WOMEN over 40 generally find it harder to lose weight and stay in shape. Hormonal changes, plus poor eating habits, accentuate the problems of slower metabolism, thicker waistlines and creeping weight gain.

Though hormonal changes are inevitable for women over 40, there are healthy eating tips which women over 40 could follow to lose weight and stay in shape.

Here are five healthy eating tips for women over 40:

Healthy Eating Tip 1 – Do Not Skip Breakfast

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is needed to rev up the body's metabolism (after a night of fast) so it can start burning calories at the next meal. Skip breakfast – and the body's metabolism slows down throughout the day; thus, burning less calories and making it harder to lose weight and stay in shape.

No matter how busy you are preparing in breakfast for the kids or family, do not skip breakfast. Grab a fruit if you are in a hurry.

Healthy Eating Tip 2 - Cut Down On Sodas And Sugary Drinks

Families eating out often end up in fast-food joints because of the children's clamoring for fries and soda.

Soda drinking is bad for women over 40 who want to lose weight and stay in shape because of its very high sugar content (there are 10 teaspoons of sugar in one ounce of soda!) Soda does not contain any fiber or nutrients; causes rapid spikes in blood sugar and insulin, resulting in subsequent lows in blood sugar. Hunger returns and guess what, more soda and more sugary foods.

Sugar in foods is a major contributor to rising obesity in America and around the globe. Substitute sodas with water, soya milk, an occasional fruit juice or unsweetened black or green tea.

Healthy Eating Tip 3 - Drink Water, Water, Water!

The awareness of thirst diminishes with age. Make it a habit therefore, to drink at least 8 glasses of still water every day.

Older women also tend to drink less water to avoid going to the bathroom, especially when they are out. The body needs water to burn calories and convert the carbohydrates we eat to glycogen, the stored fuel in our muscles.

Simply put, without drinking sufficient water, you cannot lose weight and stay in shape.

Healthy Eating Tip 4 - Eat The Right Carbohydrate Foods

Poor carbohydrates cause weight gain. Good carbohydrates promote weight loss as they are slow release energy foods.

The LOW GI DIET is a comprehensive guide to good carbohydrates. Low GI foods such as wholemeal breads, wholegrain rice, lentils, chickpeas, red beans and vegetables do not cause blood sugar spikes; and because the body digests them slowly, you feel full longer and are less tempted to binge.

For older women over 40, eating more good carbs and low GI foods will help them lose weight and stay in shape.

Healthy Eating Tip 5 - Eat Healthy Snacks

Many women love to snack. For women over 40, it is particularly important to eat healthy fat-busting snacks in order to lose weight and stay in shape.

Make it a habit to keep jars of nuts, seeds and dried fruit in the house or at your work desk.

Eat two to five servings of healthy snacks such as almonds, sunflower seeds, figs, apricots and fruits every day to stave off hunger pangs and keep the body's metabolism steady and burning calories throughout the day.

These are just some healthy eating tips to help you and women over 40 lose weight and stay in shape.

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About the Author:

Teresa Cheong is a freelance writer who writes extensively on health and nutrition. She is a passionate advocate for healthy eating and organic living.

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