YOGALEAN: Tried-and-True Metabolism Boosters

With a little help from two natural energy-fuelers—spice and caffeine—you can give your metabolism the boost it needs without overstimulating your system. Capsaicin, a powerful antioxidant found in hot peppers, does its job by raising body temperature and releasing endorphins, those feel-good hormones that reduce food cravings. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which helps break down fats in fat cells and release them into the blood stream. Of course, too much of a good thing—like a steady diet of energy drinks or coffee—will cause your energy to spike and then to plummet.

     So let’s focus on food and beverages that boost metabolism naturally and stay away from those that cause your energy levels to crash (sugar, refined carbohydrates, wheat, and alcohol). Aside from exercising, here are a few tips that can help:

1. Eat smaller meals, but more of them. Eating every three to four hours (including a small protein snack) will keep the fires of your metabolism stoked and burning. An apple and some almonds between meals or a bit of hard cheese and a few carrot sticks make great snacks.
2. Add hot peppers—cayenne, jalapeños, and serranos not only fire up your metabolism but they’ll make your food taste a whole lot better.
3. Drink green tea, which contains theanine, an amino acid that will balance out the caffeine and enhance your mood.
4. Enjoy coffee, caffeinated tea, and matcha in moderation to increase metabolism.

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