Which group of foods increase Metabolism?

"Foods to speed up metabolism: Discover which group of foods increase metabolism."

(For our list of top powerful foods that boost metabolism see top 15 fat burning foods)

Just what is metabolism and do I have any control over this thing?

Absolutely! And you're not alone in being confused about basal metabolic rates, daily calorie requirements, body fat percentage, metabolism etc. After you've finished with this article you'll know how to boost your metabolism and keep it on strong burn!

Firstly Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) Is Metabolism. Summed up, it's the amount of energy (calories) our body burns while at absolute rest, including No digestive activity. The only energy used is for the functioning of vital organs.

Metabolism (Basal metabolic rate) is also dependent on weight, height, present activity level, age and gender. It's quite understandable why the BMR formula is a better equation for calculating daily calorie requirements than many formulas which are based only on body weight.
(If you find this science stuff boring then skip ahead to which foods increase metabolism.)

The BMR formula below is the basis of this calorie intake BMR formula. The only factor not considered is the lean body mass i.e. the ratio of fat to muscle. (Muscles require more calories to function than fat).
Nonetheless the equation is still very accurate but you should note that for very muscular people the suggested daily calories will be too low and for very overweight people the suggested daily calories will be too high.

Imperial formula for basal metabolic rate (BMR, or daily calorie requirements)

Women: BMR = 655 + ( 4.35 x weight in pounds ) + ( 4.7 x height in inches ) - ( 4.7 x age in years )

Men: BMR = 66 + ( 6.23 x weight in pounds ) + ( 12.7 x height in inches ) - ( 6.8 x age in year )

Metric formula for basal metabolic rate (BMR, or daily calorie requirements)

Women: BMR = 655 + ( 9.6 x weight in kilos ) + ( 1.8 x height in cm ) - ( 4.7 x age in years )

Men: BMR = 66 + ( 13.7 x weight in kilos ) + ( 5 x height in cm ) - ( 6.8 x age in years )

Which foods increase metabolism?

1) Low calorie nutritional foods like fruit and vegetables are not only highly beneficial to your health (protecting against numerous diseases) and provide you with energy, but also boost your metabolism. Some popular low calorie foods are the various types of berries, grapefruit, figs, kiwi fruit, nuts, poached fish and low fat yogurt. For more about low calorie foods see negative calorie power foods.

2) Hot and spicy foods are known to boost the body’s metabolic rate and fat burning process, and sustain the high metabolism for hours after consumption. Some great spicy food ideas are chili and curry dishes, and even hot peppers jalapeno, if you can stomach it.
More about using spicy foods to boost your metabolism at Top 15 fat burning foods.

3) Protein burns more calories during the digestion process than carbohydrates or fats. And proteins are usually very filling foods. More about using proteins as a fat burning food at Top 15 fat burning foods.

4) Water is extremely important, and goes hand in hand with good metabolism. If you're not hydrated properly the your metabolism won't work effectively (during activity and at rest). Limit your caffeine and alcohol consumption. More about the fat burning benefits of water at Top 10 foods that speed metabolism.

Of course as with anything in life - everything in moderation. Yes, certain foods increase metabolism but we should also realize that our body needs nutrients, fiber and energy from all the different food groups to function at its best. Ignore one or two food types and the whole system loses efficiency.

I don't recommend you do anything excessively. For great advice on eating correctly please visit athlete nutrition guidelines.