1.
Monounsaturated fats
Replacing carbohydrates in your diet with monounsaturated fats will help you
slim down by shuttling fat away from your midsection.
Where
to get it:
Avocados,
Macadamia nuts, and olive oil are great sources of monounsaturated
fats. They also come packaged with great nutrients such as
antioxidants (in olive oil), fiber (in avocado), and B-vitamins (in
macadamia nuts).
2.
EGCG
EGCG
or Epigallocatechin gallate is an antioxidant found in green tea. EGCG can
increase thermogenesis or heat production through extra calorie
burning and the use of stored fat as energy. Some research also shows
that EGCG can stop the growth of new fat cells.
Where
to get it:
The
greatest weight loss effects of EGCG are seen when combined with
caffeine, as it naturally occurs in green tea.
3.
Raspberry ketones
Raspberry
ketones are an antioxidant found in raspberries that preliminary
research shows have some interesting fat loss effects. Raspberry
ketones can increase the production of the muscle-energizing,
fat-burning hormone adiponectin as well as directly increasing the
burning of stored fat.
Where
to get it:
You
can't come close to getting enough raspberry ketones via eating
raspberries so to reap these benefits you'll need to take a
concentrated raspberry ketone supplement (they are inexpensive and
available at more health food stores). Keep an eye out for more about
raspberry ketones and weight loss as new research gets published.
4.
Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)
Docosahexaenoic
acid or DHA is one of the two omega-3 fats. DHA can stop growth of young fat cells and actually causes
them to die, says research published in the Journal of Nutrition.
Where
to get it:
To
get more DHA in your diet, pick up an algae-based
DHA supplement to reap the benefits.
5.
Acetic acid
Vinegar,
a dilute form of acetic acid, has potent glucose-lowering effects.
One study in Italy found that when participants added just more than1
tablespoon of vinegar to their meal (as salad dressing) they
experienced a 30 percent decrease in their post-meal blood sugar
levels. Controlling blood sugar remains an essential component to
weight loss and maintaining a lean body.
Where
to get it:
Adding
vinegar to salads should be standard protocol, but if you can manage
to find chocolate balsamic vinegar, it makes an excellent addition to
a protein-packed chocolate smoothie.
6.
Protein
Protein
from lean sources like dairy, or soy are weight
loss rock stars. The amino acids that make up protein cause your body
to release the fat-burning and energy-stabilizing hormone glucagon.
The process of digesting protein also stimulates your body to release
the satiety hormone CCK. This one-two punch combined with the fact
that it takes your body more energy to digest and breakdown protein
compared to carbohydrates or fat makes it a must-have at every meal
throughout your day.
Where
to get it:
The
possibilities are endless, but lean proteins like Greek yogurt ,
cottage cheese, are especially
convenient.
7.
Caffeine
Caffeine
is one of the most potent weight loss compounds available to you each
and every day. Caffeine blocks the breakdown of a compound call camp,
which is responsible for mobilizing stored fats so they can be burned
as energy.
Where
to get it:
If
you are looking for a bigger fat-burning boost, then make sure to
choose black tea over green tea or light roast coffee over dark roast
for a larger dose of caffeine.
8.
Fiber
Fiber
is often touted to be a great nutrient for weight loss because it
slows down digestion, allowing for sustained energy and stable blood
sugar. However fiber can also optimize hormones released during
digestion that are responsible for feelings of hunger and satiety.
Where
to get it:
Try
to get your fiber in its raw form instead of from foods that have
been overly processed. The processing of fiber can change its
chemical make-up, which can decrease its effectiveness at promoting
satiety or lowering cholesterol. Next time you have the choice
between oatmeal and cereal made from baked oat crisps, opt for
regular oatmeal.
