This is the time when we make resolutions to better ourselves, particularly pertaining to our health. While getting older is inevitable, how you age is pretty much under our control, and dietary regimes are paramount. Losing weight is among the most popular resolutions, and some new research confirms some old recommendations. Fruits and veges in the diet not only provide you with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, they also can help you lose belly fat. Belly fat is the most dangerous kind of fat, and since it is so close to your organs, can cause all kinds of metabolic issues, namely, metabolic syndrome, which is a precursor to diabetes type 2, and heart disease. Nutrients in fruits and veges, called flavones, flavanols, and catechins, appear to work on activating belly fat for energy use, although scientists are still unsure of how they work. Pears, apples, pomegranates, sweet potatoes, broccoli, cabbage, green tea, and asparagus are among the best. If you plan on changing your diet for the new year, and want to lose belly fat, include these. When I come across more, I will share them with you.
If you are looking for a gluten-free grain, don’t forget brown rice. My personal favorite is the short-grain variety. It is a great source of complex carbs, and provides a decent amount of protein, and contains no gluten, which everyone and their brother seems to be allergic to these days.
Stay well, John R Blilie, M.S.