Weight loss can improve your self image, making you look healthy and fit. In addition to body image, many people are turning to weight loss supplements due to their concerns about the health risks associated with an expanding waist line.
Heart disease, joint problems, and diabetes, are just a few of the common conditions that can arise as a result of prolonged excess weight.
In an ideal world everyone would get all the vitamins and minerals they need from their daily diet and the food they eat. However, unfortunately this is not always possible in today’s hectic society. In addition to diets and exercise plans, more and more people are turning to natural aids to help them achieve goals they are otherwise struggling to reach.
The increasing demand for weight loss supplements means there is a huge market offering lots of choice. So, which one to chose? There are different types of slimming supplements that offer effects through different means.
The most popular are appetite suppressants, fat burners, and fat binders; all of which can be effective, but one will suit your personal needs more than the others.
Only by understanding and choosing the right dietary supplement for you, you can start to see weight loss results quickly.
Appetite suppressants
Best if snacking is your downfall.
If you are struggling to cut down the amount of food you consume on a daily basis, then an appetite suppressant is likely to be the answer. By reducing cravings and the constant need to snack, it will be easier for you to shed those unwanted pounds. Appetite suppressants have been popularly used for centuries, and they release a chemical that signals to the brain you are full. They encourage you to eat healthy portions, and avoid binge eating that often occurs when dieting. Simply take before meals to reduce amount you want to eat.
Supplements to consider: African Mango, Apple Cider Vinegar.
Fat burners
Best if you have low activity levels
Fat burners increase your metabolism so your body burns fat quicker. They allow you to convert the food you eat into energy, rather than store it as fat. If the body’s metabolic rate is slow then it will not process all the food you eat, and what’s left will eventually gets turned into fat. They will even help burn fat whilst you are resting.
Antioxidant supplements are the best fat burners as they help speed up the body’s metabolic rate. Simply take straight after meals.
Supplements to consider: Maqui Berry, Acai Berry, Capsicum.
Fat binders
Best if you consume a high fat diet
These supplements work by binding themselves to fat molecules from the food you eat, and preventing them from being absorbed. As a result less fat is deposited around the body. This stops you putting on weight and keeps fat levels at low rates. There is no need to make dramatic changes to your diet. Simply take after every meal to bind to the fat content of the food you are consuming and they will begin to work almost as soon as they are taken. If you already eat low-fat meals then fat binders are probably not the best choice for you as they will offer little effect.
Supplements to consider: Chitosan, White Kidney Bean Extract.
Additional help
Eat slowly – this allows the brain more time to recognise you’re full. It normally takes about 20 minutes for signals to reach brain.
Reduce calorie intake – fairly obvious, but also easier said than done! Eating a healthy balanced diet is a proven way of reducing weight. Certain supplements can also help to suppress appetite.
Gently increase activity levels – if you are overweight then dramatically increasing exercise levels can be damaging to your body, especially to knees and hips. Therefore try to increase low impact activities such as walking and swimming.
Use a food diary – it can be revealing to see what you eat on a daily basis written down. A diary will also help you monitor how many calories you are consuming day to day. Be honest! Make sure you include all snacks.
Drink lots of water – it is vital during any weight loss regime that you consume high levels of water to remain hydrated and keep the digestive system functioning effectively. Try to drink at least 5-6 glasses per day. And an added bonus its calorie free.
There are many steps you can take to lose weight effectively. However, it is important to adopt techniques that can be continued over a sustained period. Small changes in lifestyle are often the most effective. You should always work to lose weight at safe levels – you shouldn’t try to shift more than 2lbs a week – just over a stone in two months. This will look after the condition of your body and allow you to maintain weight loss over a sustained period. Gentle but effective lifestyle techniques will be more sustainable over longer periods.
NOTE: Do not take different types of weight loss supplements together as the benefits make counteract each other and become ineffective.
