20 Great Ways To Keep Your Metabolism Burning Throughout The Day

Have you ever wanted to start eating healthily, lose some weight or just live a healthier lifestyle in general, but have no idea where to start? Eating properly is the first step to achieving a healthy lifestyle. Regardless of your exercise plan, you’re not going to lose much weight or live a healthy lifestyle while still consuming junk or fatty foods. The following list will outline twenty foods which will help boost your metabolism, keeping it burning throughout the day. While you don’t have to consume each and every one of the foods on this list, cutting back on the unhealthy food you’re already eating and switching them with a few of these is a great way to begin your journey.

Apples

Apples are considered a good carb and contain a whole heap of fiber. Eating two apples per day is enough to fill your recommended fruit intake, while only consuming approximately 100 calories. Apples are packed with various vitamins, including Vitamin B, C, E and K.

Almonds

Almonds when eaten in moderation can provide some great health benefits. While they’re considered relatively high in fat, the fat contained within almonds is monosaturated; the same fat found in olive oil. Eating a handful of almonds a day has proven to reduce heart disease, while helping to keep your weight down.

Broccoli

Green vegetables are a must have in any healthy diet, and broccoli is the one you should eat. Broccoli has been proven to lower cholesterol, rid your body of toxins while being a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin K. Broccoli can be eaten raw or steamed and is a good snack to keep on you. However, you should avoid dipping sauces as they are usually high in fat and sugar.

Low-Fat Plain Yogurt

Low-fat plain yogurt is probiotic, meaning it’s filled with good bacteria. This good bacteria aids in digestion and can relieve digestive problems. Yogurt is low in calories, high in protein and low in fat, all of which are perfect for maintaining a healthy diet. Avoid flavored yogurts, as the flavoring usually results in higher sugar contents. Honey and brown sugar are perfect for flavoring plain yogurts.

Canned Tuna

Tuna is a lean, delicious food which is low in fat, packed with vitamin B3, vitamin B12 and protein. It is also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, which have great antioxidant benefits. Tuna is great for snacking, either eating it alone, mixing with brown rice or combining it with your favorite salad.

Edamame

Edamame, also known as boiled soybeans, are a delicious, low-calorie and low-fat snack which is full of protein and fiber. Also containing vitamin A, vitamin C and iron, these are a great snack while you’re on the go.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a low-carb food which is high in protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium. Cottage cheese also improves digestion, is rich in antioxidants and helps regulate blood sugar.

Beef Jerky

That’s right — beef jerky can be good for you. All you have to do is avoid smoked and barbecue flavors as these contain a lot of additives. Once you find a brand which is low in sugar and sodium and avoid smoked and barbecue flavored, beef jerky is actually a great source of protein.

Blueberries

Blueberries are the highest antioxidant containing fruit in the world, and can be used in countless ways. Blueberries are packed with vitamin C, vitamin K and fiber, and can be used in smoothies, yogurts or even eaten raw. It is also recommended to eat blueberries after a workout, as their antioxidants promote muscle healing, resulting in quicker muscle recovery.

Asparagus

Asparagus actually contains negative calories. Well, not technically, but it requires more calories to eat asparagus than the asparagus contains. Asparagus is also rich in nutrients and antioxidants and is great for boosting your metabolism.

Cheese

Studies have shown that the butyric acid found in cheese reduces obesity, hunger and results in a higher metabolism. Consuming natural cheese with whole-grain bread has been proven to boost your metabolism by nearly 50% when compared with consuming processed cheese and white bread.

Avocado

Avocados, much like almonds, contain monosaturated fats. Monosaturated fats plump cell membranes, enabling them to work much better with fat-burning hormones.

Egg Whites

Egg whites are a great source of Leucine. Leucine is an amino acid which aids in weight loss by kick-starting your metabolism. Ensure the egg whites are consumed cooked, as there are serious health risks associated with consuming raw egg whites; such as salmonella.

Water

Switching soft drinks or energy drinks with water may not give the same taste, but it offers much better health benefits. While water itself doesn’t contain much of anything, it can be used in various ways to lose weight. Ensure you’re consuming your recommended daily intake of water (3 liters for men, 2.2 liters for women). Some tricks with losing weight with water include consuming water between mouthfuls, resulting in your body thinking you’re getting fuller faster.

Spinach Salad

Spinach can protect you from osteoporosis, colon cancer, arthritis, heart disease and various other diseases. It looks like Popeye was on to something.

Whey Protein

Whey protein is an ideal snack for your metabolism, as it is quickly digested and can boost your metabolism enough to burn an additional 150-200 calories per day.

Oatmeal

Oatmeal is rich in fat soluble fiber, which requires a lot of energy to break down, helping to boost your metabolism. Oatmeal also decreases your cholesterol levels and helps to reduce your risk of heart disease.

Lean Meat

Meat is high in protein, B vitamins, vitamin E, iron, magnesium and zinc. Consuming lean meat also helps to lower cholesterol and your chances of contracting various forms of cancer. Ensure all fatty parts are cut off before cooking.

Chia Seeds

Chia seeds are a great source of plant omega-3 fatty acids and protect against inflammation, heart disease and arthritis. Chia seeds can be sprinkled into cereals, oatmeal, salads, breads and even smoothies.

Dark Chocolate

Dark chocolate provides great health benefits which are lacking in their milk alternatives. Due to the high concentration of cocoa, dark chocolate is packed with the antioxidant plant chemical flavanol. Flavanol helps reduce the risk of blood clots, lower blood pressure and improve insulin resistance.