As you get older, you may notice that the way your body processes fat has changed; this is partially due to the fact that your metabolism also changes as you get older. There are ways for you to naturally boost your metabolism, simply by adding foods to your diet and changing your eating habits. Metabolism-boosting foods are good for you and easy to incorporate into your diet. Some come in supplement form, and some can be found in your cereal, beverages and daily meals.

Green Tea

Green tea helps increase your energy and therefore the metabolism in the body. This is done primarily by catechin polyphenols, chemical components that increase levels of fat oxidation in the body and help it to burn fat faster. Catechins also prevent fat from being absorbed as quickly in the body and regulate blood sugar levels after you eat. When you eat a meal, insulin levels typically experience a drastic increase, and this increase leads to the storage of fat. A final benefit of green tea is that it suppresses appetite, making you less likely to want to snack, an attribute that certainly doesn't hurt your weight loss efforts. Drink a cup of green tea in the morning instead of coffee, and even midday when you are feeling sleepy. If you are not a fan of green tea, take supplements instead. Take a green tea capsule each day when you take the rest of your vitamins for a surplus of health benefits.

Hot Peppers

If you are a fan of spicy foods, eat plenty of cayenne and jalapeno peppers. These spicy peppers contain a chemical called capsaicin, which leads to an increased level of hormones in the body. These hormones will speed up your metabolism, helping you burn calories more quickly. Another often unrecognized benefit of hot peppers is that they force you to drink more water, and water is an excellent weight loss tool because it flushes out your system and dilutes the calories you eat, helping your body break them down faster. Add jalapenos or chili peppers to your chili and to your mixed veggies, and grind them up to use in your sauces. Not only will you add extra flavor, but you'll be doing your body a favor as well.

Fiber

Fiber, often found in oats and grains, is a heart-healthy tool that also helps to boost metabolism. Fiber not only keeps you feeling full longer, but it is more difficult for your body to digest. Fiber is not water soluble, and therefore stays in your digestive system longer than most foods. The body has to work extra to digest it, and therefore burns more calories in the process. Eat a serving of steel cut oats every day for breakfast, and you will experience increased metabolism. However, be sure to eat steel cut oats as opposed to instant oats, as these are healthier and contain more nutrients than the processed instant kind.

Source:

Fitness Tips For Life: 10 Foods to Raise Your Metabolism