Vitamins That Will Help You Curb Those Extra Holiday Weight

We all love the holidays because we can finally get away from the daily hustle and bustle of work and spend quality time with our family enjoying some good food and conversation. We also love the holidays because there is always good food within reach. Whether it be Christmas lunch or New Year’s brunch, there is always food somewhere right around the corner and we can have it all without feeling an ounce of guilt, like we usually do. 

Then comes the New Year’s resolution of trying to shed that extra weight gained during the holidays, which doesn’t usually happen. It is difficult to lose weight, but there are some vitamins that will help you boost your metabolism and help you ease into your dietary plan and workout routine. Although these vitamins will assist you in your quest to lose weight, please note that you cannot pop some vitamin pills and expect to lose all those extra kilograms. Losing weight requires strict dietary plans along with a suitable exercise plan. These vitamins will help you boost your metabolism and give you the required energy to follow those exhaustive exercise routines.  

Vitamin B12

There is a myth prevalent in the “weight-loss” industry that B12 shots will help you lose weight. Nothing could be further from the truth. Vitamin B12 helps in metabolising protein and fat which gives energy to strictly adhere to the exercise plan. Vitamin B12 helps slow down weight gain because it gives you that energy to do physical activity. Having the right amount of Vitamin B12 in your diet is essential for producing energy to reduce fat content. 

Food with Vitamin B12:  Beef, Turkey and Fish. 

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency is observed in many obese people because a very small part of your brain called hypothalamus senses the deficiency levels and increases body fat to compensate for the loss. In a 2010 study, 77 overweight or obese women received vitamin D supplements or a placebo over the course of 3 months. Women who received the supplements reduced weight by 2.7 kgs over the same period. Further studies have showed that there are significant benefits of including vitamin D in your diet to reduce fat, especially abdominal fat. 

Food with Vitamin D: Mushrooms, Tofu, Oily Fish (Trout)

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C doesn’t directly lead to weight loss but a 2005 review published in the “Journal of the American College of Nutrition” found that regular intakes of vitamin C is associated with lower body-mass index. The study also showed that vitamin C also increases body fat oxidation during exercise. Vitamin C rich food with fiber also helps you curb those hunger pangs leading to reduced intake of food. 

Food with Vitamin C: Guava, Dark Green Leafy Vegetables, Broccoli, Tomatoes

4. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is responsible for producing red blood cells and for muscle production. Hence, Vitamin E is essential in improving your overall fitness levels. According to National Council on Strength and Fitness, lean muscle helps in burning more calories and Vitamin E along with a good fitness plan helps produce lean muscle.

Food with Vitamin E:  Nuts, Sunflower Seeds, Shellfish