Are you ready for a new year? All that delicious holiday food may have left you with a few extra pounds. So, it can be difficult to switch gears and get back into a proper diet and exercise routine. Luckily, there are a variety of healthy supplements that can help you work toward these goals.
The products below are plant and fruit extracts that focus on improving metabolism, reducing appetite and aiding in the digestion of fats and carbohydrates without the use of stimulants. That’s right; you can get in great shape without the jitters!
Often times it’s not our meals that are causing weight gain, but the snacks we mindlessly chow down on in between meals. This is where meal replacement solutions really shine. Not only do they provide a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fats, protein and fiber, but they help fill you up and prevent idle snacking. Almased has been the king of meal replacement powders this past year, with rave user reviews and testimonials. Plus, they offer a great support system, instructions on how to get the best results from Almased and delicious recipes!
If powdered meal replacements aren’t for you, a bar might be the solution – especially for those on the go. Quest Nutrition has taken the sports and fitness world by storm with their incredibly tasty protein bars. You don’t need to be an athlete or gym addict to snack on these, though. Quest bars come in 16 different flavors, have fewer than 200 calories, contain 20+ grams of protein and provide at least 15 grams of fiber. The high fiber and protein content makes Quest bars extremely efficient at curbing the appetite.
Garcinia cambogia was initially introduced to the masses by a TV doctor, but don’t be fooled by its wild name and recent popularity. Garcinia is actually a fruit, which is native to Indonesia. Garcinia extract contains a considerable amount of hydroxycitric acid (HCA) per serving, which is currently the subject of many trials and investigations due to its potential weight-management benefits. Since the fruit is known to be extremely sour, it’s generally taken as an extract in tasteless, capsule form.
Green tea extract has stood the test of time and is one of the most well-known herbs in the supplement world. Traditionally used in ancient China, green tea was most often consumed for its antioxidant properties. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a phytochemical compound found in high concentrations in various herbs and fruits, including green tea, blackberries and dark chocolate. EGCG may help to boost metabolism when taken in sufficient amounts. It’s good to know that green tea extract capsules have higher concentrations of this catechin than a standard cup of green tea. But whether you choose to take green tea extract or drink steeped green tea leaves, both can be beneficial to your health and wellness. There is a nearly negligible amount of naturally occurring caffeine in any green tea product. Unless you’re highly sensitive to caffeine, it won’t cause anything more than a subtle perk.
Green coffee bean extract is another relatively knew breakthrough in the supplement world. Popularized by TV doctors, green coffee bean continues to be a top seller among natural weight-management products. “Green” indicates that the coffee beans have not yet been roasted. (The roasting process gives them that ubiquitous brown color.) Green coffee beans are higher in chlorogenic acid than roasted coffee beans. Chlorogenic acid is the compound found in coffee beans that may help to promote healthy blood sugar levels and support an efficient metabolism.*
It’s important to remember that all of the products above are meant to be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise habits. Though products like Almased and Quest Nutrition bars are often referred to as a “meal-replacement,” there is no replacing real, nutritious foods.
Another key factor in achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is to get a good night’s rest. This is key and is often under-estimated or ignored completely. Most of us require 7-8 hours each night for our bodies and minds to function properly. Paying close attention to your diet, exercise and sleeping habits, as well as adding some of the highlighted supplements, can be an excellent way to accelerate your weight loss in 2015!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
