I hate bananas. Or – correction – I used to hate bananas. They always made me gag, and I didn’t much like the texture. Now, I’m training myself to like them, because bananas are REALLY good for you. They’re high in iron, fiber, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, and, of course, potassium. Goodbye, bloating and cramping. See ya, bad moods (bananas contain tryptophan, which helps the body produce serotonin, a protein that has a calming effect on the brain). Bananas are good for you muscles, especially your heart, so you can bet that they’re going to have a positive impact on your body when you exercise.
I’ve encountered a variety of articles in magazines and online about foods that are good for your metabolism and actually help you burn fat. Now that I’ve got the exercise thing down (sidenote: my wonderful mother is taking me shopping over Spring Break because my clothes are getting too big), I’m trying to get into the habit of eating healthier, too. So anything that helps me out a little bit I’m going to try. Hence the “eat one banana a day even though you don’t like them” technique.
Here are some foods and even drinks that can help your body burn calories more efficiently (courtesy of the Lance Armstrong Foundation, Livestrong):
1. Low-fat dairy: Calcium promotes weight loss, according to a University of Tennessee study in 2000.
2. Whole grains: Complex carbs + fiber + antioxidants = steady insulin levels.
3. Fish/Fish Oil: Omega-3 fatty acids regulate your glucose, and monounsaturated fatty acids reduce belly fat accumulation (MUFAs can also be found in nuts, seeds, oils, dark chocolate (See? It is good for you.), and olives.
4. Coffee and Green Tea: Green tea increases your metabolism and burns more fat while you exercise. Caffeine speeds up your heart rate and results in more calorie burning. Limit your coffee to two cups, however, or else your body will produce more cortisol, which tells your body to store fat.
5. Foods high in fiber: Like bananas! And also celery and cabbage, which require more calories to digest than is actually consumed. I like to take my celery with a little bit of peanut butter, though…
6. Lean protein: Promotes muscle building when you work out and releases glucagon, which uses up the calories that your insulin has stored away.
You don’t have to go vegetarian to be a healthy eater, and you don’t have to give up chocolate or coffee either. Maybe add a banana to your day, or sip some green tea a bit before you exercise. I’ve found that going bananas for bananas makes me feel much better, so give healthy, calorie-cutting eating a try. I think it will pay off.