4 Ways Eating Can Rev Up Your Metabolism

by Sean Sortor on

Stoking your metabolism with a little calorie burning potential is an easy way to burn fat, shed pounds and hit your goals without adding reps or cutting extra calories. You’re already working hard and making the big changes that matter, but here are some minor dietary adjustments that can maximize the results.

Eat More in the A.M

One of the best ways to boost your metabolism is to eat breakfast. The day’s first meal literally means that you are “breaking the fast” from the previous night. Eating a breakfast full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein is the best way to wake your metabolism up for the day!

Pure Plates has plenty of breakfast options that are full of protein, healthy fats, whole grains, fruit and vegetables. And don’t forget to try one of our most popular breakfast items, the ridiculously delicious Sweet Potato Power Pancakes!

Spice It Up!

Would you like to burn extra calories while eating? Spices and herbs can add an instant infusion of healthiness to your meals. There are studies that found red peppers, cayenne and chili peppers helped boost metabolism and fat burning.

This metabolism boost is connected to thermic effect (TE). Thermic effect is a natural increase in the metabolic rate that occurs when we eat food. An body temperature increase can cause ur Thermic Effect to kick into high gear. The capsaicin in peppers has been shown to increase body temperature during and after eating, which burns a few extra calories. A study done by the Oxford Polytechnic Institute found that people who seasoned a meal with spicy spices burned on average an extra 45 calories. For a small kick, try out our Chicken Chili Rellenos! 

Skip the Sugar and Milk in Your Coffee or Tea

Coffee and tea have also been shown to seriously boost your metabolic rate. Caffeine which is also known as a methylxanthine in coffee and tea significantly increases thermic effect. But before you reach for that second cup of Joe…

 

The Mayo Clinic notes that adding cream, milk and sugar to your caffeinated beverages can add fat and up to 500 calories. When additives are included you won’t get the benefits of the metabolism boost. Going completely additive free is the best option, but if you need a little sweetness or creaminess in your coffee we recommend any of the following:

  • Honey
  • Agave Nectar
  • Cinnamon
  • Almond Milk

Making this one switch will cut calories and help you get all of the metabolism boosting benefits of coffee and tea.

Keep a Bottle of Water With You

Water regulates just about everything in our body, including our metabolic rate. German researchers discovered that the more water you drink the more it revs up your metabolism. This again goes back to your body heat. Researchers noted that 40% of the metabolism boost was due to the body heating up the water ingested.

This is probably no shocker to anyone, but most of us don’t drink enough water. So if you want to easily fix this issue – keep a bottle of water with you throughout the day. Experts at Boston College note that it’s best to drink water throughout the day, rather than waiting until you’re dehydrated to start chugging it down.

 

One great way to make sure you’re drinking enough water each day is to invest in a pitcher that you can keep in the fridge. Make sure you drink the entire pitcher of water before bed each night.