7 Best Superfoods for Rapid Weight Loss

Wouldn’t it be great if life came with a magic remote control that made the bad parts speed up and the good parts slow down? You could hit FF at the beginning of every workday, and RWD at the end of awesome date. All the vacations, holidays and parties could move at the pace of a Kenny G song, and all the endless conference calls could spin by faster than Nicki Minaj’s hairstyles.

And right up there on the FF list—weight loss. Sure, slow and steady may win the race, but who wants to plod along like a tortoise, especially when a warm weather getaway is right around the corner? Add these 7 superfoods to your day, compliments of the New York Times bestseller Zero Belly Diet, to get your weight-loss goals on hyperspeed. All of them have been scientifically proven to fry flab in 6 weeks or less!

PROVEN TO WORK IN JUST SIX WEEKS….

ZERO BELLY SUPERFOOD #7

Grapefruit

Like a marathoner stretching before the big run, eating half a grapefruit before a meal can enhance your body’s fat-burning performance. A study published in the journal Metabolism found that this “warm-up” tactic can help whittle your middle—by up to an inch—in just six weeks! The scientists attribute the powerful effects to the grapefruits’ fat-zapping phytochemicals. The fruit can interact negatively with certain medications, so as long as you get the green-light from your M.D, plan to have half of a grapefruit before your morning meal and add a few segments your starter salads to reap the benefits.

PROVEN TO WORK IN JUST FOUR WEEKS…

ZERO BELLY SUPERFOOD #6

Pistachios

Stephen Colbert may be on to something. UCLA Center for Human Nutrition researchers divided study participants into two groups, each of which were fed a nearly identical low-cal diet for 12-weeks. The only difference between the groups was what they were given to eat as an afternoon snack. One group ate 220-calories of pretzels while the other group munched on 240-calories worth of pistachios. Just four weeks into the study, the pistachio group had reduced their BMI by a point, while the pretzel-eating group stayed the same, and their cholesterol and triglyceride levels showed improvements as well.

ZERO BELLY SUPERFOOD #5

Avocado Oil

What if we told you that you could make 20 percent of your belly disappear this year—poof, just gone? Penn State University researchers compared those who consumed avocado oil with those who consumed a flax-safflower oil blend. Those on the avocado oil diet—just three tablespoons daily did the trick—lost nearly 2 percent of their belly fat in just one month. For more ways to enjoy big, bold flavors, burn flab with What are healthy fats to eat?

ZERO BELLY SUPERFOOD #4

Legumes

It’s time to focus on your lentil health. In one four-week Spanish study, researchers found that eating a calorie-restricted diet that includes four weekly servings of legumes aids weight loss more effectively than an equivalent diet that doesn’t include beans. Those who consumed the legume-rich diet also saw improvements in their “bad” LDL cholesterol levels and systolic blood-pressure. To reap the benefits at home, work lentils, chickpeas, peas and beans into your diet throughout the week.

ZERO BELLY SUPERFOOD #3

Vitamin D-Fortified Yogurt

How would you like to take all the great weight-loss results you’ve just read about—and double them? That’s what happens when you supplement your diet with a combination of vitamin D and calcium, according to a Nutrition Journal study.  Just four weeks into the 12-week experiment, subjects who had taken these two nutrients—found in abundance in some yogurts—lost two times more fat than the other group! To get similar results at home, start your day with one of these 9 Best Yogurts For Weight Loss.

PROVEN TO WORK IN JUST TWO WEEKS…..

ZERO BELLY SUPERFOOD #2

Green Tea

If you’re not drinking green tea with your workouts, you might be wasting your time at that barre class. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that after just two weeks, exercisers who sipped four to five cups of green tea each day and logged 25-minutes at the gym lost more belly fat than their non-tea-drinking counterparts. What makes the drink so powerful? It contains catechins, an antioxidant that hinders the storage of belly fat and aids rapid weight loss.

ZERO BELLY SUPERFOOD #1

Almonds

Think of each almond as a natural weight-loss pill. A study of overweight and obese adults found that, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, consuming a little more than a quarter cup of the nuts can decrease weight more effectively than a snack comprised of complex carbohydrates and safflower oil—after just two weeks! (And after 24 weeks, those who ate the nuts experienced a 62% greater reduction in weight and BMI!) For optimal results, eat your daily serving before you hit the gym. A study printed in The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found that almonds, rich in the amino acid L-arginine, can actually help you burn more fat and carbs during workouts. 

Comment below which is your favourite superfood. Let me know if you found this article helpful.

Source

5 Super Foods to Help You Lose Weight Fast

Let me know what you guys think, is this helpful for your weight loss journeys? do you want to see more video posts or more articles? or do you guys want to see something completely different? let me know and tell me your ideas :)

5 Ways To Avoid Gaining Weight This Winter

Winter might not officially kick off until December 21, but the temperature's dropping, we're getting all bundled up and the comfort food-filled holidays are just about here. And let's face it: braving the cold, hiding under a bunch of layers and being surrounded by indulgences can be the perfect recipe for packing on a few pounds.

Marjorie Korn, SELF magazine's associate editor of food and nutrition, stopped by HuffPost Live just in time to share the five best tips to avoid gaining weight this winter (while still enjoying all the season has to offer, of course!). Read on for her healthy secrets and watch the video above for more tips.

1. Exercise Outdoors
You may be disinclined to go outside because it's chilly, but Korn says by all means don't hunker down by the fire. Get yourself some cute workout gear and take it out for a spin! Whether it's running, cycling, or oh-so-festive ice skating (which burns 450 calories an hour and tones your butt and thighs by the way), being active in nature is simply more fun than battling crowds at the gym. Research also shows that the refreshing burst of air will keep you coming back.

2. Stock Up On Superfoods 

It's true that some foods can actually help you lose weight, not to mention reduce your risk of disease. The greatest part is that many superfoods are also holiday staples, so you probably have some on your menu already!

• Keep passing those sweet potatoes. The orange-colored spuds contain lots of fiber, which makes you feel fuller for longer.
• Kale is not only the trendiest leafy green out there right now, but it's also the most nutritious. Serve it at your holiday dinners and friends and family will be thankful for the new tradition.
• Apples are superstars, so if you find some in, say, a pie, at least you know you're getting some health benefits out of it!

3. Lighten Up Seasonal Favorites
Nothing hits the spot quite like a hearty scoop of macaroni and cheese. You don't have to deny yourself this comforting favorite thanks to some cal-cutting research from SELF! Red Rooster Harlem chef and owner Marcus Samuelsson threw veggies like kale, mushrooms and onions into his dish and used turkey bacon in place of the fattier stuff. Mac & Cheese, Please! author Laura Werlin incorporated butternut squash into her sauce, which adds to its creamy texture and gives a nice dose of vitamins A and C. Perhaps the easiest swap of all when it comes to mac and cheese though is the cheese. Try Parmesan instead of American, for example -- since the flavor is stronger, you'll be able to use less and be just as satisfied.

4. Have An Eating Plan 

"People can freak out and set themselves up for disaster," notes Korn. All those choices at the table aren't a bad thing though. If you love grandma's cookies, you can have them! To make sure you don't overdo it by the end of the day, be prepared:

• Eat breakfast in the morning to get your metabolism going.
• Exercise before the feast. It will influence the way you feel (and the way you think) about food.
• Play with your plate: Pick and choose which proteins and carbs you really want.
• Wait 20 minutes before grabbing seconds to see if you're really still hungry.
• Don't drink too many calories. Water is best, but a glass of red wine is good for your heart. If you're more into the hard stuff, mix your liquor of choice with sparkling water and lime instead of tonic or soda.

5. Nix Stress 

From parties galore to gift-giving and family reunions, there's no doubt this busy time of year can be super stressful -- and take a physical toll on us. Stressing makes cortisol levels rise, which forces your body to hold onto fat. In turn, hunger hormone levels rise, and then we end up doing things like "eating our feelings." Follow Korn's steps to fight the stress of the season:

• Have a financial plan. Factor in presents and going out on the town to celebrate.
• Ready yourself with answers to all those awkward questions about work, your love life and anything that could be uncomfortable.
• Remember to rest. Getting a solid night's sleep is crucial. You'll combat stress and make better food choices after catching enough Zzs, too.

Who needs New Year's resolutions with this list?!

Source

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/05/winter-weight-gain_n_4315656.html

Best Superfoods for Weight Loss

Slimming superfoods

So-called superfoods are nutritional powerhouses that help build bones, prevent chronic diseases, improve your eyesight, and even keep your mind sharp. But did you know new evidence suggests these foods can also help you get—and stay—slim?

Read on for the top superfoods for weight loss.

Black beans

A cup of black beans packs a whopping 15 grams of satisfying protein and doesn't contain any of the saturated fat found in other protein sources, like red meat.

Oats

Oats are rich in fiber, so a serving can help you feel full throughout the day. Just a half cup packs 4.6 grams of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat.

Avocados

There's no reason to be afraid of eating fats—as long as they're the right fats.

Oleic acid, a compound in avocados' healthy monounsaturated fats (MUFAs), may trigger your body to actually quiet hunger. Stick to a quarter or a half of an avocado and watch that belly fat melt away. The creamy fruit is also packed with fiber and protein.

Salmon

Lean sources of protein help you feel full without adding fat. However, 50% of women ages 18 to 50 don't know if they get enough of this essential nutrient.

Up your intake with salmon; it's a leaner choice than red meat and is chock-full of MUFAs to boot. A 2001 study found that dieters eating a MUFA-rich diet lost an average of 9 pounds, while their low-fat diet counterparts gained, on average, 6.

Blueberries

Best known for their anti-aging effects, blueberries, while tiny, are a powerful figure-friendly eat: A 1-cup serving sets you back only 80 calories, and helps you feel full with 4 grams of fiber

Broccoli

Cooked or raw, this cruciferous veggie is well-known for its cancer-preventing powers, but with a punch of filling fiber in less than 30 calories a serving, it's bound to prevent weight problems too.

Brown rice

Brown rice is a heartier, fiber-packed alternative to less-than-super white rice. A half-cup serving contains 1.7 grams of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat.

Plus, brown rice is a low-energy-density food, meaning it's heavy and filling but low in calories. One study found that women who ate a higher-energy-density diet gained three times as much weight over six years than women eating a low-energy-density diet

Pears

Just one pear packs 15% of your daily recommended amount of fiber. One study found that women who ate three pears a day consumed fewer calories and lost more weight than those who didn't. Ditch the peeler though; the skin is where all that filling fiber is hiding!

 

Grapefruit

Even if you changed nothing else about your diet, eating half a grapefruit before each meal may help you lose up to a pound a week!

A compound in the tangy fruit can lower insulin, a fat-storage hormone, and that can lead to weight loss. It's also a good source of protein, and because it's at least 90% water, it can fill you up so you eat less.

Source
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20475957,00.html

Foods that increase weight loss

Kidney beans

One of several varieties of beans to make the list, red beans offer protein and fiber (more than 5 grams per serving!). Kidney beans are also rich in Resistant Starch; a 1/2-cup serving packs nearly 2 grams of this slimming carb.

Almonds

Nuts are another superfood rich in healthy fats that help you slim down.

Almonds in particular can help you shed pounds: In one study, people who added a daily helping of the nuts to a low-cal diet lost more weight than people who followed the same diet but swapped almonds for a carb-heavy snack like crackers.

Green tea

This steamy sip hydrates like water, which can help fill you up and shed pounds. Plus, the antioxidants in green tea will up your fat burn and calorie burn. One study found that five cups a day could help you lose twice as much weight, most of it around your middle.

Lentils

Lentils are a great source of satiating protein and fiber. A half-cup serving delivers 3.4 grams of Resistant Starch, a healthy carb that boosts metabolism and burns fat

Bananas

Bananas are a slimming superfood at the heart of Health's CarbLovers Diet. A slightly green, medium-size banana will fill you up and boost your metabolism with its 12.5 grams of Resistant Starch. Even a ripe banana still ranks high on the list of foods containing RS, with almost 5 grams.

Eggs

Eggs get a bad rap when it comes to weight loss. But the breakfast staple is loaded with protein that will curb your appetite. One study found that overweight women who ate egg breakfasts lost twice as much weight as women who started their days with bagels.

And don't worry about cholesterol: The study found that egg eaters don't have higher bad cholesterol or lower good cholesterol than bagel eaters.

Dark chocolate

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! A nibble of dark chocolate here and there can slow down digestion so you feel full longer and eat less at your next meal.

Dark chocolate is full of MUFAs; studies show eating a diet high in these healthy fats can rev your metabolism to burn fat and calories. It may also help by curbing cravings for salt, sweet, or fatty diet-wreckers.

 

Wine

Resveratrol, the famed antioxidant found in grape skin, stops fat storage. Studies show that moderate wine drinkers have narrower waists and less belly fat than liquor drinkers. Downing a glass can boost your calorie burn for a good 90 minutes.

Oranges

At only 59 calories, you may not expect much from an orange, but thanks to a hefty dose of fiber, it ranks highest among fruits on a list of 38 filling foods put together by Australian researchers. Feeling full can help you eat less throughout the day.

Potatoes

True, potatoes are high in carbs, but they are three times as filling as a slice of white bread, and top all the foods on the same satiety index as oranges. Plus, potatoes are also rich in Resistant Starch, which helps your body burn fat.


Source
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20475957_0,00.html

Weight loss tips and tricks

Give Up Milk!

This Tip is SO IMPORTANT!  As you may have read in the protein section of my healthy eating overview, Milk is an absolute NO NO!  It is one of the WORST food items for our system, completely bringing our digestion to a halt!  We all need to understand that the myths we have been taught our entire lives about needing Milk for strong bones, Calcium to prevent Osteoporosis and keep us healthy and completely FALSE!  Just as animals are weened from their mothers’ milk, humans have no need for milk after puberty.  There are many other ways to get our daily allowance of Calcium that are much healthier and provide much more Calcium for our bodies.

Learn The SUPERFOODS! 

There are certain food items that can really boost your Metabolism and supercharge Weight Loss and Fat Burning!  By identifying these food items and incorporating them into your daily meal routine you can’t fail!  They are going to help clean out your digestive track, while boosting your immune system and can even do some DAMAGE CONTROL if you mess up and eat a mixture of foods that are very bad for you.   Try to plan when you go off you the eating plan a splurge if possible.  By eating a meal loaded with fiber (Whole Wheat, Spinach, Cabbage, Kale) before a splurge you will prepare your digestive track for the BAD things you are going to put in it later.  Then, after you have your Fatty Foods, wait an hour or so then eat a decent portion of yogurt rich in Probiotics.  This will help flush the extra fats through your system rapidly with less intestinal problems.

Superfoods: 

• Almonds
• Apples
• Avacados
• Beets
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Flaxseed
• Green Tea
• Kale
• Oatmeal
• Onions/Garlic
• Parsley
• Pineapples
• Salmon
• Spinach
• Walnuts
• Whole Grains
• Greek Yogurt

Eat Fresh Foods Over Packaged Foods!

Packaged foods are loaded with additives and preservatives to give them a longer shelf life at the grocery store.  However, our bodies have no idea how to process these chemicals during digestion, so these items turn to sludge in our system when digested.  It’s like putting sugar in your cars’ gas tank.  So it is very important to start making the initiative to cook your own meals from scratch as much as possible!  With everyone’s busy lives today this may be a bit harder to do, but with some simple planning you can throw a meal together in no time.

• Prepare large portions, then package them in single serve containers and reserve them to eat later.
• Cook meats in advance.  Refrigerate or freeze to be used when throwing together a meal quickly. (Frozen meat thaws rapidly & evenly when the container is placed in a sink filled with hot water.)

 

Eat Whole Wheat/Whole Grains Before Physical Exercise! 

Studies have been done on the effects of eating whole wheat then preforming a physical activity and researchers found that you will actually double your fat burning capabilities if you ingest whole wheat around an hour before becoming physically active.  Also, whole grains give us a slower and longer release of energy which will allow us more stamina for physical activity.

Never Shop For Food On An Empty Stomach!

Shopping hungry can cause us to make many more impulse buys at the grocery store that can sabotage our healthy eating plan.  Instead, eat a nice meal or snack before you shop, preferably containing the Whole Grains I just talked about, which will turn your simple shopping trip into a double fat-burning workout!  Think about it…your walking all over, your pushing something heavy around a large area and it will typically take you 45 mins to an hour to complete.  Then, once you get home you have to haul everything in the house and put it away!

Chew Your Food Slowly!

Eating slowly gradually reduces the appetite from the time you begin to eat.  It takes the brain about 15-20 minutes to start signaling feelings of fullness.  So if you eat slower, you end up eating less.
Also, it is well known that digestion begins in the mouth, where the saliva is mixed with the food and starts to break it down into smaller chemicals that can be absorbed and nourish the body.  Chewing thoroughly promotes smooth, complete digestion.  Basically the slower you eat, the faster and more efficiently you metabolize the food.  When food is swallowed whole it makes it more difficult for the body to absorb all the important vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.  So if you can, chew your food to almost a liquid consistency.

Drink Fluids an Hour or Two After Meals! 

It helps to minimize drinking water and other fluids while eating.  Drinking fluids can cause dilution of the stomach acids and digestive enzymes, making them less effective at breaking down food.  Whenever possible, it is best to drink fluids before and one to two hours after meals.  Reducing the amount of salt and spices added to foods is helpful in reducing the need to drink fluids with meals.

Make Drinking Water A Habit!

In between meals, and as much as you can during your day, drink water.  If you get tired of plain water, you can get a zero calorie water flavoring like Crystal Light which is very handy and tasty.  Just add a packet to a bottle of water and you will have a zero calorie drink in any flavor you like.  Drinking plenty of water keeps you hydrated which is extremely important for healthy skin,  good digestion & improved waste removal.   To calculate how much water you should drink in day, take your weight and divide by 2, that will give you the number of fluid ounces you should drink.  So if you weigh 140 pounds divide that by 2, leaving 70, so you would need to drink 70 ounces of water per day.

 

Drink Green Tea! 

Green tea contains high concentrations of “Catechin Polyphenols”.  These compounds work with the chemicals in our body to intensify “Thermogenesis”, (the body’s rate of burning calories) meaning it causes heat to be created in the body by burning body fat.  Drinking Japanese green tea regularly will increase your metabolism and help burn fat safely and naturally.  We gain weight when excess sugars and fats are stored in our fat cells.  Green tea “Catechins” can help prevent obesity by inhibiting the movement of glucose into fat cells.  It has also been proven that Green Tea lowers Cholesterol.

Avoid Drinking Carbonated Pop & Soda!

Studies for years have suggested a link between drinking soda and obesity. Soft drinks are high in sugar and calories and have no nutritional value.  More than not, soda causes most drinkers to pack on the pounds without receiving even the smallest nutritional benefit.  And it is no better for you to consume diet soda as an alternative, because it has been linked to weight gain as well.   Soft drinks are made up mainly of chemicals, that again, our bodies do not know how to process.

Avoid Alcohol!

I’m not saying to never drink a cocktail again, but Alcohol slows the metabolism down and it kills off the good bacteria in our intestines, so it should always use it in moderation.  It would be a best case scenario to only have cocktails on the weekends.  But if you are going to partake in a drink during the week you should only have ONE glass and the best for you being a Red Wine.

Eat Greek Yogurt and Kefir!

I can’t say this enough, this is something we should all use religiously. Probiotics in yogurts are “Friendly Bacteria” that are naturally present in the digestive system. Research has been done, showing the evidence that some strains of probiotics can help boost the immune system and promote a healthy digestive tract.  One type of Greek yogurt I am very impressed with is FAGE Total 0% Plain Greek Yogurt, as it contains live strains of this “good bacteria”, is low in calories & fat, and tastes wonderful when used in recipes or eaten alone.
Another dairy product known as Kefir, is the grains of cultured the milk, infused with healthy organisms, that help support the digestive system and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the intestines. Lifeway Kefir Smoothies pack billions of good bacteria into delicious drinkable yogurt smoothies that come in many wonderful flavors.
These items should be consumed daily because only a small amount of the bacteria can withstand the acidity of our stomachs,and make it to the intestines.  Not to mention, the bacteria will pass through your digestive system within a day or two, so to ensure that there are plenty in your intestines at all times, you should have some yogurt or kefir every day.

Other Ways Of Getting More Probiotics

GoodBelly Probiotic Juices are another beneficial source of these “Good” bacteria, and unlike yogurt or kefir, they are totally Vegan.

Use Lots Of Parsley!

Most people don’t think of Parsley as more than a decorative garnish, but is benefits are huge!  Parsley contains a whole range of healthy vitamins which all aid healthy digestion.

• Beta Carotene which is converted by the body into Vitamin A.  This nutrient helps eyesight and protects the liver, colon and lungs.  Next to carrots and sweet potatoes, parsley is one of the best natural sources of beta-carotene.
• It contains chlorophyll which helps to fight bacteria and fungus, suppress viruses and aids the lungs in expelling environmental pollutants.
• Folic acid in parsley can help prevent heart disease by strengthening blood vessels.
• It is a great source of iron, which helps to fight anemia, it also is 20% protein.
• Lastly also contains many other vitamins and minerals that help to strengthen your immune system purify your blood and keep your body healthy and strong.  Excellent for women who experience frequent yeast infections, if eaten or used in tea, Parsley can help clear up and infection and calm the side affects within hours.

Learn To “Damage Control” Eat! 

If you know you are going to eat a poorly such as, go out to a dinner of fried foods or mix red meats with carbohydrates, consume a large amount of alcohol, binge on sweets/fats or all of the above…eat a meal or two ahead of time that is loaded with some Superfoods (listed above) to help lessen the effects of your splurge.  Drinking Green Tea before and after a heavy night of drinking can be incredibly helpful in cleansing your system of the toxins from the alcohol and lessen a hangover.  Eating yogurt or ingesting a decent amount of probiotics before and after eating poorly, will help remove the bad items from your system.  Eating a meal enriched with Spinach, Kale, Broccoli or Cabbage will help rid your body of the bad items as well, keeping your system running smoothly after your binge.

SOURCE:
http://thescienceofeating.com/food-combining-how-it-works/tips-tricks/