Fresh produce, sources of lean protein, nuts, seeds, and legumes are the types of foods your doctors and nutritionist may expect you to eat if your goal is to lose weight and become healthier. Whole foods such as these contain the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants your body needs to strengthen immune system function and work at an optimal level — especially if you’re also exercising and training on a regular basis. Better yet, there are certain items in these food groups that have the power to accelerate calorie burning, which makes them the perfect accessories for your weight-loss diet.
Here are six foods that will jump-start your metabolism and speed up the natural calorie-burning process you can finally see the weight-loss progress you’ve been working so hard for!
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon helps regulate your blood sugar levels by inhibiting your body’s absorption of glucose and clearing sugar from your bloodstream. As a result, cinnamon can help prevent obesity, and even helps speed up and improve digestion. Add cinnamon to steamed sweet potatoes, or dump it in coffee or tea for an extra boost of good flavor.
2. Eggs
Eggs are high in protein, and rich in the essential amino acids your body needs to stay healthy. Previous studies have shown that those who consume eggs for breakfast typically feel full for longer periods of time, and are able to lose weight as a result of reducing their overall calorie intake.
3. Quinoa
Quinoa, which is pronounced “KEEN-wah,” is rich in magnesium — which is a key ingredient that naturally boosts your energy and helps regulate blood sugar. Quinoa is also very filling, which can help reduce your daily calorie intake. Make sure you rinse quinoa thoroughly before cooking to wash away saponin, which is a bitter-tasting chemical that coats the outside of quinoa.
4. Chia seeds
Chia seeds are packed with protein and fiber to create a lasting feeling of fullness, and contains a number of anti-inflammatory fats that can help prevent obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains roughly 4.5 grams of fiber, three grams of protein, and 2,500 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids.
5. Berries
Berries such as blueberries, cranberries, and strawberries are rich in the type of compounds that support and improve cardiovascular health. Berries have the ability to lower the risk for type 2 diabetes and inflammation — the latter of which can increase your risk for cancer. Eat berries as a snack at any time of day, and add to cereal, oatmeal, and yogurt.
6. Cayenne pepper
Within 20 minutes of eating cayenne pepper, your body will start oxidizing and burning off fat. This is because cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, which is a compound that jump-starts your stress hormone response system and releases the epinephrine and norepinephrine hormones into your bloodstream — resulting in fat burning. Add cayenne pepper to as many meals as possible to accelerate your weight-loss progress.
