Spice Up to Slim Down Naturally with Cayenne, Red Chili and Dandelion

From pesky PMS bloat to those extra 5-pounds to unsightly cellulite, spices have been shown to have body-slimming benefits. If you are one of millions struggling with diet programs and exercise routines, how about spicing up your fat-burning regimen with a few of these slimming tricks:

Cayenne Pepper

The fiery spice heats up dishes with only a dash, and now it is being used in the beauty industry to do the same thing. When rubbed into the skin, cayenne stimulates blood vessels, increasing circulation and has been shown to successfully minimize the appearance of cellulite and stretch marks (which is why lots of anti-cellulite creams contain cayenne). Mix a 1/4 teaspoon of the hot stuff with your fave body lotion and smear it into your cellulite-dappled spots. Make sure to really rub it in, letting your skin soak up the shrinking benefits. Not to worry if the surface turns a tad warm and red- that's the slimming action at work. BUT if it gets to a point of being uncomfortable, wash it off with cool water.

The weed that runs rampant may be a nuisance in your yard, but when that "time of the month" hits, you'll be grateful to have it. High in iron and vitamins, dandelion has major diuretic effects, helping to pop that puff that PMS brings. Buy dried leaves in capsule form or as a tincture or forage your yard to make your own dandelion tonic. Clip a handful of freshly picked leaves, steep them in a jar of hot water for 20 minutes, and drink two cups daily. Yes, it's your average love/hate relationship.