Whether you’re trying to tone up or wanting to achieve that healthy weight goal, speeding up your metabolism, the foodie way, is an excellent way to start.
So, the next time you hit the supermarket, load your trolley up with these eight, energy-burning, so-good-for-you foods…
1. Turmeric
This fragrant spice is a known anti-inflammatory that directly targets inflammation in the body’s fat cells.
A rodent study out of the Tufts University found that curcumin, one of the active polyphenols in turmeric, suppressed fat-tissue growth in mice who consumed turmeric over a 12-week period, leaving them with lower body fat and decreased cholesterol levels.
2. Tomato juice
Those who were looking for an excuse to order a Bloody Mary at brunch this weekend will be pleased to hear that tomato juice can work wonders in speeding up your metabolism.
A study conducted by the China Medical University suggest that women who drank one glass for eight weeks lost an average of one inch (2.5cm) off their waistlines, without making any other dietary changes.
3. Salmon
Fish like salmon and tuna are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to stimulate the body’s production of leptin – a hormone that increases that fullness feeling – which in turn prevents you from overeating.
While also being delicious, wild salmon activates the thyroid hormone, which helps to speed up your metabolism.
Try this jerk salmon with yoghurt potatoes recipe.
(Image: Women’s Weekly Food)4. Avocados
Looking for a reason to add guac? A study published in the Nutrition Journal found avocado to be perhaps the most effective hunger killer. Participants who consumed half a fresh avocado with their lunch reported a 40% decreased desire to snack afterwards.
A second study discovered also discovered that those who swapped flax/safflower oil for avocado oil lowered their belly fat by 1.6% over a period of four weeks.
5. Chillies
Fire up your metabolism and pack a punch with some chilli. Peppers contain capsaicin – a compound that stimulates the body’s pain receptors and adrenaline, temporarily increasing blood circulation and metabolic rate.
Studies have shown that eating hot peppers can boost the metabolism by up to 25%, with the spike lasting for up to 3 hours.
Get spicy with these chilli prawns and green apple salsa.
(Image: Women’s Weekly Food)6. Coffee
Like chilli, coffee stimulates the body’s production of adrenaline, which helps speed up the central nervous system.
However, the positive effects of your caffeine hit will be trumped if you add sugared flavours and sweeteners. For this reasons, it’s best to serve your morning brew black – just be sure to stick to one to two coffees a day.
7. Oats
While many think that skipping breakfast is a shotgun way to shed excess fat, studies show that starting your day the right way can raise your resting metabolism by 10 per cent.
Kick off your morning with a bowl of rolled oats; this superfood is packed full of fibre, which will keep you feeling fuller for longer.
8. Water
While it’s not exactly a food, research has shown that those who drink eight glasses of water a day burn more kilojoules than many who have four.
Aim to drink a glass an hour with ice – cold water is said to boost the metabolism more.
Pro tip: A great way to trick yourself into drinking more water is by adding some fresh fruit or herbs into your glass, alongside a squeeze of lemon or lime for added flavour. Sipping on green tea throughout the day is another tasty way to amp up your water intake.
