In Part One of this article, we discussed tricks and tips, such as reading the ingredient list of products when shopping, to help you say goodbye to your weight loss plateau.

Here are some more tips to help you burn fat faster:

Learn good sugars vs. bad sugars

Eating refined sugars is likely the biggest impediment to weight loss. Sugar hides in everything. However, not all sugars are bad. Many healthy products now offer foods made with cane sugar,- a much healthier option. If the sugar count in your product is high, check the ingredient list to find out why. Try these techniques to get healthy sugars in your diet:

• Use honey, raw sugar or stevia to sweeten your coffee/tea. You may want to try slowly cutting down and eliminating the use of sugar from your hot beverage all together.

• Avoid white sugar and chemical sweeteners. Agave is nature’s best kept secret; - it has a sweet taste yet it is 100% all natural. Try substituting it in any recipe and you will not even taste a difference!

• Need a quick fix for your sweet tooth? Try crushing up your favorite raw nut(s) (almonds, cashews, etc.), drizzle agave on top, add a dash of sea salt, and enjoy! Need a chocolate fix? Purchase raw carob or raw cacao nibs (available at health food stores) and add to the mix.

Dairy and Soy

Rumor has it that dairy may not be as good for you as we once thought. As a result, many have turned to soy. Findings on soy are not conclusive either. It should be noted that a diet filled with soy is not optimal. Many people try the vegan diet, load themselves with soy and other highly processed ingredients, and end up feeling bloated and heavy. So what is the answer? Here are some suggestions:

• Limit your soy intake and consume occassionally. For example, instead of using soy milk in your cereal, try almond milk. It tastes just as good and is much better for you.

• Dairy is a tricky product. Many are lactose intolerant, without even knowing it. If you bloat or have loose stools after consuming dairy, you may well be lactose intolerant and should avoid milk products. However, if you do not experience these symptoms opt for fresh, organic, and if possible, raw varieties of dairy. Many farmer’s markets offer fresh, dairy from animals that are grass fed (as opposed to pumping the animals with hormones) healthy, and unpasteurized.

• Look for raw instead of pasteurized cheeses, and unpasteurized milk, which is sometimes offered by local markets but not available in grocery stores. Pasteurized simply means heated at a high temperature to ensure bacterias are killed. However, when heated at high temperatures, it eradicates all the good stuff, too!

Substitute your fats

Butter is a common go-to ingredient and is stable for high-heat cooking. If you are cooking on low to medium heat, choose cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil instead of butter.

Choose olive oil or flaxseed oil to drizzle onto your salads or other dishes instead of adding butter or margarine.

Have healthy options on hand

Always have a healthy option close by. A bag full of nuts or a simple banana can help you avoid a hunger bout and prevent you from the fast food line or an impulse candy bar buy. By always having a healthier option to turn to, you  will not feel deprived from having a treat. Stock up on grab and go items and never find yourself empty-handed. Having healthy options on hand, such as a bag of trail mix, prevents you from making poor food choices.

The key to obtaining a healthy body is to strive for balance and avoid extremes. Find a workout regimen that works for you, and make small, daily changes in your diet that will help you see faster results. When fighting the urge to indulge in unhealthy items, remember those foods only bring short term gratification. A piece of fresh fruit will not only taste good at the moment, you will continue to feel good long after the craving has passed.

RockIt Body Fitness Experts