Lose Weight Easily Using These 5 Medicinal Plants

Trying to lose weight? Try adding these 5 medicinal plants to your diet!

Weight loss has become a necessity for overweight and obese patients. This is not only for aesthetic reasons but also this allows people to improve their physical and mental well-being.

Although it’s not a simple task, nor something that is achieved overnight, taking up the challenge can improve your quality of life and prevent diseases.

While it’s difficult to change your habits at the beginning, especially in terms of food, over time healthy practices become a way of life.

In addition, because of their properties, there are some naturally occurring remedies that can help improve the results of your diet when consumed as a supplement.

Among these are a variety of plants that, prepared as a tea, accelerate the metabolism to burn fat and calories more easily.

In this article, we want to reveal in detail the 5 best plants so you don’t hesitate to add them to your weight loss plan.

1. Celery

Celery is a plant with diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and digestive properties that, together, support weight loss.

This helps to remove the liquids that are retained in body tissues as well as waste that affects metabolic activity.

Best of all is that its caloric intake is minimal and it’s ideal for prolonging the sensation of satiety.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of celery leaves (10 g)

Method

• Boil the cup of water, add the celery leaves and let the mixture stand.

How to consume it

• Drink a cup of this tea on an empty stomach and consume it 2 or 3 times a day.
• Consume it at least 3 times a week.

2. Green tea

When it comes to losing some pounds and removing waste products from our body green tea is one of the best plants that can be used.

It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances that support the processes that convert fat into energy.

Its properties reduce fluid retention and improve bowel activity to prevent problems such as constipation.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of green tea (5 g)
• 1 cup of  water (250 ml)

Method

• Add a teaspoon of green tea in a cup of boiling water and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes.

How to consume it

• Drink a cup of green tea on an empty stomach, at least 3 times a week.

3. Artichokes

Artichokes are an excellent supplement for people who are trying to lose weight quickly and safely.

They’re very low in calories and have potent diuretic and depurative propertiesthat help eliminate waste from the body.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 3 dried artichoke leaves

Method

• Bring a cup of water to the boil and, when it does, add the artichoke leaves.
• Leave it on low heat for a couple of minutes and then wait for the concoction to sit for 10 to 15 minutes.

How to consume it

• Drink this tea before each main meal.
• Consume it 2 or 3 times a week.

4. Horsetail

The diuretic and depurative properties of the horse’s tail are useful for removing toxins that are trapped in the blood and that, in some way, make it difficult to lose weight.

A tea made with this ingredient is low in calories and contains vitamins and minerals that are beneficial for heart and kidney health.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of horsetail (10 g)

Method

• Boil the cup of water and add the horsetail.
• Wait for 15 minutes and filter the tea with a strainer.

How to consume it

• Drink the tea on an empty stomach and before lunch.
• Consume it for 2 weeks in a row, stop drinking it for another 2 weeks and start again.

5. Fennel

Fennel has diuretic compounds that help combat fluid retention and inflammation, common in overweight people.

Moreover, its digestive properties help to eliminate waste retained in the colon and reduce swelling in the belly.

In turn, it’s ideal for controlling food cravings and slow metabolism.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of fennel (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

Method

• Add the fennel to a cup of boiling water and let it stand.

How to consume it

• Drink the tea in the middle of the morning and in the afternoon.
• Consume it every day for 2 weeks.

Do you want to lose pounds and reduce your body measurements? Choose any of the above plants in the form of a tea to take advantage of their properties.

Keep in mind that these teas don’t have miraculous effects and work according to your eating habits and exercise.

Tiger's Milk

I just had to share this! Wow what an amazing burger at Tigers Milk at the Village Square in Durbanville.

Be warned though the place is always packed and very loud but the food is amazing!

Get Rid of Bloating Naturally with These 5 Smoothies

These smoothies will help eliminate the toxins that are making you feel bloated, reduce inflammation in your middle, and improve your digestion.

If you want a slim, flat belly, and want to get rid of bloating, you’ll have to live a healthy lifestyle that includes both good eating habits and regular exercise.

There are many ways to keep fat from building up, but keep in mind that other factors can make you look bloated, too.

Eating inflammatory foods, hormonal changes, and fluid retention are just a small sample of all the causes of abdominal bloating. That’s why you may not be getting down to the measurements you want in your waist, even if you’re watching your calories.

Therefore it’s a good idea to add anti-inflammatory foods and drinks to your dietin order to help you look your best.

In this article, we’d like to share with you 5 natural smoothie recipes that will help you get rid of bloating with regular consumption.

Try them out!

1. Carrot, celery, and alfalfa smoothie

This low-calorie smoothie comes from a combination of ingredients rich in fiber, antioxidants, and other nutrients that stimulate the detoxification of your body and thus help get rid of abdominal bloating.

Regular consumption supports good digestion and keeps gases from building up in your intestines.

Ingredients

• 3 carrots
• 1 celery stalk
• A handful of alfalfa
• 1 clove of garlic, raw
• 1/2 cup of water (100 ml)

Preparation

• Put the carrots through a juicer and then add the juice along with the other ingredients, previously washed, to a blender.
• Process for a few minutes or until well-mixed.

How to consume

• Drink the smoothie when you wake up, on an empty stomach, and wait at least 30 minutes before eating breakfast.

2. Apple, fennel, and linseed smoothie

This smoothie stands out for its significant fiber content and anti-inflammatory compounds. Once assimilated, they help purify your colon in order to control abdominal bloating.

Its mild laxative effect encourages the elimination of waste while at the same time regulating your digestion in the case of constipation.

Ingredients

• 2 apples
• 1 cup of fennel tea (200 ml)
• 1 tablespoon of linseed (10 g)

Preparation

• Chop the apples in pieces and then blend in a blender with the fennel tea and linseed.
• Once well-mixed, serve without straining.

How to consume

• Drink the smoothie around mid-morning or alternatively after overly indulgent meals.

3. Papaya, mango, and flax seed smoothie

The ingredients we bring together in this nutritious smoothie have the ability to help get your digestion back to normal, which will prevent bloating and pain.

The natural enzymes in it, along with the fiber and antioxidants, help break down waste that accumulates in your intestines. Once eliminated, they then get rid of bloating.

Ingredients

• 2 slices of papaya
• 1 ripe mango
• A tablespoon of flax seed
• 1 cup of water (200 ml)

Preparation

• Add the papaya to the blender. After peeling and cutting the mango, combine all ingredients and blend on high speed.
• Once lump-free, serve without straining.

How to consume

• Consume the smoothie on an empty stomach, without other food, at least three times a week.

4. Aloe vera, apple, and lemon smoothie

This homemade smoothie is ideal for reducing inflammation in your middle, as it helps remove waste from your colon while feeding the healthy microbial flora of your intestines.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of aloe vera gel (60 ml)
• 1 green apple
• The juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon of liquid chlorophyll (10 ml)
• A cup of water (200 ml)

Preparation

• Add all ingredients to the blender and process until well-mixed and smooth.

How to consume

• Have the smoothie in the morning at least 30 minutes before breakfast.
• Repeat at least 3 times a week.

5. Pineapple, strawberry, and cucumber smoothie

The diuretic and detoxifying powers of this natural smoothie will help cleanse your body to regulate its inflammatory processes.

The fiber content and antioxidants in it support good digestion and help keep your belly nice and flat.

Ingredients

• 3 slices of pineapple
• 4 strawberry
• 1/2 cucumber
• 1 cup of water (200 ml)

Preparation

• Add all of the ingredients to the blender and process with the cup of water.
• Serve immediately, without straining.

How to consume

• Drink the smoothie on an empty stomach, without other food, 3 times a week.

Is your belly looking swollen and bigger than usual? Makes yourself one of these smoothies and see for yourself how wonderful they are for your body!

9 Fat Burning Foods You Should Eat Often

9 Fat BurninDo you want to lose weight by making use of food’s nutritional benefits? 

Are you tired of trying super-restrictive diets that leave you hungry?

You should know that nature offers you a wide variety of fat burning foods that help with the weight loss process.

The best part is that you can choose the ones you like best. And, you can cook them in different ways.

If you want to reduce the amount of body fat, the best thing to do is choose a menu that is diverse and rich in fat-burning foods.

Remember, you shouldn’t ever abuse food. And, it’s always good to get advice from a doctor or nutritionist. If you have any illness, it’s a good idea to get advice from both of these specialists.

1. Eggs

The first of the fat-burning foods are eggs. You may think that they are a bad choice because of their yolks.

However, eggs are one of the most important protein sources. This is because of both the benefits it brings and its low cost.

It is a good idea to replace high-calorie breakfasts with eggs. And, they can be served several different ways.

• The best recipes include vegetables and a minimal amount of fat.
• Remember, you should not eat more than two eggs per day.
• If you want to stay away from all fats, you can eat just the whites. But, it’s not necessary.

2. Celery

Celery reduces body fat and gives you a high content of water and fiber. These encourage rapid food digestion.

• You can add it to fruit smoothies that are rich in vitamin C, soups and salads. Doing this lets you take better advantage of its cleansing and natural laxative properties.

This is one of the best fat-burning foods. Your body needs more calories to process it than it gives you.

Because of its benefits, we recommend always having some celery stalks at home. This is one of the easiest vegetables to grow. So, you can save a lot if you decide to have a small garden in your yard.

3. Spicy foods

Maybe you haven’t heard about the great fat-burning benefits that chilies and spicy peppers have.

• You should know that these foods are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. The Capsaicin that peppers have help to reduce the fat your body has stored.

You don’t need to eat foods that are too spicy. Add a chili or a spicy pepper to your recipes to enjoy the benefits without the strong kick.

4. Green tea

Green Tea is the most recommended fat-burning food. Ideally, you should drink 3 to 4 cups a day.

Its antioxidant characteristics help to purify your body. It also speeds up your metabolism.

If the tea is too bitter for your taste, use it as a base for your smoothies.

5. Yogurt

This food has been known for centuries. They say that the Greeks kept their bodies thin by eating this great fat-burner.

But, this doesn’t work for everyone. To really lose weight, you need to choose low-fat, natural yogurt. And, it needs to be sugar and conservative free.

Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Many commercial brands add these two elements. As a result, you need to read the labels.

• If you don’t like the taste of natural yogurt, you can add a piece of natural fruit or a teaspoon of honey.

6. Fish

This is another one of the best foods for burning body fat. The best options are:

• Tuna
• Salmon
• Trout
• Anchovy
• Sardine

These kinds of fish speed up your metabolism. And, they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. And, these are substances that fight the accumulation of fat in your veins and arteries.

7. Soy milk

The proteins in soy milk make it one of the best fat burners. Also, it makes you feel satisfied after drinking it. And, it gives you calcium and vitamins.

Soy milk has the benefit of being easy to mix with other things, so you can:

• Blend it with a fruit to give it flavor.
• Use it as a base for your smoothies.
• Use it with whole grains such as oats.

8. Whole grains

What kind of cereals do you add to your daily diet? Most people opt for refined cereals like white rice or plain pasta.

It’s always better to use healthier options like:

• Wild or whole rice
• Corn
• Whole wheat
• Oats

You should eat them as whole as possible because your body will use twice as much energy to digest them. This causes your body to keep burning fat.

You shouldn’t eat the refined versions of grains. And, you especially shouldn’t eat any of the ones that have a sweetener. This is because they are not good as fat-burning foods.

9. Fruits

Fruits are fat-burning foods that are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. They are an essential food in every diet. This is especially true because most of them contain large amounts of water.

While many of them can help you lose body fat, the best ones are:

• Cantaloupe
• Watermelon
• Citrus fruits (grapefruit, orange, lemon)
• Papaya
• Apples
• Grapes

Something to be careful about is the amount you eat. You won’t lose weight by eating too much fruit. You might compromise your blood sugar levels if you eat too much.

To avoid this, never eat more than one serving of fruit per meal.

Healthy Dinner Recipes Under 300 Calories

On the off chance that you need to have a light and low-calorie supper, you don't have to constrain yourself to a straightforward plate of mixed greens. You simply need to join the correct fixings. Look at these three solid supper plans under 300 calories!

Eating a sound and low-calorie supper is a technique that everybody can use to keep up or arrive at a solid weight. While some accept that not having supper "spares calories," it's best not to skirt this feast. Would you like to figure out how to plan solid supper plans? 

Here are three choices under 300 calories.

Why is it important to eat dinner?

Contrary to what many people believe, skipping dinner is not a healthy way to lose weight. In fact, according to data from research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, no evidence eating dinner leads to obesity.

Nevertheless, the study also confirms that consuming high-calorie foods before going to bed can lead to the accumulation of fat. Over time, this can result in excess weight and obesity. Therefore, it’s very important to learn to eat healthy, light dinners that aren’t high in calories.

When you eat a light dinner, your body receives the nutrition it needs to fulfill its duties at rest. Also, it helps you have better appetite control and avoid binge eating the next day.

Low-calorie, healthy dinner recipes

To continue enjoying the benefits of a healthy dinner, here are three healthy dinner recipes under 300 calories. The combinations of flavorful ingredients allow you to enjoy very delicious meals without the fear of gaining weight!

1. Tuna Stuffed Peppers

The bell pepper is a vegetable that stands out thanks to a significant concentration of antioxidants.

For this recipe, you can stuff the pepper with tuna fish for a healthy meal that’s rich in protein and omega 3. Best of all, it only contains about 253 calories per serving.

Ingredients

• Red bell pepper (5 oz/149 g).
• Canned tuna in water (3 oz/85 g).
• Onion (35 oz/100 g).
• Salt and pepper to taste.
• Light mozzarella cheese (0.5 oz/20 g).

Directions

• To start, wash the red pepper well and preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
• Once the oven is hot, put the bell pepper on a baking sheet and let it cook for about 45 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare the rest of the ingredients. Start by chopping the onion into small pieces and mix it with the tuna. Then, and a little salt and pepper to taste.
• When the bell pepper is ready, let it cool slightly then remove the blackened skin.
• Now, open the pepper at the top, remove the seeds from inside, and fill it with the tuna and onion mixture.
• Finally, sprinkle a little mozzarella cheese on top and put it back in the oven for 2 or 3 minutes.

2. Vegetable Parmesan Pasta

Who says you can’t eat pasta at dinner time?

The most important thing is to combine it with low-calorie ingredients so you don’t exceed your recommended daily calorie count. If you love pasta, you’ll have to try this delicious recipe. Plus, each serving only has 281 calories.

Ingredients

• Pasta (5 oz/150 g).
• 4 tablespoons of olive oil (2 fl oz/60 ml).
• Salt (to taste).
• Asparagus (3.5 oz/100 g).
• Tomatoes (0.5 oz/20 g)
• One garlic clove.
• 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar (1 fl oz/30 ml).
• Parmesan cheese (0.5 oz/20 g).

Directions

• First, cook the pasta in boiling water with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil and salt.
• Once ready, drain it and set it aside.
• In a saucepan, heat the rest of the olive oil and cook the asparagus until tender.
• In the same pan, add the chopped tomato, a crushed garlic clove, and a little white wine vinegar.
• When everything is ready, mix in the pasta and sauté for two minutes.
• Finally, serve the dish with some grated Parmesan cheese on top.

3. Chicken and Vegetable Wrap: A Healthy Dinner Recipe

A chicken and vegetable wrap is one of the best healthy dinner recipes since they only contain approximately 243 calories each.

Also, this meal contains protein, vitamins, minerals, and other important nutrients that promote well-being and overall health.

Ingredients

• Corn tortilla (1 oz/29 g).
• Chicken (1.75 oz/50 g)
• Onion (1.75 oz/50 g).
• Green bell pepper (3.5 oz/100 g).
• Red bell pepper (3.5 oz/100 g).

Directions

• First, julienne (cut into long strips) both the bell peppers and the onion.
• Next, heat a little olive oil in a pan and fry the vegetables. Sauté everything for 5 minutes.
• Meanwhile, cut the chicken into strips and then add to the pan with the rest of the vegetables.
• Saute for 5 more minutes, or until everything is cooked how you like.
• Now, add salt and pepper to taste and remove from heat.
• Finally, heat the corn tortilla in a clean pan.
• When the tortilla is ready (about 1 or 2 minutes later), place the vegetables and chicken in the center.
• Roll up your wrap and enjoy!

Are you one to skip dinner for fear of getting fat? As you can see, with these low-calorie, healthy dinner recipes, you can enjoy this meal guilt-free.

Keep trying out these healthy dinner recipes at home!

Easy-to-Make Natural Homemade Yogurt

Making your own yogurt at home is the healthiest way to do it without worrying about harmful additives. Learn how in this article!

If there’s one thing that your intestinal flora loves, it’s yogurt. That smooth, fresh texture that tastes great also gives your body all kinds of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.

But why should you settle for buying it at the store when you can make your own natural homemade yogurt?

They say if you want things done right, you have to do it yourself. Do you want homemade, low-cost, and easy-to-make yogurt? Make it yourself!

Yogurt is nothing more than fermented milk. In other words, it’s made of millions of bacteria that get turned into lactic acid.

If you prepare it at home, you get to control what goes into it, especially sugar and preservatives. The idea is for it to be good for you and for you to have the peace of mind that you’re not consuming additives.

Commercial options fill it with artificial colors and flavors to attract us, but how real is it?

There’s nothing like mixing that creaminess with fruit and watching the colors mix.

But don’t worry! If you’re not exactly a chef, it’s OK. We have a super simple recipe for you.

It’s three easy steps: throw it in, mix it, and wait. It practically makes itself!

Ingredients

• 2 liters of whole milk (approximately 2 quarts)
• 1/2 cup of natural sugar-free yogurt (100 g)
• 1 tablespoon of sugar (10 g)

Preparation

• Pour the milk into a pot and heat. Don’t let it boil, as that will change the flavor of the yogurt. Keep it at 200 degrees for 10 minutes to pasteurize it.
• Just before it reaches boiling, remove from heat and let it chill. Use a thermometer to check that it is at about 100 degrees. If you don’t have a thermometer, stick your pinky finger into the milk. If you can count to 20 seconds without burning yourself, it’s there!
• Add the sugar and stir.
• Next, add the yogurt and beat well until everything is completely incorporated.
• Pour into a mold and cover with aluminum foil, then wrap it all up in a kitchen towel.
• Let the mold sit, covered, for 4 hours for it to ferment.
• Uncover and drain the liquid, and then beat the mixture with a spoon.
• Finally, transfer it to a container with a lid and let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
• When you wake up, your yogurt will be ready!

Keep in mind:

• The yogurt and milk should be fresh.
• When you add the yogurt, the milk shouldn’t be cold, because the bacteria need heat, but it also shouldn’t be too hot because that will kill them.
• Don’t interrupt the process for any reason once it’s covered.

The benefits of natural homemade yogurt

• Natural homemade yogurt contains nutrients such as potassium, vitamin A, phosphorus, and calcium.
• It provides high levels of protein and probiotics.
• In addition, it doesn’t contain additives, conservatives or artificial flavorings.
• Because it is a great source of calcium, it prevents osteoporosis.
• It improves your digestion and speeds up your metabolism.
• Natural yougurt strengthens your immune system.
• It cleans your intestinal flora and lets it absorb nutrients better.
• Plus, it even prevents anemia.
• It reduces cholesterol in your blood, thus lowering your risk of cardiovascular problems.
• Because it goes through the fermentation process, the milk is also fermented, and so it is good for lactose-intolerant people.
• It helps with gastritis and constipation.
• It prevents diarrhea, gas, and stomach cramps.
• Natural homemade yogurt is good for your skin, helping get rid of toxins and is even good as a face mask: it nourishes, repairs, and disinfects your skin.

There’s more!

• The probiotics balance your lymphocytes and keeps your intestines balanced, too. This is in addition to regulating your production of cytokines, in charge of controlling your cell function. This helps with allergies, especially in the summer.
• It helps you lose weight.
• Vaginal infections? Thanks to the lactobacillus produced by the fermentation of the yogurt, it keeps bacteria from multiplying in the case of a fungal infection.
• Yogurt is great after exercising, since the high amounts of protein and carbohydrates in it help repair your muscles and liberate the accumulated energy.
• Smile! The lactic acid is in charge of keeping your gums healthy. Since it’s natural yogurt, you don’t have to worry about cavities.

Do you need more reasons to make your own yogurt? Try it today!