Wouldn’t it be awesome to hit the beach feeling fit, energetic and confident in your body this summer? With summer just around the corner, now is the time to start preparing your body for the fun season ahead. Ideally, a varied, balanced diet should provide all the nutrients in the right balance to maintain energy, drive and a healthy weight. However, due to our busy, complicated lives, we often don’t have time to nourish our bodies, and instead we turn to poor diet choices that lead to weight gain and nutrient deficiency. When trying to lose weight and become healthier, supplements can play an essential role in your diet plan. This week I have hand selected my top picks to help you get summer ready and improve your overall health.

Protein powder

People often think protein powder is something only gym junkies use to get #gains. However, protein is a powerful tool that can help you lose weight. Protein keeps us full and satisfied, so we can make it to our next meal without snacking. It also increases our metabolism and maintains muscle mass, all of which helps to burn fat. With so many protein powders on the market, it is hard to pick the healthiest option. My trick is to focus on unsweetened and natural kinds. This way you won’t encounter any sneaky sugars or fillers that could sabotage your weight loss goals. My top pick for summer is the Nutra Organics Cacao Choc Clean Protein. This protein powder takes the cake when it comes to flavour and health benefits! I knew I had to try this once I saw the irresistible flavour, and it did not disappoint! It is the perfect combo – not too sweet, with a perfect blend of the earthy maca flavour and chocolatey goodness. This protein powder is the perfect training partner; made from bio-fermented pea protein and sacha inchi protein to help you feel toned, fit and healthy this summer. Buy it here

Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV)

When you think of apple cider vinegar, your face may instantly make that distorted “sour” expression that turns you straight off. However, this liquid gold formula has an astounding amount of health benefits that certainly outweigh the sour after taste. The key to ACV is “the mother”, which is rich in natural proteins, healthy bacteria and acetic acid. Acetic acid has shown to be beneficial for weight loss as it can help to boost your metabolism, curb your appetite, reduce cravings and help lower blood sugar levels. I recommend taking one to two teaspoons with water before meals, or if you really can’t handle the taste on its own, you can instead use it to make a delicious salad dressing. My top pick for apple cider vinegar is the from trusted brand Braggs.

Garcinia cambogia

The garcinia cambogia fruit is a well-known supplement for those looking for natural ways to lose weight. Garcinia is a small fruit, native to India and Southeast Asia, which resembles a cross between a pumpkin and a tomato. The fruit is rich in hydroxycitric acid (HCA) which is the ingredient believed to be responsible for its weight loss benefits. There are two main ways garcinia is thought to aid weight loss. First, it can suppress your appetite and second, HCA can prevent the fat-making process in your body which may reduce the fat in your blood and lower your risk of weight gain (two major disease risk factors). Taking garcinia alone won’t help you drop kilos, but paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it can be beneficial for your weight loss goals. While the plant has been eaten safely for years, people who are breastfeeding or pregnant shouldn’t take an HCA supplement. Additionally, diabetics should speak with their health professional before commencing treatment as it can cause a drop in blood sugar levels. My top Garcinia pick for summer is the Cabot Health Metobocal weight control. It provides a potent dose of Garcinia plus a blend of supporting nutrients and herbs to help improve your metabolic rate, suppress your appetite and assist with weight loss. It is an easy 3 tablet-a-day formula taken before each meal. Buy it here.

Green Tea

Shining with its antioxidants and bioactive content, green tea has emerged as one of the healthiest ingredients on earth. Research has found green tea enhances the body’s metabolic rate whilst keeping you energized and improves the body’s efficiency of burning fat, which in turn accelerates weight loss. Again, it is important to note green tea supplements are not magic pills and they wont lead to dramatic weight loss. You will need to follow the other elements including a balanced diet and regular physical activity to reap the benefits. As green tea contains caffeine, I suggest taking these in the morning to avoid affecting sleep time.  My top pick for Green tea supplements is from Fusion Health Products.

Liver Detox Kit

Did you know that the liver is your primary fat-burning organ? Not only is the liver involved in eliminating toxins, debris and pre-cancerous cells, a healthy liver also facilitates fat metabolism and produces bile that is needed to eliminate excess fat out of the body through the bowels. Most people struggle with overburdened livers due to a toxic diet and lifestyle. This means their bodies are ineffective at digestion and fat breakdown, resulting in weight gain, feeling heavy, bloated and sluggish. Because of this, your liver may be in need of a little TLC. Caruso’s Quick Cleanse is a great way to enhance your body’s natural internal cleansing processes. It is an easy to use program containing a blend of powerful herbs that act as internal cleaners whilst also repairing and protecting your liver. The kit also finishes with 3 strains of probiotics to help replenish the natural flora in your digestive system. Both a healthy gut and liver can help boost your weight loss goals.