As women, we are hormonally challenged at times…meaning our bodies go a little crazy and don’t always respond as we desire them too. Our hormones are sometimes like rain on a parade. You have a great weight loss and exercise plan. You don’t cheat and exercise religiously and nothing happens. There is nothing more demotivating than to have eaten right all week, pushed yourself to exercise, and step on the “evil” scale to see that nothing has changed. You think to yourself… “why am I doing this… what’s the point? I’m just going to go back to my old habits. I’m always going to be fat?” Not so fast girl! Wait a minute; I may be able to help you. Your hormones are probably out of whack and raining on your weight loss parade. With the right supplementation, you can start shedding some pounds and turn things around. Below are 6 different dietary supplements, you need to add to your weight loss plan to help rebalance your hormones.
Magnesium
Magnesium calms your nervous system and helps to prevent raised cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone. Cortisol is a main contributor of belly fat. Magnesium gives you better healthy insulin sensitivity which means less sugar cravings. Healthy insulin sensitivity is also beneficial for weight loss and bone health. Magnesium also helps promote better sleep. Sleep is essential for hormone production. During sleep we have a surge of anabolic hormones which are essential for muscle building and fat loss.
Vitamin D3
Increasing your vitamin D consumption can help reduce nagging belly fat. All cells in the body require vitamin D to function properly. Special receptors for vitamin D signal to your body whether or not it should burn fat or store it. Also, receptors in your brain utilize D to control hunger and cravings. One other benefit of vitamin D is that it helps your body to absorb calcium which an important weight loss nutrient.
Probiotic
Your intestines or gut flora contain over 400 bacterial species. Some of these bacteria can contribute to excess weight and obesity related issues. However, some of the bacteria are healthy and supports overall health. Probiotics are healthy living organisms that help to maintain healthy gut flora. Most people have a higher amount of unhealthy gut flora as opposed to healthy, especially those who eat a high amount of processed foods. It was found in a study conducted at the Université Laval in Quebec, Canada that taking a probiotic could help to reset the healthy balance of gut flora and increase weight loss. The researchers conducted a 12-week study comparing groups of women who took a daily probiotic and a group that did not. The group that took a daily probiotic loss an average of 10 pounds, while the non-probiotic group only loss an average of 5.5 pounds. Not only did the probiotic group lose more weight, they had lower levels of gut bacteria contributing to obesity and obesity related diseases.
Chromium
Chromium is essential for having a healthy metabolism. If you are an apple-shaped women, meaning most of your weight is in your belly and upper body, you could be insulin resistant. Insulin resistance is when the body resists burning sugar and stores it as fat. Insulin resistance is a prime culprit in increased belly fat. Chromium could help to improve blood sugar levels and improve insulin balance.
Maca
Maca is a tuber also known as Peruvian Ginseng and it is a wonder supplement! Overtime, maca has gained a reputation for helping balance hormones and reversing hypothyroidism. By aiding in thyroid function, maca can help to improve your metabolism. It is also an endocrine adaptogen. This means it contains nutrients to support normal hormone production. It helps to increase fertility because of its high nutrient value of potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, and zinc. As women, we are constantly stressed (can I get an “AMEN”!). Maca is great for reducing stress hormones and adrenal fatigue. It has been also found to reduce PMS and hot flashes. So for all of you ladies that have not yet gone through menopause, it will help you to be less crank and irritable and for you ladies that may be going through “the change”, it can help to reduce those “intimate summers.”
Maca, can be consumed in a powder or capsule form. Capsules are a bit more expensive; however, they are more convenient. Should you chose to consume maca in a powder form; it can easily be added to coffee, healthy juice blends, or breakfast cereals such as oatmeal.
Whey Protein Powder
Most women do not eat enough protein. We typically aren’t huge meat consumers like men. Whey protein powders are an easy way for women to intake a healthy amount of protein, without having to eat a significant amount of meat.
Whey protein powders contain the essential amino acids for a healthy diet. They helps to boost your immune system by increasing antioxidants essential for removing toxins from the body.
Whey protein also helps support the metabolism and satisfy cravings. In addition to that, because protein helps you to feel full longer, consuming whey protein is any easy way to curve your appetite.
Whey protein powder and be made into a protein shake using water or a blend of water, coconut milk, or almond milk.
There you have 6 supplements that can support weight loss in women and balance hormones. The key to sustained weight loss is having healthy hormones. You cannot expect your body to burn fat or respond to any exercise or diet regimen if your hormones are out of whack. Set yourself up to succeed by taking supplements that support BOTH weight loss and healthy hormone function. For us ladies, the two go hand-in-hand. Imbalanced hormones equate to no weight loss. Take care of your body and it will give you the results you are looking for.
Till next time…
Melinda
P.S. Here are some supplements I recommend.
