5 Ways Healthy Eating Can Increase Metabolism

When warm days of springs come along people are more motivated to eat healthy, however healthy eating can (and should) be done on a consistent basis throughout the year to help increase metabolism. Learn about foods that will help give metabolism an extra boost.

Citrus Fruits

Foods like oranges, grapefruit, lemons and limes contain Vitamin C which helps metabolize fat faster. This is helpful for weight loss. The body needs 60 milligrams (mg) of vitamin C per day to meet basic needs for the body but increasing daily intake to 500 mg can boost fat-burning potential during exercise by 39%. Researchers found those who ate half a grapefruit with each meal in a 12-week period lost an average of 3.6 pounds.

Berries

Berries are high in dietary fiber. The body cannot digest fiber but it works to do so and burns calories in the process. One cup of raspberries contains 8g of fiber and 60 calories. Strawberries, blackberries and blueberries are great sources of fiber. Fiber soaks up and removes calories from the digestive tract before the body absorbs them.

High-fiber Cereals

A study published found women who ate cereal are less likely to be overweight than those who ate other breakfast foods. High-fiber cereal revs up the metabolism and helps digestion. Fiber helps insulin levels stay steady which helps prevent fat storage.

Lean Proteins

Lean meats like beef, chicken and turkey help speed up metabolism and burn more fat because it requires so much energy for digestion. Studies show people with a high protein diet burn twice as many calories after a meal than people who follow a high carbohydrate diet. Eating protein helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss, keeping metabolism running at full speed.

Garlic

Garlic is considered a nutritional powerhouse with many health benefits from immunity boosting to age fighting immunities. Adding garlic to a person’s diet may help shed weight as well. Garlic may increase the number of calories burned during daily activities while decreasing the body’s production of fat.

Healthy eating is not just about what a person eats individually but collectively. Tossing garlic into scrambled eggs can boost protein and health benefits first thing in the morning. Lean proteins combined with the right vegetables can provide a well rounded diet which helps an individual think more clearly and feel better overall. Any diets or changes to eating should be cleared with a doctor prior to consideration and should be used in moderation as part of a healthy lifestyle including exercise, social engagement and, of course, recovery maintenance.

The Villa provides support for individuals living with addiction. If you are seeking healthier ways to live without drugs or alcohol, call us to see how we can help you.

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