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You often hear about the word “Metabolism,” but do you know what its role is and how it affects your fitness journey.” First, let me tell you what metabolism is? Metabolism is a process in which your body converts whatever you eat or drink into energy. At a young age, our metabolic rate is high, and it is easy for our body to process any food, and it also prevents us from gaining weight. But by the time we reach the age of 30-40, our metabolism starts slowing down. So it becomes essential to add foods to your diet that will help in increasing your metabolism. This article will share 31 vegetarian foods to increase your metabolism. These are all the food items that are readily available in our kitchen. And most of us are already using it but are not aware of how beneficial it is.

Few Tips To Increase Your Metabolism

1. Try to include plenty of protein (1) in every meal. Eating protein helps boost your metabolism, and it keeps you full for a long.
2. Keep Yourself hydrated. Drinking plenty of water between your meals keeps you full and also increases your metabolism.
3. Don’t sit for too long. Sitting for too long can slow down your metabolism and you will end up losing fewer calories and resulting will be weight gain and fatigue.
4. If you are not taking proper sleep, it will have a major impact on your health. Not taking an adequate amount of sleep can increase the risk of obesity. As it has a negative effect on your metabolism.
5. Follow a consistent eating routine. Try to eat at a regular interval. It may help in maintaining a good metabolic rate.

31 vegetarian foods to boost your metabolism.

1. Almonds to increase your metabolism

Almonds are not only delicious but also one of the best food to give you long-lasting energy (2). If you take almonds in moderation, it will help in losing weight. It contains healthy fats and proteins. It can improve your metabolism and give you a kickstart. Always choose raw almonds or roasted ones. Never buy one which is fried as it can give you adverse effects. Add almonds in your breakfast cereal or yogurt, or salad, the way you prefer.

2. Blueberries to improve your metabolism

Blueberries contain minerals, anti-oxidants, and a rich vitamin C source. In addition, the anti-oxidant catechins present in blueberry can increase your metabolism (3), which may help you burn more calories. It will also boost your energy, and we are also aware of how healthy is vitamin c for our health.

3. Legumes to improve your metabolism

Legumes are an excellent source of protein. The amount of protein present in legumes makes it one of the best vegetarian food to increase your metabolism. It may also help prevent the glucose spike and provide you with good energy to burn more calories and stay fit.

4. Dark chocolate to boost your metabolism

Dark chocolates increase your body’s ability to burn fat by increasing your metabolism. It also satisfies your sweet cravings when you are on your fitness journey. When choosing dark chocolate, one thing to consider is that always choose bitter that contains more than 70% of cocoa to rip the maximum benefits

5. Chia Seeds to improve your metabolism

Chia seeds contain zinc, Calcium, Iron, phosphorus, Vitamin C, and various other nutrients. It will not only increase your metabolism, but due to its high fiber content, it also helps improve your digestive health. If you are trying to lose weight, your digestion must be good. You can consume chia seeds in various ways. For example, you can have chia seeds with your breakfast smoothies or with curd, or you can also have it alone.

6. Cinnamon to increase your metabolism

We all know that a pinch of cinnamon adds a nice flavor to your food and desserts. But it has also gained popularity as a weight-loss agent, and it also increases your metabolism (4) and regulates your insulin levels. It is also helpful in reducing your blood pressure.

7. Apple Cider Vinegar to boost your metabolism

Apple cider vinegar is one of the best morning drinks that help increase your metabolism. It maintains the internal pH level in your body, reduces the BMI (5), and lowers the serum triglycerides level in your body. Mix half a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it empty stomach every morning after you wake up.

8. Ginger to increase your metabolism

There are some researches (6)that show the presence of zingerone and shogaols in ginger may help in weight loss. You can use it raw or also use it in dried ginger powder. Apart from weight loss, it is also beneficial for many other health issues. As ginger has medicinal properties, and it includes anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. So it is anyway healthy from the health point of view to add ginger to your diet.

9. Green Tea to boost your metabolism

Green tea contains the most flavonoids among all the other four teas. And it also goes the least oxidization and hence the most beneficial for health. If you add just one cup of green tea to your diet, it will increase your metabolism. If you follow a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and a cup of green tea, it can also help you in reducing your abdominal fat.

10. Lentils to increase your metabolism

Lentils are plant-based proteins. They are one of the best vegetarian food to increase your metabolism. Lentils are loaded with minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibers. Due to their protein content, they keep you full unit your next meal—dietary fiber help to improve your gut health. If your gut health is fine and your digestion improves, your metabolism will naturally increase.

11. Oats to boost your metabolism

Oats are high in fiber content and are also a rich source of magnesium. It also helps lower your cholesterol level. It also regulates your blood sugar and assists in maintaining the insulin level. If you consider adding oats to your breakfast, it will kick your metabolism and keep you full for longer hours. It is nice to take plain rolled oats to avoid any flavored or one with sugar content.

12. Yogurt to increase your metabolism

Yogurt is a good source of gut bacteria that aids in digestion. It will help in suppressing your appetite and also control your hunger pranks. Yogurt also helps regulate your blood sugar level and gives your metabolism (7) a nice boost. But always consider whole-fat yogurt when choosing one as low-fat yogurt does not contain as many nutrients as whole-fat yogurt. It can also make you feel hungry soon compared to whole-fat yogurt.

13. Leafy green vegetables to boost your metabolism

Leafy green consumption is an excellent way for people to boost their metabolism. The leafy greens in question include kale and spinach, and they are rich in phytonutrients, antioxidants, and fiber.
These nutrients make leafy greens a potent weight loss tool to combat obesity. Kale and spinach also increase the amount of energy you get from food, which causes your body to burn more calories when you consume them.

14. Water to increase your metabolism

We all know the importance of water for the human body, and it’s also an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. It can increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories, but we need to know how much water is necessary for this to happen.
The right amount of water will depend on your body weight, your level of activity, and the weather. In general, women should drink about 9 cups or 2 liters per day, while men should consume between 13-17 cups or 3-4 liters per day.

15. Chiili to boost your metabolism

Pepper, a member of the Capsicum family, has been used as a spice and food preservative for millennia. The active components of pepper include capsaicin, which is present in the seed pods, and piperine. This is an easily available vegetarian food to increase your metabolism.
Pepper helps digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes and stomach acid. It is important because our diet contributes to about 70% of our body’s ability to produce these substances. Pepper also provides dietary fiber and antioxidant compounds that help us maintain regular bowel movements. And if your gut health is fine, it will automatically affect your metabolism and make your weight loss journey fast.

16. Coffee to boost your metabolism

Coffee has been a beverage of choice for many people. In addition to being a drink that can satisfy your taste bud, coffee also has some health benefits.
Some of the main benefits of coffee include boosting energy, raising metabolism rates and brain function, increasing adrenaline levels which can help with weight loss, and providing anti-inflammatory properties.

17. Clarified Butter to increase your metabolism

Ghee is an Indian clarified butter healthier than butter(8) because it is made without any lactose, milk solids, or water.

Butter contains 5g of saturated fat per tablespoon, while ghee has 4g. Ghee also contains conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid known for its weight-loss benefits.

Ghee may help increase metabolism and promote weight loss due to its high concentration of CLA.

18. Fenugreek Seeds to increase your metabolism

Fenugreek is a spice that has been used in cooking and medicine for centuries. It is a natural way to increase your metabolism, which can help you lose weight faster. In addition, it contains high levels of fiber and protein so it will keep you full longer.

19. Citrus Fruit to increase your metabolism

Citrus fruits are a type of fruit that you can eat to increase your metabolism. Eating fruit increases the metabolic rate, which helps you lose weight. Citrus fruits can also help you avoid overeating sugar by substituting unhealthy foods for healthier options.
One study suggests that if you eat grapefruit before each meal, you lose more weight than those who didn’t eat any grapefruits at all. This is because citrus fruits are healthier than other sugary snacks and drinks, and they taste great!

20. Coconut Oil to boost your metabolism

Coconut oil is one of the most used oils in all households throughout the world. We use it in cooking, hair care, skincare, and making lotions. Coconut oil has many benefits that are scientifically proven and backed up by anecdotal evidence.
It is an excellent source of medium-chain fatty acids, which help with the burning of fat and increasing metabolism.
Medium-chain triglycerides such as those found in coconut oil stimulate the body to burn more fat and increase metabolism.

21. Avocadoes to increase your metabolism

Avocados play a big role in boosting your metabolism. This is because they are rich in healthy fats and have higher potassium than bananas.
Avocadoes increase the rate at which our body burns fat and, in some cases, can help someone lose weight. The high-level calorie content, healthy fat content, and high fiber content in avocadoes help keep you full until your next meal.
Avocadoes are a perfect addition to your diet to increase your metabolism. They contain many nutrients that the body needs, and they help boost our energy levels.

22. Tofu to increase your metabolism

Tofu is an excellent way to stimulate your metabolism and ensure that you are getting all the nutrients you need.
You should consider adding tofu to your diet to increase your metabolism. Tofu is a high-quality protein, and it also contains iron, calcium, and magnesium. It is treated as a low-calorie food because it contains around 33 calories per 4 ounces. In addition, it is rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
Tofu has been researched for its ability to stimulate metabolism. However, many other factors can determine your metabolic rates, such as your height and weight, muscle mass, the amount of exercise you do, and your general lifestyle.

23. Flax seeds to increase your metabolism

Flax seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids essential for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels. In addition, eating flax seeds will help with your weight loss goals.
This is because it helps decrease the amount of fat stored in your body, boosts energy, and improves immune function. Flax seeds can also help with diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels.

24. Broccoli to increase your metabolism

Broccoli is an excellent food for your metabolism because it contains a compound called sulforaphane, significantly increasing your metabolic rate(9). Broccoli also has a chemical that removes fat from the liver and improves insulin sensitivity. Together, these aspects help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent heart disease and diabetes.

25. Cucumber to increase your metabolism

Cucumbers are rich in minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants that are good for your digestive system, including fiber. If you are looking for an easy food option that will help your metabolism, then adding cucumber to your diet is a good choice. Cucumbers are also fat-free, cholesterol-free, low-calorie treats that you can eat as often as you want. It is one of the best and most easily available vegetarian food to increase your metabolism.

26. Peanut Butter to boost your metabolism

The easy and delicious way to increase your metabolism is peanut butter. The protein content of peanut butter releases energy slowly throughout the day, helping you maintain a healthy weight. Peanut butter also contains magnesium and vitamin E, essential for maintaining a healthy metabolism. One study showed that participants who snacked on two tablespoons of the nutty stuff had a measurable uptick in their resting metabolic rate. In addition, the research found that the more peanut butter they consumed, the more calories they burned. Of course, this all boils down to controlled energy consumption. And for those who are worried about weight gain, fear not! Peanut butter is also good to reduce abdominal fat linked to cardiovascular disease.

27. Tomatoes to improve your metabolism

Tomatoes are an excellent way to increase your metabolism. Tomatoes are rich in carotenoids, which are responsible for the red, yellow, and green colors of fruits and vegetables. These chemicals can help with burning fat more efficiently. In addition, tomato-based foods like tomato sauce, tomato soup, and even ketchup stimulate the liver’s bile production. Bile is what breaks down fats so that they’re able to move through your digestive system more easily.

28. Garlic to increase your metabolism

Garlic can help increase your metabolism in a few different ways. For one, it contains allicin which is the compound that gives garlic its distinctive smell. Allicin has been known to reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics, reduce clotting in the veins, and also help improve cholesterol levels. Since garlic also contains antioxidants, it may also prevent certain types of cancer(10); it can help fight cancer cells in the body after diagnosis.

29. Black Pepper to increase your metabolism

Black pepper can help increase your metabolism. It contains a compound called piperine, an effective weight-loss aid. It will not only keep you full for longer, but you might also burn more calories. The other benefits are that black pepper is low in calories, high in nutrients, and offers various health benefits.t will also improve your digestion and help you reduce weight.

30. Quinoa is a nice vegetarian food to increase your metabolism

Quinoa is a rich source of protein, fiber, and other nutrients. It is also gluten-free. It can help people to lose weight or maintain their weight. Quinoa also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with conditions like arthritis. Quinoa is a non-grain, high-protein food that is gluten-free. Due to its high nutrient contents, it makes for an excellent diet ingredient. Quinoa is a versatile, healthy grain that can be used with more common grains like rice or pasta. It’s packed with iron, fiber, and the amino acid lysine, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. You can replace your rice or oats with quinoa.

31. Apple to increase your metabolism

Apple is a great way to increase your metabolism because it contains ingredients that help to boost the activity of your digestive system. These ingredients include fiber, which helps to move food through your system quickly, and soluble fibers, which help to decrease the amount of cholesterol in your blood. Additionally, apple is high in antioxidants and vitamin C and has anti-inflammatory properties. As a result, apples can help you lose weight and maintain your physique by reducing inflammation throughout your body.

Slow metabolism is usually caused by overeating, inactivity, stress, lack of sleep, and chronic diseases like diabetes or hypothyroidism. It can also result from eating too many processed foods high in saturated fat and sugar. One thing you can do to improve your metabolism is to eat enough protein because it’s the building block for muscle production. You should also include healthy fats in your diet because they will help boost your metabolism differently from other food types. So maintain a healthy and balanced diet to stay fit and healthy.