Fat burning foods

April 4, 2013 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

The Blessings of Superfoods

What are Superfoods?

Superfoods are whole foods (unprocessed) that are naturally high in nutrients and phytochemicals (give foods their color and scent) that may offer health benefits, with few properties considered to be negative (such as in processed foods). For a fairly exhaustive list of the various phytochemicals that can be found in foods, go to: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_phytochemicals_in_food

Here is a list of some of the best Superfoods to add to, or increase in, your diet to maintain your health.

Allium

Are the botanical family that includes leeks, onions, and garlic, share many remarkable traits. They help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Research suggests they inhibit the growth of prostate, stomach, and colon cancer cells. They also have antibiotic properties to help ward off illness-causing bacteria.

Avocados

Creamy, succulent avocados contain monounsaturated oleic acid (the best kind of fat) and they help your body block the absorption of bad fats (cholesterol). They’re also high in lutein which aids eyesight, and they’re high in potassium and folate which may reduce the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease.

Beets

The pigment betacyanin (a phytochemical) gives beets their distinctive color, but more than that, it is just one of several disease-fighting phytonutrients found in this root vegetable. Beets are also a good source of folate which guards against birth defects, colon cancer, and osteoporosis. They are also high in fiber and beta-carotene.

Blueberries

Fresh or frozen, blueberries are high in antioxidants which combat the damage done by inflammation. Anthocyanins (a phytochemical), the natural plant compounds that give blueberries their deep color, may have anti-diabetic effects as well. And new research suggests blueberries might protect the heart.

Canned Salmon

King, sockeye, and coho salmon have more DHA plus EPA omega-3 fatty acids than almost any other seafood, as well as some of the lowest mercury levels. Nutritionally, wild-caught Alaskan canned salmon is as good as fresh, and it costs a fraction as much. (There is new research out that suggests that it is unwise to eat fish at all. Do your due diligence).

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the gold medalist of the spice rack, with one of the highest antioxidant levels of all herbs and spices. It also has a positive effect on blood glucose levels, so adding it to foods can keep you feeling steady and satiated.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables—cabbages, cauliflower, broccoli rabe—contain a powerful range of disease fighters. One particular hero, sulforaphane, may increase enzymes that lower the incidence of colon and lung cancers.

Dark Chocolate

Waterdrop

Look, there’s no metaphysics on earth like chocolates. ~ Fernando Pessoa

Ahh, yes. Fernando is so right. Dark chocolate can make or break your day. But why? High antioxidant levels make dark chocolate a perfect indulgence. It’s also high in flavonoids, substances that have been shown to improve blood flow, suppress coughs, improve memory, and bless you with hydrated, smooth skin. Research also shows that natural ingredients in dark chocolate bear a striking similarity to a widely used mood-stabilizing drug. A 1 oz. dose of chocolate a day is now officially the doctor’s order.

Dark, Leafy Greens

Dark, leafy greens like spinach, seaweeds, kale, and swiss chard are excellent source of iron, vitamin A, and lutein for eye health. Best of all, they are loaded with omega-3s.

Figs

Used for thousands of years in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cultures, figs are an excellent source of dietary fiber (almost 2 grams each!). They’re also a good source of calcium and potassium.

Flaxseed

Omega-3 fatty acids are becoming increasingly popular nutrition buzzwords, and for good reason! Research has revealed that they speed up cell metabolism and reduce inflammation in the body, thereby reducing triglyceride levels and lowering blood pressure. Caution: as our bodies are unable to break down the husk of a whole flax seed, use ground flaxseeds.

Greek Yogurt

You may have noticed recently that a large area of the dairy aisle is being used to house Greek yogurt. So why is it so popular? Well, it’s huge in protein content, containing twice the protein of regular yogurt. It’s low in carbs and is as decadent as chocolate (hmmm dark chocolate and Greek yogurt…). Like the milk it’s made from, yogurt is a very good source of calcium, phosphorus, and protein. Unlike milk, real yogurt also contains probiotics, the good bacteria your digestive system needs to process and benefit from all the other things you eat. Lactobacillus casei, for example, boosts immune response.

Green Tea

15/52 - Celebrate While all teas (black, white, and green) have protective antioxidants, green tea offers us the most. It’s full of a metabolism-boosting compound called EGCG which prevents damage to the heart. Green tea may also improve bone density. Caution: avoid adding milk to your tea —it reduces the body’s absorption of the catechins.

Horseradish

Glucosinolate-rich horseradish fights cancer and kills bacteria. It’s also a good source of calcium, potassium, and vitamin C which, among other things, helps maintain collagen.

Hotties: Black Pepper, Cayenne, Ginger

That heat on your tongue when you eat spices such as ginger, cayenne, and black pepper is evidence of gingerols, capsaicin, and piperine, compounds that boost metabolism. They also have an aphrodisiac effect. Caution: avoid consuming them if you’re bothered by hot flashes.

Miso

Deeply flavorful miso, a fermented soybean paste, is a great source of low-calorie protein (two grams in a 25-calorie serving). It also contains B12 and is a good source of zinc which helps the immune system function properly.

Oregano

Superstar levels of antioxidants mean that a half teaspoon of dried oregano has the benefits of a spinach salad. Oregano has the ability to act as an expectorant, clearing congestion, and can also improve digestion.

Sardines

Wild-caught sardines are low in mercury (unlike some types of tuna) and high in vitamin D; a three-ounce serving has as much calcium as a cup of milk. Even better, they’re one of the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s top picks for sustainability.

Seaweed (Hijiki, Wakame, Kelp, Nori)

Think of eating seaweed as going directly to the source—this is where fish get THEIR Omega-3′s. Why not skip the fish and go straight to the seaweed? Seaweeds contain nutrients commonly found in green, leafy vegetables AND with most minerals found in the ocean giving them a one-two punch. They’re also full of magnesium, which may prevent migraines and asthma attacks.

Sesame Seeds

Tiny, tasty sesame seeds contain unique lignans (plant compounds), including sesamin and sesamolin that can help lower cholesterol. The seeds are a good source of calcium, phosphorous, and zinc—as well as copper. Research around copper suggests that it may help maintain strong bones.

Spelt

Like whole wheat, ancient spelt is sweeter, nuttier, and higher in protein than its processed relatives. Both are also good sources of manganese and copper.

Sweet Potatoes

Whether orange or white, sweet potatoes contain phytonutrients that promote heart and eye health, and boost immunity. They’re rich in beta-carotene (thought to lower breast cancer risk) and vitamin A (may reduce the effects of smoking).

Turmeric

Turmeric, used in holistic medicine as a digestive aid and wound healer, can also serve as an anti-inflammatory. Reach for the curry (turmeric is a primary ingredient) when nursing a toothache or a sprain.

Walnuts

Of all nuts, walnuts contain the most alpha-linolenic omega-3 fatty acids which lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, and may reduce inflammation in arteries. Walnuts are also a great source of antioxidants, vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium.

Whole Grains

Don’t eat whole grains (such as buckwheat and quinoa) just because they are high in magnesium, B vitamins, fiber, and manganese. Do it because they taste great—nutty, buttery, earthy. And that, in turn, may actually help you to not overeat. One study found that people feel fuller after eating buckwheat than after eating other grains.

I Highly Recommend:

In her bestselling book, The Beauty Detox Solution, Kimberly Snyder—one of Hollywood’s top celebrity nutritionists and beauty experts—shared the groundbreaking program that keeps her A-list clientele in red-carpet shape.

Now you can get the star treatment with this guide to the top 50 beauty foods that will make you more beautiful from the inside out. Stop wasting your money on fancy, expensive beauty products and get real results, while spending less at your neighborhood grocery.

Click the image to learn more about this ground-breaking book

Filed Under: Eating Organic, Fat burning foods, Greens, Super Herbs, Superfoods

February 18, 2013 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

4 Foods That Help You Burn Fat AND That Taste Great!

Do you have a hard time believing that good-for-you foods can be delicious as well?

You’ve probably been on the typical North American diet of starches and fats. You may have never had the opportunity to grow your own fresh food. Or, like everyone else until recently, you were fed based on the Food Guide that experts are now saying is very wrong (from a time when the food manufacturers were the ones who decided which foods made it to the Food Guide).

Whatever the reason, you are probably accustomed to some very harmful foods.

But there are so many foods that taste great, are good for you, leave you feeling full, and can even help burn off some of the fat that’s accumulated around your belly.

Here are a just a few:

Eggs

Eggs are delicious AND they’re rich in protein (you see, delicious and healthy). They contain fat burning nutrients as well.

One of the most important nutrients in eggs is Vitamin B12. Why? Because it helps to regulate, and even increase your metabolism. Who couldn’t use some of that? Especially for anyone over 40 when our metabolism is really starting to slow and weight is beginning to build.

Whether you poach, boil, or scramble eggs, couple them with whole wheat toast and fresh fruit and you have a tremendously healthy, delicious, and fat burning breakfast.

Add them to your diet.

Steel Cut Oats

Instant and/or quick oats you can buy in the store lack flavor and the consistency, so they are anything but appealing. But if you haven’t tried steel cut oats yet, you must give them a try. They are very chewy and have a delightful, nutty flavor.

Steel cut oats are super high in fiber (help you maintain an even energy level for hours). No more mid-morning cravings for you, as you’ll feel fuller for longer.

Fancy it up a bit by adding fresh fruit, nuts and a touch of honey, and you have a healthy breakfast “treat”.

Beans

beans are a low-glycemic-index food that makes a person feel full, so they eat less of other things. Beans are also full of fiber, folate, iron, potassium, manganese and magnesium, and they are cholesterol- and fat-free.

Being that beans are such a super source of fiber, they keep your blood sugar levels even and your digestive system flowing. Add some rice to your beans and you’ve got a complete protein (as long as the ratio to beans and rice is balanced).

And there are so many different types of beans and bean recipes for every culture around the world so that you can enjoy almost any flavor.

If you love Asian food then look for soybeans and black beans.
Latin cultures enjoy black beans and pinto beans.
If you’re from the south then look for black eyed pea recipes
If you love soups and stews then look no further than lentil or navy bean soup.

White Meat

If you are not a Raw foodie, Vegetarian or Vegan, and you indulge in meat, add a little white meat to your diet (red is very high in saturated fats HERE is a very interesting article about red vs white meat).

Chicken is a great source of protein. One 6 oz. serving of chicken contains 48 g of protein.

Chicken is also rich in potassium, calcium AND contains no carbs. With all of this going for it, chicken makes for a healthy, filling food option.

However, chicken can be unhealthy depending on how it is cooked. For example, deep frying or stir frying chicken adds a ton of calories and increases the fat ratio.

Chicken allows for consuming a small amount of calories, but leaves you feeling full for hours, decreasing your likelihood of snacking on unhealthy foods later in the day.

In summary:

There are so many healthy foods that support weight loss and help you burn fat. Make a commitment to yourself to try at least one new (healthy) food each week. Your dieting and weight loss experience will be more interesting and satisfying.

For an A to Z list of foods that burn fat, check out this book.

Filed Under: Fat burning foods, Good Foods, Superfoods Tagged With: being overweight, calories, healthy eating, lean protein, Superfoods

January 31, 2013 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

Is “Fat Burning” a Myth?

Feeling like this fat cat? Read how to burn that fat.

Feeling a little like this cat looks?

There’s a lot of misinformation about losing weight. Some of this information is complete fiction, but some does have a basis of truth — it’s just really hard to know which is which. It’s no wonder that people struggle to lose weight.

.

.1. Fat Burning Myth: Working out makes you hungry, therefore you eat more

The fact is:

Don’t believe this myth or you’ll start skipping a workout here and there. The truth is that working out actually suppresses your appetite. If you wonder at the truth of this statement, it might be because your post-workout thirst mimics hunger (when you’re dehydrated), so you thought you were hungry.

Drink some water and it will not only quench your thirst, but quench your hunger pangs as well.

Motivation bonus: The best thing about working out is that it boosts your metabolism so you burn calories and fat over a longer period of time.

2. Fat Burning Myth: Your cardio workout only burns calories after about 15 minutes

The fact is:

Your body is burning calories around the clock, whether you’re sitting, sleeping or exercising. However, after the first 15 minutes or so of your workout, your body switches to fat as a fuel source.

Motivation Bonus: Weight loss is ultimately dependent on burning calories. You burn less fat if you run for twenty minutes, but you’ll burn more calories than if you go on a long walk. The quick answer is to always choose the workout that burns more calories. But more than anything, just keep moving.

3. Fat Burning Myth: High Protein diets help you lose weight via ketosis

The fact is:

Ketosis is the process where your body uses fat as an energy source. You may have heard that it is a dangerous state and potentially life-threatening, but this is not the case. To read more on this topic, click here

Instead of focusing on any one food, choose a balanced diet rich in lean protein (it helps you feel full longer and it also helps to balance your blood sugar, giving you energy for longer periods of time). Include carbohydrate rich foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains, drink lots of water, add exercise, and you’ll burn fat and keep it off. Add some of the super foods, natural fat burning remedies, and green tea too.

Motivation Bonus: Ultimately the key to fat burning and weight loss is to burn more calories than you consume. Once again, keep moving. Read here how these 7 simple steps can help you burn fat

If you’re trying to lose weight or trying to burn fat, don’t believe everything you read or hear. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Filed Under: Exercise, Fat burning foods, Healthy Eating Tagged With: being overweight, body fat distribution, burning fat, calories, endocrinology and metabolism, lean protein

January 16, 2013 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

These Hormones Help You Burn Fat. Learn Simple Ways You Can Boost Their Power

Our bodies are made up of a series of processes, each working with the other to keep our bodies functioning optimally.

Hormones play an important role in these systems, and if you’re trying to lose some weight (and burn fat), there are several hormones that come into play. Often referred to as fat burning hormones, these babies are amazing! AND the good news is that there are ways to manipulate these hormones to help you lose weight (eat “fat burning” foods frequently and increase lean muscle to boost your “fat burning” metabolism etc).

What are Fat Burning Hormones?

Fat burning hormones regulate your metabolism and they are naturally occurring substances in your body, as I’m sure you know. But you might not know that there are a few habits and/or activities that you can do to help to boost their presence, and in turn, help you lose weight faster.

So which hormones are the Fat Burning Hormones?

Testosterone

Known as the male sex hormone, it’s present in both men and women. Testosterone helps build muscle mass, and muscle mass boosts metabolism and burns fat. You can boost your testosterone levels with strength training (causing increased muscle mass, resulting in a faster metabolism).

Thyroid Hormones

Your thyroid gland, and the hormones that it secretes, regulates metabolism (specifically triiodothyronine (T₃) and thyroxine (T₄), which are tyrosine-based hormones produced by the thyroid gland). These hormones control how quickly the body uses energy.

It also controls how sensitive your body should be to other hormones. When your thyroid is ‘off’ and not functioning optimally, your weight can be adversely affected.

There are medications that help when your thyroid gland is not functioning properly. If you suspect your thyroid is producing too much or too little hormone, consult a doctor. When this gland is functioning properly it will help keep your metabolism humming and your fat burning.

I use sea salt almost exclusively, so I was interested to learn that iodine is necessary for the production of T3 and T4 and that sea salt does not contain enough iodine to keep your thyroid operating optimally. A deficiency of iodine leads to decreased production of T₃ and T₄, enlarges the thyroid tissue and will cause the disease known as goitre. If you only use sea salt, I recommend that you do some research to see if you are getting enough iodine from other sources.

Adrenaline

Adrenaline is a hormone that, when released, raises your blood glucose levels. It also causes fatty acids to be released. This is to provide energy when in a fight or flight situation.

When adrenaline is released, you are burning more fat and using more calories.

So the question is, ‘how to increase adrenaline levels?‘

Frequent exercise, such as strength training, will boost your adrenaline levels.
Partaking in activities that are exciting and that get your blood racing also boost levels of adrenaline. For example:
- mountain biking
- rock climbing
- snowboarding
- skiing
- football
- running
- martial arts
- sprinting

I RECOMMEND

ALL TOO OFTEN WOMEN ARE TOLD that feeling moody, asexual, tapped out, dried up, stressed out, and sleep deprived is just a part of being female. Or they’re led to believe that the answer can be found only at the bottom of a bottle of prescription pills.

Dr. Sara Gottfried, a Harvard-educated physician and nationally recognized, board-certified gynecologist, refuses to accept that being a woman means feeling overwhelmed or that popping pills is the new normal. In The Hormone Cure, she shares the unique hormone-balancing program that she has used to help thousands of women reclaim wellness, verve, and optimal health.

Combining natural therapies with rigorous scientific testing and using an informative questionnaire to identify the common causes of hormonal imbalance, Dr. Gottfried provides an individualized plan in nonjudgmental and thoughtful language.

Based on ten years’ study of cutting-edge medical research as a specialist in functional and integrative therapies, Dr. Gottfried’s three-tiered treatment strategy includes:

• Supplements and targeted lifestyle changes that address underlying deficiencies

• Herbal therapies that restore balance and optimize your body’s natural function

• Bioidentical hormones— most available without a prescription

The Hormone Cure is a groundbreaking book that demonstrates how balancing your hormones can cure underlying health issues and result in restored sleep, greater energy, improved mood, easy weight loss, increased productivity, and many more benefits. Dr. Sara Gottfried’s The Hormone Cure will transform your life. Click the image to learn more about his life-changing new book.

Filed Under: Exercise, Fat burning foods, Hormones, Supplements Tagged With: adrenaline, fat burning, hormones, strength training, testosterone, thyroid hormone, weight loss

January 9, 2013 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

5 Simple, Fat-Burning Changes to Your Lifestyle That You Should Make Right Now

If you’re trying to lose weight you’ll be happy to learn that there are things you can do to make weight loss much easier and a lot faster.

In fact, a few lifestyle changes and new habits can make a huge difference. Here are 5 great weight loss habits to add to your new lifestyle right now.

1. Eat protein

Photo By SweetOnVeg

Protein balances your blood sugar, so instead of spikes and plummets that you experience with starchy carbohydrates and sugary snacks, you feel full and satisfied consistently over the course of you day. You’ll also have an even level of energy that stays with you for longer. And you won’t get overly hungry or experience cravings like you have in the past.

2. Eat often

Photo By orangeacid

It probably sounds counter intuitive to consume MORE food, but eating frequent, small meals will stop the hunger pangs that make you want to empty the fridge in one sitting. The key is to make smart food choices (that also help your body burn fat and lose weight) that will leave you feeling satiated most of the day. Here’s how:

If you currently eat 3 large meals each day, try eating 5-6 smaller meals.
Ensure that each of your meals contains protein, and a fruit or vegetable.

For example, nuts are a great snack. So are apples and cheese. By choosing whole grains, fruits and veggies, you’ll fill you up quickly and be able to keep your appetite at bay for hours.

3. Drink water and green tea.

Photo By Kanko*

Thirst is often mistaken for hunger. Drinking more liquids each day helps to flush and detox your body (many toxins affect metabolism, inflammation and the release of fat into your body). It also keeps you feeling full.

Green tea also has fat burning properties. It actually stimulates your metabolism and it contains caffeine which suppresses appetite. The fact is that green tea is a fabulous fat-burning habit to adopt.

Photo By Powerhouse Museum Collection

4. Walk — a lot.

A body that’s in motion is a body with a much faster metabolism than one that is sedentary. The more you move the more you burn.

Some experts recommend walking ten thousand steps each day, but others suggest that 30 minutes aerobic activity with a sustained heart rate 5 days per week will help you lose weight. Examples of aerobic exercise are running/jogging, swimming, cycling, and walking.

If you choose to track your steps each day and want to make it to the 10,000 mark, know that 10,000 steps is approximately 5 miles. Start small and build on it. You’ll feel and look great after a short period of time.

5. Lift weights.

Hippocrates explained the principle behind strength training when he wrote “that which is used develops, and that which is not used wastes away”.

Photo By massdistraction

The benefits of weight training include greater muscular strength, improved muscle tone and appearance, increased endurance and enhanced bone density.

But it’s because muscle burns fat that we really want to lift them. A strength training workout also burns a lot of calories both while you’re working out AND AFTER your workout.

Add a few strength training workouts to your week or lift weights for twenty minutes here and there to begin with. One thing I’ve learned from personal experience is that if you push yourself to painful places, you’ll get discouraged right away. It’s better to start small and slow — your body will tell you when it’s ready for more. It’ll be a lot more fun too.

In summary, as the diet and exercise experts know, the best way to burn fat, lose weight and keep it off is to change your lifestyle. There aren’t any short cuts. Adopt healthy habits and get rid of the unhealthy ones.

Start with these five habits and keep the weight off for good.

Filed Under: Exercise, Fat burning foods, Herbal Teas, Transformational Foods

December 11, 2012 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

Fat Burning Foods That Are Healthy AND Delicious

People who are accustomed to eating foods that are high in fat and sugar are usually surprised to learn that there are tasty foods that are also good for you. There are so many foods that provide the same satisfying taste while being healthy.

Here are a few truly delicious foods that are actually healthy, and burn fat too.

Eggs

In fact, if you want to burn fat and lose weight, eggs are vital in your diet.

Add some whole wheat toast and a little fresh fruit, and you’ve got yourself a healthy, delicious, and fat burning breakfast.
Forget the high cholesterol scare of a few years ago too. It’s simply not true.
Eggs are delicious.
They’re rich in protein and many fat burning nutrients
They’re high in Vitamin B12 which helps regulate and increase your metabolism.
You can cook an egg in so many ways that you’ll never get bored.

White Meat

If you are a meat eater, you might want to consider giving up red meat and opt in for some white meat instead. Red meat is very high in saturated fats (the fat that do serious damage to our arteries). Besides clogging our arteries, there was a recent study that showed people who ate red meat even got throat cancer more often than those who eat white meat. How about some chicken or fish tonight?

Steel Cut Oats

Not into oatmeal? It does get a bad rap, but it’s no wonder. Instant or quick oats that are available are lackluster at best, lacking flavor and texture. But have you tried steel cut oats? They

have a delightful almost nutty flavor
It’s high in fiber and will help you maintain an even energy level for hours.
Eliminates mid morning cravings!
Eat a bowl of steel cut oats like a sundae. Top it with fresh fruit, nuts and a touch of honey and you have a real breakfast treat.

Beans

Most of us know that the combination of beans and rice provide a complete protein. And that there are so many different types of beans you could spend a month eating them and never eat the same meal twice. But beans:

are also a super source of fiber.
help keep your blood sugar levels balanced
keep your digestive system flowing.
There are bean recipes for every culture around the world. This means you can enjoy just about any flavor you prefer.

If you love Asian food then look for edamame (NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION), soybeans and black beans.
Latin cultures enjoy black beans and pinto beans.
If you’re from the south then look for black eyed pea recipes like Hoppin John.
And if you love soups and stews then look no further than lentil or navy bean soup.

There really are so many healthy foods that support fat burning and weight loss. Make a commitment to try at least one new food each week. You’ll learn more about food, making your dieting and weight loss experience more interesting and satisfying. And you’ll find some really delicious treats along the way.

Filed Under: Bellyfat, Fat burning foods, Good Foods, Obesity

April 4, 2011 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

Natural Fat Burning Remedies

Take a supplement and your excess weight just melts away?

Doctors, scientists and companies specializing in weight loss have been looking for a magic pill for forever. The truth is that there is no magic pill.

The REALLY good news is that there are natural fat burning remedies you can use to help the process along. For example, there’s

Green tea

has long been used as a remedy for inflammation. It also helps with digestion, boosts immunity, and helps detoxify your body.

It is a diuretic, an appetite suppressant, and can help you burn fat. A compound in the tea’s polyphenols raises your metabolism, so that you burn more calories. Drink a few cups of green tea daily (but remember, there is caffeine in it so drink it in the morning).

Tumeric

is a spice found in many Indian foods and in mustard. It’s great for reducing inflammation in the body and when you reduce inflammation you may actually look and feel thinner.

Additionally, the curcumin in turmeric regulates your blood sugar. This means that your energy is balanced throughout the day and your cravings for sweets and starchy carbohydrates is dramatically reduced.

Vitamin D

There have been many studies on vitamin D recently and they’ve shown that people with normal levels of vitamin D lose weight faster than those who are deficient. Get some sunshine and take your Vitamin D, especially if you live in an area of the world where the winters are long and dark!

Vitamin B

is essential for an efficient metabolism and for cellular health. It helps to boost your mood and manage stress better. Try it — you’ll be in a good mood, relaxed, your metabolism will hum along, and losing weight will be much easier.

Apple Cider Vinegar

contains acetic acid which has been shown to slow the absorption of carbohydrates and the speed of which it pours into your blood stream. The result is that your body may need to turn to your fat stores for energy.

Additionally, you’ll not only be burning more fat, but you have more balanced blood sugar levels. And balanced blood sugar gives you a more even level of energy, fewer cravings and more weight loss.

Sleep

is vital for weight loss and fat burning. A good night’s sleep will keep the leptin levels steady in your body (leptin is the hormone that tells your body that you have eaten enough food), Without proper sleep, this hormone will not function properly and won’t give yor body the proper messages about food consumption.

As well, when you get a good night’s sleep you have more energy the next day. You can better manage stress and you’ll make better decisions about your diet and health generally.

Sleep regenerates and revives our bodies, so after a night (or many nights with inadequate sleep) you’ll feel hungry and tired, resulting in cravings for sweets and starchy carbs. To add to the already bad results of not enough sleep, your metabolism will slow as well.

And women are particularly affected by inadequate sleep. Studies have shown that women who don’t sleep well will, on average, gain five pounds more than those who get a good night’s sleep. It’s vital that you sleep if you are trying to lose weight. Experts recommend at least seven hours of sleep per night — and eight is better. Make it a goal to get this much sleep.

Losing weight and burning fat doesn’t happen overnight, but with a few simple natural remedies, a healthy diet, and good sleep, you can achieve your weight loss goals.

Filed Under: Fat burning foods Tagged With: appetite suppressant, apple cider vinegar, cravings, curcumin, green tea, polyphenols, tumeric, turmeric, vitamin b, vitamin d

March 6, 2011 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

4 Ways Your Smart Phone Can Help You Lose Weight

It’s amazing how much technology has changed our lives.

We can communicate with someone halfway around the world via instant message or video chat. We can transfer money from one bank account to another with the click of a button. We can also manage our health, burn fat and lose weight with the help of technology.

Track Your Progress

There are a number of gadgets and software programs that make losing weight much easier. Many people neglect to track their information. Without this information it’s difficult to make smart diet and exercise decisions.

Additionally, tracking information can be extremely motivating. Many applications and software programs show you via a graph how much weight you’ve lost. If you own an iPod, iPad or iPhone take a look at the tracking applications available. There are some truly excellent applications that are free to download and use. If you spend more time on your computer or laptop check out free software programs or membership sites. Take a look at FitDay.com for one potential solution.

And of course there are gadgets that help you track your efforts. The FitBit tracks the steps you take each day. Combined with a membership site, that’s free, you can enter your daily foods and activities.

Let Your MP3 Player Get Your Heart Rate Up

Tracking information is motivating. However, you can take it several steps further. Use MP3 players designed for workouts to help you keep your heart rate up. Use a heart rate monitor to get your maximum workout. Take advantage of iPod applications that help you track your workout and provide occasional motivational messages.

Log In To Social Networking and Burn Fat

Social networking has also gotten in on the motivational scene. DailyMile is a membership site that enables you to post your fitness and weight loss activities to your Facebook account. The feedback and support you gain from your peers can be really inspiring.

Streaming Workouts

You can find a number of workout programs streaming on your computer or mobile device. That makes working out fun and easy. You can find everything from yoga to dance and strength training. If you’re pressed for time or on a tight budget, look for fat burning workouts online.

If you’re striving to lose weight or want to burn more fat take a look at how technology can help. Use it to motivate. Use it to track your success. Find great workouts online and burn more fat daily.

Filed Under: Fat burning foods Tagged With: ipad for weightloss, iphone apps for weightloss, losing weight, mobile devices for weight loss, mp3 players, social networking and weight loss, software programs for weight loss, workout programs

March 4, 2011 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

Green Tea For Fat Burning?

You know that green tea is great for your health.

It detoxifies. It has an abundance of antioxidants. Antioxidants help your cells by getting rid of free radicals (they damage cells) in your body. These are two fantastic health benefits, but you might be surprised to know that Green Tea can help you burn fat too.

How Green Tea Burns Fat

Okay, you know that there are antioxidants in green tea. The antioxidants in green tea are called polyphenols. The catechins in polyphenols have thermogenic properties. Thermogenic properties means fat burning.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that this element in green tea boosts metabolism by four percent within twenty four hours. That means if you drink a few cups of green tea spread out throughout the day, you’re boosting your metabolism around the clock.

There’s also a couple of unique side effects of green tea. It’s an appetite suppressant, and it’s also a diuretic. Diuretic means it stimulates you to urinate and flush fluids out of your body, helping to flush your body of toxins. (Toxins motivate your body to store fat).

When you drink green tea you’re actually receiving three weight loss benefits. Your appetite is suppressed. You’re flushing your body of toxins, and you’re also boosting your metabolism and burning fat around the clock.

How Much Green Tea Should You Drink?

Experts seem to disagree on how much green tea a person should drink. Recommendations range from one cup to four cups a day.

Consider starting with one cup each day. Make it part of your daily routine. Drink it at lunch or as part of a mid morning snack.
As you learn to enjoy green tea you may drink a few more glasses each day.

Green tea can be bitter if it’s brewed too long or too hot. Follow the package instructions. And don’t hesitate to try various types of green tea. If you head to your local Asian market you’ll likely find more green tea options than you can possibly imagine. Choose a few, steep, and enjoy.

One precaution: Take care to not drink green tea in the afternoon or evening. It does contain caffeine. If you’re sensitive to caffeine it can interfere with sleep. Sleep is also an important part of fat burning and weight loss. You don’t want to trade one fat burning benefit for another.

Green tea has been consumed for centuries. It’s been prescribed by eastern medicine as a cure for many ailments and conditions. Scientists and western medicine are only now beginning to learn the powerful health benefits green tea offers. Take advantage of this ancient and delicious beverage. Improve your health and burn fat with green tea.

Filed Under: Fat burning foods Tagged With: antioxidants, appetite suppressant, boosting your metabolism, catechins, effects of green tea, weight loss benefits

March 2, 2011 By Bellyfat Central Staff Leave a Comment

7 Fat Burning Foods

We all have to eat, but when we’re on a diet or trying to lose weight, we have to be especially careful about what’s consumed.

On the upside, you’ll be happy to learn that there are delicious foods that will actually help you fight fat and lose weight!

Here they are:

♥ Eggs

An extra large egg has only 78 calories.
And it’s packed with protein and nutrients.
They’re very filling and will keep your blood sugar even and your hunger at bay for hours.
And an egg has extra lean protein that fills you up and keeps you satisfied for hours.

Combine it with a piece of whole grain toast and you have a very satisfying, fat fighting breakfast. And don’t think eggs are only for breakfast. They make a great snack or mid-day meal too. Keep some boiled eggs in the fridge ready for your next snack.Eggs are excellent sources of protein, and when you mix eggs with a little fruit, a lot of greens, some beans and a little avocado, you are getting a lot of hunger fighting nutrients.

♥ Dark chocolate

According to a study conducted by the University of Copenhagen, dark chocolate suppresses appetite.
Scientists found that compounds in dark chocolate slows digestion. This means you feel full much longer.
It also curbs cravings for other not-so-healthy sweets.
An ounce of dark chocolate has about 130 calories and is very high in flavonoids, the substances that are shown to improve blood flow, suppress coughs, improve memory, and give you hydrated, smooth skin.
A 1 oz. piece of chocolate per day is now recommended for good health.

Just make sure it is at least 70% cacao, but some are recommending 87% cacao. You may find it dry and bitter, but even chocolate shavings in a coffee can curb cravings.

♥ Whole grains

Fiber is an essential part of any diet, but especially a fat burning diet and lifestyle.
They fill you up.
It burns slowly and provides you with an evenly distributed energy throughout the day.

Opt for whole grain or rye bread and try whole grain pretzels, crackers and cereals too.

♥ Bananas are a super food.

They’re packed with nutrients and fiber.
One banana for a snack can help tide you over until your next meal.

Add a little natural peanut butter to the banana and you’ll be satisfied for hours.

♥ Nuts are a perfect snack.

They’re full of heart healthy fatty acids and they help you feel full.
They’re also packed with protein and fiber.
Walnuts, almonds, and pistachios are all fabulous for weight loss because they are so filling.

About 12 nuts a couple times a day is all you need to get nourishment and fat burning.

♥ Oranges

Interestingly the scent of citrus is an appetite suppressant
but this amazing fruit is also at the top of the list of the most filling foods.
An orange is high in fiber and has zero fats.

♥ Sweet potatoes

They’re packed with more nutrients than most vegetables
They have amazing amounts of fiber.
They’ll keep you full and satisfied for hours.
Sweet potatoes should replace the standard potato.

There are so many really nutritious and delicious foods that will help you lose weight and burn fat. Be experimental. Try adding a new fruit or vegetable to your diet every week and definitely add these fat fighting foods to your grocery list.

Filed Under: Fat burning foods, Good Foods, Obesity Tagged With: boiled eggs, cacao, chocolate shavings, dark chocolate, fat burning diet, grain toast, lean protein, rye bread, whole grain, whole grains