Are you planning to start a weight loss diet this New Year? Well I know many are waiting for New Year to start their weight loss journey. Generally, our weight loss diet includes fruits, veggies, protein-rich foods, dairy foods, fibrous foods. But are we missing something on this list? Yes, we are. And it’s none other than our herbs and spices ”Herbs and Spices add flavor and taste to our foods thereby making our food delicious. Won’t a pulao with rice, veggies, herbs, spices taste good rather than just with rice and veggies? I feel if your food isn’t tasty you cannot stick to diet for a long time and “Dieting should never be a temporary change it should be a lifestyle change” Herbs and spices apart from playing a major role in our Indian cuisine have also said to help in weight loss. So let’s find out which are the herbs and spices that help in weight loss and how?
CINNAMON
“Cinnamon” an easily available, inexpensive, low kcal spice can be used effectively in our day to day routine. Researchers had shown cinnamon reduces blood sugar levels. An increase in the blood sugar levels thereby leads to increased storage of fat by the body. Cinnamon by reducing the blood sugar levels prevents this increased fat storage and enables you to lose weight. Also, it delays the process of passing food from the stomach into the intestine and so you feel full for a longer time and eat less and this helps you lose weight. It also is known to boost your metabolism. So include a teaspoon of cinnamon to reap its benefits.
Ways to include cinnamon in your diets Cinnamon can be sprinkled on tea, coffee, milkshakes, juices. It can also be included in our breakfast like Oatmeal.
Cumin
“Cumin” is another very common traditional spice we use. Cumin along with its spiciness also boosts metabolism as it has a lot of iron in it. So adding cumin to our diet will help us burn more calories thereby reducing our weight. Cumin contains phytosterols and antioxidants which can help in lowering cholesterol and blood sugar levels which further makes weight loss easier. Additionally, it is also very low in calories. So isn’t it really great to add flavors to our diet without increasing your daily calorie intake too much?
Ways to include cumin in your diets Cumin can be used in everything from dips, stir-fries, soups, stews, flatbreads, yogurts, buttermilk, seasoning of dals.
Black pepper
“Black pepper” also known as “ KaliMirch” is a very common spice and also known as the “ King of spice” It not only helps to improve your digestion but also helps to extract all the nutrients from your body but its outer layer contains a potent nutrient (phytonutrient) that helps speed up the breakdown of fat cells and so it’s one of the best spice which is known to help in weight loss. Just sprinkle pepper over your food do not eat too much of it.
Ways to include black pepper in your diet Black pepper can be added in most of the dishes like oatmeal, cottage cheese, sweetened foods like yogurt, traditional preparations like pulav.
Ginger
“Ginger” a natural remedy with various uses improves your metabolism which in turn burns more calories thereby leading to weight loss. It also serves as a digestive aid thereby making our digestive system strong. A study shows that ginger can improve weight loss by enhancing the feeling of fullness after a meal
Ways to include Ginger in your diet Ginger can be used in tea” Ginger tea”, stir-fries, fruit salad and also in various veg, curry preparations
Cardamom
“Cardamom” an aromatic spice also known as “ Elaichi” has a strong, unique taste, with an intensely aromatic fragrance. It is used to bring relief to digestive problems. Also known to improve metabolism. Research now tells us that cardamom may help to show improvement in glucose tolerance and lipid metabolism and also prevent abdominal fat deposition. Ways to include Cardamom in your diet Cardamom can be used in homemade curry blend, chai as “ Elaichi chai” coffee and also in sweet dishes
Holy Basil( Tulsi leaves)
“Holy Basil( Tulsi leaves)” also known as “Octimum sancton” Tulsi leaves are said to reduce cortisol levels. Cortisol increases in our body when we are stressed and studies show an increased amount of cortisol may lead to weight gain. A Tulsi leaf thereby reduces cortisol preventing weight gain. Ways to include Tulsi leaves in your diet Basil leaves can be used in tea, juices, paste and also can be eaten raw.
Coriander
“Coriander” also known as “ Dhaniya” is a very fragrant and tasty herb commonly used in Indian recipes.Low in calorie coriander can be easily incorporated into our weight loss diet. For effective weight loss, coriander can be taken in the form of juice. It contains polyphenols that helps to eliminate harmful fat cells around the liver. Also helps in eliminating bacterial infections and work as detoxifying agent.
Ways to include Coriander in your diet Coriander is worldwide used for garnishing and decoration. Apart from this coriander juices can also be made.
BOTTOM LINE
No doubt “Herbs and Spices” do help in weight loss mainly by boosting metabolism but along with the combination of a healthy diet. You cannot expect to lose weight just by eating herbs and spices. It’s “The diet factor” which makes herbs and spice a key ingredient in weight loss.
“HERBS AND SPICES not only add flavors to our food but also add flavors to our life by keeping us healthy!
Don’t forget to include these herbs and spices in your weight loss diet. Also comment below how do you find this article?
Wish to go for healthy weight loss diet ?
Fill below form, will get back to you at earliest.