Have you tried honey and cinnamon for weight loss yet? While it’s no magic bullet for weight loss, it can be used in conjunction with a proper diet and exercise to accelerate the rate of weight lost, and help you get past food cravings more quickly.
Honey alone has been shown to contain antioxidants and enzymes that have various healthy effects on the body. Findings on cinnamon are equally as promising, with research suggesting that it can do everything from boosting your metabolism to lowering your cholesterol. On their own these two items should play a part in your regular diet.
Combining the two creates a sort of Dynamic Duo and when taken at the start and end of your day has been peer proven to assist you in your weight loss goals.
Honey and cinnamon have been long known for their holistic benefits. Here is how to use them in your daily routine to lose weight.
Understanding the Properties of Honey and Cinnamon
Honey is a natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, enzymes, and nutrients. It has a lower glycemic index (GI) compared to sugar, meaning it doesn’t cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. This property makes honey a healthier alternative to sugar, especially for those looking to manage their weight. Honey also contains vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium, and iron, which can contribute to overall health.
Cinnamon is a spice known for its aromatic flavor and medicinal properties. It contains high levels of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols, which help protect the body from oxidative stress. Cinnamon is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, and its positive effects on metabolism.
How Honey and Cinnamon Work for Weight Loss
— Regulating Blood Sugar Levels
Cinnamon has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels, which can help in controlling cravings and reducing appetite.
When blood sugar levels are stable, the body is less likely to store excess fat. Honey, while sweet, has a relatively low GI and can help satisfy sweet cravings without causing a rapid increase in blood sugar.
— Boosting Metabolism
Cinnamon is believed to increase metabolism by improving the efficiency of the digestive system. A faster metabolism means that the body burns calories more efficiently, leading to weight loss.
Honey can also play a role in boosting metabolism, particularly when consumed in moderation, as it provides a natural source of energy.
— Enhancing Fat Burning
The combination of honey and cinnamon may help in burning fat more effectively. Cinnamon contains compounds that can enhance the breakdown of fats in the body, while honey, with its natural sugars, can provide a sustained release of energy, preventing the body from storing excess calories as fat.
— Curbing Cravings
Honey and cinnamon together can help curb sweet cravings, which are often a stumbling block in weight loss efforts. The natural sweetness of honey satisfies the desire for sugary foods, while cinnamon helps in controlling appetite by stabilizing blood sugar levels.
— Detoxifying the Body
Both honey and cinnamon have detoxifying properties that can help eliminate toxins from the body. A detoxified body functions more efficiently, aiding in better digestion and weight management.
How To Use Honey and Cinnamon for Weight Loss
To incorporate honey and cinnamon into your weight loss regimen, you can follow these simple methods:
— Honey and Cinnamon Tea
- Boil a cup of water.
- Add half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder or a small cinnamon stick.
- Let it steep for a few minutes.
- Add a teaspoon of raw honey once the water has cooled slightly (to preserve the enzymes in honey).
- Drink this tea on an empty stomach in the morning or before meals.
— Honey and Cinnamon Spread
- Mix a teaspoon of honey with a pinch of cinnamon powder.
- Spread it on whole-grain toast or mix it into oatmeal for a healthy breakfast option.
— Honey and Cinnamon Water
- Mix half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder in a glass of warm water.
- Add a teaspoon of honey and stir well.
- Drink this mixture in the morning or before bedtime.
After creating you should consume as directed below.
1. In the Morning
Getting a good start to your day is key when you’re trying to lose weight because it sets the tone for how the rest of the day goes. Start it off wrong and you’re more likely to eat a fattening meal at lunch and follow up with whatever you want at dinner.
Getting into the habit of using an all-natural weight loss tool like cinnamon and honey can help ensure you start things off on the right foot.
Take the mixture right when you wake up and wait 30 minutes before having your breakfast meal.
Why it’s effective: Honey and cinnamon when taken in the morning can help rev up your digestive system, helping your metabolism and energy level through lunch.
2. Between Meals
When losing weight is your goal you may have found that between meals is when you are most vulnerable to cravings and food temptations. This is often the times we find ourselves at work and surrounded by vending machines and other goodies coworkers have brought in.
Cinnamon can help lessen your appetite, making it easier for you to make it from one meal to the next without the need to eat an unhealthy snack. Making better food choices is paramount when attempting weight loss, and a mixture of cinnamon and honey can help in that department.
Cinnamon has been shown to help lower your blood sugar levels, which will help you stay alert and focused throughout the day and avoid that after lunch crash that is so common.
Why it’s effective: The combination of honey and lemon is an effective way to prevent snacking on junk between meals and is a better option than letting yourself go hungry.
3. Before Aerobic Workouts
When you’re gearing up for an aerobic workout there are a few things you can do to make it more effective. Stretching is one, but did you know that it matter what you are putting into your body prior to your workout?
If you always feel drained after a workout, or you feel that you don’t have enough energy to have an effective workout, you may notice that the honey and cinnamon blend help give you more energy to help you push through it.
There are other ways to make your cardio workouts more effective. Work out on an empty stomach and make sure you don’t eat for at least 30 minutes after you’ve done an aerobic workout, and hour if you can make it that long. This helps your body burn more calories since it isn’t focused on digesting your next meal.
Why it’s effective: The sugar in honey will give you energy to boost you through your workout, and the metabolism-boosting nature of cinnamon will amplify the effects of your cardio.
4. Before Bedtime
The stretch of time between dinner and sleep can be the hardest to get through when you’re trying to lose weight. Late night snacking and midnight trips to the refrigerator will only set you back on your goals and are typically not authorized on most diet programs.
You can use cinnamon and honey as your ally during this time. Since it’s not a solid food it won’t be weighing on your stomach or through your digestive system a wrench right before you retire for the evening.
The honey will help any late night cravings for sweets like that nightly bowl of ice cream. The cinnamon will act on your digestive system, helping it as it resets itself during the night.
Why it’s effective: Curbs nighttime cravings and make sure you can fall asleep without hunger pangs keeping you up at night.
Precautions and Considerations
While honey and cinnamon can support weight loss, it’s essential to use them as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle. Overconsumption of honey can lead to excess calorie intake, which may hinder weight loss efforts.
It’s also crucial to choose pure, raw honey and Ceylon cinnamon, as they are the most beneficial forms of these ingredients. Additionally, people with specific health conditions, such as diabetes or allergies, should consult a healthcare provider before incorporating honey and cinnamon into their diet.
Conclusion
Honey and cinnamon, when used together, offer a natural and effective way to support weight loss. Their combined benefits of regulating blood sugar levels, boosting metabolism, enhancing fat burning, curbing cravings, and detoxifying the body make them a valuable addition to a weight loss regimen.
However, for the best results, it’s important to use them as part of a comprehensive approach to health that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration.
