Did you know that the prevalence of obesity and being overweight has tripled over the years worldwide? This incidence has led to novel and interesting interventions for weight loss. One such approach is the emergence of peptides for weight loss. Well, it might be a new term for some of you, but a few of you might have heard some buzz around peptides for weight loss especially if you were keenly researching on new techniques to shed that unwanted weight.   

Peptide therapy was initially used by body builders to build lean mass and reduce fat mass. But now peptides for weight loss are becoming an emerging trend, viable for the general population, helping one achieve better health and fitness if used under proper guidance. Without further ado let’s get into the basics of peptides and how it helps you lose weight.   

What are peptides? 

Peptides are tiny biomolecules, which are made up of amino acids. Just like a string of beads in your necklace, peptides are a string of amino acids. Many strings of peptides together form a protein. In simpler terms, peptides are nothing but a mini version of proteins. They may be incredibly small but can make a big difference in how you look, feel and live.  

Role of peptides in our body  

Peptides act like a message in our body, for example, if your blood glucose levels are low, the body signals the pancreas to produce a hormone that can release glucose from the liver to bring your blood glucose levels back to normal. So once the peptides (messages) are delivered to the pancreas, they start their function of releasing hormones which can further maintain the blood glucose balance.  

So it’s simple, peptides are the messages which are very precise and specific to every organ. And hormones are the end result of these messages.  

Peptides can help improve your health and quality of life in many ways like – 

• Strengthening your immune system  
• Makes you look younger  
• Build muscles  
• Increase energy 
• Enhances cognitive function 
• Improves skin and hair growth  
• Brightens mood and sharpens memory  
• Good quality sleep  
• Easy recovery from injuries  
• Improves athletic performance  
• Heightens libido 
• Burn fat and helps you lose weight 

Peptide therapy 

As we understood that peptides are organ specific, different peptides affect different cells and function differently. They can be specially combined and customized to improve your health and well-being which is known as peptide therapy.  

Why do we need peptides for weight loss  

As we age, we tend to lose the rhythm of life as there is a significant change in our circadian rhythm, eating habits, exercise routine, etc. Another potential reason for using peptides for weight loss is the progressive decline of a hormone called Growth Hormone by 15%, every decade of adult life.  

The Growth hormone’s role is vast in the human body and is associated with  

• Healthy metabolism  
• Lowering fat accumulation  
• Improves heart health  
• Increases exercise capacity  
• Maintenance of muscles  
• Improves cognitive function 

Decrease in growth hormone shows increased abdominal and visceral adiposity. Peptides help our body increase the growth hormone production, helping one sustain/correct the metabolic health and helps in burning fat and losing weight.  

Best peptides for weight loss and fat loss 

• MOTS-C is a peptide found in mitochondria, which helps in metabolic activities throughout the body especially glucose, where it is converted into usable energy. MOTS-C acts as an exercise mimetic, which means that the hormone can stimulate changes normally activated through exercise.  Studies show that MOTS-C helps in regulating blood glucose levels by improving insulin sensitivity and lowering insulin resistance.  MOTS-C showed positive implication for enhancing fat breakdown, decreases fat gain even on a high fat diet, prevents fat from accumulating in muscle and maintains an overall healthier lifestyle.  

Application Mode :  Injection  

•  Tesamorelin is an FDA approved peptide, which is a growth hormone analog. It means that the peptide is similar to the one normally released from the brain. It dramatically increases human growth hormone. It is used to reduce stubborn belly fat or abdominal fat. It reduces inflammation. Improves cognitive function in healthy adults. Lowers insulin resistance and lowers triglyceride levels in healthy people. Improves overall framework of the body.  

 Application Mode :  Injection   

•  CJC 1295 – is a peptide which stimulates growth hormone secretion and leads to a steady increase of human growth hormone leading to fat loss and muscle growth. It helps in – 

1. Fat loss, increase lean muscle mass and better lipid profiles
2. Promotes deep sleep, which is associated with fat burning, muscle recovery and memory formation
3. It works well in combination with Ipamorelin for accelerated fat loss and promotes lean body mass  

Application Mode :  Injection  

•  Ipamorelin is a class of peptides which helps the body to produce more of growth hormone. Its uses are –  

1. Accelerates fat loss
2. Improves sleep, mood and energy
3. Improves muscle strength and mass
4. Improves long term growth hormone production 

Application Mode :  Injection and oral troche  

•  Sermorelin is a peptide which fights the effects of aging and promotes weight loss, by stimulating the natural production of human growth hormone which declines over age. Its uses are –  

1. Improves your appearance 
2. Increases lean muscle mass
3. Reduces body fat
4. Enhances quality of sleep  
5. Improves skin firmness and thickness
6. Reduces body aches and muscle aches

Application Mode :  Injection, oral troche, Oral capsules  

•  MK-677 (ibutamoren) is a peptide that stimulates the naturally stored growth hormones for the body to use. It –  

1. Increases growth hormone levels
2. Builds muscle mass
3. Increases muscle strength
4. Improves fat burning 
5. Accelerates weight loss
6. Revs up metabolism
7. Enhances sleep quality
8. Regenerates nerve tissue
9. Improves cognition

Application Mode : Oral capsule ( doesn’t come in injection)  

•  AOD 9604 is a fragment of the human growth hormone. This peptide helps in stimulating the metabolism. It – 

1. Boosts fat loss and burns calories
2. Decreases the extra fat from the obese cells more than lean cells
3. Helps in reducing belly fat
4. Destroys stored fat cells
5. Works wonderfully without affecting your hunger or blood sugar levels

Application Mode :  Injection and oral troche   

Combination of Peptides for weight loss and fat loss  

Combination of peptides have proven to show better results than single peptides  

• CJC 1295 + Ipamorelin – This combination proves that two is better than one for restoring youth and vitality. When this combination is carefully combined the body is able to produce stronger and steadier release of the growth hormone to provide twice the fitness and weight loss benefits. It helps in –  

1. Enhancing fat loss and weight loss
2. Increasing lean muscle mass
3. Enhancing sleep quality
4. Enhancing energy levels and stamina

Application Mode :  Injection and oral troche  

• IGF-1 LR3, CJC 1295 + Ipamorelin – This unique blend provides optimum human growth hormone production in the body. Its main function is to build new muscle tissues by promoting nitrogen retention and protein synthesis. It –  

1. Increases metabolic expenditure
2. Improves healing and recovery 
3. Improves fat loss and weight loss
4. Increases lean muscle mass
5. Fights inflammation and arthritis

Application Mode :  Injection  

How fast can I see results from Peptides for weight loss? 

Results are dependent on many factors like age, the dosage, if you have any medical condition and the lifestyle you follow. Results vary from 3 months to 6 months depending on the type of peptide used, for e.g. Ipamorelin is more gentle and it takes 3-6 months to see significant changes, increases at 6 months and sustained for 12 months. But if you’re all set and follow a perfect routine with Tesamorelin you can notice significant changes within a few weeks.  

Let me give you a word of caution, you need to take peptides only under the supervision of a medical practitioner as a part of your weight loss program. Speak to your doctor about the dose and right kind of peptide based on your goals.  

Apart from that you need to manage your diet and cook your own food so you can control what you’re eating. Remember great abs are made in the kitchen! 

So you need to use it correctly with your diet, exercise and sleep. If used incorrectly peptides have the potential to cause various side effects  

Side effects of peptides for weight loss 

For healthy individuals peptide injections are unlikely to cause serious side effects because they are similar to the peptides present in everyday foods. But if you have any pre-existing medical conditions you could be at risk of side effects like  

• Itchiness at the injection area  
• Increased water retention (common sign of overdose)  
• Increased hunger  
• Dry mouth  
• Tingling or numbness  

Peptides for weight loss has been shown to help people fight off their excess stubborn weight and fat with a number of health benefits. Though peptide therapy is known to be one of the wonderful slimming solutions, it can be more sustainable when combined with a low-calorie diet, exercise, and simple lifestyle modifications.  

Research shows that people lose up to 60-75 pounds (i.e., 25-34 kgs) when peptide therapy is combined with healthy eating habits and lifestyle modifications. Amazing right? 

So, before you choose peptides for weight loss, it’s advisable to consult your medical practitioner and take advice from them.  

NOTE: Do not to use peptides on your own as you might end up with other consequences.  

 Written by Aishwarya Deepika, ENHAPP Wellness Coach & Nutritionist  

The post Pumping Peptides for weight loss? Your Pep-guide in this fat loss journey! appeared first on ENHAPP.

After 60 years of believing that FAT was the “Bad Guy,” the concept of Fat first thing in the morning was presented recently. 

Ancel Benjamin Keys popularized this concept in the 1950’s, at a WHO expert meeting in Geneva, when he outlined his “diet-lipid-heart disease” hypothesis, which sounded fairly convincing at the time, thereby initiating the Fat-fearing ERA. 

 Since 2009-2010, a new era has begun with new studies and experiments demonstrating that eating healthy fat first thing in the morning not only improves our body’s response, but also decreases our hunger episodes and cravings. 

However, despite many research, studies, and individuals over the world experimenting with Fat First/Bulletproof coffee, people continue to believe that “Fats make them Fat.” 

As a nutritionist and wellness consultant, I see a lot of people struggling with their health. To dispel this notion and reassure our readers, I’ll share my personal experience with Fat and how my body responded to it. Though I adore the scent and taste of clarified butter/Ghee, I admit that I was initially hesitant to begin my day with it, as the concept of fat initially gave me disgusting thoughts. Thus, my objective was to make significant changes to my morning routine, which includes oil pulling with cold-pressed coconut oil (even before brushing my teeth) and substituting 1 tsp coconut oil in a cup of warm water on alternating days, as I am not a coffee drinker. 

Because I felt more at ease with the flavor of coconut oil, I began this manner; however, you may begin with Ghee in warm water if you want. 

Additionally, diabetics, persons with PCOS, or those with insulin resistance can enhance their blood sugar control by adding 3gm of cinnamon powder to this recipe. On the other hand, persons with Thyroid should take their meds first thing in the morning and then begin with fats. This will help you maintain a healthy hormonal balance in your body. 

The benefits of consuming fat first thing in the morning include the following: 

To begin, the very simple reality about fat in the morning is that 1 gramme of fat contains 9 calories, while 1 gramme of carbohydrate or protein has just 4 calories; hence, fat will logically keep us feeling fuller for longer. 

Because carbohydrates’ primary role is to elevate blood sugar levels, when you begin with carbs, your blood sugar levels swiftly rise and fall, leaving you hungry and craving your next meal. 

In comparison, a healthy fat helps you maintain better control of your blood sugar levels. Because there is no carbohydrate present, there is no resulting increase in blood glucose. Additionally, it improves insulin resistance. Contributes to increased vitamin absorption. Finally, we’re going to improve our general gut health. Healthy fat meals also differ from conventional dairy products in that they are low in lactose and casein, the two primary proteins responsible for indigestion in the small intestine. Constipation is also eliminated with fat first, as well as improved hormone control in the body due to the presence of Omega-3 fatty acids and saturated healthy fats.

Fats That Are Good for You vs. Fats That Are Bad for You: 

When we hear the term “FAT,” many of us make broad strokes. Numerous sites describe and discuss fat as if it were all the same, although each fat has a unique role to perform. Healthy fat vs. unhealthy fat is a topic to grasp and apply in our daily lives in order to provide our bodies with an energy source. Yes, we do have many types of fats such as saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, each of which has a unique purpose. Essentially, any fat found in nature is a healthy fat, such as cold pressed seed oils, nuts, eggs, whole milk, and avocados (as an exception). Whereas any fat that has been commercially made, hydrogenated, or refined from crude oil is unhealthy due to the numerous poisons and chemicals needed to refine and commercialize it.

Healthy Fats for the Morning: 

Several options to consider as a fat first thing in the morning are the following: 

• Organic butter is made from grass-fed cow’s milk or A2 cow’s milk
• Ghee from Organic Cows: Ghee made from grass-fed cows or A2 cows’ milk
• Old-pressed virgin coconut oil: Virgin coconut oil that has been cold-pressed to minimize nutritional loss
• Coconut chunks/pieces: Fresh coconut chunks/pieces are also an excellent source of healthful fats
• Organic Nut butter: Lightly roast any nut cashew/almond and churn in a blender until creamy. Season with a pinch of sea salt to taste

Unhealthy Fat-Containing Foods: 

• Bakeries and biscuits: These include all of the undesirable fats due to the poor grade fat used to extend the shelf life.
• Margarine/salted butter: These are hydrogenated vegetable oils that have been subjected to hydrogen gas bombardment.
• Not only is fat-free milk lower in fat and calories, but it also contains fewer naturally occurring omega-3 fatty acids.
• Ready-to-eat foods: Once again, a quick cure for food lovers who crave items high in trans fat or unhealthy fats.
• Refined Oil: This is crude oil that has been refined utilizing numerous chemicals and poisons that bond to the refined oil and enter our bodies. 

We are all unique in our own ways, so let us discover the equilibrium and balance necessary to maintain our health, happiness, and vitality.’It may be difficult and perplexing at first, but we cannot expect to achieve different results by continuing to practice the same old habits, don’t you agree?

Thus, while it may be challenging at first to eliminate carbs and replace them with healthy fats, after 4-6 days, you will begin to like this morning ritual. 

Always begin slowly and gradually increasing the intensity to meet your body’s needs. Begin with 1 teaspoon of healthy fat and gradually increase to 1 tbsp after a month. If you can maintain any morning ritual for 21 days, it will immediately become a habit. Therefore, set aside time mentally to kick-start your “Healthy Fat” first thing in the morning. 

Written by Ananya Bhattacharya, ENHAPP Wellness Coach & Nutritionist 

The post Why fat first thing in the morning ?  appeared first on ENHAPP.

Experiencing difficulty fitting into your old jeans with your tummy peeking out? Is this making you anxious about how to lose fat around your tummy? Well, losing belly fat not only helps you stay in shape but also helps you stay healthy too. Studies have shown that increased belly fat is associated with an increased risk of heart diseases, diabetes, and other potential health issues. You must have heard a lot about the importance of fiber with respect to human health, but does it really help one lose belly fat? 

Yes! with these “super foods” which are rich in fiber, anti-oxidants, vitamins and minerals which not only makes them lose belly fat but also helps to stay healthy and fit. An average person can consume up to 30g of fiber /day as per the guidelines.  

Here’s a compiled list of 32 foods that burn belly fat fast which you can include in your diet. 

Whole Grains for losing your belly fat  

• Barley: It is a rich source of fiber, packed with antioxidants, folate, magnesium, vitamin B1 and selenium. Because of its high fiber content, it helps you feel satiated for a long time and reduces the appetite. The presence of magnesium and selenium also boosts the metabolism which can help you lose belly fat. If you want to include barley in the diet, always remember to soak it (Soaking eliminates unwanted materials from barley and makes the nutrients readily available for the body), Barley also contains gluten so if you are allergic or Intolerant to gluten, barley is not an option for you. Barley water efficiently removes belly fat when consumed in the morning on an empty stomach, so why don’t you give it a try?  
• Quinoa: It is called a “super food” because of its nutrition dense property. It is jam packed with fiber, proteins and antioxidants. Quinoa aids in boosting your metabolism which helps in burning your belly fat faster. Well, if barley was not an option to you Quinoa definitely is because it is gluten free.  You can include quinoa in salads with veggies or make a fruit bowl with dry fruits & nuts and milk
• Oats: Oats are powerful grains, rich in fiber, high in proteins and low in calories than any other whole grain which makes it an ideal food for a flat stomach. Oats has numerous health benefits such as reducing cholesterol, regulates blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy gut but also works efficiently in shrinking down the belly fat fast which is one of the main reasons to be in the list of 32 foods that burn belly fat fast. Oatmeal made with water combined with fruits and nuts, with less/no sugar is an excellent option for losing belly fat.

• Brown rice: Unlike white rice, brown rice is an excellent option for cutting down the belly fat, as it is loaded with more fiber and essential vitamins like B1 which increases the metabolism and aids in losing belly fat faster. But keep a check on the arsenic content of the rice if you want to consume it on a daily basis.  

Pulses that burn your belly fat fast  

• Lentils: Lentils are loaded with proteins & fiber as they take longer time for digestion, which reduces hunger and boosts the thermic effect of food which can lead to fat burning. Examples of a few lentils are moong dal, masoor dal, horse gram and green gram. Lentils can be used in salads along with veggies and used in curries & soups
• Beans: Beans are packed with proteins and fiber which is the main reason for increased metabolism and aids in burning the belly fat. Examples of some beans are Black beans, lima beans, kidney beans. Beans can be used in salads, soups and in the form of spreads e.g. hummus, which can make your meal more interesting and less calorie dense.  

Fruits for losing your belly fat fast  

1. Berries for burning belly fat

• Strawberries: Contains good amount of soluble fiber and hormones which enhances metabolism that helps in burning belly fat 
• Blackberries: Rich in antioxidants, polyphenols and compounds which prevents fat forming and cuts down the belly fat efficiently  
• Raspberries: High in antioxidants and flavonoids, helps in reducing the total body weight and also helps to slim your waistline by reducing triglycerides levels in the body

2. Fat frying Citrus fruits 

• Mangoes: Rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants and dietary fiber. Mangoes can help you tuck your tummy in if consumed in moderation
• Grapefruit: Rich in Vitamin C, contains compounds that can cause liver to break down fat more efficiently and helps in sensitizing insulin which plays a key role in weight management
• Guava: Loaded with dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals and ideal for weight loss as it’s called “weight-loss friendly” fruit. Even leaves of guava will aid in fat burning and helps you lose weight
• Kiwi: contains enzyme which aids in smooth digestion and helps in decreasing the belly fat 
• Red grapes: Red grapes make it to the list of 32 foods that burn belly fat fast because of its positive fat burning effects in the body and studies have shown that the compounds in red grapes also slows down the growth of the existing fat cells

3. Tropical fruits for trimming your waist line 

• Apple: One of the main reasons to be on the list of 32 foods that burn belly fat fast is because it contains pectin which releases carbs slowly and aids in satiety and reduces bingeing. Studies show that pectin helps in burning the belly fat.  
• Pears: High fiber in the fruit can help you stay satiated longer and helps in trimming down the excess fat. 
• Pomegranate: Studies have shown that increased intake of pomegranate has shown significant decrease in the abdominal fat  

Veggies for shrinking your waistline quickly  

• Acorn squash: Contains low calories, low carbs, high fiber and loaded with vitamin C which boosts the metabolism and aids in burning belly fat.  
• Sweet potato: Contains special type of fiber called resistant starch which helps in burning belly fat and weight loss.  
• Beets: Contains powerful compounds that helps in reduction of belly fat. 
• Pumpkin: It is devoid of cholesterol, sodium and fats making it ideal for weight loss and helps in losing belly fat naturally and makes it on the list of 32 foods that burn belly fat fast. 
• Bell peppers: Contain a special compound which increases the fat burning rate and suppresses hunger
• Broccoli sprouts: Studies have shown to reduce the storage of abdominal fat and also possess cholesterol lowering properties.

Nuts and seeds for losing your belly fat fast  

• Macadamia nuts: Rich in Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), and studies have shown the consumption of MUFA rich foods have reduced the belly fat
• Pumpkin seeds: Contains power packed nutrients that promotes general health, skin, hair and promotes fat burning and weight loss
• Flax seeds: These are tremendously popular for their fat burning property and aids in weight loss, hence falls under the list of 32 foods that burn belly fat fast
• Sunflower seeds: These nutty seeds are excellent option for healthy snacking as its loaded with good fats and helps in cutting down belly fat quickly
• Chia seeds: These tiny black seeds are an excellent addition to the 32 foods that burn belly fat fast as it reduces your belly fat and promote digestion

Beverages that cut your belly fat fast  

• Apple cider vinegar: ACV can bring wonders if you really want to lose body fat, it cuts down the overall fat percentage, shrinks down the tough belly fat & decreases body’s triglycerides making it one of the greatest additions to the 32 foods that burn belly fat fast
• Lemon water: The simplest way to cut down your belly fat is lemon water, as its low in calories and quite filling reduces your appetite and boosts metabolism which helps in belly fat reduction 
• White tea/green tea: The compounds present in green tea/white tea can help you lose abdominal fat quickly if consumed on a regular basis as they are known to increase fat metabolism and breaks down excess fat quickly
• Red wine: Contains substances which can counteract the production of belly fat   in the body and are among the list of 32 foods that burn belly fat fast because it also inhibits fat synthesis

Well, here’s a list of 32 foods that burn belly fat fast, always be smart to make it a complete and a balanced meal including all the food groups along with some hard-core fat burning exercises like cardio that will bring back your shape and will tuck your tummy in  

Say Goodbye to your extra tummy  

Happy eating! 

Written by Aishwarya Deepika, ENHAPP Wellness Coach & Nutritionist 

The post Pot belly to a flat tummy – Explore 32 foods that burn belly fat fast appeared first on ENHAPP.