When it comes to a bedtime routine, a warm glass of milk or a soothing cup a tea may be just the ticket before dozing off. But wouldn’t it be great if while you slept your body could simultaneously rest and burn stubborn body fat? Just because you’re asleep at night doesn’t mean your metabolism has to be, right? Here’s a nighttime elixir to help boost your metabolism and aid weight loss.
Coconut milk
This lactose-free and soy-free “milk” is quite a convincing alternative to regular cow’s milk. Though you may not save much in the way of calories, you’ll be able to enjoy a range of vitamins and minerals. You’ll get protein, manganese, copper, phosphorus, magnesium, iron and potassium. It also contains lauric acid, a medium-chain fatty acid that the body uses for energy to aid weight loss.
Coconut oil
Along with milk and water, the all-powerful coconut churns out some pretty wonderful oil, too. According to researchers, the medium-chain triglycerides in this tropical treasure will reduce hunger and help prevent you from overeating — so no need for that midnight snack! The saturated fat content will also keep your resting metabolic rate higher and burn through calories, unlike butter or other forms of oil. And because it is a source of healthy fat, you don’t have to worry about typical fat scares, like high cholesterol or heart disease. Grab a spoon and dig in!
Ginger powder
Ginger is well known to soothe digestive distress, and many alternative health practitioners use it for weight loss as well. In one study, researchers found that ingestion of a single gram of dried ginger root lead to 13.5 percent more fat oxidation — the process of your body breaking down lipid molecules so they can be used up for energy.
Turmeric
The health benefits of turmeric are almost too numerous to count. In addition to reducing inflammation, the active compound in turmeric — curcumin — can block fat cells from forming and getting larger. In one study, researchers concluded, “The curcumin suppression of angiogenesis in adipose tissue together with its effect on lipid metabolism in adipocytes may contribute to lower body fat and body weight gain. Our findings suggest that dietary curcumin, present in turmeric, may have a potential benefit in preventing obesity.” Wow!
Black pepper
The active compound in black pepper — piperine — helps improve curcumin absorption, the compound found in turmeric that was mentioned above. In fact, it enhances the absorption of curcumin by 2,000 percent, so you get the most bang for your buck. Even a small amount of black pepper will do the job.
Raw honey
Among the dozens of reasons to love raw honey, one of the major benefits is its ability to dramatically improve digestion. Raw honey contains prebiotics, which provide plenty of fuel for the “good” bacteria in your gut. And when your gut bacteria are happy, your body can break down fats, proteins and sugars more efficiently, while absorbing more nutrients in your food.
Ingredients for Bedtime Metabolism Booster
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 1 1/2 tsp ginger powder
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1 tbsp raw honey
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Instructions
1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl, except the honey.
2. Carefully pour into a small saucepan.
3. Cook over low heat for five minutes until the coconut oil is completely melted.
4. Turn off the heat and add the honey.
Carefully pour half of the mix into a mug and drink it right before bed. You can save the other half of the batch for tomorrow night. Bottoms up!
— The Alternative Daily