Healthy Alternative Natural Foods

Use herbs and spices for tasty meals instead of fatty sauces.

Herbs and spices are widely used in our food and cooking to make it more tasty and enjoyable - but did you know that there are other reasons why using those chillis in your fridge can be beneficial to our health and even aid us with regard to weight loss programs?

Below I have listed just a few of the most commonly used ones that may assist you to lose weight and keep you lean and that can be found at your local supermarket or herbalist shop.

Brindle Berry or (Hila/Garnicia) may assist in weight loss and promotes lean muscle. This is a natural suppressant for the appetite and is an aid to the body storing fat.

Pysillium Husk: This herb is well known to lower cholesterol, is high in fibre so feel fuller for longer, and helps with the prevention of constipation providing you keep yourself well hydrated.

Ginseng: Will help you to cope in times of stress and aid is a fatigue fighter, this is a type of -pick-me-up herb.

Cayenne: Including tabasco pepper, chilli peppers, capsicum, and hot peppers. Cayenne comes in many forms and is even found in some teas. It is an antioxidant, is good for people suffering from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, shingles, and diabetes. Used in cooking regularly it will boost the metabolism and help you burn more fat by raising the bodies own temperature and heart rate slightly. But be warned it can be nasty for people who are on blood thinners and can upset the intestines, so please consult your doctor if you are unsure.

Fennel: Aids with mild digestive problems, bloating, flatulence, coughs and colds, spasms and has is anti-inflammatory and on the downside can cause harm in some people who are prone to respiratory tract infections and women who are pregnant.

Garlichelps boost immunity, lowers cholesterol, infection fighting, and aids in blood pressure reduction.

Also avoid using fatty sauces with your cooking because of the saturated and transient fats that can be found in a lot of the varieties currently available. Not to mention that they are high in kilojoules and high GI. Watch the sodium content also with any type of sauces whether it is pre-made or homemade. Opt for water based tomato varieties instead.

Dean Piazza is the resident personal trainer @ http://www.homegymequipment.com.au. - Australia's Biggest range of Home Gym Equipment at Cheap prices. Dean Is the expert personal trainer on NineMsn, Australia's largest website portal and regularly appears in magazines with his training tips, weight loss comments and fitness equipment reviews.