Matcha powder helps boost metabolism and the body’s ability to burn fat. So how can we incorporate it into our diets?
What is it?
Powdered green tea. Unlike many ingredients with weight loss claims, green tea won’t overstimulate the adrenal glands.
How to use it:
Try green tea as a smoothie base or drink it on it’s own. Nutritionist Dr Joanna McMillan says, “Green tea increases general health and improves body weight by increasing the metabolism and the body’s ability to burn fat,” she says.
In a study reported on in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, green tea extract was found to boost energy expenditure by around four per cent for each 24 hours.
Where to find it:
Matcha is available at many health food stores, and you can also buy it online.
Try it: Matcha makes a great base for fat-loss smoothies. If your goal is fat loss, a smoothie containing 500 to 750 kJ is ideal, and you want low GI and high-protein and fibre quotients to keep blood glucose steady and stave off hunger.
The high-protein, low-carb merits of natural yoghurt keep conversion to glucose under control, to stave off recurrent hunger, while chia seeds add fibre for digestive health and satiety. For a great fat loss smoothie idea, try:
- 1 tsp of matcha green tea powder
- ½ cup of ice
- ½ cup skim milk
- ½ cup of natural yoghurt
- 1 tsp of chia seeds soaked in 60 ml of water
NEXT: Check out 5 super healthy smoothie recipes or browse our Fat Loss section.
