Watch your Winter weight without trying!

1. THE SECRET OF SPICES

Nature has held the key for years! Because most doctors are not trained in natural remedies, many may not know about nature's answer to healthy weightloss and improved metabolism! Here are the best fat busting spices to add to your winter stews and soups:

Cinnamon: A 2003 study showed that as little as one teaspoon of cinnamon per day can boost the body's weight-loss ability by healthier processing of carbohydrates!

Cayenne: capsaicin has long been studied for its fat-burning abilities and thermogenic properties (the stimulating of the central nervous system to produce heat in the body, leading to an increase in calorie burning.)

Black Pepper: its main component-piperine (which gives pepper its pungent taste)-boosts fat metabolism by as much as 8% for several hours after ingesting it!

Mustard Seed: Scientists at England's Oxford Polytechnic Institute recently found that eating just one teaspoon of hot mustard can boost metabolism 20 to 25% for several hours after eating, resulting in an additional burn of about 45 calories if a 700-calorie meal is consumed. Tumeric: One of its chief components is a substance called curcumin, which may turn out to be a potent fat fighter. A recent study from Tufts University in Boston found that mice fed a high-fat diet with small amounts of curcumin gained less weight and body fat than other mice given meals that were similar, but curcumin-free. Researchers think the ingredient suppresses the growth of fat tissue!

2. SWAP IT OUT

Just one substitution can make a difference – instead of white rice during the winter months, try brown rice. White rice is made of the starchy 'sweet' center of the plant, while brown rice includes the husk. Because of the fiber in the husk, brown rice actually keeps you feeling full longer. This means brown rice helps you to lose weight and curbs sugar craving. Jacket potatoes are another great alternative to white rice. Make sure the potato is the size of your inner fist when clenched and no bigger.

3. TEMPERATURE TRICK!

When the body regulates temperature it uses energy to do so and therefore burns calories! We're not suggesting that you go sleeveless in winter, but if you can manage it try this shower trick: Just before getting out of the shower, turn it to cold, then back to the hotter temperature. This is great for circulation too! This is why getting hot during exercise and cooling down properly also adds to the calorie burning success of exercise!

4. A LITTLE GOES A LOOOOONG WAY!

Instead of hot chocolate every night during winter, try a smaller natural sweet 'treat'. By cutting out a daily portion of sugar (there's loads of sugar in hot chocolate) one can drop a stubborn kilo or two in 2-3 weeks! If you have to have something sweet, buy a nougat bar and cut it into small portions and freeze them (great way to make them last longer!). A natural sweet substitute may be: Frozen grapes in the freezer (great to suck on!). You could also make 'healthy' desserts at night: apple slices, raisins and cinnamon heated then add honey, some unsalted cashews or one teeny scoop of low fat ice-cream. Never underestimate the deliciousness of a baked apple with cinnamon and cloves! If you're looking for a hot drink, why not try herbal teas with cinnamon and honey?

5. STAY IN

Eating at home (instead of at a restaurant) can literally help you drop the extra weight in the winter months! Studies have shown that those who dine out during winter months tend to be less healthy with their choices and indulge in 'extras' such as alcohol and desserts. Staying in also means that you are more likely to shop for the food, prepare the food and serve the food (all of which mean that you are burning more calories!). So, shop for those delicious soup ingredients and hunker down for the winter… then emerge slim for summer!

Hidden weapon to weight loss – natural herbs!

1. Due to the number of external pollutants that can trigger metabolism imbalance, we would always suggest a natural Detox before any eating plan is started to give the body the best chance at supporting weight loss!
2. Using natural, safe and tested ingredients – support the body using natural metabolism boosting herbs.
3. Combine sensible choices and reduced portions with adequate, moderate exercise for the best chance of successful weight loss.