I’m currently preparing for a competition in El Salvador next month and hence I am on the homestretch of intense training and a strict diet regimen. However, besides training and nutrition, there are some supplements or tools in my ‘toolbox’ that I use to get shredded and competition ready for the stage.
While most of you are not competitive fitness athletes, some of the products that I use to shed excess water weight and body fat, can also be utilized to shed a few extra pounds from your physique to achieve the renowned summer body.
Some of these tools are very inexpensive and can be found at the market, the pharmacy or at a supplement store. They include coffee, dandelion root and L-Carnitine.
Coffee
Coffee contains caffeine which is the most commonly consumed psychoactive substance in the world. Caffeine is also one of the main ingredients in most fat burning supplements today. Caffeine is one of the few substances known to help mobilize fats from your fat tissues and increase metabolism.
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine plays a similar role. Although many people call L-Carnitine an amino acid, it’s actually more of a vitamin-like substance that plays a number of roles in your body. It’s formed in your liver and kidneys and made from two essential amino acids (lysine and methionine). Some medical professionals prescribe L-Carnitine in supplement form to help support those with heart conditions, diabetes, erectile dysfunction, and other health conditions. But because of its role in fat metabolism, it’s best known for its ability to aid in weight loss, particularly when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.
However, not only does L-Carnitine help to decrease the amount of fat that your body stores, but it also helps reduce visceral belly fat, the kind that surrounds your vital organs and potentially leads to fatty liver disease and other serious health conditions.
Dandelion Root
Dandelion is a natural diuretic and may aid weight loss in many ways. The potassium in dandelion can act as a diuretic and increase daily urine output. This leads to a decrease in water weight, which may be helpful if you’re feeling bloated or retaining water for some reason. You can choose to add these to your tool box to aid in your fat loss journey this summer. However, remember, everything’s better when used in moderation. And as a general rule, if you are suffering from any chronic non-communicable disease or using any medication, talk to your doctor before starting any new regimen that includes supplements.
