Burning fat with food must sound contradictory, but there are certain foods that can actually melt away your fats by improving your metabolism. Some foods have an extensive thermogenic effect (metabolism increasing effects) that can lead to reduction of fat in your body. Read on to find out five such super foods and burn your fat away.

Tuna

Tuna is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and it also helps boost the production of a hormone called leptin. This particular hormone gives the illusion of fullness and you don't end up having large portions. It also accelerates your metabolic process. Apart from tuna, sardines too have the same properties.

Green tea

The benefits of green tea are widely known. It has 'epigallocatechin' which improves the nervous system and elevates the heart rate. Drinking three cups of green tea daily has proven to burn up to 80 calories.

Hot peppers

Different kinds of hot peppers not only spice up your food but they also melt calories. Capsaicin, a chemical present in peppers can increase metabolism rate by 25% for up to three hours after you consume your meal.

Grapefruit

This delicious fruit has the amazing power to make you slim. Grapefruit has an antioxidant called 'naringenin' which can aid your body in its use of insulin more effectively, thereby keeping the blood sugar level under control and prevent diabetes. Recent studies have shown that sugar control coupled with grapefruits lead to improved calorie burn.

Whole grains

The body needs a lot of energy to break down and digest whole grains which causes it to use more calories. You literally burn your fats when you eat whole grains. Start your day with a bowl of oats which will not only keep you full but also aid your metabolism.

5 Superfoods That Murder Fat

5 Proven ways to burn 2 inches of belly fat in 8 weeks flat!

The fat that builds up in your tummy takes a longer time to burn in comparison to fats that are stored in the other parts of the body. 
Here are 5 effective ways to lose 2 inches of belly fat in just 8 weeks:

1. Go for a brisk walk - Brisk walking for 20 minutes every day can help you to lose 1 inch of belly fat in 4 weeks. Research reveals that going for a walk between 8am and noon is highly beneficial as working out in the morning light gives a boost to your metabolic processes, which enable your body to burn more fat.

2. Cook with coconut oil - Cooking with 2 tablespoons of coconut oil on a daily basis can help you to touch the 2 inches' mark as well. It contains medium chain triglycerides (a type of fatty acids), which are absorbed directly into the bloodstream and do not require bile for breaking them down, leading to faster digestion of fats. Plus, coconut oil doesn't increase your cholesterol levels since its fat content is burned as energy rather than getting stored in your body and causing fat accumulation.

3. Eat 3 hours before sleep - Several studies highlight that having dinner very close to your sleeping hours can hamper your sleep quality and its fat-burning ability. It not only increases your body temperature but also blood sugar and insulin levels while reducing the production of melatonin ( a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycle) and growth hormone. For this reason, it's best to have the last meal of your day 3 hours before your bedtime so as to allow the stomach acids and enzymes to convert the food into energy.

4. Have more proteins - Several studies show that having a protein-rich diet can be highly effective in reducing belly fat. Consumption of protein can cut down food cravings by 60%, enhance metabolic rate by about 80-100 calories a day, and reduce daily calorie intake by about 441 fewer calories/ day. Both animal protein and plant protein have been found to be effective against belly fat. Try including low-fat dairy products, fish, chicken, soybeans etc in your diet to shed extra inches from your tummy.

5. Include choline-rich foods in your diet - Choline is a water-soluble nutrient that acts on those genes that are responsible for fat storage. It breaks down fat in the body and uses it as energy instead. This nutrient is found in abundance in eggs, seafood collard green, and lean meats.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'Consult'.

5 Proven Ways to Burn 2 Inches of Belly Fat in 8 Weeks Flat!

What should you eat to lose weight?

Eating healthy is a key to an active life. It sometimes becomes difficult to choose a particular diet plan as you are not too sure about what to eat that will help you lose weight. The best way to lose weight is to eat natural foods which help in maintaining your waistline than processed foods which promise the same. Following is a list of 5 very basic natural foods which help you lose weight and also takes care of your health:

Broccoli

Broccoli is one of the most effective foods which can help you lose weight. It contains several micronutrients and phytochemicals which aid in weight loss by breaking down fats. Broccoli is rich in dietary fiber, minerals, and vitamins and low in calories and yet satisfies your hunger. You can eat it raw, cooked or as a healthy snack. Add this green vegetable to your regular diet and hasten your weight loss process.

Oats

Oats is a healthy addition to your diet as it high on nutrients and fiber. You should include it in the regular diet for at least 4 times a week if you want to lose weight. You can customize your serving to add more nutritional value to your meal. Avoid sugary toppings as they are high in calories and do not promote weight loss. Do not consume oats with added flavors or any other synthetic ingredients.

Apples

Apples are low in calories and rich in fiber. It is a perfect snack which is sweet and satisfying at the same time. It not only helps you to lose weight but also effectively controls your blood cholesterol. Apples contain antioxidants which have a lot of health benefits other than aiding weight loss. Fresh apples are considered to be even more effective in this regard.

Cabbage

Cabbage contains only 17 calories in a serving and is one of the best foods for weight loss. You can cook it in olive oil and season it with herbs and add it to your regular diet. Cabbage also helps fight cancer among its other beneficial qualities. It reduces your calorie intake and also satisfies your appetite. It also acts as a natural detox and works wonders for your overall health.

Black beans

Black beans are one of the most satisfying proteins which you can consume during weight loss. They are rich in fiber and protein and keep you full for a long time. They contain soluble fiber which helps you fight cholesterol problems. The insoluble fiber in black beans maintains your digestive system and regulates the bowels.

Fruit yogurt

You can see visible results if you cut down your overall calorie intake and supplement it with yogurt in your regular diet. The calcium in yogurt restricts the production of cortisol and controls your appetite. Yogurt also contains amino acids which contribute in burning fat. You can add fruits like blueberry or aloe vera to your yogurt to make it a tastier and healthier snack.

Whole bean salad

Whole bean salad is simple to prepare and is a very healthy snack. It is filling and keeps your hunger pangs at bay. You can put bell peppers and sweet corn to add flavors and toss it in olive oil to keep it healthy.

What should you eat to lose weight?

4 ways to gain weight

A very low body mass index can be due to many causes including genetic, developmental and hormonal disorders and other issues with absorbing nutrients in the body. A low body mass index may also be owing to a high metabolism rate. Here are a few healthy ways to gain weight according to different requirements:

Know your calorie needs

- Calculate your resting metabolic rate with the formula - RMR = 10* weight (kg) + 6.25* height (cm) - 5* age (yr) + x [For men; x=5, for women; x = -161] Your BMR tells you how much minimum calories you will burn if you rested an entire day.

- Account for your activity by using your RMR as BMR (Base metabolic rate) and calculate your daily calorie needs by the following formulae:

-BMR * 1.2 - If you are sedentary
-BMR * 1.375 - For light exercise
-BMR * 1.55 - Moderate activity
-BMR * 1.725 - High activity
-BMR * 1.9 - Intense activity

Diet to follow

- Gradually increase your calorie intake

- Eat healthy and timely

- Have a balanced diet with heavy foods like - starchy vegetables, dense fruits, added oils and creamy soups

- Have foods rich in protein, avoid watery fruits and veggies

- Avoid trans-fats

- Do not binge, pace yourself through your diet regime

- Have dietary supplements and protein shakes

Build muscle to increase body weight

- Include weight training in your daily regime

- Compensate for extra calorie lost in training

- Do not over do it, rest is equally important in building muscle

Things to remember

- Stop eating junk food, eat healthily

- Hydrate yourself well

- Rapid weight gain may cause stretch marks

- Be careful when choosing fatty foods as overindulging in them can lead to heart diseases and type 2 diabetes

- Overeating may cause bloating, stomach aches and cramps

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'Consult'.

4 ways to gain weight

How turmeric can help you lose weight this winter season

Weight gain and winters go hand in hand as it’s the holiday season, full of weddings or parties, both of which can result in the piling up of calories and kilos. Turmeric in winters is a must have, at least for its medicinal properties, which help you in dealing with the common winter woe of weight gain. 

Why is turmeric most effective in winters?
Turmeric has plenty of health benefits like reducing the effects of arthritis, increasing the immunity of your body etc. besides being a natural remedy for weight loss. The benefits of turmeric can be enjoyed to the fullest during winters as its consumption during summers in excessive amount can cause some side effects. Turmeric has a heating effect on your body, so consuming it in excess during the summer months adds to the heat your body generates and may result in indigestion or heartburn.

How can turmeric help in losing weight?
Turmeric is rich in curcumin (an orange pigment), which is instrumental in breaking dietary fibres, and consequently in helping you to lose weight. Curcumin can stop the fat tissues from being created in your body by regulating your blood vessels, which are responsible for formation of these fat tissues. 

Turmeric also lets you manage your weight by aiding in the reduction of cholesterol levels in your body. Moreover, it’s also effective in lowering lipid content in your body by reducing the presence of adipose (fat) tissues to prevent weight gain.

Additionally, curcumin present in turmeric can help in the burning of fat as well, thereby triggering weight loss.

How can you make turmeric a part of your daily diet?
You can either add turmeric to your food while cooking or you can have a glass of turmeric milk daily to enjoy its multiple health benefits. Also, you can add turmeric to your tea or have turmeric supplements that are available in the form of powder-filled capsules, fluids or tinctures. 

To get the most out of the weight loss benefits of turmeric, limit your turmeric consumption to 2-3 grams a day during the winter season. 

Here’s an easy a tasty turmeric milk recipe to get you started:

Turmeric golden milk recipe-
Ingredients:  
1 inch long stick of turmeric, coarsely crushed
½ cup water
1 cup low fat milk
Pepper, according to taste
1 tablespoon honey

Directions:
Combine the milk and the water and bring to boil. Add the crushed turmeric and pepper. Heat the mixture on a low flame for about 20 minutes. Remove from flame and strain the mixture. Pour in a glass and stir the honey into it. Consume the drink while it’s still warm.

If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'Consult'.

Turmeric: an Ultimate Winter Weight Loss Weapon 

Why are your gaining weight despite working out?

Many people have a common workout woe that while they are working out for hours they are not losing weight. The reason on a broad sense is simply that you are undoing your workout. Let me explain the reasons here.

1. Calorie overload/dieting - A general opinion amongst a lot of people is that since they are working out, they can binge on their favourite foods. Another group of people are those who workout with utmost sincerity but do not eat post workout.  Both are equally harmful and aide fat generation.
2. Not staying hydrated - While working out, our bodies lose a lot of water. Often, we confuse the feeling of being thirsty as being hungry. So after a workout, when one might actually be hungry, one ends up filling the stomach with food. Stay hydrated at all times, especially before and after workout.
3. Drinking alcohol - A lot of people workout during the day and drink in the evening. This is a strict no-no and if not adhered to, you will end up gaining more weight than losing. Usually it is recommended staying completely off alcohol while trying to lose weight because drinks have calories and high sugar content. If abstaining is difficult, restrict the quantity.
4. Not working out enough - Human mind can be fooled very easily into believing what is not. We often believe that we our workout is enough and we don’t need to increase the number of counts, level of difficulty etc. It is good to give yourself a pat in the back, but never too soon.
5. Rewarding yourself - Rewarding yourself after losing every kilo is a very bad idea. Set a big goal and reward yourself only once achieved.
6. Drinking energy drinks - Advertisements promote energy drinks as a must for people who are working out. What they conveniently hide is the fact that these drinks are full of sugar.
7. Not eating enough vegetables - Many people turn to protein shakes and unhealthy foods instead of eating regular home-cooked vegetables which are packed with nutrients.


If you would like to consult with me privately, please click on 'Consult'.

From Lybrate: If you found this tip useful, please thank the doctor by clicking on the heart icon below. Also, spread good health by sharing this tip with your loved ones over WhatsApp, Facebook and other media.


Do You Know Why You Are Gaining Weight Despite WorkOuts?

Don't wait any longer, manage your Weight Management online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Weight Management - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES