There's no excuse to stay in 'tip top' shape after you've hit the big 4-0. Change habits for better, prioritise what serves you and what does not and be cautious what you stuff your mouth with. Yes - it's simple as that. And today, I will share what foods (just not all of course as there are too many) will do you a favour, not just to your daily mood, but 'looks' also. If you can relate you can read further, if not, not. No hard feeling here!
First of all, as we age, it becomes increasingly more difficult to combat physical and mental health as well maintain a healthy metabolism, and keep belly fat at bay, right? But contrary to what you may believe, your health is not actually doomed to plummet downhill with every turned page of the calendar. Sure, you may not be able to cut out bread for a week and lose pounds as easily you did in your 20's, however you certainly can add specific foods to your diet in your quest to turn back time. Hear me? ;) Choosing these (as I say) 'youth promoting' foods will equip your body with the wrinkle-smoothing, and metabolism revving vitamins and nutrients it needs to help you look and feel young and vibrant. At the end of the day - more sexy too ;) So the next time you head out for a grub run, make sure to stock up on our stellar list of the best foods to eat after 40, and perhaps try out any of my simple (yet very powerful) tips that will actually work & your body will thank you.
1. Plant based dairy
If your tummy has been rounder than a pufferfish, it is time to cut foods that cause bloat from your diet. Remember, as we age, our bodies can not break down lactose as efficiently. When we can not efficiently digest something, it tends to cause gas and bloat, which is the opposite of a flat stomach. Avoid dairy foods, and you will likely see some improvement, trust me on that one! Just opt for better alternatives ;)
2. Eggs
Making an omelet? Forget separating the white from the yolk and embrace the whole egg - Yes, a whole egg, do not get crazy about whites only, jeeeez!!! (oh yes I understand, it is just sooo damn modern right? Come on, let's get real!!) The healthy fats within the yolks can help you feel fuller longer and curb cravings. Not to mention, choline (a belly fat blasting nutrient) is only present in the orange part of the egg, rather than the whites ;) Next time you are whipping up a scramble, crack the egg yolk and all into the pan. Got it!!!!! ;)
3. Avocado
Avocados, in all of their creamy glory, are not only pleasing to your taste buds, but they can be your body's best friend, too. This fatty fruit has healthy monounsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol (the bad fat that clogs arteries, yes) and placate a growling tummy. So, go grab few avocados and 'keep the at bay' ;). They are certainly my 'emergency' fruit I keep in the fridge at (almost) all times :).
4. Almonds
A tasty, portable snack, these subtly sweet nuts contain heart-healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that can help lower LDL cholesterol. Although munching on almonds during any part of your day is a smart choice, getting your daily serving before you hit the gym can actually help you stay even slimmer. Beside, studies found out that amino acid L-arginine, which almonds are brimming with, can help you burn more fat and carbs during workouts. So next time you&re thinking 'snack' few almonds can do you well! ;)
5. Carrots
Just one medium sized carrot is bursting with 203 percent of your daily recommended vitamin A, which will help keep your skin smooth and vision as sharp as it was in your 20's. This vegetable is orange thanks to high levels of beta-carotene, which is a precursor to vitamin A, which also happens to be a form of the main active ingredient in Retin-A (the topical ointment that helps fight dark spots, wrinkles, and acne by increasing cell turnover)!! Carrot a day, will keep ...;) Simply go for it!
6. Watercress
If you've never added this delicate green to your salads, now is definitely the time to start. Remember, consuming 85 grams of raw watercress (about two cups) could reduce DNA damage linked to cancer by 17 percent. What's more, the leafy green is teeming with beta-carotene and vitamin A, two compounds essential for youthful skin. No wonder why watercress is our #1 best superfood (did you hear - even healthier than kale). Ohh yes. And a good thing about it - you can easily grow it as your #1 microgreen in your kitchen. Soo powerful and easy to maintain!!
7. Cinnamon
Regret dumping that extra teaspoon of sugar into your overnight oats? Undoing the damage can be as simple as sprinkling some cinnamon in! This warm spice may help reduce high blood sugar levels associated with sugar consumption as well as prevent pesky insulin spikes. And the best thing is, that you can drink it too. Just add a teaspoon (or two) in your glass a water and drink it ;) I mainly drink that after my daily workout (it sure is a 'fat cell killer') ;).
8. Olive oil
In their quests to get trim, many dieters think that refraining from a few olive oil drizzles will help cut calories and boost overall weight loss. Meanwhile, it is actually the complete opposite. The heart healthy oil helps unlock the nutritional benefits of fat-soluble vitamins' (like vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are found in many veggies like salad greens). Olive oil is also linked to reducing weight circumference and preventing heart disease, giving you the green light to dress that spinach salad.
9. Egg plant
Thanks to eggplants' anthocyanins, eating the veggie will provide you with impressive neuroprotective benefits like a sharper short-term memory and reduced inflammation. As if you needed another reason to toss them into your next stir-fry, right!
10. Grapes
Much like the vino they form the base of, grapes are jam packed with resveratrol, an antioxidant-like polyphenol that has been linked to slashing your risk of heart disease and cancer.
11. Black pepper
Pepper contains piperine, a powerful compound that holds the power to fend off inflammation and digestive troubles.
12. Quinoa
Another gluten free grain, quinoa is loaded with protein as well as all nine essential amino acids that we need for energy and growth. What's more, whole grains give us fiber, which is key to helping digestion and satiety. They also allow you to stay satisfied for longer. Whole grains prevent the rise in blood sugar as well and help to regulate blood sugar. They also work to reduce cholesterol, which is heart healthy.
13. Oats
Remember, cutting back on processed carbohydrates is essential for weight loss, especially when you hit your 40's. Maintaining blood sugar and insulin levels is vital to weight loss, so cutting back on foods that spike blood sugar and insulin is a must. A good place to start would be by replacing the refined carbs in your diet with unsweetened steel cut oatmeal. Oats are a solid source of blood sugar regulating magnesium, a nutrient that also helps boost fat burn.
14. Beets
Beets contain a powerful nutrient called betaine, which lends the root veggie its rich red hue as well as fights inflammation, boosts metabolism, improves your mood, and turns off your fat genes.
15. Ginger
An ancient remedy for obnoxious tummy troubles, ginger is a natural miracle worker when it comes to your gut. But its powers are not limited to ridding your body of nausea and bloat. This root spice has also been linked to slashing cancer risk and reducing arthritis symptoms. Researchers attribute ginger's health benefits to its gingerols, antioxidant, anti inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti disease compounds. I love to add a half of teaspoon to my cinnamon drink :).
16. Cayenne
This 'fiery' pepper contains a compound called capsaicin, which has been shown to act as a serious appetite suppressant. It sure is one of the best foods to lose your gut. With this adding to your diet, will sure shed few pounds (long term of course).
There are many other foods I absolutely adore and love to consume, not to mention all the benefits. But I will write about it more some other time. For now, let's keep it simple to what it was mentioned above. The honest truth is, that you will (at some point) have to build that 'healthy' relationship with the food and make it a part of your daily lifestyle. There is no magic wand. Start loving yourself, your body and know what serves you well.
Until next time, S.
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