Hitting a plateau is a difficult barrier to weight, but imagine what it would be like, if you never even started losing pounds or inches in spite of numerous diets, exercise routines, and “lifestyle” changes.  Possibly, you’re dealing with hormone changes, shortages, influxes, or all of the aforementioned.  Hormones can really play a mean game on the weight loss process, but knowing what to change and what to have more of or less of, in regard to foods and drinks, can lessen the burden of guessing how to conquer those quarks that hormones play on your digestive system and fat storage functions.

Fishing for the solution

You can’t go wrong with the type of food that provides both protein and omega 3 fatty acids!  Protein is important for appetite control and metabolism because it decreases the need for insulin production by keeping blood glucose levels to a minimum.  It also sets off the production of other fat-burning hormones, like glucagon, if you increase the amount that you would normally take in.  Furthermore, a high-protein diet helps decrease your chances of developing Type 2 diabetes and helps to reduce the amount of LDL cholesterol in your blood system.  Both of these factors guarantee better condition for the heart and better odds of losing and keeping off unwanted pounds.

Additionally, the omega 3’s serve the purpose of decreasing inflammation and trigger the production of leptin, the appetite-suppressing hormone that also speeds up metabolism.  Both aspects of leptin’s function will assist effectively in weight loss.

Reaping the Fruits

Fruits, in moderation, are also helpful in striking up the body’s fat-burning process, especially those with high amounts of Vitamin C (not bad for the immune system either).  Oranges and grapefruit should not spike up your glucose levels if you choose not to them by themselves as a meal, but rather as a side or a “dessert.” Papaya and strawberries are other good options to try, especially if combined with other foods that also help to alter hormone levels.  Pineapple also assists with fat-burning due to its high Vitamin C content and bromelain, which aids the digestive process as well. Another bountiful source of Vitamin C is the tomato, which also contain lycopene. Lycopene is a vital antioxidant that promotes arterial health, prevents some forms of cancer, and protects cells from damage caused by free radicals and toxins.  Therefore, you’re improving your health by a mile if you increase your Vitamin C intake through fruits that provide many other benefits for prevention of illness.

Vegetables:  Don’t forget our daily servings!

You might have received conflicting advice as to how many servings of vegetables you should have each day, whether it be three or five, but the important factor to remember is that the fiber itself actually prevents calories from turning into fat.  The ratio is one gram of fiber to every six calories because of the increase of leptin production and the efficient regulation of insulin.Plus, some of the same high-fiber vegetables also contain a lot of Vitamin C.  Some of examples of these are kale, green and red bell peppers, and broccoli.  Nonetheless, this form of carbohydrate is best because fresh vegetables are not processed and contain no additives or preservatives that can also impede metabolism.  So whereas raw is the best form, you can still reap the same benefits from cooked vegetables, but remember to stay away from canned, and try not to resort to frozen unless, you really do not have time to chop.  The secret behind the fiber is that it takes more time and more effort on the part of the digestive system, which is why it’s an ideal part of your diet if you’re looking to increase the hormones that are helpful to weight loss.

Nuts and Legumes—So Many Advantages

Where to begin when it comes to the healthy qualities of nuts and some legumes?  For starters, they are packed with protein, and make a great substitute for seafood if you feel the need to switch up the menu a bit.  They also possess a respectable amount of fiber, another component of high metabolism and regulation of glucose.  Additionally, some nuts, like almonds and walnuts, are full of omega 3 essential fatty acids, which also help to initiate the release of Cholecystokinin, another important advantage to weight loss.

Getting “the Skinny” on Sources of Monounsaturated Fats

Aside from seafood and nuts, olives and avocados are tremendous source for monounsaturated fats, which are also good for the heart and arteries.  Most importantly, they enhance the release of adiponectin, which is necessary for muscle tissue to burn off carbohydrates for energy.  However, one thing to remember is not to go back to overindulging in too much carb because this hormone is most effective when you opt for sources of monounsaturated fats and omega 3 sources and add a little exercise to cut down cortisol levels instead.

Kick up fat-burning hormones with spices

Another good idea for boosting fat-burning hormones is to utilize spices and seasonings that trigger their release.  Moreover, you can create some excellent main dishes or spice up vegetables and fruits by adding any one of these spices:

  • Chile—ironically, combined with cold (atmospheric) temperatures, this spice revs up “brown fat” for increased metabolic activity, according to recent studies.
  • Cayenne pepper—possesses anti-inflammatory and fat-burning qualities and relieves digestive problems
  • Curry—helps with estrogen levels and maintaining low blood sugar
  • Fenugreek—can be sprinkled on foods; cleanses the liver
  • Cinnamon—great for teas and mixes well with warm milk as a sleep aid; controls insulin levels

Some contain capsaicin, which is the biochemical that gives the “hot” or spicy flavor.  Others, like curry, contain anti-inflammatory properties and alleviate digestive issues.  However, all of these spices serve well to help burning fat and releasing energy.

Belly-blasting Beverages

For the most part, you might hear more often about foods or even supplements that assist in dieting and losing weight, but how about beverages?  You are already gaining the advantage of staying well hydrated; so it makes sense to add a bit of flavor to your water that contains no sugar, is all natural, and support the liver and other organs in burning fat and ridding the body of toxins.  In this state of balance, fat-burning hormones can work more effectively.  Some ideas that are worth trying include the following:

  • Lemon juice mixed with water—when taken in the morning, this drink detoxifies and triggers hormone release
  • Apple cider vinegar mixed with water—contains acetic acid, which breaks down protein, and in turn, stimulates growth hormones that melt fat cells.
  • Mint tea—stimulates the gall bladder; the extra bile produced aids in the digestion of fat
  • Green tea—a study published in the Journal of Agricultural Food Chemistry shows that green tea could possibly block the development of new fat cells
  • Oolong tea—combines well with green tea to enhance the body’s fat-burning ability
  • Triphala with water—a mixture of Amalaki, Haritaki, and Bibhitaki, this powder is best taken at night and helps to maintain low glucose levels

If there one imperative conclusion that can be drawn here, it’s that balancing the daily menu is still possible because you are including many different food groups whose components have the ability to stimulate the production of hormones that will facilitate your weight loss and your well-being.