Increase Metabolism with These Foods

You already know what to eat and what not to eat when you want to lose weight. Well, sort of. But did you know that some foods actually help you slim down? Americans spend nearly $30 billion a year on diet products and many of them don't even work. New research shows that if you know what foods to buy at the grocery, you can curb your appetite, boost your metabolism and eventually lose weight. Here is the coveted list:

Berries

Raspberries and strawberries are not only yummy, they are loaded with vitamin C! You can actually burn up to 30% more fat during exercise if you eat berries, according to a study from Arizona State University at Mesa.

Hot Red Pepper

Add it to your pasta, omelets, stir-fries. Hot peppers are great with almost every food. In a recent Japanese study, people who regularly ate red pepper ate significantly less than those who did not.

Tofu

Another huge appetite suppresser is tofu. Who knew? Researchers at Louisiana State University tested it against chicken and those who had tofu, ate less at their meal.

Beans

A digestive hormone, cholecysrokinin, is what makes beans a natural hunger suppresser. It blocks fat absorption and breaks down fatty deposits. Beans help control cholesterol and keep you feeling full.

Cinnamon

Just a sprinkle of this wonder spice can help you with a post meal insulin spike, the ones that make you hungry. U.S. Department of Agriculture found that cinnamon on a whole-grain toast is a great way to combat those afternoon sugar rises.

Grapefruit

This amazing citrus can actually make you thinner quickly. A study at the Scripps Clinic found that half a grapefruit before each meal can help you drop more than 3 pounds in just 3 months.

Pears

If one apple a day keeps a doctor away, one pear a day can help you avoid snacking. Pears are much more filling than apples. Who knew? And, they have more fiber.

Olive oil

Make sure you chose extra virgin olive oil. It's a monosaturated fat and it keeps on burning calories, not to mention boosting your metabolism. Use it as a salad dressing, bread dip or for any cooking.

Sweet Potatoes

High in fiber, they are great in protecting you against insulin jumps. They are satisfying, nutritious and filling.

Mustard

Turmeric, the spice that gives mustard its color, could slow the growth of fat tissue, according to a study in the journal Endocrinology. Also, mustard seed, the main ingredient in mustard, contains selenium and magnesium, minerals that fight inflammation. Studies show that by reducing inflammation, mustard helps control appetite.

These foods have proven fat-melting powers, but you have to combine smart eating with daily exercise regime for best results. Working with a personal trainer can increase your success rate and transform your body.


------

Jason Kozma's Santa Monica Boot Camp takes an innovative approach to fitness. Get the results you want faster than you thought possible. Want to find out more about his boot camps? Go to his Los Angeles Boot Camp page or call Jason at (310)772-5105