Exercise and a balanced diet are the foundation for maintaining a healthy body and losing weight but an extra boost is often appreciated. If you’re trying to lose some pounds you’ve no doubt come across super foods that can help increase your metabolism and burning off extra fat, to help you achieve your goals that bit sooner.
A slow metabolism can thwart your best efforts to lose weight, leaving you frustrated and unmotivated. Try adding these metabolism boosting foods to your diet to enhance weight loss…
1. Blueberries – As well as being tasty, blueberries boast high levels of antioxidants, which can help improve your immune system. They’re also a great source of fibre, improving your body’s digestion and helping you inch closer towards your weight loss goals.
2. Black beans – Black beans can have a positive impact on your metabolism because they’re high in B vitamins. These help our bodies to convert food into fuel. Beans are also a really versatile ingredient so it’s easy to add them to your diet – cook them up as a side dish or include in chillies, soups and salads.
3. Avocados – This creamy green fruit might be high in fat but it’s of the good kind. Avocados contain monounsaturated fats, which studies suggest can actually help control your metabolic rate. If that is not enough, these fruits also contain fibre, vitamins and minerals important to your overall health and wellbeing.
4. Spices – If you find that healthy foods are often bland or not to your taste, add some spicy flavour to your meal and give your metabolism a boost too. While cayenne pepper and curry powder will kick start a sluggish metabolism with some extra heat, spices don’t have to be hot. If you’re not a fan of foods with a kick, try adding some cinnamon or black pepper.
5. Almonds – You get a lot of bang for your buck with almonds as they’re packed full of nutrients. Their protein and fibre content means they a handful will keep you satisfied and feeling full for longer, making them a great option when you’re in need of a snack. They can also prompt your body to burn more calories after eating them.
With the added help of foods high in vitamins and fibre your body will be able to burn off extra calories, supplementing the hard work you’re already doing to lose weight.
I’m not a huge fan of black beans (or any beans for that matter), but I absolutely LOVE blueberries and avocadoes. And it’s so easy to incorporate both into each meal, or as a snack. And if you can get fresh ones (blueberries) as opposed to frozen, it’s even better. Throw berries into cereal, oatmeal, snack mixes…..avocadoes, I can eat on toasted bread and eat raw (my favorite way) and incorporate them into smoothies. There are so many different ways……