10 Simple Healthy Foods to Increase your Metabolism

Want to increase your metabolism so you can burn fat more easily? 

Well, while exercise is important for a healthy metabolism; you can easily rev up your metabolism and increase your energy by incorporating those simple healthy foods in your diet.

1. Avocados

Holy guacamole!  Aren't avocados high in fat?  Yes, but they are rich in  monounsaturated fats which have been shown to lower blood cholesterol when used in place of saturated fats.  Avocados also contain omega-3 fatty acids which regulate blood sugar and inflammation, making your metabolism steady.

2. Eggs

Eating breakfast is crucial in maintaining optimal energy levels throughout the day. You don't want to skip breakfast.  Why?  Skipping breakfast sends your body in to starvation mode, which conserves energy by slowing down your metabolism.

Eggs are one of the best choices for breakfast.  They are rich in good fat, loaded with protein and amino acids.  They will provide you with energy to tackle your day and increase your metabolism.

3. Granola

Granola is a healthy treat that is loaded with fiber and protein.  It helps satisfy your cravings without hiking up your blood sugar.

4. Green Tea

Chinese have been drinking green tea for centuries.  They drink it all day and night, before and after meals.  Green tea contains phenols which are chemical compounds that increase your body’s internal furnace. Drinking green tea throughout the day can keep that furnace and those calories burning.

5. Cayenne and Chili

Spicing up your food will spice up your metabolism too.  Try adding some hot sauce or chili peppers to your meal. Spicy condiments contain capsaicin, which has been shown to increase resting metabolic rates by spiking hormone levels. A number of delicious spicy recipes exist. Don’t be afraid of the hurt.

6. Good Fat

Not all fats are equal.  Good fat is important for a healthy brain function, for metabolizing fat-soluble nutrients, and for increasing energy which in turn will burn fat.  Good fats include: olive oil, safflower oil, sunflower oil, sesame oil, nut butter, tahini, and ghee.  Always make sure to choose oils from non-GMO sources.

7. Chocolate

OK we all love chocolate, don't we? Finally a delicious snack that is good for us.  The trick is we have to eat DARK chocolate.  Dark chocolate (meaning 70% cacao and up) contains caffeine and the antioxidant catechin which, are both know to be metabolism boosters. Just don’t over do it, you don't want to load up on unnecessary calories.

8. Lean Protein

Foods containing lean protein require a lot more of your body’s energy to burn, which increases your metabolism. They also keep you full and satisfied longer then other food choices.  Lean protein choices include: Filet Mignon, sirloin, chicken, and fish.

9. Water

Water is good for you to begin with, and research indicates that drinking six cups of cold water daily can boost your metabolism by burning an extra 50 calories a day. That adds up a loss of five pounds over the course of a year.

10. Nuts

Nuts like walnuts, pecans, Brazil nuts, and pistachios contain many vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids that aid in boosting metabolism. Just don’t get too crazy. A handful is more than enough.

Finally, it goes without saying that avoiding processed sugar-laden food will play havoc with your metabolism and will rob your body from the nutrients it needs.