Abs

Cardio. Diet. Calorie counting. You hear the same things all the time, but you want to know the secrets already! Here are 5 lesser-known factors involved in weight loss that you should know.

SUPPLEMENT WITH PSYLLIUM HUSK

Yep. Drink fiber. It will not only increase satiety, or a feeling of fullness, but it will help keep your digestive tract flushed, and thus your stomach flat. A typical dose is 5 grams taken with meals. You’ll want to drink at least 8 ounces of water with each serving of psyllium husk.

DON’T AVOID TABLE SALT

Table salt contains iodine, a trace mineral that is responsible for normal thyroid function. A deficiency in iodine can slow your metabolism and inhibit fat loss. Many people favor sea salt because it seems more natural, but then you aren’t getting the added benefit of iodine. If you only use sea salt, consider incorporating seaweed into your diet, which is also high in iodine.

EAT MORE CALCIUM

When you are already at a caloric deficit and your body is using fat stores for energy, a high calcium intake may increase fat oxidation. Calcium champs are leafy green veggies, okra, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, tofu, and dairy products.

EAT FAT TO BURN FAT

Are you afraid to eat fat? Well face your fears, because if you eat the right fats, your body will burn fats far more efficiently. If your goal is to eliminate as much body fat as you can in the shortest duration of time, then switch over to a diet that lower in carbs, and moderate in fats and proteins. This will help you stay full and your metabolism humming. Pay close attention to quality of fat — best to focus on whole foods like nuts, seeds, avocados, olives, coconut, and cold-pressed oils.

GO EASY ON PRE-WORKOUT CARBS

You feel like you need to give your body fuel for your upcoming workout, so you eat some carbs, right? That may work for building muscle, but if your goal is burning fat, avoid pre-workout carbs; your body has enough stored up anyway. Carbs will slow fat oxidation and blunt your body’s natural release of growth hormone, a chemical that accelerates fat loss and helps preserve muscle.