Only by making a few gradual lifestyle changes, experts say, you can stop gaining weight and even drop some pounds. Increase and losing weight is dependent upon your metabolism to a great extent. Metabolism slows down with aging. Therefore you need to be careful of your diet, eating patterns, and lifestyle when you are past 30. In addition to metabolism, the food that you eat is the most significant factor in either gaining or losing weight.
The foods that are rich in sugars end up increasing the body weight if consumed consistently in large amounts. Exercise is considered to be the best way to lose excess body weight, but it is not the only way. Modifying your diet is integral in maintaining healthy body weight. It is not a good idea to use weight loss pills or other unnatural methods when you can effectively shed those extra pounds by making small changes in your dietary habits. Multiple studies and personal experiments have proven the efficacy of natural foods in losing excess weight. You can find various authentic experiences on Opportuniteas that explains how natural food alone can help you lose excess weight. Below are highlighted ten ways that natural foods can be used to shed extra weight.
1, Apple Cider Vinegar
Several studies have shown the efficacy of apple cider vinegar in losing excess weight. The anti-inflammatory and anti-obesity properties of this acetic acid-based vinegar help weight loss. It can be used as a condiment or as a dressing on salads. For effective results towards weight loss, you can add 1 tbsp. Apple cider vinegar to 1 glass of warm water, add honey for taste. It should be taken twice a day for best results.
2, Leafy Greens
Including leafy greens in your diet is an excellent way of losing weight. Leafy greens include vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, chard, collard greens, mustard greens, and lettuce. They are low in calories as well as carbohydrates and are rich in fiber. Another plus of these vegetables is their high nutritious value. These provide the body with essential vitamins and antioxidants. Leafy greens are also a source of calcium that facilitates fat breakdown as demonstrated through some studies. Leafy greens can be sautéed or boiled and taken with lean protein. They also make a good deal of salad in raw form.
3, Salmon
Protein has been known to boost metabolism by 80-100 calories per day. Increasing your protein intake is an excellent way of reducing your carbohydrate intake. Salmon is a fish that is high in omega-three fatty acids. It is the agent responsible for reducing inflammation. These healthy fats prevent metabolic diseases and help fight obesity. Salmon is also known to contain iodine; the mineral that ensures the proper functioning of your thyroid and resultantly your metabolism. In addition to salmon, you can also include other seafood in your meals such as tuna, sardines, or any other fatty fish. These are low in calories but are incredibly satiating.
4, Green Tea
Green tea contains active components that play an essential role in weight loss and weight maintenance. For effective and long-lasting results, it is recommended to drink it thrice a day. Mix a few leaves of green tea in hot water and add honey to taste. It takes a few days to adapt to the taste, so do not get lax!
5, Aloe Vera Juice
Studies have proven that drinking aloe vera juice at least twice a day can effectively lower your body weight. It can be hard to drink the unsweetened and bitter taste of aloe vera. Therefore decide for yourself whether you want to listen to your palate, or you wish to lose extra weight. Aloe Vera not only aids in digestion but also is responsible for reducing the body’s inflammatory response that in turn makes weight loss easier. Take out some Aloe gel and blend it by adding some water to make it drinkable and you are good to go.
6, Whole Grains
These grains contain fiber as well as protein. Try substituting refined grains in your diet with whole grains,and you will see a remarkable difference. The fiber content of these grains enhances satiety and improves overall metabolism. Whole grains fulfill your body’s need for carbohydrates as well. Therefore fill up your pantry with those whole grains. You can add plenty of grains like oats, brown rice, and quinoa in your diet.
7, Ginger Tea
If you wish fast results during your weight loss regime, try including ginger tea or ginger in your daily intake. Ginger is known to reduce the feeling of hunger.
Additionally, it promotes the burning of fat and helps you lose weight. You can add grated ginger in your meal, or you can make ginger tea. For making the tea, add a teaspoon of grated ginger to hot water, let it steep for a few minutes, strain and add honey to taste. For optimum results, you should drink this tea three times a day and preferably before your meal.
8, Coconut Oil
The healthy fats in coconut oil are responsible for the optimal functioning of your body’s metabolic machinery. In essence, the inclusion of coconut oil in your diet fine-tunes your body’s metabolism. It also helps you shed extra weight. You can add this oil as a dressing on your salads. Despite coconut oil’s high calorie and saturated fat content, some people use it by mouth to lose weight and lower cholesterol.
9, Cinnamon
Cinnamon is known as the most useful spice in reducing weight throughout all the cultures of the world. You can include this spice to your meal or baked goods during your food preparation. One of the most tried and tested ways of losing weight is the use of cinnamon by having cinnamon tea or cinnamon water before your first meal of the day. Take an inch long cinnamon stick and let it steep in warm water for 10-15 minutes. You can also use ½ a teaspoon of cinnamon powder. Add a teaspoon of lemon juice and honey to taste. Mix it well and drink on an empty stomach. You will see effective results within weeks.
10, Black Pepper
Black pepper, when used in conjunction with other foods, is known to have a vast number of benefits. It has been widely known to increase the bioavailability of turmeric. It is also known to reduce inflammation. Black pepper has also been found useful in losing weight. It contains an active compound that has lipid-lowering and fat reducing activity. You can add a teaspoon of ground black pepper to your salad or any meal. It may take a while to adjust to its taste.
Weight loss is more about making a few changes to your lifestyle than refraining from food. You need to include healthier, natural foods in your diet and avoid processed food and sugar. An active lifestyle will also help you achieve your weight loss goal quickly. Therefore, make sure that when you are using natural foods to shed extra weight, you also adapt to the natural practice of being active in your daily routine.