Bella Petite’s  ‘Supermodel Food’ advice is the world’s most glamorous food suited for everybody!  We are bringing you some of our favorite foodie secrets and recipes to help you live a happy, harmonious lifestyle with your food and body. Our advice is meant to help you lose weight and, or maintain that perfect figure that you want without the stress of dieting. For me, food, health, and fitness is a lifestyle, and it should be one that is achieved simply without feeling like you are starving yourself.

Today I want to share with you one of my secrets how to jumpstart your metabolism.  One of the primary culprits for gaining unexpected weight is liquid calories since you don’t usually associate the calories with feeling full.  My simple rule of thumb is to avoid drinking carbonated beverages, artificially flavored juice drinks or alcohol, essentially cutting them out of my daily food routine just makes sense to me.

So what does a person drink for flavor without any of those options in their diet?  My secret weapon is iced tea.  I love iced tea, and, as long as you choose the sugar-free variety, it can even be a low-calorie option.  The key is to include iced tea in addition to consuming the recommended daily intake of water for my body weight.  To determine how much water you should be drinking every day just multiply your weight by 2/3 (or 67%). For example, if you weigh 100 lbs. That is 67 ounces of water.  Also,  factor in your activity level, so if you were to workout 30 minutes add another 12 ounces to compensate for the sweat you expel. Here is a good chart for reference.

Here are FOUR fabulous Iced Tea recipes to jumpstart your metabolism (8 oz glass):

1. ICED WHITE AND GREEN TEA WITH ORANGES 

Step one:  Use hot water that’s short of boiling.

Step two: 2 bags of tea for a stronger brew.

Step three: Add 4 orange slices White tea is a powerful antioxidant that encourages your body to burn off fat and helps to prevent fat cells from forming in the first place. The oranges are great to add extra flavor, plus they are super charged with vitamin C, which is ideal for every-body!

2. ICED MATCHA TEA WITH KIWI CUBES

Step one: Add 2 tsp of powder to water

Step two: Shake or whisk to avoid clumps

Step three: Add frozen or dried kiwi slices

Matcha Tea comes from Japan, and you can find it most health stores (like Mothers). Matcha tea helps block the absorption of fat from fatty foods you may have eaten earlier in the day, and the bonus is it has stress relieving elements too! Also, for extra, boost to the flavor slice-up kiwi (rich in fiber and vita c) freeze them and drop them in the drink. For the preparation of the tea may I suggest that you use your martini shaker with ice.

3. ICED MATE SUN TEA

Step one: 1/2 cup loose Mate Tea in a gallon of water

Step two:  Set in the sun for an hour.

Step three: Strain and pour over ice

Step four: add mint leaves

 Yerba Mate Tea is commonly used in South America, and it has fat- fighting compounds that help burn off calories. The bonus is that it gives you extra energy for about three to four hours. For extra flavor add mint leaves, which makes it taste like a Mojito, which is a great party drink without the guilt (and calories).

4. ICED TURMERIC TEA

Step one:1/4 tsp ground turmeric tea and a 1/4 tsp ground ginger I love this tea! (Specialty brands carry turmeric tea bags too).

Step two: Stir both ingredients into 1 cup of boiling water

Step three: Too cool pour over ice into your glass

Step four: Add lemon to taste

This is great caffeine free tea. Turmeric tea is an anti-inflammatory found in curry, and it also stops fat cells from forming. Tumeric tea also helps with joint discomfort, so it’s great to drink after a strenuous workout. The tea tastes citrusy, so it’s refreshing! Written by: Ann Lauren

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