Losing weight is such an exhausting task in itself given all the things that you have to keep in mind. What to eat, how to cook it, how much to work out and how frequently, the calorie intake and so much more. Although exercising plays a major role in how much weight you lose, it is as important to watch and improve your diet to get better results. What you put into your body plays a huge role in this whole journey. But you don’t have to go really far though, all you have to do is go to your kitchen and there you will find a ton of hidden gems!
You will be surprised to know that so many spices that our mothers add to almost everything we eat are also filled with antioxidant and metabolism boosting properties. So basically they make your food taste extremely good AND help you lose weight? Now that is a win-win!
Some spices play a very active role in helping your body burn those extra calories. These spices can be easily included in so many ways in food, teas, soups or even can be taken in their raw form. Here are some of them along with their benefits;
- Cardamom
Cardamom is thermogenic hence it produces heat in its natural state. Due to its nature, it efficiently helps to burn body fat. It not only stimulates the digestive system but also boosts your metabolism. Cardamom can be chewed raw, or can be added to dishes, teas and milk.
- Black pepper
Black pepper has a constituent called piperine which not only adds a unique spicy taste but also reduces the fat accumulation in the body, and improves metabolic rate. It makes the immune system stronger and helps the body prepare itself to fight various diseases and illnesses. One easy and effective way to start taking black pepper is to add it to your morning detox water. Mix a few grains of crushed black pepper to warm water, honey and lemon and take this drink every morning empty stomach. Not only does it help in detoxification but it also cleanses the gut for the coming day.
- Turmeric
Turmeric has been popularized for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-viral properties. It boosts the digestive system, while also increasing the body’s metabolic rate. There are several ways to incorporate turmeric in your food and drinks and many of these must’ve already been tried by you. You can drink what is called ‘golden milk’ by mixing a spoonful of turmeric in milk. Turmeric is already used in almost every curry and Indian recipe, so if you live in an Indian household, it is pretty sure that a lot of your meals already include turmeric in them. On the advent of Covid, raw turmeric with honey has been encouraged every morning to improve the immune system and help in recovery from cold and flu.
- Cumin
Cumin helps a lot in digesting food and it is advised to take a glass of overnight cumin soaked water at the beginning of the day. You can easily add it to curries, pulses, bread, soups to enhance earthy flavors while at the same time tackling obesity.
- Ginger
Ginger had been taken even in older times to help decrease the appetite and promote fat absorption. Ginger helps improve metabolism, control the blood sugar levels and facilitate digestion. Ginger can be added to your tea, soups, salads or can have boiled ginger water in the morning empty stomach.
- Cinnamon
Cinnamon is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which makes it play an active role in weight loss. It increases the metabolic rate to an extent that it ends up boosting the fat burning process. Cinnamon also helps in satiating cravings along with maintaining the insulin levels in the blood. There are several ways to start taking cinnamon in your diet even if you are completely new to it. It can be mixed into your morning detox water along with honey. You can also mix one tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of warm milk or tea. Even when it comes to food, cinnamon can be easily added to various dishes just to add a dash of earthy spice. Morning oats, low fat curd and smoothies, as well as chicken dishes are some of the best and easiest options to combine cinnamon with.
Weight loss does not have to be difficult and boring. One can cook spiced and delicious food while still making sure it is adding to their weight loss journey. By incorporating these spices into your diet, you're not only speeding up your metabolism but you are also giving your body so many nutrients in the most natural form possible. Although exercising plays the biggest role in anyone’s pursuit of a healthy weight, nutritious food will speed up the process and will make sure you enjoy that journey!
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