Registered dietitian Amy Goodson says there are a few rules to keep in mind to maintain a normal metabolism. Harvard Health emphasizes that the faster a person’s metabolic rate, the faster their body burns calories at rest and gets more energy.
Goodson recommends eating small meals throughout the day. It is also beneficial to have occasional snacks with foods that support a normal metabolism. That is, foods rich in protein and fiber.
That’s right, according to Lisa R. Young, a registered dietitian and world-renowned nutritionist, you only need one or two snacks a day. And each should contain less than 200 kilocalories. If you snack more often, you can gain weight.
Here are some snack foods to watch out for.
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Cheese and crackers. Cheese, for example, contains a lot of protein and will help you last until dinner (as it takes a long time to digest). Amy Goodson states that everyone should have a snack between lunch and dinner. This will help maintain the necessary energy level and will not feel too hungry in the evening.
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Whole grain bar and poached egg. This combination is different in that it contains a large amount of protein and fiber. The protein in eggs fills you with energy, and the dietary fiber in the bar helps the body absorb carbohydrates more slowly. In this way, the body will burn calories and get energy for a longer time.
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Banana and beef jerky. Beef jerky is high in protein, which takes longer to break down than fats and carbohydrates. Banana, on the other hand, contains fiber and potassium, allowing you to speed up your metabolism. Some studies say that people who eat a lot of fiber have a lower body weight. Potassium will be converted into energy after it is consumed.
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Yogurt with fruit and nuts. According to Young, it’s the perfect combination of protein, fat, and fiber. Greek yogurt is high in protein, and scientific research shows that you can burn more calories when consumed in large amounts per day. Nuts and fruits are foods high in healthy fats and fiber.
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Apple with Peanut Butter. Peanut butter contains proteins and healthy fats that will keep you feeling full for longer and help prevent your metabolism from slowing down. Apples also contain a lot of fiber, which maintains normal carbohydrate metabolism in the body. Additionally, scientists have found that apples increase the body’s ability to convert fat into energy.
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Hummus and fresh vegetables. In a study published in the journal Nutrients, experts note that hummus is high in protein, fiber and healthy fats. Additionally, scientists have found that hummus can improve glucose metabolism (that is, convert glucose into energy). When you combine hummus with vegetables (including broccoli and bell peppers), you’ve got a mix of complex carbohydrates (considered healthier), fiber, protein, and healthy fats. This will allow the body to take in more energy and burn more calories.
News cannot be equated with a doctor’s prescription. Consult an expert before making a decision.
Source: Ferra
