10 Foods & Drinks That Boost Metabolism

To some extent, everyone’s metabolism is based on activity levels and genetics. However, some foods and beverages have been proven to enhance your body’s ability to burn fat, impacting your daily overall calorie burn, according to Women’s Health Magazine. That’s good news for most of us looking to trim down or maintain weight, since the gym isn’t always a possibility. Eating the right foods to increase metabolic rate, though, can be as easy as stocking your fridge with a handful of key items. Read on to find 10 foods and drinks to start incorporating into meals and snacks for a metabolic boost every day.

Water. It may seem obvious, but people are often surprised to find out that even slight dehydration can cause your metabolism to slow dramatically. Get 64 ounces (eight 8-ounce glasses) per day, or more if you exercise or ingest a lot of sodium. A bonus is drinking cold water because your body will burn extra calories warming it to body temperature.

Celery. Low in calories and chockfull of fiber and water, celery is a perfect snack, since it takes the body so much effort to digest. It’s also a diuretic, meaning the energy used by the body to heighten urine production pushes metabolism into high-gear. Munch on it with all-natural peanut or almond butter for some added protein!

Greek yogurt. Calcium-rich foods are often more calorie-filled, but unsweetened Greek yogurt provides about 18 percent of daily calcium needs for only roughly 100 calories. Cells that contain calcium burn more fat than those without it, so that’s why it’s so important to get in some low-calorie, calcium-rich food options. Mix it with salsa for a creamy veggie dip or a healthy alternative to enchilada sauce.

Spinach. Spinach contains massive amounts of iron, which helps the oxygen in our muscles burn fat more swiftly, boosting metabolism. Mix it into smoothies—you won’t even taste it—if you’re not a big fan of spinach-based salads.

Fish. Your thyroid gland regulates metabolism, and iodine and selenium both support the thyroid. These two minerals are found in several types of fish, such as salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel.

Green tea. Caffeine, along with a compound called EGCG that slightly enhances the body’s fat-burning capability, found in green tea give your metabolism a little kick. Go for unsweetened, freshly brewed green tea for the best results.

Eggs. Whole eggs (yes, the yolk, too) are full of vitamin D, a rebuilder and repairer of fatigued muscles. It’s easier for your body to burn calories the more muscle mass you maintain—other solid sources of vitamin D are tofu and wild salmon.

Lean protein. This could be one of the most important metabolism-boosting foods. Just like eggs, lean protein aids the muscle mass-building process, and the more muscle mass you have, the higher your metabolic rate. Poultry breast, shellfish, beans, edamame, and tempeh are among the best lean protein options.

Chili peppers. Red or green chili peppers, cayenne peppers, and sriracha are what are called “warming spices,” meaning they heat up the body’s insides to help with fat breakdown. These foods can increase metabolism by up to 5 percent, studies say, and can increase fat burning by up to 16 percent. The hotter, the better!

Avocados. Last, but not least, avocados contain healthy fats, like omega-3s, that get your metabolism going while maintaining blood sugar at a stable level, so it’s best to eat them in the morning with breakfast. Stable blood sugar prevents energy crashes and sugar cravings, something we all strive to avoid. Avocado toast, anyone?