Hey everyone, I want to let you in on a little known secret that is scientifically proven to help with fat loss especially for those struggling despite the best diet and exercise efforts. Thermogenic foods and some drinks induce heat production within the body and the fuel for this internal fire is fat! Thermogenic aids set into motion the right hormonal events that favor fat metabolism and muscle building vs. fat storage and muscle wasting.
Some people can become resistant to the hormones that flip on their metabolic switches but thermogenic aids are proving to help re-sensitize the body to its body-sculpting hormones. Therefore giving many people struggling with stubborn weight issues a second chance to reprogram these hormones.
In fact Some Studies Show Thermogenic Aids Were Able To
- Promote the release of fat from fat stores
- Stimulate thyroid metabolism
- Boost oxygen consumption and open the bronchial tubes
- Enhance energy capacity due to increased blood flow to the muscles
- Elevate energy, mood, motivation, and concentration
Luckily you can tap into this thermogenic effect by adjusting your diet to incorporate these foods.
Chicken breast
Turkey breast
Game meats (venison, elk, etc)
Bison, buffalo
Very lean red meat such as top round and lean sirloin (grass fed is especially nutritious)
Almost all types of fish especially wild salmon
Shellfish and other seafood
Pastured eggs (raw if possible mixed into shake or soft boiled)
Ideally you want to fill your plate with veggies and one of these lean protein choices with a little fat from (ghee, grass-fed butter, olive-oil). A diet consisting of nutrient-dense, natural foods and putting together your meals to maximize satiety will help burn fat and have a higher thermic effect of digestion.
But foods won’t necessarily be enough for some. Some individuals who have already made these dietary changes may benefit from adding in these specific supplements. Luckily Mother nature has provided us with some of the most potent thermogenic aids and supplements!
Green Tea
Green tea contains caffeine and EGCG, substances that have been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning. Several studies have shown that green tea can help with the conversion of stored fat into heat. Aim for 2-3 cups a day
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains fats called medium-chain triglycerides, which can reduce appetite, increase fat burning and help you lose belly fat. Aim for 1-3 tablespoons a day.
Coffee
Caffeine, the active ingredient in coffee, has repeatedly been shown to boost metabolism and increase fat burning in the body. Be careful and listen to your body. Aim for no more than 3 cups of organic coffee a day.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV normalizes the insulin and blood sugar response to meals and may help prevent overeating. It has been shown to reduce appetite when taken every day. Aim for 1-2 tablespoons of RAW organic ACV.
Cayenne
The synergistic effect of the active ingredients, including capsaicin, have been well documented to help convert fat to heat aiding in reduced appetite and increased fat burning. Aim to add more hot peppers like chili peppers to your daily diet or a concentrated daily supplement.
Ginger Root
The active ingredients improve your body’s ability to digest food and deliver nutrients for proper energy output and appetite control. You can peel and grate ginger and add to tea daily or into marinades and recipes. A daily ginger supplement would also be beneficial.
A FEW MORE Thermogenic aids include
WHITE WILLOW BARK-a prostaglandin inhibitor that ensures that the conversion of fat to energy continues to occur for a significant period of time.
GARCINIA CAMBOGIA-Plant based medicine that contains hydroxycitric acid which has been shown to effectively reduce fat storage.
BROMELAIN-a naturally occurring digestive enzyme found in pineapple. Supplementing with bromelain ensures that a solid food is effectively broken down and converted into energy.
GUARANA-BE CAREFUL WITH THIS ONE! – guarana (natural caffeine) works by ensuring that our metabolic switches stay turned on during exercise. Using a very small amount with ensure that you do not become addicted or suffer from side effects.
Supplementing can be tricky and sometimes you can find these together in supplement form but read labels. Make sure your product comes with super clean ingredients from a reputable company.
Adding in Thermogenic Aids to your daily diet may be just what you need to support blood sugar control, optimize digestion, and prevent the conversion of carbohydrates to fat. Use thermogenic foods, drinks and certain supplements to snap your fat cells out of storage mode and force them into thermogenesis to sculpt the body you want!
Be Well!
Susie R.