Most veterans of the war against a bulging waistline already have learned that there is no miracle strategy that overnight will turn the tide of battle decisively in their favor. However, nature does provide some helpful weapons that can be used to make the fight against fat a bit easier. These natural substances can help your body to burn fat at a more rapid pace.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Nutrition specialist Ann Louise Gittleman, Ph.D., author of "The Fat Flush Foods," singles out apple cider vinegar as one of nature's most potent fat burners, also pointing out that it helps to rev up the metabolism, another positive step toward losing weight. Gittleman cites an Arizona State University study in which participants took in an average of 200 fewer calories after consuming as little as 1 ½ tbsp. of vinegar before the meal. In addition to acetic acid, which is a proven metabolic stimulant, vinegar's acidity slows stomach emptying, according to Gittleman, who says: "As a result, carbohydrates are digested more slowly, thereby lowering blood-sugar levels and keeping the appetite in check." To help flush more fat from your body, she recommends drinking up to 2 tsp. daily mixed with water or using the equivalent in recipes or salad dressings. Check with your doctor to see if this use of apple cider vinegar is appropriate for you.
Fat-Burning Teas
Some herbal teas can help coax the body to burn more fat and also reduce your appetite, making it easier to fight off the cravings that so often sabotage a weight-loss program. In "Folk Remedies That Work," authors Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen offer recipes for several teas that can support your efforts to drop excess poundage. You might to try one or more of them to see how they work for you. For each of the following teas, steep 1 tsp. of the dried herb in a cup of boiling water for seven minutes. Then strain and cool. Drink up to two cups daily of hawthorn berry tea and one to two cups of psyllium seed husk tea. The Wilens recommend three cups daily---one after every meal---of chapparal tea; two to three cups of lady's mantle tea each day; and three cups daily---one before each meal---of chickweed tea. A cup of chicory root tea, taken before breakfast, can also help to flush fat from the body. Consult a medical professional before beginning any regimen of self-treatment.
Fat-Flushing Tonic
Jude C. Todd, author of "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies," has concocted a tonic that he says not only burns off fat but also boosts energy. In a blender, combine 2 large carrots, 2 stalks of celery, 1½ cups of chopped spinach, 1 cup each of fresh parsley and freshly chopped comfrey leaves, 2½ cups of water and 1 cup of green beans. Liquefy the mixture. Add a bit of ginger to taste and then refrigerate. Drink as often as desired. Todd says that the tonic can really stoke up the body's fat-burning furnaces if consumed on a regular basis. Talk to your doctor to see if this herbal remedy makes sense for you.
References
- "The Fat Flush Foods"; Ann Louise Gittleman; 2004
- "Folk Remedies That Work"; Joan Wilen and Lydia Wilen; 1996
- "Jude's Herbal Home Remedies: Natural Health, Beauty & Home-Care Secrets"; Jude C. Todd; 2002
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