3 Diet rules to toss after 40

It's time to break the rules

Following the same outdated diet rules from 10 or 20 years ago, could be the reason your weight loss strategies are backfiring.

So, instead of weighing yourself religiously and snacking on carrots to no avail, try tossing these three diet rules and replacing them with something that's going to work for you.

1. Shop along the edges

Although it's known that doing your grocery shopping along the edges of the store is a good idea, centre aisles contain a lot of high-fibre whole grains. These, according to Elisa Zied, MS, RD, author of Younger Next Week: Your Ultimate Rx to Reverse the Clock, Boost Energy and Look and Feel Younger in 7 Days, are essential for the 40-year-old woman.

Whole grains, such as oats, quinoa and couscous, all help to lower cholesterol and make you feel fuller, faster.

2. Do extra cardio to make up for that doughnut

According to Amy Goodson, MS, RD, and board certified specialist in sports dietetics, it's not so easy after 40 to erase an extra cookie or cake slice with half an hour on the elliptical. “You have to work harder to maintain or lose weight as you age.”

Goodson recommends allowing yourself small treats in moderation and avoiding major calorie splurges.

3. Weigh yourself each day

Daily weigh-ins can be frustrating over the age of 40. “Hormonal fluctuations in your 40s can add to fluid shifts, which could alter weight on a daily basis,” explains Goodson.

In reality it takes a 3 500 calorie deficit to lose about half a kilo. Weigh yourself once a week, around the same time every day and on the same day of the week, for a more accurate scale reading.

Recommended reading: Why 40 is not too young for a mammogram

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