Acai berries come from the rainforests of Brazil, where they are eaten by the natives. This unique "super food" berry is very nutrient dense, containing omega fats, fiber, amino acids and free radical-fighting antioxidants. Many claim that acai berry pills can cleanse the body, boost energy, accelerate weight loss and combat premature signs of aging. However, you are not likely to see as many of the benefits of this "super food" if you survive on a steady diet of fast food. Combine powerful fat-burning and healing foods with acai in order to see the best results from your acai berry supplementation.
Lean Protein
According to "The Fat Burning Bible," lean proteins increase your metabolic rate because they have a thermic effect on the body. This means that up to 30 percent of the calories in lean proteins must be used by the body just to digest them. Eating five or six smaller portions of protein at 2- to 3-hour intervals may work in tandem with acai berry pills to help burn fat faster and cleanse the body of unwanted toxins. Examples of lean proteins are chicken, fish, turkey, dairy and leaner cuts of pork or beef.
Low-Glycemic Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are readily stored by the body as fat. Eating the wrong carbohydrates can perpetuate a vicious cycle of food cravings, fat storage and low energy levels. According to "The Fat Burning Bible," blood sugar and insulin are spiked when we eat fast-digesting or high-glycemic carbohydrates. In response, our bodies quickly store the circulating blood sugar as body fat. This causes a sudden drop in blood sugar, which triggers more food cravings, repeating the cycle. Low-glycemic carbohydrates go well with acai berry supplementation because they help to keep blood sugar stable, preventing fat storage and allowing more fat burning. Examples of low-glycemic carbs are oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice and whole-wheat pasta and bread.
Healthy Fats
Healthy fats are the monounsaturated and polyunsaturated varieties that lower our bad cholesterol and help to fight heart disease, according to "The Abs Diet." Acai berry provides some healthy omega fats. However, our bodies require dietary sources of all essential fatty acids. Examples of monounsaturated fats are whole eggs, avocados, nuts and seeds and olive oil. Polyunsaturated fats are the omega-3, 6 and 9 fats, which come from flaxseed, fish, borage and evening primrose oils. "The Fat Burning Bible" recommends no less than 30 percent calories from healthy fat for optimal energy support. Like acai, healthy fats can be used by the body as an energy source.
Fruits and Vegetables
Like acai berries, fruits and vegetables contain natural phyto-nutrients that have antioxidant and ant-aging effects on the body. They are nutrient-dense and make us feel more full without all the calories of less healthy alternatives. Eating three to five servings of both fruits and vegetables significantly cuts your risk for developing many diseases. The antioxidants in these foods will help to support acai berry in cleansing the body and promoting naturally high energy levels.
Whey Protein
Whey protein is recommended by both "The Abs Diet" and "The Fat Burning Bible" because it is so effective for promoting high energy levels and fat burning. A very fast-digesting protein, whey puts very little digestive stress on the body and promotes building and maintaining lean muscle mass. Muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns more calories at rest than any other tissue. Whey protein makes a natural addition to acai smoothies for anti aging, fat burning and energy support.
References
- The Abs Diet; David Zinczenko; Rodale, 2005
- The Fat Burning Bible; Mackie Shilstone; John Wiley & Sons Inc, 2005
- LifeExtension: The Disease Fighting Power of Berries
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