Mrs. Colorado's 90
Day Challenge- Day 10
Topic: Significant
Foods
2013 can mean a new beginning for many of us. As I know
well, not all foods are created equal. Tiffany Yee, from Body Statement Gym has
taught me that the foods we decide to eat can have a significant impact on the
speed of your metabolism.
One thing I have learned is the importance of lean
proteins such as turkey, chicken and fish. According to the magazine Muscle and Fitness Hers lean protein
requires extra energy to digest and metabolize them, so more calories are
burned. Plus, protein also helps to maintain lean muscle mass. More muscle
means more calories burned, even while at rest.
In addition to protein, fibrous foods aid in digestion.
When you digest food, your body extracts nutrients and breaks down the food
which produces heat. So the more you digest, the faster your metabolism
becomes. When your body becomes more efficient at breaking down nutrients for
energy, your metabolism will speed up all the while helping in keeping you
regular.
The following are good food choices to help keep your metabolism humming
along:
Grapefruit is rich in fiber and helps to lowers the insulin
levels in your body that trigger your system to store fat.
Apples, like grapefruit, are also high in fiber and they help you
stay feeling full for longer.
Green Tea contains powerful antioxidants that speeds up your
brain and nervous system, enabling your body to burn more calories.
Yogurt not only contains high levels of protein, it also contains
probiotic cultures that help regulate your digestion.
Spinach is packed with nutrients that enhance muscle performance
and the transmission of energy in the body, which means your metabolism works
harder. It’s a great source of antioxidants, magnesium, potassium, iron and
vitamin C.
Jalapenos contain a chemical called capsaicin. Capsaicin
stimulates your metabolism to release more calories in the form of heat
(thermogenesis), which lasts for hours after ingestion.
Curry, like jalapenos, speeds up your metabolism by increasing
the amount of calories your body burns.
Cinnamon believe it or not helps metabolize sugars more
effectively, maintain steadier blood sugar levels and can also help lower your
cholesterol. Add this tasty spice to your morning cup of tea or bowl of
oatmeal.
Giving your metabolism a boost and burning more fat doesn’t
have mean spending hours upon hours on a treadmill, and eating healthy doesn’t
have to be boring! Add these foods to your diet and you’ll be on your way to a
slimmer, shapelier you.
My Favorite Recipe
of the Week
lueberry
Cheesecake Greek Yogurt
Makes 1 serving
Ingredients:
• 1 cup nonfat Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• stevia or other sweetener to taste
• 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 tbsp fat-free, sugar-free cheesecake pudding mix
Directions
Using a blender mix everything in a small bowl and serve.
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 187 calories, 0g
fat, 19g carbs, 24g protein
