Having a faster metabolism causes your body to produce more heat and burn more calories, which in turn makes it easier to lose weight, all without having to do any additional exercise. UFC Gym has chosen our top 5 foods that are great boosters for your metabolism!
Banana
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Considered by some as “nature’s power bar”, bananas are packed with nutrients and are full of potassium and digestible carbohydrates. A large number of experts claim that eating a banana, including the peel, in a smoothie offers even more nutrition, including eye-protecting lutein and mood-boosting serotonin.
Benefits
Considered as a top energy-boosting fruit, bananas are great for refuelling your body before, during or after your workout. The body doesn’t store potassium for long and so eating a banana will keep your nutrient levels high, whilst maintaining your muscle nerve and muscle function, which can help with cramps during your exercise.
Cocoa
Finally, proof that not all sweets are bad for you as cocoa boosts your metabolism and offers great nutrition that is rich in amino acids, magnesium, and antioxidants. Make sure to opt for cocoa powder or nibs in order to get the full benefit of the bean. You can also add it to yogurt, granola or fruits.
Benefits
Allowing yourself a treat once in a while isn’t wrong, especially if you exercise regularly. If you tend to have a sweet tooth, try to leave out the cakes and other high calorie foods and go for dark chocolate instead. This will give you all the nutritional benefits of cocoa and decrease your average intake of sugar. To maximise the effect, go for higher a cocoa content, ideally chocolate bars that are 70% and higher.
Cinnamon
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Known as a great booster for your metabolism, cinnamon helps your body to effectively metabolize carbohydrates, while also reducing your craving for sweets. So next time you buy cinnamon, go for the Saigon cinnamon or Cassia cinnamon for maximum effect and sprinkle it in your oatmeal, coffee or tea.
Benefits
Cinnamon has thermogenic properties that make your body burn more calories when you consume it. However, take care not to over-consume, as some of the active substances in cinnamon can have adverse effects.
Hot Peppers
Not only does eating hot peppers boost your metabolism and blood circulation, it also reduces cravings, so by eating more spicy peppers such as habaneros, jalapenos and cayenne, you will be increasing your metabolic rate without doing any additional exercise.
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Benefits
Eating hot peppers temporarily increases blood circulation and metabolic rate as it contains capsaicin, which is a compound that stimulates the body’s pain receptors. Therefore, experiencing a bout of intense sweating after eating hot peppers is no surprise, as it can boost your metabolism by up to 25% and can last for over 3 hours.
Celery
Although not appreciated by everyone, celery is a great metabolism booster. This low-calorie and thermogenic food combines perfectly with many dips for an extra kick of metabolism-boosting action and improved flavour. Opt for some good fats to go along with it, such as peanut butter or even some other metabolism boosting foods such as cinnamon, ginger or hot peppers!
Benefits
Celery helps to increase the burning of calories and boosts your metabolism as it is 95% water. So next time you are looking to increasing metabolism, remember the remarkable things that celery can do for you.
For more information on metabolism boosting foods or nutritional advice, come in and see one of our UFC Gym coaches today!
Baptiste Solente (Calipso)
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