You've Retired, But Your Metabolism Shouldn't

One of the reasons that you don’t hear the “Retired” word any more whenever AARP is discussed is that the organization realized that most people are not retiring at age 50, when they are eligible to join.

In fact, many of us are not officially retiring at traditional retirement age, either. 

We might be “semi-retired,” working part-time, volunteering, or maybe we just love working and never want to slow down.

But our metabolism does slow down, regardless, and so we do have to work even harder to keep muscle mass.

By the age of 40, we need to eat 100 calories less per day just to prevent further weight gain. It’s true that the rate at which the body uses energy affects our ability to cast off pounds, but there is good news. It’s never too late to improve our metabolic age.

Other recommended dietary sources of healthy protein include:

Whitefish – like cod, snapper, halibut, and grouper are low in fat and rich in micronutrients like selenium, vitamin B-12, phosphorus, and magnesium. Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, sardines, herring, and anchovies are rich in healthy omega-3 oils. 

White-meat poultry is rich in protein and low in fat - so long as the skin is removed, and it is not deep-fried.

Lean red meats – Pasture-raised or grass-fed beef is a good choice.

Beans, peas, and lentils are excellent sources of plant protein. They’re low in fat, high in fiber, feed beneficial bacteria to the gut, and are also shown to reduce the effects of metabolic syndrome.

In the unsweetened powdered form, peanut butter is a convenient and tasty protein option, particularly when added to Almased recipes, such as the Peanut Butter Banana Bowl, and the ever-popular PB&J Shake. 

Dairy products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, and milk are excellent sources of protein, provided you choose low fat.

All this push about protein doesn’t mean that carbohydrates and fats are the bad guys. Use good healthy fats like walnut, olive, and flaxseed oils, but 2–3 tsp daily is plenty. 

The body needs good carbs with fiber, which are found in whole foods, such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies. Refined, sugary, or processed carbs are best to avoid.

But don’t give up all desserts or food that you love – it won’t work anyway! 

Reset your sweet-tooth over to treats like a baked apple sweetened with a date, many flavors of chia seed puddings, dark chocolate dipped fruits, and Almased's endless dessert smoothies – such as Cinnamon Apple Pie, Chocolate Cherry Love, or Carrot Cake

With prudent portioning, these natural fiber-full desserts are good for you!

And most importantly, Almased helps maintain your weight loss when the diet is over. There's no denying the need for change.

A big part of successful long-term weight loss must include changing the eating habits that work against you. 

Change may be as simple as preparing foods differently, such as no more deep-fried anything. Or letting go of unhealthy sugary drinks and sweet fruit juices. Perhaps lower-fat versions of some of your usual foods, such as going lighter on sauces and salad dressings?

Be creative with your changes, keeping in mind that something different has to occur to achieve lasting results. Check out the benefits of the Almased low-glycemic high-protein diet here.

Almased developed a helpful guide called The Figure Plan Plus to help people of all ages outwit a slower metabolism. 

Kick your metabolism into gear - try the Almased difference!