Given the tremendous complexity of the human body’s digestive processes, simple calorie-counting is not a very effective way to lose weight. Instead, an effective weight loss diet should evaluate food after its thermic effect — that is, the amount of energy needed to digest it. By causing the body to work harder and burn calories, a product of high thermogenic capacity can partially offset its own caloric value, yielding a much lower net intake.

Health magazine's article on metabolism-boosting foods lists some of the best calorie-burning products available. The thermic effect of these foods will melt unnecessary calories, promote a robust metabolism, and even regulate appetite.

chicken
The high protein value of lean meats like turkey and chicken requires some serious metabolic work. For example, if you eat a 300-calorie chicken breast, almost 30 percent of the given caloric value is offset by the digestive process. That means that the product will only yield a net intake of 210 calories. Eric Kilby / Flickr
cheese
To maintain your hardworking metabolism, you also need foods that promote muscle mass. Load your diet with low-fat dairy products packet with vitamin D and calcium — two essential components of bone and muscle health. _gee_ / Flickr
whole wheat
Digesting whole grain products is a laborious process. That’s why you burn twice as many calories digesting fiber-rich foods like oatmeal and brown rice than you do digesting processed foods. suavehouse113 / Flickr
peppers
Hot peppers burn calories as well as they burn tongues. Its active component, capsaicin, combats weight gain by regulating satiety as well as appetite. Raw, cooked, dried, or powdered peppers can be incorporated into a wide variety of dishes and beverages. schopie1 / Flickr
tea
Iced or hot, green tea is sure to accelerate your metabolism almost immediately. The relevant ingredient is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant that has been noted for its weight loss benefits as well as its therapeutic capacity. dano
lentils
Nutritional deficiencies impose a speed limit on your metabolism by reducing your body’s overall efficiency. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional shortcoming, and the leading cause for anemia. Good thing a single cup of lentils contains more than a third of your daily need. Maggie Hoffman / Flickr