Food: not only is it delicious and fun to eat, but we absolutely need it in order to survive. The food we eat every day turns into energy (and part of it turns into waste) within our bodies. That energy is either used right away or store as fat for future use.
The way that our bodies accomplish all of this is through our metabolism. This is simply the body's ability to convert food energy into energy that we can use for all of the thousands of chemical reactions that go on inside of us each day.
There is a little secret about metabolism, however: it actually requires energy to digest and metabolize food! However, depending upon the type of food, the amount of energy required to do so varies significantly. In fact, some foods can actually burn fat as you digest them.
If you are looking for food that burns your metabolism and helps burn fat, here are 5 so-called thermogenic foods that do just that:
1. All foods are technically thermogenic:
As mentioned above, in effect anything you eat or drink is susceptible to the "thermic effect of food," or the requirement of the body to burn calories as it digests food. In that sense, then, every type of food is thermogenic. However, as we will see, some foods are especially adept at helping us to burn calories as we digest it.
2. Lean protein solid foods:
The most thermogenic food is lean protein from solid foods. All of the lean protein foods are excellent fat-burners. These include: turkey breast, chicken breast, bison, buffalo, fish, and egg whites.
3. Beans:
Beans are a wonderful source of protein. They contain lots of carbohydrates and fiber, as well, which makes them digest more slowly and makes you feel full longer after eating them. They also contain a natural appetite suppressant called cholecystokinin.
4. Green tea:
Green tea contains natural chemicals which resist the absorption of fat by your cells, and the caffeine that green tea has can increase your heart rate - also good for burning calories. To get these thermogenic effects, be sure to drink at least 4-5 cups per day.
5. Apples:
You always knew that apples are a great, natural way to keep your teeth clean. But, did you also know that they are a wonderful source of fiber? Apples contain pectin, which is a soluble fiber. They keep your full longer, and their sweet taste can help you satisfy your craving for sugar.
Try these 5 foods that burn your metabolism and help burn fat.
