By Natalie Jill & Clark Bartram
As fat loss coaches in our 50s and 60s that have been on countless fitness magazine covers and coached thousands of clients over the years, there are 3 foods we both consciously leave OFF our plates. And we recommend our clients do, too, for best results.
While we like to focus on the healthy foods to ADD to our plates, rather than restriction, these 3 foods are top contributors to inflammation in the body, and most people don’t even know it.
Imagine this - you have a clean, crystal clear body of water, and you toss in a single piece of trash. That trash and its effects become instantly noticeable in the pristine environment.
However, when you have mucky, polluted water that’s filled with trash, one more piece of junk added to that pile isn’t noticeable at all.
The same principle applies to our bodies. The cleaner we eat, the better we feel, and the more attuned we become to what affects us positively and negatively.
The more junk and processed food we consume, the less we notice the effects of the junk we eat, because we already feel like crap most of the time anyways.
So while most of the time we like to talk about what to ADD, today, we’re switching gears, because REMOVING these 3 foods may make all the difference in how you feel and the results you see on your body.
Added sugar is one thing we unapologetically avoid. While some natural sugars found in low glycemic fruits are fine, the excessive sugar and artificial sweeteners added to processed foods and drinks is a major health red flag.
It can lead to weight gain, inflammation, and a host of chronic health issues. So, our advice is to limit or eliminate added sugars to create room for healthier, more nourishing options.
Try it for at least a week…then see how you feel.
Next up, gluten. While I (Natalie) am celiac, we both genuinely believe that very few people benefit from gluten. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley.
It's not just about celiac disease; many individuals are sensitive to gluten due to its inflammatory effects that come from excessive exposure to glyphosate and the manner in which wheat is grown in the U.S.
Inflammation can manifest in various forms, from joint pain to sinus problems. As we age, the last thing we need is more inflammation.
So, staying away from gluten can help keep inflammation at bay.
Stick to natural, unprocessed foods like low glycemic fruit, vegetables, clean, lean proteins, and healthy fats like olive oil and avocados, and you'll likely see a significant difference.
If you don't have a gluten allergy, it can take a bit longer to really feel/know if it was causing you inflammation.
But if you remove it and chronic nagging pains start to subside or go away…the odds are good that you were experiencing inflammation.
Dairy is the third item we prefer to avoid. Much like gluten, dairy can be inflammatory for many people again because of how it is processed in the U.S. today.
If you feel like you have to clear your throat of phlegm when eating dairy (or gluten), it’s likely an issue for you. Joint pain, sinus issues, and other health problems can be exacerbated by dairy consumption.
We aim to steer clear of foods like these that cause inflammation, as this can impact the overall quality of life, especially in our 50s and 60s.
If you're curious about your sensitivity to gluten or dairy, tests are available. They can provide insights into whether these ingredients are causing issues within your body.
Additionally, a comprehensive stool analysis can reveal sensitivities and the state of your gut biome.
In the world of nutrition, we advocate for focusing on addition over subtraction.
Instead of dwelling on what you can't have, concentrate on adding more of the good stuff – lean proteins, healthy fats, phytonutrient-rich vegetables, and low-glycemic fruits.
And don't forget to stay hydrated. There's no magic number for daily water intake, but staying well-hydrated is key.
Our dietary philosophy is clear - prioritize unprocessed, natural foods, and focus on adding in the good, which naturally leaves less room for the not-so-good.
By steering clear of added sugar, gluten, and dairy, you pave the way for a vibrant and healthy life in your 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond.
Remember, your health is your responsibility, and being your own health advocate is crucial. Here's to a life well-lived, filled with vitality, and free from unnecessary health struggles.
While you’ll definitely want to remove the 3 foods we discuss in today’s blog…
It’s also SO important to ADD vitamins and nutrients to support common deficiencies and optimize hormone levels naturally in midlife.
Check out our favorite vitamin packs here.
We both highly recommend the Complete Pack for a well-rounded nutrient regimen that not only supports gut health and common midlife deficiencies, but also boosts testosterone levels in men and balances out hormones in women.
Check ‘em out!
*The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional prior to beginning any diet or exercise program or taking any dietary supplement. The content on our website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional.