Supplements to Support Weight Loss

By definition, a supplement is an ingredient added where there is a deficiency. In the case of dieting success, it is often a nutritional deficiency rather than abundance that deters weight loss. When added to a balanced diet and a consistent exercise schedule, a daily regimen of nutrient rich supplements can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

Coenzyme Q10

• Coenzyme Q10 is a strong antioxidant that, when supplemented to your daily diet, can drive metabolic function more efficiently. Your body naturally makes this enzyme, but with poor diet or through the aging process, the body's ability to maintain efficient levels decreases. Coenzyme Q10 can be an especially effective aid to weight loss if you are over the age of 30--the age at which most fitness experts agree bone density and muscle mass begins to decrease annually and fat cells in the body increase. Coenzyme Q10 helps to slow the rate of this natural deterioration that can lead to middle-age weight gain. The recommended daily dosage is 100 to 200mg depending on your needs.

Bee Pollen

• Bee pollen is considered a complete food by reputable nutritionists Tosca Reno and Robert Kennedy, author and publisher of the best-selling "Eat Clean Diet" and the popular fitness magazine "Oxygen." Bee pollen is full of antioxidants, proteins, vitamins and minerals essential for good health. For a dieter, bee pollen can be eaten by the spoonful to reduce cravings between meals, or added to food to help sustain feelings of fullness. It can be purchased at most health food stores and is sold in pill form or in a natural form, which requires refrigeration. One teaspoon per day can benefit a diet plan, but more can be consumed depending on your hunger pangs. Anyone with allergies to bees should avoid taking this supplement.

Hoodia Gordonii

• Hoodia is a fruit of the cactus plant and has been used for centuries to quench thirst and ward off hunger. It is a proven appetite suppressant. Because of the popularity of hoodia as a "diet miracle," there are plenty of cheap imitations on the market. Read the label before you purchase, and be sure you are choosing 100 percent pure hoodia and not a product diluted with other supplements. Recommended dosage is 400 to 700mg daily.

Creatine

• Creatine safely builds muscle mass in the body. Creatine is considered a successful supplement for weight loss because of its metabolic effects, which trigger a longer fat-burning process hours after eating or working out. It is proven to affect even "resting metabolism" which means it helps your body to burn fat when at rest or even sleeping. This is important for dieters as the more muscle mass present in the body, the harder your metabolism works to maintain energy and efficiency. Creatine is found naturally in fish, but those who are not fond of fish can opt for a supplement in pill form. The recommended dosage is 2 to 20g.