10 Metabolism-Boosting Foods to Aid Weight Loss

September is National Childhood Obesity Awareness month. This awareness month allows families to take a deeper dive into the cause of childhood obesity and what can be done to prevent it. Children who endure obesity and a young age tend to continue the same eating patterns which could lead to adverse health effects as the child grows into adulthood and into their later years.

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Childhood obesity can lead to various amount of medical problems, such as type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, liver and heart disease, and even orthopedic problems.

Some risk factors that come into play that could have an effect on a child’s weight include their diet, exercise (or lack thereof), family history, psychological factors and socioeconomic factors.

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If a child’s diet consists of high-calories meals, extremely sugary snacks and drinks with little to no exercise, this could lead to a rapid increase in weight. Family history is a huge determining factor of your health as you are genetically predisposed to certain conditions based on your lineage. Psychological factors come into play when a child is wanting to consume food to deal with problems, cope with emotions, and even out of boredom. It’s important to teach our children that the food we can has a serious impact on what and how we feel. Lastly, most children suffer from obesity due to socioeconomic factors, such as food insecurity. Limited resources in a child’s household could cause them to suffer from food insecurity. Not knowing where your next meal come from could entice you to eat as much as you can everytime the opportunity presents itself. As we approach back to school season, our RNBPhilly staff has curated a list metabolism boosting foods that you can pack your child for lunch to combat childhood obesity.

Check out 10 healthy options that help boost metabolism below!

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1. Salmon

Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The human body burns more calories digesting protein than fat and carbs

2. Grilled Chicken

Grilled chicken is a lean meat that takes more energy for your body to break down, burning more calories during the digestive process.

3. Broccoli

Broccoli is known for its high water and fiber content, a great combination to help you feel full.

4. Kidney Beans

Not a fan favorite, but they include high-protein! 

5. Chili Peppers

Chili peppers contain the chemical capsaicin. Capsaicin increases your body’s internal temperature which temporarily helps you burn more calories. Even though this might boost your metabolism, eating more of these won’t significantly help your weight loss.

6. Oatmeal

Oatmeal is full of fiber that will help you last through the morning without hunger.

7. Berries

Blueberries and Strawberries are low in calories and high in fiber. Fiber promotes overall weight loss by reducing your appetite.

8. Almonds

Almonds contain lots of healthy fats, fiber and protein, which helps curbs hunger.

9. Almond Milks

Almond milk helps you lower LDL cholesterol and manage weight while providing antioxidant protection through vitamin E.

10. Water

Water carries nutrients and oxygen to cells. Lubricates joints. Lessens burden on the kidneys and liver by flushing out waste products.