When you are dieting, the best thing that you can do is to make sure that your body has enough calories. This way, you will be able to burn fat and shed weight, as well as boost up your metabolism.
For the average person, though, it is unlikely that metabolism pills will make a real difference. There are other, more effective ways to boost metabolism, such as exercise and eating a healthy diet. If you are struggling to lose weight, it is best to focus on these other methods rather than relying on pills.
In this article we’ll give you a list of natural metabolism boosters so that you will know what to eat and what not to eat in order to increase your metabolic rate and help you lose weight.
1. Eat more protein
Protein is an essential nutrient for your body because it helps with muscle growth. When you consume more protein, your body can use it to produce more energy, which means that you have a higher metabolism. You should also include eggs, lean meat, fish, beans, nuts, seeds, and peanut butter on your daily menu.
2. Reduce processed foods
Processed foods such as white bread, pasta, and other high sugar content foods can cause a spike in blood glucose levels. It is, therefore, very important to avoid these types of food items when trying to reduce inflammation and improve your health. In fact, you may want to go back to eating whole grains instead.
3. Increase your fiber intake
Fiber is found naturally in fruits and vegetables, legumes, and whole grain products. Fibers help you stay full longer and prevent cravings. They also keep you regular and they help lower cholesterol and triglycerides. It is recommended that you try to get at least 25 grams of fiber each day.
4. Drink plenty of water
Water is the most important nutrient in our bodies because it is essential for good digestion and proper functioning of cells. We need eight glasses of water every day but many people tend to forget to drink it. If you don’t drink enough water, it can lead to dehydration, fatigue, and headaches. That’s why you should always carry a bottle of water around with you.
5. Cut down on alcohol consumption
Alcohol is a source of empty calories that does not provide any nutrients or vitamins. It doesn’t matter how much you drink, alcohol causes your liver to work overtime, which in return slows down your metabolism and lowers your basal metabolic rate. The end result will be weight gain.
6. Get some exercise
Exercise is one of the best ways to boost your metabolism. It releases hormones in your body that speed up your heart rate, increase blood flow, and improve your metabolism. So if you want to lose weight fast, you should start exercising regularly. Exercising increases your brain’s ability to process information, which boosts your intelligence and memory.
7. Avoid coffee
Coffee contains caffeine, which stimulates your central nervous system to release adrenaline and noradrenaline, two chemicals known to boost your metabolism. But there are side effects to drinking too much coffee. Caffeine is known to raise blood pressure, cause tremors, and even worsen anxiety and depression. So if you want to boost your metabolism, don’t overdo it, especially if you already suffer from any health issues.
8. Go easy on carbs
Carbohydrates are the fuel that your body uses to power itself. Therefore, limiting carbohydrates intake is essential for losing weight. Your body breaks down carbohydrates into simple sugars which raises insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone that controls your blood sugar level. Too much insulin can cause your body to store fats rather than burning them off.
However, there are certain kinds of carbs that can actually help you lose weight. For instance, complex carbs such as whole grain bread, brown rice, oats, and oatmeal are better choices. These carbs supply slow-releasing energy, which keeps your body satisfied for hours after meals.
9. Eat dark chocolate
Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which are antioxidants that protect your body against free radicals. Free radicals damage your DNA, which can eventually lead to cancerous tumors. Eating dark chocolate can lower blood pressure and boost your mood. It is recommended to eat about half a square of dark chocolate per day, preferably organic.
10. Take a multivitamin supplement
Multivitamins contain all the minerals your body needs. If you don’t take supplements, you might be deficient in certain minerals, which can affect your metabolism negatively. Some studies show that taking multivitamins can help you achieve your weight loss goals faster by boosting your metabolism and increasing your calorie burn.