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What are Some Foods That Speed up Metabolism?

Malcolm Tatum
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Updated: Feb 27, 2024
Views: 12,421
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There are several reasons why someone would want to speed up metabolism. At times, there is a desire to increase metabolism as part of a weight loss program. In other cases, the idea is to increase metabolism as a means of generating more energy for sports competitions or other events that require extra endurance. Fortunately, there are a number of foods that increase metabolism naturally, working with the body to keep the metabolic rate from reaching an unhealthy level.

One of the best ways to speed up metabolism is to consume rolled oats. The protein content is sufficient to stimulate the system. The complex carbohydrates found in oats are a great source of energy and will not cause the sudden rise and fall that is experienced with simple carbohydrates. That means your metabolism is prompted to run at a higher but consistent speed, providing you with plenty of physical and emotional energy without any sudden crashes.

Another of the best foods to speed up metabolism is a handful of almonds. The fatty acids contained in almonds are considered to be good fat that will help to speed up metabolism without putting excess strain on any part of the body. However, it is a good idea to limit the amount of almonds consumed during the course of the day. Too much of the fat will inhibit the ability of the body to speed metabolism and thus defeats your purposes.

Several fruits and vegetables are known as foods that speed up metabolism. Spinach is loaded with antioxidants and vitamins that promote efficient functioning of several systems in the body, as well as assisting the immune system to fight off infections. Beans have a lot of fiber and a considerable amount of protein, which causes the body to speed up the manufacture of energy. While somewhat low in carbohydrates, apples are a great source of fiber and help to stimulate optimal function throughout the body.

Meat and poultry products are also helpful in the goal to speed up metabolism. Eggs provide energy for both the body and the brain. Baking a boneless chicken breast provides sufficient nutrients to stimulate the body. For an extra boost, sprinkle cayenne pepper on the chicken breast prior to baking. The capsicum in cayenne pepper is loaded with essential nutrients that will promote a more efficient metabolism.

Steak and various red meats also provide essential nutrients without the presence of a lot of carbohydrates. However, it is important to go with measured amounts of lean red meat as these foods do contain significant amounts of cholesterol. Balance a small portion of red meat with dark green vegetables such as spinach and a helping of kidney beans for a meal that will help speed up metabolism.

Incorporating the metabolism boosting foods into your diet is a great way to increase your metabolic rate without the need for any type of artificial stimulants. However, keep in mind that balancing their intake with other foods that provide other essential nutrients will lead to better health overall and further assist you in meeting your fitness goals.

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Malcolm Tatum
By Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing to become a full-time freelance writer. He has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGeek, and his work has also been featured in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and newspapers. When not writing, Malcolm enjoys collecting vinyl records, following minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Discussion Comments
By Bhutan — On Dec 25, 2010

SauteePan-I never thought of that. I also heard that putting a little lemon in water will also help you burn more calories.

There was a fitness trainer on television that said that the other day. I also heard that eating spicy foods in moderation can also boost your metabolism.

I think that you should focus daily on ways to raise your metabolic rate. Changing your exercise routine is also important because your body can get used to the same routine and you will not burn as many calories.

I know that Oprah was told by her trainer, Bob Greene, that she should workout daily for 45 minutes in the morning and then do a short workout in the afternoon no more than twenty minutes.

Sometimes breaking up the exercise into two sessions like this makes you metabolism shoot higher and burn more calories.

It is far more effective than doing one hour and five minutes straight because the shorter exercise sessions allow you to focus and keep the intensity level high. This is really the best way how to speed up my metabolism.

By SauteePan — On Dec 23, 2010

Sunny27-I think that is a great idea. I think that foods that speed up your metabolism are those that do not contain any sugar and are high in fiber.

Foods rich in sugar block your metabolism and do not allow you to lose weight as effectively as other foods. This is why sugary foods should be avoided if you are trying to lose weight.

Foods like beans not only stabilize your blood sugar and cure any cravings for sugary foods, but they also contain a lot of fiber and speed up you metabolism.

I also heard that vitamins speed up metabolism as well. If you eat a balanced diet of nutritious food you will not only have more energy but you will also learn how to speed up metabolism and lose weight.

I also heard that drinking a glass of ice water first thing in the morning helps to speed up your metabolism.

By Sunny27 — On Dec 20, 2010

Anon41775-A great way to speed up metabolism naturally is to work out daily especially early in the morning.

Working out early in the morning really gives your metabolism a boost daily because it will allow your body to burn calories for a longer period of time.

For example, you can perform a high intensity cardio workout for at least twenty minutes and then perform a twenty minute weight training combination of upper and lower body weights.

This will build up your lean muscle mass which will also speed up metabolism fast and will allow you to burn more calories at rest.

You can also add intervals of jump roping exercises in between each of your sets in order to boost the calorie burning mechanism and keep your metabolic rate high. I also heard that vitamin B12 shots also keep your energy level high which boosts your metabolism. Vitamins do speed up metabolism.

By anon41775 — On Aug 17, 2009

Thanks for the site. I have an underactive thyroid and have been taking medication for the last two years. My doctor says that my thyroid now functions normally with the help of the medication, but I have also found out that when you take your body temperature in the morning and it is below 98.6 which mine is, it states my metabolism is low still. How do I change this?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum, a former teleconferencing industry professional, followed his passion for trivia, research, and writing...
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