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.