Did you know that an effective weight loss plan is 20 percent exercise and 80 percent diet? Yes, no matter how much you work out, the most beneficial, easy and quick way to lose weight is by eating right. And by eating right, we don’t mean eating a bland boiled piece of chicken with raw leaves and nuts. Studies have shown that you are most likely to give up on a diet plan if you do not like the taste of the food you eat. When it comes to taste, the magic ingredients which add a burst of flavor to any meal are herbs and spices. Apart from adding heaps of nutritional value to your food, many spices also help in speeding up the metabolic process and aid weight loss. So, when it comes to a healthy diet plan, adding spices to your food not only helps you reach your goal weight faster and in a healthier manner, they also ensure you enjoy your meal as you lose the extra kilos!
Turmeric
This wonder ingredient is a staple in almost all Indian dishes. It is loaded with anti-inflammatory agents and is commonly known as a ‘warming spice’ which speeds up the fat burning process by increasing body heat. Apart from aiding weight loss, this magic spice also helps in fighting Alzheimer’s disease and balances out hormonal levels. Turmeric is usually added to curries and stews for a rich flavor. You can also make yourself a cup of turmeric milk by adding a teaspoon of turmeric to some warm milk for quicker weight loss results.
Cinnamon
With its heavenly taste and lingering fragrance, cinnamon is the complete package when it comes to weight loss. It is known to keep your blood sugar levels in check and keeps your stomach filled for longer. This, in turn, helps curb hunger pangs which lead to a healthy weight loss. Adding this scrumptious spice to a bowl of high-fiber oats or skimmed yoghurt can instantly make the dish brimful of flavor with heaps of nutritional benefits. You can also add this spice to a cup of steaming hot coffee or tea for a more fragrant and refreshing beverage.
Cumin
Just a spoonful of cumin seeds works wonders on your body and is known for targeting belly fat. This fascinating spice speeds up metabolism by burning up to three times more fat per day. For rapid weight loss, soak two teaspoons of cumin seeds in drinking water overnight. Boil this water, add the juice of half a lemon and drink it on an empty stomach every morning. This magic concoction is guaranteed to keep the extra weight at bay. These seeds are also rich in antioxidants and are known to reduce sugar levels and aid digestion.
Black Pepper
Black pepper is a superior ingredient which deals with the problem of weight loss at root level. Its fat-burning properties curb the formation of new fat cells which prevent weight gain to begin with. This pungent spice can be added to any dish, from a simple salad to a spicy curry, to instantly boost up the flavor and add a host of health benefits. Add a pinch of freshly ground pepper (you can even use a Spice Grinder or Mortar & Pestle) to a tablespoon of lime juice for a quick salad dressing or just drizzle it on some roasted vegetables and chicken for a wholesome meal.
Cardamom
Like turmeric and pepper, cardamom is also a thermogenic spice which adds heat to the dish and builds up metabolism by increasing body temperature. This spice is commonly used in Indian cuisine and can be added to curries and rice for a fragrant and scrumptious flavor. It can also be consumed in the form of the well-known cardamom tea which works wonders by aiding digestion and contributing to a quicker and more effective weight loss regime.
These powerful spices help in speeding up the process of weight loss with a host of added benefits like boosting up the nutritional value of meals and fighting various harmful diseases. Make sure you add these magic spices to your everyday diet plan for a quick and smooth weight loss journey.
