Final answer:
The thermic effect of food is increased by consuming protein-rich foods, as the body requires more energy to digest and metabolize protein compared to carbohydrates and fats. Increasing protein intake can help boost the metabolic rate and support weight management goals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thermic effect of food refers to the increase in metabolic rate that occurs after eating, as the body uses energy to digest, absorb, and metabolize food. One dietary factor that increases the thermic effect of food is protein. Protein has a higher thermic effect compared to carbohydrates and fats, meaning that the body burns more calories during the digestion and processing of protein-rich foods.
For example, after consuming a meal with a high protein content, the body's metabolic rate can increase by 20-30% for several hours, leading to a greater calorie expenditure. This is because digesting and metabolizing protein requires more energy compared to other nutrients.
Overall, increasing protein intake can be an effective way to boost the thermic effect of food and potentially support weight management goals.