Eat This and Not That If You Want a Faster Metabolism

Metabolism refers to the number of calories your body needs to function every day. A higher metabolism burns more calories, while a slower metabolism burns fewer calories. Weight loss is complex, but generally, the more calories you burn, the easier it is to lose weight. 

At Integrative Primary Care in Katy, Texas, our board-certified providers specialize in helping men and women in the Houston area reach a healthy weight with our personalized weight loss program. We also recognize the importance that food choices can play in losing weight.

To help increase your metabolism, keep reading to learn which foods to choose and which to avoid.  

Foods that can boost your metabolism

While overeating can lead to weight gain, losing weight isn’t just a matter of eating less. The truth is that you need to eat enough of the right foods to keep your metabolism going, which, in turn, can help you burn off excess weight. Here’s a look at the top three foods to select:

1. Beans and legumes

Beans and legumes, such as chickpeas, peas, and lentils, are great at boosting the metabolism. This is because beans and legumes are high in protein, which is harder for your body to digest, and therefore your body burns more calories breaking them down. In addition, beans and legumes are chock-full of fiber, which can help you feel full, slow down the digestion process further, and increase your metabolism. 

2. Whole grains

As their name suggests, whole grains are complete grains that haven’t been processed. This means they still have the fibrous kernels and retain the dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals your body needs. Since your body has to expend energy to break down the fiber and process the grain, it increases your metabolism. Plus, the fiber adds volume and helps you feel full faster, so you consume fewer calories, which can aid in weight loss. 

3. Ginger 

If you want to put your metabolism into high gear, try adding ginger and similar spices to whatever it is you’re cooking. Research has found that the plant contains helpful compounds that aid our ability to burn fat. Scientists are still studying this food, but it’s generally safe for almost everyone and can be used fresh or dried. This means you can add fresh ginger root to foods or brew it as a tea for a similar benefit. 

Foods that can slow down your metabolism

Just as the above foods can give your metabolism a boost, there are some choices that can slow down your metabolism. Here’s a look at the top three foods to stay away from if you’re trying to lose weight:

1. Refined grains

The refining process takes healthy whole grains and strips away much — if not all — of the fiber. The resulting product is higher in calories and lacks the fiber that stops blood sugar from spiking when carbohydrates hit.

Plus, since they aren’t as filling as their whole alternatives, you need to eat more to feel full. And, since your body doesn’t have to work to digest the fiber, your metabolism doesn’t kick into high gear.

2. Refined oils

Humans need fat to live. However, the best options are whole, plant-based fats in avocados, nuts, and seeds. These foods contain all of the essential fatty acids you need, plus they contain a healthy dose of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Refined oils, on the other hand, are like refined grains. They’re high in calories and lacking the fiber required to put your metabolism to work. As a result, studies show the more it slows the more refined oil you consume. 

3. Refined sugars  

Refined sugars have been stripped of fiber and other essential nutrients, are chock-full of calories, and can wreak havoc on your metabolism. When you consume refined sugars, your body gets more raw energy than it needs. As a result, it stores it as fat instead of burning it. This can slow down your metabolism and lead to weight gain. 

Get help with a professional weight loss plan

At Integrative Primary Care, we know it can be challenging to lose weight. Many factors contribute to weight gain, and it’s important to take them all into account. 

Our team creates a personalized weight loss plan designed to help you meet your weight loss goals. We review your lifestyle, medical history, current health, family history, and weight loss history. 

While everyone’s plan is different, some of the elements could be:

• Personalized nutritional counseling
• Vitamin B12 and/or lipo C injections
• Prescription weight loss medications, such as phentermine
• Adopting the HcG diet

To learn more about a professional weight loss plan and to see how one might be able to help you, call 832-500-7585 or book an appointment online with Integrative Primary Care today.