5 Teas That Melt Belly Fat

To burn belly flab, turn up the heat.

Think of your body as teapot on the stove and the water inside as your belly fat. Chances are the pot is sitting there over a low flame, not doing much of anything. The water inside may be warm, but it’s not boiling. If you want the pot to whistle—and attract a few whistles yourself—you need to crank up the heat.

Well, that’s exactly what will happen if you take that teapot from metaphor to reality. Tea—at least, certain types of tea—can rev up your body’s ability to melt fat as quickly and easily as turning a stove from low to high. New research, included in my book Zero Belly Diet, reveals that tea can reset your internal thermometer to increase fat burn by up to 10 percent without exercising, or dieting, or sitting in a sauna dreaming about a Nestea plunge.

Why not give your body every advantage it can get in the battle against fat? Here are the five brews to start sipping for a slimmer, sleeker, more efficient fat-burning you.

FAT-MELTER #5

White Tea: Breaks down stored fat

We like: Twinings, The Republic of Tea, Celestial Seasonings Sleepytime

Think of white tea as Spanx in a cup. It actually works with your body in four different ways to promote fat-burning: It blocks the formation of new fat cells while simultaneously boosting lipolysis, the body’s process of breaking down stored fat, according to a study published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolism. Another group of researchers found that the tea is also a rich source of catechins, a type of antioxidant that triggers the release of fat from the cells and—bonus!—helps speed the liver’s ability to turn fat into energy. Brew this and burn fat.

FAT-MELTER #4

Barberry: Blocks fat cells from growing

We like: TerraVita, TeaHaven

The stem, fruit and root bark of the barberry shrub contains berberine–a powerful, naturally occurring, fat-frying chemical. A study conducted by Chinese researchers revealed that berberine can prevent weight gain and the development of insulin resistance in rats consuming a high-fat diet. Previous studies have also found that consuming the plant can boost energy expenditure and help decrease the number of receptors on the surface of fat cells, making them less apt to absorb incoming sources of flubber.

FAT-MELTER #3

Pu-erh Tea: Reduces belly flab

We like: Numi Organic Tea, Uncle Lee’s Tea

This fermented Chinese tea might do to your fat cells what the New England Patriots allegedly do to their footballs—deflate them! To discover the brew’s fat-crusading powers, Chinese researchers fed groups of rats varying diets over a two-month period. Those who had a high-fat diet while also receiving pu-erh tea extract had lower levels of fat in their blood and lower levels of belly fat than those who did not. While the effects aren’t proven in humans, this tea has true fat-blasting potential. Sip a cup in the morning.

FAT-MELTER #2

Oolong Tea: Burns a pound a week

We like: Bigelow, Stash

This antioxidant-rich traditional Chinese drink not only helps keep cholesterol levels in check and aids digestion, it can also help rev up your metabolism. Like green tea, oolong is also packed with catechins, which boost weight loss efforts by improving the body’s ability to metabolise fat. A six-week Chinese study found that participants who regularly sipped the brew lost a pound a week! And burn, baby, burn with the essential 9 Ways to Boost Your Metabolism.

FAT-MELTER #1

Rooibos: Cuts new fat cell growth

We like: Celestial Seasonings, Teavana 
This red, naturally sweet tea made from the leaves of the Rooibos bush are powerful fat-melters. According to South African researchers, polyphenols and flavonoids found in the plant inhibits adipogenesis—the formation of new fat cells—by as much as 22 percent. The chemicals also aid fat metabolism. Sip this brew to help burn that stubborn bit of chub clinging to your middle, no diet necessary.

Which is your favourite tea? Have you found any other teas that have boosted your weight loss results? Comment below and let me know :)

Source

The Weight Loss Benefits of Green Coffee Bean

Green coffee bean extract, produced from the green beans of the Arabica plant, is a relatively new ingredient to weight loss products that has been getting strong attention; even being featured on the Dr. Oz program. This attention is not unfounded, green coffee bean extract has a number of health benefits, in particular as a weight loss aid.

How Does Green Coffee Bean Work?

Green coffee bean contains polyphenols, including chlorogenic acids, which, like grape seed extract and green tea, have antioxidant that help the body neutralize harmful free radicals. Research has also shown that the chlorogenic acid in green coffee bean has an antihypertensive effect on rats and humans that promotes normal blood pressure ^[1-3].

Unlike coffee beverages, green coffee bean extract is low in caffeine and is not a stimulant. Chlorogenic acids are also destroyed when coffee beans are roasted and their benefits are not available in coffee drinks.

Chlorogenic acids support the weight loss benefits of green coffee bean in a couple different ways. First, promote balanced blood sugar by inhibiting the release of glucose within the body. Secondly, chlorogenic acids boost the metabolic output of the liver, which burns more fat. This dual mechanism works to support lean body mass by hindering the absorption of fat and weight gain.

Research Indicates Weight Loss Benefits of Green Coffee Bean

In 2006, a study published in BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine examined the inhibition of fat accumulation and weight gain in mice that were given green coffee bean extract. Researchers noted that the mice had reduced visceral fat content and body weight. It was concluded that green coffee bean extract may be effective against weight gain and fat accumulation by preventing fat absorption and activating fat metabolism in the liver ^[4].

In 2011, Gastroenterology Research and Practice published a meta-analysis of 5 studies, which had examined green coffee bean extract as a weight loss supplement. Although it was noted that more research was appropriate, it was also concluded that aggregate data showed a significant difference in body weight in the subjects of the studies who had supplemented with GCE, compared with placebo, and that evidence indicates that GCE can promote weight loss ^[5].

This conclusion was supported by an early 2012 study published in The Diabetes Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity journal that followed a group of 16 adults who supplemented with green coffee bean for a period of 12 weeks, without making any dietary changes. The results were significantly astounding. During this time, subjects lost an average of 10.5% of overall body weight and 16% of overall body fat, without any reported negative side effects ^[6].

source

When it comes to losing weight, proper diet and exercise are paramount to success. However, research shows that adding a supplement like green coffee bean extract can increase weight loss potential, in addition to the antioxidant benefit. As with all supplements, for green coffee bean to be effective, it must be a pure, organic 100% high grade coffee bean extract supplement manufactured in the US with laboratory tests certifying the product’s potency and quality.

Source

References:

1. Suzuki A, Kagawa D, Ochiai R, Tokimitsu I, Saito I. Green coffee bean extract and its metabolites have a hypotensive effect in spontaneously hypertensive rats. Hypertens Res. 2002 Jan;25(1):99-107.
2. Ochiai R, Jokura H, Suzuki A, Tokimitsu I, Ohishi M, Komai N, Rakugi H, Ogihara T.Green coffee bean extract improves human vasoreactivity. Hypertens Res. 2004 Oct;27(10):731-7.
3. Watanabe T, Arai Y, Mitsui Y, Kusaura T, Okawa W, Kajihara Y, Saito I. The blood pressure-lowering effect and safety of chlorogenic acid from green coffee bean extract in essential hypertension. Clin Exp Hypertens. 2006 Jul;28(5):439-49.
4. Shimoda H, Seki E, Aitani M. Inhibitory effect of green coffee bean extract on fat accumulation and body weight gain in mice. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2006 Mar 17;6:9.
5. Onakpoya I, Terry R, Ernst E. The use of green coffee extract as a weight loss supplement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Gastroenterol Res Pract. 2011;2011. doi:pii: 382852. 10.1155/2011/382852. Epub 2010 Aug 31.
6. Vinson JA, Burnham BR, Nagendran MV. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, linear dose, crossover study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a green coffee bean extract in overweight subjects. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes. 2012;5:21-7. doi: 10.2147/DMSO.S27665. Epub 2012 Jan 18.

How to lose weight by cutting alcohol

What's the key to successful weight loss? Nutritionist and Ocsober ambassador Lola Berry tells you what you need to do

Weight loss is always a big topic for discussion. We all want to know the latest tricks and tips, like if there is some new exotic fruit which will speed your metabolism up or if there's some magical shake that will make you less hungry. Sure, these things do exist but what happens when you go off these special weight loss supplements and go back to normal eating? You guessed it, the weight piles back on, and often with interest. Take it from me, I’ve tried and seen it all. So what are the true pillars of weight loss?

Eating real food

The things you want to go for are fresh fruit, veggies, nuts and seeds, and when it comes to animal products I’d be going for organic or free range when you can. I know they cost more but that's just my preference both ethically and from a health perspective. 

Giving up alcohol (for awhile)

Now what about the booze? If you're really serious about dropping weight then it's got to go, just for a little while. Use a campaign such as Ocsober as motivation to keep off the alcohol, if only for a month. It's not even the fact that you're drinking empty calories, but there's more to it than that. When you drink alcohol your body needs to burn it off straight away, so if you're out for dinner, then that meal you’re eating is being stored rather than burned off. 

Think about how often we have a few drinks at dinner time. On top of that, we want our liver to be in tip top shape to be losing weight as it's a key player in fat emulsification. So if you're liver is out of whack then it's going to be harder for your body to break down fats. When you are trying to lose weight, keep your water intake high as you'll be detoxing so staying hydrated is going to help keep you regular and flush whatever toxins your body is getting rid of.

Get regular sunshine

Getting a bit of sunshine every day is key. I’m not saying roast, but just a little walk in the sun most days will give you a nice hit of vitamin D which is needed for your metabolism. 

Be happy

Finally, most importantly be happy. If you're not happy you won't be compliant and you'll keep reverting to the "easier" option. Plus when we're not happy we turn to other things to make us happy like sugar, carbohydrates or alcohol. So make sure you're doing things to make you happy, things that feed the soul.

Comment below you thoughts, love hearing from you xx


Source
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/weight+loss/lose+weight/how+to+lose+weight+by+cutting+alcohol,27635

Can Coffee Increase Your Metabolism and Help You Burn Fat?

Coffee contains caffeine… which is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world.

Caffeine has made its way to most commercial fat burning supplements, for good reason.

It is one of the few substances that is known to help mobilize fats from the fat tissues and increase metabolism.

Coffee Contains Stimulants

Coffee isn’t just warm black water.

Substances in the coffee beans do make it into the final drink.

In fact, coffee contains several biologically active substances that can affect metabolism:

• Caffeine – a central nervous system stimulant.
• Theobromine and Theophylline – substances related to caffeine that can also have a stimulant effect.
• Chlorogenic Acid – one of the biologically active compounds in coffee, may help slow absorption of carbohydrates (1).

The most important of these is caffeine, which is very potent and has been studied thoroughly.

What caffeine does in the brain, is to block an inhibitory neurotransmitter called Adenosine (2, 3).

By blocking Adenosine, caffeine increases the firing of neurons and the release of neurotransmitters like Dopamine and Norepinephrine.

Coffee Can Help to Mobilize Fat From The Fat Tissues

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, which sends direct signals to the fat cells to tell them to break down fat (4, 5).

Another thing that caffeine does is to increase our blood levels of the hormone Epinephrine, which is also known as Adrenaline (6, 7).

Epinephrine travels through the blood, to the fat tissues and send signals to break down fats and release them into the blood.

This is how caffeine helps to mobilize fat from the fat tissues, making it available for use as free fatty acids in the blood.

Coffee Can Increase The Metabolic Rate

How many calories we burn at rest is called the Resting Metabolic Rate (RMR).

The higher our metabolic rate, the easier it is for us to lose weight and the more we can allow ourselves to eat without gaining.

Studies show that caffeine can increase the metabolic rate by 3-11%, with larger doses having an even bigger effect (8, 9).

Interestingly, most of the increase in metabolism is caused by an increase in the burning of fat (10).

Unfortunately, the effect is less pronounced in those who are obese.

In one study, the increase in fat burning in lean people is as high as 29%, while in obese individuals the increase is about 10% (11). The effect also appears to diminish with age and is more pronounced in younger individuals (12).

Caffeine can improve athletic performance via several mechanisms, one of those being increased mobilization of fatty acids from the fat tissues. Studies show that caffeine can improve exercise performance by 11-12%, on average (13, 14).

Coffee and Weight Loss in The Long Term

There is one major caveat here, and that is the fact that people become tolerant to the effects of caffeine (15, 16).

In the short term, caffeine can boost the metabolic rate and increase fat burning, but after a while people become tolerant to the effects and it stops working.

But even if coffee doesn’t make you expend more calories in the long term, there is still a possibility that it blunts appetite and helps you eat less.

In one study, caffeine had an appetite reducing effect in men, but not in women – making them eat less at a meal following caffeine consumption. However, another study showed no effect for men (17, 18).

Whether coffee or caffeine can help you lose weight in the long term may depend on the individual. At this point, there is no evidence that it can help with weight loss in the long term.

Take Home Message

Even though caffeine can boost your metabolism in the short term, this effect is diminished in long-term coffee drinkers due to tolerance.

If you’re primarily interested in coffee for the sake of fat loss, then it may be best to cycle it to prevent a buildup of tolerance. Perhaps cycles of 2 weeks on, 2 weeks off.

Of course, there are plenty of other great reasons to drink coffee, including the fact that coffee is the single largest source of antioxidants in the western diet, outranking both fruits and vegetables, combined.

Source
http://authoritynutrition.com/coffee-increase-metabolism/

Black Coffee & Weight Loss

Coffee drinkers love their morning cup o' Joe. In fact, according to a 2010 Filterfresh Coffee Report survey, 54 percent of those surveyed said they would give up their cell phone before giving up their daily cup of coffee. And even though 96 percent of respondents report that they receive their daily shot of caffeine from coffee, the majority of coffee drinkers are not looking to black coffee as a meal replacement or weight loss contributor. But can drinking black coffee boost your weight loss efforts?

Coffee Aids Weight Loss

"Some studies have shown that drinking coffee with caffeine may slightly increase weight loss or in actuality prevent weight gain by suppressing the appetite or the desire to eat," says Kathy Taylor, a registered dietitian. "It may also help with calorie burning by stimulating thermogenesis--our body's way of generating heat from metabolizing food. Ultimately caffeine acts like a diuretic causing us to have water loss so there is a temporary decrease in body weight."
Often people trying to lose weight think that coffee may give them an edge, because after drinking coffee they often feel full and don't eat as much. "Coffee is not a food substitute," says Dr. Danine Fruge, Associate Medical Director of the Pritikin Longevity Center & Spa. "It will only fool your brain for so long. You still need to eat."

Helps with Your Workout

Coffee--and caffeine--is a great weight loss tool for several reasons, according to Maik Wiedenbach, owner of Adlertraining in New York City. "It is a powerful anti-oxidant, which is important for your recovery from exercise and overall immune health. Also, coffee mobilizes free fatty acids, which can then be oxidized during exercises." Wiedenbach adds that coffee gives you a mental edge and greater focus.

Increased Metabolism

For maximum weight-loss success, the Weight Control Room website suggests drinking coffee black, on an empty stomach and only in moderation. The site says caffeine can increase your metabolism by stimulating your nervous system because it facilitates the burning of body fat by pulling fatty acids out of the fat cells. The site, however, cautions against drinking coffee while consuming carbohydrates. "If you drink coffee while eating carbohydrates the insulin produced in your body may override the fat burning effects of the caffeine."

Recommendations

"Black coffee does get your heart pumping a little faster in the morning before a workout but it is stimulant induced and not natural," adds Taylor. "My advice is to keep your coffee or any caffeinated beverages to only 2 per day"--that's two 8-oz. cups of coffee per day or two 12-oz. caffeinated sodas per day. Taylor advises drinking them before noon so they won't negatively impact your sleep. "The ultimate goal is to get enough sleep (6 to 8 hours/night) so you don't need the stimulant, and that usually means cutting the TV off at a decent hour."

Other Considerations

Coffee is an anorectic and will suppress your appetite. That's why it's important for coffee drinkers to consume more water and maintain a healthy diet. "When people drink a lot of coffee they sometimes cut back on their water intake and are more prone to snack on unhealthy foods like pastries," says Dr. Fruge. "Sometimes people who drink coffee find themselves overeating later on in the day because they skipped meals while they were drinking coffee," she adds.

Warnings

Since coffee has a quick saturation effect, Wiedenbach cautions coffee drinkers to not use it every day. "High doses (above 800 mg/daily) can lead to heart palpitations, tremors and sweating," he adds. There's some good news, though. "The body wanes off caffeine quickly; it only takes 5 days to clean the receptor cells. After that, you can enjoy the benefits anew," Weidenbach says.

Source
http://livewell.jillianmichaels.com/black-coffee-weight-loss-4922.html

Seven nutrition tips for metabolism

Nutritionist Michele Chevalley Hedge reveals the foods that will have your metabolism firing. Check out her top seven nutrition tips for boosting metabolic rate.

1. Quality over quantity

Lowering your food intake can actually slow your metabolism down rather than firing it up. Instead of thinking about the quantity of food you are eating, try to focus on the quality. Make sure most of your diet consists of wholefoods.

2. Green is your colour

Reduce triglyceride levels by cutting down on refined carbohydrates and increasing your daily intake of dark green vegetables. Repair abnormally elevated levels of these fats and the body will use fat storage for energy more effectively.

3. Go pro protein

The body can develop negative feedback messages from inadequate protein in our daily diet. Consider high-protein snacks between your protein- packed meals. Opt for walnuts, almonds, peanuts, cheese and natural yoghurts.

4. A is for amino acids

Include avocado and asparagus in your meals. These vegetables are full of the amino acid L-carnitine, which plays a critical role in the metabolism of fats. Meat, peanuts and dairy are also excellent sources of L-carnitine.

5. Get your beauty sleep

It isn't called "beauty sleep" for nothing. Harvard researcher Charles Czeisler found that when restricted to four hours of sleep a night for two weeks, 18-year-olds performed more like 60-year-olds when it came to metabolising glucose.

6. Water for weight loss

Hydrate your cells. The body needs water to process calories and even mild dehydration can slow down metabolism. Adding a twist of lemon or lime will help increase alkalinity in the body, often improving uptake of water into cells.

7. Go berry mad

The anthocyanidins from berries, resveratrol from grapes, capsaicin from chilli, and catechins from green tea have a thermogenic effect. That is the ability to speed up your metabolism by the simple act of consuming them!

Source
http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/galleries/seven+nutrition+tips+for+metabolism,20017

The Effects of Dark Chocolate for Reducing Weight

If you’re trying to lose weight, no doubt you’ve been told to stay away from chocolate. Well, it’s time to break that taboo: Dark chocolate has benefits such as helping with weight loss, stabilizing blood sugar, controlling appetite and reducing cravings. It also tends to improve your mood, curbing your desire to consume comfort foods.

Overall Health Benefits

According to Weight Watchers, good-quality dark chocolate provides a portion of the same healthy benefits of most leafy green vegetables. When enjoyed in small quantities, dark chocolate can help lower your blood pressure, increase circulation and prevent arteriosclerosis, all very important aspects if you are obese. The flavonoids in dark chocolate help reduce insulin resistance and prevent spikes in blood-sugar levels, discouraging you from overeating.

Improves Metabolism

A study performed at Queen Margaret University revealed promising results on how dark chocolate affects fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Dark chocolate has an impressive impact on how the body synthesizes fatty acids, thus reducing the digestion and absorption of fats and carbohydrates. As a result, the person eating chocolate experiences a feeling of satiety. The trick is to choose the right type of chocolate. Stick to dark chocolate that contains at least 70 percent cacao.

Controls Appetite

Three hormones -- insulin, ghrelin and leptin -- control appetite. Insulin controls the transfer of sugar from the bloodstream to the cells in your body. Ghrelin is produced to increase your appetite, while leptin has the opposite effect. People who are insulin-resistant lose the ability to feel full. A study performed in the Netherlands showed that dark chocolate decreased insulin resistance and lowered the levels of ghrelin. Twelve women participated in two 60-minute studies. During the first 60-minute study, all 12 women ate a 100-gram mixture of chocolate that consisted of 85 percent cacao and 12.5 grams of sugar. During the second 60-minute study, six of the women only smelled the chocolate, while the other six did not. The women who either ate or smelled the chocolate showed a drastic reduction in ghrelin and satiated appetites. No reduction in appetite or ghrelin levels was recorded for the control group.

Enhances Your Sense of Well-Being

The polyphenols in dark chocolate have a profound effect on your sense of well-being. When you feel good, you tend to eat less to seek comfort. A clinical study by Swinburne University, Australia, demonstrated how the polyphenols in dark chocolate increased calmness and a sense of contentment in those who had consumed dark chocolate for 30 days. Dark chocolate contains anandamide, a type of lipid known as “the bliss chemical.” This chemical doesn’t stick around for long because it is easily broken down. Dark chocolate, however, contains chemicals that inhibit the breakdown of this lipid, giving you a lasting sense of peace and well-being.

The Caloric Cost of Chocolate

This tasty indulgence does not come without a price. One ounce of dark chocolate containing 60 percent or more of cacao equals 170 calories. To gain the most of dark chocolate’s benefits, eat it in moderation -- two to three times per week should suffice. If your hankering for chocolate consumes your sense of reasoning, however, there is a healthy option. Try adding 1 tablespoon of raw cacao nibs, the essence from which all chocolate is derived, to yogurt and oatmeal. This quick fix is only 70 calories.

Fat Content

Dark chocolate does contain saturated fat. Not all saturated fat is bad for you, and good fats are necessary when trying to lose weight. Dark chocolate contains three types of fat: oleic acid, stearic acid and palmitic acid. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fat that lowers your cholesterol. Stearic acid, when metabolized, turns into oleic acid. Palmitic acid has been shown to raise cholesterol levels; however, when combined with oleic and stearic acid, the overall effects on cholesterol are irrelevant.

Encourages Exercise

The anti-inflammatory constituents in chocolate, combined with its generous supply of magnesium, might leave your body feeling less pain. When your body feels good, exercising is far more appealing. Enjoying an ounce of dark chocolate that contains 70 percent or more cacao with a glass of red wine at night offers pain relief. Dark chocolate’s stimulating effect makes that extra mile seem like a short jaunt. No worries, though: An ounce of dark chocolate only contains 23 milligrams of caffeine.

Comment below what you think. Do you snack on dark chocolate? Are you a chocolate lover? Make sure you don't overdose on dark chocolate, because you can have too much of a good thing!

Source
http://livehealthy.chron.com/effects-dark-chocolate-reducing-weight-5330.html

References (7) 

• Regulatory Peptides: Appetite Suppression Through Smelling of Dark Chocolate Correlates With Changes in Ghrelin in Young Women
• Phytotherapy Research: Dark Chocolate: An Obesity Paradox or a Culprit for Weight Gain?
• Journal of Psychopharmacology: Cocoa Polyphenols Enhance Positive Mood States
• Weight Watchers: The Skinny on Chocolate
• USDA Nutrient Database: Dark Chocolate
• Harvard Medical School: Chocolate and Your Health
• Health Central: Consume Dark Chocolate and Red Wine to Control Pain