February, 11 2021 | By Sheetal Ramchandani

O for Over-40 Diet

After age 40, I became more intrigued towards this diet and over the last four years realized how much it was in tune with my mind and body. Now what happens is, after 40,the body begins to store fat at a higher rate making it more difficult to keep off excess weight. Factors such as chemical and hormonal imbalances, decreased metabolic rate, stress, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and food allergies all contribute to this shift in the body’s composition.

The most common weight loss recommendations for people in this age group are small diet and lifestyle changes. These recommendations include eating 100 calories less each day, eating fruit instead of drinking fruit juice, avoiding processed foods, sugar, and artificial sweeteners, moderating alcohol, taking appropriate vitamins and supplements, always eating breakfast, and never skipping meals.

Exercise also plays a large role in health and weight maintenance post-40. Strength training is important to increase lean muscle mass and maintain bone density. It’s advised to commit to a regular fitness routine.

The following seven foods are considered powerful fat fighters and are highly recommended;

1. Ground flax seeds, which help stabilize blood sugar levels
2. Walnuts, which reduce insulin levels and fight fat storage,
3. Hot sauce, which reduces insulin levels,( so happy to have this one on the list)
4. Cinnamon, which helps lower cholesterol,
5. Salmon, a good source of calcium and vitamin D,
6. Fiber-rich foods, which aid digestion and satiety, and
7. Water with lemon, a calorie-free, refreshing beverage to replace soda and juice.

Apart from the above vegetables, fruits, lean meat, lean poultry, fish, whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds, healthy oils such as olive oil or walnut oil and green tea are an essential part of this diet.

It is definitely an easy approachable diet and very much sustainable. If you are someone above 40 try adapting to a few suggestions and see how you feel, but always remember 40 is the new 20 and finally its just a NUMBER.

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