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List of Foods That Speed Up the Metabolism

The most effective way to speed up your metabolism is to eat regularly. Eating five or six small meals each day will keep your metabolic rate considerably higher than sticking to just three will. It's also important to exercise regularly. The government recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise five or more times per week. Add to this the consumption of foods that naturally boost you metabolism and you'll see your energy levels soar and those excess pounds disappear in no time.

  1. High Quality Proteins

    • Your metabolism kicks up a gear every time you eat proteins. High quality proteins are found in lean red meats, fish, poultry, most beans and pulses and egg whites, which offer the purest form of protein and have a protein to fat ratio of 60:1. You can also use a whey protein shake to boost your protein intake.

    Chili peppers

    • Chili peppers have thermogenic properties, meaning that they have the ability to increase body temperature. In turn, this raises they metabolism; these effects last up to 20 minutes after ingestion of the pepper.

    Oily Fish

    • Aside from being a great source of protein, oily fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon contain large quantities of Omega-3 essential fatty acids. These "good fats" give your metabolism a healthy kick.

    Dark Chocolate

    • Rich in magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese and healthy flavonoids, chocolate with a high cocoa content is a naughty way to boost your metabolism naturally.

    Citrus Fruits

    • Fruits rich in vitamin C boost the body's production of the amino acid, carnitine. Carnitine not only increases your metabolism, but dilutes fats to help process and flush them from the body.

    Rolled Oats

    • Rolled oats are a great way to kick start your metabolism every day. Complex carbohydrates such as oats will provide your body with a sustained and slow releasing source of energy, preventing those hunger attacks that leave you reaching for those unhealthy snacks. Add a scoop of whey protein to really get things moving.

    Green Tea

    • Green tea is a staple in nearly all weight-loss diets and supplements. Not only does it contain cancer-fighting nutrients and antioxidants, but it also boasts substantial metabolism-boosting properties.

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