Imagine if the food you ate actually helped you BURN calories and fat…
Wouldn’t that be great?
Of course it would!
A common question is what to eat when preparing for a figure competition. My answer…
…as many as these 27 power foods as you possibly can work into your diet!
Now depending where you are in your competition prep, some of these foods might not make sense.
You’ll have to determine which of these foods you can allow ‘in’ based on where you are in relation to your contest date.
But whether you are a fitness competitor, or just someone who wants to lean up…
…these foods should be at the top of your menu to get your metabolism revving!
Without further ado, here are 27 Power Foods you can eat to start increasing your metabolism today!
1 – Protein [Think Powder – Not Animal]
No surprise here. But do whey protein versus others. The higher thermagenic (heat burning) properties of whey proteins means you’ll get a bigger burn for your buck.
2 – Tofu
If meat isn’t your thing, you can get a nice metabolism boost from Tofu. Combine with beans and cayenne pepper to take it up a notch! (Tofu Chilli anyone?!)
3 – Beans
Ok…since I just mentioned them. The power combo of protein and dietary fiber forces your body to crank up your metabolism to digest them.
4 – Almonds
Almonds are nutrient dense, and although a little higher in calories than other foods on the list, are perfectly fine in moderation to fuel your metabolic fire.
5 – Milk
Always touted for being high in calcium, milk also helps control insulin…which can suppress your metabolism.
6 – Spinach
The combination of fiber, vitamins, and minerals make spinach a true power food for increasing your metabolism. Popeye had it right all those years!
7 – Apples [The Green Variety Preferably]
The high fiber and low glycemic index value help your body work hard the right way for an increased calorie burn. How do you like them apples?
8 – Hot Peppers [Chili, Cayenne, Jalapeno]
Spicy peppers have been in the metabolic burning toolbox for anyone serious about increasing the burn…literally! The capsaicin inside these hot peppers is what causes the continuous burn of calories long after you’ve ingested them.
9 – Cottage Cheese
Basically cottage cheese is on this list for the same reasons milk is on this list. When I’m not cutting I like mixing in a couple spoonfuls of cottage cheese in my oatmeal for a nice protein and metabolism boost.
10 – Green Tea
You down with EGCG? Yeah you know me! As in Epigallocatechin Gallate. EGCG is a polyphenol in green tea that is responsible for its antioxidant properties. Combined with its caffeine content, green tea is perfect for keeping your metabolism going in between meals during the day.
11 – Eggs
Eggs have an egg-cellent (sorry…had to) nutrient make-up that makes them perfect for increasing metabolism and burning stored fat. Eggs from the local farmer’s market are usually the healthiest.
12 – Avocado
One of my favorites. Loaded with heart-healthy fats and aminos, avocados eaten moderately are a great addition to your metabolism-boosting diet.
13 – Grapefruit
Grapefruit not only provide a vitamin and fiber-rich snack, they are also know for their ability to help control blood sugar and insulin levels.
14 – Poultry
Chicken and turkey make the list due to their high-protein, practically zero-carb nutrient makeup that makes them metabolism powerhouses.
15 – Beef
Choose lean cuts and get the same metabolic benefits as poultry.
16 – Water
Yes, ol’ H2O might be the most important ‘food’ on the list. Dehydration can majorly mess up your metabolism among other things. Stay hydrated, and stick to tap or mineral water to get the nutrient effect that helps increase your metabolism.
17 – Fish [Salmon & Tuna]
Speaking of water, fish are a great power food due to their high protein and Omega-3 content…which make them great for helping increase metabolism. Fish oil supplements are an acceptable substitution for the real thing.
18 – Hemp Seeds
Hemp has taken to the spotlight over the last couple years due to its high-nutrient profile. Add ‘Metabolism Booster’ to that list.
19 – Watermelon
Watermelon has a high arginine base, which has been shown to increase the burning of fat in the body through an increased metabolism. Melons also have a high water content which aids in hydration of the cells…which helps keep your metabolism active.
20 – Greek or Natural Yogurt
The ‘thick’ yogurts are rich in calcium, high in protein, and make your body work hard to digest them. Hard working body = increased metabolism. Throw in some hemp seeds to bump the protein and fiber content.
21 – Coffee
Definitely can’t forget about my favorite morning ritual. Naturally a metabolism boost, you can take it to the next level by adding in a tablespoon of coconut oil.
22 – Cinnamon
Cinnamon has been raised to ‘miracle-worker’ status when it comes to health benefits due to all the wonderful things it can do for your body. Among them is helping regulate and control insulin levels, which is a player in a properly functioning metabolism.
23 – Olive Oil
Go ahead and throw some olive oil in the mix. With a high Omega-3 count, olive oil has been shown to increase the caloric burn when used in your dishes.
24 – Ginger
Ginger has been said to have the same metabolic effects that hot peppers have. Mix a little ginger, cinnamon, and honey in your green tea and prepare to put your metabolism into rocket-fuel mode.
25 – Asparagus
Asparagus is high in B vitamins and magnesium, which are natural metabolism boosters. Oh, and don’t forget it makes your pee smell funny.
26 – Berries
Berries are good. Berries are your friend. Packed to the gills with antioxidants and fiber, berries get your metabolism rolling like a locomotive.
27 – Whole Grains
Last but not least, whole grain foods like oatmeal provide a nice boosted metabolism burn. A great source of fiber, a bowl of oatmeal (avoid the sugary stuff) can be a great morning metabolism booster. Add in some cinnamon, honey, and cottage cheese…and then you’re talking.
If you want to increase your calorie burn without major changes to your current diet…
…simply adding some of these foods to your meals will get you on your way.
Source: fitnessmodeldietplan.net
