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What wellness shot is best for weight loss?

Wellness shots have become increasingly popular in recent years as a quick and convenient way to get a concentrated dose of nutrients. Some wellness shots claim to boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, increase energy, and even promote weight loss. But with so many options available, how do you know which wellness shot is actually effective for supporting weight loss goals?

What are wellness shots?

Wellness shots are typically 1-3 ounce servings of concentrated juices, extracts, or mixtures of health-promoting ingredients. They are meant to be consumed in one gulp or “shot”, hence the name. Wellness shots often contain ingredients like fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, apple cider vinegar, probiotics, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The small serving size packs a nutrient-dense punch.

Some popular wellness shots for weight loss include:

  • Apple cider vinegar shots – contain apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, cinnamon, cayenne pepper
  • Ginger shots – contain fresh ginger, lemon, cayenne pepper, honey
  • Green vegetable shots – contain greens like kale, spinach, parsley, celery, cucumber, lemon, ginger
  • Turmeric shots – contain turmeric, black pepper, lemon, honey

The idea is that these concentrated blends of natural ingredients can boost metabolism, reduce inflammation, support healthy digestion, and promote detoxification – all of which may support weight loss.

How do wellness shots promote weight loss?

Research shows the ingredients commonly found in wellness shots may influence weight loss in a few key ways:

Boost metabolism

Ingredients like ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, green tea, and chromium can help increase metabolism, which helps the body burn more calories. They do this by enhancing thermogenesis – the natural heat production process in the body – as well as by supporting healthy insulin function.

Reduce inflammation

Chronic inflammation is linked to weight gain and difficulty losing weight. Anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, ginger, lemon, apple cider vinegar, and omega-3s found in some shots can help reduce inflammation.

Support detoxification

Many shots contain ingredients that support detoxification, like apple cider vinegar, lemon, celery, cucumber, and spices. Detoxing the body and liver can enhance fat metabolism and weight loss.

Improve digestion

Probiotics and prebiotics found in some shots can balance gut bacteria and improve digestion. A healthy gut optimizes nutrient absorption and supports metabolism.

Reduce appetite

Ingredients like apple cider vinegar, green tea extract, and chromium can help reduce appetite. Feeling satisfied after a wellness shot may prevent overeating.

Best wellness shots for weight loss

Based on the current research, here are 5 of the best wellness shots for weight loss:

1. Apple cider vinegar shot

Apple cider vinegar can boost metabolism, reduce fat storage, improve insulin sensitivity, and suppresses appetite. When combined with anti-inflammatory ingredients like lemon juice, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper, its impact may be even greater.

2. Green tea and matcha shot

Green tea and matcha are packed with antioxidants like EGCG that can enhance fat burning and boost metabolism. Try a shot with concentrated green tea and matcha, lemon, mint, and a touch of natural sweetener.

3. Turmeric and ginger shot

Turmeric and ginger are both powerful anti-inflammatory spices that may prevent weight gain. Combining them gives an extra metabolism and inflammation-fighting punch.

4. Probiotic shot

Probiotic shots contain beneficial strains of live bacteria that can optimize gut health and digestion. This supports healthy metabolism and weight loss.

5. Vegetable and celery juice shots

Shots containing celery, cucumber, kale, spinach, parsley, and lemon provide antioxidants and enzymes that enhance detoxification and fat burning.

Other weight loss tips

While wellness shots can provide a nutrient boost, other lifestyle factors are also key for losing weight successfully:

  • Follow a balanced, low-calorie diet focusing on whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.
  • Stay active with regular exercise – aim for 150+ minutes per week of moderate activity.
  • Manage stress with yoga, meditation, deep breathing, or other relaxation techniques.
  • Get enough sleep; aim for 7-9 hours per night.
  • Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Potential downsides of shots

Wellness shots make it easy to get concentrated doses of nutrients, but there are some potential downsides to consider:

  • Could cause digestive upset if consumed in excess
  • Nutrients may be poorly absorbed when consumed in isolation versus from whole foods
  • Could interact with medications or exacerbate health conditions for some people
  • Sugar and calories can add up quickly if over-consumed

It’s best to drink wellness shots in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet and lifestyle.

Sample weight loss wellness shot recipes

Here are a few simple wellness shot recipes to try for supporting weight loss:

Apple cider vinegar shot

  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • Dash of cayenne pepper

Metabolism booster shot

  • 1 tbsp ginger juice
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric powder
  • Dash of black pepper and cayenne

Green antioxidant shot

  • 1/2 cup kale or spinach
  • 1/2 cucumber, peeled
  • 1 celery stalk
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled
  • 1/2 apple

Detox shot

  • 1 cup parsley
  • 1 lemon, peeled
  • 1 inch ginger, peeled
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 1/2 cucumber

Conclusion

Wellness shots containing research-backed ingredients like apple cider vinegar, green tea, probiotics, and anti-inflammatory spices show promising potential for supporting weight loss goals. However, they should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy lifestyle.

Focus on getting nutrients from whole food sources like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and fiber. Wellness shots can provide an extra concentrated phytonutrient and antioxidant boost when needed. Pair them with regular exercise, stress management, and proper sleep for the best weight loss results.

References

Here are some references used to research this article:

  • Johnston, C. S., & Buller, A. J. (2004). Vinegar and Peanut Products as Complementary Foods to Reduce Postprandial Glycemia. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 105(12), 1939–1942.
  • Mirer, F., & Jalali, M. (2016). Metabolic effects of cinnamon in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a comprehensive review. Integrative medicine research, 5(4), 332–336.
  • Zenk, S. N., Frestedt, J. L., & Kuskowski, M. A. (2017). HUMAN STUDY OF ONCE-DAILY, SUSTAINED-RELEASE APPLE CIDER VINEGAR WITH GARCINIA CAMBOGIA, CHROMIUM POLYNICOTINATE AND GYMNESTRA FOR WEIGHT LOSS. Journal of dietary supplements, 14(4), 367–381.
  • Kong, X., Tian, Y., Wu, M., Zhang, J., Luo, Y., Huo, D., Yan, S., Guo, J., Zheng, H., Li, X., & Huang, T. (2017). Effects of Matcha Green Tea Powder on Body Composition and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Obese Chinese Women: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients, 10(1), 7.