As summer approaches most of us think about losing weight. We fantasize about a washboard stomach, firm thighs, toned backside. We imagine the looks we receive on the beach. We seek the energy that come from having a fit and toned body. Losing weight makes us feel great.

And sure, whilst we are at our ideal weight we are motivated enough not to gorge on comfort foods. Who needs food comfort when you look like Brad Pit?

We are more refreshed when we wake up. We fit into the tight jeans from many years ago. Our heart skips a beat when we look in the mirror. Damn, we haven't felt this alive in YEARS.

But to get there, is it worth it ?

Hunger, calorie counting, sweat at the gym.

Research shows that most of us lose water instead of fat and end up reverting back to our old self after a few months.

Is there any easier way ?

The answer is YES.

Although exercise and calories are important to weight loss, nature has provided us with foods that literally melt the fat away from us.

*No need for hours at the gym
*No need to starve
*Save the money you spend on pills, shakes and magnets.
*And please don't go to the surgeon.

A trip to the supermarket, a recipe book and keeping an open mind will put you on a path to your dream body.

Welcome to nature's Fat Busters.

* Natural Fat buster 1 Cinnamon

This popular spice, once considered more precious than gold, has an ability to reduce blood sugar, and increase insulin levels. Cinnamon also reduces bad cholesterol (LDL), leaving the Good cholesterol (HDL) intact (1). It can be used in its powdered or stick form, added to food and drink or as a supplement. Why does increased insulin level help to lose weight ? because When we eat, our body converts carbohydrates into blood sugar (glucose), affecting how hungry and how energetic we feel. It also determines whether we burn fat or store it. Steady insulin flow means we crave less suger, store less fat and use more energy.

* Natural Fat buster 2 Garlic

From fending off vampires to treating tuberculosis, this venerable relative of the onion is one of an exclusive club to have been mentioned in the Old Testament. A study at the Weitzman Institute concluded that rats actually lost weight whilst eating garlic. Today it is being heralded as a "miracle drug" which can help in the treatment of various ailments such as high cholesterol, blood clots and bacteria. A note of caution - garlic may be toxic to cats and dogs.

* Natural Fat buster 3 Ginger

Ginger has been used for over 5000 years as medicine by Chinese and Indians Today it is reputed to help with a wide range of ailments ranging from heart attacks to arthritis and cancer. In 1992 Preliminary research reported in the International Journal of Obesity measured reactions in rats and found that the tissues used more energy, thereby increasing weight loss. (2)

* Natural Fat buster 4 Cayenne pepper and chili

Taiwanese researchers found that capsaicin, the active ingredient in Cayenne pepper and chili, destroyed new fat cells and prevented fat cell growth - at least in test tubes. It also inhibited genes involved in fat cell growth.In another study, Danish researchers reported that in a concentrated form, capsaicin promoted thermogenesis (the process by which the body generates heat, or energy, by increasing the metabolic rate above normal), reduced hunger, and triggered fat breakdown.

* Natural Fat buster 5 Green Tea

Green tea is one of four types of tea (white, green, black and oolong) that come from the plant Camellia sinensis. The beneficial effects of green tea are attributed to the polyphenols, particularly the catechins, which make up 30% of the dry weight of green tea leaves.There are numerous studies that prove the effect of green tea on metabolism and weight loss. In one of these the consumption of Green Tea increased metabolism by 4%, where's caffeine consumed to the same amount did not. In rats there was also a notable decrease in body fat and cholesterol (3).

* Natural Fat buster 6 Coconut milk

Coconut mil contains a substance called MCT which is proven to have beneficial effect on metabolism due to its direct digestive quality. MCT stands for Medium chain triglycerides, a sort of fatty acid whose length is ....well...medium. Long chain fatty acids belong to the milk of humans, dogs and guinea pigs. The short variety is of cow, sheep and goat. Studies show that it has a positive impact on metabolism (4). You can also receive MCT by adding Palm kernel oil into your cooking.

* Natural Fat buster 7 Water

Last but definitely not least, water naturally depresses the appetite and enables the body to metabolise stored fat. Not only does water increase metabolism, it also gives the illusion of fullness, thereby stopping us from reaching to the fridge. A research shows that drinking 500 ml. of water increased metabolism by a whopping 30% (5).

Bibliography

(1) Singapore Medical Journal 2006 Oct
(2) British Journal of Nutrition, 2006 Oct
(3) Physiol Behav. 2008 Feb 27
(4) Journal of medical Investigation, 2007 Aug
(5) The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and metabolism, 2003 December