7 Nutrients in Chia Seeds That Can Help You Lose Weight and Look Great ...

We all know that chia seeds are a so-called superfood today, but what you may not know is just how certain nutrients in chia seeds actually contribute to weight loss better than other foods. Chia seeds’ nutrient profile is unique to any other nut, seed, etc. They are a tiny complex of nutrition heaven, and the best part is, you can add them to anything! There are endless amounts of chia recipes out there, so to encourage you to make some, check out these nutrients in chia seeds. These nutrients won’t just help you lose #weight, but also help to keep you looking great too!

1. Soluble Fiber

 Soluble fiber is found in many foods, and is one of the most important nutrients found in chia seeds that aids in #weight loss. Soluble fiber soaks up excess water in the digestive tract, which slows down your blood sugar, slows digestion to enhance nutrient absorption, and it enhances fullness quickly. This lowers your risk for diabetes and nasty sugar cravings, while also stimulating leptin, the hormone in your brain that tells you you’re full. Soluble fiber also helps beat bloating by reducing constipation and soaking up excess water, to excrete it from your #body hours later. #Chia seeds soak up into a gelatinous gel after soaking in water for 30 minutes or so, which shows you exactly what they do once inside your body.This will help reduce bloating, constipation, and help keep you full and energized for hours!

 

2. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

 Chia seeds have five grams of omega 3 fatty acids in just one ounce. They have more omega fatty acids than salmon per serving, and they are excellent to substitute for fish as a vegan source of these fats. Omega 3s help keep your #skin supple, and they reduce and prevent wrinkles. They also keep your heart healthy by reducing cardiovascular disease symptoms and risks. When it comes to a fast metabolism, omega 3s are crucial. These healthy fats speed up metabolism, while also halting hunger, which creates a dual effect for beating #weight gain and sluggishness. Researchers have even found the omega 3 fatty acids in chia to be used and absorbed by the #body better than those in flax, which technically have even higher amounts of omega 3s than chia.

3. Calcium

We are always hearing about how calcium in dairy can aid in #weight loss, right? Oh, and don’t forget we need calcium for strong bones and teeth! Calcium does aid in #weight loss since it seems to reduce stress and blood pressure, which reduces cortisol levels. Cortisol is the fat-storing hormone that our bodies send out when we are stressed. High blood pressure from a poor diet or stress is also powerfully quelled by a good dose of calcium. What most #people don’t know is that dairy is actually not the highest or most bioavailable source of calcium, plus it is extremely acidic to the body and harsh on the digestive tract. Chia seeds have more calcium per tablespoon than dairy, and they reduce inflammation, instead of enhance it. Just one tablespoon of chia has 18% of your daily calcium requirements, so eat 2 tbsp. three times a day to meet your daily calcium quota. Add chia to smoothies, sauces, dressings, top your oatmeal with it, or even make chia pudding. I've noticed my nails also look so much better and don't ever break since adding #chia seeds to my diet.

4. Manganese

 Manganese is one of the most overlooked minerals in foods today, if you ask me. Manganese is found in many foods such as nuts and seeds like #chia seeds. It is a powerful and necessary nutrient to give you strong and healthy bones, that help to support your muscles. When your bones are weak, you muscles don’t have the support they need, and it can slow down your metabolism. With chia seeds’ manganese and calcium content combined, your bones will be well nourished to give you energy and the framework your muscles need to function at their peak level. Just one 2 tbsp. serving of chia has 30 percent of your daily manganese requirements.

5. Phosphorus

Let’s talk about phosphorus, shall we? If you’ve never heard of this important mineral, it’s #time for me to enlighten you! Phosphorus is a powerful nutrient in #chia seeds that also contributes to healthy bones, but phosphorus is unique to other bone-building nutrients. Phosphorus also contributes to protein synthesis, which aids in muscle growth and repair. Guess what this means? A higher metabolism! If your muscles are weak and have no support to build protein, your metabolism will slow down quickly. Phosphorus has been found to aid in constipation as well, which can reduce bloating and sluggishness. To keep your smile #beautiful, phosphorus keeps your teeth strong and supported, as well preventing them from breaking or chipping. All you need is just one 2 tbsp. serving of chia to obtain 27 percent of your required phosphorus levels for the day.

6. Protein

Protein is perhaps the most popular nutrient we hear so much about associated with #weight loss and health. Protein IS important for #weight loss and health, not to mention keeping you pretty! Protein is made of collagen fibers, which keep your skin supple and in tip top shape, which creates an anti-aging effect to the #skin. Protein also keeps your muscles primed for burning fat for fuel and energy. The key is, we need more plant-based sources of protein because animal proteins are acidic to the body, which can actually age us instead of make us #look more youthful. The rumor that plant proteins aren’t as bioavailable to our bodies has actually been proven to be incorrect. All sources of plant-based proteins are easily used by your body and #chia seeds are one of the best sources per serving. In just 2 tbsp. you get 4 grams of protein, so next #time someone asks you where vegans get their protein, tell them about chia!

7. Tryptophan

Tryptophan is such an important nutrient for your body, especially for beating stress, anxiety and stress-induced eating that leads to #weight gain. Typical tryptophan rich foods include yogurt, turkey, sweet potatoes, oatmeal, almonds, cashews and most nuts and seeds. Chia seeds are no exception! Chia seeds offer a rich source of tryptophan that calms down your nerves quickly and reduces stress-induced cravings. Tryptophan is crucial to the manufacturing of serotonin in the brain, which promotes a sense of calm and happiness. It also makes you fuller quicker because it calms you down. Add chia seeds three times throughout your day to get the most #benefits. Tryptophan can also make you sleepy, so if you have insomnia, don’t reach for the cookies- just make some chia pudding!

 

Chia seeds can be bought online or in a health food store and are widely available. I like using them in smoothies, homemade protein bars, or just making some chia pudding by mixing them with stevia, cinnamon and #almond milk. How do you enjoy #chia seeds? Comment below.

Source
http://food.allwomenstalk.com/nutrients-in-chia-seeds-that-can-help-you-lose-weight-and-look-great?utm_source=aws&utm_medium=Website&utm_campaign=related_api

BEST SALAD INGREDIENTS FOR WEIGHT LOSS

BEST SALAD INGREDIENTS FOR WEIGHT LOSSBy Dana Leigh Smith

Sure, every body and everybody’s diet is different. But if you’re a time-strapped dieter trying to lose weight, you’re bound to eat a lot of salad.

And as long as you stay away from fatty add-ons like bacon bits and crispy noodles, your strategy is sure to pay off–eventually. The road to weight loss success can be slow going, but by throwing ingredients in your bowl that scientists say rev metabolism, bust hunger or burn belly fat, your daily bowl of greens can become an effective vehicle in helping you reach your goals even faster—without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re whipping something up at home or grabbing a make-your-own variety from the corner deli, our delicious topping picks will deliver the results you’re looking for at lighting-speed. Plus, they’re super tasty, too—especially when eaten with the suggested salad pairing we’ve provided for each.

1 SWEET PEPPERS


You may already know that hot peppers can rev your metabolism, but did you know that their sweet-tasting, bell-shaped cousins have similar effects? It’s all thanks to their metabolism-boosting compound called dihydrocapsiate. In one study, participants who consumed dihydrocapsiate experienced a metabolic boost that was nearly double that of the placebo group! But that’s not all: Sweet red and green bell peppers are also rich in vitamin C—a nutrient that fights back against stress hormones that trigger fat storage in the stomach.

Pair it with: Romaine + avocado + onion + black beans + tomato + balsamic vinegar + fresh pepper

2 EGGS


Want to save cash, improve your health and lose weight in one fell swoop? Add eggs to your greens in lieu of more expensive protein sources like chicken. In addition to the hunger-quelling effects of the whites, the yellow center is an abundant source of a fat-fighting nutrient called choline. It works by suppressing levels of the hunger-stoking hormone leptin, which fuels between-meal cravings. Yolks also increase your body’s absorption of heart-protecting, cancer-fighting antioxidants called carotenoids, found in popular salad veggies like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale, carrots and sweet potato.

Pair it with: Kale + sautéed Brussels sprouts + carrots + mushroom + red wine vinegar + extra-virgin olive oil + fresh pepper

3 BERRIES

We’ve got some berry good news: According to two recent animal studies, consuming a diet rich in polyphenols–a naturally occurring chemical found abundantly in strawberries, blueberries and raspberries–can decrease the formation of fat cells by up to 73 percent! While we can’t be certain the same will hold true in humans, the sweet fruits are also filled with water and fiber—two nutrients that help ward off hunger—so there are proven benefits to adding them to your plate of greens.

Pair it with: Mixed greens + Gorgonzola + pecans + onions + grilled chicken + balsamic vinaigrette

4 PEACHES

Trying to lose the last few pounds before hitting the beach this season? Throw slices of a delicious, juicy peach into your greens. According to Texas A&M University researchers, the stone fruit contains phenolic compounds that modulate different expressions of genes to ward off obesity, high cholesterol, inflammation and diabetes—now that’s something to feel just peachy about!

Pair it with: Arugula + red onion + tomatoes + feta + grilled shrimp + poppy seed dressing

5 LEGUMES

From time to time it’s beneficial to replace animal proteins with plant-based sources of the nutrient in your diet—doing so can reduce your risk of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity. In one Spanish study, study participants who ate a calorie-restricted diet that included four weekly servings of legumes lost more weight than those on a calorie-equivalent diet that didn’t include beans—likely due to their belly-filling fiber content. A study published in the journal Obesity backs that assumption: The researchers found that eating 160 grams—or a little more than a half cup—of legumes led people to feel 31% fuller. It doesn’t matter what types of beans you eat (so long as they aren’t re-fried), just be sure to work them into your diet to reap the benefits.

Pair it with: Romaine + radish + orange + scallions + feta + citrus dressing

6 ONIONS

Pick up a pack of breath mints and ask the deli clerk to pile on the onions. The flavorful, low-cal veggie (a quarter-cup has just 16 calories) breathes new life into bland beds of lettuce, while simultaneously boosting endurance (which can help you burn extra calories at the gym) and torching body fat. The onion’s diverse skill set comes from a powerful flavonoid called quercetin that increases blood flow and mimics the effects of exercise by enhancing the production the energy-producing units in our cells.

Pair it with: Romaine + cucumber + tomato + carrots + chickpeas + red wine vinegar

7 CANNED TUNA

Sick of grilled chicken? Add some chicken of the sea to your greens. Sure, ounce-for-ounce it has two fewer grams of protein than the classic bird, but its nutritional profile more than makes it for it. Tuna is a primo source of docosahexaenoic acid, a powerful omega-3 fat that can shrink—and eventually kill off—young fat cells in the belly, according to Journal of Nutrition research. Worried about the mercury? Canned tuna is considered a “low mercury fish” and can safely be enjoyed two to three times a week, according to the FDA’s most recent guidelines.

Pair it with: Spinach + tomato + green pepper + cucumber + onion + feta + Greek dressing

Source

25 Flat Belly Sassy Water Recipes

Sip up, slim down

You know that soda is terrible for you, even the diet stuff. And hydrating with coffee leaves you as jittery as Steve Buscemi (though you are finally logging those 10,000 daily steps—even if a quarter of them are for bathroom sprints). But drinking plain water all the time is like eating the same lettuce and chicken salad for three squares a day: It's healthy, but it’s also boring. 

No wonder flavored waters have invaded your grocery store. While most commercial brands are nothing more than food coloring, sugar, and chemicals, you can jazz up an entire pitcher of water at home naturally with just a few ingredients. All you need is fruit and fresh herbs. Given water’s many benefits—it can prevent headaches, boost brainpower, improve your mood, and even help you lose weight—these recipes will help you stay healthy and hydrated all summer long. (For more great ways to fight bloat and melt belly fat fast join Flat Belly Diet! Online.  Become a member TODAY!)

Just so you know: Each of these recipes makes 2 quarts. Unless noted otherwise, top the ingredients with 6 cups ice, fill the jar with water, and stir, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let flavors infuse. 

Sweet-Tart

Stir together 2 cups pineapple chunks, 1 cup pitted and halved fresh cherries, and three cored and thinly sliced granny smith apples.

Strawberry Basil Blast

Scrunch 8 fresh basil leaves to release their flavor. Combine them with 3 cups halved strawberries, and gently muddle with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Apples And Cinnamon

Combine five cored and thinly sliced apples (your favorite variety) with five whole cinnamon sticks.

Slightly Spicy

Stir together two thinly sliced cucumbers and two seeded and sliced jalapeño peppers.

Grape Melon Medley

Stir together 4 cups cantaloupe chunks and 2 cups halved grapes.

Peach Pie

Gently crush two vanilla beans with a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir them into six pitted and sliced peaches.

Melon-Lime

Muddle three thinly sliced limes. Combine them with 4 cups honeydew melon chunks.

Cherries Jubilee

Combine 2 cups pitted and halved fresh cherries, three thinly sliced lemons, and two vanilla beans. Gently muddle with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Pear-fect Ginger

Stir together five cored and sliced pears and 10 thin slices fresh ginger.

Rosemary Refresher

Scrunch four rosemary sprigs to release their flavor. Combine them with 6 cups watermelon chunks.

Mango Mojito

Scrunch six mint sprigs to release their flavor. Combine them with 3 cups cubed mango (fresh or frozen) and two thinly sliced limes; gently muddle with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Vanilla Latte

Gently crush two vanilla beans with a wooden spoon or spatula. Combine them with 2 cups whole coffee beans.

Strawberry Kiwi Cooler

Combine 3 cups halved strawberries, three thinly sliced kiwis, and two thinly sliced lemons. Gently muddle all of the ingredients together.

Plum Yum

Scrunch six fresh sage leaves to release flavor. Combine them with 10 pitted and quartered plums and two pitted and sliced peaches.

Citrus Sensation

Combine two thinly sliced lemons, two thinly sliced limes, two thinly sliced grapefruits, and two thinly sliced oranges. Gently muddle with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Raspberry Rosemary Zinger

Scrunch four sprigs rosemary. Combine them with 2 cups raspberries and six thinly sliced lemons, and muddle.

Berry-licious

Combine 2 cups raspberries and 2 cups blackberries. Crush them gently with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Cucumber Quencher

Scrunch six mint sprigs to release flavor. Combine them with two thinly sliced cucumbers and four thinly sliced limes.

Pineapple Potion

Stir together 4 cups pineapple chunks and 10 slices fresh ginger.

Tropical Twist

Stir together 2 cups pineapple chunks, 2 cups mango chunks (fresh or frozen), and one thinly sliced starfruit.

Prickly Pear Lemonade

Gently muddle four thinly sliced Meyer lemons. Combine them with two sliced prickly pears (also called cactus pears).

Sangria

Combine 4 cups halved grapes, three thinly sliced blood oranges, and two cored and sliced apples. Gently muddle.

Fruit Cocktail

Stir together two cored and sliced peaches, two cored and sliced pears, 2 cups halved grapes, 1 cup pitted and halved cherries, and 1 cup pineapple chunks.

Triple Threat

Combine three cored and sliced apples, three thinly sliced oranges, and 3 cups halved grapes. Gently muddle with a wooden spoon or spatula.

Orangeberry

Gently muddle five thinly sliced oranges and 2 cups raspberries.

Let me know what you guys think by commenting below in the comments section. If you'd try any of these, if you have tried them? Did you like the taste? Things like that :)

Source
http://www.prevention.com/food/cook/25-flat-belly-sassy-water-recipes

7 Powerful Seeds to Eat That Can Help You Lose Weight

Most of us hear that nuts are healthy for us and can help us lose weight, but there are also many seeds that can help you lose weight just as well as, if not better than nuts. While nuts are great for you, some people find them harder to digest, and hard to portion out. Nuts are also higher per serving than seeds are. For example, a small handful of almonds has about 15 grams of fat, while a serving of flax seeds, roughly 2 tbsp., has only 5. You also need less seeds per serving than nuts, which makes them lower density. All nuts and seeds are great for your body, and I love both just the same, but I’d like to spotlight some special seeds that can help you lose weight if that is a concern you might have. Most seeds are brimming with more fiber and minerals than nuts, while still having the healthy monounsaturated fats and protein that nuts are known for. Eat these seeds throughout the day, and discover one of nature’s most powerful little weight loss secrets.

 

1. Pumpkin Seeds

 Did you know some of the best seeds that can help you lose #weight are pumpkin seeds? Pumpkin seeds have more zinc than any other seed, which is important for fat burning. Zinc helps the body produce the muscle forming and fat burning hormone testosterone. It also increases lean muscle mass and keeps your blood sugar steady. Pumpkin seeds also contain iron and magnesium, both of which are important for your energy levels, and for keeping anxiety and fatigue at bay. They are also great for your digestive tract, and rich in protein to promote lean body mass and satiety. Pumpkin seeds are also one of the only seeds that promotes alkalinity in the #body, neutralizing acidity. Add them to yogurt, smoothies, oatmeal, salads or wherever else you like.

2. Hemp Seeds

 The next seed that is wonderful for #weight loss and brain function is hemp seeds. Hemp seeds have a double effect on #weight loss. First, they contain almost 12 grams of protein in just 3 tbsp. and they contain omega 3 fats that help to burn fat in the body. These same fats also prevent a low mood, which might have you turning to junk food later. Hemp seeds also promote alkalinity in the #body just like pumpkin seeds do, so they combat inflammation. Hemp seeds are a great source of energizing and calming magnesium, iron to keep your energy high, some zinc and lots of potassium to beat bloat. Lastly, hemp seeds are loaded with fiber, which regulates your blood sugar and promotes regularity.

 

3. Chia Seeds

Most of us know by now that chia seeds are great for #weight loss. If you didn’t already know, chia seeds are full of fiber, omega 3 fats, magnesium, potassium, iron and are relatively low in fat actually. For 2 tbsp., there are only 5 grams of fat in chia seeds. They are mostly made of soluble fiber that gels up anything they are added to, much like a pudding. I like them in smoothies to plump them up nicely, or you can add them to #almond milk and make chia pudding, or add them to your oatmeal, etc. #Chia seeds help keep you fuller longer, and are said to be the most energizing seed of all. I would definitely have to agree since they keep me running for hours without going hungry.

4. Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds area great #weight loss seeds, but most importantly, they’re just great to eat anytime overall. They’re filled with Vitamin E, which acts as a powerful antioxidant to combat toxins and inflammation, so long as you eat them raw, not roasted. Sunflower seeds are also a rich source of magnesium. Magnesium helps keep your anxiety at bay and it prevents excess cortisol in the #body. Magnesium also helps ensure a healthy nervous system and helps to energize you so you burn more calories. Sunflower seeds also contain protein and fiber, plus B vitamins, which are all very important for burning #calories and keeping you full.

5. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are one of the best sources of omega 3 fats of all sources. Omega 3 fats help your body burn fat, and they regulate insulin levels in the #body. Flax seeds also contain some iron, protein and lots of fiber to fill you up quickly. They are a good source of phytoestrogens, which act like natural estrogen in the body, helping your hormones to stay steady and prevent you from becoming unhinged and anxious, which causes improper hormone imbalance and leads to #weight gain.

 

6. Quinoa

Did you know that quinoa is actually a seed, not a grain? It’s true! Quinoa is called a pseudo-grain because it is actually a seed, but cooks up like a grain, so it gets categorized as one. For this reason, I like to call it nature’s “undercover” seed! Quinoa is a rich source of all essential amino acids, fiber, protein, magnesium, zinc and even some healthy fats. It is a little higher in carbohydrates than other seeds since it contains some starch like grains do, but most of these excess carbs are used for energy, not storage, so not to worry. Quinoa is one of the best #weight loss seeds you can eat, and about ¼ cup is all you need to get the benefits.

7. Sesame

Sesame seeds are excellent for you due to their high mineral composition and protein composition. They contain calcium, magnesium, Vitamin E and zinc, which your #body needs for a tip top metabolism and good blood sugar regulation. Sesame seeds also contain fiber that helps keep you full longer and regulates digestion. Add them to salads, smoothies, soups or wherever else you like. You can also use tahini, which is a buttery spread made from sesame seeds.

I always recommend eating seeds raw whenever you can to get the most nutrients. Roasting seeds can change the fat composition and lead to #weight gain, not loss. Also, be sure to stick to unsalted versions of seeds, instead of those found in sugary and salty trail mixes. Add in 2 tbsp. of seeds per serving and try having at least two-three servings of seeds per day.
Do you use any of these seeds in your diet? How do you use them? Comment below and let me know because I'd be really interested to hear your guys opinions and thoughts.

Source
http://weightloss.allwomenstalk.com/powerful-seeds-to-eat-that-can-help-you-lose-weight

5 Smoothies That Actually Fill You Up

Whipping up a morning smoothie seems like a foolproof way to start your day. It’s easy to watch your portions, chock-full of nutrients, and better for you than sugar-laden cereal—right? Not always. Blitzing a bunch of fruit together can spike your blood sugar faster than a Ferrari and kick your cravings into high gear, warns Christine Avanti, RD, author of Skinny Chicks Eat Real Food.

But smoothies don’t have to mean hunger pangs and an emergency pit stop at Dunkin’ Donuts. The key is adding ingredients that help but the brakes on cravings. “Fiber and protein are key in helping keep you fuller for longer—and because fats don’t increase blood sugar levels, they don’t trigger cravings for more carbs,” says Katherine Brooking, MS, RD, coauthor of The Real Skinny. Whip up one of these five healthy and hearty smoothies that’ll satisfy you all morning long.

Raspberry Bomb

Low-sugar, high-fiber foods like raspberries help fill you up, and this single smoothie packs in all the recommended fiber for the whole day.

SERVINGS: 1

1 Tbsp chia seeds
1 Tbsp water
1½ c frozen raspberries
½ c silken tofu
1 c water
3 ice cubes

1. STIR together chia seeds and 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl until they form a gel (about 2 minutes).
2. COMBINE chia mixture and all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

NUTRITION (per serving) 325 cal, 12 g pro, 43.5 g carb, 25 g fiber, 11.5 g fat, 0 g sat fat, 225 mg sodium

Tropical Twister

This dairy-free, vegan smoothie contains nutrient-dense kale, and delivers a healthy balance of filling protein, fiber, and fat.

SERVINGS: 1

¾ c frozen mango chunks
2/3 c frozen pineapple chunks
1 c chopped kale
½ scoop (18 g) vanilla pea protein
1½ c unsweetened coconut milk

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

NUTRITION (per serving) 345 cal, 11.5 g pro, 57 g carb, 8 g fiber, 8 g fat, 7.5 g sat fat, 265 mg sodium

Creamy Cashew

Nuts in a smoothie? You bet. Cashews add texture and healthy fats, which keep blood sugar spikes at bay.

SERVINGS: 1

¼ c cashews
1 medium frozen banana
1 c fat-free milk
2 Tbsp wheat germ
1 tsp honey
3 ice cubes

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

NUTRITION (per serving) 403 cal, 9.5 g pro, 57.5 g carb, 6 g fiber, 13 g fat, 2 g sat fat, 36 mg sodium

Raw Green Machine

Low energy-density foods like pears, cucumbers, and apples contain few calories per volume. Hemp seeds add vegetarian-friendly protein.

SERVINGS: 1

1 med pear
1 sm green apple
1 sm cucumber
3 Tbsp raw hemp seeds
Juice from ½ lemon
20 sprigs fresh parsley
1 c water

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

NUTRITION (per serving) 387.5 cal, 13 g pro, 54.5 g carb, 12 g fiber, 14.5 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 34 mg sodium

PB&B Power Breakfast

Protein is a proven satiator, and this powerhouse packs in 25 grams—more than half the daily recommended amount.

SERVINGS: 1

1 med banana
½ c fat-free plain Greek yogurt
1 c fat-free milk
1 Tbsp cocoa powder
1 Tbsp natural peanut butter
6 ice cubes

Combine ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.

NUTRITION (per serving) 370 cal, 25.5 g pro, 49.5 g carb, 6 g fiber, 8.5 g fat, 1 g sat fat, 95 mg sodium

Source

http://www.prevention.com/food/cook/5-smoothies-actually-fill-you

Does Using Hemp Seeds for Weight Loss Actually Work?

Using hemp seeds for weight loss is probably not something you think of when you think of hemp is it?
If you’ve struggled to lose weight and if all the “fads” just never seemed to work for you, you are not alone. The good news is that you have access to the most natural way to lose weight and one that will feed your body the most balanced diet of proteins, vitamins and essential fatty acids on the planet. What’s this miracle drug? It’s not a drug at all! It’s simply one of nature’s super food…the hemp seed.

I’ve eaten hemp off and on in my own diet, I love to cook with it and my whole family is in on it with me, but just within the last month, I have started to become more conscious of how much hemp I am eating. I am eating a much higher concentration of hemp in my diet, especially at breakfast time (around 3 tablespoons just at that meal) and the results are pretty wonderful, even for the short amount of time I’ve been doing it. How much wonderful can you get in a month? With no other change in my daily routine, no added exercise, just an increase in hemp seeds or oil (about 4-6 tablespoons per day), I’ve managed to sheer off 9 pounds this past month. Doesn’t seem like a lot, I know, but what I find amazing about it is how my hunger level and craving for sweets is practically gone.

 

At first I wasn’t sure it would actually help me with my own weightloss so I started looking at other’s success stories with it. I came across this video of Mike Fata, the founder of Manitoba Harvest (and makes some awesome raw hemp seeds) as he talks about how hemp has helped him to achieve significant weight loss.

If you’ve never heard of Manitoba Harvest, they make various hemp hearts, hemp oil and even hemp protein powders (yes they even have a great vanilla flavor). You can grab them on Amazon using the links I just provided…and since they are all prime products, you can get them shipped to you for free. However, if you’d rather buy locally, just keep in mind, local stores do tend to be more expensive but you can download this coupon and bring it in to save $1 on your purchase. Download Coupon (good only until November 2014).

Hemp Seeds Provide Balanced Nutrition

The hemp seed, or the shelled version called a hemp heart are extremely high in protein and contain all 20 amino acids including the nine essential amino acids our bodies need for optimum health. Hemp hearts also naturally contain a ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 of 3:1.
These healthy nutrients are exactly what our bodies need every day. By adding hemp seed based foods to your diet, you are giving your body the exact proportion of these nutrients that you need for a healthy lifestyle.

Reduce Your Hunger with Hemp Seed

Many people who make hemp hearts a part of their early morning breakfast find that they can sometimes be hunger free most of the day. You should always eat balanced meals and don’t skip important meals, but because of the reduced hunger, you should find that you are able to eat less at each meal, making your healthy eating lifestyle easier to follow through with.

 

Eat Hemp Seeds with Every Meal

It’s easy to mix hemp seeds or hemp hearts into any meal set before you. Sprinkle them on your cereal, in your morning power shake, on your yogurt, in your chicken crusts, on top of desserts or eat it raw by the handful. You can even lightly toast them (just don’t go over 350 degrees) and they taste absolutely wonderful, especially on salads.
Every person will differ of course, but if you’re open to trying something new, I highly recommend giving hemp seeds a try for your weight loss goals. You might just be amazed at what it can do for your health.


Source
http://www.hempinformer.com/hemp-seeds-for-weight-loss/

Eat Carbs, Lose Weight: It's All About Timing

Eat Carbs, Lose Weight: It's All About Timingby Lizzie Fuhr

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Glen Giffen

Despite what popular diets say, carbs are not the enemy. But if you're on a weight-loss mission, a diet that's heavy in calorie-dense carbs is not going to support these goals. Luckily, many experts agree: you can have your carbs — and eat them, too! — just make sure it's for breakfast.

Biggest Loser trainer Bob Harper tells his clients on the ranch to "front load their carbohydrates." Many people ask Bob if they should be cutting carbs entirely, but he completely disagrees, since "your body needs carbs for fuel." When you eat carbs earlier in the day, however, "you'll know you'll have time to burn them off" with exercise.

Celebrity trainer Gunnar Peterson also recommends that his clients skip carbs later in the day — especially if they're getting ready for an important event! Foods like rice, grains, pastas, oatmeal, and potatoes make your body retain water, "which blurs, to a certain degree, definition and muscle separation," he says.

Manhattan-based nutritionist and registered dietitian Shira Lenchewski explains the science backs up these celebrity trainer claims. Our bodies' circadian rhythm, or "internal time-keeping system," plays a huge role in "metabolic and hormonal changes over 24-hour cycles." Carbohydrate metabolism fluctuates around the circadian cycle, meaning that "[carbs] are burned more efficiently in the morning than at night." For clients trying to lose weight, she recommends that the largest meal (higher in carbohydrates) is breakfast; the rest of your meals should be "trending smaller as the day goes on."

Not sure what constitutes a healthy carb-laden breakfast? Keep reading for some of our favorite recipes.

Apple-Quinoa Bake: 44.3 grams

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Whip up this gluten-free quinoa bake featuring soft, cinnamon-spiced apples; plump raisins; and crunchy almonds. Bake a batch ahead of time, so you can enjoy this healthy breakfast all week long.

Superfood Pancakes: 58.6 grams

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Jenny Sugar

Inject some greens into your favorite breakfast! These spinach, banana, and blueberrysuperfood pancakes might have an earthy hue, but don't fret — they do not taste too "green." Even better, they're full of fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin A, vitamin K, and folate.

Harley Pasternak's Breakfast Smoothie: 71.9 grams

Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Michele Foley

It's not just about the bread — smoothies can be a healthy source of carbs from all that fresh fruit. Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak recommends this apple smoothie made with just a few ingredients to many of his clients. This recipe packs major nutrients and vitamins to get your day off to a good start.

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Why Beans Make a Big Difference in Weight Loss

Why Beans Make a Big Difference in Weight Lossby Jenny Sugar

Beans may be known mostly for their unpleasant odiferous side effect when eaten, but beans are actually nutritious little gems. If you follow these tips, you can eat beans without the bloat, which means you can reap these weight-loss benefits. Here are three reasons to plate-up with beans.

Hello, Fiber!

While the fiber content of beans helps keep things moving, it also gives you that "I'm full" feeling. Satiating your hunger is the key to preventing overeating and consuming too many calories for the day. But you don't just need to eat a plate of plain beans; in fact, you canadd beans to smoothies — you won't be able to taste them at all. Or throw them in your scrambled eggs, add them to soups, pasta dishes, or as a topping on homemade pizza.

Protein Punch

Beans aren't just for vegetarians. Omnivores can soak up bean protein as well. High-protein beans help keep energy and blood-sugar levels stable, which helps prevent cravings for sugary pick-me-ups that tend to be high in calories and void of nutrition. Since a couple hours between meals tends to be common crash times, including beans for breakfast and lunch will keep you peppy until your next meal. Whip up a sweet potato, chickpea, and quinoa veggie burger, a plate of polenta with beans, or a satisfying bowl ofslow cooker chickpea coconut curry.

Smart Snacking

When trying to beat the scale, you need to make sure that you're eating quality foods low in calories and high in nutrition. Beans make perfect snacks too, so look beyond the typical carrot sticks and hummus pick-me-up and try pairing your fruit with this chocolate hummus. You can snack on honey-roasted cinnamon chickpeas, veggies with creamy white-bean dip, or these delicious edamame pear crostinis. You can also enjoy a low-cal dessert with fortified with beans, like these peanut butter oatmeal raisin cookies or black bean brownies.

Image Source: Jenny Sugar

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