The body is an intricate and amazing machine full of wonder and mystery. When provided with the correct fuel and lifestyle, it has the ability to think well, move well and stay alive for a long time. In our day, more than any other, we are plagued with a host of sometimes debilitating conditions that are all, in one way or another, related to lifestyle choices that we make.
One burning question that millions of Americans have is, “How can I get rid of the extra fat that I have?” It would be wrong to say that there is a one-size fits all solution to the obesity epidemic in America, although the manufacturers of weight loss products would like you to think this is true. There are however, a number of healthy changes that everyone can make that will result in supporting natural healing and balance.
Food is essential to life. When we eat foods that are void in nutrition we reap the results of these choices. Sometimes the results are immediate, and showcase themselves in violent food allergies or other reactions, sometimes they are subtle and include the building up of our internal fat storage over the course of many years. Continuing to make poor dietary choices always produces a weaker body – whether it is apparent or not.
Healthy foods support healthy energy production which is the catalyst for metabolism. Fueling the metabolic fire so that it best uses fat stores for energy is one of the keys to successful weight loss.
What if you are eating right, exercising and still have fat stores that are hanging on? Chances are, your internal chemistry, for some reason, is still out of whack. This is where the power of super fat burning foods comes into play.
Here are some foods that you should consider adding to your already healthy diet if you want to really tap into your fat stores:
Cinnamon
You may well have heard about the amazing medicinal attributes of this sweet and comforting spice. The many benefits of cinnamon have been known since ancient times to Ayurvedic and Chinese cultures, who used this pungent and aromatic bark to treat indigestion, colds and cramps, as well as to boost vitality and energy.
Cinnamon has been found to reduce blood sugar levels in people who are diabetic or pre-diabetic. High blood sugar levels impair metabolism and create internal chaos. Adding as little as 2 teaspoons a day of cinnamon to your food has been shown to be effective in helping regulate blood sugar and insulin response. Consider adding a little to your coffee, smoothies or morning oatmeal.
Garlic
Garlic is more than just a way to ward off vampires! Garlic offers a wide range of beneficial properties for the body, with one of the most important being the ability to detoxify – or remove harmful toxins, which is a key factor in overall health as well as longevity. A body full of toxins cannot efficiently make use of fat stores for energy.
This so called “stinking rose”has antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral components. Studies have shown that it is even effective at knocking out antibiotic-resistant bacteria, reducing fungal infections and annihilating viruses and parasites. Garlic promotes relaxation and enlarges blood vessels, which improves blood flow.
In the body, garlic acts as a thermogenic, revving up heat production, reducing inflammation and balancing the metabolic process. In addition, garlic contains allicin which has been linked to the reduction of unhealthy fats in the body.
Eggs
Free range, organic eggs are an excellent protein option. The protein in eggs is complete, which means that it contains all of the essential amino acids that the body requires. One egg has on average of six grams of protein. Contrary to what was once thought, there is no correlation between egg consumption and heart disease.
In fact, eggs are now being found to protect against blood clots, heart attack and stroke. Eggs contain 13 essential vitamins, antioxidants and minerals. With a mere 70 calories each, eggs are a great option for anyone watching their waistline. Dietary studies indicate that people who eat an egg each morning lose twice as much weight as those who eat processed cereal, bread or other nutritionally void foods.
Ginger
Ginger is packed with tremendously powerful compounds and should be considered a staple in any healthy diet. In fact, it offers so many medicinal properties that some feel it should be a must in the medicine cabinet as well.
This wonderful spice has been used medicinally for thousands of years, and offers anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcer and antioxidant activities. It can even be used as an analgesic. Ginger is used in many popular cleansing programs, as it is thought to cleanse the body by stimulating digestion, circulation and sweating.
Its digestive actions may serve to cleanse the build-up of waste and toxins in the colon, liver and other organs. Efficient detoxification is essential to efficient metabolism. Known as a metabolic activator, ginger has been thought to increase the thermogenic properties of foods while decreasing feelings of hunger.
One of the best ways to enjoy ginger’s health benefits is through a ginger tea. Prepare the tea by steeping about five slices of ginger (two teaspoons of fresh grated ginger) in hot water. For an extra powerful digestive soother, add chamomile and peppermint tea leaves.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is one of the most potent ‘all-purpose’ tonics around. Among its huge array of health benefits, multiple studies have found that it may help lower blood sugar levels.
The traditional uses of apple cider vinegar are vast. To name just a few, it has been used to ease digestion, aid in flu prevention, reduce inflammation, regulate pH balance, alleviate allergy symptoms, ease nausea and heartburn, as a staple in detox regimens, and for a number of skin conditions, including reducing acne and smoothing wrinkles.
One study, conducted at Arizona State University by Doctors Carol S. Johnston and Andrea M. White, PhD, surveyed 11 people afflicted with type 2 diabetes. The researchers found that taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar right before bed lowered the blood sugar levels of these individuals by 4 to 6 percent by morning.
Another study led by Dr. Johnston, gave subjects with insulin resistance and some without, 20 grams of apple cider vinegar and 40 grams of water. Results showed that the after-meal blood sugar levels of the subjects with insulin resistance lowered by 34 percent when they drank the apple cider vinegar.
Keep in mind that these foods must be eaten as part of a healthy lifestyle and not in addition to an unhealthy lifestyle. The only approach to healthy fat burning is one that embraces health as its primary motivation.
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.eggnutritioncenter.org/
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice&dbid=72
