Foods That Help You Lose Weight as You Age
Adventure awaits you every day when you get out of bed. The adventure is not trekking through a tropical jungle, jumping from a plane, or exploring a cave. The adventure is the revelation of what type of aches, pains, or new physical developments you will have to deal with for the day. As you age, your body is continually changing and enduring new issues and concerns. One of these issues may involve unwanted weight gain. Knowing how certain foods affect weight fluctuation will help you avoid unwanted food sources and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle as you age gracefully.
The issue of gaining weight as you age can be a frustrating situation. As it often happens, the extra weight gain is slow and unnoticed. However, with a few adjustments to your diet and exercise, you can keep the extra pounds off while you enjoy life. By simply replacing some of your normal foods with these alternatives, you can control your weight in a healthy manner.
In an article by Amy Norton, a HealthDay reporter, she sites research from Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian concerning the effects of certain foods affecting the weight of middle-aged women and men. His research revealed that foods which were formerly thought of as unhealthy foods such as full-fat cheese, whole milk, and eggs were not a factor in weight gain. However, sodas and foods which contain starchy carbohydrates or refined carbohydrates such as white rice, potatoes, and white bread are contributors to weight gain. Dr. Mozaffarian’s research pin-points a connection between a person’s daily glycemic load and weight gain.
Healthy Alternatives
- Peanut butter
- Yogurt
- Low-fat cheese
- Nuts
- Fish
- Vegetables
- Fruits
- Fiber-rich grains
Foods to Avoid
- Rice
- Potatoes
- Red meats
- Processed meats
- Starchy foods
Although most people associate weight gain with the intake of fats, it is becoming increasingly evident that fat alone is not responsible for added pounds. Eliminating or reducing the amount of fried and fatty foods will also show a significant change in health and reduce weight gain. In his studies, as reported by a health news website Shots, Dr. Mozaffarian shows that weight gain in aging adults can be kept to a minimum by introducing high fiber substitutes to many of the carbohydrates that a person consumes each day.
The introduction of a high amount of fiber into a diet results in a slowing of digestion and a reduction in the amount of higher calorie foods one eats. One beneficial food which does not contain a large amount of fiber is yogurt. In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Mozaffarian suggests that perhaps the bacteria in the yogurt is beneficial to the digestive system.
Although there is nothing anyone can do to stop aging, it is possible to slow the negative effects of gaining weight and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Click on the links to read more about Dr. Mozaffarian’s research.
