Let’s face it. There is no magic bullet for losing weight. The tried and true advice of exercise more and eat smaller portions remains probably your best bet for losing weight. That said, our bodies evolved over hundreds of thousands of years and they evolved to handle an environment very different from fast-food, grocery store laden environemnet we live in today.
Like a car needs oil to run smoothly, certain, naturally occurring vitamins and nutrients are critical to your body processing food and therefore managing your weight.
Without further ado, here are the five best vitamins for improving your metabolism and losing weight and how you can make sure you are getting enough each.
1. Vitamin D
When it comes to nutrients our body is a complex system, so it’s hard to isolate one variable as critical for creating a specific outcome. That said, a number of studies have been completed showing that Vitamin D can reduce inflammation, improve insulin resistance, and is generally correlated with lower levels of fat.
You can go here to learn more about vitamin D
2. Iron
Iron is critical for growth. If you have low levels of iron, you may not send enough oxygen to your muscles to help them burn fat and grow. Iron is also used in the metabolism process. So, now you know, Iron is a key ingredient in a smoothly running and growing (in a good way) body.
3. Calcium
Research in the last 10 years has shown probable correlation that Calcium, when taking in conjunction with Vitamin D, can lead to weight loss. Calcium comes from a variety of sources, ranging from leafy greens and almonds to dairy products. Many dairy products are not just high in calcium, but also high in fats, so be cautious balancing your calcium intake with other diet goals.
4. B Vitamins
B Vitamins when taken in moderation can increase energy levels and improve metabolism. However, research has been shown that when taken in excess, the opposite can be true! The takeaway? Look to get a balanced mix of Vitamin B in your diet and avoid foods that are fortified with Vitamin B.
5. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an important ingredient in the fat burning process. Therefore, it makes sense that having an adequate level of Vitamin C is key in properly burning fat supplies.
How to make sure you are getting vitamins that can lead to weight loss?
There are number of new personalized vitamin brands that are now on the market which make daily vitamins that include the quantity of each vitamin that is right for your diet and goals. Our favorite of these is Ritual.
The other approach for getting this diverse set of vitamins? Eat a varied, plant-based diet! Daily vitamins can be helpful but there truly is no substitute to eating a well-rounded diet.