A More Metabolic Boosting Thanksgiving

Wanna make your Thanksgiving more metabolic and avoid the dreaded holiday weight gain? What could make you more grateful than eating delicious food with the people you love and not gaining an ounce?

By now, you know it's all about keeping your metabolism boosted, so you burn more calories all day and night, and less of what you eat is stored as fat to be burned off later. If you aren’t familiar with the drill, here it is again.

• Replace two meals with a LynFit Complete Protein Shake to safely boost metabolism 25%. 
• STOP eating past 7:00 pm and don't start eating until 9 am to allow the body time to assimilate and digest what you've eaten, so you don’t store as fat.
• Take your metabolic boosting supplements as and when suggested to avoid metabolic slowdown and turn up the heat (aka metabolic fires) that also helps kill hunger and cravings, prevent metabolic slowdown, and nourish the body with the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.

These are the three most important things you can do, and the rest will take care of itself if you're following the Lose 1 Pound Per Day gameplan. It's especially important to take Accelerator Advanced/Keto Carb Edge three times on the day of your big eating (30 minutes before the big meal).

What vegetables are best on a Metabolic Boosting Lose 1 Pound Per Day Plan?

There's a simple rule:

• Think up (like heaven) and choose above-ground vegetables that are generally lower in carbs, and therefore, the best boosting/ketogenic options.
• Avoid below-ground (think hell) vegetables, also known as “root” vegetables, especially if you like larger portions because they contain more carbs and spike blood sugar levels faster and higher. It's best to avoid them or be consumed with care, especially potatoes and sweet potatoes. Don't forget, carrots fall into this category too.

Above-the-ground carbohydrate counts are provided as net carbs per 100 grams (3½ ounces) serving. The options below are the best metabolic boosting, clean, keto vegetables. Remember, the leafier, the better, and fewer carbs. Leafy = lean, crunchy = carbs.

 

ABOVE GROUND

 

BELOW GROUND

 

These carb counts represent “net” carbs (carbs minus fiber = net carbs) for a standard serving size of 100 grams for each vegetable, which is 3½ ounces (about the weight of an average tomato). For example, 100 grams of asparagus contains 2 net carbs, while 100 grams of broccoli contains 4 net carbs.

Metabolic boosting takes this a step further because we know that not all food affects everyone the same. For instance, eating asparagus helps rid the body of excess water and is a great natural diuretic. Broccoli is known to slow thyroid function, especially if you're hypothyroid, meaning it can make it easy to gain weight. 

It's important to note that while the below-ground vegetables typically range from 7 to 17 carbs per 100 grams, the above-ground carbs pictured are all under 5 carbs per 100-gram serving. Quite a difference, and can be the difference between losing or gaining weight. If you like larger portions, you’ll want to stay above ground when choosing your veggies.

What about onions? While onions do grow below ground, and are higher carb, when they are used as a seasoning or to be added to foods, they are generally okay because most people don't eat too many onions at once. But be careful when it comes to caramelized onions, or sautéed onions, as these are easier to consume in larger amounts. Green onions, or scallions, as a topping for salads and dishes are fine in modest amounts.

The BEST Vegetables on Metabolic Boosting/Cleaner Keto Diet

On a strict metabolic boosting /cleaner keto diet, most people with dead metabolisms find they lose more by eating fewer carbs. What's even more
important to understand is that if your metabolism is dead (you have more than 10 pounds to lose), the cleaner you eat (meaning choosing only lean proteins from the metabolic boosting protein list - and turkey is on it), aiming to keep carbs low by limiting starchy below-ground vegetables and choosing more leafy greens and less crunchy carbs, you’ll easily be able to keep your calories and carbs in check. 

For a cleaner Keto and more metabolic boosting plan, use the following numbers as a “starting point,” keeping in mind the goal isn't to restructure your eating to an unrealistic number, but to learn how to eat right for your body, so your metabolism gets jump-started, and you begin losing weight every day, while eating as much food as possible versus over-restricting or over-exercising to lose. Food is where our bodies receive the nutrients it needs, and while you're learning how to lose
weight healthfully, I suggest taking the metabolic boosting supplements in the Lose 1 Pound Per Day System. They provide your body with the nutrients it needs, boosts metabolic function 25% (so you won't have to reduce as much), and help improve hair, nail, and skin health.

The Target Ranges When Boosting Metabolism for Faster Weight Loss

Aim for no more than 20-50 grams of carbs per day, and choose leafy greens (you don’t have to dip to the 5% the unhealthy keto diets suggest due to the thermic effect of leafy greens). Aim for fewer than 20 grams of fat in order to keep your metabolism boosted.

On a strict boosting, cleaner Keto diet, the vegetables that contain less than 5 net carbs may be eaten relatively freely. Just remember, when trying to boost a sluggish metabolism and lose weight, you DO NOT want to have them with butter, oil, or other sauces. They can still be delicious steamed with chicken broth, seasoned, or grilled. It's hard to over-eat spinach, zucchini, lettuce, or asparagus on a metabolic boosting cleaner Keto, Lose 1 Pound Per Day Diet.

The following vegetables can be considered metabolic boosting, thermic, cleaner Keto vegetables, but you'll want to be more careful because they have a slightly higher carb count and spike blood sugar levels. Proceed with caution with vegetables like bell peppers (especially red and yellow ones), Brussels sprouts, and green beans to keep below 20 grams of carbs a day. Their carbs can add up, blocking weight loss. And, if you're hypothyroid, some of the goitrogenic vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale can turn your metabolism into a dead zone, blocking weight loss and preventing your body from burning fat. They can make you feel exhausted. For example, one medium-sized pepper can have 4-7 grams of carbs.

Also, keep in mind that tomatoes are technically a fruit, and while you can have them and lose weight, moderation is the key. Be careful as their carbs are a bit higher and, combined with other foods, may take you up over 20 grams net carbs quickly in one meal, consuming your day's quota in one sitting (this is why I love the Metabolic Boosting Lose 1 Pound Per Day Plan -- drinking two shakes a day for breakfast and lunch, leaves more room in your carb budget, so you can eat
more for dinner).

When it comes to boosting metabolism, be carb careful, not carb phobic. Remember, excess fat consumption is not healthy for anyone, regardless of how skinny they are.

If you are continuing to lose weight, you can eat as many above-ground vegetables as you desire. If you're not losing, you may want to reduce or switch to all leafy greens for a few meals until your weight begins to drop.

Here are the best for boosting/cleaner Keto vegetables, naturally delicious, and loaded with phytonutrients, with very few carbs. I've attempted to list them in order of popularity and usefulness. Carb counts are provided as net carbs per 100 gram (3½ ounce) serving.

• Leafy Greens/Lettuces: When it comes to getting the most vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants per serving, lettuces are THE BEST. They are the lowest in calories and carbs, so you can eat unlimited amounts of these superfoods. You can use them as a “healthy bed” to place your other food on, shred, use as wraps, or use in soups with minimal cooking. 
• Asparagus – 2 grams: Great finger food and full of filling fiber, not to mention, it is highly nutritious, and very low carb. Asparagus is a great natural diuretic.
• Broccoli – 4 grams: A crunchy, delicious, and very versatile, healthier, simple replacement for pasta, rice, or potatoes. It can be steamed, drizzled with marinara or parmesan cheese, or roasted. With so many ways to prepare it, you should always have some on hand.
• Cauliflower – 3 grams: The dynamic replacer for lots of metabolic boosting, cleaner Keto recipes, cauliflower has a mild flavor and is very versatile. It is easy to use instead of rice, diced, or even shred into noodles. It’s used as the base of some of the most popular recipes, such as Mock Mashed Potatoes.
• Cabbage – 3 grams: The humble yet uber-nutritious cabbage is one of the best-boosting vegetables unless you're hypothyroid. It's delicious cold as coleslaw, sautéed in broth, or used as the base for any of your meals to bulk them up.
• Celery: My personal favorite go-to food when I need to crunch, like when I’m cooking dinner. Celery is one of the most nutritious, yet overlooked foods, and is one of the lowest-calorie foods. It's loaded with antioxidants and helps reduce inflammation, supports digestion, and is rich in vitamins and minerals, and one of the lowest glycemic indexes, making it the #1 superfood! Its use in recipes is endless.
• Zucchini – 3 grams: Missing pasta, rice, or potatoes? Zucchini is your new best friend. Zucchini is one of the best when it comes to spiralizing to make metabolic boosting, cleaner pasta.
• Spinach – 1 gram: Also extremely low-carb, spinach is one of the most popular cleaner Keto vegetables. It can be used raw to make salads (not suggested for anyone with thyroid issues), baked into chips, or sautéed. It's leafy, so it's good.
• Green beans – 4 grams: Green beans can be roasted, steamed, or stewed in salsa. These taste even better eaten as finger food when you crave hand to mouth foods.
• Brussels sprouts – 5 grams: These delicious baby cabbages pack a lot of flavor and nutrients. They are also excellent roasted until crispy with LynFit Garlic Paprika Omega 3 Dressing drizzled on top.

Two Other Helpful Tips That Can Help You Choose Lower Carb Vegetables

• In general, metabolic boosting, cleaner Keto, diabetic-friendly veggies are the leafy ones, and the best options are ALL lettuces, spinaches, etc.
• Green vegetables tend to be lower in carbs than veggies with a lot of color. For example, green cabbage is lower in carbs than purple cabbage. Green bell peppers are also somewhat lower in carbs than red or yellow peppers.

Vegetables and Fat

Keep in mind when cooking these thermogenic dream foods that it's best to sauté, steam, grill, or roast them using the spices and omega 3 fats as suggested in The Metabolic Boosting Meal Plan or The Metabolism Solution.

Even though some Keto diets suggest using lard, coconut oil, avocado oil, or ghee, I strongly suggest that you avoid these if you're trying to lose weight, especially if you're hypothyroid or a woman over 50.

Not a Vegetable Lover?

There are plenty of delicious, easy ways to enjoy your vegetables. Dip them in one of LynFit's Metabolic Boosting Omega 3 Dressings, or simply dip them in your favorite salsa or store-bought dressing. It's important to note that if you have more than 10 pounds to lose, or excess body fat weight that you want to lose, you definitely do not want to overdo it on any of the fats. Your body won't burn excess body fat if you're eating too much fat in your diet. That's why most people prefer to reduce all dietary fats and rely on Pure Omega 3 for their body's needs. It's better for your body and brain and makes it easier to avoid overeating dietary fat.