Rev Metabolism with Spicy Foods

It is National Spicy Foods Day, and that means it is time to harness the weight loss powers of your favorite spicy meals. It is true that the ingredient that makes peppers hot – capsicum – boosts metabolism so you burn more calories. Still, the calorie and fat load in some spicy treats can greatly outweigh the benefits if you are not careful. Keep reading for spicy ideas to celebrate today’s food holiday.

 Spicy Tortilla Sipping Broth

Tortilla soup has as many carbohydrates as you might expect given its name, and possibly far more fat than you realized due to the fried tortillas or tortilla chips. A bowl can hae 500 calories and 60 grams of carbs! If you are simply looking for the taste, try vegan, all-natural Spicy Tortilla Sipping Broth with chipotle peppers, green tea, and real spices. It has only 15 calories per cup!

 For a hearty meal closer to the real thing, use a base of Protein Chicken Bouillon and add your diced, cooked chicken breast, cooked pepper, and chili powder, lemon juice, and cumin. Instead of carb-laden, fatty tortilla chips or strips, add Chili Nacho Chips; they’re gluten-free, high in fiber and protein, and made with real cheese.

Spicy Snacks

Those spicy snack cravings can hit anytime. We say, “Indulge!” Chili Lime Protein Chips are handy and come in single-serving bags you can take anywhere. They are so good-tasting that you will not even realize they are made with pea protein and have 15 grams of protein per bag.

Spicy Turkey Jerky is another all-natural, low-carb protein snack with a kick. Savor the mixture of habanero, serrano, and cayenne peppers, along with a tamari marinade and real onions and lemon. We also have spicy beef and spicy elk jerky.

Chinese Fare

Think twice before dialing your local fast food restaurant for a quick, spicy meal. If you have a hankering for Chinese, know that the spicy chicken or eggplant with rice can have over 1,000 calories. A sensible alternative for weight loss is Spicy Oriental Chicken, which comes with rice and has a far more reasonable 230 calories. It is ready just as fast, since it takes only minutes to cook in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Mexican Cravings

The same holds true for Mexican-style food. You are putting your day’s healthy intentions at risk if you set foot inside a restaurant. Consider a main course such as enchiladas, which can have nearly 1,000 calories before you even add sides and toppings, such as sour cream or rice. Instead, Chili Enchilada Verde has 290 calories and 10 grams of protein, leaving plenty of scope for Protein Salsa Dip for flavor and nutrition.

 There’s no reason to compromise on this National Spicy Foods Day, since you can have your spicy pleasures and lose weight, too. Just check out the Spicy Foods at The BariatricPal Store for low-carb, high-protein fare that your taste buds can love and your waistline can handle.