Acai berries are one of the healthiest foods on earth, according to the Life Extension Foundation. From the Brazilian rain forests, the acai berry is a food staple of many natives. Acai contains health-promoting amino acids, fiber, omega fats and antioxidants. Available in capsules, powder or juice, acai can help to support a balanced weight-loss plan. Acai alone will not cause weight-loss, which requires a caloric deficit. Creating a caloric deficit involves combining increased activity with decreased caloric intake.
Step 1
Purchase a high quality acai product. Be sure to choose a reputable company, as many acai products exploit the product's popularity with recurring credit card charges and low quality acai. Look for a freeze-dried product with low or no added sugar and a 3000 ORAC scale per serving. ORAC, oxygen radical absorbance capacity, is the score given to antioxidants based upon their ability to neutralize oxygen free radicals. Always follow the instructions on the label.
Step 2
Find a diet and workout plan to optimize the effects of taking acai. Acai can help to stabilize blood sugar, detoxify and give you energy to burn calories. However, it cannot burn the calories for you. Many free articles are available for men and women on the subject of weight-loss at LIVESTRONG.COM. Examples of good programs are the "Muscle Nerd" Jeff Anderson's "Combat the Fat" program or Steve Holman's and Jonathan Lawson's "Xtreme Lean" ebook.
Step 3
Increase your cardiovascular exercise activity. Whether you choose to take a walk through your neighborhood or use a cardio machine at the gym, increase your activity to burn more calories. Acai may help to increase the rate at which you burn fat, but that will do nothing for you if you are sitting on the couch. Start with 30 minutes three times a week and increase as needed.
Step 4
Eat five or six smaller meals per day to keep your metabolism going strong and burning fat all day long. This will keep energy levels high and insulin levels low, to prevent excess fat storage.
Step 5
Choose a quality protein supplement to support your dietary needs. For example, whey protein can make a good mid-meal snack so that you are not munching on junk food in between meals. Protein increases thermogenesis in the body, and can increase fat-burning, according to the "Fat Burning Bible" by Mackie Shilstone. Mix a scoop of protein powder in a blender with acai juice and some frozen banana for a delicious healthy snack.
Step 6
Drink plenty of water. Make a habit of sipping water throughout the day to support proper hydration and optimal fat-burning.
Things You'll Need
- Workout plan
- Diet plan
- Water
- Cardio
- Protein supplement
- Acai supplement
References
- The Disease Fighting Power of Berries
- Homemade Supplement Secrets - Jeff Anderson, CQC LLC, 2009
- Combat the Fat - Jeff Anderson, CQC International LLC, 2009
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