- Tara Perverseff
Want to live longer? Prioritize 3 things
Updated: Mar 29, 2021
Tip 1: Consume less sugar
Eating sugar can cause inflammation in our bodies, reduce energy levels leading to that feeling of "blah", and cause us to lose focus. Eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates (that turn into sugar), or significantly reducing these things can support our health and help get you off of the blood sugar roller coaster. When we consume sugar, it creates a side effect of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance can lead to diabetes and a host of other issues including slowing metabolism (hello, stalled weight loss!), increased cravings, and creation of fat storage. Insulin resistance causes the body to deteriorate and break down leading to premature aging.
Tip 2: Eat more protein
Protein is key, especially for women. As we age, women experience the effects of sarcopenia which is the general loss of skeletal muscle. Protein supports lean muscle mass. Without adequate protein, we can experience muscle loss, aging and loss of mobility. Filling up on protein helps with satiety or feeling full for longer meaning if we eat more protein, we often end up eating less because we are not as hungry. Want to prevent cravings and snacking? Increase your protein intake.
Tip 3: Move every day
Ever heard the term "sitting is the new smoking?" In our current culture, especially for those working from home right now, we may be moving less. Movement supports a reduction in mortality risk and for those who regularly get 150 minutes of movement a week (that's only about 22 minutes a day), they were 28% less likely to die early. Longevity is further supported for those who exercise more than that. We are more likely to continue exercising if we choose a movement activity that we enjoy, so try and find something you love, and invite a friend, then you will get the added benefit of nurturing a relationship!
