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When it comes to healthy weight loss, your metabolism is one of the most important factors in determining how easy it will be to create a calorie deficit that nets visible results. The speed of your metabolism informs how quickly your body burns through calories as energy, so a faster metabolism will allow you to eat more throughout the day as you’re burning more at rest. There are several ways to improve your metabolism, from integrating more exercise into your daily routine, to eating certain foods which can help to increase fat burn in your body for greater results.
While working out and eating healthy is the combination which will be most effective for losing weight, simply cooking meals that provide metabolism boosting benefits is also a great place to start. From lean protein to cruciferous vegetables, these dishes can help to speed up your metabolism and allow you to slim down without overthinking what you’re putting in your body.
Bruschetta Chicken
Lean protein sources such as chicken can help to boost your metabolism naturally as they force your body to exert more energy digesting them. Paired with fresh tomatoes and a variety of delicious seasonings, this light and flavorful chicken recipe is perfect for spring and summer nights when you want to break out the grill and create a bruschetta inspired dish without the bread. Serve with a side salad and some rice and you have a perfectly balanced and filling meal for weight loss.
Ingredients: Olive oil, boneless skinless chicken breast, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, Roma tomatoes, red onion, garlic, basil, parmesan cheese, balsamic glaze
Tex-Mex Quinoa Protein Packed Salad
Another protein-packed dish, this colorful and healthy salad is the perfect weeknight dinner for when you’re in a rush. Loaded with beans which are great for boosting your metabolism, this recipe makes for an easy dinner for weight loss, and even better leftovers the next day. Complete with healthy fats, ample protein, and plenty of carbs, this dish is the ideal mix of macronutrients necessary for effortless weight loss and a faster metabolism. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients: Quinoa, black beans, corn, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, lime, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper
Red Lentil Curry
Lentils are packed with fiber and protein which can help to increase fat burn, consequently boosting your metabolism for weight loss. This plant-based curry recipe is ready to serve in just 45 minutes and loaded with vitamins and minerals which are vital for achieving healthy and sustainable weight loss. Loaded with turmeric which has been known to cut through inflammation and belly bloat, this recipe is the perfect addition to your weeknight lineup for an overall healthier approach to eating. Cayenne pepper has also been known to boost your metabolism as well!
Ingredients: Avocado oil, onion, garlic, ginger, jalapeno, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne, sea salt, black pepper, dried red lentils, diced tomatoes, water, full-fat coconut milk, lime juice, cilantro
Baked Chicken with Brussel Sprouts
Both cruciferous vegetables and lean protein have been proven to speed up your metabolism, so including them together in this meal is the perfect way to easily burn fat while enjoying your dinner. Brussel sprouts provide a number of vitamins and minerals to your meal while increasing fat burn, and protein in the baked chicken will increase satiety, keeping you full and less inclined to overeat throughout the day which is conducive to effortless weight loss.
Ingredients: Chicken thigh, parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, bacon, brussel sprouts
