Weight Loss in a Healthy way

I begin the post on weight loss by stating that I believe there are only two ways to truly manage weight, that is through exercising and a planned diet or eating healthy. There is no magical shortcut, and while this may seem apparent to some people it is overlooked far, far, too often. Now you might be perhaps wondering, if diet and exercise are the two ways to lose weight, why did I write this list? Because there are still natural remedies and recipes that will help you reach your ultimate goal. If you use these in addition to eating better and getting some exercise, they can speed up

Green Tea & Ginger

Caffeine, Catechins, and Theanineare the basic elements in Green tea which has long being accounting for weight loss . Caffeine is just an overall boost to your system, and speeds up a number of bodily processes, including metabolism related to weight Catechins are considered anti-oxidant flavonoids, and are superior in green tea rather than black tea due to a difference in processing (as black tea is fermented.) While the mechanism is yet to be determined, studies have shown that catechins can help lower the absorption of lipids (fats) via the intestinal track. Theanine is an amino acid in green tea that can encourage the release of dopamine, the chemical that makes you “happy” and relaxed. If you tend to eat due to stress, this may be useful. It also counters the caffeine so you don’t get all stressed out. The ginger added to green tea will help improve digestion and also adds a little flavor.

Ingredients needed to make Green Tea
-1/2 inch of fresh ginger root, peeled and finely chopped or ½ teaspoon ground ginger
-1 teaspoon of green tea
-8 ounces of fresh water
-Raw, organic honey (optional)

Preparation:

Place green tea and ginger in a strainer or sieve and cover with 8 ounces (236.5ml) of boiling water. Steeping green tea for too long can leave it with a bitter taste, so don’t exceed 3-4 minutes. You can stir in a little raw organic honey if needed, but avoid milk or sugar. Drink 1-2 cups daily on an empty stomach for magical results.

Cinnamon Tea

Blood glucose has a direct influence on your weight as it affects how hungry and how energetic you are. If your blood glucose is balanced you are less likely to have a disproportionally large appetite, and your body will be more apt to use fat rather than storing it. Cinnamon can help manage blood glucose levels, so why not whip up a cinnamon tea?

Ingredients needed to make Cinnamon Tea
 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon  1 cinnamon stick  8 ounces of fresh water

Chew a Gum

Chewing gum is a great way to trick your brain (and your stomach). The flavor of the gum reduces appetite and curbs the urge to snack on something unhealthy, and also stimulates the flow of saliva, whose enzymes help break down starches and fats, hence assisting weight loss.

All you need is a piece of natural sugar free gum

When to chew a gum:
When you feel the need to start munching, pop in a piece of gum instead

Sip water regularly

Staying hydrated is an important and the first step towards weight loss. You need to be hydrated to run the body’s metabolism smoothly, and that includes burning fat. It flushes bad stuff through your system, and also helps curb appetite.

Drink at least 8 cups of fresh water every day.

Coconut Oil as a replacement fat

Coconut oil has a huge number of health benefits, which include but are not limited to weight loss, skin care, hair care, improving digestion and immunity against a host of infections and diseases. The oil is used not just in tropical countries, where coconut plantations are abundant, but also in the United States and the United Kingdom. People are discovering the wonders this oil can create and it is again gaining popularity throughout the world. Research stated that coconut oil can aid weight loss when used in place of long chain triglycerides. It was also shown to strongly curb appetite and it appeared to increase the burning of calories. In 2003 Obesity Research found that it may help burn calories, probably due to the fact that it boosted energy. In 2010 the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition also found that it could help boost metabolism and reduce appetite.

All you need is 2 tablespoons of good virgin cold-pressed coconut oil

Directions
Twice a day, take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. You can take it before, during, or after a meal, I suggest taking it before you eat, or if dessert is your demon, take it right after dinner.

Plain Yogurt and Honey

Yogurt whether plain or topped with fruits is a yummy and an awesome breakfast/snack. The probiotics in yogurt do wonders for the digestive track and maintains a healthy balance of gut flora that optimizes digestion and the breakdown of certain substances (like fat.) When your digestive track is running smoothly, your body is processing things better and it’s not as likely to pack on the pounds. The honey is just a little addition to bring in  sweetness to satisfy any cravings you might have. The beautiful thing here is that you really don’t feel like you’re getting shorted any flavor or fullness when you eat it. For optimum weight-loss awesomeness, try low fat yogurt.

All you need is 1/2-1 cup of plain (not vanilla) yogurt
-1 tablespoon of organic raw honey, or to taste

Directions
Eat this for a snack or breakfast, adding on the honey for flavor. To have a pleasing look try adding fresh fruit or even oats for a little variety.

Get Enough Sleep

Our body is a cohesive unit, a complex system, not just individual parts. Everything has to be working harmoniously for things to be in equilibrium. Studies have shown that even just a little bit of sleep deprivation over the short time frame of 4 nights results in increased insulin resistance, and essentially ages the metabolism 10-20 years in that time frame. The fat cells sensitivity to insulin dropped by 30% to levels usually seen in people who were obese or diabetic. By getting the right amount of sleep, you’re doing more than just resting your body-you’re ensuring that all systems normal, and that you have the best chance possible to succeed at losing weight.

Flax Snack

Flax seed has been known to help with digestive ailments for centuries, and weight loss. Flax seeds are high in fiber, as well as mucilage, which helps lower cholesterol. It has also been proven to lower blood glucose levels. With such a high amount of fiber, flax seeds also act as a natural gentle way to regulate bowel movements and help promote healthy gut bacteria, both which work well to help you manage weight. It is important to eat flaxseed which are grounded, as they tends to pass through the digestive track undigested if eaten whole, thus depriving you of its nutritional benefits.

All you need is-1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed

Directions
Once a day eat a tablespoon of ground flaxseed-sprinkling it over cereal or oatmeal if my personal preference.

Eat That Chocolate the right way

When you get the urge for a sweet treat, turn to dark chocolate. It will help curb your yearning thanks to its insulin-resistance lowering flavonoids. The healthy fats in dark chocolate can also slow the absorption of sugar into your blood stream, preventing “insulin spikes.” Studies have shown that eating some can help put a stop to cravings for sugar, salt, and fat. However, the chocolate must be 70% cocoa, otherwise it has too much milk or sugar added to be beneficial.

All you need is a 70% dark chocolate

Directions
Directly after a meal, eat a piece of dark chocolate roughly the size of your thumb to glean its benefits.

Apple

An apple a day not only keeps the doctor away but also keeps weight at bay! While not overflowing with nutrients like other fruits or vegetables, apples still have a number of benefits that can contribute to weight loss. First, they are packed with fiber, which helps curb appetite, so eat one when you feel the urge to snack on some less-desirable foods. Second, they can help regulate blood glucose levels, and therefore help regulate your appetite and energy levels. Third, the pectin in apples can lower cholesterol, and serve as another way to help regulate blood glucose, by slowing the absorption of carbohydrates. Finally, apples are a naturally low-sodium food, which can help prevent excess water retention and water weight.

All you need is 1-2 fresh apples

Directions
Rinse and slice an apple, and eat one to two daily. Leave the skin on, as that contains a good amount of fiber.

Note: Apples these days are coated with wax to give a shiny look, so wash them carefully or dip apples in hot water and ensure that wax is removed.