Honey is a natural sweetener that bees manufacture for food. For humans, honey offers many delicious health benefits as well. According to WHFoods, raw honey contains propolis, the substance bees use to seal off parts of the hive. Propolis is naturally resistant to viruses, fungi and bacteria. In addition, other phytonutrients found in honey may help prevent colon cancer. Incorporating nutrient-dense honey into your diet can also help you lose weight.
Step 1
Have a cup of tea with 1 tbsp. of honey every morning before breakfast. According to MayoClinic.com, the best way to lose weight is by having breakfast because this prevents the sudden mid-morning blood sugar drop that leads to weight gain. In addition, a 2004 study by Dubai Specialized Medical Center and Medical Research Laboratories found that honey can lower plasma blood glucose levels, preventing the abrupt increase in blood sugar levels that occurs with other kinds of sweeteners.
Step 2
Slice an apple into wedges into a portable airtight container. Drizzle lemon juice over the slices to prevent browning and stir to coat the slices. Mix in 1 tbsp. of honey and stir to incorporate it. Sprinkle ground cinnamon over the top, close the container and store in the fridge. Eat this tasty snack instead of vending machine food or other unhealthy snacks. Have several of these containers handy so that when you reach for something to eat, it's healthy, full of fiber and can keep your glucose levels stable.
Step 3
Mix 1 tbsp. of honey, a dash of cinnamon, 1/2 cup of granola and 1 tsp. of lemon juice into 1 cup of low fat yogurt. This makes a fiber- and nutrient-rich meal for breakfast or lunch. The fiber in the granola will help fill your stomach, keeping you from overeating. You can also freeze this mixture into cubes and crush until fine in a blender, for a healthy frozen dessert that can help you lose weight.
Step 4
Baste skinless boneless chicken breast with honey and bake, broil or grill until the honey caramelizes and the meat is fully cooked. Honey contains no fat and only about 125 calories per ounce, making this an excellent, low fat main course. Have this honey chicken with steamed carrot slices and a drizzle of honey on top. For about as many calories as you will get in a diet frozen meal, you can get the benefits of honey to help keep your blood sugar levels from bottoming out, which can lead to late night snacking.
References
- WHFoods: Honey
- Organic Facts: Benefits of Honey in Weight Loss
- National Institutes of Health: Natural honey lowers plasma glucose, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, and blood lipids in healthy, diabetic, and hyperlipidemic subjects: comparison with dextrose and sucrose.
- Mayo Clinic: Breakfast: Why is it so important to weight control?
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