Attempting to speed up your metabolism is undoubtedly one of the most challenging aspects of losing weight. With so much advice floating around about how to get your metabolism to move lightning fast, it can be difficult to decipher what is realistic and what isn’t. Speeding up your metabolism doesn’t have to be rocket science — it’s a lot more simple than you think!
How to speed up your metabolism, naturally
When it comes to mastering the art of developing a fast metabolism, going the natural route is always best. Using unnatural ways, such as diet pills and supplements, can be dangerous — especially in the long run. Some of the popular ingredients in weight loss products have been banned by the FDA because of harmful side effects, such as increased heart rate.
Diet pills with hefty promises of igniting your metabolism are never guaranteed. They can cause addiction and high blood pressure. Although diet pills may temporarily provide benefits, such as reduced appetite or fat absorption, they may also cause troublesome side effects and place your physical and emotional health in danger. Most importantly, they won’t change your habits, which is the ultimate solution for building the metabolism of your dreams. Read on to discover four tropical fruits and drinks to speed up your metabolism!
1. Lichi fruit
Lichi, also known as lychee, is an ancient fruit that is native to the northern tropical and southern subtropical regions of south China dating all the way back to 1059 AD. Lichi boasts plenty of health benefits such as weight loss, improved immunity strength, cancer prevention and enhanced digestion. Lichi can improve digestion and metabolic processes due to the significant amount of dietary fiber the fruit possesses. Fiber helps bowel movements leave the digestive tract smoothly and increases the speed of food passing through the body. Consuming more fiber is strongly related to weight loss, faster metabolism and obesity prevention.
This tropical fruit is typically eaten fresh as it can lose its fragrance when canned. After being peeled and pitted, the lychee fruit is usually added to fruit cups and fruit salads. If you’re feeling creative, you can even make lychees stuffed with cottage cheese and serve them as a salad topping with dressing and pecans. Try this lychee summer fruit salad recipe that is loaded with a variety of fresh fruits and nutrients to enhance your metabolism.
2. Avocado
Avocado is a tasty addition to just about any meal. You can fuel your body by adding avocado to a protein-packed egg white omelet or dressing a fresh salad with slices of the green power fruit. Avocados are high in essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants — and can even help you stay full longer!
Avocados contain healthy fats to help lower cholesterol and increase your metabolism. Researchers also found that people who eat avocados tend to have less belly fat than those who don’t. During a study over the course of six weeks, 55 subjects were required to consume 200 grams a day of avocado. The participants who ate avocado experienced decreased body weight, body mass index and body fat. The research suggests that consumption of avocado plays a vital role in regulating energy homeostasis and maintaining body weight balance.
Avocados provide protein to help build lean muscle mass. Eating avocado is perfect for improving overall diet quality, nutrient intake and reducing the risk of metabolic syndrome. Warding off the onset of metabolic syndrome is crucial, as the condition affects 40 percent of Americans 40 and older. Take a look at this healthy smashed avocado chickpea salad recipe.
Many people tend to focus on the benefits of the flesh of the avocado, but that isn’t the only healthy part of this amazing fruit! Avocado oil can be used as a replacement for olive oil as an excellent, nutritious alternative.
3. Acai
Acai has taken the health world by storm in recent years. The acai berry is similar to a grape and has a delicious tropical, naturally sweet taste. The berry is dark and purple and has been frequently used for medicinal purposes by the indigenous people of various South American countries. The versatile fruity flavor makes it excellent for pairing it with other tropical fruits.
Eating the acai berry can dramatically improve the way your body processes other foods and can reduce lipoprotein cholesterol while assisting in metabolic processes. Acai berries are also believed to help control appetite hormones, increase energy and prevent heart disease.
Many health-centered restaurants have beloved acai bowls on their menus. Acai bowls are created by mixing acai fruit with milk and other ingredients like bananas and blueberries until it becomes a creamy mixture. The mixture is topped with healthy fruits, granola or nuts. Sounds delicious, right? Check out these acai bowl recipes for inspiration.
4. Tropical drinks
Tropical drinks made from nutrient-rich fruits are a tasty and refreshing delight that can help your metabolism. Citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges and grapefruit, are wholesome selections that are powerhouse fruits that burn the metabolism.
Other fruits such as apples are also helpful for weight loss. As the old saying goes, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but did you know apples can keep the fat away as well? According to a study from Rio de Janeiro State University, eating three small apples a day greatly increases metabolism and speeds up weight loss. When you’re done carving up your apple, don’t forget to reap the benefits of the peels. Apple peels contain pectin, a variation of fiber, that removes toxins from the body and decreases the amount of fat your cells can absorb.
Pineapple is another sweet choice for optimum fat burning due to its unique enzyme bromelain, which helps the body to break down food faster and more efficiently. Check out these seven drinks that will boost your metabolism. You’ll love the citrus fruit smoothie!
Try drinking a tropical drink first thing in the morning to jumpstart your metabolism. Consuming fruit on an empty stomach helps the digestive system break down the sugars in the fruit rapidly by allowing the body to absorb the full nutritional benefits.
What tropical fruits and drinks have you used to speed up your metabolism? Leave your comments below!
— Laura Jazmin Tolliver