Boost Your Metabolism with Spicy Foods

Did you know that you can give your metabolism a boost and improve your weight loss efforts just by eating the hot and heavy stuff?

If you are a fan of salsa, jalapenos, green chili and other foods that make your sweat, indulging in your spicy favorites can help you lose a few more pounds. Studies have shown that eating hot and spicy foods can boost your metabolism by as much as 50%, and the extra calorie burn lasts for three hours!

Loading up on spicy foods can help you lose weight in other ways, too.  Cuisines where spicy foods are typically found - Indian and Thai foods in particular - are rich and filling, but low in calories due to their heavy use of vegetables, legumes, peppers and lean protein.

Some other healthy and easy ways to spice up your life: Try salsa on your scrambled eggs, hot sauce on your potatoes or add some cayenne or paprika to steamed vegetables. Get Spicy!

Boost Your Metabolism to Speed Weight Loss

Want to give your metabolism a boost? Have a snack.

Researchers at Georgia State University have found that eating three small snacks during the day keeps your metabolism running in high gear, maximizing your fat burning potential.

How does it work?

Waiting too long between meals actually slows your metabolism down as your body tries to conserve calories, so eating more often keeps your metabolism humming along at top speed. Snacking also helps you to eat less at each meal, resulting in fewer calories consumed and less body fat.

What kinds of snacks are best?

Look for high protein snacks like part-skim mozzarella cheese sticks and hard boiled eggs. Your body works 25% harder to digest protein than carbs or fat, which also helps to keep you lean. Spicy foods are good, too. Studies have shown that eating spicy foods can give your metabolism an extra boost of energy for at least 30 minutes. So go ahead, have a snack and don’t forget the hot sauce!