FLAT-BELLY ALTERNATIVES TO COFFEE

America may run on Dunkin’, but sometimes our bodies could use a little more nutrition than what that classic cup of joe offers.

Unless you drink your coffee black, you’re probably mixing up a recipe for future belly fat. Add-ins like cream and sugar can cause bloating and, over time, pack on the pounds — yes, even sugar-free sweeteners. We’re not going to tell you kicking the coffee is easy — or to try going cold turkey — but the benefits of backing off your morning cup may just convince you to give it a go. These healthy alternatives may not give you that jolt of caffeine you’re used to, but they banish uncomfortable bloating and encourage proper digestion, maintaining your flat stomach in the future. They’re also packed with potent nutrients that help promote weight loss and boost overall health.

So put those K-cups away and sip on these flat-belly beverages when you rise.

1

MATCHA
TEA

Though you’re most likely to see it in waist-widening desserts and Frappuccinos, matcha is a drink with powerful weight loss potential — in its purest form. Exceptionally high-grade green tea is crushed into a fine powder, which you then whisk with hot water to create a frothy drink. Its intense waist-whittling power comes from its concentration of EGCG, which clocks in a staggering 137 times higher than that of regular green tea. “Matcha is a very pure form of green tea that contains something called EGCG, a polyphenol in matcha and green tea in general that may be anti-cancer, heart-healthy, anti-aging and may also help to slightly boost metabolism,” says Isabel Smith, MS, RD, CDN, registered dietitian and founder of Isabel Smith Nutrition.

2

DANDELION
TEA

Don’t go pulling up the weeds in your backyard just yet, but do pull some dandelion tea off the supermarket shelf. Its highly potent detoxifying properties make this tea, which is made from dried roots and leaves of the lawn pest, one worth seeking out. “Dandelion tea may help cleanse the liver, promote healthydigestion and encourage detoxification in the whole body — and some believe it also promotes weight loss,” says Smith. If you’re feeling puffy and bloated, drinking dandelion tea may help alleviate discomfort because it also acts as a natural diuretic, flushing any excess water out of the body.

3

DANDELION
COFFEE

If you drink coffee brewed as dark as night, tea just isn’t going to cut it. To get the robust, roasted flavor you rely on, turn to dandelion coffee. The roots of the plant are roasted to achieve that coffee-like flavor — without the caffeine. The drink itself is sold as a powder like instant coffee and often contains other natural ingredients such as roasted barley, rye, chicory root and sugar beet. While it’s not your best choice for late nights at the office, the drink’s a popular way to cut back on coffee to reduce your caffeine intake. And, though you may not want to admit it, backing off the juice may be good for you java junkies.Caffeine can cause dehydration, which can lead to even greater feelings of exhaustion, sluggishness and restlessness. You might find that less coffee is the key to having more energy. You’ll also get the same health benefits as the tea.

4

LEMON
WATER

Coffee may have a laundry list of healthy benefits, but there’s one thing it certainly doesn’t do: raise your metabolism. That’s where lemon water comes in. Squeezing lemon into your water, whether you take it warm or cold, not only works overtime to hydrate your body and deliver essential nutrients but also causes your metabolism to spike, researchers say. “Lemon contains properties that boost immunity, aid digestion and counter nausea, so it’s a good choice when you have an upset stomach. It also promotes healthy digestion and can get your digestive system running first thing in the morning,” says Smith. But its belly-flattening potential isn’t all long term: “It may also contain some anti-bloat properties,” she adds. While the de-puffing properties may be enough to get you to sip this on occasion, it’s the pectin that’s going to get you to stick with this drink. This nutrient is a soluble fiber that has been found to support weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness. So long, mid-morning cravings!

5

STEEPED
GINGER TEA

This belly-friendly brew has a long history as a folk remedy, but it’s well worth bringing back into the modern age. “Ginger contains anti-bloat, digestive and immune boosting properties,” says Smith, which means it can help banish belly woes, aid in weight loss and flatten your tummy. Even better: Making it is even cheaper than teas that come in bags. All you have to do is peel and slice fresh ginger into small chunks and steep in hot water just as you would a tea bag. For a less astringent drink, add lemon juice and a small amount of honey. Drinking ginger tea will not only help alleviate bloating and digestive discomfort but also help speed up your calorie burn if taken regularly. The ritual of sipping on this brew can keep you from snacking, but research has also shown that it increases feelings of fullness to prevent overeating.

Source
http://www.eatthis.com/flat-belly-alternatives-coffee

15 Ways to Get Rid of Cravings in 15 Minutes or Less

We’ve all been there: An image of a red velvet cupcake pops up on your social media feed, and now you’re desperate for creamy frosting deliciousness. Or you walk by your office vending machine, and suddenly a bag of potato chips is calling your name. Logic tells you that you should be able to ride out the crazy intense craving, but it only gets worse...and your willpower is ghosting on you. Take it from us: Next time a ruthless hankering for junk food strikes, outsmart it with one of these simple, research-backed tactics.

Go for a Walk

A new study from the journal PLOS ONE found that hitting a treadmill for 15 minutes significantly improves the odds that you'll be able to resist reaching for a sugary snack. It’s the latest research to suggest that a short bout of moderately intense exercise can help people regulate food intake.

 

Sip Flavored Drinks

A glass of water infused with flavors such as mint, cucumber, basil, even pomegranate is refreshing and can satisfy a food urge without any calories, says Nicole Silber, R.D., C.S.P., nutritionist at Middleberg Nutrition in New York City. Just avoid beverages that are artificially sweetened. “Some research suggests that these make sugar cravings worse,” she says.

Play a Video Game

Finally, Words With Friends might have an actual use. Researchers writing in the journal Obesity looked at two groups of craving-addled study participants. One group was instructed to play Tetris; the other watched a computer program load. Afterward, the Tetris group reported significantly lower cravings. The visuals from the video game may have offset the visual image of the food that was craved, researchers theorized. In other words: out of sight, out of mind.

Drink Ginger Tea

Ginger is a traditional palate cleanser that helps fight the lingering urge for something sweet, and it can help you fend off sugar cravings, too. “Throw some ginger and lemon slices into hot water or make ginger tea,” suggests Silber.

 

Take a Break

Stop by a coworker’s desk for a gossip session, wash the dishes, finish an e-mail, call your mom. Getting a change of scenery and occupying yourself with a mindless task can test if the craving just comes from boredom (in which case it will likely pass), says Los Angeles–based nutritionist Maggie Moon, R.D., owner of Everyday Healthy Eating.

Drink a Glass of Water

We often confuse hunger for thirst and desire food when we are dehydrated, says Silber. A 12-ounce glass of H2O can be enough to kick the craving to the curb.

Tap Your Forehead

You’ll look weird, but it apparently works: A study presented last year at the Obesity Society Annual Meeting found that tapping your forehead for 30 seconds can minimize the intensity of a craving, as well as blur the image of the food you crave in your brain, according to researchers from the Weight Loss Program at Mount Sinai St. Luke’s Hospital in New York City.

Chew Gum

People who chewed sugar-free gum in the three hours after lunch reported decreased feelings of hunger and snack cravings, according to a study from the Pennington Biomedical Research Center and Louisiana State University. They also felt more energetic—and as anyone who has ever experienced the 3 p.m. slump knows, fatigue makes cravings harder to fight off.

Picture Yourself Eating Whatever You're Craving

Crazy but true: While telling yourself not to eat whatever you're jonesing for will likely just make you want it more (truth), a study published in the journal Appetite suggests that making a mental image of yourself eating it—and repeating it over and over again in your head—may help make the craving go away.

Sniff Jasmine Scent

Keep a tiny bottle of this floral scent in your purse; it has the power to keep your appetite in check, suggests an Australian study. Researchers asked 67 female college students to view images of chocolate foods to prompt chocolate cravings. They then had the women sniff jasmine, green apple, or water. Only jasmine significantly reduced the students’ desire for the sweet stuff.

Lie Down for a Nap

Several studies link lack of nighttime sleep to a lower resistance to junk food cravings. With this in mind, your craving might be fueled by fatigue—so scoring some rest can counteract it. “Exhaustion can sometimes be confused for hunger,” says Moon. A 15-minute siesta, or even quiet time your desk with your eyes closed, can help.

Snack on Protein and Fiber

Foods with both nutrients are filling and energizing, and it takes a while for your body to digest them, so they stay in your system longer. Nuts like pistachios and almonds have lots of protein and fiber and can wipe out cravings, even for totally different foods, says Moon.

Have a Small Amount of What You Crave—and Something Healthy with It

Research shows that having a tiny taste of what you're craving—and crowding it out with something more nutritious—can leave you satisfied. “It's important to keep the portion small, to eat slowly, really focus on the food, and maybe drink water alongside it,” says Moon.

Think About the Future

Strange enough, taking your mind off of the moment at hand can help you make healthier choices, according to research conducted at the University of Delaware.

Do Something Relaxing

Since stress has been shown to increase cravings, taking a couple of minutes to stretch, meditate, or just chill out may help you conquer the urge to stuff your face with whatever's in sight.

 

Source
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/ways-to-crush-cravings

The Top Foods People Who've Lost More Than 10 Pounds Eat for Breakfast

Trying to drop a few pounds? Before you totally overhaul your eating habits, take a cue from people who've already successfully slimmed down: We tapped into the data from MyFitnessPal's more than 65 million users (the app lets people track their weight, activity, eating habits, and more). Here are the most common foods those who lost at least 10 lbs logged at breakfast time. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean they were the only thing people ate each morning—but incorporating these to your a.m. routine could help you shed a size.

1. Coffee

Sipping this with your a.m. meal could be especially helpful if you're a morning workout person: A study published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism found that consuming a caffeinated drink an hour before you start sweating can crank up your calorie burn by about 15 percent.

2. Bananas

Try them in one of these yummy banana smoothies.

3. Eggs

Research shows that loading up your breakfast with protein can help curb hunger later in the day—and may mean you eat fewer calories at lunch. So whether you prefer this protein-rich ingredient scrambled, fried, or poached, it's a smart idea to eat them first thing in the morning.

4. Blueberries

These little guys are loaded with antioxidants—and by packing your diet with nutrient-rich foods, you can lose weight without worrying about calorie counting.

5. Strawberries

Try this goat cheese-berry bruschetta for an out-of-the-ordinary breakfast that'll help you drop pounds.

6. Tea

Learn the best way to drink green tea to boost weight loss.

7. Milk

This is another great way to take in some protein first thing in the a.m.

8. Whole-Wheat Toast

Carb lovers, rejoice! High-fiber options like this can help you feel more satiated so you end up consuming fewer calories.

 

9. Spinach

This leafy green is a weight-loss double whammy: It's rich in fiber, and it's also one of the veggies with the most protein.

Source
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/breakfast-foods-for-weight-loss

How to drink tea to lose weight

Numerous scientific studies have shown that tea drinkers, specifically green tea drinkers, lose weight faster than those who don’t. Time to stow away the gym bag and get your kettle on! Here's the skinny on getting skinny with tea.

Method 1 of 3: Choosing Teas and Supplies

1. Find a tea you enjoy. 

While many studies focus on green tea, it's important to find a tea (green or otherwise) that you enjoy drinking. Some green teas are quite strong in flavor and can be unpleasant if you're not used to the taste. Others are truly delightful even for a beginner in green tea drinking. Here are some options to try:

• Flavored green teas. Both green and white (which has antioxidant properties as well but is more expensive) are offered in a bevy of flavors. For best results, consider choosing a green or white tea that contains caffeine (according to research, a caffeine-based tea provides maximum calorie burn).
• Herbal teas. Herbal teas come in a variety of delectable flavors ranging from spicy orange to jasmine. Rooibos (red tea) is another good herbal tea choice. Since herbal teas are typically decaffeinated, they can be used as a late night treat or in between drinking caffeinated teas.
• Black tea. It's actually from the same plant as green tea, but the processing it goes through is different. As a result, those weight loss blasting chemicals (theaflavins and thearubigins) are more complex. They're still there, but the simpler the better. In other words, green tea may get you thinner more quickly, but both are good.^[1]
  • Although black tea can be obtained in a decaffeinated form, trace amounts of caffeine may still remain, which can have an impact on those who want to fall asleep at night.
• Oolong tea has been reported to increase your metabolism by as much as 10%. Green tea reportedly only increases metabolism by 4%. Both are great, though!

2. Be careful with diet teas. 

While diet tea tastes similar to many black or herbal teas, diet teas may contain a laxative element, so you should drink these teas in moderation -- especially if your tea contains senna, aloe, agarwood, rhubarb root, buckthorn, or castor oil. Experts warn against drinking too many cups of diet tea because you could develop vomiting, nausea, persistent diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and even fainting and dehydration.

• The concept of "diet" tea is sort of false advertising -- any unsweetened, natural tea can promote weight loss. Certain teas may act as a laxative or fat-blocker and that's why they're marketed as such. However, laxatives just clean out your colon (you've already consumed the calories). You may lose a little bit of water weight initially, but the second you drink something, it'll come back.^[2]
• One cup is enough. Seriously. You'll regret drinking more.

3. Read your ingredient labels. 

There are so many types of teas on the market it's hard to know where to start. A good place to start is by reading the ingredient list on the back label. If it has added sugar or sweeteners, put it back on the shelf.^[3]

• This doesn't mean you have to avoid flavored green teas. True, some have added sugar, but others don't. And if you can stick to all-natural ingredients, all the better for you and your waistline.

4. Make tea brewing (and drinking) easy. 

One hurdle some people face is that brewing tea, while not an incredibly arduous process, may not be as easy as they’d like it to be. While you can brew a quick cup of tea in the microwave (pour water into a ceramic cup and heat for two minutes until boiling, then add your teabag), you can make the process even easier:

• Purchase an electric teakettle. Electric teakettles are readily available at many bath and kitchen stores, ranging in price and are extremely easy to use. All you have to do is fill it with water and push a button or lever to bring it to a boil. You can brew tea by the cup or add several tea bags to the entire pot once the water has boiled. Keep a thermos as well for the additional boiled water. Fill with water, add the green tea and keep by the kettle or your desk for ease of pouring a tea when needed.
• Buy an iced tea maker. During warmer months, drinking hot tea may not sound like fun; however, you can still consume just as much tea by using an iced tea maker. Like the electric teakettle, simply fill the machine with water; add ice (according to the manufacturer’s directions) and teabags. Turn it on and begin drinking fresh iced tea in a matter of minutes.
• Brew iced tea the night before for quick access during the day. If you don’t have a few minutes to brew your iced tea that day, make it at night and keep a pitcher of tea in your refrigerator. Instead of bringing a few sodas to work, consider filling a large thermos with iced tea and keep it on hand throughout the day

Method 2 of 3: Developing a Daily Routine

1. Create good tea drinking habits. 

In order to reap the benefits of tea, you'll have to start drinking it every day, as often as possible, and plain. If it's not easy, tasty, and convenient, you won't stick to it. How can you enable yourself to drink it more?

• Having "tea supplies" is the easiest way to get started. If you spend 8 hours a day at the office, it's a good idea to stock up there, too -- along with having your favorite mug (or thermos) and microwave or kettle access.
• Ask any Brit -- tea is a drink made for company. If brewing an entire pot seems worthless to you, get others in on your action. At the workplace, brew a pot for your coworkers, too. Get the family/roommates in on the routine of a late night cup. When it's a social activity, you'll be more likely to engage in it.
• Cream, milk, and sugar should not be part of your tea routine. Unfortunately, to lose weight with this habit, it's gotta be had plain (at least most of the time). Tea is no longer tea when you add milk and sugar

2. Substitute tea for morning coffee. 

Start your day with a fresh cup of tea instead of your usual Joe. Tea drinkers can also save calories, especially when ordering at a coffee house. Some coffee house drinks contain hundreds of calories whereas with tea, what you see is what you get.

• Like mentioned above, it's important that you drink your tea straight. The addition of milk neutralizes the fat-stomping ability of tea (the flavonoids). What's more, research says skim milk is the worst!^[4] Crazy, huh?
  • This research is on cow's milk. If you'd like to try soy or almond, do so -- but keep in mind that the same effect may or may not be had.

3. Ask for iced tea (unsweetened) instead of soda for lunch and dinner.

Sugary or even diet sodas have been known to actually have the opposite effect on weight loss. The sodium in diet soda can make you retain water, so opt for the smart alternative –– sugar-free iced tea. Iced tea is also ideal because if you're looking for a little caffeinated pick-me-up during the afternoon, iced (or hot) tea will give you the same effect without the sugar in regular soda or the sodium in diet. 

• Much of the "power" behind drinking tea to lose weight is because you won't be consuming anything else instead. Tea is low in calories (if you do it right), and will keep you from downing other, higher-calorie things. It's the same concept as losing weight by drinking water

4. Have a warm cup of tea to satisfy an afternoon craving. 

Although the chips or cookies in the vending machine may be calling your name, make yourself a cup of tea instead. If you go for the tea, the EGCG properties found in green tea actually have a glucose-lowering effect, which influences cravings and may help control hunger. Moreover, the ritual involved in making tea (as opposed to shoving coins into a vending machine) gives you a welcome break from your chores or work -- and you can reflect on good thoughts, as well as making conscious choices to put good things into your body instead of empty calories from candy bars. Take a moment to chat to someone else who is in the tearoom with you. And it's a great way to unwind, stretch and socialize in the space of five minutes

5. Drink a whole cool glass of tea right before dinner. 

Drinking one glass of tea before dinner fills up part of your stomach, which means that you'll be less hungry when it comes to food. (Of course, eating a healthy dinner is still important.) Cool tea is important, too. Cold tea needs to be heated up by the body in order to be metabolized; this expends extra calories, meaning more weight loss

6. Have a cup of herbal (decaf) tea before bed. 

Regardless of your weight loss goal, having a warm cup of herbal tea to end the day can help to relax your body and brain. Because a good night’s sleep contributes to shedding weight, set yourself up for a successful sleep with tea.

• However, don't drink tea too close to bedtime; otherwise you’ll end up having to make trips to the bathroom and disrupt your sleep, especially if you're pregnant or suffering from incontinence issues.

7. Time it right.

Some experts believe that certain teas should be consumed at different times of day to reap maximum weight loss results. While drinking tea at all is good, consider drinking different kinds throughout the day to see what works for you.

• White tea may block fat absorption, so drink it before lunch.
• A tea like bilberry can balance your glucose levels, so it's most useful around dinnertime.
• Pu-erh, green, and oolong teas can get your metabolism going, so drink them in the morning (and throughout the day!).^[5]

8. Drink it on the go. 

Too much of life these days is spent in some sort of commute. Make it more enjoyable by turning it into a chance to sit down and drink tea! Have a thermos (or two) at your disposal anytime to make it super convenient. Prepare tea well in advance for the time crunch of your day.

• Basically, the theme of this article is drink, drink, drink. Not only will you not have the chance to put something else in your stomach, but you won't want to -- the more you drink, the fuller you'll feel.

9. Think about your caffeine intake. 

Certain teas have caffeine in them -- sure, not like a cup of coffee does, but if you're drinking it 24/7, it adds up! While caffeine is not technically dehydrating, it does have about 50 mg of caffeine per cup. You don't want to exceed 300 mg, if you can avoid it.^[6]

• You can either shorten the brewing time (giving it less chance to caffeinate) or just stick to herbal teas that don't have caffeine. While this won't be an issue for most people, some are particularly caffeine sensitive and high levels of caffeine can lead to insomnia, nervousness, and prolonged symptoms even hours and hours later.

Method 3 of 3: Staying Mo-tea-vated

1. Balance your tea habits with a healthy diet. 

Let's get real here for a second: If you don't see results with a new diet fairly quickly, you're not going to stick with it. While drinking tea is a great idea, you'll get faster results if you have a healthy diet, too. The two combined will make you a force to be reckoned with!

• You know what tea goes great with? Whole grains, fruits, veggies, and low-fat dairy products. Since you're brewing your own tea, why not cook your own food while you're at it? Cutting out processed goods and making everything yourself means you know every little thing you're putting in your body.

2. Avoid getting bored. 

Your taste buds may get tired of drinking just one type of tea. Would you want to eat only one food for every meal? In order to stick to your routine, mix it up and try different teas, flavors and enhancements. It can be a lot of fun making a tea selection in your home or office cupboard, allowing you to choose a tea flavor according to the mood you're in.

• Add honey or rock candy sticks to your tea. Keep in mind though that doing this will go against your initiative to lose weight –– but a little honey or sweetness may make the tea taste better. Perhaps as an occasional treat, this one won't hurt.
• Try a splash of fat free flavored cream or a squirt of lemon for a zestier tea. A slice of lemon can help improve the flavor. Plus, one study found that those who drink black tea with lemon peel have 70 percent reduced likelihood of developing skin cancer.^[7]

3. Explore new tea flavors. 

The sky is the limit when it comes to trying different flavored teas.There are many brands and many sources of tea, and it's unlikely you'll ever taste them all. Learning about new tea varieties, flavors and styles is a lot of fun for the tea enthusiast.

• Here are some more interesting teas to consider, all of which claim to promote weight loss:^[8]
  • Star anise tea: promotes digestion and can actually soothe an upset tummy
  • Peppermint tea: controls appetite and speeds up digestion
  • Rose tea: prevents constipation and contains loads of vitamins
  • Pu-erh (poo-air) tea: shrinks fat cells (so drink it in the morning)^[5]
  • Chickweed tea: reduces bloating and is a mild diuretic (stick to one cup)
• In order to stay true to your diet; only select tea you have to brew yourself instead of a pre-made tea. Some of the pre-made coffees and teas have a tremendous amount of sugar –– not diet friendly.

 

4. Drink tea mindfully. 

Dieting is often about overcoming your mind's tendency to crave and to feel deprived. Mindfulness can help to restore conscious eating habits and can help you to remain calm and in control about your food choices. Even if you're not craving tea, try keeping it around to fight off those temptations.

5. Know your stuff. 

According to a study by Abdul Dulloo, from the Institute of Physiology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, the plant compound EGCG found in green tea, plus caffeine, increases thermogenesis by 84 percent. Thermogenesis is the generation of body heat that occurs as a result of normal digestion, absorption, and metabolization of food. Green tea also increases your levels of norepinephrine, which prepares your body to burn fat for the "fight or flight" response. Knowledge is power, people! It's also motivation!^[9]

• While not every researcher believes that green (or other) tea drinking is a “magic bullet” for weight loss, every weight loss expert would agree that flooding your system with water or drinking tea versus eating a candy bar or drinking soda can help move the digestion process along quickly and perhaps distract you from munching snacks that aren't healthy. Regardless of whether it's magical or not, it's a good idea

Sources and Citations

 SOURCES

1. ↑ http://www.weightlossresources.co.uk/calories/burning_calories/green-tea-weight-loss.htm
2. ↑ http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/herbal-diet-teas-weightloss-mdash-herbalicious
3. ↑ http://blog.womenshealthmag.com/dish/green-tea-weight-loss/
4. ↑ http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1370459/How-drinking-tea-helps-lose-weight--just-long-dont-add-milk.html
5. ↑ ^5.05.1http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/best-teas-weight-loss-pt-2
6. ↑ ^6.06.1http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/caffeine/NU00600/NSECTIONGROUP=2
7. ↑ Susanna Lyle, Eat Smart, Stay Well, p. 270, (2009), ISBN 978-1-86953-733-3
8. ↑ http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-14/diet/29900183_1_green-tea-egcg-rose-tea
9. ↑ Susanna Lyle, Eat Smart, Stay Well, p. 271, (2009), ISBN 978-1-86953-733-3
10. ↑ http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/green-tea-000255.htm

• http://www.webmd.com/diet/news/20000322/drinking-green-tea-may-help-you-lose-weight – research source
• Susanna Lyle, Eat Smart, Stay Well, (2009), ISBN 978-1-86953-733-3 – research source
• http://www.livestrong.com/article/410595-how-much-green-tea-should-you-drink-to-lose-weight/ – research source
• http://goaskalice.columbia.edu/herbal-diet-teas-weightloss-mdash-herbalicious – research source
• http://nutrihealth.in/food/curb-cravings-with-green-tea-helps-the-body-burn-fat/ – research source
• http://www.guardiannutrition.in/weight-management-fat-burners-c-24_59.html - products

 http://www.wikihow.com/Drink-Tea-to-Lose-Weight#Developing_a_Daily_Routine_sub