How to Shift Your Metabolism Into High Gear
By Sandy Schroeder
Fall may be perfect time to rev up your metabolism to lose a few pounds and cut your risk for chronic inflammation and diabetes. With a little planning, you can be serving some healthy food choices that work overtime to nudge your metabolism.
The folks at WellAndGood.com suggest starting with good food choices such as fiber-filled greens and then adding other strong food groups. Protein-filled foods such as meat, fish, eggs, nuts and seeds and dairy are good choices since they require more energy to digest and help you hold onto your muscle mass. Iron, zinc and selenium-rich foods help to regulate the thyroid, which regulates metabolism.
Metabolism Triggers
Check this list and make sure your shopping list includes some of them.
Sip your favorite coffee or tea - Caffeine and the catechins in tea may also help you boost your metabolism. Green or black tea and morning coffee will get your day moving.
Turn up the heat with jalapenos - Hot pepper choices like cayenne pepper and jalapenos can provide a temporary boost as it increases the amount of heat that the body generates and then burns more calories. Chop jalapenos into salads, tacos, burritos and dips, and add cayenne pepper to your chili, pasta, chicken and beef. Taste as you go to get the right temperature for your taste buds.
Start the morning with old-fashioned oats - Oats have a fiber with resistant starch that boosts metabolism and keeps you feeling fuller. Top your bowl with low-fat Greek yogurt or berries and peaches. Or bake some oatmeal cookies and stir oatmeal into your meatloaf or meatball mix.
Mix in some barley - Enjoy barley in your tea or add it to rice, quinoa or soups for a great lunch or evening snack.
Add pulses and legumes - Chickpeas, peanuts, beans, lentils and peas are high protein plant choices that rev up metabolism to burn more calories. Make hummus from scratch with chickpeas, look for new cashew recipes, or make a great split pea soup.
Treat yourself to cacao and cocoa - Researchers suggest these tasty treats may stimulate the body to turn fat into energy. That's the ultimate dream!
Use apple cider vinegar - Cucumbers and onion slices served with an apple cider vinegar dressing work well as a dinner accent to burn more calories.
Stay hydrated - As you continue to look for more metabolism boosters, make sure your body is hydrated. Water works as a temporary booster requiring the body to heat the water to body temperature.
Consider seaweed - If you love sushi this is a great choice with your favorite raw fish wrapped in seaweed. Seaweed also helps to regulate the thyroid. Some seaweed contains a high iodine content. Be sure to check the numbers.
With all of your metabolism diet choices, be sure to check in with your doctor to review your current diet and discuss the best options.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Zionsville, Ind.