Natural Weight Loss Aids

A new diet pill or miracle weight-loss product seems to hit the shelves every day -- only to be quickly followed by news about health risks, or worse, a recall from the FDA. So what else can you do to aid your dieting efforts when the tried and true method of eating less and moving more isn't enough, but you don't want to resort to risky diet supplements? A few natural remedies, when combined with proper nutrition and exercise, may be just the answer.

Triphala

Translated as "three fruits" (harada, amla and bihara), triphala is an Indian herb that's known for being a strong antioxidant and also helpful in regulating the digestive tract. It's part of the Ayurvedic herb family, and a three month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that Ayurvedic ingredients produced significant weight loss, as well as improvements in cholesterol levels. It's also a bowel regulator, so for those who tend to get constipated and need to "go" more often, this might be something to look into to flatten your tummy, says Enos.

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Green Tea

While green tea is known for its antioxidant properties, it's also touted for its calorie-burning abilities. Research has shown that the catechins in green tea help boost the metabolism. A Japanese study claimed that drinking five cups of green tea a day may burn as many as 70 to 80 extra calories daily. Bethenny Frankel, author of "Naturally Thin: Unleash Your Skinny Girl and Free Yourself from a Lifetime of Dieting" and star of The Real Housewives of New York City, adds the common-sense factor: "People often drink fattening drinks out of thirst. Hydrate to the best of your ability. Even if it's tea or club soda or seltzer with a splash of juice, force yourself to hydrate."

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Omega-3s

"Including these types of fats into your daily diet can help trigger your body's fat-burning abilities. They can help stabilize your blood sugar," says Deborah Enos, C.N. of TheHolisticOption.com and author of "Weight a Minute! Transform Your Health in 60 Seconds a Day." Opt for high-quality omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in flaxseed, walnuts, salmon and fish oils. The result of incorporating this nutritional superstar into your diet? "If your blood sugars are stabilized, then you will feel fuller longer. If you feel fuller, guess what? Less mindless eating or overeating."

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Cayenne Pepper

Capsaicin, an active component in cayenne pepper, may promote the feeling of fullness and suppress hunger, according to a recent Danish study. "Cayenne pepper is a fantastic and healthy spice to add to your cooking. It can help increase blood flow, and some research even states that it can be a boost to your metabolism," Enos explains. However, buyer beware: Enos adds that the Master Cleanse, which includes a drink made with cayenne and was famously used by Beyoncé for her dramatic "Dreamgirls" weight loss, is another story. The diet is extremely low in calories (less than 1,000 each day), and "there is no protein, no fiber, very few vitamins and minerals."

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Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar, which is made from pulverized apples, is rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes and dietary fiber, all of which assist in detoxifying the liver and taking off weight. Ingesting too much, however, may irritate your digestive tract, since it's heavy in acetic acid. You should consume no more than two tablespoons a day and consider diluting it in a glass of water. Enos notes that it's best for people with sensitive stomachs to avoid apple cider vinegar, and that it may interact with certain medications. So check with your doctor before adding it to your diet.

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Glucomannan

"This comes from the root of a fiber-rich plant called the Asian konjac plant, also known as the 'elephant yam'," says Enos. Usually found in pill form, when taken with water, glucomannan forms a gel that may create a feeling of fullness in your gut. Glucomannan also helps delay the absorption of glucose from the intestines. Studies have shown glucomannan is effective in decreasing body weight. "In general," Enos adds, "eating more fiber will make you feel fuller."

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Cha de Bugre

Extracted from a Brazilian tree, cha de bugre is becoming more prevalent in weight loss products, due to its appetite-suppressant, energy-boosting and diuretic properties. With a fruit that is similar to the coffee bean, it may be roasted and used as a substitute for coffee. However, as with any diet supplement that promises speedy weight loss, be weary of cha de burge pills that make similar claims. "Brazilian women who may enjoy cha de burge as part of their healthful diets are also eating fresh fruit, lean meats, vegetables and eating small portions. This is the key to true weight loss and maintenance," explains Meredith Sobel, MS, CHHC, AADP, an integrative health and wellness coach of Sobel Wellness Health Counseling.

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Acai

This Brazilian fruit was thrown into the spotlight when Oprah's nutrition guru, Dr. Nicholas Perricone, announced that it was one of his top 10 super foods. Since then, many acai supplements have hit the market claiming to be weight-loss wonder products. The jury is out on whether these can help you shed pounds, but the fruit itself -- which is most easily found frozen -- is low in sugar and rich in omega-3 fatty acids, says Sobel. If you're trying to lose weight, acai berries make a great post-gym snack or addition to your breakfast.

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Honey

Derived from the nectar of flowers and produced by honeybees, honey is a natural sweetener that may help suppress your cravings for sugary foods, like apple pie and cola. According to Andrea Beaman, HHC, AADP, "A teaspoon of honey here or there will satisfy your craving so you're not jonesing for a piece of chocolate cake later on." Beaman also recommends incorporating honey into your diet as a substitute for rich "diet" sweeteners like aspartame. "Artificial sweeteners actually make us fatter because they destroy our sweet palette. So when you go to eat something naturally sweet, like an apple, it doesn't even taste that sweet, and as a result you'll always crave more sugar."

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Kale

"Because it's so fibrous, it'll make you feel full and you'll be inclined to eat less," says Beaman. Just a cup will give you more than 10 percent of your recommended daily fiber. Try sauteing it with some olive oil for a satisfying side dish, add to soups or put it in an omelet.

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