The Acai berry is considered a "superfood" because it are very nutrient-dense and contains high amounts of free radical-neutralizing antioxidants. Native to the South American rainforest, the acai berry is used by the natives as a whole food source of nutrition because it contains essential fatty acids, amino acids, carbohydrates and a large amount of fiber. The healthful components of the acai berry make it a perfect addition to a weight-loss plan.
Step 1
Purchase a quality acai berry supplement, such as powder, pills, or juice, from your local health retailer. Look for products that indicate they are no-sugar-added, freeze-dried, pure, 3,000 ORAC (antioxidant buffering capacity).
Step 2
Try a one- to three-day fast to jump-start your weight-loss program. "The Miracle of Fasting" book by Paul C. Bragg recommends drinking an apple cider vinegar health drink three to five times per day to eliminate hunger and cleanse the body. Combine 2 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with 1 tbsp. of honey, 30mm of acai juice and 8 oz. of distilled water.
Step 3
Choose a workout program that includes both resistance training and cardiovascular exercise. Try 30 minutes of each three times per week. Have a serving of acai before and after working out. Before training, the acai may give you energy to burn more calories. After exercising, acai berry supplements can help to eliminate free radicals produced by the metabolism and/or cellular respiration.
Step 4
Decrease your caloric intake. Simply put, eat less. Losing 1 lb. of fat requires a caloric deficit of 3,500 calories. By decreasing caloric intake by 500 calories per day, healthy weight loss can be achieved. Prevent cravings by taking your acai products with or between meals. Acai may help to suppress hunger due to its natural fiber content.
Step 5
Eat 30 percent of your daily calories from protein, 30 percent from healthy fats and 40 percent from low-glycemic carbohydrates. According to Mackie Shilstone, author of "The Fat Burning Bible," this is the best ratio of macro-nutrients for burning fat. Add acai to meals for its nutrient-dense, antioxidant properties. Acai, when taken with meals, may improve fat-burning and keep blood sugar low to decrease fat storage.
Step 6
Eat one "cheat meal" per week to keep your metabolism going strong. According to the "Muscle Nerd" Jeff Anderson (see Resources), indulging your cravings once a week will actually improve your weight-loss efforts. Try adding acai juice or berries to desserts for a delicious and healthy cheat.
Things You'll Need
- Apple cider vinegar
- Natural honey
- Acai product
- Distilled water
References
- LEF.org: The Disease Fighting Power of Berries
- "The Fat Burning Bible;" Mackie Shilstone; 2005
- "The Miracle of Fasting;" Paul C. Bragg; 2009
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