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Is the Hard Boiled Egg Diet the Weight Loss Breakthrough You’ve Been Looking For?
With the advent of social media, fad diets have taken on a life of their own, having the ability to go viral almost overnight. So, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing more and more fad diets gaining traction. Amongst the recent crop of diets, the hard-boiled egg diet has been heavily promoted as a way to lose weight fast.
Eggs are one of the most healthy foods. As a result, a diet built around the humble egg may sound like a good idea. Its advocates claim you can lose up to 20 pounds on the egg diet in two weeks. So, does it really work?
Read on for the most complete analysis of the hard-boiled egg diet you will ever need.
What is the Hard Boiled Egg Diet?
Hard Boiled Egg
The hard boiled egg diet is a short-term diet centered around consuming hard-boiled eggs. The diet has several variations:
Traditional:
The boiled egg diet’s traditional version is a variation of the Atkins diet. You do not have to limit yourself to eggs on this version, but most of your protein will come from this source. Carbohydrate intake is restricted. This version requires two or more eggs, a low-carb veggie, and fruit for breakfast. You may also consume lean protein in place of a low-carb veggie. Lunch might consist of a lean protein source or another serving of eggs.
Typically, chicken or fish are included. More eggs or lean proteins like fish or chicken will be served for dinner. You can have as many low-carb veggies and salads as you like on this diet. One or two portions of fruit are allowed daily, and carbohydrate intake is closely regulated, so you’ll eliminate foods like bread, pasta, and potatoes.
Read also: 14-Day Boiled Egg Diet: Should You Try It?
Egg and Grapefruit Diet:
The egg and grapefruit diet involves consuming half a grapefruit per meal. Apart from that, it is similar to the traditional boiled egg diet. Grapefruit is believed to accelerate weight loss. It is an extremely nutrient-dense fruit that is especially high in vitamins A and C, potassium, and folate. It is also very high in fiber and low in calories. Adding grapefruit will compensate for the low fiber content of the other versions of the boiled egg diet.
Egg Only Diet:
This is the most extreme version of the diet, requiring you to eat nothing but eggs and water (which may be infused with electrolytes). In this diet version, eggs may be boiled, scrambled, or poached. This diet does not represent a balanced form of eating, as it is very low in fiber. It is a very restrictive diet that can be maintained for a short period. Most people usually follow this diet for a week.
Egg Diet Pros
Here are the benefits of the egg diet:
Reduced Hunger: A high-protein, low-carb diet can suppress hunger, making you feel fuller even when dieting.
Faster Calorie Burn: You’ll burn calories more quickly due to the greater protein content.
Vitamins: Eggs are a rich source of vitamins in addition to being a wonderful source of protein.
Weight Loss: Eggs, particularly during breakfast, are proven to accelerate weight loss.
Egg Diet Cons
These are the disadvantages of adopting the egg diet:
Not a Balanced Diet: This is not a balanced way of eating because it cuts out whole food groups, including many vegetables.
Low Carbohydrate Intake: Lack of carbohydrates might make engaging in any intense activity challenging, especially at the beginning.
Nausea: Many dieters experience nausea and exhaustion for the first few days. This is because the body must adjust to reduced carbohydrate consumption.
Boring: Since you consume the same foods daily, you can easily become bored while on the diet, making it difficult to maintain.
Benefits of Eating Eggs
There are many health-related benefits of eating more eggs. Here are seven reasons to up your egg intake:
Eggs are Nutrient Rich
Vitamins A, D, B-6, and B-12 are some of the essential vitamins and minerals found in eggs. Iron, calcium, and magnesium are also present. 10% of the recommended daily intake of vitamins B-12, A, B-6, B-3, and D can be found in one boiled egg. It also has 2% of your daily iron and calcium requirements.
Eggs are a Superior Form of Protein
Chicken eggs contain more than six grams of protein per egg. The protein content of one egg is equal to around thirty grams of meat, making it a higher-quality protein option. Additionally, the protein content of eggs is considered greater than that of chicken or beef, and they are also considerably more affordable than those foods.
Eggs have one of the highest biological values of any protein source. That means they contain all the essential amino acids in the right proportions. This makes them more readily available for protein synthesis, leading to greater muscle gains and post-workout tissue repair.
The protein in eggs is easily digestible, so it can be quickly broken down and absorbed into the body. The body can use the amino acids more effectively thanks to this digestibility.
Improved Eyesight
Your eyesight will deteriorate with time, a condition known as macular degeneration. Lutein and zeaxanthin, two essential nutrients abundant in eggs, are present in the eyes and help protect them. If you’re concerned about your eyesight, eggs are a terrific addition to your diet as they can help to shield them from harmful light wavelengths.
Balanced Blood Sugar
Eggs’ combination of protein and fat will help maintain stable blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, this may help avoid problems because such issues raise blood sugar levels. Remember that eggs won’t boost your cholesterol if you’re following a low-carb diet. Eggs can help gradually lower your total cholesterol when you follow a low-carb diet. As a result, especially when considering the advantages of weight loss, this can aid in lowering the risk of heart disease.
Brain Health
A nutrient called choline, abundant in eggs, is crucial for your mental well-being. It promotes brain development as well as memory activation. It’s also vital for pregnant women because a growing child will cause a mother’s choline levels to drop dangerously low. According to estimates, as many as 90% of people have low choline levels. Therefore, you are doing your brain a huge favor by giving it a nutrient it sorely needs by eating eggs.
Promotes a Feeling of Fullness
Eggs do a great job of filling you up, helping control your caloric intake. As we’ve already discovered, eggs are a fantastic source of high-quality protein. Protein can aid in lowering appetite and boosting feelings of fullness because it is more satiating than carbohydrates or lipids. The amino acids in eggs promote the release of hormones that signal to the brain that you are full.
The essential amino acids in eggs promote a feeling of fullness. The rich supply of nutrients in eggs also helps control appetite and advance general health. Eggs take longer to digest since they include more protein and fat. This gradual digestive process enables you to feel satisfied for extended periods and can minimize blood sugar spikes, which can cause cravings and increased hunger.
Hair, Nail, and Bone Health
Eggs are great for the health of your hair, bones, and nails, especially if you cannot consume dairy products. That’s because eggs will boost your calcium and vitamin D levels. Eggs are also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which also support your hair, nail, and bone health.
Is It Best To Eat Scrambled Eggs or Hard Boiled?
The name of this diet is the hard-boiled egg diet, which leads to the question, ‘Why hard-boiled?’ After all, one of the benefits of eggs is that there are so many ways to cook them, helping to prevent eating monotony. So, is there a reason why you should stick to hard-boiling your eggs on this diet?
To answer that question, let’s consider the best way to cook an egg to preserve its nutritional goodness. We first need to appreciate that fats oxidize when heat is applied. This can potentially turn good fats into bad fats. Eggs contain a lot of good fats, so we don’t want to do anything that will take away from that goodness. Excessive heat can also damage the micronutrients contained in the egg.
So, with these points in mind, let’s look at the various way you can cook eggs:
Hard-Boiled
Hard-boiled eggs are the winner in terms of convenience. They require minimal work to cook and provide a convenient snack you can take with you when you’re away from home. Hard boiling also lets you leave the shell and the protective membrane on as you cook the egg. This will help to protect the nutrients and the fats from the heat that is applied.
Soft-Boiled
The difference between a soft-boiled and a hard-boiled egg comes down to timing. With a soft-boiled egg, you reduce the time under heat, so the yolk remains runny. As a result, you are applying less heat, which further protects the fats and micronutrients from damage. In fact, because you are not really cooking the yolk, its contents will not have a detrimental effect.
Poached
Poaching eggs well is a skill that takes time to acquire. It involves filling a saucepan with 2-3 inches of water and heating it to a gentle simmer. You then crack the egg into a small bowl and slide it into the simmering water. Cook the egg for 4-6 minutes for a soft yolk and 7-8 minutes for a hard yolk.
Poaching is an excellent way to cook your eggs, as it reduces the heat applied to the yolk.
Scrambled
Scrambling is probably the most popular way to eat eggs. However, from a nutrient point of view, it’s also the worst way. That’s because you are applying a lot of heat to the mixed-up egg from every angle. This can potentially destroy some micronutrients and convert good fats into bad.
Over Easy
Over-easy cooking involves putting the egg in a frying pan and cooking it on both sides. This method also applies a lot of heat to the egg, providing a greater chance of damaging the micronutrients within the yolk.
Sunny Side Up
Sunny side up involves only cooking the egg on one side. This is a healthier way to cook the egg as it means leaving the yolk in a close to raw state. Because you’re not applying a lot of heat to the yolk, you won’t destroy its micronutrients and fats.
Raw
Eating raw eggs ensures you’re not destroying any of the micronutrients or fats. However, you are missing out on the advantage of heat, which effectively eliminates bacteria such as salmonella. This risk, though, is minimal, especially if you store your eggs properly.
To summarize, we can list different ways of cooking eggs based on their nutritional value, ranking them from the most beneficial to the least.
Soft-boiled
Hard-boiled
Raw
Sunny side up
Over easy
Poached
Scrambled
When it comes to the hard-boiled egg diet, there is no particular benefit to hard boiling rather than soft boiling, apart from the convenience factor (it’s easier to eat a hard-boiled egg on the run than a soft-boiled one). Feel free to use either method to prepare your eggs.
Here’s how to boil an egg to ensure you end up with your preferred level of hardness:
Add enough water to a pot to cover an egg by about an inch
Place the egg in the pot and bring it to a boil
Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer
Cook for:
Four minutes if you want a runny yolk
Five minutes for a slightly firmer yolk
Six minutes for a yolk that is almost set
Transfer the eggs to a bowl of cold water until it is cool enough to handle
Why You Lose Weight on the Hard-Boiled Egg Diet
Proponents of the boiled egg diet do not claim that eggs have any magical weight loss properties. Still, many cases of extreme fat loss are reported online from following this diet. By extreme, I mean up to 20 pounds in two weeks.
Not all that weight loss, however, will be fat loss. Our bodies can store fats and carbohydrates. When we store carbohydrates, we also hold water. Those carbohydrates are used to fuel exercise and other daily activities. We can lose weight quickly when we cut back our carbohydrate intake. Much of that weight loss, though, will be water.
Here’s what a typical day of following the hard-boiled egg and diet might look like:
Meal One: Two hard-boiled eggs and a piece of fruit
Meal Two: Green vegetables and chicken salad
Meal Three: Chicken and salad
The first thing you’ll notice here is that this is not a lot of food. In fact, if you were to calculate the calorie content of the above three meals, it would come out at less than 1,000 calories for the entire day. That is an extremely low total, especially for active people.
The daily carbohydrate content is also extremely low on this diet. As a result, you will see quite a dramatic reduction in the amount of fluids held in your body if you follow this eating plan.
Most people following a weight loss diet will increase their activity levels. They may begin a workout program at the gym or simply start using the stairs rather than the elevator at work or parking their car a couple of blocks away from their work location. This will help with the calorie burn that ensures that they maintain a daily caloric deficit, which is the key to weight loss.
The hard-boiled egg diet’s effectiveness in quick weight loss is undeniable. However, the main reason for the weight loss is not that you’re eating eggs, even though they are extremely healthy, but that you are dramatically cutting back on your calorie intake. Most people require 2,000 or more calories daily to maintain functionality. The hard-boiled egg diet cuts that number in half. This creates a daily caloric deficit of over 1,000 calories, forcing your body to turn to stored body fat reserves to make up the energy difference.
The hard-boiled egg diet is meant to be a short-term intervention, with most people only sticking with it for a couple of weeks. And that is its biggest problem. It is not a sustainable diet because it involves such a dramatic calorie reduction. Most people will regain the lost weight, and then some, after going off the diet.
When you take in fewer calories and, at the same time, increase your energy levels, your metabolism adjusts so that it becomes more efficient at not burning calories. This is part of the body’s built-in survival mechanism. So, when you go on an ultra-low calorie diet, such as the hard-boiled egg diet, your metabolic rate will adapt, so you burn calories slower.
What do you think will happen when you go off the diet?
When you return to your pre-diet caloric intake, you will see rapid weight regain. Your slowed-down metabolism will not be able to cope with the high caloric intake that it is now experiencing. As a result, more and more calories will be stored as body fat, and you will end up heavier than when you began the diet.
Hard-Boiled Egg Diet vs. 36 Eggs a Day Diet
While the hard-boiled egg diet has gained traction over the past few years, another egg-based diet has been popular, especially among bodybuilders, for decades — the 36 eggs-a-day diet.
When I first heard of the hard-boiled egg diet, I thought it was a version of the 36 eggs-a-day diet. You may have thought the same thing. So, to avoid confusion, let’s see how the 36-eggs-a-day diet differs from the hard-boiled egg diet.
The 36 eggs-a-day diet was promoted in the 1970s by legendary bodybuilding trainer Vince Gironda. Known for his unconventional training methods (he banned squats from his gym) and nutrition advice, Vince reportedly said that eating 36 eggs daily was as beneficial in building muscle as going on a Dianabol cycle.
Vince referred to his diet as the hormone precursor diet. It was designed to do the following:
Get you in a state of positive nitrogen balance
Put 30-50 grams of protein into your body every three hours
Release the precursor hormones to put you in an anabolic state
Vince was aware that cholesterol, which eggs contain a lot of, is a precursor that is a building block for growth hormone and testosterone. The high-quality protein in eggs also helps put you in a positive nitrogen balance.
Vince believed that the best way to consume eggs was raw. So, rather than eating the eggs, he had his athletes drink them as a special shake. The shake contained 12 raw eggs and was consumed three times per day.
Here’s the full contents of the raw egg shake:
12 oz (360 ml) half-and-half milk
12 raw eggs
⅓ cup of milk and egg protein powder
1 banana
This shake is to be consumed for breakfast and then between your lunch and dinner meals. Lunch and dinner would consist of a palm-sized serving of meat and a salad.
Vince also advocated the use of the following supplements on this diet:
Zinc
Multivitamins
Kelp
HCL
Digestive enzymes
Liver tablets
Apart from the small amount in the banana and your lunch and dinner salads, this diet has no carbs.
There is some scientific backing for this diet. In a 1975 study, doctors put severe burn patients on a diet consisting of 35 eggs per day. None of the patients suffered negative side effects. They all experienced normal serum protein levels more quickly than patients in the control group. The researchers concluded that a high-protein diet is safe for treating severe burns. [1]
The 36-eggs-a-day diet should be followed for six to eight weeks. You then switch to a vegetarian detox diet for a week before resuming your normal eating pattern. While Vince advocated the diet for hard gainers, he also promoted it as a way for advanced bodybuilders to break out of a muscle plateau.
Key Differences Between the 36-eggs-a-day and Hard-Boiled Egg Diets
Here are the differences between the two egg diets:
36 eggs a day is primarily for muscle gain
The hard-boiled egg diet is mainly for weight loss
36 eggs a day diet has you drink raw eggs
The hard-boiled egg diet has you cook the eggs
The hard-boiled egg diet is shorter, usually lasting no longer than two weeks, compared with six to eights weeks on the 36 eggs-a-day diet
How to Succeed on the Hard-Boiled Egg Diet
As we’ve seen, the major problem with the hard-boiled egg diet is not the fact that you’re eating eggs but that your total daily caloric intake is simply too low. But it doesn’t have to be that way. By increasing your daily food intake, while still focusing on eggs, citrus fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, you will be able to find success on this diet. While your weight loss will not be as dramatic as it would be if you were eating less than 1,000 calories a day, your weight loss will be far healthier and more sustainable.
You need to make the following two key adjustments for the hard-boiled diet to be successful:
Track your Calories
Your first step in planning a healthy hard-boiled egg diet should be calculating your current caloric maintenance level. This figure, also known as your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE), tells you how many calories you must consume daily to meet your energy needs. There are several formulae that you can use to work this out. However, the easiest way is to use an online calculator such as this one.
Once you know your total daily energy expenditure, you should reduce that figure by 500 calories. This will ensure that you end each day with a caloric deficit. To meet your daily energy demands, your body will have to call on its stored fat energy reserves. Reducing your daily food intake by 500 calories is safe and sustainable.
Now that you know how many calories you need to consume each day, it is up to you to track those calories. Don’t just leave it to chance. You can use online food tracking apps like MyFitnessPal to track your calories and protein, carbohydrate, and fat intake.
Rebuild Your Caloric Intake
By reducing your daily caloric intake less dramatically, you can sustain the hard-boiled diet for longer. While most people only stay on this diet for 14 days, you should be able to do so for at least six to eight weeks when you reduce your intake by 500 calories per day.
Even though you are only reducing your daily caloric intake by 500 calories, your metabolism will still slow down. If you suddenly return to your maintenance calorie level when you finish the diet, you risk unwanted weight gain. That is why you should slowly return to your pre-diet calorie intake.
For example, if your daily maintenance caloric intake is 2,500, you should consume 2,000 calories daily on the hard-boiled egg diet. Rather than going straight back up to 2,500 calories, you should increase by 50-100 calories per day for the first week. Then, continue adding another 50 calories daily for each passing week. By doing this, after 10 weeks, you will have returned to your maintenance level. Slowly transitioning back up in this manner will give your body the time needed to readjust your metabolism. This strategy will help you avoid the rebound weight gain that plagues so many dieters.
What Type of Egg To Use on a Hard-Boiled Egg Diet
While most people use chicken eggs for the hard-boiled egg diet, other options exist. Here’s an overview of the various types of eggs available and their benefits:
Brown Chicken Eggs
You’ve probably seen brown eggs on the supermarket shelf. You may have also noticed that brown eggs are considerably more expensive than white ones. The difference between the two comes down to the breed of chicken producing the egg.
Brown eggs as produced by the Marans, Reds, Sussex, and Plymouth Rock breeds. All of these breeds have brown feathers and produce eggs with brown shells. White eggs are laid by chickens with white feathers, such as White Rocks and Leghorns.
Despite the price difference, Brown and white chicken eggs have no major nutrition differences. The macro and micro nutrient content does not change depending on the color of the eggshell.
Omega-3 Enriched Chicken Eggs
Eggs promoted as omega-3 enhanced have been laid by chickens fed a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids that provide a wide range of health benefits, including controlling inflammation, improving brain power, and enhancing heart health.
Omega-3-enriched chickens are fed with foods like flaxseed, algae, and fish oil. This increases the omega-3 content of the eggs they lay. The eggs will be especially high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).
The amount of omega-3 fatty acids in these eggs can change according to how the chickens are fed. Check the nutritional label to identify the exact omega-3 content.
Vegetarian Chicken Eggs
If you notice the vegetarian label on an egg carton, it signifies that no animal protein was given to the hens who laid the eggs. This may sound good for you, but it’s not. A hen is naturally not vegetarian because its diet typically includes insects and worms.
Duck Eggs
Duck eggs tend to be bigger than chicken eggs in size. Compared to chicken eggs, their shells are a bit thicker and harder, which might make them stronger but harder to shatter.
Here is a comparison of the nutritional content of chicken and duck eggs:
Chicken Egg:
Calories: 71
Total Fat: 5 Grams
Cholesterol: 211 mg
Carbs: 0 Grams
Sodium: 70 mg
Protein: 6 Grams
Duck Eggs:
Calories: 130
Fat: 10 Grams
Cholesterol: 619 Grams
Carbs: 1 Gram
Sodium: 102 mg
Protein: 9 grams
Duck eggs typically have larger yolks than chicken eggs. They also have around double the fat content and a third more protein. In addition, their levels of micronutrients like selenium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 are higher. The cholesterol level in duck eggs is often higher than that of chicken eggs.
Although there are notable differences between chicken and duck eggs, they have comparable nutritional profiles.
Duck eggs have a distinctive flavor that is richer and creamier than chicken eggs. Duck eggs’ yolks have a deeper flavor and a slightly different texture since they are bigger and contain more fat. While some people prefer the taste of duck eggs, it may be too strong for others.
Duck and chicken eggs can be substituted in many dishes, but there are several key distinctions to remember. Duck eggs are frequently preferred in baking and pastry preparation because of their bigger size and higher fat content. Some baked foods can contribute to a richer texture and help produce a higher rise. Custards, puddings, and other desserts frequently use duck eggs as an ingredient. However, the availability and adaptability of chicken eggs make them more popular in regular cooking.
Some people may find that duck eggs are more tolerable for them than chicken eggs. Duck eggs can trigger allergies in some people, so those with egg allergies should proceed cautiously. Duck eggs are more expensive than chicken eggs because of limited supply and greater production costs.
You should give duck eggs another one to two minutes in hot water when boiling because they naturally have a thicker shell and are larger.
Organic Eggs
Organic eggs are promoted as being healthier than standard eggs. As a result, they command a significantly higher price. However, there are variations among organic labeling. You can’t just assume that since something is labeled organic, it is healthy. A few labels the USDA allows to describe an organic product are ‘one hundred percent organic,’ ‘ninety-five percent organic,’ and ‘created with organic ingredients.’
If a carton of eggs is marked organic, you know it was produced in an environment free of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, and synthetic fertilizers. However, “organic” won’t tell you anything about your hen’s living conditions or nutritional worth. In other words, just because you buy organic eggs doesn’t guarantee they are more nutrient-dense. All you can be sure of is that they won’t have any pesticide traces.
What is the Grade of an Egg?
Grading systems, which may differ between countries, are used to rate the appearance and quality of eggs. The Department of Agriculture (USDA) established the USA’s grading system. It is based on the following grades:
Grade AA:
Grade AA eggs are the best in terms of look and quality. The shell must be unscratched, intact, and without leaks or cracks. The air cell, or pocket of air, should be small and not deeper than 1/8 inch at the wide end of the egg. The egg white has to be crystal clear, solid, and barely spread. The yolk should be solid, spherical, and either slightly off-center. The egg should be neat and appealing in terms of aesthetics overall.
Grade A:
While Grade A eggs are still of great quality, they might not seem quite as flawless as Grade AA eggs. The shell must be undamaged and clean. Small imperfections or stains are acceptable but should be kept to a minimum. The air cell may be slightly bigger than in Grade AA eggs, but it shouldn’t be deeper than 3/16 inches. The egg white should be moderately distributed, transparent, and firm. The yolk should be solid and spherical, but it can be slightly off-center or flattened. The egg should have a respectably tidy and decent appearance overall.
Grade B:
Grade B eggs are generally not offered as table eggs in stores because of their poor quality. They are frequently employed in processed egg goods or industrial settings. The shell may be rough, have little fissures, or both. The air cell may be larger than Grade AA or Grade A eggs. The egg white may be more evenly distributed and thinner, and the yolk may be more delicate and flatter. Compared to Grade AA or Grade A eggs, Grade B eggs are less aesthetically pleasing.
It’s important to remember that the grading standards primarily evaluate the outside quality and do not point out variations in nutritional value or flavor. Eggs of all grades can be equally nutrient-dense and safe for ingestion. Check the carton when buying eggs for the grade, usually marked on the box. Before choosing, look for any indications of damage or abnormalities in each egg.
Freshness is another important factor to consider when buying eggs. Check the carton for the Julian date, which is the date the eggs were packed. The closer it is to that date, the fresher the eggs.
Where to Store Eggs
Should eggs be kept on the kitchen counter or in the refrigerator? While most individuals worldwide keep their eggs in their pantry or on the counter, most Americans keep them in the refrigerator. The main distinction is that Americans often wash their eggs and store them in refrigerators to prevent salmonella.
Salmonella can be transferred to eggs in one of two ways:
From a contaminated hen
From poop
To ensure there are no feces on their eggs, Americans have a habit of washing them after returning from the shop. By doing so, however, they unintentionally reduce the egg’s safety. The cuticle is a coating of proteins and other substances that protects eggs. Salmonella cannot enter the egg through the permeable shell because of this built-in defense mechanism. This barrier is removed by washing the egg.
In Europe, egg washing is avoided to prevent cuticle loss. In contrast to the USA, many European nations also immunize their hens against salmonella. Salmonella contamination in American eggs is, therefore, more likely.
Bacterial growth is slowed by refrigerating the eggs. According to research, eggs with salmonella contamination, whether on the outside or inside, will become dangerously contaminated after three weeks of storage at room temperature. However, even after six weeks of storage in the fridge, there won’t be much bacterial development. [2]
So, let’s return to our original query — should eggs be refrigerated?
Store eggs at room temperature if they have not been washed and have received a salmonella vaccination. Condensation may accumulate on the shell of an egg when you retrieve it from the refrigerator. The resulting wetness promotes the growth of bacteria, which may penetrate the porous shell.
You should keep your eggs in the refrigerator if you live in the United States or another country where you buy them from the grocery store’s refrigerated section.
Hard-Boiled Egg Diet Tips
I have personally tried the hard-boiled egg diet, both in its strictest form and in the more traditional version. This has given me insight into the practicalities of the diet and how it can be modified to make it more user-friendly. Here are half a dozen tips that I’ve come up with:
Don’t limit yourself to hard-boiled eggs. Include soft-boiled, poached, and raw eggs if you can handle them.
Only reduce your calories by 500 calories below your maintenance level.
Add vegetables to the diet, including cucumbers, tomatoes, and leafy greens. This will ensure that you’re getting a sufficient amount of fiber.
Count your calories with the help of an app like MyFitnessPal; don’t leave it to guesswork.
Use hard-boiled eggs as a snack when you are away from home.
Add chopped-up hard-boiled eggs to your salads
FAQs
Is the hard-boiled egg diet expensive?
No, the hard-boiled egg diet is not considered an expensive diet compared to other diet options. The bulk of your protein will come from eggs, which are relatively inexpensive. If you follow the eggs-only diet version, you will probably find that your shopping bill will be dramatically reduced. Yet, even the traditional version will reduce your food bill as the other foods you eat are relatively inexpensive (such as fruits and vegetables).
Should you eat fats on the boiled egg diet?
Yes, you should consume fats on the hard-boiled egg diet. Fortunately, eggs themselves are a healthy source of fat, especially omega-3 fatty acids. This source of fatty acids has been shown to positively impact heart health, reduce triglyceride levels, and lower blood pressure. They also have cognitive benefits. A type of omega-3 fatty acid called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is a component of brain tissue and is vital for brain function and memory.
You can buy eggs that are omega-3 enriched. These are more expensive than standard eggs but will provide a higher amount of essential fatty acids.
If you are following the traditional version of the boiled egg diet, you can get extra fats by consuming avocados, nuts, olive oil, and fatty fish. You can also consume grass-fed butter and sugar-free mayonnaise.
Can I have any sweeteners on the hard-boiled egg diet?
No, you should not add sweeteners to any version of the hard-boiled egg diet. However, if you follow the traditional version, you will get natural sweeteners in the form of fructose in the fruits you consume. You should, though, limit your fruit intake to control fructose content. I recommend limiting your intake to three pieces of fruit per day.
Will I get constipation or diarrhea on the hard-boiled egg diet?
You might experience some digestive discomfort on the hard-boiled egg diet, including constipation or diarrhea. This is due to the diet’s high protein, low carbohydrate nature.
You increase the likelihood of constipation when you restrict your fiber intake and increase your protein intake, as you do on the hard-boiled egg diet. Fiber, which is abundant in whole grains, vegetables, and fruits, plays a big part in controlling your bowel movements. To avoid this, you should make sure that you are getting an adequate amount of fiber. You can do this by adding citrus fruits, vegetables, and nuts to your diet. You should also stay well hydrated, drinking at least half a gallon (around two liters) of water daily.
When you drastically change your food intake, especially one that involves increasing your protein intake, you may experience diarrhea. This should only last a day or two as your body adjusts to your new diet.
How long does the hard-boiled egg diet last?
The length of the hard-boiled egg diet will depend on the version of the diet you follow. If you follow the strict egg-only version, you should not go beyond one week on the diet. That’s because this version is nutritionally unbalanced, and doing it for longer than a week may be dangerous. The traditional version of the diet is usually followed for two weeks.
Summary
The hard-boiled egg diet can help you lose weight and keep it off, but only if you follow it smartly. By reducing your caloric intake by no more than 500 calories, adding leafy green vegetables to get the needed fiber, and gradually rebuilding your caloric intake as you come off the diet, you can avoid the metabolic reset that leads to weight regain.
Why not try the hard-boiled egg diet — you’ve got nothing to lose but those unwanted pounds!
Research
Hirshowitz B, Brook JG, Kaufman T, Titelman U, Mahler D. 35 eggs per day in the treatment of severe burns. Br J Plast Surg. 1975 Jul;28(3):185-8. doi: 10.1016/0007-1226(75)90127-7. PMID: 1191862.
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Best Exercises to Lose Belly Fat After 50 — Get Fit and Fabulous
Once you pass your fifth decade, everything gets harder. Building muscle is a great struggle. Getting stronger takes a more dedicated effort. And maintaining a healthy body weight becomes a massive uphill battle. The reasons are clear; your metabolism is slowing down, your testosterone levels are depleting, and you’re naturally losing muscle and strength. So, what can you do about it?
Once you’re past 50, adopting a more intelligent approach to training becomes essential to conquer the innate obstacles to maintaining a healthy weight. Following the gym crowd and doing the old stand-by exercises to lose belly fat won’t cut it.
This article lists the best exercises to lose belly fat after 50. I’ll also lay out the other aspect of weight loss over 50 — how to eat to lose belly fat.
Importance of Losing Belly Fat Over 50
There are two types of fat in your body, subcutaneous and visceral. The fat that is beneath your skin is referred to as subcutaneous fat. This type of fat may be easily grabbed by hand and gathered in the usual “problem areas,” including the thighs, hips, neck, and arms. It accounts for around 80% to 90% of our total body fat.
The remaining 10 to 20 percent is called visceral fat and is found around the liver, spleen, intestines, kidneys, and other internal organs, as well as beneath the stomach muscles. It sometimes goes by “deep fat” since it covers your internal organs and fills the spaces between your stomach, intestines, liver, and other organs. [1]
Subcutaneous fat differs from belly fat, which is far more hazardous because it increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and inflammatory disorders. Belly fat forces the abdominal muscles outward because it is harder than subcutaneous fat.
These deep abdominal fat cells transfer their free fatty acids directly to the liver rather than releasing them into the bloodstream. Triglycerides and cholesterol are other types of fat that the liver creates in reaction and release into the bloodstream. Free fatty acids are the types of fat that are released from fat cells and carried into the blood, whereas triglycerides are another type of blood-borne fat that the body uses as an energy source. Increased risk of cardiovascular disease is linked to high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Challenges of Losing Belly Fat Over 50
Once past 50, you will find it increasingly difficult to keep your belly fat down to healthy levels. It’s not that your willpower to resist tempting foods is lower. Here are four physiological reasons you’re more prone to putting on belly fat over 50:
1. Reduced Metabolism
At around 30, most people’s metabolisms decline by about 1% every two years. Although the exact cause of our aging metabolism is unknown, it most likely involves a decline in muscle mass and a shift in hormone levels. Men produce less testosterone, while women’s estrogen levels decrease after menopause. [2]
2. Less Muscle
Age-related muscle loss, or sarcopenia, kicks in from about the age of 40. Because muscle is more active metabolically than fat, having less of it negatively affects our metabolic rate. As a result, you won’t burn as many calories at rest, making it easier for that spare tire to develop around your belly. [3]
3. Lifestyle
Most people tend to slow down as they age. By the time they reach their 50s, most folks stop playing sports, no longer play with the kids, and spend more time on the couch. That means fewer calories burned throughout the day.
4. Stress
When we experience chronic stress, our cortisol levels increase dramatically. This can indirectly contribute to higher levels of belly fat. As we get older, our stress levels can increase due to many factors, including work stressors, financial problems, and the concerns of looking after elderly parents.
Cortisol can increase the desire for comfort foods with high caloric content, particularly those high in carbohydrates and fats. These are the very foods that contribute to increases in belly fat.
Cortisol encourages fat storage, particularly visceral fat, which builds up around the abdominal organs. In fact, the hormone can actually redistribute subcutaneous fat to visceral fat.
Cortisol also has a catabolic effect on muscle tissue, causing a breakdown of amino acids. This can contribute to age-related muscle loss. [4]
15 Diet & Nutrition Tips To Lose Belly Fat Loss Over 50
As we’ve learned, excess belly fat is aesthetically unpleasing and dangerous. It puts you at a higher risk of cancer, coronary heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and depression. Fortunately, it is possible to reduce your belly fat levels dramatically.
Here are 15 diet and nutrition tips that will complement your exercise-based efforts to reduce the spare tire:
1. Increase Your Fiber Intake
You can shed belly fat by increasing the amount of soluble fiber in your diet. This is because fiber will assist in lowering your blood sugar levels. You’ll experience stable insulin levels as a result.
Fiber, which is incredibly filling, also serves as the body’s natural cleaner. It enhances digestion and improves waste excretion. A 2011 study found that a 10-gram increase in soluble fiber consumption over a five-year period reduced belly fat accumulation by 3.7%. [5]
The best sources of fibrous carbs are brightly colored vegetables and berries, including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, beans, lentils, and other legumes.
2. Reduce Your Alcohol Intake
Unsurprisingly, overindulging in alcohol can lead to a ‘beer gut.’ In fact, if you are trying to reduce your belly fat, alcohol will be one of your worst enemies. Alcohol contains zero proteins, carbohydrates, or fats. In other words, it has no nutritional benefit whatsoever, and every gram of alcohol adds seven calories to your system.
After you drink alcohol, your body prioritizes metabolizing it. That means your body will first burn alcohol instead of fat, postponing your ability to burn off the spare tire.
Alcohol puts almost twice as many calories per gram into your body than carbs and protein (seven versus four). And those calories are much easier to consume than the solid foods we eat to get macronutrients into our system. As a result, it is extremely easy to take in hundreds, even thousands, of zero-nutrition calories from alcohol in an evening.
Alcohol slows down the central nervous system and lowers inhibitions. One of the effects of this is that people eat more when they are drinking. And the foods that are normally consumed on these occasions are those that are high in simple carbs. All of this is a sure-fire recipe for fat gain.
Alcohol hurts food digestion, leading to reduced efficiency in breaking down fats for fuel, impeding the weight loss process.
Alcohol has a negative effect on testosterone production. Testosterone is an important hormone for fat loss, so its alcohol-induced lowered release will directly impact fat-burning ability.
The bottom line here is if you’re serious about getting rid of visceral body fat, you need to cut back on the booze. [6]
3. Consume More Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Your feelings, behavior, and physique aesthetics will change dramatically if you consume more omega-3 fatty acids, particularly while following a weight loss program.
Here’s what increasing your omega-3 intake will do for you:
Boost your insulin sensitivity
Aid with fat burning
Boost your metabolism
Reduce cortisol production and increase your energy
Assist with muscle growth
The best sources of omega-3 fatty acids are eggs, fatty fish, chia seeds, walnuts, and flaxseeds. [7]
4. Eat More Monounsaturated Fats
Monounsaturated fats have the power to lower insulin and LDL cholesterol levels. Here are five excellent sources of monounsaturated fats:
Olive
Nuts
Avocado
Avocado Oil
Coconut Oil
5. Eliminate Processed Grains
Processed grain products include cereal, bagels, pasta, bread, and bagels. The nutritional content of the grains is reduced while the calorie density is increased by milling, refining, and bleaching. That’s not a healthy combination.
Although whole grain types are preferable because they still contain some fiber and nutrients, even these are processed to some extent and may be high in calories.
However, you should only consume only whole grains going forward. That means avoiding products made from white pasta, rice, or flour. [8]
6. Prepare for Snack Time
A vital tactic for effective weight loss is predicting and planning when you’re likely to feel hungry throughout the day. When hunger strikes, having ready-to-eat, homemade snacks can come in handy.
Here are five tasty, straightforward snacks:
Apple crisps
Almonds
A nutritious smoothie
Hard-boiled eggs
A can of water-packed tuna
7. Reduce Liquid Calorie Intake
Liquid calories have several significant issues. Refined sugars are frequently used in weight loss smoothies as flavoring. Others use preservatives to enhance flavor and mixability. Those who consume solid meals feel satiated longer than those who use meal-replacement beverages.
In a 2007 study, test subjects were given solid food and a meal replacement shake, and their degree of satiety was monitored over the next four hours.
The satiety levels were much higher in the solid food group. In fact, the meal replacement group’s body didn’t even recognize that they had eaten from a chemical standpoint. [9]
8. Increase Water Intake
Hydration is crucial to a successful weight-loss strategy. Water can also help increase metabolism. Participants in a study who drank 16 ounces of water daily experienced a 30% rise in their metabolism. [10]
Always keep a water bottle with you. To stay full, regularly sip from it. Drinking water will also assist you in satisfying your thirst so that you don’t confuse it with hunger.
9. Begin Meal Prepping
One of the keys to sticking to your smart eating plan is prepping your meals in advance. This involves keeping a couple of hours aside, usually on the weekend, to prepare your weekly meals.
This greatly eases your search for nutritious options that adhere to your macronutrient guidelines. Meal planning will also significantly reduce your likelihood of reverting to poor eating patterns.
10. Avoid Trans Fatty Acids
Unsaturated lipids become trans fatty acids when hydrogen is introduced. They have been demonstrated to increase belly fat in addition to being connected to heart disease and insulin resistance. According to one study, eating a lot of trans fats can increase belly fat by 33%. [11]
11. Do a 14-Day Detox
To get rid of toxins and other impurities in your body, try a 14-day detox. The doors of fat loss may effectively be flung open by this. It’s not necessary to starve during a cleanse. It involves giving your body the proper nutrients to remove toxins and restore its natural equilibrium.
12. Increase Coconut Oil Consumption
Recent years have seen a lot of research focused on the coconut. Many of these studies have focused on how they can aid in weight loss.
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that do not circulate in the bloodstream like long-chain fatty acids. Instead, they are sent to the liver, which turns them into energy. As a result, your body turns to coconut oil for energy rather than storing the calories as fat.
According to some studies, switching from olive oil, which contains long-chain fatty acids, to coconut oil, which contains medium-chain fatty acids, results in greater fat reduction. Coconut oil is particularly helpful for decreasing weight around the abdomen, where visceral fat collects. Because it is linked to so many ailments, visceral fat is the most harmful type of fat.
In a recent study, one ounce of coconut oil was added to women’s diets with excessive abdominal fat. Both their waist circumference and their BMI significantly decreased after 12 weeks. This was accomplished without any exercise or other dietary changes. [12]
13. Add Herbs to your Meals
Several plants have been used by indigenous peoples worldwide for centuries to help with weight loss. In recent decades, science has confirmed the effectiveness of some of them. Here are three of the best:
Turmeric
Cumin
Ashwagandha
14. Consume More Protein
Protein aids in fat loss in addition to helping you develop muscle. This is because protein has the strongest thermogenic effect of all the macronutrients, is very filling, and reduces hunger. As a result, it requires more energy to digest than fats or carbohydrates.
When paired with weight resistance exercise, protein’s ability to build muscle also aids in belly fat reduction. Maintaining muscle demands five times as many calories as maintaining body fat. Therefore, the more muscular you are, the leaner you will be!
Plan to consume one gram of protein per pound of body weight, with your preferred protein sources being eggs, chicken, fish, legumes, Greek yogurt, and cream cheese. [13]
Related: Try Our Protein Calculator
15. Cut Yourself Some Slack
It is important to be realistic when trying to lose belly fat. When you try to lead a healthy lifestyle, you’ll find yourself moving in the opposite direction from the vast majority of people. The environment you are in will constantly provide you with temptations. It’s ridiculous to expect yourself to never make a mistake. Remember that a poor eating decision won’t halt your progress.
The key takeaway is that you shouldn’t punish yourself if you make a poor nutritional choice or skip an exercise. Your ability to succeed depends on developing long-lasting habits that you can maintain. An occasional slip-up won’t hamper your results.
Best Exercises to Lose Belly Fat Over 50
Losing weight, and keeping it off, is all about consistency. Sticking to a balanced training and diet plan to create a calorie deficit will help you shed unwanted pounds effectively and sustain your weight loss progress over time.
The key to success is incorporating a sustainable exercise schedule into your lifestyle. Let’s find out how it should (and shouldn’t) be done.
How Not to Lose Belly Fat
Let’s get it straight from the outset, you will not lose belly fat by doing hundreds of sit-ups, crunches, leg raises, or other exercises for your abdominal muscles. The reason is simple; you cannot spot-reduce belly fat. In other words, doing a thousand crunches will not burn fat off your belly fat.
Fat comes off the body evenly. So, when you do a calorie-burning exercise, you cannot dictate what part of the body it will come from. Depending on your genetics, the fat might come off the belly and the sides of the waist (the dreaded love handles) last. When you build muscle, you will also increase your metabolism to burn more calories.
Exercise Type: Fast or Slow?
There is a lot of confusion about what type of cardiovascular exercise is best for weight loss. It boils down to two options — long and slow cardio or fast and short cardio. Both sides have their passionate advocates, yet the current scientific consensus is squarely on the side of fast, short, high-intensity sessions. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) involves quick bursts of high-intensity training followed by short rest periods.
The best HIIT exercises will allow you to use maximum exertion to burn maximum calories. Running is a great choice, allowing for hard-out sprints (imagine a Doberman is chasing you) followed by a slow jog. Incorporating HIIT training into your exercise schedule thrice weekly will help you burn calories while exercising and turn your body into a fat-burning furnace by boosting your metabolism for the next 24 hours. [14]
The best exercises to reduce belly fat for men are those that burn the most calories. Combine this with a healthy diet, and your belly girth will decrease. Here are the six effective belly fat exercises to reduce fat from your midline:
Treadmill
Exercising on a treadmill is the most popular form of cardio exercise in gyms worldwide. However, most people do not do it with enough intensity. Walking at 2 miles an hour while reading a book will not cut it. A far better way to go is HIIT. This involves interpreting short sprints with even shorter rest periods for multiple bouts.
Tabata is another effective form of HIIT workout for fat loss. It involves a slow two-minute warmup and a 20 seconds max speed sprint. You then throw your legs out to the side of the running belt for 10 seconds. That is one round. The workout involves performing eight rounds. It is extremely hard work but burns a ton of calories. Then, thanks to what is known as the enhanced post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC) effect, you will have an elevated metabolism for the next 24-36 hours!
Rowing Machine
The rowing machine is another excellent exercise that will help you reduce fat around your belly. This exercise involves your whole body and gets your heart and lungs in good shape. While rowing, stay upright and move through a full range of motion, pushing through the legs. [15]
Here’s an awesome fat-burning rowing machine workout that combines the rowing machine with body weight and free-weight exercises:
Row at a steady pace for 10 minutes.
Jump off the machine and do 10 dumbbell overhead presses.
Do 10 standing torso twists or cross-body punches.
Row at a steady pace for 10 minutes.
Jump off the machine and do 10 lateral shuffle walks.
Now do 15 kettlebell swings.
Row at a steady pace for 10 minutes.
Jump off the machine and do a 30-second plank.
Now do 10 step-ups.
Jumping Jacks
Jumping jacks is a classic old-school cardio exercise you can do anywhere, anytime, to burn off those excess calories. To perform them, start with your legs together and your arms by your sides. Take a small jump straight up and, as you do, move your legs apart. At the same time, swing your arms up above your head into a clap. Take another small jump and return your arms and legs to their starting position.
You can use jumping jacks to burn off calories as a stand-alone exercise or add them to your workout routine. For example, if you are doing a weight training program, do 20 jumping jacks between each set.
Burpees
The burpee is another old-school bodyweight exercise that must be a part of your training regimen. This is, in fact, one of the highest calorie-burning exercises that you can do without any equipment.
Here is how to perform the burpee:
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and your arms by your sides.
Drop down into a push-up position, kicking your feet back behind you.
Perform a push-up.
Jump your feet back toward your hands.
Spring up into the air to return to the start position.
Burpees can be performed in HIIT fashion, making them an even more effective fat burner. Here is an example of how you can do this:
Do burpees for 20 seconds.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Do another 20-second round of burpees.
Rest for 10 seconds.
Repeat until you have completed eight rounds, aiming to maintain the same number of burpees in each round.
Step-Ups
Step-ups are another effective calorie burner that you can do without any equipment. Besides helping you reduce belly fat, this exercise will work on your quads, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. Here is how to perform step-ups:
Stand out 12 inches away from a step or bench with a hip-width stance.
Place your right foot on an elevated surface while the left is grounded.
Drive your right foot into the surface and extend your leg. Both your feet should be together at the top.
Reverse the movement to lower yourself to the floor.
Switch between legs or complete recommended reps on the same side between changing sides.
Always keep your body straight and tall. Avoid the temptation to lean forward from your hips. Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands to burn even more calories.
Shuttle Sprints
This is a challenging cardio calorie burner that will also improve your agility.
Set up two markers on the floor 3 yards apart.
Begin with your hand on one of the markers in a sprint stance.
Sprint to the other marker and touch it with your hand.
Immediately sprint back to the other marker.
Lift Weight to Lose Weight
The second tier of your weight loss exercise regimen needs to involve some form of resistance training. There is conclusive evidence that exercise involving muscle contraction burns more calories and assists in fat loss.
Incorporating weight training into your exercise schedule will not only boost your fat-burning efforts but also ensure that you are not losing vital muscle tissue. In the process, it will help build your dream physique. [16]
Lifting weights burns a considerable amount of calories. That is especially the case when you perform what are known as compound moves, such as deadlifts, that involve several muscle groups working together. But there’s an extra benefit. After you finish your workout, your body will have a greater need for oxygen to meet the demands that your workout has placed on your muscles. This brings on the EPOC effect.
EPOC stands for excessive post-exercise oxygen consumption, and it leads to a higher metabolic rate for up to 24 hours. That means you burn more calories for up to a day after your workout.
When you work a muscle with weights, you place stress on that muscle. This can cause micro-tears in the muscle fiber. When you recover after the workout, your body uses energy to rebuild the muscle. That, too, is burning calories from stored body fat.
Weight training is the best way to add muscle mass. Muscle is much more dense than fat. It takes up more space and burns five times more calories than fat. So, every ounce of muscle you add makes you more of a fat-burning machine. That’s why resistance training should be integral to your belly fat loss program. I recommend doing resistance exercises at least twice weekly.
Rather than doing multiple sets of the same exercise before moving to the next one, you will do all five exercises consecutively, with a minimum amount of rest between exercises. Don’t rest at all between exercises one and two. Then give yourself 30 seconds to regain your breath before doing exercises three and four. Rest another 30 seconds before doing exercise number five.
Go through this circuit thrice, resting for two minutes between each circuit.
For each consecutive workout, your goal will be to add more resistance to the bar. However, only do so when you are confident that you have optimized your form on that movement.
Here is your six exercises resistance training circuit for weight loss:
Dumbbell Bench Press
Prime Mover: Pectorals
Sit on the end of a bench with dumbbells resting on your thighs. Roll back onto the bench, bringing the dumbbells up to arm’s length above your chest.
Breathe in as you expand your chest and lower the dumbbells to the sides of your chest. Be sure to go down to a point at least an inch lower than your nipples.
In the bottom position, your scapulae should be squeezing together. Now breathe out as you power back to the start position.
Farmer’s Walk
Prime Mover: Quadriceps
Select a pair of light dumbbells of an appropriate weight.
Stand between the dumbbells and bend down to grip the handles. Lift the dumbbells by driving up through your heels while keeping your back straight and your head up.
Take an exaggerated step that requires you to lunge. The longer the step, the more emphasis is placed on your glutes, while shorter steps maximize the effect on the thighs.
Pushing off with your forward leg, continue lunge walking until you have covered the set distance.
Deadlift
Prime Mover: Upper Back
Stand in front of the bar so that your midfoot is under the bar and your feet are shoulder-width apart.
Grab the bar by bending the knees but maintaining a neutral spine. Hold the bar with a shoulder-wide mixed grip.
Push through your heels as you pull with your hips, not your arms. Your hips should be higher than the knees at the start of the pull.
Bring the hips, shoulders, and chest up together as the bar comes off the floor. You want the bar to travel directly up and close to your body.
As the bar reaches the mid-thigh level, squeeze your glutes tightly to prevent pulling with your lower back. At the same time, pull your shoulders back.
Continue pulling until you are standing erect.
Kettlebell High Pull
Prime Movers: Quadriceps / Glutes
Holding a light kettlebell, and with your feet shoulder-width apart, squat down with a neutral spine and your hips slightly higher than your knees. Your shoulders should be ahead of the kettlebell.
Simultaneously pull down through your feet while driving your hips up and forward. Pull the kettlebell up toward your chin. This movement should bring you up on your toes.
Immediately squat back down into the start position.
Incline Dumbbell Curl
Prime Mover: Biceps
Set an incline bar at a 45-degree angle. Grasp two dumbbells with an underhand grip.
Curl the weights towards your shoulders.
Stop and squeeze your biceps when the dumbbells are 6 to 8 inches in front of your shoulders. Hold the contraction, squeezing tight, for 2 seconds.
Slowly return the dumbbells to the starting position. Be sure to resist gravity during eccentrics.
Lying Triceps Extension
Prime Mover: Triceps
Lie face up on a bench with a pair of dumbbells in your hands.
Extend your arms directly above your upper chest.
Keeping the elbows in, bend at the elbows as you bring the dumbbells down at the sides of your forehead.
Contract the triceps to return to the start position.
Putting It Together
Now that we’ve identified the types of exercise that best fit your weight loss exercise schedule, let’s consider the frequency of performing those movements. You must exercise five days a week. You will perform your HIIT exercises on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. As already explained, HIIT involves short-duration workouts. In fact, you’ll only have to allocate six minutes to your workouts on those days.
Here’s how it will look:
Choose an exercise you are comfortable performing with maximum intensity (sprinting, cycling, and skipping are good options).
Perform a medium-intensity warmup for two minutes.
Perform 20 seconds of maximum intensity.
Recover for 10 seconds.
Repeat this sequence until 4 minutes are up.
On Tuesday and Thursday, you will perform your resistance training workout. On each exercise, you will perform 12 repetitions. Then move directly to your next exercise until you have completed the six-exercise circuit. Work up to doing four rounds of this circuit workout.
Supplement Strategies to Lose Belly Fat Over 50
The are four mechanisms used by fat loss supplements to help users strip off body fat:
Appetite suppression
Increased metabolism
Increased fat oxidation
Boosted energy levels
Here are five supplements you can consider for your weight loss program:
Caffeine
Caffeine has been a foundational ingredient in fat burners from the very start. Its main appeal is its ability to speed up metabolism. Each milligram of caffeine you add to your body has been shown to increase your metabolic rate by about one calorie to a maximum of about a hundred calories daily. Caffeine also reduces perceived exertion during exercise. That means you can work harder for longer and burn more calories.
Caffeine also can focus your energy consumption during exercise on your fat reserves rather than stored glucose. The evidence that caffeine suppresses the appetite is not very strong.
Too much caffeine, however, is not a good thing. The maximum daily dosage should be limited to around 300 mg (250 mg for women).
Coffee Caffeine
L-Carnitine
L-Carnitine is added to fat burners to increase fat oxidation. That’s because it has been shown to play a key role in transporting long-chain fatty acids into the cell’s mitochondria, where energy is produced. The body naturally produces carnitine, but it quickly depletes when exercising. Adding it to your fat burner will help to replenish your carnitine levels and speed up fat oxidation.
Look for a supplement that provides 1-3 grams of carnitine daily.
Green Tea
Green tea comes from the camellia sinensis plant. It is rich in polyphenols, including catechins and flavonoids. Catechins have been shown to be especially beneficial for fat loss, boosting the metabolism. The star among the catechins when it comes to fat burning is a compound called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG will boost your metabolism and work with L-carnitine to promote fat oxidation.
Green tea also gives you an energy boost. The ideal daily dosage of green tea for fat loss is 100 mg. Some products will individually list EGCG on the ingredient label. In that case, look for 500 mg.
Green Tea
Capsicum
Capsicum contains a polyphenol known as capsaicinoids. This compound provides a hot and spicy flavor to hundreds of foods. It has been shown to have some pretty impressive fat-burning benefits. For one thing, capsaicinoids increase the core temperature of the body. Your body will then work overtime to bring the temperature back to a state of homeostasis. This takes up energy, which burns calories.
Capsaicinoids also break down adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the main form of energy in the body. It has also been shown to boost the body’s lipase production, which breaks down fat for energy.
Glucomannan
The roots of the konjac plant are used to make the dietary fiber glucomannan. It has an incredible capacity for water absorption, which transforms it into a thick, gel-like substance. It multiplies to many times its original size when ingested because it combines with bodily fluids. Your stomach has to make place for this, which causes you to feel full. In this manner, glucomannan aids in appetite suppression so that you consume fewer calories throughout the day and finish with a net calorie deficit.
In addition to making more room in your stomach, glucomannan also delays stomach emptying and lessens the absorption of fats and proteins. The recommended dosage is one gram taken three times daily.
Summary
This article provided a complete blueprint for losing belly fat over 50. You’ve been given the ideal balance of cardiovascular exercises to burn calories and resistance training to increase muscle mass and stoke your fat-burning furnace. At the same time, you’ve been given a wealth of nutrition and dietary tips to get you beyond the barriers to belly fat loss.
It’s now over to you to put all this belly fat-burning knowledge into action. Don’t let procrastination hold you back. Instead, resolve to start your workout program tomorrow, starting with the three weekly HIIT workouts and then adding in two circuit weight training sessions. Then, work through the 14 nutritional tips, incorporating one new tip daily into your routine over the next two weeks. Stay positive, remain consistent, and you will steadily lose that stubborn belly fat.
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Atakan MM, Li Y, Koşar ŞN, Turnagöl HH, Yan X. Evidence-Based Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Exercise Capacity and Health: A Review with Historical Perspective. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 Jul 5;18(13):7201. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18137201. PMID: 34281138; PMCID: PMC8294064.
Hansen RK, Samani A, Laessoe U, Handberg A, Mellergaard M, Figlewski K, Thijssen DHJ, Gliemann L, Larsen RG. Rowing exercise increases cardiorespiratory fitness and brachial artery diameter but not traditional cardiometabolic risk factors in spinal cord-injured humans. Eur J Appl Physiol. 2023 Jun;123(6):1241-1255. doi: 10.1007/s00421-023-05146-y. Epub 2023 Feb 13. PMID: 36781425; PMCID: PMC9924870.
Willis LH, Slentz CA, Bateman LA, Shields AT, Piner LW, Bales CW, Houmard JA, Kraus WE. Effects of aerobic and/or resistance training on body mass and fat mass in overweight or obese adults. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2012 Dec 15;113(12):1831-7. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.01370.2011. Epub 2012 Sep 27. PMID: 23019316; PMCID: PMC3544497.
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Finding Your Perfect Calorie Count for 16/8 Intermittent Fasting
Intermittent fasting is an age-old practice that has gained popularity over the past two decades. Intermittent fasting has several health advantages, such as weight loss, reduced inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity, growth hormone production, and controlled diabetes levels.
Several popular fasting plans come under intermittent fasting, including 16/8, 5:2, eat-stop-eat, alternate-day fasting, etc. However, the 16/8 method has become extremely popular among all these plans because it is one of the most flexible fasting plans you can practice daily.
What is a 16/8 Intermittent Fasting Plan?
The 16/8 IF diet is a fasting plan in which you can eat within an eight-hour window and fast for the remaining 16 hours. Your eating window can be from 7 am to 3 pm or 9 am to 5 pm, or any other period you choose. This plan is convenient and effective due to its longer fasting window.
Most of our body functions change according to our sleep-wake cycle. For example, our digestive system actively functions during the daytime and rests at night. It means that when you sleep, your digestive system takes a break too.
But when the circadian rhythm gets disturbed, it automatically impacts your digestion. As a result, you increase your risk of developing hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Munching throughout the day puts a lot of pressure on your body’s circadian clock. This is why when you eat late at night, you wake up feeling tired, demotivated, or maybe a little sick the next morning.
Staying on a fast for about 16 long hours helps your digestive system rest and detoxify. This, in turn, makes you feel fresh and energetic the next morning.
When you fast for an extended period, your body burns through your readily available energy stores and then turns to the stored fat, leading to weight loss. During this process, your body also repairs the cells on a molecular level.
What are the Benefits of a 16:8 Diet?
The advantages of the 16:8 plan include:
It is convenient due to its flexibility. You can choose any of the eating windows at your convenience.
Confining the eating window to specific hours helps limit your calorie intake, which may result in weight loss. [1][2]
This time-restricted eating also helps reduce insulin and blood sugar levels, decreasing the risk of developing diabetes. Research suggests that if you have type 2 diabetes, then intermittent fasting can help improve your health markers. [3][4]
It can also help prevent diseases like high blood pressure, cardiovascular conditions, specific types of cancer, and neurodegenerative conditions. [5][6][7]
Sample 16:8 Meal Plan
Intermittent fasting, including the 16:8 plan, does not dictate your food choices. However, you need to take care of the quality of the food. The food needs to be low in calories if you want to lose weight. Ensure that you eat a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to meet your daily macro and micronutrient needs.
You can follow the format below for your fasting meal plan.
Morning is the time when you break the fast. During this time, you should eat foods rich in fiber and low in calories. Choosing high-fiber foods in the morning can satisfy your hunger quickly.
Some breakfast options are whole grain bread, oatmeal, almonds, fruit like bananas and apples, plantain cereals made from whole grains, rolled oats or bran, a whole grain bagel, etc.
During the mid-day meal, you can opt for meat, beans, rice, quinoa, buckwheat, broccoli, leafy greens, Brussels sprouts, poultry, eggs, fish, etc.
The last meal of the day during the eating window should be less caloric. Some meals, like fruits, vegetables, or oats, are recommended during this time.
Avoid deep-fried food, packaged foods, sugary drinks, and frozen meals during a 16:8 fasting regime. Drink enough water and unsweetened coffee or tea to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
How Many Calories Should I Eat During Intermittent Fasting?
Some people think that after a 16-hour fasting period, they can consume as many calories as they want. To lose weight, you should be mindful of your food. You cannot eat whatever you want in your eating window and still expect to lose weight.
The calorie needs differ from person to person depending on their starting weight, desired weight, gender, frame size, and level of activity. The required calories to lose weight can be calculated by finding out your BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) using the Harris-Benedict formula. Here is the Harris-Benedict formula for calculating BMR and TDEE.
BMR for men = 66.5 + (13.75 x weight in kg) + (5.003 x height in cm) – (6.75 x age in years)
BMR for women = 655.1 + (9.56 x weight in kg) + (1.85 x height in cm) – (4.676 x age in years) [8]
For example, for a 35-year-old woman who is 5-foot-6 and weighs 70 kilograms, her BMR would be:
655.1 + (9.56 x 70) + (1.85 x 167.6) – (4.676 x 35) = (655.1 + 669.2 + 310.06) – 163.66 = approx. 1,471 calories daily
To calculate how many calories you burn in a day, you need to calculate your total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). The calculation chart for TDEE is as follows.
Activity Level
TDEE
Sedentary
BMR x 1.2
Lightly Active
BMR x 1.375
Moderately Active
BMR x 1.55
Very Active
BMR x 1.725
Extra Active
BMR x 1.9
For example, if you are a 5-foot-10, 40-year-old male who weighs 85 kilograms and leads a moderately active lifestyle, then your required calorie intake to lose weight would be:
BMR = 66.5 + (13.75 x 85) + (5.003 x 178) – (6.75 x 40) = (66.5 + 1168.75 + 890.534) – 270 = approx. 1,856 calories
TDEE = 1,856 x 1.55 = approx. 2,877 calories
This is the number of calories your body burns in a day. Furthermore, to lose weight, you need to be in a calorie deficit.
Determine your exact daily calorie intake goal using the Intermittent Fasting Calculator.
How to Calculate the Calories to Lose Weight?
If you want to lose one pound per week, you must reduce your daily calorie intake by 500 calories. According to the above calculation, you must consume 2,377 calories daily (2,877–500 = 2,377) within your eating window.
However, this formula is just a recommendation. Before getting into any weight loss regime, consult your dietician or healthcare provider to know your exact caloric needs.
You must limit your calorie cut to 1,000 calories per day. This is because staying in a caloric deficit for an extended period may have certain adverse effects on your health, like a slow metabolism, nutrient deficiency, weekend bones, low energy levels, and fatigue. It may even lead to muscle loss. Since building muscle can boost your metabolic rate, losing muscle mass would result in burning fewer calories daily.
Additionally, when you are in a calorie deficit for a long time, your body becomes accustomed to it. Hence, it starts burning fewer calories every day and conserves more energy. When this occurs, your body reaches a plateau, and weight loss becomes challenging. It is often observed that people who cut down on calories struggle to lose weight. [9]
A 2017 study suggests that losing weight is possible by keeping muscle mass intact even if you do not reduce your calorie intake on a 16:8 diet. It is because fasting for 16 long hours helps your body use its stored body fat for energy instead of stored glucose. [10]
How Long Does it Take for 16:8 Intermittent Fasting to Work?
If you follow the guideline of 16:8 intermittent fasting religiously, you will see the result within a few weeks. However, it may take longer for some people to see the outcome depending on their age, gender, genetics, existing health conditions, and medications can impact your results.
Best Foods to Eat on 16:8 Intermittent Fasting
You must eat healthy to lose weight on a 16:8 intermittent fasting plan. Merely selecting an eight-hour time frame and consuming any food without consideration is insufficient to achieve your objectives. What you include in your diet will dictate your results.
Some of the superfoods to include in your regimen while on an intermittent fasting diet include:
Whole Grains
Whole grains are considered a superfood because they contain many nutrients such as complex carbs, dietary fibers, several B vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and phytochemicals that can prevent and fight diseases. The high fiber content and complex carbohydrate in whole grains help manage hunger during fasting by making you feel full and satiated. Some examples of whole grains are oats, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, rye, bulgur wheat, brown rice, etc.
Fruit and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and fiber, which can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure, cardiac disease, and stroke. Consuming fruits and vegetables may also prevent certain cancers. They also improve the digestion process and control appetite. Some recommended fruits and vegetables are strawberries, apples, lemons, kiwi, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach, cucumber, and carrots.
Lean Protein
Replacing carbs and fats with proteins is an effective way to lose weight. Protein has fewer calories than other nutrients and takes longer to digest than fats or carbs. Hence, you do not feel hungry faster. It also lessens the production of hunger hormones.
Protein is also crucial for overall immunity. It helps maintain muscle mass, which is important in boosting metabolism and managing blood sugar. Without protein, your body encounters weakness and exhaustion, increased blood sugar levels, and, eventually, weight gain. Proteins such as lean meat, poultry, eggs, fish, nuts, and low-fat dairy products are great while on a 16:8 intermittent fast.
Fats
You cannot ignore the role of healthy fats in an intermittent fasting plan. Healthy fats help you absorb essential nutrients, restore energy, and feel satiated. Some healthy fats include avocado, olive oil, and fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, and nuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you count calories on 16:8 intermittent fasting?
On a 16:8 intermittent fast, you can eat as you desire within the eating window. However, you should focus on foods low in calories and high in protein and fiber content.
How much should I eat during 16:8 intermittent fasting?
The calorie needs differ from person to person depending on their starting weight, desired weight, gender, frame size, and level of activity. The required calories to lose weight can be calculated by measuring the BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) and the total daily energy expenditure (TDEE). However, it is always better to consult your doctor or dietician to know your exact caloric requirements.
What are the benefits of 16:8 intermittent fasting?
Benefits of 16:8 intermittent fasting include weight loss, better cardiovascular health, reduced inflammation, improved insulin sensitivity and growth hormone levels, and decreased insulin levels.
Bottom Line
Following a 16:8 intermittent fasting diet plan has many health advantages, including weight loss, blood sugar management, improved heart health, and longevity. Eating healthy during the eating window is crucial to attaining most of IF’s benefits.
Due to the uniqueness of our body types, the effectiveness of this approach varies among individuals. It is always prudent to consult your dietician or a doctor before starting any new diet, specifically if you have any underlying medical conditions.
References
Intermittent energy restriction improves weight loss efficiency in obese men: the MATADOR study – PubMed. (2018, February 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1038/ijo.2017.206
Moro, T., Tinsley, G., Bianco, A., Marcolin, G., Pacelli, Q. F., Battaglia, G., Palma, A., Gentil, P., Neri, M., & Paoli, A. (2016, October 13). Effects of eight weeks of time-restricted feeding (16/8) on basal metabolism, maximal strength, body composition, inflammation, and cardiovascular risk factors in resistance-trained males – Journal of Translational Medicine. BioMed Central. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12967-016-1044-0
Intermittent fasting: is there a role in the treatment of diabetes? A review of the literature and guide for primary care physicians – PubMed. (2021, February 3). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40842-020-00116-1
Arnason, T. G., Bowen, M. W., & Mansell, K. D. (2017, April 15). Effects of intermittent fasting on health markers in those with type 2 diabetes: A pilot study. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.4239/wjd.v8.i4.154
Gabel, K., Hoddy, K. K., Haggerty, N., Song, J., Kroeger, C. M., Trepanowski, J. F., Panda, S., & Varady, K. A. (2018, June 15). Effects of 8-hour time restricted feeding on body weight and metabolic disease risk factors in obese adults: A pilot study – IOS Press. Effects of 8-hour Time Restricted Feeding on Body Weight and Metabolic Disease Risk Factors in Obese Adults: A Pilot Study – IOS Press. https://doi.org/10.3233/NHA-170036
https://www.cmaj.ca/content/185/9/E363
https://www.annualreviews.org/doi/full/10.1146/annurev-nutr-071816-064634
Luy, S. C., & Dampil, O. A. (2018, September 10). Comparison of the Harris-Benedict Equation, Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis, and Indirect Calorimetry for Measurement of Basal Metabolic Rate among Adult Obese Filipino Patients with Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.15605/jafes.033.02.07
How dieting makes some fatter: from a perspective of human body composition autoregulation – PubMed. (2012, August 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0029665112000225
Anton, S. D., Moehl, K., Donahoo, W. T., Marosi, K., Lee, S., G. Mainous, I. A., Leeuwenburgh, C., & Mattson, M. P. (2017, October 31). Flipping the Metabolic Switch: Understanding and Applying Health Benefits of Fasting. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1002/oby.22065
A Comprehensive 5-Day Menopause Diet Plan to Ignite Healthy Weight Loss
Menopause commences when a woman goes 12 consecutive months without menstruating. Menopause represents the final stage in a woman’s reproductive journey, marking the conclusion of her fertility and the ability to conceive. This transitional phase affects each woman differently.
During menopause, the body undergoes several changes, such as weight gain, reduced muscle and bone mass, sagging of the breasts, thinning of the hair, dry skin, eyes, and mouth. Besides, menopausal women might suffer from psychological and emotional factors like irritability, tiredness, palpitations, sleeplessness, depression, anxiety, anger issues, stress, and nervousness.
During the menopause transition phase, the two primary female hormones, estrogen, and progesterone, gradually tend to decrease. A low level of estrogen results in a slower metabolism. When your metabolism is slow, burning calories becomes challenging, leading to reduced muscle mass and increased fat stores, eventually causing weight gain. [1][2]
Why is it Important to Eat a Healthy Diet During Menopause?
Eating healthy is essential during menopause for various reasons. It provides proper nutrients and helps you prevent hormonal imbalances. It also boosts your metabolism and prevents weight gain.
A nutritious diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, low-fat dairy, lean meat, and legumes helps prevent unnecessary calorie intake, manages appetite, and promotes satiety, thereby aiding in weight management.
A diet rich in fiber, prebiotics, and probiotics improves gut health, thereby alleviating digestive issues like indigestion, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt, which are rich in vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and vitamin K, are extremely helpful for bone health. Consuming these foods can help alleviate osteoporosis symptoms. [3]
Fish such as salmon, anchovies, and mackerel, and seeds like hemp, chia, and flaxseeds are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Consuming these foods may lessen the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats that occur during menopause. It also improves heart health by managing cholesterol and triglyceride levels. [4]
If you are undergoing menopause, you must include more protein in your diet to increase your muscle mass and improve bone health. Studies recommend that women over 50 take 20 to 25 grams of protein daily. [5]
Healthy Foods to Eat
Consuming lesser calories than usual and changing your regular diet pattern can be beneficial to lose weight after menopause. A nutritious diet like the Mediterranean diet is optimal for women going through menopause [6][7]. A Mediterranean diet involves:
Different varieties of fruits and vegetables
Lean protein such as poultry without skin, Greek yogurt, lentils, tofu, low-fat dairy products, and white fishes like cod, bass, and haddock
Whole grains, such as millet, quinoa, barley, brown rice, bulgur wheat, etc.
Healthy fats like mackerel, tuna, sardine, herring, and salmon
Nuts and seeds, and olive oil
Foods to Avoid
For menopausal women, weight gain becomes a major concern due to unhealthy and unmindful eating habits. Hence, to avoid gaining those extra pounds, you must deliberately avoid certain foods filled with trans fat and high calories. A few examples of these foods include:
Fast foods
Oily foods
Excessively fried foods
Sugary foods like cookies, doughnuts, and cakes
Foods loaded with added sugar
Salty foods
Processed meats
Sweetened beverages
Alcohol
5-Day Menopause Diet Plan to Lose Weight
Following a diet plan with working out makes it easier to lose weight. The recommended and prohibited food items should be kept in mind while designing such a diet plan. You must adhere to what is advised and exclude unwarranted foods from your plan. Here is a sample five-day menopause diet plan for weight loss.
Day 1
Breakfast
Two portions of omelet containing egg white, onion, bell peppers, mushroom, and spinach, and a pair of apples.
Carbohydrate: 63 gm
Protein: 57 gm
Fat: 2 gm
Calories: 490 kcal
Lunch
One portion of grilled chicken breast, avocado salad, and one serving of carrot with hummus.
Carbohydrate: 33 gm
Protein: 41 gm
Fat: 32 gm
Calories: 575 kcal
Dinner
Two portions of zucchini pasta having lemon cream sauce with one serving of fried broccoli.
Carbohydrate: 41 gm
Protein: 20 gm
Fat: 50 gm
Calories: 633 kcal
Total Calories: 1,701
Day 2
Breakfast
One serving of egg white frittata and one serving of honey grapefruit with banana.
Carbohydrate: 44 gm
Protein: 24 gm
Fat: 23 gm
Calories: 456 kcal
Lunch
One serving of tuna-avocado sandwich with two servings of arugula salad.
Carbohydrate: 51 gm
Protein: 28 gm
Fat: 34 gm
Calories: 604 kcal
Dinner
8 oz of herb and lemon fish and two servings of Lebanese fresh thyme tomato salad.
Carbohydrate: 56 gm
Protein: 54 gm
Fat: 28 gm
Calories: 645 kcal
Total Calories: 1,705
Day 3
Breakfast
One serving of almond raspberry smoothie with four slices of cantaloupe.
Carbohydrate: 45 gm
Protein: 22 gm
Fat: 29 gm
Calories: 509 kcal
Lunch
One serving of chicken and avocado salad and one serving of kiwi berry smoothie.
Carbohydrate: 49 gm
Protein: 37 gm
Fat: 26 gm
Calories: 551 kcal
Dinner
One serving of baby kale and blackberry salad and one serving of zucchini spears.
Carbohydrate: 46 gm
Protein: 22 gm
Fat: 46 gm
Calories: 638 kcal
Total Calories: 1,699
Day 4
Breakfast
One serving of sticky bun chia seed pudding and one serving of papaya flaxseed shake.
Carbohydrate: 38 gm
Protein: 14 gm
Fat: 28 gm
Calories: 446 kcal
Lunch
One serving of tomato and cheese wrap and one serving of cauliflower and tahini.
Carbohydrate: 39 gm
Protein: 20 gm
Fat: 33 gm
Calories: 509 kcal
Dinner
One serving of green bean and kidney bean salad with two servings of cucumber avocado soup.
Carbohydrate: 57 gm
Protein: 54 gm
Fat: 35 gm
Calories: 739 kcal
Total Calories: 1,694
Day 5
Breakfast
One serving of paleo tomato and egg scramble and two servings of apple toast.
Carbohydrate: 47 gm
Protein: 30 gm
Fat: 31 gm
Calories: 575 kcal
Lunch
One serving of quick avocado tuna sandwich and one serving of strawberry and walnut spinach salad.
Carbohydrate: 48 gm
Protein: 44 gm
Fat: 25 gm
Calories: 565 kcal
Dinner
One serving of smoked salmon and broccoli soup and one serving of avocado, strawberry, spinach salad.
Carbohydrate: 48 gm
Protein: 23 gm
Fat: 34 gm
Calories: 556 kcal
Total Calories: 1,696
Tips to Lose Weight During Menopause
Here are some more tips that to lose weight during menopause:
1. Exercise
As you age, your muscle mass decreases while your body fat increases. Regular exercise is the best way to preserve your muscle tone and get rid of extra weight. As per research, aerobics helps reduce extra weight post-menopause [8][9]. It was also found that strength training can improve fat loss in women after menopause [10].
If you find exercising difficult, start with low to moderate activities to help you get used to being physically active and increase the intensity gradually. Some simple ways to get yourself active throughout the day include gardening, short walks, and taking stairs instead of the lift.
2. Prioritize Sleep
It is essential to sleep well to maintain a healthy weight. As per a study, lack of sleep may be associated with altered metabolism in women going through menopause [11]. Sleep deprivation may greatly impact your appetite and body weight.
3. Plan your Meal & Practice Mindful Eating
Planning your meals helps you understand your food’s nutritional quality. Meal planning can limit your unhealthy food consumption and allow you better control over your portion sizes.
Women undergoing menopause tend to eat unhealthily and mindlessly, which eventually results in weight gain. Hence, if you want to stay healthy, stock your pantry with nutritious foods. Avoid snacking on junk food and, instead, adopt mindful eating practices. Mindful eating allows you to recognize your body’s internal cues and needs rather than being influenced by external triggers that lead to unhealthy eating. Mindful eating can also keep you from binge eating and emotional eating episodes.
4. Stop Late Night Snacking
Late-night snacking and binging on unhealthy food can lead to weight gain. Keep healthy snacks handy for such late-night cravings. According to a study, maintaining food logs, regular weight measurements, and exercise can result in substantial weight loss [12].
5. Exercise Portion Control
Maintaining portion control is a valuable strategy for managing your weight, enabling you to carefully determine the right serving sizes to incorporate into your meals.
Sitting at a table instead of eating in front of the TV and measuring your snacks instead eating them directly from the packet can also help control your food intake.
6. Drink Enough Water
Drinking water is essential for general well-being. It is also important for women encountering menopause. Research indicates that drinking enough water helps lose weight because it suppresses appetite. It also helps lose fat deposits by inducing lipolysis, a process of breaking down stored fats. [13][14]
7. Manage Stress
Women often experience stress while undergoing menopause. According to research, stress is linked to weight gain due to increased appetite and slower metabolism [15]. Incorporating stress-busting techniques like meditation, yoga, Tai-chi, deep breathing, and aromatherapy may help alleviate symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fastest way to lose weight during menopause?
Here are some tips that, when followed, can help you lose weight quickly during menopause:
Mindful eating
Regular exercise
Drinking enough water
Curbing your sweet tooth
Including enough fiber into your diet
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Portion control
Reducing your stress levels
Getting enough sleep
What foods should you eat during menopause to lose weight?
You should eat the following foods while wanting to lose weight during menopause.
Calcium and vitamin D-rich foods: Greek yogurt, low-fat milk, cheese, eggs, sardine, salmon, broccoli
Omega 3 fatty acids: Flax seeds, chia seeds, tuna, mackerel
Lean proteins: Poultry, lean beef, tuna, turkey, lentils, tofu, beans,
Green vegetables: Spinach, kale, bok choy, arugula, cabbage, watercress, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower
Whole grains: Millet, barley, quinoa, bulgur wheat, brown rice, red rice
Healthy fats: Avocado, sardine, mackerel, sardine, tuna, and salmon, different nuts and seeds, and olive oil
Phytoestrogen foods: barley, grapes, green tea, black tea, soybeans, peanuts, flax seeds, plums, berries.
What are four foods to manage menopause?
The four primary foods to manage menopausal symptoms are green vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, whole grains, and dairy products. Besides, food rich in phytoestrogen and healthy fats are also helpful.
Final Words
You should prioritize weight loss during menopause as it can lead to numerous health issues like heart disease, impaired metabolism, reduced bone density, etc. Losing weight during menopause may seem challenging, but a strong mindset can make it happen.
Eating nutritious food, exercising regularly, improving your sleep pattern, yoga, meditation, deep breathing techniques, and reducing stress levels can help promote overall health and well-being throughout menopause and beyond.
Note: The content on Fitness Volt is for informative purposes only. Do not take it as medical advice to diagnose, prevent, or treat health problems. If you’re suffering from a health issue, are pregnant, or are under 18 years old, you should consult your physician before starting any new supplement, nutrition, or fitness routine.
References
Changes in muscle mass and strength after menopause – PubMed. (2009, December 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19949277/
Silva, T. R., Oppermann, K., Reis, F. M., & Spritzer, P. M. (2021, June 23). Nutrition in Menopausal Women: A Narrative Review. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13072149
Dairy products, yogurts, and bone health – PubMed. (2014, May 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.113.073056
Flaxseed reduces total and LDL cholesterol concentrations in Native American postmenopausal women – PubMed. (2008, April 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1089/jwh.2007.0359
The role of dietary protein and vitamin D in maintaining musculoskeletal health in postmenopausal women: a consensus statement from the European Society for Clinical and Economic Aspects of Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis (ESCEO) – PubMed. (2014, September 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.07.005
Adherence to Mediterranean dietary pattern and menopausal symptoms in relation to overweight/obesity in Spanish perimenopausal and postmenopausal women – PubMed. (2015, July 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1097/GME.0000000000000378
Systematic Review of the Mediterranean Diet for Long-Term Weight Loss – PubMed. (2016, April 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2015.11.028
Mediterranean Diet Plan – Much, Inc., E. T. (n.d.). Eat This Much, your personal diet assistant. Eat This Much. https://www.eatthismuch.com/diet-plan/mediterranean/
Friedenreich, C. M., Neilson, H. K., O’Reilly, R., Duha, A., Yasui, Y., Morielli, A. R., Adams, S. C., & Courneya, K. S. (2015, September 1). Volume of Aerobic Exercise and Adiposity in Postmenopausal Women. Effects of a High Vs Moderate Volume of Aerobic Exercise on Adiposity Outcomes in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Breast Cancer | JAMA Oncology | JAMA Network. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoncol.2015.2239
Earnest, C. P., Johannsen, N. M., Swift, D. L., Lavie, C. J., Blair, S. N., & Church, T. S. (2013, April 8). Dose Effect of Cardiorespiratory Exercise on Metabolic Syndrome in Postmenopausal Women. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjcard.2013.02.037
Conceição, M. S., Bonganha, V., Vechin, F. C., de Barros Berton, R. P., Lixandrão, M. E., Damas Nogueira, F. R., de Souza, G. V., Traina Chacon-Mikahil, M. P., & Libardi, C. A. (2013, September 16). Sixteen weeks of resistance training can decrease the risk of metabolic syndrome in healthy postmenopausal women. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.2147/CIA.S44245
Sleep, Health, and Metabolism in Midlife Women and Menopause: Food for Thought – PubMed. (2018, December 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ogc.2018.07.008
Painter, S. L., Ahmed, R., Hill, J. O., Kushner, R. F., Lindquist, R., Brunning, S., & Margulies, A. (2017, May 12). What Matters in Weight Loss? An In-Depth Analysis of Self-Monitoring. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.7457
Thornton, S. N. (2016, June 10). Increased Hydration Can Be Associated with Weight Loss. PubMed Central (PMC). https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2016.00018
Effect of excessive water intake on body weight, body mass index, body fat, and appetite of overweight female participants – PubMed. (2014, July 1). PubMed. https://doi.org/10.4103/0976-9668.136180
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7-Day High-Protein Diet Plan for Weight Loss
You probably know that protein is the go-to macronutrient for building muscle and getting strong. But did you know it is just as vital for anyone trying to strip body fat?
Protein is, in fact, the key to winning the weight loss war. In this article, we discover what lies behind protein’s fat-fighting power and find out how you can optimize your diet to benefit from this amazing macronutrient. We’ve also included a complete seven-day protein diet plan for weight loss.
Protein and Weight Loss
The word protein is derived from the Greek word proteios, meaning ‘most important.’ It is one of the three macronutrients, along with carbohydrates and fats.
There are three ways protein helps us lose body fat:
It helps us build lean muscle tissue. Once you remove the water, muscle tissue is almost exclusively made of protein.
Protein has a higher thermic effect than carbohydrates and fat. Around 25% of protein calories are used during digestion, compared to just 6-8% for carbs and 2-3% for fat.
Protein fills you up, which helps you go longer between meals without feeling hungry.
A large number of studies have shown that the combination of these three factors is effective for fat loss. People that eat more protein lose more fat, retain more muscle tissue, and are satiated for longer throughout the day.
In contrast, studies have shown that lower protein intake leads to overeating, fat gain, and muscle loss. Such results have led some researchers to propound the protein leverage hypothesis, stating that humans should prioritize protein consumption over other dietary components. We eat more food when we have less protein in our meals and vice-versa. [1]
The protein leverage hypothesis seems to gel with what we see in society. Researchers have been scratching their heads for decades at the statistics which show that the wealthiest people in society are also the leanest, while the poorest people are the fattest. Of the three macronutrients, protein is the most expensive. So, if all you eat is low-quality, mass-produced food, you’ll need a lot more to reach your daily protein target.
The bottom line is that you will get bigger and fatter if you eat cheap, low-protein foods.
Not All Proteins Are Created Equal
Protein is a lot like a train engine, with many cars adjoined to it. Each of those cars is an amino acid. You may know that 60% of your body is water. Well, the balance of 40% is mostly taken up with protein. That is because protein is the building mortar of every single part of us. Our skin, hair, toes, muscle cells, and organs are all made of protein.
Animal Protein Sources
There are twenty amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein. Of these, nine are essential, meaning the human body cannot manufacture them, and they must come from the foods we eat. The nine essential amino acids are:
Phenylalanine
Valine
Threonine
Tryptophan
Methionine
Leucine
Isoleucine
Lysine
Histidine
When it comes to building muscle, leucine is the most important. Muscle is crucial to fat loss. That’s because muscle tissue takes five times more energy to maintain itself than fat tissue! So, every extra pound of muscle on your body will help you burn more calories throughout the day — even while sleeping.
As a result, a higher amount of muscle mass will give you a higher resting metabolic rate. You will also burn more calories during digestion.
Maximum protein synthesis happens when you have 1.5 grams of leucine in your muscle tissue. Leucine-rich foods include:
Chicken breast
Cottage cheese
Soybeans
Whey protein
How Much Protein Do You Need?
Researchers have tried to figure out the ideal protein intake in terms of protein leverage. They believe that 30% of total calories is about right.
In a meta-study, researchers examined 24 weight-loss studies that compared higher protein diets (25 to 35% of total calories) with standard protein calories (12 to 18%); study participants ate the same amount of fat and total calories. On average, individuals who ate more protein lost one pound more over various durations, from a month to a year. [2]
Now, you may think that one pound isn’t much. However, the subjects ate the same amount of food. Those eating more protein not only lost slightly more weight but also improved their body composition by gaining a small amount of muscle and eating more fat than those who ate less protein.
So, if you eat 2,000 calories daily, you must consume 750 protein calories daily. To find out how many grams that is, we need to divide that figure by four (because there are 4 calories in every gram of protein).
750 / 4 = 187.5 grams of protein
The most effective way to get this protein into your body is to spread it over the course of your day. Researchers have published several studies in which consuming six meals per day has proven more effective at weight loss than three larger meals. This generally works out to eating every three hours. In the case above, you consume 31.25 grams of protein at each of your six meals. [3]
As I mentioned at the start of this section, the most common belief about protein is that it builds muscle, which can improve your physique aesthetics and make you look like an athlete. But muscle also helps you stay lean by increasing your metabolic rate, enabling you to burn more calories throughout the day.
So, with every added gram of muscle tissue to your body, you transform your system into a fat-churning machine.
Protein for Weight Loss — The Research
Let’s look at some exciting research that has ramped up protein’s fat loss profile in recent years.
A 2014 study investigated the effects of protein intake on between-meal snacking and resultant weight loss. A group that was given dairy protein every four hours was compared to a control group that only ate protein once per day but was also fed every four hours. Not only did the protein group resist the urge to graze between meals, but their average weight loss after 28 days was also 17% greater than the control group. [4]
A 2011 study of overweight and obese men revealed that increasing your protein intake while reducing carbs at every meal resulted in greater body fat loss than only eating protein in the evening. [5]
In 2011, a study was undertaken that showed that eating an ample amount of protein for breakfast significantly reduced food cravings throughout the remainder of the day. The test subjects were teenagers who usually skipped breakfast. They were exposed to visual food responses after being given a normal versus a high-protein breakfast. Those given the high-protein breakfast exhibited significantly greater neural resistance to the temptations. [6]
Many studies have shown that eating protein throughout the day preserves lean muscle mass when a person is losing body fat. This was recently seen in a 2008 study published in the “Journal of the American Dietetic Association.” [7]
A 2002 study specifically showed that eating more protein leads to an increase in fat loss. [8]
Another major advantage of protein? Unlike carbohydrates or fats, eating more protein does not affect your insulin levels!
Several diets promise rapid weight loss. That is never what you want. You should only ever be interested in body fat loss. Why? Because weight loss usually means getting rid of a tiny bit of fat and a whole lot of muscle.
Your 7-Day High-Protein Meal Plan For Weight Loss
Your protein fat loss plan has three aspects:
Eating a quality protein source at every meal.
Eat five times daily (three meals and two snacks).
Your portions will be based on your hand size as follows:
Main meal: The size of your whole hand
Snack meal: The size of two thumbs
Day One
Breakfast:
1 whole hand-sized portion of scrambled eggs (2-3 eggs)
1 slice of whole-grain toast
1 small avocado
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 25 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
1 small handful of almonds
Calorie count: 200-250 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Lunch:
1 whole hand-sized portion of grilled chicken breast
1 cup of mixed green salad (with vegetables of your choice)
1 tablespoon of olive oil and vinegar dressing
Calorie count: 350-400 calories
Total protein: 28 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portion of cottage cheese
1 small apple
Calorie count: 150-200 calories
Total protein: 22 grams
Dinner:
1 whole hand-sized portion of baked salmon
1 cup of steamed broccoli
1/2 cup of quinoa
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Day Two
Breakfast:
1 whole hand-sized portion of omelet made with 3 eggs, spinach, and feta cheese
1 slice of whole-grain toast
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of almond butter
1 small banana
Calorie count: 200-250 calories
Total protein: 25 grams
Lunch:
1 whole hand-sized portion of grilled chicken breast
1 cup of quinoa
1 cup of roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and zucchini)
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 33 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portion of hummus
A handful of baby carrots
Calorie count: 150-200 calories
Total protein: 26 grams
Dinner:
1 whole hand-sized portion of lean beef steak
1 cup of sweet potato fries (baked)
1 cup of steamed asparagus
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 31 grams
Day Three
Breakfast:
1 whole hand-sized portion of Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
1/2 cup of mixed berries
1 tablespoon of chia seeds
Calorie count: 300-350 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of cashews
1 small orange
Calorie count: 200-250 calories
Total protein: 22 grams
Lunch:
1 whole hand-sized portion of grilled shrimp
1 cup of quinoa
1 cup of mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber
Calorie count: 350-400 calories
Total protein: 27 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of turkey jerky
1 small pear
Calorie count: 150-200 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Dinner:
1 whole hand-sized portion of baked cod
1/2 cup of brown rice
1 cup of stir-fried mixed vegetables (broccoli, snap peas, bell peppers)
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 33 grams
Day Four
Breakfast:
1 whole hand-sized portion of smoked salmon
1 whole-grain bagel
2 tablespoons of cream cheese
Sliced tomatoes and red onions
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 27 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of mixed nuts
1 small orange
Calorie count: 200-250 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Lunch:
1 whole hand-sized portion of grilled tofu
1 cup of quinoa
1 cup of stir-fried vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots)
Calorie count: 350-400 calories
Total protein: 28 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of edamame
1 small apple
Calorie count: 150-200 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Dinner:
1 whole hand-sized portion of roasted chicken breast
1/2 cup of whole-wheat pasta
1 cup of roasted Brussels sprouts
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 35 grams
Day Five
Breakfast:
1 whole hand-sized portion of egg white omelet with spinach, mushrooms, and low-fat feta cheese
1 slice of whole-grain toast
Calorie count: 300-350 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portion of sunflower seeds
1 small banana
Calorie count: 200-250 calories
Total protein: 22 grams
Lunch:
1 whole hand-sized portion of grilled lean pork tenderloin
1/2 cup of quinoa
1 cup of mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumber
Calorie count: 350-400 calories
Total protein: 28 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of sliced turkey breast
1 small pear
Calorie count: 150-200 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Dinner:
1 whole hand-sized portion of baked halibut
1/2 cup of wild rice
1 cup of steamed asparagus
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 35 grams
Day Six
Breakfast:
1 whole hand-sized portion of cottage cheese
1/2 cup of sliced strawberries
1 tablespoon of honey
Calorie count: 300-350 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of almonds
1 small orange
Calorie count: 200-250 calories
Total protein: 21 grams
Lunch:
1 whole hand-sized portion of grilled salmon
1 cup of quinoa
1 cup of roasted vegetables (such as broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots)
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 27 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of guacamole
A handful of baby carrots
Calorie count: 150-200 calories
Total protein: 27 grams
Dinner:
1 whole hand-sized portion of lean ground turkey
Lettuce wraps with turkey, topped with diced tomatoes, onions, and avocado
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 33 grams
Day Seven
Breakfast:
1 whole hand-sized portion of spinach and mushroom omelet (made with 3 egg whites and 1 whole egg)
1 slice of whole-grain toast
Calorie count: 300-350 calories
Total protein: 23 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of trail mix (almonds, cashews, dried cranberries)
1 small banana
Calorie count: 200-250 calories
Total protein: 27 grams
Lunch:
1 whole hand-sized portion of grilled shrimp
1/2 cup of quinoa
1 cup of mixed green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and feta cheese
Calorie count: 350-400 calories
Total protein: 26 grams
Snack:
2 thumbs-sized portions of hummus
A handful of baby carrots and sliced bell peppers
Calorie count: 150-200 calories
Total protein: 24 grams
Dinner:
1 whole hand-sized portion of baked chicken breast
1 small baked sweet potato
1 cup of roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze
Calorie count: 400-450 calories
Total protein: 35 grams
Wrap Up
This seven-day high-protein weight loss diet plan can be a template for your long-term nutritional plan. Feel free to switch foods in this diet with your favorite protein sources and recipes. Just make sure to maintain similar calorie and protein counts in each meal.
Combine this diet plan with cardio and strength training to burn more calories, speed up your metabolism, and build lean muscle tissue. Do these things consistently, and you will be well on your way to achieving your weight loss goals.
References
Saner C, Senior AM, Zhang H, Eloranta AM, Magnussen CG, Sabin MA, Juonala M, Janner M, Burgner DP, Schwab U, Haapala EA, Heitmann BL, Simpson SJ, Raubenheimer D, Lakka TA. Evidence for protein leverage in a general population sample of children and adolescents. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2023 Jun;77(6):652-659. doi: 10.1038/s41430-023-01276-w. Epub 2023 Feb 16. PMID: 36797489; PMCID: PMC10247372.
Moon J, Koh G. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2020 Sep 30;29(3):166-173. doi: 10.7570/jomes20028. PMID: 32699189; PMCID: PMC7539343.
Yasuda J, Tomita T, Arimitsu T, Fujita S. Evenly Distributed Protein Intake over 3 Meals Augments Resistance Exercise-Induced Muscle Hypertrophy in Healthy Young Men. J Nutr. 2020 Jul 1;150(7):1845-1851. doi: 10.1093/jn/nxaa101. PMID: 32321161; PMCID: PMC7330467.
Paddon-Jones, D., and Leidy, H. 2014. Dietary protein and muscle in older persons. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care 17(1): 5–11.
Leidy et al. 2011. The effects of consuming frequent, higher-protein meals on appetite and satiety during weight loss in overweight/obese men. Obesity (Silver Spring) 19(4): 818–24.”
Leidy et al. 2011. Neural responses to visual food stimuli after a normal vs higher protein breakfast in breakfast-skipping teens: A pilot fMRI study. Obesity (Silver Spring) 19(10): 2019–25.
Bopp et al. 2008. Lean mass loss is associated with low protein intake during dietary-induced weight loss in postmenopausal women. Journal of the American Dietetic Association 108(7): 1216–20.
Parker et al. 2002. Effect of a high-protein, high–monounsaturated fat weight-loss diet on glycemic control and lipid levels in type 2 diabetes. Diabetes Care 25(3): 425–30.