8 ways for Healthy Living, Diet Plan & Effective Weight Loss: Part8

     8.     Drink Tea 

     

     Quote from Jane Pettigrew from The Tea Companion

     “Ever since tea was discovered, it has been thought to have wide-ranging health benefits and has been used in Chinese medicine for centuries. Tea's most obvious asset is that it is a completely natural product and contains no artificial colouring, preservatives, or flavourings (except, of course, additional flower, fruit, or spice flavourings in scented teas). It is also virtually calorie-free if taken without milk or sugar, and can play a major role in maintaining bodily fluid balance.
Research suggests that the consumption of both green and black tea may reduce the risk of cancer. It is thought that components in black tea may have an anti-oxidant effect, helping to prevent the formation of cancer-inducing substances in body cells.
Various research programs conducted over the last few years indicate tea's possible benefits against heart disease. The reason for this is thought to be because the caffeine in tea acts as a gentle stimulant to the heart and circulatory system and thus helps to keep the walls of the blood vessels soft. It is also thought that the polyphenols in tea help to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol into the blood stream and help to prevent the formation of blood clots.
The caffeine in tea can increase concentration, alertness, accuracy, and enhances the senses of taste and smell. It also stimulates the digestive juices and the metabolism, including the kidneys and liver, thus helping to eliminate toxins and other unwanted substances from the body.”

8 ways for Healthy Living, Diet Plan & Effective Weight Loss: Part6

      6.     Eat 5 or 6 smaller balanced meals per day

     

One of the keys to being able to access body fat as a source of energy is to maintain even blood sugar throughout the day. Even blood sugar and energy is achieved by having 5 to 6 well spaced smaller meals and making sure each meal has a correct balance of protein (essential amino acids) carbohydrate and fats (essential fatty acids).

The majority of your carbohydrates should be ones that increase blood sugar slowly. Do this by reducing all sugars and starchy carbohydrate foods, and replacing them with fruits, salads, vegetables and whole-unprocessed grains. This will also increase your nutrient and fibre intake. Research shows that a high fibre intake (36 grams plus) may reduce the calories adsorbed from foods by up to 130 calories.

8 ways for Healthy Living, Diet Plan & Effective Weight Loss: Part3

      3.     Hydration

Aim for a diet consisting of 80% of fresh vegetables, fruits and nuts. Chances are you will be getting plenty of water. If not, you may benefit from drinking 1 litre of water per 25 kilos of body weight per day. There is nothing “slimming” about drinking water. However, it is difficult to lose body fat and maintain good health for life if you let yourself become mildly dehydrated by not drinking enough water throughout the day. When denied any vital nutrient (especially water) your body goes in to protection mode. It may tell you that you should eat (stimulating hunger) when actually you are just dehydrated. Alternatively, it may slow down your metabolism (fat burning) in an effort to retain water for survival. Thirst indicates that you body is already dehydrated.

Always make sure drink lots of water a day, because not only it will keep you hydrated and fresh it will also keep you fuller for longer making you eat less.