Natural Ways To Lose Weight

I was reading Health Magazine and one of their slim-down strategies was how to lose weight naturally. I thought I would share what they had to say.

1. Pears. A study by the University of Rio De Janeiro said that women who eat three pears a day consumed fewer totwl calories and lost more weight than most who didn't. They also gave advice of how to fit pears into your routine...eat a pear before a meal to help curb hunger. Ditch the peeler too because the beneficial fiber is in the skin.

2. Grapefruit. Researchers at Scripps Clinic in California say that eating half a grapefruit before each meal may help you lose weight - up to one pound a week(how amazing is that!) - even if you change nothing else about your diet! To fit it in your routine cut into segments and add to a spinach salad.

3. Almonds. (I knew this one :) ) Eating a handful of almonds a day, along with a healthy diet, might help you zap fat. This was suggested by research by the International Jounal of Obesity. During a study they followed people eating almonds daily for six months and found that they lost 18% of their body fat. And who can't fit almonds in, you can snack on them at work or in the car. 22 almonds add up to one serving size.

4. Chocolate. (This is the one we have all been waiting for) Almost everyone loves chocolate and can't resist it. Dark chocolate is the secret because it is high in antioxidants. It may help prevent the accumulation of fat cells in the body. The article suggests that you melt half an ounce of dark chocolate in the microwave and spread it on a graham cracker for a 98 calorie snack, however I prefer it staight up.

and last but not least...

5. Navy beans. They are laoded with resistant starch, a powerful fat burner. The article states that if you eat navy beans and other foods rich in resistant starch at just one meal a day, you'll burn 25% more fat than you would otherwise (all according to researchers at the Univesity of Colorado). Something I already do is sautee onions and peppers in olive oil and then add in 4 cups of sorted beans like pinto, black, and navy beans. Salt and pepper and a little hot sauce...and you have yourself a hardy, filling and powerful fat burning meal for 4 :)

What makes this article great is the fact that it used phrases like "this might help you zap fat...", "this may lead to..." Very suggestive comments that make you feel like it's worth a try, why not :) And nothing is mentioned about physical activity, which we all know we get frustrated with after about 30 days or so.