Do the Time Warp Diet Part 2: Top Metabolism Boosters

Ruth Tierney

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Beans
Beans are one of the richest sources of soluble fibre, which is key to good blood- sugar control. They also contain resistant starch (RS1) which helps you burn more fat, mostly from your tummy and hips. Have one to three servings a day.

Leeks
Leeks combine manganese, a blood-sugar stabiliser, with fibre, making them a great choice to keep fat-burning hormone levels high. Have at least one serve a day (garlic and onions are also good).

Berries
Berries contain flavonoids that stop fat cells from getting larger, and encourage them to release adiponectin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. Have at least one large handful every day.

Meat and eggs
Meat and eggs have amino acid L-arginine, which keeps a lid on appetite and reduces body fat. A good source of protein, which increases metabolism. Eat three to five serves weekly.

Dark green veg
Dark green veg like spinach, rocket and broccoli may help thyroid function, speeding metabolism. Eat two serves daily.

Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds “Research suggests people who eat nuts twice a week are less likely to gain weight than those who don’t,” says Jillian. Have one serve a day.

Organic dairy products
Organic dairy products contain conjugated linoleic acids (CLAs), which help drive fat out of fatty tissues where it can be burned up more easily. The high protein content also stimulates the appetite-suppressing hormone cholecystokinin (CCK). “The best dairy is yoghurt,” says Jillian. Have one or two serves a day of milk or live yoghurt.

Wholegrains
Wholegrains like oats and barley stimulate fat cells to release leptin. Aim for three to four serves a day of oats, quinoa, wholewheat pasta or bran.

Example menu

Breakfast: porridge, mixed berries, Greek yoghurt. One cup of coffee.
Lunch: wholewheat pasta salad with garlic, leeks, spinach and pine nuts.
Snack: yoghurt with crushed almonds.
Dinner: grilled salmon, quinoa and garlic salad, spinach, green beans. Glass red wine.