Genetics, schmanetics! Yes, it may be true that your genetics contribute to your metabolism’s performance, but you can give your metabolism a boost by simply eating the right foods! Here’s the scoop on which foods you should include in your daily diet to get your fat-burning gears in motion. Stay on track and you’ll have your six-pack abs peaking through in no time.
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Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain rice; whole grains take more effort to break down than processed grains and therefore help your body burn more fat. Brown rice, unlike white rice, maintains the hull and bran, which provide “natural wholeness” to the grain. It’s also rich in proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and potassium.
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Egg Whites
Egg whites are high in protein, low in calories, and have no cholesterol or fat. Egg whites are rich in branched-chain amino acids which keeps your metabolism stoked. They also provide riboflavin — also known as vitamin B-2 — which can help metabolize carbohydrates, fats and protein.
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Chicken Breasts
Chicken is a lean meat; lean meats are full of iron. Eating about three to four servings of iron-filled foods will help avoid an iron deficiency, which can cause your metabolism to slow down. Chicken has little fat and a lot of protein. If you are trying to add bulk to your muscles, grilled chicken can help! Stressed? Eat chicken! Chicken contains vitamin B5, which has a calming effect on the nerves.
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Chili Peppers
“Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that can kick metabolism into higher gear,” says Scott Isaacs MD, clinical instructor of medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine. Capsaicin also helps minimize blood glucose and cholesterol levels, lowers high blood pressure, and triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, brain chemicals that counteract depression and mood swings. If that wasn’t enough, peppers can also aid in curbing your appetite, reduce your unhealthy cravings, and even enhance your sexual performance. To reap the aforementioned mentioned benefits, Dr. Isaacs suggests adding a tablespoon of chopped chili peppers to a meal once a day.
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Water
Lastly, don’t forget to remain hydrated! A study published by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that the consumption of water (about 17 oz.) can increase the metabolic rate by 30 percent in healthy men and women. Drinking a healthy amount of water helps the body’s fluid balance, which in turn can aid in digestion and the transportation of nutrients in the body. Further, drinking water can help you finish that last rep. When you sweat at the gym, you lose water. When your muscles don’t have enough water, they get tired. Hydrate your muscles properly, and you’ll have extra energy to complete your workout.
Genetics, schmanetics! Yes, it may be true that your genetics contribute to your metabolism’s performance, but you can give your metabolism a boost by simply eating the right foods! Here’s the scoop on which foods you should include in your daily diet to get your fat-burning gears in motion. Stay on track and you’ll have your six-pack abs peaking through in no time.
Brown Rice
Brown rice is a whole grain rice; whole grains take more effort to break down than processed grains and therefore help your body burn more fat. Brown rice, unlike white rice, maintains the hull and bran, which provide “natural wholeness” to the grain. It’s also rich in proteins, thiamine, calcium, magnesium, fiber, and potassium.
Egg Whites
Egg whites are high in protein, low in calories, and have no cholesterol or fat. Egg whites are rich in branched-chain amino acids which keeps your metabolism stoked. They also provide riboflavin — also known as vitamin B-2 — which can help metabolize carbohydrates, fats and protein.
Chicken Breasts
Chicken is a lean meat; lean meats are full of iron. Eating about three to four servings of iron-filled foods will help avoid an iron deficiency, which can cause your metabolism to slow down. Chicken has little fat and a lot of protein. If you are trying to add bulk to your muscles, grilled chicken can help! Stressed? Eat chicken! Chicken contains vitamin B5, which has a calming effect on the nerves.
Chili Peppers
“Chili peppers contain capsaicin, a chemical compound that can kick metabolism into higher gear,” says Scott Isaacs MD, clinical instructor of medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine. Capsaicin also helps minimize blood glucose and cholesterol levels, lowers high blood pressure, and triggers the release of endorphins and serotonin, brain chemicals that counteract depression and mood swings. If that wasn’t enough, peppers can also aid in curbing your appetite, reduce your unhealthy cravings, and even enhance your sexual performance. To reap the aforementioned mentioned benefits, Dr. Isaacs suggests adding a tablespoon of chopped chili peppers to a meal once a day.
Water
Lastly, don’t forget to remain hydrated! A study published by the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that the consumption of water (about 17 oz.) can increase the metabolic rate by 30 percent in healthy men and women. Drinking a healthy amount of water helps the body’s fluid balance, which in turn can aid in digestion and the transportation of nutrients in the body. Further, drinking water can help you finish that last rep. When you sweat at the gym, you lose water. When your muscles don’t have enough water, they get tired. Hydrate your muscles properly, and you’ll have extra energy to complete your workout.
