Foods that are high in complex carbohydrates and proteins increase metabolism. There is a simple reason for this. Complex carbohydrates and proteins need more energy to break down. As a result, the body burns more calories while digesting such food. The release of energy is also distributed evenly and over a long period making us feel fuller for a long time. On the other hands fats and sugar cause short bursts of energy, followed by periods of low energy during the urge to binge strikes again.

Fruits and vegetables contain complex carbohydrates. These are also high in fiber. They fall into what is called the “negative calorie” category of foods. Foods that take more calories to digest than it contains are called “negative calorie” foods.

Other foods that increase your metabolism are:

1. Grapefruit: Insulin triggers fat storage in the body. Grapefruit is high in Vitamin C, which reduces insulin levels in the body, thereby increasing metabolism. Besides, it also high in fiber and the body burns more calories to break it down.

2. Soups and salads: having soups and salads as your first course will make you feel fuller faster. Soup, being a combination of liquid and solid acts as a hunger suppressant

3. Green tea: Green tea is another food that increases your metabolism. It is a very good source of epigallocatechin gallate, also known as EGCG. The catechin speeds up your nervous system, boosting your metabolism. Green is also known for its cancer fighting properties and prevents heart disease.

4. Oatmeal: it not only fights cholesterol, but has fat soluble fiber that takes a long time to break down. It is also high in nutrients.

5. Low fat yoghurt: Dairy products, especially yoghurt are foods that increase your metabolism because they contain calcium which is weight loss friendly. Yoghurt is rich in both calcium and protein and contains bacteria good for your gut.

6. Hot peppers: Capsaicin, found in jalapenos and cayenne peppers, temporarily raises the body temperature and heart rate. They also reduce stress hormones which in turn raise metabolism.

7. Lean protein: Lean chicken and turkey builds lean muscle tissue which in turn boosts metabolism.

8. Apples and pears: Apples and pears are low in calorie but high in fiber. As the body must burn more calories to break down high-fiber foods, these fruits increase your metabolism.

9. Spinach: not only does spinach boost your metabolism, it is also a good source of iron, Vitamin C, magnesium and potassium.

10. Broccoli: Calcium and Vitamin C are the team of nutrients that make broccoli a highly effective metabolic booster. Calcium triggers metabolism in the body, while vitamin helps the body absorb more calcium.

In addition to all these, if you wish you boost your metabolic rate, you must drink a lot of water. Water suppresses the appetite naturally and flushes out toxins from the body. Many people also mistake thirst for hunger and binge unnecessarily. It is a good Idea to start your day with a glass of water and keep drinking throughout the day.