Are chia seeds the answer to weight loss?

[Health ★★★★]

(P1) It’s no secret that chia seeds are a powerful superfood. Through the years, people have eagerly added them to a variety of foods, from smoothies and yogurts to oats and fruit. With three times more iron than spinach and twice the amount of protein of any other seed or grain, it comes as no surprise that their very name means “strength”.

(P2) This member of the sage family also fills the body with antioxidants, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, and potassium galore. For all of these reasons, chia seeds are considered to be an incredible source of ongoing energy.

(P3) As if this isn’t incredible enough, it gets even better if you’re looking to lose weight. If you haven’t already, consider heading out to purchase these amazing seeds because they do wonders when it comes to shedding pounds. In fact, chia seeds are frequently referred to as a “dieter’s dream” for their ability to help people see the numbers on the scale drop.

(P4) First of all, because chia seeds are jam-packed with the aforementioned nutrients, dieters can be assured that they won’t sacrifice important minerals and essential fatty acids during their weight loss process. As the body adjusts to reduced portions and cleaner eating choices, chia seeds help to offset any potential nutritional deficits that a dieter might experience.

(P5) Additionally, because chia seeds are super absorbent, or hydrophilic, they have the ability to bulk foods up. Interestingly, the tiny seeds can hold up to 12 times their weight in water, and they can do so in less than 10 minutes. So what’s this have to do with weight loss?

(P6) As any person trying to lose weight knows, the hunger pains that accompany the new lifestyle aren’t any fun. Chia seeds to the rescue! Because they add such incredible bulk to foods, a person is able to enjoy a feeling of fullness, all while consuming fewer calories. When chia seeds are added to a typical serving of food, for example, a dieter actually ends up consuming about half the calories, thanks to the fact that the seeds displace calories and fat, all without compromising the good flavor of the food they’re added to.

(p7) In fact, licensed nutritionist Lisa Goldberg says that chia seeds are ideal for achieving weight loss goals. She says that in addition to their ability to absorb water, they’re also a high-fiber source (four grams per tablespoon), both of which contribute to reducing weight. “You have that feeling of fullness in your stomach because when you wet chia seeds, they form a gelatinous substance that takes longer to digest,” Goldberg explains. “You’ll overeat less and tend to snack less. If you eat chia before a meal, you’ll eat less at the next meal. It packs a nutritional punch without adding a lot of food to your diet.”

(P8) The benefits don’t stop there. Since this “dieters dream” provides sustained energy levels, that’s great news when it comes to exercise, a vital component of achieving weight loss. Even non-dieters know that exercise can sometimes leave them feeling drained. However, chia seeds have the ability to keep energy levels soaring, allowing dieters to give their all during workouts, and still have copious amounts of energy left over.

(P9) Chia seeds are also affordable. Why spend insane amounts of money on weight loss products that often lower your bank account instead of your pant size? At about $8 for a one-pound bag (different states or stores vary, of course), a person can make about 17 ounces (which can last about four days) of chia gel for approximately $1. That’s a mere 25 cents daily, which certainly won’t break the bank.

(P10) Making chia seeds a part of a weight loss process is a wise decision. They’re a nutritional powerhouse that keeps energy levels going strong while helping people feel full and satisfied during their healthy transition.

WORDS: 642

SOURCE: http://www.naturalnews.com/053063_chia_seeds_weight_loss_feeling_full.html

VOCABULARY: eagerly, sage family, aforementioned, offset, bulk up, gelatinous, copious

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

If you found the passage difficult to read or had problems understanding specific words or idiomatic expressions, please discuss them with your tutor. The following discussion questions should be answered in your own words and with your own arguments.

1. Briefly, summarize the content of the article in your own words.
2. Do you include chia seeds in your daily diet? Why or why not?
3. Do you take vitamins or other supplements daily? Why or why not?
4. Is it important for people to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle? Why or why not?

READING COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS:

1. What’s the meaning of the word chia?
2. Chia seeds are often called the _______________.
3. Chia seeds are not packed with fiber. (T or F)
4. If you are worried about high cost, you don’t have to be with chia seeds. (T or F)
5. These seeds are a nutritional ________________.

EXPRESSIONS or PHRASES:

What do the following expressions or phrases mean?

• a powerful superfood (P1)
• ongoing energy (P2)
• the numbers on the scale drop (P3)
• the hunger pains (P6)
• a nutritional punch (P7)
• break the bank (P9)

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