There’s nothing wrong with getting a boost to help you lose weight. Even if you’re eating all the right foods and exercising regularly, sometimes a little prod can help your body respond even more positively. There are many products on the market that claim to boost weight loss by promoting fat burning or suppressing your appetite, but why ingest chemicals (plus heaven knows what else) when there are perfectly good natural foods that will do the same – at much less cost and less risk? Instead of popping pills, reach for these:
1 Whey Protein
The best thing about whey protein powder is that it doesn't raise your blood sugar levels the way carbohydrates do. It regulates your blood sugar and speeds up weight loss. Protein also helps make you feel fuller, improves your metabolism, and above all, suppresses appetite. It also improves your muscle mass, and larger muscles burn calories faster to gain more energy. Adding protein powder to your smoothies is a great way to use it.
Frequently asked questions
2 Water
You can always quell a craving with a glass of water. Some people cannot differentiate between slight dehydration and hunger. So, don't just start eating when you feel hungry – drink a glass of water first to see how it feels. This will also increase your metabolism and help you achieve your weight loss goals.
3 Flax Seeds
Derived from the Linum usitatissimum plant, flax seeds treat several ailments, including bladder infections, ADHD, high cholesterol, rheumatoid arthritis, and respiratory infections. They are a great source of appetite-suppressing omega-3s; in fact, a tablespoon of flax seeds contains about 2.3g of omega-3s and 3g of stomach-filling fiber. They also contain omega-6 fatty acids, which encourage the release of an appetite-suppressing hormone called cholecystokinin. Sprinkle on salads, yogurt, or cereal.
4 Apples
Apples are among the most neglected natural appetite suppressants. They suppress appetite mainly due to the presence of pectin and dietary fiber, which make you feel full. Their high water content also keeps your belly full and lots of chewing time ensures your body realizes that you're no longer hungry. Apples are a brilliant snack food.
5 Green Tea
What can be better than a cup of green tea to suppress appetite and lose weight? Why? That's because it contains polyphenols, which help burn fat. It also contains caffeine, which acts as a diuretic and stimulant. The only thing is that you will have to drink 3-6 cups a day to manage your appetite. However, green tea has a multitude of general health benefits so you’ll be doing yourself no end of good – not just losing weight.
6 Almonds
Eating almonds will help suppress your appetite and provide your body with healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamin E, and magnesium. This awesome nut helps you lose weight by making you feel fuller. Be sure to eat quite a few almonds at least an hour before your next meal because it takes about 30 minutes to feel the appetite-suppressing effects of almonds.
7 Soup
Enjoying a bowl of soup before your main meal will help suppress your appetite. Even though it contains few calories, it can still have a filling effect on your stomach. Make your own soup to avoid all the sodium, sugar, and preservatives in commercial soup. Choose your favorite vegetables and you’re set to whip up a delicious bowlful. Clear broth based soups are best – we’re avoiding creamy stuff, remember! You will be better off going for vegetable or chicken soup, but be sure to check it's not packed with salt.
Of all of these, I highly recommend water above the others. You need to stay hydrated for good health and as I mentioned, you might not be hungry – you might just need a drink, so you could substitute green tea for water. But it’s worth trying them all. Variety when losing weight is always helpful.
Are these on your menu when you’re trying to lose weight?
