Many herbs contain rare and important nutrients that can help you lose weight. Here are top 10 natural herbs to lose weight that can help you in better weight management.

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries, for weight management. Certain herbs have beneficial and unique properties that can help in losing weight. Many herbs help to detox, while some help to boost metabolism. Certain herbs help to improve thyroid function, while some reduce the hunger pangs. All these properties can help a person on a weight loss plan. However, herbs alone should not be used to lose weight. Some form of exercise is required to lose weight effectively. There are many easy at home exercises to choose from. So, balance your weight loss program with exercising, a healthy diet and natural herbal supplements/teas. Here is a list of 10 herbs which will help you lose weight faster.

#01 - Green Tea
Green tea has been used by the Chinese for over 4000 years for better digestion and stimulating metabolism. Green tea is one of the best food source of antioxidants, which adds up to its beneficial properties. It burns fats and inhibits fat absorption and its accumulation. Green tea contains a high amount of polyphenols that activate an enzyme, which dissolves triglycerides. Through, a process called thermogenesis, the body gets extra energy and thus burns more body fat.

#02 - Triphala
Triphala is one of the top ayurvedic herbs when it comes to losing weight. Triphala is actually a powder which is made with three fruits. Tri meaning three and phala meaning fruits. Triphala helps in weight loss, improvement in digestion, detoxification, clear skin and improved eye health. Triphala helps to lower the water content to the body and also suppresses the hunger pangs.

#03 - Ginseng
Ginseng boosts metabolism and thus helps to burn more calories. Many people who are overweight tend to have a slow metabolism. Ginseng can help overweight people burn off fat fast. Ginseng is available in form of pills or you can take it in form of tea.

#04 - Cayenne
This natural weight loss herb contains a substance called capsaicin, that tends to stimulate digestion and boosts metabolism. This is actually a popular spice which you can use if you can tolerate a bit of pungency.

#05 - Hoodia Gordonii
Hoodia is found in the Kalhari Desert of Africa. It is a cactus which is used as an appetite-suppressant. It contains a certain substance which tricks in the brain thinking that the stomach is full. Hoodia thus can be used by people who overeat to control their diet intake. It is available in form of tea and pills.

#06 - Bladder Wrack Kelp
This is a type of seaweed. It is rich in iodine, and so is helpful in strengthening the thyroid, which can be beneficial in improving metabolism and weight loss. It also suppresses cravings for food, and thus one has more control over consumption of food. So, it can be a very helpful herb to lose weight.

#07 - Glucomannan
This weight loss herb is made from the root of Amorphophallus Konjac. It helps to lose weight by delaying the absorption of glucose in the intestines. One also gets the feeling of fullness after having this herb. This feeling occurs because, glucomannan swells up once it is exposed to liquids. But, one should be careful while using this herb for weight loss. As some people complained of esophageal obstruction, after having this supplement.

#08 - Guggul
This is one of the ancient Indian herbs. It helps to reduce cholesterol and helps in controlling weight. It improves the levels of thyroid hormones and thus one has improved thyroid function. It also improves metabolism, thus helping in faster weight loss.

#09 - Gymnema Sylvestre
This herb when consumed liberally helps to lose weight. It acts on the taste bud receptors, and tricks them into thinking that the body had its share of sweets. This prevents a person from eating too many sugary foods. Due to reduced cravings for sweets, it can help in less consumption of calories and thus aid in weight loss.

#10 - Coleus
Coleus helps to decompose the fat stored in the body and thus helps to get rid of the excess fat. It also improves metabolism and the thyroid function. It contains an active ingredient called forskolin, which stimulates an enzyme called adenylate cyclase. Adenylate cyclase helps to improve metabolism and thus leads to weight loss.

These were the different herbs that aid in weight loss. Many herbs have no side effects when used in small amounts. However, if you have a health problem, then consult your doctor before you start using these herbs.
By Pragya T
Last Updated: 9/27/2011
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/herbs-to-lose-weight.html

Is it Possible to Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Months?

How can one lose 20 pounds in 2 months? It may sound a tad too extreme, but people are willing to do anything to lose weight in easy, quick ways..

 

If you tell people you lost 20 pounds in two months, they'd probably ask you what kind of pills you were on or which magic juice have you been drinking to burn fat. Not all miracle weight losses are because of some quick fix method that has to do with popping pills or downing shakes, it can also be healthy dieting that isn't a fad one by nature. So is it possible to lose 20 pounds in 2 months? Surprisingly, it is. The clincher here is that not all people's bodies are designed to function the same way, therefore stopping them from losing 20 pounds all together. Some people achieve this, while others lose a little lesser than 20 pounds by the time two months are up. Your height, and your body's metabolism is what will determine how much weight you can lose.

The body tends to lose weight really fast when one suddenly subjects their systems to lesser portioned foods, controlling calorie intake that leads to massive weight loss initially. The body sheds all those kilos without any problems the minute you alter your eating habits and get into physical activity.

Diet to Lose 20 Pounds in 2 Months

Some of you may think that to win this weight battle, you'd have to starve yourself silly, but no you don't have to. Wanting to lose 20 pounds in a span of two months isn't wishful thinking, but is something that is very much possible if done the smart way.

Breakfast
I cannot stress enough on how important this meal of the day is. If you want to lose weight the right way, prioritize this as your number one meal. Get your essential nutrients during this time of the day when your metabolism is running on high mode. You tend to burn more during sun up than sundown. So stack on these eats and alternate it with other items in this list as the week progresses.

• 2 eggs (twice a week only and use only olive/vegetable oil while cooking)
• Brown bread (two slices)
• Non-fat milk/cream
• All natural fruit juices/shakes (either freshly squeezed or made with organic ingredients)
• Fruit salad bowl
• Oats
• Bran flakes with milk (non-fat)
• Bagels with unsalted butter non fat/low far cream cheese
• Turkey sandwich with tomatoes, cucumbers and lettuce

Munchies
It is important to keep your metabolism running, so snack on a handful of nuts or seeds, and drink at least one mug of black coffee or green tea, with the latter being more healthy than the former. Drop in one slice of lemon in it with mint leaves, with one cube of brown sugar if you can't take the bitterness of the green tea. It not only rids the body of toxins, but promotes weight loss. Here are the list of munchies that you can choose from to munch on everyday. Only one of the following coupled with liquids is allowed.

• 1 mug of green tea with a slice of lemon/mint leaves
• Freshly made fruit juice (not canned/packaged)
• Almonds/peanuts/cashews/pistachios (unsalted, hand full)
• Seeds like sunflower/pine
• Unsalted crackers
• Single bagel with unsalted butter

Lunch
After you're done with munchies, eat lunch an hour after this to give your stomach enough time to clear up some space. Alternate between the different lunch food options here to keep it different and flavorful every time. Drink plenty of water during the course of the day, or even during munchies time to kill hunger pangs. Portion sizes have to fill up only a quarter plate and drink a glass of water 10 minutes before you start eating. If you cannot finish what you are eating, don't push yourself. Instead make smaller portions the next day, and do not stop on drinking a glass of water 10 minutes before you eat.

• Salad (your choice of vegetable) with poached/grilled chicken/beef/seafood, coupled with non fat salad dressing
• Grilled/poached chicken steak with a side of mashed potatoes
• Stir fried vegetables with shrimp and fried brown rice
• Pita bread with hummus
• Tofu salad
• Sushi with wasabi sauce (or you can experiment with other sauces)
• Cottage cheese wrap with vegetables

Evening Snack Time
Don't eat anything at all except for lots of water, or if you'd like you can have another mug of green tea. Skip dinner completely, and only munch on an apple/orange or a bowl of cherries/grapes before 7:30 pm. Get used to not eating at all after this time, and ignore food cravings post 7:30 pm. Not even water should be ingested during this time. You can eat dark chocolate and non fat desserts once in a week on Sundays only, so that you get accustomed to indulging in your favorite sweet dishes on one dedicated day. Opt for baked foods instead of fried/deep-fried to eat healthy alternatives where you even consume much fewer calories.

Get Off That Behind
And now for the most important part of the diet program - you need to get physically active. I'm not asking you to join a gym and get busting on some hectic workout routines, all I'm saying is that you need some form of movement that gets your metabolic rate rising. The higher it is, the more you'll lose. So take the stairs instead of going on that tempting elevator ride, walk for 45 minutes either in a park, at the beach, in your neighborhood or on a treadmill. You pick the place, and do it five times a week.

So, I hope that this low-calorie diet plan is the answer to your question, is it possible to lose 20 pounds in two months, because as you can see the calorie intake is far lesser and more controlled here. Do not over indulge in any of these food items and do not eat anything between the said times. If you practice this religiously you are bound to see results.

 

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By Naomi Sarah
Last Updated: 10/7/2011
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-lose-20pounds-in-2months.html

How to Lose Weight When You Have a Sedentary Job

Long hours in office doing a sedentary job means a good pay check and a good lifestyle... and increase in unwanted weight! Before you realize it, you may get tagged as a couch potato. Fear not, for here are some easy tips to lose weight while you work.

We have seen a drastic change in the way we work during the last three decades. The nature of work in offices has changed from manual and skilled jobs to sedentary jobs that require one to sit at their workstations for approximately 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. It involves very little movement within the work premises as work needs to be done in computerized offices where even the slightest communication with colleagues and friends can be made over email or an in-house chatting system. Before you realize it, your body starts showing off flab in the most undesirable areas of your body. Common health problems such as cardiovascular diseases are the most logical outcomes of such a lifestyle. Here are tips to start moving and get into a good shape even as you continue with your sedentary job.

As You Wake Up...

• As you start your day, try to drink a glass of warm water with a teaspoon full of honey and lemon juice. Honey and lemon itself do not burn any fats, but this combination acts as energy boosters right in the morning.
• I suggest that you should go in for some physical activity for a minimum of time of 30 to 40 minutes before you head out for work. You may choose vigorous exercises like a swimming, a game of squash or tennis. If however, you wish to opt for lighter activities, then go in for brisk walk of minimum 3 km on a flat road surface or walk uphill for the prescribed number of minutes. Alternately, you may try options such as biking on flat or uphill paths, a workout at a gym, a power yoga session or an aerobic class.
• Never skip your breakfast as it is a booster of energy that you need to pull through the day. Remember the age-old proverb.. 'Breakfast like a King, Lunch like a Prince and Dinner like a Pauper'. Skipping breakfast only makes you more hungry at the mid of the day when you suddenly start getting food cravings for lack of sufficient energy. Take a healthy breakfast of milk and cereals, eggs, fruits and juices. Let your breakfast be the largest meal of your day.

Going to Work

• If your office is in close vicinity, then there is nothing wrong in walking your way up to your workplace. For an office which is easily commutable, there is nothing shameful in using your bike instead of your car as a mode of transport.
• Once you reach your office, you might get tempted to use the elevators to reach your office floor. As far as possible, avoid using these modern means. If your workstation is located on higher floors then you might alight from the elevator at least 5 to 6 floors prior to your floor and walk up rest of the floors. Use the common stairwell from your office premises to access your own workstation.
• During work, you might be tempted to talk with your colleagues and friends. Avoid using emails, in-house chatting facility and smses as a means for communicating with your colleagues. Instead get up and walk to you colleague's workstation.
• You may perform some physical exercises while sitting at your workstation too. e.g., exercises of legs and thighs.
• For health reasons, it is necessary to consume small portions of meals throughout the day instead of a single large meal. These meals may be carried along by you to your office. Some popular meals for consuming in office include:

1. A fruit dish with assorted fruits and with no artificial flavoring
2. A salad dish with mixed vegetable of your choice
3. A glass of fresh fruit juice or coconut water
4. A box of trail meal
5. A sprouted meal with seasoning of lemon juice and herbs.
6. A small box of 100 gm roasted brown chickpeas.

• All these foods should be consumed in small bowl portions only. Make sure to drink plenty of water along with each meal. Avoid consuming sugary foods, fried food and over spicy foods like pickles.
• Consume your midday lunches at fixed time as it boosts your metabolism and improves your digestion process. I stress on consuming a square meal inclusive of sufficient quantity of proteins, carbohydrates, fiber and little of fats. But remember, that your midday meal should be smaller than your breakfast.
• Post lunch, it is suggested that you engage in some physical activity like a light workout in the gym, a brisk walk around your office for 10 to 15 minutes or you might just walk up and down the staircase a couple of times. Remember, do not head for your workstation immediately after your meal.
• If you need to talk on the phone for long hours during your work, then avoid sitting in one place. Instead you may pace the office floor while talking on the phone.

Going Back Home

• Just as the day had started, you can either walk your way back home or ride your bike. Use some time to shop for your groceries and vegetables at this time. Remember, even a simple activity of pushing a shopping cart down the supermarket aisle helps you burn calories.
• Finally, end the day with the smallest meal of the day... your dinner.

You need to create a mental state to adhere to all the rules of physical activity and perfect diet that you set for yourself. Your mind may always tell you to go on with your diet and activity plan, but times may come when your body might feel lazy and tempted to back out. You need to exercise some self-control in this case. And yes, there is nothing wrong in treating yourself to some sweets when you have some cravings. Losing weight during sedentary job never sounded this easy right?

 

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By Anuja Marathe Kanhere
Last Updated: 12/22/2011
Read more at Buzzle: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-when-you-have-a-sedentary-job.html