Tis the season for family fun, festivities and food which is why it’s important to do what you can to boost your metabolism over the holidays.
Christmas is also a time of year where people feel overwhelmed and slightly sluggish. With all of the holiday gatherings, cocktails and second and third helpings your metabolism takes quite a beating over the holidays.
Give your body energy and boost your metabolism with these simple 5 tips:
1. DRINK LOTS OF TEA
Green tea is a natural way to boost your metabolism. It contains catechins, a type of antioxidant that triggers the release of fat from fat cells and helps to cleanse your liver and speed up the liver’s capacity for turning fat into energy.
2. EAT CHOCOLATE
Throw your hands up because chocolate, and I’m talking dark chocolate here, is a great source of magnesium. If you’re looking for a healthier holiday cookie check out this recipe.
Chocolate helps to regulate your stress hormones, boost your metabolism and your energy.
Just remember not to overdo it 🙂
3. INCREASE YOUR IRON & VITAMIN D LEVELS
Iron plays an important part in helping your body to burn fat. Make sure you’re turning your body into a fat burning machine by eating lots of iron rich foods like lentils to boost your metabolism. Lentils are also high in fiber and protein so will help to keep you full. Check out some of these easy delicious lentil recipes.
Since the main source of Vitamin D is the sun it’s a bit harder to get over the winter months, however it’s important for metabolism function.
Turn to food sources like egg yolks, fish, cod liver oil, fortified dairy and grain products. You can also get them from mushrooms. Here’s a cool trick. Leave mushrooms in direct sunlight for 1 hour to naturally create Vitamin D!
Try getting Vitamin D in supplement form after consulting with your doctor.
If you’re wondering how to spot a Vitamin D deficiency check out this post.
4. LOAD UP ON PROTEINS
Since protein is a type of macro nutrient that is hard for the body to break down, it’s going to require a lot of calories to do so which makes eating protein excellent for burning calories and boosting your metabolism. You can get protein from beans, lentils, lean meats, eggs and nuts.
5. START EACH DAY WITH A SMOOTHIE
Starting each day with a smoothie is an excellent way to manage your weight, boost your metabolism and flood your body with nutrients at the start of each day.
My free Holiday Dessert Smoothie Guide is a delicious collection of some of your absolute favorite holiday flavors in a smoothie!
Nourishing foods make a world of difference on your ability to cope during the holidays.
My free guide has smoothie recipes that will speed up your metabolism using ingredients that will help to keep the pounds off.
I do eat very healthy but there are times when I just crave to much bread. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Gary! I hear ya – I love bread too! Have you ever tried sprouted breads? They are much easier for your body to digest and contain more nutrients and fibre than regular bread. You can check this link for more info: https://draxe.com/sprouted-grain-bread/