Eating a healthy, protein-packed breakfast is hailed as an effective weight loss strategy, so picking the right foods for the morning is essential.
The wrong foods, however, can derail your weight loss efforts by causing sugar spikes and leading you to snack needlessly throughout the day.
According to a weight loss expert who specialises in helping women over 40 achieve their goals, there are three things to avoid at all costs at breakfast time.
David Maher – Fat Loss 40+ (known as @daveymaher_fitness on TikTok) took to the sharing platform with some important advice for slimmers in this age group. He told women over 40 to avoid fasting at breakfast time, eating sugary cereals or drinking sugary iced coffees.
Women over 40 should avoid sugary cereals that have ‘no nutritional value’
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Falling levels of oestrogen, reduced exercise due to joint pains, a decrease in muscle mass and poor sleep can all contribute to weight gain in women going through menopause.
But according to an expert, observing the right diet can get women back on track when it comes to their weight loss goals.
Sharing “the worst breakfasts to eat if you’re a woman over 40 trying to lose belly fat”, David urged slimmers to avoid eating “nothing” in the mornings.
He said: “Remember you’re over 40, you’re losing your sex hormones, your metabolism is slowing down, you’re losing your muscle.
“You need nutrients, minerals, vitamins, calories. One meal a day – how can you get your protein and fibre targets? You’ll only end up with bingeing and disordered eating.”
Secondly, the weight loss expert told slimmers to avoid eating sugary cereals for breakfast.
He explained that these are typically low in protein and fibre, with “no nutritional value”.
David added: “Too much sugar eaten over a long period of time does result in insulin resistance, which leads to an increase in belly fat and weight loss resistance.
Finally, women over 40 trying to slim down were advised to ditch the high-calorie coffees at breakfast time.
While syrupy coffees may be tempting on the go, they contain lots of empty calories and additives, and no nutritional value.
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Opt for a ‘high fibre, high fat and high protein’ breakfast to see results
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The expert explained that enjoying these types of drinks for breakfast causes “huge sugar spikes”.
Advising slimmers on what to eat instead, David suggested tucking into something “high fibre, high fat and high protein”.
Maintaining a healthy diet is key for anyone who wants to lose excess weight.
A dietician spoke exclusively to GB News about the two types of food that can help you feel “fuller for longer” and cut back on snacking.