Metabolism Boosting Foods Guide: Increase Metabolism & Burn Fats
Published on Feb 20, 2023
Metabolism encompasses a wide range of biochemical reactions responsible for breaking down food and converting it into energy, building and repairing tissues, eliminating waste products, and regulating various physiological functions. Simply put, It is the rate at which our calories burn.
People may be able to lose extra weight and lower their risk of obesity and related health problems by increasing their metabolic rate.
While our diet requires a lot of nutrients, metabolism boosting foods play an integral role in breaking the foods that we consume & effective weight management. However, the rate of metabolism i.e fast metabolism or slow metabolism, varies between individuals and is influenced by factors such as age, sex, body composition, and physical activity levels. Today we’ll understand how Metabolism affects the body for weight loss & what metabolism boosting foods & herbs you should consume that’ll help you improve your metabolism.
What is Metabolism in the Body?
In Ayurveda, metabolism is known as "agni," which translates to "fire" or "digestive fire." According to Ayurveda, agni is responsible for the digestion, absorption, and assimilation of food and nutrients in the body. It is considered the cornerstone of good health and is believed to be essential for maintaining a strong immune system and preventing disease.
Agni is said to be present in various body parts, including the stomach, small intestine, liver, and pancreas. Each of these agnis has a specific role to play in the digestive process, and imbalances in any one of them can lead to digestive issues and other health problems.
How does Fast Metabolism affect Weight loss?
Wonder how a few people eat a lot & still don’t gain weight? You will burn more calories at rest and when active if your metabolism is "high" (or fast). You'll need to consume more calories to maintain your weight if you have a fast metabolism. One explanation for why some people can eat more than others without gaining weight is this.
According to Ayurveda, a balanced and efficient metabolism (agni) is essential for maintaining a healthy weight. A strong agni helps to digest food properly, eliminate waste products, and convert food into energy. This, in turn, can help to increase metabolism and promote weight loss.
Ayurveda recommends a holistic approach to weight loss that includes dietary and lifestyle changes, herbal remedies, and other Ayurvedic treatments. This includes following a balanced diet with metabolism boosting foods that are tailored to an individual's unique dosha, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and using herbs and spices that are known to support weight loss, such as ginger, turmeric, and Triphala.
Metabolism Boosting Foods Guide
Today, we’ll share a guide to metabolism boosting foods that increase metabolism, burn fat and are easy to find in any part of India.
1) Protein-rich Foods
Protein requires more energy to digest than carbohydrates or fats, which helps to boost the metabolism in your body. Include protein-rich foods like lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts, and seeds like fenugreek seeds in your diet.
Additionally, Chickpeas & lentils are a great source of protein for vegetarians.
2) Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) has been a natural remedy for weight loss and increasing metabolism. ACV helps to reduce body weight and fat mass by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake. In addition, it has shown to positively affect blood sugar levels, which may also contribute to weight loss.
Dr Vaidya’s team has created the First -Ever Apple cider vinegar with other metabolism boosting foods (spices) like raw turmeric and cinnamon. This Apple cider vinegar juice is the perfect fat burner & metabolism booster.
Bonus: This ACV has a great taste with Honey, Cinnamon & Lemon and it doesn’t have a pungent smell or cause a vomiting sensation.
Try one for yourself to feel the difference.
3) Spices
Certain spices, such as cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon, are believed to have thermogenic properties, which means they can help in fast metabolism i.e increase the body's metabolic rate and burn more calories.
Indian foods use ginger & turmeric on a daily basis. You can also consume spicy foods as per your taste buds, whereas cinnamon can be infused with hot beverages & also desserts.
4) Green Tea
Green tea contains compounds called catechins, which are believed to help boost metabolism and increase fat burning. While green tea also helps you detox on an empty stomach, it is one of the best metabolism boosting foods & the best way to lose belly fat.
Find green tea annoying & bitter? You can initially add a little jaggery stone to your green tea until it becomes a habit.
Tip: Start by having a mild concoction of green tea in warm water & give yourself & your body the time to start a new habit. Green teas are a great way to start your day and are truly one of the gem foods that increase metabolism and burn fats when consumed for more than a month.
5) Whole Grains
Whole grains, such as brown rice, quinoa, and oats, are rich in fiber and complex carbohydrates, which can help to keep the metabolism functioning at an optimal level. Consumption of oats on an alternate basis is a great way of a healthy breakfast that’ll increase metabolism.
Tip: Oats pancake, anyone?
Mix 2 eggs with half-cooked oats to make a protein-rich breakfast. Next, add vegetables of your choice and make a slurry batter of all the ingredients.
This Oats-Egg Pancake recipe ticks off 2-3 superfoods from the metabolism boosting foods guide.
6) Triphala Juice
Triphala is an ayurvedic herb that helps to increase metabolism & support digestion. It is originally the gut healer made from 3 ingredients - Amla, Haritaki & Bibhitaki.
Triphala is readily available as a juice and can be mixed in a glass of water as a gut-aiding refreshing drink.
7) Water
Drinking plenty of water is essential for a healthy metabolism, as it helps to keep the body hydrated and supports all of its metabolic processes.
Summary
Many metabolism boosting foods like eggs, legumes, fenugreek seeds, green tea, Apple cider vinegar, spices, and herbs like Triphala are used to increase metabolism. A few super foods that increase metabolism and burn fat are green tea, ACV helps people achieve fast metabolism and maintain a healthy weight.
Along with the foods, balance your lifestyle, sleeping habits and exercises for better results.