By Sandy Braz

1. Ginger This root has the spice it takes to get your metabolism running laps. It’s a vasodilator, which means it expands blood vessels to increase body heat and metabolism by as much as 20 percent.
2. Garlic An Oxygen favorite for flavoring any clean dish, this spicy bulb is known as a thermogenic, packing enough power to keep insulin levels low to maximize fat-burning and boost metabolism. Garlic also supports a healthy immune system, according to The World’s Healthiest Foods, written by food expert and author George Mateljan.
3. Plums Mother Nature’s “eliminator.” Plums are a great source of fiber, which can help keep you regular – an important (and often overlooked) piece of your fat-loss puzzle. According to Mateljan’s book, just one plum has up to two grams of fiber, or about eight percent of your daily recommended intake (which is around 25 grams per day). Double up your serving and you’re up to four grams of fat-fighting fiber!
4. Extra-virgin olive oil Like rock, paper, scissors, good fat trumps bad fat. A recent study suggests that the monounsaturated fats (like those found in “EVOO,” thanks Tosca Reno) increase the breakdown of fat in fat cells. Also, swapping other fats, like saturated oils and butter, for extra-virgin olive oil is a better, waist-happy option overall.
5. Balsamic vinegar A recent Harvard study looked at the benefits of this ancient goodness and found that it not only carries essential enzymes to help digestion and boost metabolism, but it’s also a natural appetite suppressant. And if that wasn’t enough, the amino acids in balsamic vinegar have been shown to slow the effects of aging.
6. Spinach The iron maiden of leafy greens. According to Mateljan’s book, spinach is a fat-free way to get a dose of iron to help boost energy when you’re, well, pumping iron at the gym. Unlike red meat – which is also packed with iron, but contains fat – spinach is a good choice for vegetarians or people who have a difficult time digesting meat. Not to mention that it’s portable, less expensive and easy to eat on the go.

BONUS RECIPE!
Combine these ingredients to give your metabolism a kickstart this season.

Super Salad
Ready in 5 minutes • Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 medium garlic glove, pressed
• A pinch of grated gingerroot (optional for added spice!)
• 1 cup spinach (organic is best)
• 1 medium-sized plum, cut into chunks, skin on

What to do: To make the dressing, combine wet ingredients, garlic and ginger (if desired) into a small bowl and whisk. Add a pinch of salt and coarse black pepper if you like.

Combine the spinach and sliced plum in another bowl and drizzle dressing over top. Enjoy! A fiber-packed, fat-burning, age-defying salad to go.

NUTRIENTS PER SERVING:

Calories: 190 g, Total Fats: 14 g, Saturated Fat: 2 g, 
Cholesterol: 0 mg, Sodium: 40 mg, Total Carbohydrates: 14 g,
Dietary Fiber: 2 g, Sugars: 8 g, Protein: 2 g, Iron: 1 mg

FOR ADDED FAT-BURNING ADD THIS:

Spicy Gingerroot Tea
Ready in 20 minutes • Makes 1 serving

Ingredients:
• 250 ml filtered water
• 2-inch piece of fresh gingerroot, washed

What to do: Place ginger into water and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, turn heat down to low and let simmer for an additional 20 minutes. If you like, add one teaspoon of raw agave nectar for added sweetness and flavor. Enjoy after your Super Salad for a spicy treat that aids digestion.