Metabolism Boosters

How many people blame their genetic predisposition on their slow metabolism? Or, how many people say that their partner can take off weight easily when they work harder and still stay stagnant because of their metabolism? By having these foods in the right portions and at the right times of the day, you'll be helping yourself in your own weight-loss, muscle-gain ventures. A faster metabolism is just a few bites away:

Almonds
Almonds are truly one of nature's miracle foods. You get such a big bang for your buck. First of all, almonds are nutritionally dense. This means that for a small portion size, you get a large amount of healthy macronutrients and calories. Independent studies have shown that almonds are the most nutritionally dense nut; so almonds provide the most healthy calories and nutrition for the smallest serving size. You get the most nutrition possible out of the calories you eat.
One serving of almonds, or about a handful, is an excellent source of vitamin E (an antioxidant) and a good source of fiber (which helps keep you full). Almonds also offer heart-healthy monounsaturated fat.
Nine clinical studies over the last thirteen years have shown that almonds can lower cholesterol as part of a diet low in saturated fat. These groundbreaking studies show how a handful of almonds a day consistently lowered LDL cholesterol levels. Eating almonds is a filling snack. Almonds contain protein, fiber and monounsaturated fat, all which may help keep you satisfied.
Salmon
Although it's higher in calories than most whitefish, salmon is low in saturated fat, yet high in protein, and a unique type of health-promoting fat, the omega-3 essential fatty acid.As their name implies, essential fatty acids are essential for human health but because they cannot be made by the body, they must be obtained from foods.
Fish contain a type of essential fatty acid called the omega-3 fatty acids. Fish like salmon are higher in omega-3 fatty acids than warm water fish. In addition to being an excellent source of omega-3s, salmon are an excellent source of selenium, and a very good source of protein, niacin and vitamin B12, and a good source of phosphorous, magnesium and vitamin B6.
The omega-3 fats found in salmon have a broad array of beneficial cardiovascular (heart) effects. Omega-3s help prevent erratic heart rhythms, make blood less likely to clot inside arteries (the prominent cause of heart attacks and strokes), improve the ratio of good cholesterol to bad cholesterol, and can help prevent the clogging of arteries.
Blueberries
Everyone needs more antioxidants. Everyone wants more antioxidants. Everyone buys foods with antioxidants; but do we know what they are?
Oxidation is a chemical process within your body whereby electrons are taken off a substance via a chemical reaction. When your body undergoes oxidative stress, such as when you're sick, have a disease or after a workout, the product from this oxidation is known as a 'free radical'.
When free radicals start to build up in your body because they're not cleared, they start to damage cells which can lead to inhibited muscle growth, fat loss or even cause disease. Good thing we have antioxidants like blueberries! Antioxidants help prevent this oxidation from taking place, and thus prevents the buildup of free radicals.
Water
Our bodies are made up of primarily water so it makes sense that water would be a key ingredient in jump starting our metabolism. Almost 2/3rds of our body weight is "water weight". Blood is 83% water. Muscles are 75% water, the brain is 74% water, and bone is 22% water. So what do you think happens when we aren't adequately hydrated? Our bodily processes can't function optimally. We're depriving them of an essential nutrient.
Without chemicals, additives, or anything unnatural, a steady dose of 8 glasses of water a day (ideally 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water) will: Improve your energy, increase your mental and physical performance, remove toxins & waste products from your body, keep skin healthy and glowing, help you lose weight, reduce headaches and dizziness, allow for proper digestion, and help to keep you more Alkaline (prevents the build up of acids).