Once you decide on an eating and exercise plan, there are extra measures you can take to boost your weight loss efforts. Herbs and supplements are dietary aids that can help turn fat into muscle, reduce appetite, tone up, block fat absorption and boost energy and endurance levels.

    Herbs keep the flab away by boosting your metabolism and resting thermogenesis (your metabolism when you are sitting still). Medical herbalist Dominique Finney says the best time lose weight is when you’re resting. “The most effective weight loss programs incorporate herbal medicines with exercise. The aim is to keep your energy boosted all day and night, even when you are sleeping.”

    “Herbal medicines can also assist with detoxification of the liver, digestive tract and blood stream. We all carry from three to ten kilos of excess putrid matter in our digestive tract and the herbs help eliminate this excess.”

     With the current offerings in the ever-increasing market place, even the most health conscious can be left feeling confused. So let’s take a closer look at which supplements do what.

Magnesium

Magnesium is known as the anti-stress mineral. Given that stress is a contributing factor to weight gain, it makes sense to dose up. If you are overweight and lack magnesium you could be missing a link to increasing your metabolism. Research shows a rise in resting metabolism in obese people when they take extra magnesium.

Chromium picolinate

Sweet tooths should give chromium picolinate a go, as it not only works as an appetite suppressant, but helps cure cravings. Naturopath Aimee Robbins says increased chromium levels help muscle cells and the liver store more glucose, boost energy levels and reduce body fat. “High glucose storage in the liver also reduces hunger pains and the desire for food.”

Chitosan

Chitosan is a fat inhibitor, which appears to work miracles for those in search of a safe way to lose body fat. This dietary fibre works by absorbing up to ten times its weight in fat and oils, carrying them out of the body before they have a chance to reach the stomach and be metabolised.

HCA

Hydroxy citric acid is used in Indian and Thai food as a condiment. It serves as an appetite suppressant and stops carbohydrates being turned to fat in the liver. Animal studies show HCA could reduce fat production from 40 to 70% for up to 12 hours after eating.

Carb blockers

The critical ingredient of carb blockers comes from the white kidney bean. The extract interferes with an enzyme in the body called alpha-amylase, which is responsible for breaking down carbohydrates. The carbs are excreted form the body before they enter the bloodstream and turn to fat.

    Finney however, prefers her clients to eat a good ratio of carbs and protein, rather than rely on carb blockers. “Carb blockers can be effective when we know we’ll be eating a lot of carbs. They will help you lose weight quickly, but are not ideal for long-term use, as the weight loss is unsustainable.”

Dandelion

This is a gentle herb that cleanses both the liver and kidneys, while removing excess fluids. It’s particularly helpful for those on a low carb diet where it’s important to keep the eliminative organs well flushed. A study on mice saw them lose 30% of their body weight when fed dandelion over a 30-day period.

Gugglesterones

Guggle has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including obesity. It is known for increasing the thyroid gland’s actions to boost metabolism and is stimulant free. Studies have shown it drastically reduces cholesterol and can help reduce body fat levels.

Guarana

Guarana is one of the richest sources of caffeine (it has three times as much as coffee), which is why it impairs the appetite. Because of its stimulating effect on the body it helps burn fat while also providing tonic and diuretic actions. It will also give you an energy boost, taking the effort out of exercise.

Brindleberry

Brindleberry has been used in Thai and Indian cuisine for years and is probably the best herb to suppress your appetite and keep it suppressed between meals. Robbins says it blocks excess glucose being converted into fat. “It should be used with chromium to assist increased muscle and liver uptake of glucose.”

Black Walnut

Black walnut’s fame in folk medicine is due to its cleansing properties. It helps add extra motion to the large intestine and eliminate build-ups in the bowel pockets as well as helping eradicate parasites. Herbalists classify it as an astringent because it is rich in tannin, which helps tone the body.

Amino Acids

Body builders have been using amino acids for many years to sculpt and tone body mass. Amino acids are particularly helpful for those who are doing a lot of exercise as they are the building blocks for protein, and are needed to build and repair muscle.

Of course the list doesn’t end there. Taking a green food such as spirulina, barley, or alfalfa daily will help reduce appetite. If the thyroid is slow in regulating metabolism then a supplement of kelp may be warranted.

    Herbs and supplements will help speed up weight loss, but diet is critical. Finney says the old saying that you need to burn more calories than you put in your mouth is a key to weight loss. “A good sustainable dietary and exercise regime help you lose weight and gain a feeling of wellness whilst dieting.”

 drink yourself slim

With only four calories per serving, teas are a must for not only boosting metabolism, but flushing the toxins from your body and staving off hunger. The caffeine increases body function to help burn more calories and the polyphenols aid the digestion of fat. 

Thousands of studies talk up the weight loss benefits of green tea, but oolong tea, brindleberry, dandelion, st.marys thistle, globa artichoke and guarana teas will also help shed the kilos.

Spice up your food

Forget flavouring your food with salt, try adding some herbs and spices. Research shows most herbs are rich in antioxidants, which support weight loss. Try allspice, basil, clove, coriander, dill, fennel leaves, mint, nutmeg, parsley, rosemary or sage. Cinnamon is another winner that enhances insulin activity.