Weight loss supplements often promise the world but often weight loss supplements that aid in weight loss in the absence of exercise are incredibly harmful to your body and should not be taken without consulting a medical professional.
Some natural supplements can be taken that can help you to lead a healthier lifestyle, which often helps with weight loss or maintaining weight.
In this guide, we look at natural supplements that can aid in weight loss and offer tips on other ways to aid weight loss without exercising.
Natural Weight Loss Supplements
Let’s be honest, some people don’t have time to go to the gym every day. For them, the thought of taking weight loss supplements can be a great solution, however, it would be less harmful if they choose more natural supplements.
The below supplements contain natural ingredients that boost metabolism and increase energy levels. They also improve digestion and reduce hunger pangs. Here are some of the best weight loss supplements available in the market today:
1. Green Tea Extract
Green tea has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy. It contains antioxidants called polyphenols which help fight free radicals. These free radicals damage cells and cause diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Antioxidants found in green tea neutralize these free radicals and protect our bodies from diseases.
Green tea also increases fat burning by increasing the number of mitochondria (energy-producing units). The caffeine content in green tea further enhances fat burning by blocking adenosine receptors.
Adenosine is a chemical compound that triggers the feeling of satiety after eating. By blocking these receptors, green tea prevents the brain from sending signals to the stomach telling it to eat more.
2. Raspberry Ketone Supplement
Raspberry ketones are chemicals present in raspberries. Studies show that raspberry ketones suppress appetite and prevent fat accumulation in the liver.
A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry showed that rats fed with a high-fat diet had lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels when they were given raspberry ketones.
3. Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia Gordonii is a cactus native to South Africa. It belongs to the euphorbia family and its root is known to curb appetite. It works by triggering the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls feelings of satiety. Serotonin naturally suppresses the desire to eat.
You can purchase Hoodia Gordonii supplements in a variety of forms depending on your preference.
4. Caffeine
Caffeine is another ingredient in many weight loss supplements. It blocks adenosine receptors in the brain and increases metabolic rate. It also increases thermogenesis (heat generation), which burns more calories.
You can buy caffeine capsules or increase your daily coffee consumption, however, do not add cream or sugar to your coffee and avoid drinking it late in the evening so it won’t affect your sleeping routine.
Ways To Lose Weight Without Exercising
The above-mentioned weight loss supplements will not work to huge extents on their own. You need to combine them with healthy lifestyle habits. Below we outline some suggestions that would benefit anyone trying to lose weight.
Proper Nutrition
Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy weight. You should include lots of protein in your diet as protein helps us feel fuller and reduces our appetite. Increasing protein from 15% to 20% helps people lose weight without exercising or restricting calories.
Eating more eggs for breakfast instead of cereal, or adding nuts as snacks can help you lose weight.
Consuming lots of fiber is also good as it slows digestion and absorption of food, meaning that fiber takes longer to digest than other foods.
When we eat less quickly, we tend to feel full sooner and have fewer energy spikes. In addition, fiber helps control blood sugar and cholesterol levels, both of which affect how easily we gain weight.
Get Cooking
Eating take-out, going out to eat, or ordering fast food is usually easy and may seem cheaper also. However, many times these types of meals are high in calories and fat. This leads to weight gain.
Cooking at home gives you control over what goes into your body. You may find yourself enjoying cooking and learning how to make healthy choices. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or new to this lifestyle, try cooking more meals at home!
Avoid Sugar & Processed Foods
Sugar makes us crave more food. Processed foods contain additives and preservatives that make us hungrier. Sugary drinks increase appetite hormones and slow metabolism. They should be avoided if possible.
Unhealthy foods should be kept out of reach and you should try to avoid snacking on them when watching TV or relaxing.
Stay Hydrated
When you are dehydrated, your body has difficulty burning calories. Water flushes toxins from the body and prevents constipation. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily can reduce bloating, boost metabolism, and decrease appetite.
Alcohol may cause dehydration and interfere with sleep. If you drink alcohol regularly, try cutting back gradually.
Keep a Food Journal
Keeping track of everything you eat and drink can help you identify patterns that lead to overeating. Write down everything you eat and drink each day. Include all ingredients and amounts. Then, compare the results to see where improvements can be made.
Accountability is important for weight loss. Keeping a food journal helps you stay on track by keeping track of your food intake. There are also a number of apps available for download on smartphones that can help make accountability easier.
Final Thoughts
While all of the above are fantastic healthy habits, ultimately if you want to lose weight, you should start exercising regularly. Exercise helps burn calories and boosts metabolism while also improving your mood and reducing stress levels.
Aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, dancing, and cycling burns calories and improves cardiovascular health. Strength training is also an important part of any weight loss program.
By combining natural weight loss supplements, healthy habits, and exercise together you are sure to start losing weight.