|  | Diet Nutrition | Weight Loss

Spices & Herbs Weight Loss

Spices and herbs have always added flavor and aroma to all foods, particularly those of the lower salt variety. There are also health, diet and medicinal benefits, including weight loss, that come from using certain spices and herbs. Spices and herbs incorporated into meals can help to establish and maintain a healthier lifestyle that naturally encourages weight loss.

  1. Reducing Stress

    • Stress is usually a factor for anyone on a weight loss program. As the body becomes overweight, life stress can take its toll and adjusting to a new healthier eating regimen can add to the challenge. St. John's Wort can enhance the nervous system so that it is easier to resist temptation and better manage the stressful situations which often cause overeating. Valerian Root is another option that is known to help relax the nervous system.

    Enhancing Meals and Weight Loss

    • Substituting herbs and spices for high sodium salt is a habit worth developing not only for the health benefits, but the satisfying flavors as well.

      To feel fuller on less calories, try one half to one teaspoon of Psyllium seed a half hour before lunch and dinner. The fiber also can reduce cholesterol levels. Taking one teaspoon of flaxseed in eight ounces of cold water before meals can also be effective for the same purpose. Herbs that have thermogenic qualities such as ginger and cayenne can serve as both flavor enhancers for food, as well as metabolic stabilizers.

    Energy Enhancement

    • Physical exhaustion can make it easier to substitute unhealthy foods for more suitable choices, as well as make it more difficult to confront exercising. It is much easier to become motivated to exercise when energy levels are increased. Cordyceps is an ancient Chinese remedy known to enhance stamina. By taking a 250 milligram capsule a half hour before exercise, workout sessions can be easier to maintain with better endurance. A teaspoon of Siberian ginseng taken a half hour before exercise is also known to increase stamina and make it easier to manage energy levels effectively for better workouts.

Weight Loss - Related Articles