{"id":22320,"date":"2016-06-17T04:53:17","date_gmt":"2016-06-17T04:53:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/natural-organic-blog\/?p=22320"},"modified":"2016-06-17T04:53:17","modified_gmt":"2016-06-17T04:53:17","slug":"comfort-foods-to-boost-your-metabolism-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/blog\/comfort-foods-to-boost-your-metabolism-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Comfort Foods to Boost Your Metabolism"},"content":{"rendered":"

The chill has truly set in and with grey skies and icy winds and it\u2019s the season for eating food that makes us feel warm and snug: comfort food. It\u2019s natural to want to eat more when it\u2019s cold, as our bodies need more energy, and those refined carbs become ever more tempting. \u00a0This needn\u2019t mean you need to secretly balloon a few sizes beneath those woolly sweaters though. Here are few tips to redirect those cravings to some foods that are not only yum and healthy, but have also been found to boost your metabolism.<\/p>\n

Low GI Pasta<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Nothing says comfort food like pasta and it\u2019s one of the easiest meals to whip up that hits that emotionally satisfying spot. But pasta that’s not fattening? You’ll be glad to know there’s a new generation of pasta that changes the game. Low GI pasta has made its debut. Whether you go for King Soba Buckwheat and Sweet Potato<\/a>, Shirataki<\/a>, or Barenakd<\/a> high protein, pasta is legal again. Low GI means that it has a low glycaemic index and wont spike your blood sugar, a major culprit when it comes to weight gain.<\/p>\n

Raw Cacao<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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There have been studies that indicate that raw organic cocoa powder can boost your body\u2019s metabolism by helping it convert fat into energy. It can also act as an appetite suppressant. Your body produces a hormone called Ghrelin which increases your appetite. If you are insulin resistant \u2013 a major contributor to excess weight and a precursor to type 2 diabetes \u2013 you don\u2019t ever feel properly full. A study done in the Netherlands showed that dark chocolate lowered ghrelin levels and improved insulin resistance.<\/p>\n

Raw cacao has very high antioxidant levels and is also a great (and scrumptious) way to boost your immune system in the winter months. So nibble on some cacao nibs, enjoy a slab of dark, or even better, make yourself plenty of delicious cups of steaming hot cacao<\/a> this winter.<\/p>\n

Mushrooms<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Mushrooms have that earthy, umami taste that just goes so well with wintery warm foods. Studies have shown that mushrooms, especially portabellas, can help regulate blood sugar levels. Mushrooms also contain a phytonutrient called ergothioneine which is an amazing support for general health, protecting your tissues, strengthening you system and stabilising sugar. So be sure to toss some mushrooms into your stews and into your sauces. You can also try this delish Chaga mushroom hot chocolate\u00a0recipe<\/a>\u00a0and relish the benefits of both cacao and mushrooms all in one.<\/p>\n

Spice It Up<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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It almost needs no saying that winter is the perfect time for warm, spicy foods, but an added benefit is that spicy foods such as chillies, cayenne, black pepper, ginger, mustard seeds and cinnamon are great metabolism boosters. \u00a0A Canadian study found that using spices could help burn 1,000 more calories daily. Winter is the perfect time for a delicious bowl of curry veg stew or stir-fry.<\/p>\n

Cayenne pepper contains Capsaicin which helps you break down fat fast while making it harder to put on fat, while cinnamon is known to stabilise blood sugar levels and fend off carb cravings. So cook with spices, add a touch of cinnamon to your hot chocolate or tea.<\/p>\n

Apple Cider Vinegar<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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Okay so you may be wondering \u2013 does this sound like a comfort food? Transform it into a steaming hot toddy and it will be! Give this wonderfully warming alcohol-free Apple Cider Vinegar Hot Toddy a try \u2013 ACV is famous for its fat burning effects and is an amazing overall health booster on so many levels, especially great for flu season. This recipe also includes the metabolism boosting effects of spices.<\/p>\n

Ingredients<\/strong><\/p>\n