Significant Foods

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