We are providing a 10-part series on our TOP 10 FOODS TO BOOST YOUR METABOLISM. This is the 9th post. To learn more about the Boost Your Metabolism series, please click here!

BOOST YOUR METABOLISM

The secret to boosting your metabolism is FEEDING your body what it needs.

You must eat the right foods, in the right quantities, to get your metabolism working for you, rather than against you. The amount of water, fat, fiber, protein, carbohydrates, sodium, cholesterol, EFAs (Essential Fatty Acids), and vitamins & minerals you consume on a daily basis will either increase your metabolism or your waistline.

The ninth one in our TOP 10 FAVORITE FOODS TO BOOST YOUR METABOLISM is CINNAMON!

BENEFITS OF CINNAMON

Usually the foods that maximize your metabolism are rich colorful foods loaded with amazing health properties, but don’t let the fine, ground, brown cinnamon powder fool you. Just ¼ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon a day can drastically improve your glucose metabolism, meaning it helps the body use insulin efficiently.

Cinnamon does this by taking the glucose (sugar) out of the blood and brings it into the cell where it is burned as energy.  By eating cinnamon daily, you can keep your blood sugar at a more stable level, reducing your risk for diabetes.  Don’t forget a stable blood sugar can also stabilize your appetite!

An added bonus – Cinnamon also has been found to reduce your blood lipids, including cholesterol and triglycerides. 

Cinnamon has high concentrations of a polyphenol called methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP). MHCP has disease prevention properties and can reduce your risk of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. 

Making an effort to add cinnamon to your daily routine is a smart choice! 

Try adding cinnamon to milk, yogurt, oatmeal, cereal, fruits, or other beverages.  Here are a few ideas to start your day off with a little spice!

RECIPES

Peanut Banana Cinnamon Smoothie

http://herbsspices.about.com/od/smoothies/r/PBCinnamon.htm

Cinnamon spices up this banana and peanut butter smoothie. Tip: try freezing the banana chunks in advance for a frostier smoothie. 

Makes 1 medium (about 12 ounce) or 2 small (about 6-ounce) smoothies.

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:

·         1 cup vanilla soy milk or skim milk

·         1 large banana, peeled and cut into chunks

·         2 tablespoons peanut butter (preferably natural)

·         1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for sprinkling

·         1 teaspoon honey or turbinado sugar (optional)

·         3 ice cubes

Preparation:

Place the milk, banana, peanut butter, cinnamon, and honey (if using) into a blender, and puree until smooth.

Add the ice cubes and pulse just until the ice is crushed.

Pour into a glass, sprinkle with additional cinnamon, and enjoy!

 

Apple Cinnamon Smoothie 

http://www.healthy-recipes-for-kids.com/apple-cinnamon-smoothie.html

Hint:It is really easy if you prepare the apples the night before.

Ingredients:

1 cup of milk
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1 small apple
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

handful of ice cubes

Preparation:

Wash and peel apple.
Cut up into cubes and take out the seeds.
Add ingredients and blend for one minute.