What Foods Speed Up Your Metabolism? | Top 12 List

Let’s be real—who doesn’t want a metabolism that’s firing on all cylinders? Whether you’re looking to lose a few pounds, feel more energised, or just not feel sluggish after meals, knowing what foods speed up your metabolism can make a world of difference. And guess what? There are some seriously tasty foods that can do just that.

So, let’s dive into this list of foods that speed up your metabolism. Spoiler alert: they’re all delicious, and some of them might even be your favourites!

1. Eggs: The Breakfast MVP

Okay, first things first—let’s talk about eggs. Seriously, eggs are like the MVP of breakfast (and lunch and dinner, honestly). They’re packed with protein, and protein is your best friend when it comes to burning more calories. Your body has to work harder to break down protein than it does fats or carbs, which means you’re burning more calories just by eating them. Win-win, right?

Plus, eggs are super versatile. You can scramble them, make an omelette, or even whip up some egg muffins for a grab-and-go option. So, yeah—if you want to give your metabolism a boost, eggs are a great way to start your day.
Click here to find out more about Eggs and Weight Loss

2. Salmon: The Omega-3 Superhero

Now, let’s talk salmon. This fish is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are pretty much the superheroes of the fat world. Omega-3s help reduce inflammation and keep your metabolism running smoothly. And since salmon is also full of protein, your body works extra hard to break it down, burning even more calories.

Grill it, bake it, or throw it on top of a salad—salmon is an easy and tasty way to keep your metabolism in high gear.

3. Avocados: The Smooth Operator

Ah, avocados—the darling of Instagram and a favourite for good reason. These little green gems are packed with healthy fats, specifically monounsaturated fats, that help rev up your metabolism. And they’re loaded with potassium, which is great for muscle function and energy production. Long story short: avocados keep you feeling full and your metabolism humming along nicely.

Smashed on toast, diced into a salad, or eaten straight from the spoon (no judgement!), avocados are your metabolism’s BFF.

4. Coconut Oil: Your Secret Weapon

Coconut oil is having a bit of a moment, and for good reason. This oil is packed with medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are a type of fat your body burns for energy instead of storing as fat. So, when you cook with coconut oil or add it to your morning coffee, you’re basically giving your metabolism a little extra fuel to burn.

Plus, it adds a nice flavour to your meals, whether you’re cooking up a stir-fry or whipping up a batch of baked goodies. Who knew boosting your metabolism could taste so good?

5. Green Tea: The Metabolism Whisperer

If you haven’t jumped on the green tea bandwagon yet, it might be time. This stuff is packed with catechins, which are antioxidants that help your body burn fat more efficiently. Drinking green tea on the regular can help increase your metabolism, meaning you’re burning more calories even when you’re just chilling.

Want to give it a try? Swap out your usual afternoon coffee for a cup of green tea, or drink it iced with a splash of lemon for a refreshing treat. Your metabolism will thank you!

6. Leafy Greens: The Unsung Heroes

You’ve probably heard the “eat your greens” line a million times, but seriously—leafy greens like spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are packed with fibre, and fibre is your metabolism’s best friend. It helps keep your digestion in check, which means your metabolism keeps moving along too.

Plus, they’re loaded with vitamins and minerals, like iron, which helps transport oxygen to your muscles. And the more oxygen your muscles get, the more energy you burn. So toss some greens into your smoothies, salads, or soups, and feel good about what you’re feeding your body.

7. Nuts: The Perfect Snack

Feeling snacky? Reach for a handful of nuts. Almonds, walnuts, macadamias—they’re all packed with protein and healthy fats that help keep your metabolism firing. They also keep you fuller for longer, so you’re less likely to reach for those crisps or sugary snacks later on. Bonus: Nuts are also rich in fatty acids that help your body burn fat.

Toss them into your morning yoghurt, sprinkle them on your salads, or just enjoy them straight from the packet—nuts are one of the easiest ways to keep your metabolism in check.

8. Chillies: Turn Up the Heat

Love spicy food? Great news—chillies are fantastic for your metabolism! Chillies get their signature kick from a compound called capsaicin, which has been shown to increase thermogenesis, a process where your body burns more calories by producing heat. So, basically, eating chillies can help your body burn fat faster.

Whether you’re throwing fresh chillies into your cooking or adding a bit of hot sauce to your meal, that little bit of heat can go a long way in revving up your metabolism.

9. Greek Yoghurt: Creamy, Dreamy, and Protein-Packed

Greek yoghurt is another powerhouse when it comes to boosting your metabolism. It’s packed with protein, which, as we know, takes more energy for your body to digest—meaning more calories burned. Plus, Greek yoghurt contains probiotics that help keep your gut healthy, and when your gut’s happy, your metabolism runs more smoothly.

Grab a bowl for breakfast with some berries, or have it as an afternoon snack—it’s creamy, satisfying, and great for keeping your metabolism on point.

10. Bone Broth: The Liquid Gold

Bone broth is getting a lot of buzz lately, and for good reason. This nutrient-filled liquid is full of amino acids like glycine, which help support gut health. And when your digestion is running smoothly, your body becomes better at burning both calories and fat efficiently.

You can sip on bone broth by itself or add it to your favourite soups and stews. Either way, it’s an easy way to nourish your body and give your metabolism a little boost.

11. Olive Oil: A Healthy Fat to the Rescue

Olive oil isn’t just delicious—it’s also one of the healthiest fats out there for your metabolism. It’s rich in monounsaturated fats, which help increase fat burning and reduce inflammation, keeping your metabolism running smoothly.

Drizzle it over your salads or use it as your main cooking fat to give your body that extra fat-burning boost.

12. Dark Chocolate: Yes, Please!

Who knew chocolate could be good for your metabolism? Dark chocolate, specifically the kind that’s 70% cocoa or higher, is packed with antioxidants called flavonoids. These flavonoids help improve your metabolism and increase fat burning. Plus, dark chocolate can help curb cravings, so you’re less likely to snack on less healthy options.

Enjoy a square or two of dark chocolate and appreciate this sweet treat that also gives your metabolism a little boost.

Best 12 Foods That Speed Up Your Metabolism | Final Thoughts

So, there you have it—the top 12 foods that speed up your metabolism. Incorporating these foods into your meals isn’t just about burning more calories—it’s about feeling energised, staying satisfied, and making your body work as efficiently as possible.

Whether it’s starting your day with eggs, snacking on nuts, or treating yourself to a piece of dark chocolate, these foods are easy to add to your routine. Plus, they’re all delicious—no boring diets here! So, go ahead and fill your plate with these metabolism-boosting goodies, and watch your energy levels soar.