Bikini season is here, but that doesn’t mean it has to be “bikini plus burqa” season.  (You know, when you’re so bikini self-conscious that you wrap yourself in whatever handy beach towel/sheet/full metal jacket you can get your hands on.)  Of course, the healthiest way to lose weight is through diet and exercise.  And we’ve got you covered with these easy summer exercises.  

But did you know that you can nudge your way into a bikini by actually eating more food?  There are lots of healthy foods out there that actually increase metabolism, or that fun mechanic of nature that measures the rate at which you burn your food.  But if you don’t eat enough, your metabolism actually slows down and you burn less calories.  And who wants that?  So here’s our look at some of the top, healthy foods you can chomp down and stay fit.  Don’t forget to make them local, organic, or Farmer’s Market fresh whenever you can!

Spinach
Hey, if Popeye can be made miraculously powerful by spinach, why can’t you?  Spinach hastens up your metabolism, and it is also rich in iron, beta carotene and vitamins C and E.  It is loaded in antioxidants and very high in iron.

Peppers
Hot and spicy comes through!  Cayenne pepper contains thermagenic properties which heat up your body.  And when your body cools itself down, it burns calories.  Chili peppers contain vitamins A and C and lots of calcium (which also boots metabolism).

Cold Water
Okay, it might not be tasty, but a cold glass of water will speed up your metabolism.  According to exercise physiologist J.T. Kearney, Ph.D., “Drinking eight ounces of cold water can burn off an additional 9.25 calories as compared to room-temperature water."  Also, keep in mind dehydration slows down the fat-burning process in your body.

Tofu
Nothing revs up your metabolism like protein, and tofu is the king of plant-based (non-artery clogging) protein.  A “2½ square has 86 calories and nine grams of protein.”   Further, it is rich in calcium and iron, contains very little sodium, and has no saturated fat.

Apples
Apples are awesome when it comes to fiber.  And your body must burn calories to break down fiber, therefore increasing your metabolism.  But it’s mostly in the skins, so don’t cut them off!

Coffee
Caffeine is one of the best ways to speed up your metabolism, as it enhances the oxidation (and burning) of fat.  And in case you haven’t heard, coffee has loads and loads of caffeine.  Just make sure you actually eat alongside your morning cup of Joe!

Oatmeal
Steel-cut or rolled oats make a delicious oatmeal, and they contain loads of fat-soluble fiber.  Your body must burn calories to break down the fiber – and therefore your metabolism is increased.  And oatmeal will also keep you full for a long time!

Eggs
Any bodybuilder worth his biceps will tell you that eggs are essential to build up muscle.  They have one of the highest concentrations of protein found in nature.  And don’t forget, protein speeds up metabolism.  So if you want to speed up your caloric burning, add in to your diet the incredible, edible egg.

Almonds
These nutty nuts are high in essential fatty acids, which will speed up your metabolism better than any other finger food.  And can you carry around a raw egg in your pocket?  Sure, but would you want to?

Green Tea
Why is green tea so great?  It contains catechin, which in combination with caffeine will raise your metabolism.  It is also full of antioxidants to fight cancer and other very bad things.