Are Food Seasonings Good For Fat Loss?

With so much emphasis being placed on what foods to eat and exercises to perform, a topic that does not get discussed very often is the one of food seasonings. At one time or the other, we have all indulged in some type of food that has been loaded with seasoning to make it taste great! The question now remains, are these seasonings good or bad for you?

For starters, not all seasonings are the same.

There are seasonings that are high in sodium while others that are not. Seasonings that are high in sodium should be avoided as they will cause you to retain excess water and therefore more weight. It is not that sodium itself is bad for you, but rather the amount we consume on a daily basis that is. Studies have shown that we should not consume more than 2,000 mg’s of sodium if we are trying to lose weight and stay healthy.

Benefits of Sodium:

Sodium allows the body to transport water more efficiently. Water is needed to keep our bodies properly hydrated and from overheating. Sodium also helps to keep a good acid balance between our blood and urine. In addition, sodium helps our bodies to deliver nutrients more efficiently which is important to achieving any fitness goal!

Effects of Too Much Sodium

If you consume too much sodium, some side effects can be high blood pressure and excess water retention. This could lead to bloating and ruin your weight loss or fitness endeavors as your body is holding on to water weight. So make sure you get no more than 2,000 mg’s a day of sodium to avoid any of these side effects.

Secret Tip to Use for Foods That Are High in Sodium

I always recommend using foods that are all natural. For instance, if you have the choice between canned corn or all-natural corn, always choose the all-natural corn! I know it can be a bit of a hassle at first but your body will thank you and so will your waist line.

The reason for avoiding canned products is because of the high sodium and trans fatty acid contents that are put in them to preserve the food. If you take a look at any canned food product and compare the nutritional values of the same food in an all-natural state, you will immediately notice the difference. The canned food will contain way more sugars, sodium and fats while the natural food may contain zero sugars and minimum sodium and fats.

So the next time you go grocery shopping, always remember this rule and you will be golden!

Seasonings That Are Your Friend

Garlic Powder: This is a very popular seasoning and one of my favorites of all time. Garlic powder can have several health benefits such as helping to lower cholesterol levels and help to protect your immune system from any infections. Garlic is sold at several health nutrition stores as it helps to promote cardiovascular health. I like to use it as a seasoning on my chicken breast, steaks and lean ground beef.

Oregano: This is a powerful antioxidant that can help protect your immune system and any oxidative damage to your cells. You can sprinkle this seasoning on foods such as chicken, rice, vegetables etc.

Onion Powder: This seasoning can help prevent any cardiovascular related health issues such as heart diseases and strokes. In addition, onion powder has a good anti-inflammatory effect on the body. You can use onion powder on foods such as chicken, steak, fish, vegetables etc.

Cinnamon: Studies have shown that cinnamon can help your cells respond better to insulin. This is important as it will allow your glucose to function more efficiently and nutrients such as proteins, carbs and fats can be transported throughout the body easier. I like to sprinkle cinnamon on my oatmeal or sweet potatoes but it really depends on your taste buds as to how you choose to use this seasoning.