So, what is the “Best Diet” for someone over 40?
Well, let’s see how many diets I can name off the top of my head and we will go from there. You have Paleo, South Beach, Zone, Atkins, Vegan, Vegetarian, Raw Diet, Keto, Weight Watchers, Whole 30, Dash Diet, and my favorite the Twinkie Diet. Yes, there really is a diet centered around just eating Twinkies. I hope I don’t have to explain to you that the Twinkie Diet is not a good idea to try. And, the Twinkie diet may not be the only crazy diet out there as I am sure if you search the web I bet you could find one that somebody came up with that is bizarre.
It is no wonder that people are confused and are always asking what is the “best diet” for them to lose weight. Oh, and in full closure, I have tried several of these diets except for the Twinkie one.
So, with all these diet choices which one is the best diet for someone over 40 to lose weight? That was the question I positioned this post on. Well, unfortunately, there is no best diet for someone over 40. Of course, unless you have a medical issue that your doctor or a registered dietician has prescribed for you.
I am sorry, I know you were probably hoping I would have the answer and you would start it immediately but let me tell you why there is no particular diet that is the best.
We all are different!
Here are just a few ways that we all differ:
Body Type – Each and every one of us has a different body type. Most of us will fall into one of three types, which are an ectomorph, mesomorph, and endomorph. Each body type can require a different amount of food as well as a type of food that gets utilized more. For instance, a mesomorph might need to take in more protein as an ectomorph may be alright with a mix of carbs and protein for fuel and performance.
Fitness Level and Body Composition – Everyone of us is at a different level of fitness and have a different percent of body fat at any given time. So, this will have a determination on what type of foods should be eaten and maybe even determine when we should eat. For instance, if you are more of an endomorph it might be best to eat more of a low carb diet or eat carbs right after a workout.
Age – Well, as you may have already found out as we age our metabolism changes and can begin to slow down. This will cause you to need to adjust the amount and type of food you take in on a daily basis. Also, with aging digestion abilities begin to change which also can be a factor on food choices that you may eat.
Dietary preferences and exclusions – whether plant based, carnivore, or allergic to certain foods a vast range of food preferences could be a reason for a certain type of diet.
Time – Let’s face it most of us right now are trying to work full-time jobs and raise a family so time is a critical component, so food that is easy to shop for and cook tend to be a factor in what diet is best at this stage of life.
Budget – Although it may not be as expensive as you think to eat organic money does play a role in the ability to buy higher quality and quantities of food so it can be a factor on how you eat if you are on a tight budget.
Nutritional Knowledge and Diet History – Some of us might be devout followers of a certain dietary practice and have a history of trying different things. While others may not know exactly what to look for so we tend to follow what is trending and people are doing, which still might lead to success.
Those are just some of the differences that we all have and bring to the table ( no pun intended) when it comes to what works for us from a dietary standpoint.
The healthiest people in the world don’t have a single nutrition philosophy. If you look at people who live in different parts of the world and see that they have lower rates of cardiovascular disease and obesity their diets differ from region to region. Also, it is important to note that the human body adapts amazingly well to many different ways. You can be healthy and fit whether you mostly eat meat or mostly veggies or mostly carb or fats many times a day or just a few times. You should focus on exploring and trying different things.
Over the years I have tried a variety of different types of “diets” where I tweak my nutrition habits and daily intake to mimic what they are proposing but not completely adhering to the strict regime of their diet. Each time I see results as ultimately it requires me to change my bad habits and gets me to change my energy balance. You should focus on exploring and trying different things without getting totally fixated on one particular diet! If you find something that works, stick with it but if it is making you be restrictive to the point you can’t continue or are not seeing results change it up again.
Remember this is a marathon and not a sprint so keep with it. More than anything consistency and lifestyle change is what really allows us to see results and change for the long haul.
In health,
Coach Dave
P.S. If you found this article of interest and would like to get more nutrition and fitness tips I encourage you to sign up for my premium fitness newsletter. All you need to do is fill out the form and you will receive it. [thrive_optin color=”blue” text=”Join” optin=”3483″ size=”medium” layout=”horizontal”]
