Friday, December 30, 2011

#19.Water

Studies have shown for a while now that drinking water can be benenficial for weight loss. A recent study showed that those that drank 2 cups of water before meals lost 40% more weight in a 12 week plan than those who did not. This was even though they all followed the same plan. Participants drinking water naturally ate 75-90 calories less each meal which could really add up over a 12 week period of time. While we do get some of our water from the food we eat and additional beverages, 8 cups a day is still a good plan.

My comment: Whenever I ask participants if they are drinking enough water and the answer is "I think so", I think probably not. One of my older adults answered it correctly yesterday when she honestly said for the group "None of us do". I like what Chris Evert said in the journal, Food for Thought: Tennis. "Drinking water is only slightly less important than breathing".

#18. Calcium

Nearly 55% of men and 78% of women over the age of 20 do not meet the recommended 1000mg of calcium daily. That increases to 1200mg after the age of 50. If you use supplements, take only 500mg at one time since absorption decreases as the doseage increases. Also, a study published in the Journal of British Nutrition reported that obese women who were not meeting the daily recommendation were more successful with weight loss after increasing the daily intake to meet the minimum.

My comment: Consider what you eat on a daily basis and talk to your doctor about supplementing with calcium. For those of you with acid reflux, talk to your doctor about the best form of calcium for you.