When it comes to healthy weight loss, one of the most important factors in determining how easy it will be to create a calorie deficit that has visible results is your metabolism. The speed of your metabolism tells you how fast your body is burning calories for energy. A faster metabolism allows you to eat more throughout the day while burning more at rest. There are several ways you can improve your metabolism, from incorporating more exercise into your daily routine to consuming certain foods that can help increase fat burning in your body for better results.
While exercise and healthy eating are the combination that is most effective for losing weight, simply cooking meals that boost your metabolism is also a good place to start. From lean protein to cruciferous vegetables, these dishes can help speed up your metabolism and lose weight without rethinking what you’re putting into your body.
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Bruschetta chicken
Lean sources of protein like chicken can help boost your metabolism naturally as they force your body to use more energy to digest them. Paired with fresh tomatoes and a variety of delicious condiments, this light and tasty chicken recipe is perfect for spring and summer nights when you want to break out the grill and create a bruschetta-inspired dish without 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 and skinless chicken breast, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, Roma tomatoes, red onions, garlic, basil, parmesan, balsamic glaze
Full recipe
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Tex-Mex Quinoa Protein Packaged Salad
Another high-protein dish, this colorful and healthy salad is the perfect midweek dinner 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. With healthy fats, plenty of protein, and lots of carbohydrates, this dish is the ideal blend of macronutrients needed 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, coriander, lime, olive oil, salt, pepper, cumin, cayenne pepper
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Red lentil curry
Lentils are filled with fiber and protein that can help increase fat burning and thus boost your metabolism for weight loss. Ready to serve in just 45 minutes, this herbal curry recipe is full of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy and sustainable weight loss. Loaded with turmeric, which is known to cut inflammation and gas, this recipe is the perfect addition to your weekly lineup for an overall healthier approach to eating. Cayenne pepper is also known to boost your metabolism!
ingredients: Avocado oil, onion, garlic, ginger, jalapeno, paprika, cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper, sea salt, black pepper, dried red lentils, tomato cubes, water, high-fat coconut milk, lime juice, coriander
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Baked chicken with Brussels sprouts
Both cruciferous vegetables and lean protein have been shown to speed up your metabolism. So if you include them together in this meal, you can easily burn fat during dinner. Brussels sprouts provide a range of vitamins and minerals for your meal while increasing fat burning, and protein in the baked chicken increases satiety, leaving you feeling full and less inclined to overeat throughout the day, resulting in effortless weight loss .
ingredients: Chicken thighs, parsley, garlic, Dijon mustard, onion powder, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, pepper, bacon, Brussels sprouts
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