Boosting your metabolism means helping the body to efficiently convert the food into fuel. A faster metabolism can be achieved through enhancing the protein content of the diet. Why? Because Protein foods require twice as much calories in digesting these foods as compared to carbohydrates.

Adding protein in the form of fish is a good idea as this in turn would increase the fat burning enzymes in the body. A snack such as a handful of pistachios is loaded with protein and monounsaturated fatty acids that help burn fat.

Iced drinks without added sugars force the body to warm up which in turn burns more calories.

Some other foods that are known to provide the boost are coffee, green tea, chillies and low fat dairy products.There are many ways in which these foods can act as metabolism boosters.

Coffee and green tea are stimulants and thus one is more energetic after the cuppa and one expends more energy. 3 cups of green tea/coffee can increase the body’s metabolism by 10%. Thus, a small amount such as 60 calories burnt in this way translates into 1800 calories burnt in a month. However, be careful as to what time of the day you consume these beverages.

Green and red chillies improve the way the body burns the calories by suppressing enzymes involved in fat formation. This means that chillies help to burn the fuel more efficiently in the body. One potent green chilli with a meal is not a bad idea after all!

Low fat dairy products work by the action of calcium present in it. The calcium present in dairy foods discourages fat deposition and encourages fat burning.

* Text: Nutritionist Neelanjana Singh, Heinz Nutri Life Clinic, Delhi

*Image courtesy: © Thinkstock photos/ Getty Images