Your metabolic rate determines how many calories your body burns throughout the day. Everyone's metabolism is a little different, shaped by genetics and lifestyle. The good news is that small, thoughtful changes to your daily habits can help give it a boost — and that's very much in your hands. This week we've gathered 10 foods that support a faster metabolism and can help you lose weight in a healthy way.
1. Green Tea / White Tea
Don't underestimate a simple cup of tea. The flavonoid antioxidants in green and white tea help lower stress in the body and support a faster metabolism. White tea differs from green tea in that it's less processed, giving it an even higher antioxidant capacity. Adding 2–3 cups of green or white tea to your day is an easy way to help things along.
2. Grapefruit
Grapefruit is one of the fruits richest in vitamin C. It also helps prevent excess insulin release, which in turn reduces insulin-related fat storage and supports a faster metabolism.
3. Raw Almonds
All raw nuts contain fatty acids, but almonds carry a little more than most. Fatty acids are natural energy sources the body burns easily. Because the fatty acids in raw almonds are used up readily, your body draws the energy it needs from them — and your metabolism gets to work burning other fat stores more easily.
4. Turkey
Turkey provides the protein your muscles need to nourish and grow, helping you build muscle. More muscle means your body needs more energy, which helps speed up your metabolism.
5. Green Apple
Did you know that eating one apple a day can make it easier for your body to flush out fat? Thanks to its high fibre content, an apple helps move fat along while also easing the hunger pangs that can crop up when you're following a plan.
6. Beans
Beans are a plant-based, lean source of protein. Unlike animal proteins, their low fat content lets the body use that protein more comfortably. Beans are also harder to digest, so your body spends more energy breaking them down — another gentle nudge for your metabolism.
7. Broccoli
Broccoli earns its place here thanks to its calcium and vitamin C. Vitamin C helps your body absorb calcium, so your system can put that calcium to work in fat-burning metabolism more easily. Broccoli's high fibre content adds even more to its positive effect on weight and metabolism.
8. Cinnamon
Cinnamon's natural compounds help regulate your blood sugar and make it easier to keep your portions in check at the next meal. It also creates a thermic effect in the body, increasing calorie burn and supporting a faster metabolism.
9. Chilli Pepper
The compound capsaicin in chilli peppers stimulates the body's heat receptors and raises your body temperature. This helps speed up your metabolism so you burn more calories, making weight loss a little easier.
10. Yogurt
The calcium in yogurt plays a role in fat-burning metabolism. Its protein supports muscle building, which increases your muscle mass and, in turn, your body's calorie needs. On top of its metabolism-supporting calcium and protein, this wonderful food offers one more benefit: its probiotics help keep your gut happy and regular.