Monday, March 2, 2009

6 Diet Tips from 'Biggest Loser' Nutritionist

Fruits and VegetablesCan you reverse aging with food? More and more research suggests that what we eat is linked to how long we live.

Cheryl Forberg, RD, resident nutritionist on The Biggest Loser, sets eating guidelines to help the contestants get healthy.

"What works best for weight loss helps slow the aging process as well," says Forberg, an expert in anti-aging nutrition. Read her top science-based tips to turn back the clock.

Salmon1. Have a Daily Dose of Omega-3s

"I like to call them the anti-aging fat," say Forberg. Getting the recommended amount can help lower cholesterol, keep cells functioning properly, and combat inflammation, which reduces your risk of cancer, stroke, and heart attack. Flaxseed, walnuts, and some leafy greens contain omega-3s, but seafood is the best source. Research published in the December 2008 Journal of Nutrition found that DHA, an omega-3 found in cold-water, fatty fish, helps keep aging brains healthy.

Add it: Have two 3-ounce servings of salmon, herring, lake trout, or other fatty fish a week; and a daily serving of ground flaxseed, walnuts, soybean oil, spinach, or kale.

Fruits and Vegetables2. Eat Antioxidants Every 4 Hours

These nutrients slow the aging process by protecting our cells from harmful free radicals. But some, such as vitamin C, are water soluble. "That means they only remain in our body for 4 to 6 hours, so you have to replenish regularly," explains Forberg. Vibrantly colored fruits and vegetables are loaded with these disease-fighting substances.

Add it: Have a fruit or veggie at every meal and snack--and aim for three to five different colors a day.

Chickpeas3. Double Your Fiber

It may help protect against cancer and can keep blood sugar levels steady and promote heart health. In fact, according to research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, every additional 10 g of dietary fiber consumed daily reduces the risk of death from coronary heart disease by 17%. The daily recommendation is 25 to 35 g per day; most Americans eat half or less.

Add it: Boost your intake with star sources: cooked lentils (8 g per 1/2 cup), cooked chickpeas (6 g per 1/2 cup), barley (16 g per 1/2 cup), apples (4 g in one medium), and raspberries (8 g per cup).

Almost Empty Plate4. Stop Before You're Full

Centenarians in Okinawa, Japan, practice this eating ritual; they also consistently consume a lower-calorie diet - which researchers say is a key component to longevity. Eating slowly can automatically help control calories:

Fix it: The key is to stop when you're satisfied, not stuffed, says Forberg.

Nuts5. Eat Enough Healthy Fats

The good-for-you variety - like monounsaturated fatty acids - can lower bad LDL cholesterol, raise cardio-protective HDL cholesterol, and decrease your risk of atherosclerosis. Plus, studies suggest that a higher intake of these fats may also contribute to longer life expectancy. Ideally, you should get about 25% of your daily calories (or 44 g based on a 1,600-calorie diet) from healthy fats.

Add it: Healthy fats include 1/4 cup of pistachios (7 g), 1/4 cup of almonds (11 g), 1 tablespoon of olive oil (10 g) or 1/4 cup of avocado (3.5 g).

Salad with Chicken6. Pack Protein Into Every Meal

Protein provides essential building blocks for the daily repair of nearly every single cell in your body. Getting enough is critical to your health and vitality, especially as you get older, when cellular damage can become more frequent. Aim to get 30% of your daily calories (or 120 g based on a 1,600-calorie diet) from lean protein.

Add it: Good sources of protein include skinless white meat from chicken, pork, or turkey (about 21 g per 3 ounces), fat-free milk (8 g per cup), egg whites (7 g for two), and beans (about 8 g per 1/2 cup).

Watch Forberg’s video demonstrating the importance of an antioxidant-rich diet.

Get more weight loss tips and try new recipes from The Biggest Loser!

Source: here

Related Post: The Biggest Loser Nutritionist Talks Straight About Weight Loss

Thanks for reading!

Laura





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8 comments:

Sandee said...

Some of this I already do, but some I didn't know. Thanks for the information.

Have a terrific day and week. :)

Anonymous said...

When the food is really good and really plentiful, #4 is really hard!

Thanks for passing along these tips!

Anonymous said...

That just seems like so much food! The omega-3 I already do because I take fish oil pills. The rest, though, can be really hard to do. I've been trying to take fiber supplements because I know I'm not getting enough. I really have a hard time eating as often as people suggest, even when I eat lesser portions - I eat small portions anyway. I really try to get these things in, though.

Great info!

Paul Eilers said...

Just about every morning, I eat a bowl full of fiber cereal.

So at least I've got the fiber thing down pat!

Paul

Eat Well. Live Well.
PurpleGreenPops.com

Laura said...

Sandee - Great! I think it's wonderful how you take such good care of yourself.

Carol - Boy, don't I know it!

Sadie - I agree. It's tough sometimes to eat as often as the experts suggest. For fiber, I eat Bran Buds cereal because in a little 1/3 cup serving it packs 13 grams of fiber! Sounds to me like you're doing all the right things. :)

Paul - Yummy yummy FIBER! At least with a few banana slices!

VH said...

Laura,
This is some great info--great work!

Laura said...

VH - Thanks! :)

BMI Calculator said...

Great information! It does seem like a high fiber diet, but you've provided some great recipes to live a healthy lifestyle and enjoy yourself while doing it.

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