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With the festive season almost upon us, it means there will be plenty of parties to attend, social gatherings with family and friends, as well as fighting the crowds and elements in search of gifts for loved ones. Throughout this time, there shall be many wares to sample – most of them tempting, sugary but oh, so tasty!
As the waistband expands and you begin to feel rather roly-poly like Santa (but less jolly!) then perhaps adding or swapping the unhealthy choices for fantastic green foods, to aid the combat against the flab.
Greens great for the gut!
Eating healthier foods can produce or enhance various fat burning hormones, resulting in weight loss.
There are so many different types of foods, which do wonders for the gut. Going with the festive theme, this article focuses on a few of these green foods. Green is often associated with healing, whether it be people (paramedics), or the environment (recycling), so think of the green food detoxifying your body, healing it and boosting the immune system.
Stop!
Put down the sugary shortbread, mince pie or chocolate cake and step away! The first step is to stop, or at least lower the intake as much as possible, the quantities of sugars that your body is ingesting.
Leading health experts often advise against eating large meals after 6-7pm – even snacks are a no-no. Meals throughout the day should consist of at least half a plate of vegetables, and include a small portion of carbohydrates (whole-wheat pasta, wholegrain bread and brown rice protein); protein (fish, meat and eggs), although pulses such as beans and lentils can be an alternative; and dairy (low-fat milk, yogurts and cheese).
Get moving fast!
As well as changing eating habits, the recommendation of exercising for 30 minutes per day, and cardio activities are best for enforcing the lungs and heart to work harder, and giving the metabolism a boost.
Activities recommended are:
- Running
- Biking
- Swimming
- Hiking
- Brisk walking
If the thought of signing up to a gym is off-putting, well the list of activities above will not damage the wallet too much. Joining a group would also aid motivation and determination in keeping the flab at bay.
Green shopping list
While cruising along the fruit and vegetable section, think about adding the items from this list and the benefits that each one shall have on your well-being in the long term. All these fruits does come in every diet plan.
Apples: Can aid in improving neurological issues. Lowers stroke, diabetes and cholesterol. Helps weight loss and causes consumer to have the fuller feeling for longer. You can read more about Health Benefits Of Apples.
Asparagus: Low in fat and calories. Prevents urinary tract infections and bloating by flushing out unwanted salts and fluids. Rich in folic acid, which is a bonus for pregnant women, or those planning to conceive.
Avocado: Very nutritious, has many different vitamins, including Vitamins K, B and E. High in fibre and can help lower the cholesterol. Protection for the eyes due to antioxidants and boosts weight loss by causing consumer to feel full for longer. Health benefits of avocado are significant.
Broccoli: Helps lower cholesterol and packed with Vitamin C and K, benefiting bones and heart. As well as being an antioxidant, it serves as an anti-inflammatory, tackling blood sugar issues.
Brussel Sprouts: High in protein and aids the lowering of cholesterol. Packed with Vitamin C and K, it decreases diabetes and heart disease, while boosting energy and lowering weight.
Cauliflower: The Vitamin K found in this, strengthens bones, improves memory and decreases risks of developing obesity and high blood pressure. Boosts metabolism and immune system.
Green Tea: Improves brain activity, and lowers risk of infections. Can also decrease risks of diabetes, high cholesterol and heart disease. Helps weight loss by boosting metabolism. Here are just some outstanding benefits of green tea.
Green Tomatoes: Not as sweet as red tomatoes, but are rich with Vitamin B and K, as well as antioxidants, which can benefit the blood.
Jalapeno: Packed with Vitamin A and C, these can lower blood pressure. The anti-inflammatory properties can also ease pain, such as headaches and reduce swelling. The capsaicin found inside peppers boosts metabolism and pushes out excessive fluids via sweating.
Kale: Has Vitamin A, C and K, can help reduce heart disease and lower cholesterol. Great in aiding weight loss due to there being no fat in kale. High in iron, also great for expecting mothers. Boosts metabolism and immune system too.
Lime: High in Vitamin C and protects against scurvy. Has antibiotic and qualities so can repair damaged skin and repel body odours. Reduces weight and flushes out toxins due to the acidity of the juice.
Olive Oil: Reduces risks of stroke and high blood pressure. Gives circulation a boost, as well as immune system and metabolism. Repairs damage to skin and aids mental agility.
Spinach: Low in fat, high in vitamins A, C and K, and lowers cholesterol and high blood pressure. Improves skin, strengthens bones and flushes toxins, especially from the colon.
Eat up!
As you can see, greens have many benefits indeed and have different jobs to do in repairing and protecting various parts of the body against toxins, disease and infections.
Put ingredients from this list together to make a salad and drizzle a little amount of olive oil over it. Although when cooking any of them, please be sure not to overcook – this shall cause nutrients to be lost and not only lessen healing properties to the body, but the weight loss advantage.
Juice it!
If putting a Brussel sprout into your mouth gives you the dry heave, well why not add them to a green smoothie instead? Smoothies and juices are extremely quick and fast to make, especially for those constantly skipping breakfast because they are running late for work. These can be prepared the night before and placed into the fridge for chilling. Other greens, such as juice from a lime, could be frozen into ice cubes and added to water for a cool refreshing taste.
Combining a healthy eating plan with exercising will have many benefits. Adding homeopathic products such as hCG oral drops, pellets and sprays may also aid the weight loss along quicker.
Remember to enjoy the journey!
- Start small – Taking small steps shall set the journey to weight loss in motion. Changing one simple thing, perhaps no sugar in tea or using olive oil for a salad dressing instead of salad cream or mayonnaise, shall give the metabolism just that little boost.
- Exercising – If a busy day is on the agenda and 30 minutes cannot be done at once, then try to divide it into a manageable timeframe.
- Greens – Swap the unhealthy for greens, the leafier the better.
- Be inventive – Eat or drink the way you intake your greens. Research recipes or create your own.
Heal your body by following these tips and in the end, your gut and belly will thank you for all your hard work.
***This article is a guest post from Gracy – a dedicated and qualified nutritionist with over six years of experience in the Indian food industry, currently blogging at hCGdropsratings.com. She has earned a MSc degree in Human Nutrition at Chinmaya degree College (BHEL) in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. You can contact her any time you’d want if you’ve got any questions regarding her guest posts.
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