Health & Wellness Newsletter               

MAY  2013

Are there really magical foods that help you lose weight and taste good, too?

There are a few simple principles that can help just about everyone to get healthier, including shedding excess pounds. Generally, what works for most people is to eat less packaged or processed foods, more whole foods, drink more water and get adequate sleep each night.

Some dietary theories promote certain foods and herbs that have slimming properties, among their many other healthy benefits. Here are a few that can help support your body when you want to shed excess weight and burn fat (and they actually taste good, too):

Cacao

This small tropical tree's seeds turn into the food that's been called "Food of the Gods" - chocolate. Cacao contains theobromine, a mild stimulant that can help promote fat burning. It also increases pleasure and relaxation by

Cinnamon

This healthy spice is from the brown bark of the cinnamon tree. A daily dose of cinnamon has been found to reduce blood sugar, triglycerides, and LDL (bad) cholesterol, and total cholesterol for people with type 2 diabetes. It is known for its warming and stimulating properties that can bring balance to Vata and Kapha, according to Ayurvedic medicine as taught by Dr. John Douillard

 Green Tea

From the Camellia sinensis plant, this brewed beverage contains theanine, which counteracts stress and promotes relaxation and focus. A study in the Journal of Nutrition shows that the main antioxidant component in green tea, called catechins, can help stimulate weight loss, especially belly fat.

Daikon Radish

This long white root is used in traditional Japanese and Macrobiotic cooking to help heal the body and ease the discharge of excess fat and fluids. Daikon is also a decongestant, diuretic, and helps ease the work of the kidneys by eliminating excess fluid retention.