| Often when the process of dieting is explained, it is | | | | Mexican food is another excellent choice, though as |
| done as a simple equation in which that which is put in | | | | fried ingredients feature heavily in many Mexican |
| equals that which is expended. In other words, food | | | | dishes, these should be avoided for a healthier meal. |
| eaten must equal energy spent. While this is mostly | | | | For snacks, consider buffalo wings with a spicy sauce, |
| true, there are ways to increase the efficiency of your | | | | though just as with Mexican food, avoid them if fried, |
| metabolism such that your body burns calories | | | | opting for baked wings instead. |
| naturally. One such way, surprisingly enough, is by | | | | Peppers are a great way to both liven up an |
| eating spicy foods. | | | | otherwise bland meal and increase your diet's |
| Your body's metabolic rate is related to its | | | | metabolic efficiency. There are many peppers to |
| temperature. If your body is running at a higher | | | | choose from, so you should experiment to find flavors |
| temperature and isn't being affected by, say, burns or | | | | which complement your favorite dishes. |
| sun exposure, then it is usually attaining that by burning | | | | If the idea of drowning every meal in spices doesn't |
| more calories and consuming more energy. Spices | | | | exactly fire you up, there are other foods that |
| increase body temperature, which in turn increases | | | | increase the efficiency of your metabolism to similar |
| your heart rate. Many are also thermogenic, meaning | | | | effect. Complex carbohydrates and proteins require |
| they stimulate bodily processes for burning fat. In fact, | | | | more energy to break down over longer periods. Such |
| many weight loss pills include cayenne and other chili | | | | foods include fruits, vegetables and whole grains, |
| peppers for just that reason. Capsaicin, the substance | | | | cooked correctly or not at all. Cooked foods should be |
| responsible for this effect, has been shown to boost | | | | prepared without oils, or with olive or canola oils when |
| metabolism by as much as 8% in meals in which it is | | | | they cannot be avoided. Oils contribute to the meal's |
| present in just one dish. Furthermore, evidence has | | | | fat content, as well as breaking the complex |
| shown that the presence of spices in food decreases | | | | carbohydrates into forms that are more easily |
| appetite. Expand your culinary horizons and improve | | | | metabolized. |
| your metabolism by exploring these spicy and healthy | | | | While spices represent an easy and quick way to |
| dish ideas. | | | | boost your metabolism, their presence should not be |
| Many Asian foods are both spicy and healthy. In | | | | used as an excuse to gorge or to otherwise eat |
| particular, Vietnamese and Thai dishes are based | | | | unhealthily. The thermogenic effects are only |
| heavily upon vegetables and leaner meats such as | | | | temporary, and a healthy body should return to its |
| chicken and fish. Both cultures also boast a rich array | | | | baseline temperature rather quickly. Even so, |
| of spices that are sure to liven up any dish while giving | | | | introducing new spices into your diet represents both a |
| your metabolism a thorough boost. Indian dishes range | | | | healthy choice and an opportunity to learn new and |
| from mild to intensely spicy while also being low in fats. | | | | exciting culinary skills. |