Latest news with #MariaAbiHanna
Economic Times
16 hours ago
- Health
- Economic Times
Forget weight-loss jabs: These nutritionist-approved foods can naturally cut fat without side effects
iStock Dubai-based dietitian suggests that everyday foods like avocados, oats, eggs, and chia seeds can mimic the effects of popular weight-loss injections—without the side effects. These natural options support digestion, suppress cravings, and help regulate blood sugar. (Image: iStock) In an era where weight-loss injections are making headlines for their dramatic results, one nutrition expert argues you might not need a prescription to slim down—just a better grocery list. Maria AbiHanna, a Dubai-based dietitian and certified eating disorder practitioner, recently told The Daily Mail that several simple food groups can naturally mimic the effects of popular weight-loss medications that stimulate the GLP-1 hormone. These jabs—originally designed for diabetes and now used widely for weight loss—work by slowing digestion and promoting satiety. But they also come with a host of unpleasant side effects, from nausea and diarrhoea to long-term dependency concerns. AbiHanna's point? Your fridge can do what the pharmacy does—without the backlash. At the top of her list are healthy fats like avocados, nut butters, and oily fish such as mackerel. These aren't just calorie-rich snacks—they help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like D and E, promote heart health, and most importantly, curb cravings. While fats were once the villains of weight loss, science now champions them as satiety superstars. Protein is another powerful player. Eggs, Greek yogurt, and edamame beans pack in protein that doesn't just fuel your muscles—it also 'turns off cravings before they even start,' AbiHanna explained. A single serving of Greek yogurt offers up to 20 grams of protein, helping you stay full for hours without snacking. Then there's fibre—the often-overlooked hero of gut health and sustained fullness. Foods like oats, lentils, and chia seeds not only slow digestion but also help keep blood sugar steady. Chia seeds, for example, expand in your stomach, literally creating a sense of fullness. Lentils and oats, with their mix of fibre and resistant starch, offer long-lasting satisfaction without a calorie spike. Despite these benefits, most people fall short. According to the British Dietetic Association, the average Brit consumes only 18g of fibre daily—well below the recommended 30g. Yet a 2023 study in Science confirmed that those on fibre-rich diets lost significantly more weight than others, even when calorie intake was roughly the same. Leafy greens and high-volume, low-calorie veggies like cucumber and broccoli play a clever trick on the body: they stretch the stomach without loading it with calories. 'To feel fuller on fewer calories,' AbiHanna advised, 'add greens to every meal.' And when it comes to carbohydrates—often blamed for weight gain—it's the type that counts. Slow-burning carbs like sweet potatoes and quinoa release energy gradually, preventing the spikes and crashes that lead to cravings. 'Think long-term fuel, not fast-burning fire,' she said. 'If it stabilises your blood sugar, it stabilises your hunger.' Even snack time can be strategic. Green tea and matcha can suppress hunger pangs naturally, and simple combinations like apple slices provide the ideal balance of fibre and fat to keep you satisfied without reaching for sugary alternatives. AbiHanna sums it up best: 'This isn't about dieting or willpower—it's about working with your biology, not against it.' Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity, some users report losing up to 20% of their body weight in mere months. But the side effects—and the dependency risks—are leading many to seek sustainable, food-based alternatives. While medications have their place in combating obesity, this fresh perspective reminds us that sometimes the simplest solutions lie not in a syringe, but in a salad bowl.
Time of India
17 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Forget weight-loss jabs: These nutritionist-approved foods can naturally cut fat without side effects
In an era where weight-loss injections are making headlines for their dramatic results, one nutrition expert argues you might not need a prescription to slim down—just a better grocery list. Maria AbiHanna, a Dubai-based dietitian and certified eating disorder practitioner, recently told The Daily Mail that several simple food groups can naturally mimic the effects of popular weight-loss medications that stimulate the GLP-1 hormone . These jabs—originally designed for diabetes and now used widely for weight loss—work by slowing digestion and promoting satiety. But they also come with a host of unpleasant side effects, from nausea and diarrhoea to long-term dependency concerns. AbiHanna's point? Your fridge can do what the pharmacy does—without the backlash. Avocados Over Injections? At the top of her list are healthy fats like avocados, nut butters, and oily fish such as mackerel. These aren't just calorie-rich snacks—they help your body absorb fat-soluble vitamins like D and E, promote heart health, and most importantly, curb cravings. While fats were once the villains of weight loss, science now champions them as satiety superstars. Protein is another powerful player. Eggs, Greek yogurt, and edamame beans pack in protein that doesn't just fuel your muscles—it also 'turns off cravings before they even start,' AbiHanna explained. A single serving of Greek yogurt offers up to 20 grams of protein, helping you stay full for hours without snacking. You Might Also Like: Alia Bhatt's nutritionist guarantees this weight loss diet plan is the only one that always works The Fibre Factor Then there's fibre—the often-overlooked hero of gut health and sustained fullness. Foods like oats, lentils, and chia seeds not only slow digestion but also help keep blood sugar steady. Chia seeds, for example, expand in your stomach, literally creating a sense of fullness. Lentils and oats, with their mix of fibre and resistant starch, offer long-lasting satisfaction without a calorie spike. Despite these benefits, most people fall short. According to the British Dietetic Association, the average Brit consumes only 18g of fibre daily—well below the recommended 30g. Yet a 2023 study in Science confirmed that those on fibre-rich diets lost significantly more weight than others, even when calorie intake was roughly the same. iStock Foods like oats, lentils, and chia seeds not only slow digestion but also help keep blood sugar steady. (Image: iStock) Volume Eating: The Trick of Feeling Full Leafy greens and high-volume, low-calorie veggies like cucumber and broccoli play a clever trick on the body: they stretch the stomach without loading it with calories. 'To feel fuller on fewer calories,' AbiHanna advised, 'add greens to every meal.' And when it comes to carbohydrates—often blamed for weight gain—it's the type that counts. Slow-burning carbs like sweet potatoes and quinoa release energy gradually, preventing the spikes and crashes that lead to cravings. 'Think long-term fuel, not fast-burning fire,' she said. 'If it stabilises your blood sugar, it stabilises your hunger.' You Might Also Like: Want to lose weight faster? This science-backed diet plan can help you lower weight and cholesterol levels faster than intermittent eating iStock Leafy greens and high-volume, low-calorie veggies like cucumber and broccoli play a clever trick on the body: they stretch the stomach without loading it with calories. (Image: iStock) Snack Smarter, Not Harder Even snack time can be strategic. Green tea and matcha can suppress hunger pangs naturally, and simple combinations like apple slices provide the ideal balance of fibre and fat to keep you satisfied without reaching for sugary alternatives. AbiHanna sums it up best: 'This isn't about dieting or willpower—it's about working with your biology, not against it.' iStock Green tea and matcha can suppress hunger pangs naturally. (Image: iStock) The Bigger Picture Weight-loss drugs have skyrocketed in popularity, some users report losing up to 20% of their body weight in mere months. But the side effects—and the dependency risks—are leading many to seek sustainable, food-based alternatives. While medications have their place in combating obesity, this fresh perspective reminds us that sometimes the simplest solutions lie not in a syringe, but in a salad bowl. You Might Also Like: R Madhavan's weight loss and fitness secret is just one simple rule; literally anyone can follow it
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a dietitian - these are the six cheap supermarket foods that work like Ozempic to curb appetite, without the side effects
When it comes to avocados, millennials may have actually got it right. For the bright green fruit works in the same way as weight loss jabs like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, according to one expert. Slimming injections have ushered in a new era in the war on obesity. The treatment spurs weight loss by mimicking the actions of a hormone released in the gut after eating—GLP-1. As well as telling the pancreas to make more insulin, the GLP-1 hormone feeds back to the brain and makes us feel full—stopping patients from over-eating. But the jabs are not without side effects, with users commonly complaining of nausea, constipation and diarrhoea after taking the medication. Yet, Maria AbiHanna, a Dubai-based dietician said six certain food groups 'can do the same thing naturally, without the nausea'. The first, healthy fats, includes foods like avocados, nut butters and fatty fish like mackerel. Despite often being seen as 'bad', she said, a small amount of fat is an essential part of a healthy balanced diet and prove beneficial for weight loss. These fats help the body absorb key minerals and vitamins, such as vitamin D, and reduce the risk of heart disease. Protein, meanwhile, specifically eggs, Greek yoghurt and edamame beans, can help people feel fuller for longer and 'turns off cravings before they even start', she added. One serving of Greek yoghurt boasts an impressive 20g of protein, whilst three large eggs pack in 18g. Guidelines suggest that most adults need around 0.75-1g of protein per kilo of body weight, which is around 45g for women and 55g for men or two portions of meat, fish, nuts or tofu per day. High-fibre foods, such as chia seeds, lentils and oats, equally have a similar effect, Ms AbiHanna, who is also a certified eating disorder practitioner, said. Fibre is a type of carbohydrate found in plants that can help regulate digestion and curb huger pangs. But, the latest data from the British Dietetic Association suggests the average Brit consumes just 18g per day, far lower than the 30g recommended by the NHS guideline. Unlike other carbohydrates, fibre isn't easily broken down in the gut and absorbed by the body as sugar. Rather, it travels down the gut, through the intestines, slowing down digestion and keeping blood sugar steady. Chia seeds expand in your gut, while lentils and oats pack fibre and resistant starch for long-lasting satisfaction, she said. Recent studies have also found that dieters who have fibre rich diets report greater weight loss than their peers. One 2023 study published in the journal Science, found those who followed a high-fibre diet lost more weight than those on a control diet, despite their overall calorie intake being similar. Another food group Ms AbiHanna suggested was leafy green vegetables such as broccoli or cucumber to every meal, 'to feel fuller on lower calories'. Loading up on these high-volume, low-calorie options, such as leafy greens and cucumbers, will trick the body into feeling full as the stomach stretches, she said. Only specific carbohydrates, however, will have a similar effect as GLP-1s, she noted. Slow-burning carbohydrates such as sweet potatoes and quinoa, digest more slowly, helping to maintain energy levels without the dreaded sugar crash. 'Think long-term fuel, not fast-burning fire', she said. 'If it stabilises your blood sugar, it stabilises your hunger.' For this reason, certain snacks also work well. For anyone looking to lose weight, she advised opting for green tea or matcha to help suppress hunger pangs, or fat-fibre combinations like apple slices with nut butter to ward off sugar cravings. 'This isn't about dieting or willpower', the nutrition expert said. 'It's about working with your biology, not against it.' Once aimed at diabetes patients, drugs like Wegovy and Mounjaro are prescribed on the NHS for people with obesity — and interest among slim people about their potential weight-loss benefits has led to a surge in demand for them privately too. At least half a million NHS patients and some 15 million patients in the US are now thought to be using weight-loss jabs, which can help patients lose up to 20 per cent of their body weight in just a few months. And the numbers using them privately are even higher. The health service currently prescribes Wegovy to around 35,000 patients at specialist weight management clinics. Mounjaro, meanwhile, has been available in similar clinics since March and as of this month, GPs are also able to prescribe it.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Six supermarket foods that 'work like weight-loss jabs' for fraction of price
Around 1.5 million Brits are thought to be taking some form of weight loss drug, but there have been concerns over their link to pancreatitis and long-term side effects While an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK are taking weight loss drugs in a bid to shed the pounds, a nutritionist has revealed that the secret to weight loss is probably hiding in your fridge. GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Mounjaro have become popular in the UK in recent months, but have also been linked to some health concerns as medics warn users to be careful when purchasing the jabs online. And according to a nutritionist, there's no need to take the pricey medication. Maria AbiHanna, from Food Label Maker, claims there's a cheaper, easier way that starts in your local supermarket. "These drugs work by slowing digestion and activating the body's natural 'I'm full' hormones like GLP-1," AbiHanna says. "But certain foods can do the same thing naturally, and without the nausea." Here's what to purchase next time you are at the supermarket if you want to feel fuller for longer while switching to a healthier diet. 1. Protein: Eggs, Greek yogurt, edamame Protein is key in feeling fuller for longer, helping to pack in those late night or middle of the day snack cravings. Two eggs pack 13g of protein, while Greek yogurt delivers around 10g, and both keep hunger at bay by activating satiety hormones. Edamame is another protein-packed winner that doubles as a healthy snack. "Protein turns off cravings before they even start," says AbiHanna. 2. Fibre: Chia seeds, lentils, oats According to AbiHanna, fibre is the secret to staying full for longer while also aiding in digestion. It helps to slow down digestion and keep blood sugar steady - just like GLP-1 meds. Chia seeds expand in your gut, while lentils and oats pack fiber and resistant starch for long-lasting satisfaction. A simple sprinkling of chia seeds into a smoothie or overnight oats can offer a big fibre boost. 3. Healthy fats: Avocados, peanut butter Despite often being seen as "bad" - fat can actually be beneficial for weight loss. Avocados and peanut butter are full of healthy monounsaturated fats that slow digestion and keep you satisfied. "Fat plus fiber is a hunger-fighting dream team," says AbiHanna. Try avocado with eggs, or peanut butter with apple slices for a smart snack. 4. Smart carbs: Sweet potatoes, quinoa, lentils Not all carbs are created equal. These slow-burning carbs digest gently, keeping energy stable without the dreaded sugar crash. "Think long-term fuel, not fast-burning fire," AbiHanna explains. 5. Vegetables: Leafy greens, broccoli, cucumbers According to AbiHanna, loading up on high-volume, low-calorie veggies can trick your stomach into feeling full. Leafy greens, broccoli, and cucumbers stretch your stomach, triggering that "I'm done" feeling faster. Add them to every meal to feel fuller on fewer calories. 6. Snacks: Matcha, green Tea, fibre fat combos Snacking doesn't have to ruin your progress - if you choose wisely. matcha and green tea offer mild appetite suppression, while fat-fiber combos like apple slices with almond butter keep cravings away. "If it stabilises your blood sugar, it stabilises your hunger," AbiHanna explains. GLP-1 meds like Mounjaro might be trending, but there are plenty of natural ways to shed weight. The right foods can flip the same fullness switch - without a prescription or side effects . "This isn't about dieting or willpower," says AbiHanna. "It's about working with your biology, not against it."
