I have a disease called PKU, so my body cannot break down protein. As a result, I’m on a very strict low-protein diet. What can I do to boost my energy, and metabolism to lose weight food-wise?
– Sarah
First and foremost, you should follow the guidance of your health care provider in regards to what foods are permissible with your condition.
Make ‘Time’ for this Healthy Drink, You Might be Surprised by all of its Benefits
To boost your energy, try consuming green tea 2 to 3 times daily. Green tea differs from black tea in that it is not fermented and has less caffeine. Also, some research suggests that green tea extract may help boost your metabolism and burn fat.*
How to get a Flat Belly, Instead of a ‘Jolly’ One, This Holiday Season
Lucky for you, there is a wealth of fresh produce available for you to choose from! Fill up on fruits and vegetables that are low in the amino acid phenylalanine (less than 150mg per 100g food). A few examples are citrus, melons, berries, kiwi, grapes, apples, bananas, peaches, plums, leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, onions, carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, eggplants, squash, asparagus, cucumbers, cabbage and celery (which are also high-fiber and low-calorie). By eating more of these, you should be more satisfied and less inclined to eat denser foods (like chips and granola) that are rich in calories and, as a result, make it difficult to lose weight. Avocado, with its healthy unsaturated fats, is a high-calorie exception, but you still need to limit yourself to smaller portions!
Is there an ideal breakfast time that is more advantageous or efficient nutritionally and metabolically?
Try timing your meals to provide your body with plenty of energy for daily activities. That means eating a larger breakfast and smaller dinner. Your metabolism needs the most fuel during the most active times of your day, and less while you are sleeping.
Lastly, don’t forget that exercise is an excellent tool that can help you burn calories! Follow our “Top Tips” section for fitness advice and guided workout plans to complement your weight loss efforts!
Living Healthy – Top Tips
– Debbie J., MS, RD
Debbie James is a registered dietitian. Any views or opinions presented in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent the opinions or recommendations of Fitness International, LLC.
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