Rob and I have been focusing on finding foods and spices that will help us take some weight off. I've been slightly obsessed with staying on my exercise track (on week 8 now :->) and hope to get rid of this jiggly belly that has become wa-a-a-ay too comfortable on my body. The older you get the harder it is to lose weight. What I would say to my 40 year old self - 'See that pouch starting? Do your crunches and planks now! 7 years from now it's going to get ugly!'
I've found that spices cumin, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes and turmeric are noted to increase metabolism. (Yes please!) After a good workout coconut water is more beneficial in regulating your electrolytes, and lower in calories, than sports drinks. It also contains more potassium than other drinks which is an important component in helping to build muscle which, in turn, helps you burn more calories. And my most surprising discovery - eating avocados help burn belly fat!
I've always thought of avocados as full of fat and felt guilty when my mouth was completely enjoying them. I would keep in mind 'OK. Eat this now, extra lunges later.' But now I've learned that they are beneficial to our bodies due to their healthy monounsaturated fats which include Oleic acid, that helps your body quiet hunger. Avocados are high in fiber, have good levels of protein and are low in carbs. You feel fuller with fewer bites of food. Sounds good to me!
Recently I was able to connect with noted Chef, Pati Jinich, host of the PBS series Pati's Mexican Table. So cool! She answers my questions in the following video:
(There's an extra 'a' at the end of my name. Bonus! ;-> )
I'm so happy that I was asked to participate in this interview. Providing healthy foods for my family is a priority and I hope I've shared information to guide you toward healthy, and tasty, choices.
ABOUT PATI JINICH:
Pati Jinich was born and raised in Mexico and comes from a family of accomplished cooks. She is the host of a highly popular PBS series called Pati’s Mexican Table, a culinary program which consists of cooking demonstrations, tasting dinners and workshops, and has appeared on The Chew, The Talk, The Better Show, The Today Show. Jinich has also been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, Eater, and The Daily Meal.
(*Disclosure: No financial compensation was received from my participation. My words are my own.)