Fat Burning Spices for Weight Loss

Losing weight can be a lot easier if you spice up your food. Spices not only make your food taste good, they are also known to aid fat burning, boost metabolism, help you stay healthy and fight off other health risks. Spices help stabilize blood sugar by controlling insulin levels in the body. When blood sugar is stable, you are more likely to burn fat and not store calories as excess weight.

Spices are the best antioxidants and have powerful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-fungal properties. For all the good reasons for health, why not add these top five fat-burning spices to our diet and ramp up weight loss as well. In the following post, learn about the spices that have been known to help in weight loss and get you to your goal in a healthy and happy way.

Cinnamon: This ancient spice has one of the highest antioxidant levels of any spice. A study published in Diabetes care (2003) showed that 1/4^th  tsp to 1 tsp daily of cinnamon helps metabolize sugar up to 20 times better than without cinnamon, hence boosting the body’s weight loss ability as well as controlling diabetes! Because cinnamon balances blood sugar levels it has the added advantage of stabilizing mood and energy levels as well as lowering LDL and triglyceride levels. (but remember, cinnamin contains coumarin, a chemical which can lead to liver damage if consumed in large amounts). 

Cloves: Cloves are another one of the spices that have been appreciated for their help in speeding up metabolism and increasing weight loss. Clove consumption is said to increase glucose metabolism, thus lowering blood glucose levels, helping the body regulate insulin levels & in turn keeps diabetes at bay. Also, cloves have antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic properties. 
The active compounds in cloves, eugenol and isoeugenol, possess both anti-inflammatory as well as antioxidant properties.  Furthermore, cloves help maintain cardiovascular health, improve blood circulation, relieves flatulence and indigestion. These are also known to boost energy level and relieve stress.

Turmeric: Turmeric is one of the popular spices of the Indian kitchens. It contains beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect liver from free radical damage, while helping body metabolize fats by decreasing the fat storage rate in liver cells. 
Studies suggest that Curcumin, a yellow-orange pigment found in turmeric, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which helps protect the brain against damage, slows down the development of Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease and prevents heart diseases.

Ginger: Research studies suggest that ginger has fat burning and metabolism accelerating properties which can burn the body fat. Also, this fat burning spice has been found to contain satiating properties that helps keep a check on over-eating! Ginger tends to increase the pH value of stomach acids, thus reducing the rates of gastric secretions and accelerating the activity of the enzymes necessary for digestion. 
Furthermore, ginger reduces triglyceride and cholesterol levels and thus helps in improving cardiovascular health. It elevates the levels of high density lipoproteins and lowers the risks of stroke and heart attack by improving the blood circulation.

Black pepper: The main component of black pepper, piperine, is said to boost fat metabolism by inhibiting differentiation of fat cells in the body. studies suggest that piperine has anti-obese properties and reduces triglyceride, total cholesterol, VLDL and LDL levels, and increases HDL cholerterol. These results also show that piperine can help in weight loss and management. This kitchen ingredient is also beneficial in diseases like cholera, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal problems.

Chillies: Eating chillies can make you lose weight by stimulating the metabolism, improving circulation and warming the body. Chillies in moderate quantities induce 'Thermogenesis' that promote sweating, which is a cooling mechanism of the body to combat heat.
Capsaicin, a component found in chillies, is responsible for this effect as it stimulates certain receptors in the central nervous system to create the heat producing effect. Additionally, chillies help relieve nerve pain and boost energy levels as well.

Yoga for Weight Loss

Practicing yoga regularly offers various health benefits by building strength & improving the mental and physical well being. Yogic exercises tend to tone up the muscles, help balance our body and improve body posture. Yoga can also help lose weight by bringing you to a better in tune with your body, improving sense of well-being and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Some yoga poses, when performed correctly, massage the endocrine glands and the digestive system which improves digestion. Yogic asanas are believed to regulate the desire to eat. Regular practice can give you a valuable body consciousness that would help you eat less and the right kind of food. Listed here are some of the benefits of yogic exercises for weight loss-

• Surya Namaskar (Sun salutation) is an intelligent yoga practice that without stressing the nervous system or causing fatigue helps lose weight. This cycle of asanas gets the heart rate up for a very short burst and then drops it right down, then getting it up and then dropping it down.

• Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Dhanurasana (bow pose), Chakrasana (wheel pose) and Matsyendrasana (spinal twist) are certain backbend yoga postures that strengthen the liver and help it carry out all the essentials body functions as detoxifier, purifier and cleanser.

• Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) followed by the Matsyasana (fish pose) keep a check on the functioning of the thyroid gland which is known to regulate our metabolism. Many people who suffer from weight gain have hypothyroidism. These postures help to correct this dysfunction.

• Yogic asanas such as Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) and Janushirasana (head to knee pose) maintain the pH balance of the body. If the body pH is low (i.e., acidic), then the body tends to protect itself from the acid by storing fat and using it as a buffer. This is dangerous as accumulation of fats within the veins and arteries would lead to a condition known as arteriosclerosis.

• Asanas such as Savasana (corpse pose) and Viparita Karani (legs up the wall) relax the nervous system as these help cope up with day to day stress and anxiety. This further, helps those who indulge in ‘stress-eating’ habits which lead to weight gain.

• Paschimottanasana (seated forward bend) and the Anjaneyasana (lunge) asanas create warmth in the body through generating internal heat by creating nerve tension. This heat burns up the visceral fat as well as the subcutaneous fat which helps lose weight.

• Bakasana (crane), Pincha Mayurasana (feathered peacock), Tolasana (scale pose) and Chaturanga (plank) postures engage every muscle of the body into work and help burn fat. 

Easy Tricks to Lose Weight!

The healthiest way to lose weight is neither crash diets nor bursts of exercise. The body likes slow changes in terms of food and exercise. So, if you need to lose weight, what should you do? To lose weight, you need to get your body to use up the stored fats and the most effective way is to reduce the amount of calories you eat and increase the levels of daily activities. Find here some of the easy tricks to keep a check on your weight!

• Eat at the same times every day. Try adding foods to your diet instead of subtracting them. Add in healthy foods you really love, like deep-red cherries, juicy grapes, etc. Slip those favorite fruits into your bag lunch and breakfast cereal; add the veggies into soups, stews, and sauces. It isn't at all difficult.. is it?
• Instead of making high calorie meals for the family and low calorie for yourself, make only one meal. Weight loss is easier when everyone's eating the same thing and you're not tempted to taste calorie rich food in the other plate.
• Drinking a glass of water before a meal helps watch what you eat! You won’t just hog everything, since you wouldn't feel ‘so hungry’. Water is a no calorie drink that keeps a check on the body weight. Also, keeping your body refreshed with plenty of water may also help your workout as it keeps body well hydrated!
• One of the easiest ways to cut down on fat intake is to switch to lower calorie foods. While trimming fat calories, one should keep an eye on boosting fiber as it helps you feel satisfied longer.
• Serve your meals on a small plate! While a small portion served on a large plate can leave you craving more, a smaller plate full of food just feels more satisfying than a large plate with that same amount of food on it. Not only does the pleasure last longer, but your body has time to register the food you've eaten.
  
• Take the stairs every chance you get. Crank the music the next time you mop or vacuum. It all adds up. If you walk twice a day for 10 minutes and try a few of these tips, you may find yourself with a low-impact, 30-minute workout easily tucked under your belt. Other simple ways invigorate muscles can be riding bikes, swimming, hiking, washing the car, cleaning rooms, playing Frisbee or chasing the dog around the yard.
• Try dancing to the music or enjoy watching your favorite TV show while pedaling your stationery bike or walking the treadmill. Aim for at least 15 minutes and if you get really engrossed, you just might outlast the last survivor.

Weight loss is a journey guided by our unique needs, so hook into what works for you and do it! Finally, be patient and you may find your way to sweet weight loss success. Good Luck!

Papaya: A solution for Weight Loss?

Papaya has been proven natural remedy for various health ailments. Fruits are spherical or pear-shaped having yellow skin when ripe. The flesh is bright orange, with small black seeds clustered in the center. The ripe fruit is juice and sweet that makes it delicious and extremely enjoyable! Though papaya is believed to be native to Southern Mexico and Central America, today it is cultivated extensively all over the tropical regions.

In traditional medicine, papaya seeds are anti-inflammatory, anti-parasitic and analgesic, and are used to treat stomachache and ringworm infections. The fruit is low in calories (39 calories/100 g) and contains no cholesterol; however, is a rich source of antioxidant nutrients such as carotenes, vitamin C and flavonoids, the B vitamins, folate, pantothenic acid, minerals such as potassium, magnesium, and fiber. These nutrients also colon cancer, atherosclerosis, infections, colds and flu. The vitamin A, C and E content of papaya are said to offer protection against heart diseases.

Papaya is rich in nutrients and can benefit several different health concerns, including weight loss. Papaya is a low calorie fruit with high fiber content. Eating a bowl of ripe papaya as mid time snacks would help you feel full for a longer period of time. This keeps you satisfied, curbs the hunger cravings, and keeps you from overeating. 

Papaya fruit contains soft, easily digestible flesh with a good amount of soluble dietary fiber that helps to have normal bowel movements and cures constipation. The digestive enzymes papain and chymonpapain found in papaya are known to cleanse your digestive tract, further supporting fat loss. One can enjoy eating the ripe fruit or unripe papaya fruit can also be cooked and consumed.

Natural Weight Loss Tips!

In the era of commercialization, we find various weight loss pills, anti-cellulite products and expensive fitness gadgets popping up on the internet and television screens, but these can only cause frustration and may prove detrimental to our health. Natural herbal remedies are safe and promising in reducing weight.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet and any form of exercise plays a vital role in reducing as well as maintaining a normal weight. One should eat a diet good in green vegetables and fresh fruits. Some of the fat burning spices such as black pepper, long pepper, mustard, ginger, cinnamon and cayenne should be added to the meals or used in preparations. 

Fish like tuna & salmonare high in Lectin, a protein, which helps improve metabolism and aids fat loss. Reduce the intake of salt & carbohydrate rich, high calorie foods (eg. rice, potatoes). Having vegetable soup or eating papaya at dinner time is helpful in reducing weight. Eating a cabbage salad also helps reduce weight as tartaric acid, an ingredient in the vegetable is known to inhibit conversion of dietary sugar to fat.

Follow any Form of Exercise Regularly

Along with diet, regular exercise is quite beneficial. Brisk walk, skipping a rope, jogging, aerobics, yoga and pranayam (yogic breathing exercises) are among few exercises that can be of help to attain a healthy weight. Also, one should eat slowly as it satisfies hunger with less food, thereby reducing calorie intake. Drink plenty of water (3-4 litres/ day) as it has no calories and reduces hunger.

Natural Remedies for Weight Loss

Along with a balanced diet and regular exercise regime, do try some of these natural herbal remedies for controlling weight in a healthy manner, that too, without any side effects.

• Squeeze a lemon in a glass of bitter gourd juice and have it every morning.
• Boil about 10 gm of triphala (a combination of equal amount of Amla, Harra & Beheda powder in a glass of water for 10 minutes. Consume it warm in the morning.
• Consuming 2 cups of Green tea is also believed to shed excess fat.
• To keep a check on weight, soak a few leaves of Indian plum/ Jamun overnight. Discard the leaves & drink water in the morning on an empty stomach.
• Take ½ tsp of guggal powder, a tsp of ginger rhizome powder and mix in honey to make it into a paste. Administer it once a day to lose weight.
• Mix in a glass of lukewarm water, a tsp of honey with ½ tsp lemon juice. Drink it every morning and evening to lose weight.
• Pound a ginger rhizome & boil the same in water. Add to it, ½ tsp lemon juice and 1/4^th tsp black pepper powder. Have it when hot.
• Having a tomato or two in morning is said to be beneficial in reducing weight.

Remember Folks, losing weight isn't a mysterious process… it’s a matter of burning more calories than we eat! 

So get going! All the best!