Rev up your metabolism with these simple ideas.
1. EAT MORE SPICE
Ramp up your cooking with a teaspoon of cayenne. Studies show that the compounds in pepper boost your metabolism temporarily.
Want to drop a few, but don’t want to skimp on flavourless meals? Try spicing things up- literally. Not only have studies shown that capsaicin found in pepper rev up metabolism, but adding spices to your meals instead of additional fat and salt is an easy way to increase flavour, without increasing your waistline.
Our pick? We tried Simply Organic range of spices including oregano in our pasta sauce – adding a punchy herbaciousness while the crushed pepper flakes made a nice addition to our everyday vinaigrette. The fragrant cinnamon really came alive in baking, especially in a punchy Mexican chocolate cake.
2. EAT BREAKFAST AND EAT OFTEN
Eating breakfast regulates your metabolism for the day. Start with oatmeal, whole grain toast, or other whole grains. Graze throughout the day, snacking on fruits, nuts and veggies.
Think that means you can’t have sweet? Honey has antioxidant properties which are useful in the balancing of free radicals. Drizzle it on plain Greek yogurt and fresh fruit, or add it to home made oat and nut granola bars, or add it to your morning smoothie. Did you know that pre-Egyptians used honey topically to treat wounds? And with a slightly acidic pH level, honey prevents the growth of bacteria. Best of all, minerals found in honey include iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium so you can feel good eating it.
Our pick? CSL tried Madhava Sweeteners Very Raw Honey and organic honey in our tea, salad dressings and baking. These versatile organic honey tasted mildly floral and luscious.
3. INTERVAL TRAINING
Starting with 30 second intervals, ramp up the intensity of your workout then return to the normal rate. This makes you consume more oxygen making your cells work harder to burn energy.
Similar to interval training, plyometrics (jump training) makes your muscles exert the maximum amount in short spurts and will eventually increase your speed and power. Try jump squats: start in a squat position, then jump up from the balls of your feet into the air, landing back in the squat position.
4. GET YOUR OMEGAS
Omega 3’s balance your blood sugar and reduce inflammation. Try eating flax, walnuts and fish.
Another great option is Omega-3 enriched popcorn (there’s nothing quite like it to satisfy a snack craving). The non-GMO, pesticide-free, locally grown popcorn of Cambridge, Ontario-based brand Farm to Table includes flavours such as dill pickle, butter and salt, white cheddar, kettle corn, ancient grain and cocoa caramel (ready-made) and microwavable corn on the cob from heritage varieties. The twist? Each bag of From Farm to Table is fortified with fish oil derived Omega-3 (think brain health).
5. LOVE YOUR PROTEIN
Your body digests protein slower than fats or carbs, so you feel fuller, longer. Choose lean meat, nuts and legumes.
This original healthy living article first appeared in the Spring 2014 issue of City Style and Living Magazine.
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