Choosing the right diet plan and exercise program can be challenging, while others may already be set in a diet routine. Whichever plan you may be following, these simple cooking hacks could complement your weight loss journey at any time.
Spice Up Your Diet
Spices are commonly used to add flavor to food, but have you considered the many other benefits associated with them? In addition to pleasing the taste buds, most herbs and spices have medicinal properties and some of them may promote weight loss.
Thermogenic spices are a group of spices that can support and promote metabolism by causing thermogenesis.
Thermogenesis is the process where foods or spices in the foods we eat help raise the body’s temperature. This rise in temperature forces the body to try and cool down, leading to the burning of more calories. Studies show that thermogenic spices might be able to increase metabolism by up to 5 percent and burn fat by almost 16 percent.
Here are six popular thermogenic spices to add to your meal plan and improve your diet:
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Cayenne:
Capsaicin, the major component in cayenne, provides the thermogenic property. The heat that results from digesting the pepper could boost metabolism and help the body burn more fat. Specialists say that adding a dash of cayenne to a meal may help you burn an additional 100 calories. It could also help curb hunger, reduce the level of fat in the blood and reduce the build-up of fat in the body. Add a dash of cayenne to eggs, soups or roasted nuts for a kick in flavor and weight loss benefits.
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Cumin:
Cumin, a commonly used spice in Indian cuisine, may have the ability to help the body burn fat. Cumin may also reduce cholesterol levels by providing phytosterols that regulate the body’s absorption of cholesterol and support blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. Apart from aiding weight loss, cumin could also support memory and reduce stress. It is a versatile spice and can be added to sauteed vegetables, soups, dressings and more.
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Ginger:
Ginger has numerous medicinal properties and can help suppress appetite, increase metabolism and promote fat burn. Gingerol, one of its components, may also support healthy blood sugar levels and increase the amount of good cholesterol in the body. Ginger also promotes the production of leptin, the protein that signals the brain that the body has enough stored fat and energy, thus encouraging it to burn excess fat. Add ginger to salad dressings, teas, curries and more.
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Black pepper:
With amazing fat-burning properties, black pepper may also be able to inhibit the formation of fat cells. It contains piperine, which could prevent weight gain. Black pepper also has the ability to improve the body’s absorption of other spices like turmeric that can aid in weight loss. Pepper can be added to salads, soups and dishes containing turmeric for added benefits.
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Turmeric:
Turmeric has, in recent times, gained a lot of popularity due to its numerous health benefits. Its main component, curcumin, could help prevent obesity, increase metabolism, help prevent conditions like Alzheimer’s and even fight cancer. Curcumin may also control the formation of fat tissues and help reduce the fat currently stored in the body.
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Cinnamon:
Cinnamon is not just for the holidays — this warming spice has the ability to regulate blood sugar levels, suppress hunger, boost metabolism and help control cholesterol levels too. Apart from promoting weight loss, cinnamon may also support cardiovascular health. While a gooey cinnamon roll may not be the best way to ingest cinnamon, you can always add a pinch to your breakfast oatmeal, tea or favorite holiday drink.
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Cardamom:
Indian cuisine has a lot of uses for this aromatic spice that imparts a mellow aroma and fruity flavor to both savory and sweet dishes. Cardamom also has many health benefits and is known to boost metabolism, reduce the occurrence of gas build up in the abdomen and digest toxins that are left in the body due to poor digestion.
The road to weight loss can be bumpy, but staying motivated is the key because, in the end, it will all be worth it.
References
Brabaw, K. (2018, May 25). 13 Herbs And Spices Scientifically Proven To Help You Lose Weight. Retrieved from https://www.prevention.com/weight-loss/a20493821/herbs-and-spices-for-weight-loss/
10 Herbs and Spices for Proper Weight Management. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2012/11/26/herbs-and-spices.aspx
Winkler, M. (2018, January 04). These 8 Common Spices Can Help You Lose Weight Fast. Retrieved from https://www.thealternativedaily.com/8-common-spices-that-help-you-lose-weight/
