Are There Certain Foods that Will Boost My Metabolism?
By Kelly Thelen | Published on September 7, 2010 | 0 Comments
To someone struggling with obesity, the idea of a fat-burning super food is impossible to resist. Are there certain foods that can boost your metabolism? Unfortunately, according to Kelly Thelen, MSN, of Lincoln, NE weight loss clinic Healthy Essentials, probably not. The connection between food and weight loss, she says, is a complex one, and it’s not as simple as some weight loss programs would make it seem. She explains.
Food and Metabolism
The relationship between food and metabolism, Thelen says, is not as straightforward as many people think. While it may seem that weight gain and weight loss ought to be simply a matter of “calories in vs. calories out,” there’s much more to it than that.
Certainly, she says, there are people for whom restricting calories will result in rapid, sustainable weight loss. There are others, however, who have tried nearly every imaginable weight loss program only to see disappointing results and the eventual return of every pound lost, plus more.
Often, Thelen says, a hormone imbalance is to blame for a patient’s inability to lose weight. While hormone supplementation is an option in these cases, she says, choosing the right foods is also extremely important. “Beyond calories,” she says, “the foods you choose can affect you in profound ways. Many of the foods we eat contain synthetic hormones and chemicals that can impact our bodies’ ability to self-regulate.” This, she says, can contribute to weight gain or an inability to lose weight.
The Benefits of Whole Foods
“Regardless of the weight loss or weight management program you’re on,” Thelen says, “I believe it’s extremely important to choose whole, organic foods.” The reasons, she says, are many. Most importantly, these foods do not contain the synthetic hormones and chemicals that can alter your body’s metabolism. Thelen recommends choosing range-fed, organic meats and pesticide-free produce. When selecting vegetables, she says, choose fresh or frozen over canned, as the excess sodium in canned products can affect weight loss.
Healthy Eating for Weight Loss
Calorie-counting alone, Thelen says, is a flawed approach to weight loss. The most effective weight loss and maintenance can be achieved by ensuring that you eat a healthy, balanced diet every day. Choosing healthy foods will do more than just reduce your calorie intake. It will give you more energy to get outdoors and get physically active, it will help your body to regulate its own hormone levels, and it will make you less prone to the mood swings and depression that can sabotage weight loss efforts. “I always tell people that, sure, you can choose a candy bar to meet your calorie limit, but what good does that do your body in the long run? You’ll feel good for five minutes, and then much worse afterward. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Do “Super Foods” Really Exist?
In Thelen’s opinion, there is no such thing as a “super food.” There are, however, some foods that are real powerhouses in the nutrition department. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, Thelen says, are as close to “super” as foods can get. When it comes to carbs, she says, choose whole grain breads and pastas over those made with white flour. And avoid sweets to prevent energy spikes which can certainly slow metabolism.
*Disclaimer: The information on this website is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.