When it comes to food in senior living, you may want to change your mind about what’s available. Nowadays, these kitchens provide entrees for the foodie’s palate, served up with a side of health benefits!
Some foods can boost your metabolism, which is important since this system slows down as people age. It’s a normal part of the process of getting older, but a slower metabolism means that you might have trouble losing weight or you might not feel as energetic as you once did. According to Johns Hopkins University, metabolism slows down by about 2 percent per decade after the age of 30, and this is partially because we lose about 50 percent of our muscle mass between the ages of 20 and 90. Specifically, the rate is particularly evident between ages 50 and 70.
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Metabolism is the process by which your body makes energy from what you consume. Calories are mixed with oxygen to release energy, and even during times of rest, your body needs fuel to continue to function properly. While you may not be able to get your metabolism up to the speed it was during your younger years, you can give it a boost by incorporating more of these foods into your diet.
Foods that Help Boost Metabolism
Oatmeal: This delicious and simple breakfast food can help to boost your metabolism first thing in the morning. Oatmeal is a terrific source of soluble fiber, which requires a lot of energy to break down and burns more calories. This is also great for seniors because it’s heart-healthy and can help lower the risk of cholesterol and heart disease.
Lean Meats: Chicken or turkey is a great main dish for lunch or dinner, and both are rich in iron. According to FitDay, an iron deficiency can slow down your metabolism. The body burns a good amount of calories during the digestive process following a meal of lean meat, and the protein the meat provides helps build muscles.
Fish: As you might know, eating fish has been shown to benefit brain health and cognitive function. It’s also good for your metabolism. Slower metabolism and weight gain have been associated with the hormone leptin, and eating fish like salmon and tuna has been shown to lower leptin levels. Fish oil also helps the body process foods more effectively.
Additionally, be sure to sip water or green tea throughout the day because even mild dehydration can slow your metabolism to conserve energy.
