5 Foods That Support Natural Weight Loss

Losing weight is usually a challenge; it requires a certain degree of dedication to our diets and exercise. However, not all food regimes have to be as bland as the plain food that we generally perceive to help us with our  “diets”.

Nature has gifted us with a few wonderful herbs that will not only spice up our meals, but also aid in healthy weight loss – among other things.

These power herbs help to support a more effective metabolism and speed up the body’s process of fat.

They also have numerous of other health benefits aside from flavoring meals and helping with weight loss.

Here is our list of nature’s gifts to achieving our weight goals

1. Green Coffee Bean

Most of us enjoy a cup of joe in the morning to perk us up and get us ready for the day ahead, but did you know that green coffee bean extract is one of the most popular weight loss supplements available?

Most people think that you lose weight because of the caffeine in the extract, but the real powerhouse compound in green coffee bean are the chlorogenic acids that are present.

Many believe that this compound is the main ingredient in green coffee beans that aids in supporting health weight loss.

From a scientific perspective, research on chlorogenic acids for weight loss is promising, but somewhat limited (source).

That being said, drinking coffee is a good option for those looking to lose a few pounds. Moderation is key, 1-3 cups of black coffee per day is ideal. Resist the urge to use sugar and/or large amounts of calorie-dense creamer in your coffee.

Also, did you know that coffee is thehealthiest energy drink? Check out our article to learn more.

2. Green Tea

Green tea is one of the most popular tea varieties in the world. It has gained prominence for a number of reasons. It helps in protecting your heart, promotes healthy bones and it can even help to protects your brain from free radical damage.

It contains powerful antioxidants called catechins that help get the body’s fat burning process going.

If you are having problems sleeping you can opt for a decaffeinated variety of green tea; that way you won’t be kept up at night.

Green tea also has has theanine, an amino acid that has relaxing properties that can help you develop better sleeping habits.

A natural version of theanine that you can take in supplement form is an ingredient called Suntheanine®. Learn more about thisrelaxing natural ingredient.

3. Hibiscus

Hibiscus is a beautiful flower that also has health benefits. It is quickly gaining prominence because it is nutrient rich and full of flavonoids.

It may aid in weight loss by lowering your body’s potential absorption of both fat and carbohydrates. It makes for a great water weight management herb because it acts as a diuretic. Hibiscus can be found in various forms, but if you’re not into green tea, hibiscus tea makes for a great alternative.

4. Parsley

Parsley can be considered to be one of the most popular garnishes in the world. However, it does more than make your food look pretty. It works as a diuretic in your system, meaning that it increases the production of urine. This can help you to flush excess liquid in your system.

Parsley also tastes great so you can add it to any meal as you please!

5. Turmeric

Curcumin, a heavily studied active ingredient of turmeric. New research shows that it may be useful in aiding natural weight loss (source).

This spice also “warms” you up, which means that due to your body’s temperature raising it has the tendency to impact your metabolism.

A popular spice in Indian cuisine, it has made its way into the hearts of many with its unique, delicious flavor. It is best used as a ingredient for soups, stews, and even vegetables. There are some who even turn this powerful herb into a tea (called “golden milk”).

Other Quick Tips for Effective and Natural Weight Loss

•Drink plenty of water. It has been shown that adequate water intake can aid in weight management (source).

•Get the right amount of quality sleep. Sleep deprivation can be a contributing cause of weight gain.

•Discipline is the name of the game. You can only achieve your goals through your commitment to your body.

Creating the perfect weight loss diet plan does not have to be tasteless at all, nor does it have to be supplemented by the numerous chemically based capsules out there.

Nature provides us with many powerful ingredients that can perk up any meal and support your lifestyle goals.

You will find that many of these powerful herbs can help you boost your metabolism, curb your appetite, and as a plus, they taste great as an addition to any meal.

Do not settle for plain and flavorless meals, losing weight isn’t a punishment but rather a challenge. Thankfully nature has stepped in and provided us with a lot of tasty alternatives that can help us with our goals.

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Leury Pichardo is anorganics health nerd by day and writer by night. He’s constantly out on the search for the best natural solutions to various health issues. Leury is a strong believer that prevention is key, but Mother Nature is a locksmith!