Herbs that Boost Weight Loss

Weight loss can sometimes be difficult to attain. It is always best to avoid fad diets and diet pills. Depending on what is causing your weight gain there are different steps you can take to get back on the path to a thinner you. Aside from the obvious eating the right foods and the right portions of food as well as getting the exercise and physical fitness that is needed, you can use herbs to aid in your weight loss strategy. Always remember though, for weight loss to last you must make life changes, not just changes that only last until that last pound is gone, or you will just gain all that weight (and possibly much more) back.

For a boost to the metabolism you should add some cayenne pepper to your diet. You can add this spicy herb to your Mexican dishes for a kick to your weight loss abilities. Drink green tea, which can also boost your metabolism and it can help to keep you feeling fuller for longer.

If you need more energy try peppermint. Chewing some peppermint gum when you are feeling sluggish can help to give you a much needed boost. You can also add a little natural peppermint oil to your ice water and drink it while you are working out to keep up your stamina!

Hoodia is recommended for stopping cravings. Hoodia is best found in supplements, but can also be found in some teas. Use this sparingly though, as it can lead to fluctuating weight loss/gain.

Lowering your blood sugar levels can also help with weight loss. Take a chromium supplement to help with this. Cinnamon is also good for lowering sugar levels. Add some cinnamon to your morning cup of coffee, breakfast cereal and it is even good in some meat dishes and in baked goods.

The thyroid has a lot to do with how your metabolism functions. Keep your thyroid in good shape with iodine, which can be found naturally in shrimp. But be sure to use iodine sparingly as it can cause stomach upset and other flu like symptoms.

Lastly, stress has a tendency to make us overeat and eat the wrong things. Stress also can lead to depression which can cause us to get lazy too. Great stress relievers are serotonin and lavender. Get serotonin from supplements that you can find at any health store. Try inhaling the scent of fresh lavender oil for an instant stress relieving calm!

Source:

Mosby's Handbook of Herbs & Natural Supplements by Linda Skidmore-Roth