Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 9 (end)

9. Pork

A diet rich in lean protein mixed with moderate exercise will have you on your way to building more muscle. Increased muscle mass allows your body to burn more calories, even while you’re sleeping or sedentary. Don’t be afraid to stray from chicken, there are lots of sources of lean protein and pork is a great go-to alternative.

Comment:  I like pork, especially a tenderloin which is lean and when seasoned well is simply delicious.  I just need to work on that exercise part that goes with it.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 8

8. Salmon

This fatty fish is full of omega 3s. Ingesting this type of fat helps regulate leptin, a natural hormone in your body that controls your metabolic rate and suppresses your appetite.

Comments:  Salmon is one of my favorite fish so I have no problem of increasing this in my diet.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 7

7. Green tea

While black tea, oolong and green tea all come from the same plant, green tea leaves are prepared differently. As a result, green tea is richer in antioxidants called catechins, which may trigger a boost in metabolism (and weight loss) by stimulating the body to burn calories.

Comment:  I haven't been a hot tea drinker since childhood.  Mother used to make it for me when I was sick so my mind seems to relate it to being ill.  Might try to give it another chance.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 6

6. Coconut

These are chock full of a fat called medium chain triglycerides. MCTs promote the breakdown of excess fat stores, helping you burn fat and increase energy and stamina.

Comment:  Since I consider coconut one of the major food groups I have no problem adding this one to my diet!  Love coconut

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 5

5. Water

Yep, it’s that simple. Hydration plays a role in an efficient metabolism. Drink a large glass of water with lemon when you wake up and continue to drink throughout the day — at least eight cups. Not only will being properly hydrated help boost your metabolism slightly, but it will also help you not mistake hunger for thirst. Get chugging!

Comments:  I've always been a BIG sweet tea drinker.I drank it at every meal and all day long.  Some time back I started drinking more water and cutting down on the tea.  I now drink no tea with my meals and drink only water.  I also drink a several glasses throughout the day.  Had my physical a few weeks ago and my sugar, which was well over 100 is now 86!  So, if water does nothing else it can really lower your sugar.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 4

4. Celery

Celery is low in calories, requires a lot of noshing, and has so much fiber and water that it takes a lot of work to get it through the body. Because chewing stimulates the release of digestive enzymes, the act in itself raises your metabolic rate, or how fast and efficiently your body can absorb, store and eliminate. This is the beauty of the “thermal effect” of food; or the amount of calories burned from digesting and eliminating the things you eat.

Comment:  I've never been a very big celery fan but maybe I could become one.  Especially if it does all this.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 3

3. Chili powder

Spicy lovers rejoice. Capsaicin, an antioxidant found in red chili peppers, has been shown to curb appetite and boost your metabolism. Sprinkle cayenne pepper on your eggs at breakfast, salad at lunch, veggie side at dinner and even into your lemon water.

Comment:  I love the taste of Chili Powder but never thought about sprinkling it over my eggs.  I do see a lot of people adding hot sauce to their eggs but after trying that just once decided it just wasn't for me - too hot, but the actual chili powder might just work for me.  I think I'll even try it over my veggies and even my salad.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 2

2. Nuts

The monounsaturated fats found in nuts can help burn belly fat and like all fat, they help keep you satiated. The trifecta of fiber, protein and fat helps to keep hunger at bay and your body energized. Need a fast breakfast? Greek yogurt with a handful of almonds and dash of cinnamon. No time to stop and snack? Pick up a green juice and couple it with cashews. Made too much for dinner? Use the leftover quinoa, add walnuts and avocado and call it a day.

Comment:  I love nuts and and yogurt so this one will work great for me.  Just make sure you don't have any nut allergies before trying this one.

Best metabolism boosting foods - Part 1

Like a lot of us, I'm trying to lose weight and eat healthier so I'm on the constant watch for tips that might help.  I found this series on Today.com and wanted to share.

1. Grapefruit

This is more than a breakfast food — it’s a weight-loss jumpstart! Besides being packed with vitamin C and fiber, this citrus fruit speeds weight loss.  One study found that people who ate half a grapefruit with each meal lost 3.6 pounds, while those who drank a serving of grapefruit juice three times a day lost 3.3 pounds. Many people in the study lost more than 10 pounds — without making any other dietary changes.

Comment:  I will be buying a bag of grapefruit as well as the juice.  Just remember to check with your doctor if you're taking cholesterol meds.  From what I remember reading somewhere, the 2 don't mix.