Your metabolism is a major factor in how easy it is for you to lose weight. And while your metabolic rate is partly determined by a few things out of your control (such as your age, genetics, and hormones), you can work to keep it as fast as possible by maintaining a healthy diet filled with protein-packed, nutrient-dense foods. Some of the best foods for the job are known as superfoods; these are foods that are particularly beneficial to your overall health thanks to their high nutritional value, and many of them can do wonders for your weight loss goals. In fact, there’s one superfood that experts say should definitely be a part of your daily diet if you want to shed pounds at a healthy rate: legumes.
To learn more about this metabolism-boosting food and all of its other health benefits, we spoke to nutritionist Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. She gave us a rundown on all things legumes. Find all of her expert insight below!
Legumes
If you're not already on the legume train, it's time to get on board! Richards tells us these nutrient-dense foods, which include beans, peas, and lentils, are some of the best things you can put on your plate every day if you're looking to boost your metabolism. "They are considered superfoods
because of their protein content, fiber, and rich minerals," she says.
First of all, the fiber in legumes can work wonders on your metabolism when you make them a regular part of your diet. That's because, as Richards notes, "The fiber requires the body to work harder to break it down and digest the legumes themselves." And the harder your body works to digest your food, the stronger your metabolism will become. "This means the body is burning more calories just in the digestion process alone," she explains.
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But it isn't just the fact that these high-fiber foods can promote a healthy metabolism that makes them an excellent choice for weight loss. Richards tells us that they're also packed with nutrients, and they're considered lean proteins, which means they're able to nourish your body without packing in fat and excessive calories.
Plus, legumes are also a filling food that will keep you satiated throughout the day. "The protein and fiber will keep you feeling full for longer, which will cut down on overeating on calories and snacking," she points out. That's a perfect weight loss food if we've ever heard of one!
Luckily, there are so many ways to incorporate legumes into your daily diet. You can throw some beans into a grain bowl, add peas to stir fry, make a lentil soup, or even use lentils as a plant-based alternative to meats like ground beef in a number of recipes. No matter how you enjoy them, you'll definitely want to put them on your next grocery list—and all the ones after that, too!
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