How to Use Chromium Picolinate for Weight Loss

Chromium picolinate is believed to enhance the effects of certain exercise techniques.

Chromium picolinate has been touted as a breakthrough in glucose and fat metabolism, weight loss and management of high blood pressure and cholesterol. When chromium, a basic nutrient, is combined with picolinic acid, chromium picolinate is created. Chromium picolinate reduces sugar and carbohydrate cravings. It also suppresses the appetite, which is how it can help lead to weight loss.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Take 400 mcg of chromium picolinate daily with meals, preferably before working out. Alternatively, you may take a pure chromium supplement every day with meals before exercise. Taking chromium with orange juice or other foods rich in vitamin C helps your body absorb the chromium.

2. Increase your chances for losing weight with chromium picolinate by incorporating 30- to 60-second rest periods between exercises during your workouts.

3. Increase the intensity of your aerobic exercise periodically for up to a minute during your workouts. These occasional "sprints" have been shown to burn much more fat than "steady state" exercising. Chromium picolinate is thought to enhance this effect.

4. Train with weights at least twice a week when using chromium picolinate. Chromium's effect on metabolism is stronger when the supplement is coupled with strength training.

5. Increase the amount of broccoli, green beans, whole grains, peanut butter, plums, tree nuts and potatoes that you eat during the week to safely and naturally increase your body's supply of chromium.

Tips & Warnings

• Consume chromium picolinate in moderation. Too much can be harmful.

• Recent research indicates that chromium picolinate could present health risks. Those who are concerned are advised to focus on adding chromium to their diets naturally instead of using the compound known as chromium picolinate.

• Avoid sugary processed foods, which will rob your body of chromium during digestion.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• WomenFitness.net: Chromium Picolinate
• BodyBuildingForYou.com: Chromium Picolinate Weight Loss and Side Effects