Normally, I concentrate my research and writing on proven weight loss methods that cannot be controversial simply because, as I said, they are proven to work. But alas, proven weight loss methods take a back seat to the “latest and greatest…have you tried…scientific studies have found…take xyz supplements…drink antioxidant loaded…” The claims go on and on, and people are fooled into thinking that weight loss is as simple as taking this pill or eating these cookies or the current RAGE, which has been my motivation to write this article…GREEN TEA!
If you want to pay $40 or more every month for a mass marketed “fat burning, body trimming” supplement that contains over Xmgs of EGCG (the plant nutrient known as epigallocatechin gallate, which is found in green tea) you have fallen prey to those mass marketers. You will lose precious time reaching your weight loss goal, you will lose money but, you will NOT lose weight!
What green tea WILL do for you.
Green tea will:
• Increase your metabolism; studies have shown an increased metabolism for approx. 30 minutes after drinking green tea.
• Kill free radicals; green tea appears to be more powerful than vitamin E when it comes to destroying skin cell damaging free radicals.
• Keep body energy stable; by balancing blood sugar levels, green tea improves insulin use in the body to prevent blood sugar spikes.
That’s about it! You may have noticed that there is NO mention of weight loss, with the exception of increased metabolism and that is temporary.
*I will add that studies on the benefits of green tea were conducted way back in 2008 (ON MICE) and were based on a daily intake of 7 cups a day. I don’t know anyone who drinks 7 cups of anything every day.
Feel free to see this information for yourself: The University of Connecticut's Richard Bruno, PhD, RD, and colleagues report their findings in February's edition of The Journal of Nutrition.
Some final thoughts on green tea. It certainly appears that green tea is a darned good health-promoting supplement and a good weight loss supplement as well but, there is no magic weight loss drink, food or pill. Drink all the green tea you like but count your calories if you want to lose weight.
The Subject of Losing Weight.
I mentioned at the beginning of this article that I concentrate my writing on weight loss methods that WORK. A quick outline of a successful weight loss plan would be:
• Carbohydrate control
• Calorie intake monitoring (daily)
• Determine your RMR (resting metabolic rate)
• Exercise
• Weight Loss Program
I list weight loss program last but really it should be first. Without the ongoing help of a weight loss program most people will never realize their weight loss goals and many will give up within the first 30 days!
A weight loss method that WORKS!
If you are serious about losing weight and keeping it off, a well balanced diet coupled with daily exercise and tied into a weight loss program that keeps you focused, on track and aware of the changes you will experience while losing weight is the way to go!
Start your Weight Loss Program TODAY!
