It is a fact that there are certain foods which can help you burn more calories. And while these foods do not significantly burn a huge amount of calories, consuming these foods can help you supplement your weight loss strategies. Some examples of the foods and drinks that can help you increase your metabolism include:
1. Hot Peppers
Consuming hot peppers can help you burn more calories and help curb your cravings. In fact, in a recent study, it has been found that those who consumed spicier foods often experience lesser cravings for salty, sugary and fatty foods. In addition, those who consumed spicy meals also burned more calories.
If you are not used to consuming hot peppers but would like to include these in your meals, it is ideal that you familiarize yourself with the different types of hot peppers so you can start off with the least spicy pepper and then work your way up. Jalapenos are considered to be at the bottom of the ladder as it only contains approximately 2,500 to 8,000 units of capsaicin, a substance which provides the pepper its heat. Cayenne is next on the list with approximately 30,000 to 50,000 units of capsaicin. Chili peppers have 50,000 to 100,000 units of capsaicin while habaneros contain 100,000 to 350,000 units of capsaicin.
2. Green Tea
Recent studies have shown that people who drink green tea experience an increased metabolic rate by approximately four percent. While the four percent increase may not sound significant, you will be pleased to know that a four percent increase in metabolic rate will consequently translate to burning sixty calories per day. This means that when you consume green tea on a regular basis, you can easily lose up to six pounds per year.
If you are wondering how green tea can help increase your metabolism, you need to be aware that green tea contains catechins which increases the brain chemical called norepinephrine. The increase in brain chemical consequently results in the increase of your metabolism level.
3. Ice cold water
One of the reasons why a dieter sometimes experiences a weight loss plateau is because they do not drink the recommended daily amount of water. You need to be aware that your body’s metabolism slows down when you are dehydrated which causes you to burn fewer calories.
When choosing between drinking ice cold water and lukewarm water, it is always a good idea to opt for ice cold water. This is because the cold temperature of the water will cause you to burn more calories in order to bring the water’s temperature up. Further, you need to be aware that consuming two glasses of water within a certain time frame will cause your metabolic rate to increase by thirty percent. Thus, if you increase your water intake by 1.5 liters per day, you can lose approximately five pounds in one year.
It is a good idea to purchase a water bottle which you can bring with you anywhere you go. This way, you are able to consume the recommended amount of water.
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