While there are certainly some foods that are natural metabolism boosters (broccoli, oats, and garlic, just to name a few), why not get the most bang for your buck by combining these foods for an even speedier metabolism?
“If you want to trim your waist in record time, you’ll need to pair the right foods together on one plate,” says David Zinczenko, author of The Super Metabolism Diet and creator of Eat This Not That and Best Life.
Zinczenko shared his go-to food pairings for a speedy metabolism with us, so if you’re looking for a way to update your usual meal-planning menu, start with these combinations:
Cayenne + Chicken
“Protein-rich foods like poultry not only boost satiety but also help people eat less at subsequent meals, according to research. But that’s not all: It can also increase post-meal calorie burn by as much as 35 percent,” Zinczenko says. “Researchers say that chili pepper can also help blast away stubborn belly fat!”
In fact, cayenne pepper is one of the best spices you can possibly add: it helps you burn way more kilojoules than it contains, so you’re going to enjoy the spice and see the fat burning effects, all in one.
Bell Peppers + Eggs
“Eggs contain a metabolism-boosting nutrient called choline, and peppers are a good source of vitamin C,” Zinczenko adds. “Getting an adequate amount of [vitamin C] can help fight off cortisol, a hormone that causes fat to accumulate around the midsection.”
It’s really as simple as roasting a few bell peppers and adding them to your scrambled eggs. There’s a reason why the combo is nutritionist-approved — it’s a great way to start your day!
Oatmeal + Berries
“They each contain insoluble fiber, which, according to Canadian researchers, boosts levels of ghrelin—a hormone that controls hunger,” he says. “Plus, berries are packed with chemicals called polyphenols that aid weight loss and can actually stop fat from forming.”
There’s a reason why oatmeal is one of the best weight loss breakfasts, and even fitness superstar Kayla Itsines swears by it. Like we need any more convincing.
Nut Butter + Bananas
“Nut butters are rich in unsaturated fats, which can help deflate a spare tire, and unlike saturated fats, which researchers say turn on certain genes that increase the storage of belly fat, polyunsaturated fats activate genes that shrink fat and improve insulin metabolism,” he says. “Throwing fiber into the mix increases satiety, warding off mindless snacking.”
The best part of the nut butter and banana combination is that it can all be homemade. Choosing to DIY your nut butter means cutting back on unwanted, or unnecessary, additives that are present in store-bought versions.
Yogurt + Cinnamon
“You’ve almost reached your weight-loss goal, but those last few pounds seem to be holding on for dear life,” Zinczenko says. “A Nutrition Journal study found that diets rich in both calcium and vitamin D can significantly decrease the amount of fat the body absorbs and stores… Not only does [cinnamon] taste great, but it also contains powerful antioxidants that improve body composition and insulin sensitivity.”
And since cinnamon also help to fight inflammation (and wards off the cold and flu), and yogurt works as a probiotic to balance your gut health — you’re getting much more than just a metabolism boost. There are wins all around!
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