According to the
2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SADHS), almost 70% of SA women are either overweight or obese. Not only is this the highest rate of all women in Africa but has also grown alarmingly over the last 15 years.
With obesity comes all sort of health problems such as insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and the risk of a stroke. Making you all the more vulnerable to opportunistic viral and bacterial infections going really bad…
Excess sugar as well as highly processed and junk foods are the key drivers behind weight gain. Be aware that sugars lurk in everything - not just sweets, cakes, snack foods, and fizzy drinks - but also in ‘so-called’ healthy foods like low-fat yoghurt, as well as fruit.
Many junk and processed foods not only include high levels of sugar, but also lack nutrients (like margarine, white flour and rice) and are often prepared using unhealthy hydrogenated vegetable oils (like fast foods).
Best to ditch everything sweet, highly refined and processed, and stick with a diet of real food – good proteins like lean meat, fish, chicken, turkey and eggs; fresh vegetables; healthy fats from full-fat dairy, avocados, nuts and olive oil; whole grains; and berries if you like fruit.
If you are unsure as how to structure your diet,
the evidence supporting the weight loss and health benefits of low carb diets – like LCHF,
ketogenic, paleo and Atkins – is not only compelling, but also very convincing. Or follow these
simple guidelines to help you shed those kilos…
How Essential Oils Can Help You Lose Weight
No kidding. But it goes without saying that if you are not following a healthy diet and getting enough exercise, no essential oil in the world will help you lose weight. But they can certainly help you along by reducing cravings, burning fat and increasing your energy. Evidence suggests that the best oils to help you shed those unwanted pounds include
lemon,
grapefruit,
holy basil,
cinnamon,
ginger,
peppermint and
lavender.
Promote weight loss: Combine 2 drops each of grapefruit (or lemon), ginger and cinnamon oil in a tall glass of warm water and take three times daily to boost your metabolism.
Note: As essential oils are exceptionally powerful, if you plan to take them orally, please
only use high quality food grade essential oils under the guidance of an accredited aromatherapist.
Reduce sugar cravings: Adding 5 drops of
cinnamon oil to a
diffuser will help regulate your blood sugar and reduce the munchies.
Curb hunger pangs: Take a whiff of
peppermint oil straight out of the bottle every 2 hours to lower your appetite.
Burn fat: Soak in a warm water bath with 2 to 3 drops of
cinnamon oil to help speed up fat loss.
Read More. All You Need to Know About Losing That Belly Fat – Forever