Consider taking vitamin B complex. It can help metabolize carbs, fats and proteins. You’re more likely to lose weight when your metabolism is functioning at its best. It’s a water-soluble vitamin so it breaks down in water. That means you don’t need to take it with food to prevent an upset stomach. You can also get B vitamins right from foods. According to the Harvard School of Public Health good sources of a range of B vitamins include fortified cereals, beans, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, and some vegetables and fruits, especially dark leafy greens, papayas, oranges, and cantaloupe. But back to being water soluble: it makes the vitamins delicate. Cooking and processing can easily diminish the ingestible amounts. This makes taking a vitamin more of a sure thing.
There are 8 types of B vitamins such as niacin, folate, riboflavin and biotin, all of which contribute to a well-functioning system. “As you age, your body doesn’t absorb the vitamin Biotin as well,” says Dr. Luiza Petre, MD, director of the Medi-Weightloss Clinics. “Biotin supplements can promote healthy cell growth.” Biotin, a water-soluble B vitamin, works with the other B vitamins to metabolize the food you eat. This in turn nourishes your hair, skin and nails.
Timing is key and there’s an important reason why certain vitamins and supplements must be taken before breakfast. Vitamin B complex is one of those vitamins. “If taken on an empty stomach, your body will absorb it in greater amounts,” says Jaclyn Jacobsen, a nutritionist at The Vitamin Shoppe. We keep a bottle of B and some water on our nightstands. When you wake up, just roll over and take the vitamin. This insures you have an empty stomach and your body can use B complex to it’s fullest potential (and for the deepest de-bloating, fat fighting effect).
Wait at least a half hour before eating a sensible meal that will give you the energy to power through the day, get a great workout and the willpower to tell sugary snacks to take a hike. Then whip up a B-heavy breakfast. Make a spinach salad (B9) and add an over-easy egg (B12) and roasted sweet potato spears (B6). Making vitamin B complex the start of your daily routine along with nutritious foods is a great step in meeting your beautiful de-bloating body goal. Browse B complex options here.