Sometimes your weight loss plan needs a little nudge in the right direction. Here is our pick of the best supplements to give you that much needed boost.
Omega 3 is essential for a healthy body but our bodies cannot produce it, we have to get it from our diet. On their own, fish oils will not make you lose weight. However if combined with a healthy diet and exercise regime they have been shown to further lower cholesterol and shown to increase weight loss when taken in conjunction with exercise. Oily fish like salmon and mackerel are rich in omegas but to supplement your diet try Ideal Omega 3, £23.70 for 60 capsules, taking one a day. In addition to their ability to help you reach your fitness goals they also increase the production of vital neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit messages) to the brain which improve overall health.
Enq: victoriahealth.com
Sea Kelp is a naturally growing cold water plant that contains over sixty vitamins and minerals. Iodine is one of them; which has been shown to be important in the function of the thyroid gland which controls the metabolism. Because of its ability to regulate the thyroid, sea kelp has (quite rightly) earned itself the reputation of being a sliming aid. As well as helping with weight loss, sea kelp also contains magnesium, iron, copper, potassium and zinc as well as more calcium than any other food and it’s high in lignans which are plant compounds that have anti-cancer qualities. We recommend taking Higher Nature Ocean Kelp, £6.70 for 180 tablets, from Canadian kelp. Enq: victoriahealth.com
You are probably aware that we all have millions of bacteria living inside our bodies, some good and some not so good. On the good side is probiotics - a healthy bacteria found in the intestines and gut. Probiotics improve overall wellbeing, keep the intestinal lining healthy and boost the immune system. There is also now evidence to suggest that healthy gut bacteria is beneficial to maintaining a healthy weight. Make sure your diet includes natural yogurt but also try taking Food Science of Vermont Mega Probiotic-ND, £18.50 for 60 capsules. Not only are they a good source of probiotics but they also contain pre-biotics which the probiotics feed on, helping them multiply. Sounds gross but your gut will thank you for it.
Enq: victoriahealth.com
Chlorophyll is the green pigment in plants that uses the sun’s energy to photosynthise. Whilst it may sound like an unlikely diet aid it is actually very useful for detoxification. It helps the body to eliminate toxins and cleanse. Additionally it helps to restore a correct PH (the right balance of acid and alkaline). Our bodies tend to be on the side of acidic - brought about by our diet and lifestyle. This can lead to headaches, rashes and high or low blood pressure. Add to that, an acidic environment can also encourage our bodies to convert food in to fat. Chlorophyll is alkaline and works to neutralise the acid found in our bodies. A diet including dark green, leafy vegetables will provide you with some chlorophyll but try adding a couple of drops of Nature’s Sunshine Liquid Chlorophyll, £10.16 for 473ml (I'm never without it) to water and sip throughout the day.
A properly functioning digestive system is essential to any detox or weight loss plan. Nopal (also known as prickly pair) contains pectin (carbohydrate found in the cell walls of plants) and mucilages (gluey substance produced by plants) that support the digestive system and helps to bring nutrients to the pancreas and the liver. It also works on the bowel to prevent too many sugars entering the bloodstream and as a result helps to maintain balanced sugar levels keeping sugar cravings at bay. Try Viridian 100% Organic Nopal, £20.10 for 90 Capsules.
Enq: victoriahealth.com
The celebrity training team over at Bodyism are known for mixing up shakes for their clients post workout to restore valuable nutrients and encourage more fat burning. One of our favourite shakes is Bodyism BodySerenity, £30 for 160g, is for a pre-sleep boost. It’s a chocolate flavoured drink that helps you burn fat (especially from around the tummy) whilst you sleep. Genius! It contains rosemary and liquorice root which boosts the immune system and eliminates sugar cravings. It also helps to control the stress hormones responsible for accumulating fat around the middle. Drink up.
Enq: bodyism.com
ASICS' Inspiring New Campaign
ELLE UK Launches New Fitness Podcast: Why I… Move
How 6 Professional Trainers Found Their Purpose
Jason Responds To Kate Dating Rumours