How many times have you said to yourself: “Why, even though I do what I’m told, can’t I lose weight? What is wrong with me?”
Well, we are here to tell you plain and simple that’s not your fault.
As you might imagine, it seems that the older you get, the harder it is to shed those ugly pounds. Your muscle mass decreases, metabolism slows down and your body doesn’t burn extra calories as it once did.
Relax. Negative thoughts won’t help you to get back on track.
There are many factors that affect your metabolism. Some, such as genetics, are outside of your control. But others, including diet, are.
You don’t have to give up the foods you love. You can eat your comfort foods and have a skinny waist by enjoying them in sensible portions.
Here are 5 smart ways to supercharge your diet, boost your metabolism & banish belly fat!
DETOX
Heavy metals exposure may interfere with you thyroid functions.
Fortunately, apples are high in pectin, a specific type of fiber that has been shown to bind with heavy metals.
It gets better. Pectin also works to limit how much fat your cells are able to absorb.
Hint: Lean turkey and granny smith apples are an intriguing sandwich pairing.
BOOST YOUR METABOLISM
Meat is packed with amino acids, especially tyrosine, that may help your thyroid manage your weight.
Inadequate intake of tyrosine is associated with underactive thyroid, which slows your metabolism.
Tyrosine is also found in dairy and green leafy veggies, but chicken and turkey are also high in vitamin B12.
Hint: To enjoy chicken without adding extra fat, make this Barbecue Chicken Pita. Simply stir together 1-tablespoon barbecue sauce and half a cup chopped precooked chicken (low-sodium); microwave until hot and stuff in a 100% whole grain pita. Top with chopped lettuce, diced cucumber, and low-fat ranch dressing…yum!
AVOID VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY
Vitamin D deficiency can increase your risk of a variety of problems. In sunny climates, getting enough vitamin D is a simple matter of getting out in the sunshine.
In winter and in colder climes, however, this can be difficult at best. If you can’t get out in the sun, a cup of low-fat yogurt provides a healthy dose of the sunshine vitamin, keeping your immune system strong and protecting your thyroid from damage.
AVOID OVEREATING
Healthy fat like that found in olive oil can actually help you avoid overeating. Olive oil is also loaded with antioxidants that can contribute to reducing your risk of many problems.
Hint: Toss together whatever produce and leftovers are in your fridge (greens, avocado, beans or chicken, tomatoes and olives). Splash some olive oil and balsamic vinegar to tie it all together.
REDUCE STRESS
Recent research suggests that flavonoids in cocoa help reduce the stress that can slow your metabolism.
In a recent study, some participants were instructed to eat an ounce and a half of dark chocolate every day for two weeks, while a control group did not.
Those eating chocolate had reduced levels of stress hormones and better metabolism!
