the rest of your body’s functions. Water allows for proper digestion and increases your metabolic rate by 30 percent. Being even slightly dehydrated results in a slower metabolism. The typical amount of water you should drink in a day is eight cups (or 64 ounces). However, some experts recommend an ideal water intake of half of your body weight in ounces. So, if you weigh 130 pounds, you should drink 65 ounces of water.
No need to fear a slowing metabolism. You can kickstart and energize your metabolism by stocking up on some of your favorites. As always, it’s important to remember that weight is not everything, but for those looking to stay fit and energized, these foods can provide essential nutrients for a healthy diet.