Foods That Fight Over 40 Fat
Foods That Fight Fat
Provided by Prevention
Ready to get slimmer and feel younger? We've identified our favorite foods that not only help you lose weight -- they also contain the nutrients you need to fend off age-related ills. Boost the benefits of your workout and burn more fat, faster, with these seven smart food choices. Add them to your daily diet and you can shed about 10 pounds over the course of a year.
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Cinnamon
Sweeten your oatmeal or frothy coffee drinks with this sweet spice instead of sugar (which has 16 calories per teaspoon) and you can save a couple hundred calories a week, enough to shed 2 to 3 pounds in a year without doing anything else. You'll also be doing your heart a favor as protective estrogen levels decline: Pakistani researchers found that 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon a day could lower heart-damaging cholesterol by 18 and triglycerides by 30.
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High-Fiber Granola Bars
A small British study found that women who eat a fiber-rich, high-carb breakfast burn twice as much fat during workouts later in the day as those who eat more refined (lower-fiber) foods. Try a granola bar with at least 4 g of fiber, like Kashi, instead of the typical bar that contains just a single gram. Refined carbs spike your insulin levels, which limits your body's ability to use fat as fuel, explains Lisa Dorfman, RD, adjunct professor at the University of Miami.
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Hot Sauce
Forget bland condiments. If you want to burn fat, spice things up. In a study of 36 men and women, Australian researchers found that following a spicy meal, levels of insulin--the hormone that triggers body fat storage--were lowered by as much as 32. One theory: Capsaicin, the chemical that gives chiles their fire, may improve the body's ability to clear insulin from the bloodstream after you eat, so you're more likely to burn fat following a meal spiked with chile peppers than after one that isn't packing heat.
Salmon
Just 3 ounces of canned salmon delivers 530 IU (more than the Daily Value) for vitamin D and 181 mg of calcium, a power-packed nutritional combination that may be just what your waistline needs as you get older. In a 7-year study of more than 36,000 women ages 50 to 79, researchers at Kaiser Permanente found that those who took both calcium and vitamin D supplements gained less weight after menopause than those who took a placebo. Other research shows that without enough vitamin D, our appetite-regulating hormone leptin can't do its job. Other fatty fish choices include tuna, sardines, and mackerel.
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Walnuts
Instead of snacking on some chips, open up a bag of nuts: Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may keep you feeling fuller longer. In a 1-year study of people with diabetes who were following a low-fat diet, Australian researchers discovered that those who included 8 to 10 walnuts a day lost more weight and body fat. The subjects also reduced their insulin levels, which helps keep fat storage in check.
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Water with Lemon
A California study of 240 women found that dieters who replaced their sweetened drinks with water lost an average of 3 pounds more a year than those who didn't. Subjects who sipped more than 4 cups of water a day lost 2 additional pounds, compared with those who drank less. Plus, the phosphoric acid in soda may contribute to bone loss--and osteoporosis--by changing the acid balance in your blood.
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Ground Flaxseed
Flaxseed is rich in fiber and healthy fats, which help stabilize blood sugar, so you're less likely to binge. Some research suggests flax can also help soothe symptoms of hormone swings because it's high in plant estrogens. Ground seeds are easier to digest. Sprinkle them over cereals, soups, or salads; add them to smoothies; or substitute 1 cup of ground flaxseed for 1/3 cup canola, corn, or other oil or shortening in muffins and cookies. Note: Lower oven temperature slightly, since baked goods brown faster with flax.
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slimsarah08 09:27:02 PM Jun 27 2009
I have struggled with my weight for years, until I read Bill Phillips book Body for Life. After reading this book, I gained a better understanding of what it means to actually feed your body. I started working out in the mornings on an empty stomach and taking a supplement called ACAI-eez and I have already lost eighteen pounds. If you want to lose weight in a healthy manner, I suggest this book and going to www.acai-eez.com to get ACAI-eez. It has really worked for me.
ADELE2364 07:09:18 PM May 17 2009
A healthy diet, exercise, and a little help from Arbonne figure 8 weight loss and nutrition program, dietary supplements, detox tea( love this) and protein shakes( way better then slim fast) helps keep my body in shape. www.skinguru.myarbonne.com and lots of walking!!
ADELE2364 07:08:41 PM May 17 2009
Healthy diet, exercise, and a little help from Arbonne figure 8 weight loss and nutrition program, dietary supplements, detox tea( love this) and protein shakes( way better then slim fast) helps keep my body in shape. www.skinguru.myarbonne.com and lots of walking!!
Yusemitsam 11:48:18 PM May 07 2009
2 good tips while you are losing weight is to try a yummie tummie and fitflops. They are both fabulous - the yummie tummies slim you down and don't ride up and take care of the awful muffin top. The fitflops work your legs while you wear them. You can get them at http://www.tomkshoes.com or http://stores.shop.ebay.com/tomkshoes
Croonermom21 08:33:33 PM Mar 07 2009
Hey, Geezerinch, I like your style, I am happy to see someone stand up to an idiot.
kerricruise22 06:14:53 PM Feb 24 2009
I have been trying to lose weight for like 6 months and I started this diet and I already lost 21 pounds. I have been so happy with this diet that I wanted to share it. I went to this girs site that showed a two step plan and it worked for me. here is the site link: http://www.daniellesdiet.com/secret good luck!
Lexpire 02:33:15 PM Dec 27 2008
I think this is great advice and it sure canât hurt. I know what it's like to try and lose weight. I lost 47 pounds in 6 weeks using the Rapidthin diet at www.rapidthin.com. Good luck to all. Use what works for you.
Geezerinch 06:13:35 PM Oct 20 2008
Meansplace50: Gosh, the intellectual quality of your post makes me want to run right out and, no I take that back. Sorry. I'm 75, weigh the same as I did in college (5'10" 150 lbs), exercise, eat right, meditate, take a baby aspirin a day, still work half time at work that I love, all because I buy into that "trash" in a careful, selective, sensible manner that fits, me, my age, and my lifestyle.You, sir, are a destructive, misguided ninny. :-)
