If you’re looking for advice to shed some pounds, you might have come across a lot of blog posts and videos that might claim to help you lose weight in “less than a week,” often advertising harmful weight-loss supplements. While such claims are often unrealistic (and untrue), there are ways to lose weight gradually over time. Some of the advice is pretty straightforward: avoid sugary, processed, and fried foods that aren’t good for your weight and overall health. While skipping meals isn’t recommended, using a smaller portion size can also help you in your weight loss journey. The best way to lose weight is through small and consistent efforts involving caloric restriction and exercise. The basic principle of weight loss is this: you have to burn more than you consume.
There are some foods and drinks that can actually contribute to weight loss through changes in appetite and metabolism. Here is a list of foods and drinks that can help you in losing weight.
Yogurt
This dairy-rich food is an excellent aid for any weight loss program. Not only is yogurt rich in calcium, but its effects on obesity reduction have been studied extensively. It is low in calories but is packed with a lot of nutrients, which makes it an excellent weight-loss food. Studies conducted at the University of Knoxville have concluded that calcium-rich diets like yogurt can influence weight loss through their effect on fat metabolism. So yogurt not only gives you stronger bones but a slimmer belly as well.
There is growing evidence that foods rich in calcium and protein are the best combination for weight loss efforts. As a low-fat but protein-rich dairy product, this makes yogurt an ideal candidate. Adding three servings of yogurt a day will help you lose around two-thirds of your body fat. So don’t wait, and consume yogurt daily for consistent weight loss.
Green Tea
Green tea is one drink that has become synonymous with weight loss. Even if you don’t know much about diet and nutrition, you’d be pretty familiar with the fact that green tea improves your metabolism. This fact has been splashed across all green tea advertisements across the globe and has garnered attention from the lay public and fitness enthusiasts. There are a number of other teas that have emerged as “weight-loss drinks,” like black tea. Senna tea, which has laxative properties, has also been claimed to have weight-loss properties. However, despite the many claims of senna tea benefits, it does have a few positive aspects when it comes to losing weight, such as allowing you to go to the bathroom more often by preventing electrolytes and water from being absorbed into the colon. Green tea, on the other hand, has been studied extensively by researchers and has been found to improve metabolism.
Green tea is rich in antioxidants which have a beneficial effect on your health. Green tea also reduces appetite and hence leads to decreased caloric consumption. This, in turn, can lead to weight loss. Catechin is a green tea extract that promotes the loss of harmful visceral or abdominal fat. In short, Green tea is a pretty awesome drink, and you should add it to your daily routine.
Beans
You might have heard that eating less is the way to lose weight. However, you might want to make an exception when it comes to beans. Yes, that’s right. We’re about to literally spill the beans and tell you the best weight loss secrets. Eating pulses, lentils and beans has been linked to weight loss. This is because of the property of beans that contributes to satiety – which means that you feel full longer after you’ve eaten. So you don’t feel an urge to snack extra after your meals which saves you from gaining extra kilos. Beans are a rich source of proteins which makes them a viable alternative for meat. They’re also high in fiber and antioxidants, which means they’re really good for your health.
Beans and legumes are a staple around many parts of the world. So you can try delicious bean recipes from around the globe, and while you’re at it, even lose a few extra pounds! Legumes can also lower bad cholesterol, which can lead to a healthier heart in the long run. There are a wide variety of options you can choose from when it comes to beans and legumes: fava beans, kidney beans, black beans, lentils, chickpeas. So instead of having that steak when you dine out, opt for hummus and other delicious bean-based foods. Your BMI will thank you later.
Water
Seeing water in the list of drinks that can help you lose weight might seem too good to be true. After all, we all drink water daily and need it for survival. However, growing research evidence has proved that increased water intake leads to weight loss. Water can lead to weight loss via two possible mechanisms: increased fat metabolism or decreased need for feeding. The best time to drink water for maximal weight loss benefit is before meals, as it can reduce the number of calories you consume. Mild thirst can be mistaken for hunger by your brain. So instead of reaching out for water which your body needs, you can end up snacking more food leading to weight gain.
Next time you feel a little hungry, try drinking some water. If you don’t feel hungry after that, it means that your body just needs some hydration. Water also helps you exercise better and reduces stress. It’s also essential for the removal of waste products from the body. Almost all of your bodily functions require water in some way. In conclusion, water is the elixir of life and can also help you lose weight.
Despite a number of diet fads and weight loss supplements available in the market that claim to help you lose weight, in reality all you need is simple food. By incorporating these natural and readily available food and drinks in your diet plan, you can lose weight over-time. Starvation isn’t a healthy way to lose weight, and you need to make sure you’re getting all the required nutrients from your diet. Exercise with small portions of healthy food is the best combination for consistent weight loss.
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