Want to stay lean and mean despite summer’s many temptations? Here are some super suggestions for firing up your metabolism while suppressing that summer-sized appetite.
#1) Water…Water…Water…Drink with abandon!
Not only is water filling, studies show it actually speeds up metabolism by as much as 30% after drinking just 17 ounces. And, of course, nothing beats water for flushing out the toxins that impede digestion. What’s more, water is the best way to beat summer’s dehydrating heat.
#2) Green Tea: Try it; you’ll like it.
Green tea is a must for boosting metabolism, and it accomplishes that while actually giving one’s mood an energizing lift. To its credit, Green tea also has other therapeutic properties, including reducing cholesterol and lowering the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
#3) Pick a peck of pickled peppers.
Yes, it’s true. Hot peppers, Tabasco sauce, horseradish, and seasonings peppered with jalapeno and cayenne fire up your fat-burners. So use generously on meats, fish, poultry and sprinkle copiously in soups, sauces and salads to spice up your meal planning .
#4) Make summer your “salad days”.
When the temperature climbs, nothing is more filling and convenient than a fresh garden salad. Use plenty of robust greens, such as romaine, green leaf lettuce, endive and spinach. And atop that bed, load on such metabolism-boosters as onions, garlic, cucumbers, tomatoes, carrots and beets.
#5) Go for the grapefruit.
No, those who tout grapefruit for weight loss are not full of hot air. Research has show that the unique, vitamin C-packed properties of this juicy fruit reduce insulin levels to augment the body’s fat-burning process.
#6) Develop a yen for “negative calorie” produce.
To explain, these foods are not calorie-free. However, when you eat them alone and raw or blanched, the body burns more calories digesting them than the number of calories they contain. Not a bad reason to scarf down these favorites: apples, mangos, pineapple, oranges, strawberries, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, papaya, radishes, spinach and turnips.
#7) Oatmeal…You’ve loved it since you were a kid.
Isn’t it nice to know mom was right. This stuff is the best. It’s a whole-grain carb loaded with fat-soluble fiber that keeps energy high and one’s metabolism cranked-up. NOTE: To get oatmeal’s full benefit, select steel cut or rolled oats, never instant.
#8) Stock up on lean turkey.
We’re not talking about pressed and processed turkey that’s filled with chemicals and preservations. Real roasted turkey – especially the white meat – is a proven winner when it comes to boosting metabolism, burning fat, and building lean muscle. Better yet, it delivers 26 grams of filling protein per 3-oz., 120-calorie serving.
#9) Yogurt is a yes-yes.
When talking about super foods, low-fat yogurt never fails to make the cut. It’s a rich source of weight loss-promoting calcium. Meanwhile, the protein is appetite-curbing and the probiotics keep everything moving through the digestive track at top speed.
