Sunday, February 4, 2007

Losing Weight with Nutritional Supplements

Losing weight can be hard, especially if your metabolism needs a boost. Years of poor eating and lifestyle habits can add up. It is best to lose weight through a program that combines a good diet with plenty of exercise. But there are also some nutritional supplements that can speed things along.

These herbs, vitamins, and minerals can be taken with your regular weight loss program. Keep in mind that before you start using supplements for weight loss that you should consult with your doctor.

Lose Weight With a Proper Diet

Before you start on a program of supplementation, it is important to realize that unless you eat a proper diet, you will not see the results you want. In general, make sure that your diet is well balanced and that you don't consume processed foods and simple sugars.

Aside from eating a balanced diet, there are foods that can help aid weight loss. These include:

Cruciferous vegetables- These are rich in antioxidants which can help combat cancer and enhance the body's state of health.

Garlic and onions- Helps the circulatory system and the heart.

Citrus fruits- High in vitamins and good for the liver, which can aid in weight loss.

Artichokes and asparagus- Slightly bitter and good for the liver. This can help with cholesterol problems and with excess weight.

In general, plant based foods are a good choice for weight loss.

Exercise Often

Another good tactic for weight loss is to make sure you get enough exercise. Pick an activity you enjoy and stick with it. Here are some ideas:

Go for daily walks around your neighborhood.

Ride your bike.

Take fitness classes at the gym.

Do your favorite workout DVD in the comfort of your own home.

Vitamin Supplements

Vitamin supplements are a good option when it comes to weight loss. In general, a state of overall health is dependent on taking the right vitamins. A good first step is to take a multivitamin. The healthier your body is overall, the easier it will be to lose weight.

You can also take isolated vitamins and minerals. B-complex vitamins can help manage stress. Stress is a cause of weight gain in some people. Chromium can also help people lose weight, especially if the problem stems from an imbalance in blood sugar. But for optimum results, taking a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement is your best bet.

Herbs for Weight Loss

There are other nutritional health supplements that can help people lose weight. Some herbs are called thermogenic herbs because they help raise the body's temperature which burns more calories. These herbs are:

Ginger

Mustard seed

Cayenne Pepper

Cinnamon

In addition, herbs such as Hoodia and Garcinia cambogia have compounds in them that help curb the appetite. Other herbs that can help with weight loss include:

Green Tea- Helps the body burn fat and aids weight loss.

Chickweed- Can be useful for fat metabolism.

Burdock root- Good for the liver which can help metabolize fat.




http://www.weightloss-information.org/nutritional_supplements.html