Green Tea for Weight Loss

Can It Help You Lose Weight?

If weight loss is one of your top health goals, green teamay help. Some studies show that substances in green tea may offer several weight-loss-promoting effects, such as speeding up your metabolism and suppressing your appetite. Although the antioxidant-rich brew won't help you shed pounds on its own, there's some evidence that drinking green tea may support your weight loss efforts.

How Might Green Tea Promote Weight Loss?

Green tea contains caffeine, which is known to increase thermogenesis (a biological process involved in burning calories).

In a 2007 report from the American Journal of Physiology: Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, scientists state that green tea may fight the decrease in metabolism that typically accompanies weight loss. According to the report's authors, green tea may also inhibit the effects of catechol-O-methyltransferase (an enzyme known to trigger the breakdown of brain chemicals involved in regulating appetite).

Certain antioxidants found in green tea seem to have a "small positive effect" on weight loss and weight maintenance, according to a report published in the International Journal of Obesity in 2009. In their analysis of 11 studies on green tea and weight loss or weight maintenance, researchers found that green tea antioxidants known as catechins may help increase metabolism.

Still, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) caution that there isn't enough scientific evidence to determine whether green tea is effective for weight loss. However, epigallocatechin gallate (a catechin found in green tea) may help moderately overweight people lose weight, according to the NIH.

Caveats

While green tea is likely safe for most adults, drinking more than five cups a day may lead to caffeine-related side effects (such as headache, nervousness, sleep problems, and irregular heartbeat).

The caffeine in green tea may also aggravate some health conditions, includinganxiety, high blood pressure, and diabetes.

Using Green Tea

For most adults, moderately increasing green tea intake may yield some weight loss benefits without causing negative health effects. But in order to experience significant weight loss, it's important to combine a healthy diet with regular exercise (including at least two and a half hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity and two strength-training sessions per week).

If you're considering the use of green tea supplements (or any other natural weight loss aid), make sure to consult your physician before beginning treatment.

Sources:  http://altmedicine.about.com/od/greentea/a/green_tea_weight_loss.htm?

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The 7 Most-Effective Drinks for Burning Fat and Losing Weight

The 7 Most-Effective Drinks for Burning Fat and Losing Weight

Weight is an obsession for many people all over the world. Both men and women worry about it and it can even be a problem for young girls too.

Nutritionists have come up with many solutions to help control weight and use healthy systems to keep fit. Here are several types of drinks that some nutritionists say can be used to help you burn fat and control your weight.

1. Green Tea

Green tea is very effective not only at burning fat but also in purifying the body, protecting the body from cancer, and enhancing skin health.

Drinking three to five cups of green tea daily for just one week, will give your body a signal to burn additional fat. Since green tea contains a large amount of antioxidants, it is one of the best diet and fitness drinks.

2. Jillian Michael's 7-Day Detox Drink

Jillian Michael's drink is one of most effective and popular drink for weight loss in the USA and Europe. Over a million people have tested it and proved that it can be effective at reducing excess water weight and bloat. It may affect your weight in positive way.

Try it!

Detox Drink Recipe

• 60 ounces of pure distilled water
• 1 tbsp pure, unsweetened cranberry juice
• 1 pack dandelion root tea
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Boil 8 oz of the distilled water and steep the tea for at least 10 minutes. Discard the tea bag, mix all of the ingredients together, drink the entire mixture every day for seven days. You will make a new batch each day. The goal is to drink 60 ounces of the concoction every day.

3. Ice Water

Some diet items can be expensive or hard to find, but this one should be available to most people.

Did you know that water is one of the seven best drinks to burn fat? I didn't think so. There is a theory that when you drink cold water, your body burns calories to reduce water’s temperature to equal body temperature. It is brilliant and simple idea (even though in reality it only burns about 8 extra calories).

That said, staying hydrated throughout the day and drinking a glass of water before meals can help you fill up faster and feel more full. Also, many people reach for snacks out of boredom or thirst instead of hunger. If you feel like you're eating for any reason other than hunger, try having a glass of water instead.

A UK study at the University of Birmingham showed that obese adults who drank 16 oz of water 30 minutes before eating a meal lost 9 pounds over the course of 12 weeks.

4. Vegetable Juice

It is a good trick in the weight loss field to drink a big cup of vegetable juice before eating a meal.

Like drinking water before a meal, drinking vegetable juice before dinner could also reduce the total amount of calories you consume. Choose a mix of vegetables that you like, blend them with your favorite spices, and drink a big cup before dinner.

This is also a way to increase your vegetable intake!

5. Skim Milk

It is common mistake to believe that drinking milk will keep you from losing weight. In reality, studies have proved that drinking skimmed milk is very important for weight loss because of the calcium.

According to research from the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, people who consumed more calcium over the course of two years lost more weight than those that consumed less calcium. Calcium promotes the body's ability to burn fat alongside a moderate diet system or weight loss program. However, science is still unclear on dairy and calcium's effect on weight loss.

6. Arabian Tea with Ginger, Green Tea, Cumin, and Mint

This is an Arabian recipe that has been tested since time immemorial. It burns fat and helps people lose their paunch. It is one of the best things to drink to lose fat.

Arabian Tea Recipe

• 1 tsp green tea leaves
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp chopped, fresh mint
• 1 tsp chopped, fresh ginger

Mix the above ingredients in 16 oz of water. Stir well and boil for 10 minutes. Strain out the loose ingredients and drink 8 oz one half hour before every meal.

Try it for 15 days and you will feel a difference.

7. Pineapple and Kiwi Juice

For the person who doesn’t love vegetable juice or the strange taste of Arabian recipes, try the refreshing taste of pineapple and kiwi juice.

Along with a healthy meals and regular exercise, adding in the occasional fruit juices to your diet can help you lose weight, especially if they're replacing high-sugar artificial drinks. That said, since fruit is high in sugar, you should only drink it sparingly.

Recipe

Mix 5 slices of pineapple and one kiwi in a blender without sugar. Add some skim or almond milk to taste and drink it instead of lunch.

source by:http://amrelnawawy.hubpages.com/hub/The-Most-7-Drinks-To-Burn-Fats#

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BEST WEIGHT-LOSS FOODS FOR PROTEIN SHAKES

r and bicep-building protein. And it might help you get to the gym more often: After running a series of animal tests, researchers discovered that eating pumpkin can ward off the production of lactic acid—the compound that’s responsible for making your muscles ache the day after a challenging workout.

They’re fast, they’re easy and better yet, you can sip them on-the-go. But if you’re replacing full meals with a shake more often than not, you could be missing out on primo weight loss nutrients. But fear not, flat-belly friends! We’ve identified a number of key weight loss foods that can easily blend into a shake. Though most of them can be added into your go-to sippable without much thought, we’ve also provided ways to use each ingredient to help fuel your culinary creativity. Read on to get in the know and take your shake game to the next level!

1

COCONUT 
OIL

Nutrition: 1 Tbsp, 117 calories, 14 g fat, 12 g saturated, 0 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugars, 0 g proteinA tropical-tasting oil that can give you a beach bod? Sign us up! Dietary supplementation of coconut oil has been shown to shrink a fat gut (because it easily—and quickly—converts into energy), which is something most other oils cannot claim. The raw, unrefined, variety has a mild coconut flavor and scent, making it an easy addition to just about any muscle-building drink.For more on waist-whittling fats, check out these 8 Best Fats for Weight Loss.Blend This!: 1 frozen banana + 1/2 cup frozen mango + 1/2 cup frozen pineapple + 1 scoop protein powder + 1 Tbsp coconut oil

2

GROUND 
CINNAMON

Nutrition: 1 tsp, 6 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g sodium, 2 g carbs, 1.4 g fiber, 0 g sugars, 0 g proteinWith a quick shake of the wrist, you can transform a boring chalky shake into a flavorful, slightly sweet drink—all while improving blood sugar control and subsequent hunger. But that’s not all: Research also suggests that cinnamon may improve cholesterol levels, making this popular autumn spice a triple threat and a must-eat.Blend This!: 1 cup skim milk + 1 frozen medium banana + 1 scoop protein powder + cinnamon to taste + 1 tablespoon nut butter

3

GREEN 
TEA

Nutrition: 1 cup, brewed from bags, 2 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 2 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugars, 0 g proteinNot convinced that green tea would make a smart addition to your post-workout shake? Consider this: In one 12-week study, participants who worked out for 25-minute and drank 4-5 cups of green tea daily lost more weight and abdominal fat than non-tea-drinking exercisers. To reap the benefits, make sure you’re adding real green tea to your shaker, not the bottled, sugar-filled stuff. And blast fat—fast—just like our test panelists, who lost up to 10 pounds in one week on the 7-Day Flat Belly Tea Cleanse!Blend This!: 1 frozen banana + ½ cup honeydew melon, 3/4 cup brewed green tea + 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk + 1 scoop protein powder

4

MACADAMIA
NUT OIL

Nutrition: 1 Tbsp, 130 calories, 14 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 0 mg sodium, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 0 g proteinYou’ll have to hunt around the Whole Foods for it, but this bold and buttery oil may be the healthiest you’ll find: Eighty-four percent of the fat in macadamia nuts is monounsaturated, and it also has a very high percentage of omega-3s, a fat that’s been shown to help build lean muscle and turbocharging fat loss.Blend This!: ½ cup skim milk + 1 scoop chocolate protein powder + 1 tbsp nut butter + 1 tsp macadamia nut oil + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1/2 medium banana + 1 cup ice

5

COFFEE

Nutrition: 1 cup, brewed from grounds, 2 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 5 mg sodium, 0 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 0 sugars, 0 g proteinIf you typically sip your shake while the sun’s still up, swapping water for a cup of iced coffee is a tasty, energy boosting way to upgrade your drink. For an added weight loss benefit, sip your buzzed out beverage before you hit the gym. Those who consume caffeine before hitting the gym burn about 15 percent more calories post-exercise than those who don’t down any caffeine, according to a Spanish study.Blend This!: 8 oz. cold brew coffee + 2 scoops protein powder

6

CAYENNE 
PEPPER

Nutrition: 1 tsp, 6 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 1 mg sodium, 1 g carb, 0.5 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 0 g proteinToo much spicy food can be rough on your stomach, but a small shake of capsaicin, the compound that gives cayenne pepper its powerful kick, has been shown to shrink abdominal fat, suppress appetite and boost the body’s ability to burn food as energy. While it’s not a common protein shake ingredient, it’s worth trying if you’re a fan of hot ‘n spicy fare. Who knows, it may just become your new favorite add-in!Blend This!: 2 cups unsweetened coconut milk + 1/2 cup frozen cherries + 1 scoop chocolate protein powder + 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

7

GINGER

Nutrition: 1 tsp, 2 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 g sodium, <1 g carbs, 0 g fiber, 0 g sugars, 0 g proteinGinger has been shown to banish boat and reduce post-workout muscle soreness by as much as 25 percent. Adding it to your shake can help you maintain a consistent workout regimen which is good news for your heart, blood pressure and waistline.And speaking of your ticker, to ensure it stays in prime condition, be sure you’re eating these 7 Best Foods to Decrease Heart Disease.Blend This!: 1 cup frozen mango + 1 frozen banana + 1/2 cup shredded carrots + 1 tbsp fresh ginger + 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut water + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder

8

BLACK 
BEANS

Nutrition: ½ cup, cooked without salt, 114 calories, 0.5 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 1 mg sodium, 20 g carbs, 7.5 g fiber, 0 g sugars, 8 g proteinBeans are good for your heart, but they’re also great for uncovering your abs. A ½ cup serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, two non-negotiable flat-belly nutrients.Apprehensive about adding them to your shake? Trust us, you won’t even taste them and you’re sure to love their amazing creamy texture.Blend This!: 1 frozen banana + ½ cup black beans + 2 medjool dates, pitted + 1 cup unsweetened almond milk + 1 scoop chocolate protein powder + 1 Tbsp cocoa powder

9

PUMPKIN

Nutrition: 1 cup, canned without salt, 83 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 12 mg sodium, 20 g carbs, 7 g fiber, 8 g sugars, 2.7 g protein USDA

This natural appetite suppressant and fat burner is filled with satiating fiber and bicep-building protein. And it might help you get to the gym more often: After running a series of animal tests, researchers discovered that eating pumpkin can ward off the production of lactic acid—the compound that’s responsible for making your muscles ache the day after a challenging workout.

Blend This!: 1/2 cup pumpkin + 1 frozen banana + 1 cup almond milk + 1 Tbsp pure maple syrup + 1/2 cup ice + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1 scoop protein powder

Nutrition: ¼ avocado, 57 calories, 5 g fat, 3 g sodium, 3 g carbs, 2.3 g fiber, 0 g 10

AVOCADO

Avocado might not be a traditional protein shake ingredient, but we’re convinced that it should be—it is a perfect weight loss food, after all. The calories come primarily from monounsaturated fat, the good stuff that protects your heart, helps banish hunger and prevents body fat distribution around the belly. Add to that an impressive fiber load and you have the makings of a seriously satisfying ingredient addition.

Blend This!: 1/2 avocado + 1 scoop chocolate protein powder + 1 frozen banana + 1 tsp raw cocoa + 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk + 1 Tbsp honey

11

ALMOND 
BUTTER

Nutrition: 1 Tbsp, no salt added, 98 calories, 9 g fat, 1 g saturated fat, 0 mg sodium, 3 g carbs, 1.6 g fiber, <1 g sugars, 3 g proteinOunce for ounce, almonds are one of the most nutritious nuts. Though they’re packed with a plethora of vital nutrients, the most notable is one is manganese. The reason: The mineral is vital to a healthy metabolism. To see which brands of almond butter are ETNT-approved, click through to The 16 Best Nut Butters for Weight Loss.Blend This!: 1 scoop protein powder + 1 frozen banana + 1/2 cup frozen blueberries + 1 cup unsweetened almond milk + 1 Tbsp almond butter

12

SPINACH

Nutrition: 1 cup raw, 7 calories, 0 g fat, 24 g sodium, 1 g carbs, <1 g fiber, 0 g sugars, 1 g protein.Adding a bit of green to your shake doesn’t alter the taste and can elevate its weight loss benefits exponentially. In fact, recent research suggests that compounds in spinach leaf membranes called thylakoids may serve as a powerful appetite suppressant. A recently published long-term study found that having a drink containing thylakoids before breakfast could significantly reduce cravings and promote weight loss, so consider the Blend This! recipe below your go-to if you’re an a.m. protein shake sipper.Blend This!: 2 cups raw spinach + 1 tbs almond butter +1/2 cup ice + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1 pear (peeled, cored, and cut) + 1/2 cup Greek yogurt + 1 scoop protein powder

13

DARK 
CHOCOLATE

Nutrition: 1 oz, 70-85% cacao solids, 170 calories, 12 g fat, 6 g saturated fat, 6 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 6.8 g sugar, 2.2 g proteinGood news for your sweet tooth: Chocolate can help you flatten your belly. Dark chocolate, that is. A recent study found that when men ate 3.5 ounces of chocolate two hours before a meal, those who had dark chocolate took in 17 percent fewer calories than those that ate the milk variety. The researchers believe that this is because dark chocolate contains pure cocoa butter, a source of digestion-slowing stearic acid. Consider the ingredient a must-add if you typically blend up a shake to tide you over between meals.Warning: Not all dark chocolates are created equal. Before whipping out your blender, pick up one of these Best Fat-Burning Chocolates.Blend This!: 1 frozen banana + 1/2 cup spinach leaves + 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk + 1 scoop protein powder + 5 mint leaves + 

1 Tbsp dark chocolate, chopped

14

FLAXSEEDS

Nutrition: 1 Tbsp, ground, 37 calories, 3 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 2 mg sodium, 2 g carbs, 2 g fiber, 0 g sugars, 1 g proteinFlaxseeds are overflowing with ALA, an essential omega-3 fatty acid that can aid weight maintenance and ward off fat-storing inflammation. It’s also jam-packed with fiber (in fact, it’s one of these 11 Best High Fiber Foods for Weight Loss), so adding a scoop of the stuff to your shake can boost your meal’s satiety factor, helping cut your overall daily caloric intake.Blend This!: 1/2 cup 1% milk + 1 scoop protein powder + 2 Tbsp flaxseed + 1 Tbsp natural peanut butter + 1 frozen banana + 1/4 tsp vanilla extract

15

BLACK 
RASPBERRIES

Nutrition: 1/2 cup, 32 calories, 0 g fat, 1 mg sodium, 7 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 3 g sugar, 0 g proteinAll berries are good for fat loss and cancer prevention, but black raspberries are the very best. They contain a lot of A’s: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic compounds, plus a fourth A that gives them an edge. “Black raspberries contain a unique form of anthocyanin that has been strongly linked with reduced rates of cancers of the upper respiratory system and digestive tract,” says nutritionist Carolyn Katzin. If cancer prevention is your primary diet goal, be sure you’re also eating these 7 Foods That Fight Cancer.Blend This!: 2 scoops chocolate protein powder + ½ cup black raspberries + 1 cup 1% milk

16

BAKED 
SWEET POTATO

Nutrition: 1 small potato, 112 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 72 mg sodium, 26 g carbs, 4 g fiber, 5 g sugar, 2 g proteinA belly-burning “slow carb,” sweet potatoes are high in fiber and have a low glycemic index, which means they’re absorbed slowly and keep you feeling full longer. They’re also rich in carotenoids, powerful antioxidants which help stabilize blood sugar levels and lower insulin resistance, which prevents calories from being converted into fat. Peel and bake ‘em and throw them in the blender to give your daily protein shake a fall-inspired flavor profile.Blend This!: 1 small sweet potato (peeled, cubed, cooked) + 2 cups unsweetened almond milk + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1 tablespoon maple syrup + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract + ½ teaspoon ground coffee + ice, to taste

17

RAW 
OATS

Nutrition: 2 Tbsp, 76 calories, 1.3 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 0 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, N/A sugar, 2 g fiber, 3 g proteinWant to thicken the consistency and staying power of your A.M. shake? Add raw oats. Studies show that people who consume oatmeal for breakfast feel full longer—even four hours after they eat! The more satiated you feel the less likely you’ll be to reach for that mid-morning vending machine snack. If you’d rather eat your oats with a spoon, be sure to check out these 7 Mason Jar Oatmeal Recipes—they’re all packed with weight loss nutrients.Blend This!: 1 cup frozen berries + 1 Tbsp all-natural peanut butter + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 2 Tbsp rolled oats + 1 cup milk

18

CHIA 
SEEDS

Nutrition: 1 Tbsp, 69 calories, 4 g fat, 0.4 g saturated fat, 2 mg sodium, 6 g carbs, 5 g fiber, 0 g sugar, 2 g protein“Chia seeds give you stable energy because of their great ratio of protein, fats and fiber combined with the fact that they’re low-carb,” says New York City-based dietitian Carolyn Brown, MS, RD. “They won’t cause spikes and drops in blood sugar or insulin levels, preventing cravings and overeating later.” Add them to your shake to keep your hunger in check all day long.Blend This!:1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk + 1 cup frozen strawberries + 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1 Tbsp chia seeds

19

APPLES

Nutrition: 1 medium, 95 calories, 0 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 2 mg sodium, 25 g carbs, 4.5 g fiber, 19 g sugar, 0.5 g proteinApples are one of the very best fruit sources of fiber (and one of these Best Fruits for Fat Loss), which studies have proven to be integral to incinerate belly fat. A recent study at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that for every 10-gram increase in soluble fiber eaten per day, visceral fat was reduced by 3.7 percent over five years. Sounds like a convincing reason to add the naturally sweet fruit your flat-belly shake to us.Blend This!: 1 apple, peeled and diced + 1 Tbsp honey + ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk + ½ cup oats + 1 scoop protein powder + 1/4 tsp cinnamon + 1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice

20

STRAWBERRIES

Nutrition: 1 cup, sliced, 54 calories, 0.5 g fat, 0 g saturated fat, 2 mg sodium, 13 g carbs, 3 g fiber, 8 g sugar, 1 g proteinFrozen strawberries are cheaper than the fresh kind and contain the same amount of nutrients. Add them to your shake to reap their heart-protective, fat-cell shrinking benefits. A recent study found that mice who consumed three daily servings of berries decreased the formation of fat cells by up to 73 percent. Even if the results don’t hold up in humans, you’ll still take in a host of health-protective nutrients (like vitamin C and fiber) by adding them to your drink.Blend This!: 1 scoop vanilla protein powder + 1 frozen banana + 1/2 cup frozen strawberries + 1 cup milk + 1 Tbsp nut butterSource by:http://www.eatthis.com/best-weight-loss-foods-for-protein-shakes

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