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People mostly tend to believe that diet food is supposed to be plain and bland. During a weight loss program, it is important to pick healthy options, but making the dishes full of flavour is absolutely in our hands.
Indian spices not only help to increase the taste and flavour of any dish with their magic touch, but at the same time, have been known to cure many diseases since ancient times. However, you need to ensure that your food is cooked in less oil. Here are some healthy spices that actually make for the perfect weight loss foods:
This Ayurvedic spice has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-viral properties, apart from antioxidants. It adds warmth to the body in an instant. Not just that, it also boosts the digestive system, thus helping to increase the metabolic rate. You can have turmeric tea, turmeric detox drink along with soups and curries. You can go for raw turmeric with honey every morning to improve the immune system.
A glass of overnight cumin soaked water can be a great way to start your day. It is specifically beneficial to tackle obesity. You can add it to curries, pulses, bread, soups etc.
The natural fiber in fenugreek helps to keep you satiated for longer periods, thereby preventing overeating. It is also a good source of mucilaginous fiber, which helps to protect the digestive system from the damage caused by free-radicals. What’s more, it also boosts metabolism, and you know how important that is for weight loss. Fenugreek soaked water helps to flush out the toxins from the body, and also aids in regulating insulin levels .
Ginger helps in decreasing the appetite and fat absorption. Besides, it also increases the fat burning and metabolism rate. Ginger controls the blood sugar levels that play a vital role in weight gain. From the ancient age, it has been used for the treatment of various diseases. Now, it has been discovered that ginger also has weight loss properties. You can add ginger to your tea, soups, salads or can have boiled ginger water in the morning.
This tree-based spice plays an active role in weight loss, as it is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Cinnamon increases the metabolic rate, thus boosting the fat burning process. It also helps to curb the hunger pangs along with the insulin levels in the blood. You can mix one tablespoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of water in the morning or can have it with a glass of warm milk. You can also add it in your morning oats or low fat curd and smoothies, as well as in chicken dishes.
The piperine in black pepper adds a unique taste to it, suppresses the fat accumulation in the body, and enhances the metabolic rate. It strengthens the immune system and also prepares the body to fight against various illnesses. This ingredient prevents the formation of fat cells in the body, and helps to lose weight faster. Black pepper tea does wonders in managing obesity. To notice better results, start adding black pepper to the morning warm detox water with lemon and honey.
It helps to improve the immune system, and digestive functioning, as it is packed with various vitamins such as A, D and C along with antioxidant properties. It is a natural diuretic and actively decreases the frequency of hunger pangs. This way it successfully contributes to weight loss. Try to start your day with a glass of soaked fennel seeds water. You can also add fennel to your breakfast cereals or in your dessert.
It is thermogenic in nature and thus efficiently helps to burn body fat. This aromatic Indian diuretic spice stimulates the digestive system, and also boosts metabolism. You can chew 3-4 pods of cardamom at any time to get the best results. You can also add cardamom to your morning tea, and in your green tea throughout the day. Try to add cardamom powder to your food as well. It will not only enhance the aroma of the food but will also prevent gas formation and bloating.
This hot spice is quickly absorbed by the stomach, and improves metabolism, if consumed in a small quantity. The capsaicin in chili pepper has a thermogenic effect,which helps to burn the fat. Chili pepper is very low in cholesterol, and is thus beneficial to improve heart health.
Indian kitchens have always been treasure troves of different spices since ancient times. Our curries are incomplete with the touch of these spices. You can have them in any dish of your choice. The weight loss process can be fun if you indulge in tasty and healthy food. It not only accelerates the fat-burning process, but also helps to boost self-confidence. So, make sure to add these weight loss foods, or rather, spices to your diet to enjoy an improved immune system this winter.
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Dr Archana Batra is a dietitian, physiotherapist, and a certified diabetes educator. Dr Archana has 12 years of experience in nutrition and diet counseling. She believes in maintaining healthy eating. Her specialization is on weight management diets and diets related to metabolic disorders like diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and hypertension etc. ...Read More
