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Vegetables are one of the best foods to include in any diet whether or not you’re trying to lose weight. They’re packed with vitamins and minerals which help to bolster both your immune system and the overall function of your body, and are effective in keeping you full after eating, allowing you to limit overconsumption. However, some vegetables are even healthier for you than others, particularly in giving your metabolism a boost and stoking fat burn for easy weight loss. In order to make the most out of your weekly menu, these are the four vegetables you should be consuming regularly to increase your metabolism and feel great in your body.
Leafy Greens
The old adage saying to eat your greens stands true when it comes to nutrition, and leafy green vegetables are some of the best to include in your diet to reap the most benefits. Medical News Today explains, “Spinach, kale, and other leafy green vegetables may boost metabolism thanks to their iron content. Iron is an essential mineral for metabolism, growth, and development.” Not only do greens make great bases for salads, but roasting kale for some homemade chips can be a great way to consume veggies without feeling deprived of flavor.
Hot Peppers
Spicy foods have been known to provide a natural metabolism boost, so adding cayenne peppers into your diet may make a noticeable difference for weight loss. Holistic nutritionist Elissa Goodman tells Byrdie, “Chili peppers are particularly impressive. They contain the bioactive ‘capsaicin’, which has the power to activate the immune system against cancer cells.” This can help to rev up your metabolism and burn fat, leading to weight loss with ease.
Asparagus
Low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, asparagus is a great addition to any plate for an easy metabolism boost. According to Self, “For a whole cup cooked, asparagus is just 30 calories, but has as much as 73 percent of your recommended daily value of vitamin C, 180 percent of your vitamin K and 61 percent of your folate," says Lisa Moskovitz, RD, founder of New York Nutrition Group. “Among many other things, Vitamin C has been linked to boosting fat-burning especially when combined with regular exercise.” Additionally, asparagus is loaded with fiber, keeping you full for longer while improving your digestion.
Broccoli
Loaded with fiber, broccoli is great for both keeping you full and maximizing your metabolism so that you can burn fat more effectively. Medical News Today reports that broccoli is rich in glucoraphanin. “Glucoraphanin helps to “retune” metabolism, lower blood fat levels, and reduce the risk of many age-related diseases. Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables may also prevent or slow down several forms of cancer.” Eat it raw in your salad, roast it in the oven for some crunch, or boil broccoli with a side of pasta to lose weight with ease and still enjoy the great taste of this cruciferous veggie.
