Best Supplements for a Slimmer Body, Say Dietitians
Sometimes even after altering our fitness routine and changing up some of our eating habits to reflect a healthier lifestyle, we might still find ourselves unable to shed a few of the extra pounds we'd hoped for. If you've set your own personal goal and are having trouble getting the lean body you've put your mind to, supplements may add an extra boost.
We spoke to some expert dietitians about supplements that can help us achieve our lean body goals along with healthy eating and regular exercise. Read on for the best supplements for a lean body, and for more tips on healthy eating, make sure to read The 7 Healthiest Foods to Eat Right Now.
Probiotics
Many people take probiotic supplements for their gut health, but what you may not realize is that they can also help you lose fat, especially around your stomach. "Probiotics have been shown to increase weight loss and decrease body fat percentage," says Sarah Williams, MS, RD owner and Founder of Sweet Balance Nutrition.
And while more research is still being done on this supplement for a leaner body, we do know that the answer lies in the gut. "It likely has to do with changes in the gut microbiota that may impact metabolism and appetite regulation," says Williams.
BCAA
BCAAs (Branch Chain Amino Acids) are gaining more popularity, especially in the fitness community. According to registered dietitian Courtney D'Angelo, RD author at Fit Healthy Momma, "this supplement helps initiate protein synthesis during workouts, which can help strip body fat."
D'Angelo also mentions that a BCAA supplement works best if taken "before, during, and after your workout." BCAA is most commonly found in powder or capsule form.
L-Carnitine
According to Marie Ruggles, MS, RD, CN, CDE author of Optimize Your Immune System: Create Health & Resilience with a Kitchen Pharmacy, L-Carnitine is one of the best lean body supplements. "It provides caffeine-free energy for cells by ushering fatty acids into the mitochondria where they are burned for energy," says Ruggles.
The benefits of L-Carnitine don't stop there, either. "As an added bonus, it sharpens the memory and aids in overall cognitive function as well," says Ruggles.
READ MORE: This Is the #1 Diet to Improve Your Memory, Study Says
ALA
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a compound that is often used as a supplement for boosting metabolism. "ALA is an antioxidant that can help the body get rid of potentially harmful chemicals," says D'Angelo, "which helps speed up the fat-burning process."
Some studies have even found positive results in helping with insulin levels in type 2 diabetes patients after taking ALA supplements, but more research still needs to be done.
Soluble fiber
Soluble fiber is another great addition to our list of supplements for a leaner body. "Soluble fiber promotes feelings of fullness and slows the absorption of nutrients," says Williams, "which can lead to decreased calorie intake and result in decreased waist circumference.
Fiber is known to help boost metabolism as well, which can help with a leaner body if paired with healthy eating and exercise.
Turmeric
"Turmeric can make an excellent addition to an existing weight loss regimen," says Trista Best, MPH, RD, LD, "which is due primarily to turmeric's anti-inflammatory capabilities."
Turmeric can be consumed as a powder or in a capsule. You can also look for something called curcumin, which is found in Turmeric. "Curcumin is the name of the active ingredient in turmeric products that give it it's benefits," says Best.
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