Healthy Breakfast Ideas That Boost Metabolism

Protein

According to a review published in the "International Journal of Obesity," eating adequate protein increases the amount of fat the body naturally burns – even in a resting state – along with promoting the feeling of satiety and increasing energy. Ideas for healthy protein in the morning include the obvious – eggs and yogurt are both good choices. For a sassier breakfast, cook up some buffalo sausage as a side to your oatmeal, fruit or whole grain cereal. In a rush? Throw some plant-based protein powder in the blender along with some nuts, fruit and milk and you've got yourself a healthy, high-protein breakfast in three minutes flat. You can also add a handful of walnuts, chia seeds or pecans to your oatmeal to boost your breakfast protein intake.

Green Tea

Try switching from coffee to green tea. Along with the antioxidant benefits, a substance in green tea called EGCG has been shown to boost metabolism and improve cardiovascular health. According to a study published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition,” the most recent research shows that green tea can reduce obesity and prevent or reverse Type 2 diabetes, along with lowering the risk for cardiovascular disease. Green tea is delicious on its own or it can be sweetened with honey and put on ice for a refreshing summer breakfast drink. A highly potent form of green tea grown in Japan called matcha – usually found in the powdered form – can be brewed by adding hot water or thrown directly into a breakfast smoothie for the antioxidant and metabolism-promoting properties.

Grapefruit

Another wonder food for the metabolism is fresh grapefruit. A study published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" reveals that eating half a grapefruit before meals boosts metabolism, naturally lowers blood sugar and is linked to a reduction in weight. Start out your breakfast with half a grapefruit – or juice a whole grapefruit – to jump-start the metabolism and promote healthy weight loss. Grapefruit is also delicious sliced and added to a fruit salad or can be put in a super-smoothie along with other metabolism-promoting foods.

Cayenne Pepper

The primary constituents in cayenne – capsaicin and capsiate – have been shown to have profound metabolism-promoting properties. In a study published in the “Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry,” obese rats fed these constituents had a reduction in body weight, reduced fat accumulation and improved blood sugar control. Adding some spice to your breakfast can be a great way to improve glucose metabolism and prevent belly fat. Throw a little cayenne into a breakfast omelet, on turkey bacon or – for the brave at heart – toss a pepper into your smoothie. For those really special occasions, chiles and dark chocolate are a delicious and surprising combination – Mexican hot chocolate could be just what the doctor ordered instead of coffee or tea.