FOODS TO FIRE UP THE METABOLISM

February is SELF-LOVE MONTH, so why not show your metabolism some love? To fire up your metabolism, add some of these metabolism-boosting foods into your meals. Choose organic, pasture-raised, free-range, cage-free, grass-fed, non-GMO meat and dairy and products that have no hormones, antibiotics, or nitrates added to them. Choose wild fish and avoid farm-raised.

Plug these into your blood sugar--balancing plan for a serious metabolic boost!

Proteins

1 ounce = 7 grams

• lean poultry (organic, pasture-raised)

• wild coldwater fish (salmon, haddock, halibut, cod, mackerel, sardines, wild shrimp)

• lean red meat (grass-fed beef, bison, venison)

• eggs (organic, omega-3, cage-free)

• lentils and legumes

• organic Greek yogurt

Healthy Fats

Serving size = 1 tsp

• three olives/olive oil

• chia seeds

• flaxseeds (ground)

• raw unsalted nuts and seeds and nut butters (no peanuts)

• organic virgin coconut oil

• grape-seed oil

• 1/4 avocado/avocado oil

• organic grass-fed ghee

Carbs

Serving size = 1/2 cup

• quinoa and other gluten-free ancient grains

• buckwheat

• black/brown rice

• yams/sweet potatoes

• winter squash (acorn, butternut, spaghetti, pumpkin)

• parsnips

• turnips

• artichokes

Fruits

Serving size = 1/2 cup; all fresh and frozen low-glycemic fruits (no sugar added)

• berries

• green apples

• barely ripe bananas

• grapefruit

• oranges

• pears

• plums

• kiwis

• lemons/limes

• watermelon

Veggies

Serving size = 1 cup cooked/2 cups raw; all fresh and frozen non-starchy veggies (no butter or salt added)

• all leafy green veggies

• all cruciferous veggies (bok choy, broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale)

• asparagus

• peppers

• carrots

• celery

• cucumber

• fennel

• summer squash (zucchini, yellow squash)

• string beans

• snow peas

• onions

Herbs, Spices and More

All-natural fresh or dried, additive-free

• cinnamon

• ginger

• chili pepper

• cayenne pepper

• turmeric

• curcumin

• cumin

• cilantro

• fenugreek

• parsley

• rosemary

• green tea

• organic coffee

• cacao

• apple cider vinegar

*Try adding a B-complex*: (follow label dosage recommendations) essential for optimal metabolic function as its main job is to help your body metabolize carbs, proteins, and fats, and to use the stored energy in food.

Now for the fun! Who wants to join me in creating new meal choices, using the foods above? In February, I’m running a FREE Turn Up the Heat Fueling Challenge. Eating to support a healthy metabolism is beneficial at any age, but especially for the over 40 crowd. (Hi there!) Since February is the month of SELF-LOVE, what better time to show our metabolism some love? Let me know if the comments if you’re joining me. In the mean-time, here’s a fun drink recipe that’s both refreshing and metabolism-revving.

CHA CHA TEA

This pre-meal mocktail is chock-full of

metabolic-boosting nutrients that help you burn calories, fat, and cut your appetite. Drink eight ounces before each meal.

Ingredients

• 24 ounces of pure, filtered water

• 8 ounces freshly brewed green tea, cooled

• 1 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced

• 1 small jalapeño chili pepper, seeded and sliced ⅛-inch thick

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks

Method

Put all ingredients in a glass jar or pitcher, and fill with pure filtered water. Infuse for two hours at room temperature and then overnight in the fridge. Can refill with water and infuse two to three more times. Keep refrigerated.