By Natasha Turner, ND

It has been said that our brains function as if they were still in the dinosaur age in that we must do something 21 times before it becomes ingrained as a habit. Now, 30 days into the New Year, how’s your dinosaur brain functioning?

At this point many of us may be slipping back into our old patterns of overeating, slacking off our workouts and possibly even saying “maybe next year…” Making changes and creating lifestyle habits that will encourage and maintain weight loss is challenging. Let’s face it, if it came in a bottle, everyone would have it—and someone would be very rich!

But maybe it does. New research has found there actually are supplements that can help you reach your weight loss goals. So, keep reading, because when you feel like tossing in the towel, these products may provide the bit of incentive and encouragement you need to stay focused on success.

Green tea for fat loss, energy and a stress-free state of mind
Green tea (3 cups per day) and green tea extract have been found to help with weight loss. Recent research has found that catechins, the antioxidants in green tea, help increase fat burning and reduce the risk of cancer, high cholesterol and diabetes. Green tea may lower blood sugars by inhibiting enzymes that allow the absorption of starches and may decrease the absorption of fat from the intestine. The L-theanine in green tea has a calming effect on the body while also increasing energy levels. Research has shown that L-theanine can increase levels of GABA, a brain chemical known for its calming effects; and dopamine, which can promote mood enhancement. L-theanine is non-drowsy, and may even increase mental focus and concentration as it promotes a stress-free state of mind.

Get rid of belly fat with CLA
A study published in the Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology reported that CLA was one of only a few supplements researched and found to reduce body fat and assist in increasing lean muscle mass without a change in caloric intake. It seems CLA directs fats away from storage in fat cells while also increasing fat burning in the skeletal muscle. CLA is naturally present in dairy products and beef. It has also been found to have anticancer and anti-diabetic properties and is useful in reducing arterial disease, potentially by affecting cholesterol levels. The dosage required is 1,500 mg two times per day with food. You must make a decision to start taking CLA and stick with it—it works but it takes a few months to reach full effectiveness. CLA is in our supplement plan for weight loss.

Plain ol'calcium for weight loss? Yes!
There is yet another reason besides strong bones to ensure you get your calcium every day, and surprisingly, it’s a healthy waistline. Several recent studies have found that calcium-rich diets, especially those high in lowfat dairy products, like yogurt and skim milk, are associated with less weight gain and even weight loss. Women who supplemented their diets with 1,000 mg of calcium per day reaped the most benefits, as researchers at Purdue University in Indiana discovered weight gain was slowed and loss was even encouraged. This is not to say that you have to drink tons of milk each day—check out our great dairy-free sources of calcium.

Stick with it! Schedule your workouts, keep your vitamins and supplements out on your desk for easy access and keep drinking water. Planning will help you keep on track. Don’t forget your most important focus—setting your goals.

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