Summer shape-up strategies.One of my favorite actresses of all time—Katherine Hepburn—once said, “If you obey all the rules…you will miss all the fun!”
Truth is, frustration among women is rampant these days. When it comes to body parts, over 60% of us are the most self-conscious about our bellies.
So, if the tried and true old fashioned rules just aren’t working for you, it’s time to do an about face and take advantage of the latest and most novel strategies for shrinking that belly bulge and flipping on that weight control switch.
1) Weigh in on whey! Protein shakes made from whey protein can double your fat loss. A much more belly-flattening option than soy protein shakes, whey isn’t just for bodybuilders any more. A study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that participants who consumed whey protein had less body fat and tinier tummies than those who didn’t consume any protein shakes at all. Aim for one to two whey shakes a day or several times per week at the very least—and look for a whey protein powder that is hormone-free and made with non-denatured and unheated milk. Keep in mind that added protein raises metabolism by 25% and activates the liver’s detoxifying enzymes—two added fat blocking bonuses.
2) Pick a pickle! Swap out your sweet tooth for something sour! The more apple cider vinegar (dressings count, too) you can sneak into your diet, the more sugary snacks (candy, soft drinks, “energy” bars) you can avoid, resulting in less fat promoting insulin production which prevents stored fat from being burned for energy. The acetic acid in vinegar is a powerful nutrient that has been proven to stimulate metabolism. It contains dozens of other nutrients that work to eliminate fat by creating the ideal chemical balance in the body. Researchers at the University of Sydney found that consuming vinegar with meals can lower blood sugar by as much as 30%. The acidity helps slow stomach emptying, which means food takes longer to reach your small intestine and blood stream. As a result, carbohydrates are digested more slowly, thereby lowering blood sugar levels and keeping your appetite in check.
3) Throw away the calorie counter! The key to successful weight loss is to fill up on fiber and eat wholesome nutrient dense foods from lots of colorful veggies, enzyme rich fruits, satisfying fats, and powerhouse protein. Period. You will be fuller faster if you add at least two tablespoons of soluble fiber from flax or chia seeds to breakfast every day. The fiber in these seeds will help to keep insulin levels low which will allow your body to access stored fat for energy.
4) Eat fat to lose fat. As our lifestyle Fat Flushers can attest, enjoying the good, healthy fats (think avocados, walnuts, seeds, flaxseed oil and olive oil) daily will help to trigger an automatic reflex that closes down the valve located between your tummy and small intestine slowing down digestion. Even a teaspoon or two of oil will have this beneficial effect. We need fats in our diet to provide the essential fatty acids that become part of the eicosanoids. These tissue-like hormones have single-handedly turned around weight watchers’ negative regard for fat into an extraordinary appreciation of its true biological function. When you eat too few fats, you do not produce enough of these tissue-like hormones in sufficient quantity to burn body fat. The right fats also assist in long-term energy, enhance immunity and strengthen cell walls and mucus membranes. For overall health, they have been found to control a wide range of activities including inflammation, reproduction, blood clotting, blood pressure, brain function and allergies. Best of all—fats, not carbohydrates, are the best food fuel for feeling satisfied and speeding fat loss.
Have any of these diet tricks helped you slimdown? Post a comment to share your experience.
-Edge On Health, Dr. Ann Louise Gittleman
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