Scientists and real women agree : An 11 ¢ spice + walking helps triple fat burn

Josephine Donatelli . H & M : Miriam Boland inflammation helps eliminate waist-plumping stress responses and improves thyroid function , notes Dr . Suhas . Plus , recent Yale research found that the less inflammation older folks have around their fat , the more readily that fat burns . Dr . Suhas says all these factors help explain why turmeric-andwalking devotees like Deb are finally able to shed stubborn pounds .

Pairing turmeric with a little black pepper increases absorption of turmeric compounds by up to 2,000 %, per a University of Texas study .

More ways waists shrink

• Fat storage drops You ’ ve probably heard modern diets cause blood-sugar spikes that gradually damage cells . The hormone insulin then struggles to get sugar where it ’ s needed for fuel , explains Dr . Suhas .

Fuel deprivation makes us crave blood-sugar-spiking foods and churn out extra insulin to try and force sugar in ‘ broken ’ cells . The typical result ? Lots of excess sugar that insulin just ends up storing as fat .

Luckily , as muscles pump during walks , they burn away excess blood sugar without involving damaged cells . Plus , curcumin is so good at healing cells , Harvard tests show

200 mg daily staved off diabetes in 100 % of prediabetics . Dr . Suhas notes that blood-sugar issues are like a false alarm to store fat . Walking and turmeric “ turn the alarm off !”

• Metabolism revs up Lowering inflammation takes pressure off cells in a way that allows metabolism to perk up . Plus , both walking and turmeric increase AMPK , an enzyme key to metabolism , so folks who spice up their walks can expect “ faster and hotter metabolisms ,” says Dr . Suhas .

• New fat is blocked Scientists have found that curcumin can help suppress the development

of new fatty tissue . And , per Tufts research , curcumin blocks blood vessels feeding our fat , causing a significant number of fat cells to self-destruct .

Interested it giving walking and turmeric a try ? Dr . Suhas recommends at least 2 1 ⁄ 2 tsp . daily , which is about an 11 ¢ dose if you get the spice at Walmart or Costco . Supplements are also fine ; 500 mg twice daily is a typical dose of curcumin , but check with your healthcare provider . Take half your dose right before walking to maximize the effect . How soon will you see a difference ? Everyone is different , but some women tell us they ’ ve dropped up to two sizes in two weeks .

Real-world success “ I thought it was my fate to be heavier as I got older ,” shares Suzanne Denison , 60 . Rheumatoid arthritis made her less active , which led to weight gain “ and made my pain worse .” Yet the Florida sales manager wanted to be as healthy as possible . “ I did research and read that if I was consistent with turmeric for eight to 10 weeks , I might see a difference .” Her rheumatologist suggested 1,500 mg twice a day ; she used Nature Made brand . She also added two 20-minute walks a day — often strolling with her pal Stacy — and joined WeightWatchers to get her eating on track .

After six weeks , her pain fading , “ I could walk faster and farther . Within two months , I was up to 7 miles a day .” GI issues vanished and her sleep deepened as her pants got looser . In 10 months , Suzanne shed five sizes . “ My arthritis is mostly in remission , and I start the day ready to take on the world .” Her advice : Try walking and turmeric . “ It ’ s fine to start slow , but definitely start . You won ’ t believe how great it can make you feel !”

Easy fire fries

This spicy side is a delicious way to heat up your metabolism

2 russet potatoes 1 tsp . turmeric powder Dash of cayenne pepper Salt and pepper to taste 2 tsp . olive oil

QUICK SPICED PANCAKES In blender , blitz 1 ripe banana ,

2

⁄ 3 cup oats , 2 eggs and 1 ⁄ 2 tsp . turmeric ; cook pancake-style in coconut oil . Garnish and enjoy .

SHORTCUT CURRY Cook 1 lb . chicken , 30 oz . chickpeas , 1 diced onion , 15 oz . Indian simmer sauce , 1 Tbs . turmeric in slow cooker on low 3 to 5 hours .

Individual results vary . Experts encourage us to focus on steady , sustainable progress . Always get your doctor ’ s okay to try a new dietary strategy .

KICKED-UP BURGERS To 1 lb . ground beef , add 1 tsp . each turmeric , garlic salt and pepper . Form patties ; cook , serve as desired .

Peel potatoes and cut into fries . Soak in water 10 minutes ; drain and pat dry . Toss with turmeric , cayenne , salt , pepper and olive oil . Cook in the air fryer at 350 ° F until crispy , about 16 – 20 minutes , shaking the basket halfway through . Serves 2

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