Calorie counting and 5 diet rules you shouldn’t follow after 40

According to experts, our appearance after 40 years depends only 30% on genes, and 70% on lifestyle and diet. Moreover, experts believe that there are several rules that work in young people, but mature women will only be harmed.

“The axiom ‘eat less, move more’ is outdated,” says nutritionist Jayne Mostowfi. “Research increasingly shows that this approach does not work in the long term. As we age our bodies change and eating the right nutrients can protect us against the worst of these changes. Calorie counting is no longer part of the equation – better switch to a Mediterranean diet rich in healthy fats, vegetables and fruits.

“When you eat in a state of stress – in a hurry, looking at the phone or sorting through the mail, it hurts digestion. Studies show that eating on the run doubles the risk of obesity,” says Jane.

“Not all carbohydrates are our enemies. Fill up on whole grains – scientific evidence suggests that oats, barley, brown rice and corn are part of the diets of people who live longer and get less sick,” says Mostovfi.

“Studies show that people who skip breakfast consume more calories throughout the day and choose unhealthy foods,” says Jane. A nutritionist advises to “eat breakfast like a king” – so you’re more likely to avoid metabolic disorders and oxidative stress that accelerate aging. Including protein, complex carbohydrates and vegetable fats in the first meal is the best way to allow the body to recover from an overnight fast.

Read also: What Happens If You Skip Breakfast: 5 Effects That Will Quietly Ruin Your Life

As GP Claire Bailey explains, with age the body processes protein less efficiently, so more should be consumed – not 55-65, but around 100 grams per day. She recommends including a quality protein source — meat, poultry, fish, eggs, tofu, cheese, cottage cheese, and legumes — with every meal.

“If your diet is balanced and the portions are large enough, the urge to snack simply won’t arise,” Claire says. If you get hungry between meals, she advises eating nuts, berries, and a slice of cheese.