Does anyone know what specific foods, kinds of veggies, etc. increase your metabolism. Within the past two years I have been gaining weight and I am a 28 yr old mom with 1 child. I do know that stress is part of the weight gain, but what specific foods could be best to increase my metabolism and energy. I do not eat many fast foods, but I do often eat chicken, beef, or pork with veggies and salads for dinner. So that's why I don't understand why I cannot drop the pounds, does anyone have any advice????

Angel 79

Chicago IL 

 First of all, the best thing to do is make sure you are drinking enough water and limit the carbonated and caffeinated beverages (like soda and coffee).  Even fruit juices can have a lot of processed sugar in them which can easily be stored as unwanted fat - instead opt for fresh juice (especially if you have a juicer or blender) or organic juices without processed sugar in it (like High-fructose corn syrup).  Second, go for foods and veggies with a little bit of kick to them.  Chilis contain capsaicin which gives your metabolism a natural boost.  Finally, eat foods that are naturally high in fiber, like green beans, so that you can feel more satisfied. (Also, remember to go light on dressing or just use lemon juice, and depending on how you prepare your meat, how much you eat, and the cut, that can contribute to weight gain as well... fish is always a great option).

These are just some ideas off the top of my head... hope it helps.

Angel79,

I can empathize with your situation.  At 37 and after 18 months of wanting to go from 160 (with my 5'4" frame) down to a healthier weight I tried Jazzersice, running on my treadmill at home and even Nutrisystem!  I didn't loose ONE pound!  (Can I interject that Nutrisystem was the most awesome plan - GREAT food and very convenient!)

Then my husband introduced me to P90X.  While this is an expensive ($160 investment broken down into three monthly payments) in-home, all encompassing fitness plan, the weight began to literally fall off!  This is a weight training program and within the first thirty days I lost ten pounds - 90 days later I still have kept it off.  The meal plan that comes with it, though is a great suggested answer to your question.  Protein kicks I don't do, but this has proven successful for me - even at my age. 

while this sounds like an infomercial, the best negative calorie food is celery, that's because it take more energy for your body to process it than the calories in the celery.  Strawberries are also another good food choice to boost metabolism.  Visiting sites like CalorieKing.com can help you determine how and what you are actually eating.  A side note: make sure that you are regularly visiting your doctor, my other problem was a sluggish thyroid, which probably also was a huge deterent to my weight loss - as well as other medications - check it all out and find something to keep you motivated!

Hi Angel,
Just adding a little muscle will begin to boost your metabolism.  Start walking, your child will love it!  If you work,  now that we are starting to get some decent temperatures walk on your lunch, I am sure you will get some one to join you.
It is little steps like these that will help.  I lost 120 lbs, it didn't go on over night and it didn't come off over night. But the most important thing is I have kept it off for 6 years.
Now the hard stuff.  You have to be doing this for yourself, you have to want this to work.  Just make lifestyle changes do not think of this as a diet or you will drive yourself crazy!  You have to begin to eat a healthy diet and live a healthy lifstyle for your family as well as yourself.  You have to keep yourself healthey in order to keep your family healthy.  This is going to be the example your child grows up with.
Good luck.
Mittens, Palatine Il.

I have tried adding hot sauce to my foods, cutting back on portions of meat and eating more veggies and fruits, also cutting out starches.....period...not easy for me cuz i love bread but I lost 40 lbs in 3months..goodluck!!!!!

For Angel79 and anyone else out there looking to boost their metabolism, please take the time to sit down and assess your life. I went from 250 lbs. to 145 lbs. after my divorce because I learned how to take care of myself. I have two children and taking care of me is one of the best things I could have done for them. I started by setting a bedtime for myself and sticking to it. You wouldn't believe the difference 8 hours of sleep can make in your outlook! Then I revamped my bedroom to make it a haven for myself and my children (they like to snuggle there). My bedroom went from a home office to nothing but my bed, dresser and vanity. My bedroom has no TV, no papers, no work, just the things I need to be comfortable and to unwind. It's peaceful. Then I made it a priority to walk with my kids every day. Soon we went from walking to running. My daughters and I now compete in 5Ks and 10Ks. While I've never taken first place in a race, my oldest daughter has placed twice, and we always have a good time. Limit the time you spend on the computer, the TV, and on doing work at home stuff. Your home should be your refuge, not simply another place for you to work. If you need to, join a support group for moms. There are a lot out there. I also changed my eating habits. I became a mom who avoided fast food joints like the plague and now I have two daughters who love to help me cook. They're 10 and 13 and they love to peel, chop and even cook the meals with me. Hang in there. It's a matter of taking back your life from the stress and chaos ... you can do this!

Hi Angel79,  Wow, lot's of well thought out and caring advice.  I myself will take all to heart, thank you!  I have a few thoughts as well.  First of all, has a doctor told you to lose weight? Or do YOU think you need to lose weight.  Many times, we want so hard to please our other halves, our families and yes, even friends.  Unfortunately, this is also what we see on TV, in movies, and in magazines.  The reality is 115 lbs. is not healthy for everyone!  Sometimes 130 lbs. is what not only is healthy for you, but what looks best on you.  If indeed, you were advised by your doc to "lose a few", here's what I do.  I eat 5 small healthy meals a day.  I do not eat a lot of sweets.  I can have them, but I don't include it it with every meal.  I do not snack.  If I'm hungry, instead of snacking, I have a small meal, consisting of a salad, veggies and a little protein.  I stay away from carbs, but do learn which are 'good' carbs and what are 'bad' carbs.  My body becomes used to having to metabolizing what I eat 5 times, so it learns to pick up the pace, so to speak.

The most important thing for me, is that I never "diet".  That is a bad word for me and many other women and men.  For some of us, it gives us permission to punish ourselves by making us always hungry and depriving us of foods we love.  It is a way of life and lifestyle not a punishment for gaining weight.  Sounds alot gentler and kinder don't you think? Remember, you care about yourself. Isn't that why you want to lose weight or need to lose weight. Be nice to yourself.  I hope that this help anyone who reads this.  It's not about 'dieting', nor punishing yourself for being 'bad', or even about losing weight for anyone but yourself, because you care about yourself.  Good luck!

chicagosinger