Most of us try various methods to lose weight but still fail. We join gyms, visit a dietician or a nutritionist for that healthy balanced diet, and look for various supplements to aid us in our weight loss journey. Each of these does come with merit, and weight loss is a consistent journey rather than an overnight achievement.
Whatever methods or alternative treatments you have tried, have you ever thought of using olive oil to shed that weight? Never is it! Olive oil has finally got the attention and hype it deserves. Yes, you heard me right; it does deserve all the attention.
As per a few recent studies, olive oil is said to be one of the best ingredients that helps with nutrition and good health. It provides amazing health benefits and is useful for those who wish to lose weight. Also, another reason for its popularity is its availability and ease of use.
Let us in this post learn a little about how olive oil aids with weight loss and how you can add it to your everyday regime without any hassle.
Weight loss with olive oil
Olive oil is one of the important ingredients in the Mediterranean diet. Olive oil is made from ripe olives where the olives are ground to obtain pure oil. The best olive oil you can use for weight loss is virgin olive oil made from well-ripened olives.
Olive oil is known to have monounsaturated fatty acids, and this help maintain a balanced weight. Also, monounsaturated fatty acids prevent the accumulation of fat in the body.
Olive oil contains a special kind of fat called medium-chain triglycerides. Even though humans partly make these kinds of fats, they are also found naturally in olive oil in large amounts. When you consume olive oil, these medium-chain triglycerides break down and are absorbed quickly by the body. This can help with weight loss by burning more calories and making you feel fuller. Due to this, you also tend to eat less than usual. Additionally, they can also improve your gut health.
Various ways of using olive oil to lose weight effectively
Olive oil can be used in almost every culinary recipe. However, there are a few ways this can be incorporated into your diet for weight loss. Some of the ideal ways to do so are listed below.
Olive oil and lemon
Olive oil and lemon can be termed a perfect duo. Fresh lemon juice can be combined with the goodness of olive oil to prepare a mixture that detoxifies your body and keeps you energetic throughout the day. Olive oil and lemon mixture also improve your immune system, aid digestion, and reduce cholesterol levels.
As you stay active throughout the day, you will burn more calories and lose weight. You can make this mixture by adding a tablespoon of virgin olive oil to the fresh juice of ½ a lemon. Add this to 200 ml of warm water. The detox drink can be on an empty stomach every morning for good results.
Ginger and Olive Oil
Olive oil and ginger are amazing foods. When you have them together, their benefits become even better. Ginger is like a superfood for your digestion, and it can also help burn fat naturally. Olive oil is packed with healthy antioxidants. When you combine them, they team up to release energy by burning fat.
The mix of olive oil and ginger can be made by taking a cube of ginger and cutting them into small chunks. Add these to 200 ml of lukewarm water with a tbsp of olive oil. Let this mix stay overnight as it allows the infusion of ingredients. Consume this in the morning at least 30 minutes before your breakfast.
Also, you can add ginger pieces or grated ginger to extra virgin olive oil, which can be used as a salad dressing.
Cucumber, salt, and olive oil
Cucumbers are known for their water content, so they have few calories. Yet a bowl of freshly made cucumber salad can make you feel full in no time. Cucumbers also have fiber that helps your body get rid of toxins. You can make a tasty starter mix by adding a pinch of salt to sliced or cut cucumbers mixed with a tbsp of olive oil. Mix it all up and enjoy it like a salad before lunch or as an evening snack. It is a perfect and refreshing way to hydrate your body, recharge with electrolytes, and shed some extra weight.
Cayenne pepper and olive oil
We know that chilies can sometimes irritate our digestive lining and can be bad for the gut. However, cayenne pepper is moderately hot and is known as a digestive stimulant. When taken in moderation, Cayenne pepper is known to increase the production of gastric enzymes and digestive juices. Due to this, it can aid in the digestion of food.
When you mix olive oil with cayenne pepper, it makes your digestion even better. Put some cayenne pepper in olive oil and let it sit in a bottle for a while. You can use this special olive oil to cook your meals or add it to salad dressings for a tasty and healthy boost.
Balsamic vinegar and olive oil
Olive oil and balsamic vinegar make a fantastic team. They both have many polyphenols, antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. Balsamic vinegar also helps eliminate toxins as it acts like a diuretic. So, when you have them together, they can be great for losing weight. And let us not forget the wonderful flavors of olive oil and balsamic vinegar; adding this to your meal makes them taste even better!
Olive oil in everyday cooking
You can also prepare your meals in olive oil every day. This is one of the best and easiest ways to include olive oil in your daily diet. Add a tablespoon of this oil to your dishes, and you get to enjoy a healthy, nourishing meal every time. However, consume olive oil in moderation and do not overdo it.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making use of olive oil for weight loss
There are a few tips one needs to keep in mind when using olive oil. Overusing olive oil can cause minor yet non-risky side effects like many other things. So, make sure you remember the tips mentioned below when you are using this oil for weight loss.
- Make sure you only use a tablespoon of olive oil for every meal. Use less.
- Keep a tab on your calorie intake. Every tablespoon of olive oil you use will add 119 calories to your meal.
- It would help to keep yourself hydrated, as your goal is to shed weight.
- Reduce sugar intake.
- Reduce the consumption of salt.
- Always make use of extra virgin olive oil for salad dressings and cooking.
Conclusion
Now that you know how olive oil can aid your weight loss journey, it is time to add this to your everyday routine and see the difference. However, we also suggest you confirm its usage with your doctor, dietician, or nutritionist before using it daily.