5 Foods to Boost Your Metabolism

Green Tea
Green Tea is bursting with antioxidants called polyphenols. “Studies show the ingredient catechin found in the herbal tea may crank up your metabolism,” says nutritionist Rita Arora (nutripharm.co.uk). “A study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, found those who drank the hot drink lost more weight than those who didn’t, suggesting that catechins may improve your body’s production of energy, or heat from digestion.”
MIX IT UP
Not a fan of green tea? Try drinking it iced or with lemon, which will also help detox your liver.

Chicken
Chicken helps to build and repair your muscles after a tough workout. “Eating lean meat, such as skinless chicken breasts is a great way to boost your metabolism,” explains Rita. “When you digest protein it stimulates cellular activity which leads to your body burning excess fats, and your body needs much more energy to digest proteins than it does to burn fats or carbohydrate. What’s more, the meat helps you feel fuller for longer.”

MIX IT UP
Try it shredded in a nori wrap with cucumber for lunch, or spice up your meals with a coconut chicken curry.

Greek Yogurt
Greek Yogurt is a great immune booster. “The creamy dessert is extremely high in protein combined with an extremely low amount of carbohydrates,” Rita says. “Greek yogurt contains a high level of protein, which means it requires a lot of energy to process and, in turn, then helps to boost your metabolism. It also includes pro-biotic cultures that help regulate your digestive system – so a double hit. But, make sure you buy the plain, natural version, as the fruit flavoured varieties are high in sugar and lower in protein.
MIX IT UP
Scatter a selection of fresh berries over a bowl for a delicious and filling brekkie.

Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps stabilise your blood-sugar postworkout. “There is little evidence that cinnamon can increase your overall metabolism, but according to the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, the spice can help the effectiveness of other metabolism-boosting foods,” Rita explains.
“Cinnamon, is particularly helpful in glucose metabolism, and it improves the way fat cells respond to sugar, which helps lower blood-sugar levels and stop unwanted cravings.”
MIX IT UP
Add a cinnamon stick to herbal teas to sweeten, or simply to hot water and lemon.

Chilli Peppers
Chilli Peppers are great at fighting infection. “Peppers, like jalapeños, cayenne and heberoes contain a colourless compound called capsaicin, which is where they get their heat,” Rita says. “Studies from the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology showed, capascin speeds up your metabolism by increasing the rate your body burns fat, while also acting as an anti-inflammatory to help control pain, so you’ll find it in creams and rubs, too.”
MIX IT UP
Once you get used to a chilli pepper on the tongue it actually becomes pleasant,” Rita explains. “But, if it’s just too hot, sip on a glass of milk to dampen the effects.”