With the warm weather days finally amongst us, we naturally shed sweaters and boots for bathing suites and sandals. Although this is a favorite time of year for most of us, it can also be a time of uneasiness about the way we look and feel. Hitting the gym can be helpful, but I want to also share with you my five favorite slimming superfoods that can help you get results quickly this summer.
Lemon Water. This may be surprising, but starting your day with half of an organic lemon squeezed into a glass of water can do wonders for your waistline. Lemon has a natural effect of improving digestion and elimination, which is not only important for overall health, but can also make a difference in whether your stomach appears bloated or not. Also, this is a great way to flush toxins from your system and stay hydrated during the warm summer days.
Green Coffee Bean. Along with a healthy diet, my favorite slimming supplement is pure Green Coffee Bean. Green Coffee Bean is different than your average cup of Joe-it’s actually a raw coffee bean in capsule form. The active compound, chlorogenic acid (look for 45-50%) is thought to contribute to body fat loss. In a study out of Scranton University, participants lost an average of 17 pounds and 16% body fat over 12 weeks. Purity is really important, so look for brands such as Genesis Today or Pure Health, where nothing is added to the product.
Spicy Foods. There’s a reason why you may sweat when eating foods such as garlic, peppers and certain spices. Foods and spices with heat (such as cayenne, cinnamon, paprika, turmeric, etc.) can cause a thermogenic response in the body, essentially “heating” you up. This is a good thing when it comes to burning calories and revving up your metabolism. (Source: Journal of Nutrition)
Resveratrol. This active compound found in red wine, grapes and pomegranates has historically been known for longevity, but recent research is linking it to weight loss. First off, resveratrol increased study participants BMR (basal metabolic rate) by as much as 29%. BMR is how many calories you burn at rest, so this has a huge impact on your weight loss efforts. In addition, Purdue University found resveratrol naturally kept baby fat cells dormant, definitely something we want to keep at bay!
Garcinia Cambogia. As one of the hottest supplements of 2013, this pumpkin-shaped fruit from Indonesia has been researched for its impact on metabolism, serotonin levels (feel-good hormones) and cholesterol. Compared to a placebo group, those taking Garcinia lost more weight, body fat and inches around both the waist and hips. If you tend to be an emotional eater or love sugar, Garcinia could be a great tool to have in your arsenal. Look for 60% HCA (hydroxy citric acid), which is the active compound found in the rind of the Garcinia fruit.
Summer can be a fabulous time to relax a bit, enjoy some good company and even take a vacation now and then. When it’s time to put on that cute sleeveless dress you’ve been wanting to wear, slimming superfoods can help you show it off. By incorporating these five simple foods, you’ll be there in no time, feeling more confident than ever before!
*The information on this site is designed for educational purposes only and has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Thank you!
~by Kimberly Olson
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