To Slim and Lose Weight

The key to slim and lose weight is to speed up the metabolic system. In addition to sports, some proper nutrition can help speed up your metabolism.

The main thing that causes rapid or slow weight gain is the metabolic system and the process of burning calories. The higher the metabolism, the food is digested faster and burn more calories, so it does not cause fat deposits in the body.

Metabolism is the process of the body that convert food and beverages consumed into energy. During a complex biochemical process, calories in foods and beverages that are combined with oxygen to release energy needed for bodily functions.

Here are some nutrients that can help accelerate the body's metabolic system, as reported by Lifemojo, Wednesday (04/13/2011):

1. Green tea

Green tea contains a powerful antioxidant flavonoids, which help protect against heart disease, stroke and cancer. A study conducted at the University of Geneva found that green tea contains catechin polyphenols, are plant chemicals that can increase metabolism as much as 4 percent.

2. Almond

Almonds contain essential fatty acids and fiber, which not only increases metabolism but also satisfy the appetite and curb the desire to overeat, thus helping weight loss.

3. Eggs

All protein foods help in increasing metabolic rate. Eggs are one of the best protein foods that help increase metabolism. However, it should be noted that the egg yolks are high in fat so need to consider to eat egg whites only. Albumin in egg white helps to build lean body mass also helps burn fat.

4. Lemon

Lemons are high in vitamin C, act as antioxidants in the body. Lemon is believed to be a powerful cleanser for the liver. Liver is responsible for processing fat and supports the digestive system. This goes a long way to increase metabolic activity.

5. Spinach

Spinach is very popular with iron, potassium and magnesium. Spinach is also considered to have good antioxidant properties, which not only helps in removing the free radicals produced in the body, but also help in repairing damaged muscle tissue. Spinach is rich in fiber can also improve metabolism and assist in the process of weight loss.

6. Caffeine

"A glass of caffeinated beverages such as tea and coffee can increase basal metabolic rate of about 5 to 10 percent for two hours," said Dr Nicola Lowe, senior nutrition lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire, as reported by Dailymail.

According to him, caffeine as a stimulant to enhance nerve activity and make more body movements. Caffeine also change the use of fuel, so the body burn more fat for energy instead of glucose.

7. Cold water

A recent study conducted by a group of German researchers claim that if you consume cold water, metabolic rate increased to 24 percent after a period of 90 minutes.

8. Yogurt

Yogurt is prepared with probiotic cultures, which is healthy for the bacteria in the gut. This not only helps in better digestion, but also accelerate the body's metabolism. In addition, yogurt prepared using skim milk low-fat and good-quality protein. Thus, the yogurt is really beneficial to lose weight.

9. Whole Wheat

Whole wheat is the perfect source for complex carbohydrates and fiber, which helps increase metabolic rate. This, in turn, result in weight loss