CLA and Garcinia Cambogia for weight loss–do they work?

Have you seen the news lately and noticed that obesity is a growing problem? Everything that we eat is affecting how long we live and how we feel. Today, the movement towards plant-based products is increasing with even KFC considering a plant-based chicken! 

People are slowly realizing that over consumption of any product can be bad for you so they need to make smart, healthy choices. Various tools exists today for the shopper, from reading blogs such as this one to buying weight loss foods and supplements but not all products are created equal. Not to mention that no weight loss program is complete without exercise. Remember, if you concentrate only on the food part during weight loss, then both body fat and muscle are lost, which is less than ideal as muscle helps burn fat! As long as you keep moving whether it is through cardio or weight training and are eating a healthy diet, you will achieve your goals of weight loss.

Let’s take a look at some of the supplements that can help you achieve this weight loss goal because many nutrients are forgotten about when people are dieting.

One common supplement that stands out is CLA or Conjugated Linoleic Acid. It is usually found in dairy and meats and many studies have shown that it may help with fat loss. Look for a CLA supplement that has 80% CLA as that will aid in weight loss. Combine this with other supplements like Vit A, C, or biotin and you will kickstart your fatty acid metabolism.

Try to get in your minerals as those tend to be depleted when fiber intakes are high as fiber can reduce absorption of minerals like iron, zinc, calcium, etc.

B vitamins are great for energy boosting and help your metabolism and both biotin and pantothenic acid have been used in weight loss studies.

Vitamins A, C, and E are all good to take too while dieting as your body is detoxifying since you are burning fat so these may help not only build your immune system but also help with giving you the antioxidants that you need to push through the diet plan. Remember, a weak immune system is not going to help you stay committed to the weight loss program.

Some other supplements you might have heard of include carnitine, CoQ10, spirulina, and garcinia cambogia. Each of these are viable to take too but no supplement by itself will be the miracle pill that you need to achieve the results you seek. There indeed is no substitute for a healthy diet and exercise!

Please note that supplements don’t work the same way in everyone as each individual’s body chemistry is different. If unsure about the side effects of a supplement, Google it or ask your doctor. I’ve also found, in my personal experience, that the staff at Whole Foods and GNC know a lot about the products they carry so definitely ask them too, otherwise you can always buy supplements at Walmart, Amazon, and your other favorite retailers. Remember, in the race to looking good, you don’t want to jeopardize your health.

Disclaimer: this is an opinion post and should not be taken as an endorsement or lack of for any product by me or my employer.