Welcome to the second installment of “Getting to Know Your Dieting Type.” On deck for today: the woman in her 20s/30s.
This is what I call the “sweet spot for weight loss” for most women. It’s still relatively simple to manage weight during this time.
Many women within this age range are used to exercising and eating well, or at least realize the importance of it, which makes weight loss a bit easier. However, that doesn’t mean losing weight during this phase is a total cakewalk. There are still some obstacles you’ll need to overcome.
Particularly the added pressures associated with many of life’s milestones. For instance, during this phase, you often have the “freshman 15” from your college years hanging on. This is also the stage of life where many women get engaged—and want to shed weight for their big day.
And of course, hormones will interfere with weight loss due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or the use of birth control.
Let’s also not forget the countless magazines on every newsstand targeted towards women in this age group—all of them more or less glamorizing calorie restriction (which, by the way, wreaks havoc on the metabolism).
But the primary roadblock for this dieting type is consistency. Challenges my patients in this age bracket experience typically stem from the constant juggling act of balancing a budding career, home life, and pregnancy.
Making yourself—and your health—a priority every day is the best thing you can do for yourself in this phase.
And there are a few supplements that can give you added support, as well.
First, just like for perimenopausal women, glutamine can be a big help in fending off cravings for this dieting type as well. I recommend 500 mg, three times a day, and whenever a craving strikes.
I also recommend flaxseed for added fiber and because it contains GLA, a special fatty acid that helps regulate hormones. Try 1 tablespoon a day, mixed into your amino booster shake, or sprinkled on a salad.
And, once again, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) will help keep your metabolism humming. You can find BCAAs in both my Amino Booster drink mix and in my A.M. Jump-Start and P.M. Reboot shots.
Recipe of the week
Foods rich in protein and fatty acids are crucial to this on-the-move dieting type. Not only is this meal simple, but will keep you feeling full longer, all while giving you the energy you need to tackle your day.
Halibut with Salsa Fresca (page 241 of The A-List Diet)
(Serves 4)
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe plum tomatoes, cored and chopped
- ½ large white onion, minced
- ½ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro or parsley
- Juice from 3-4 limes
- ¼ habanero chile, seeded and minced
- ¼ jalapeño, seeded and minced
- Coarse sea salt
- 1 ½ pounds halibut
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 500°F.
- In a medium bowl, toss together the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, lime juice, chiles, and jalapeño. Season with salt and set aside.
- Rub the fish with the oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on a baking sheet and roast until cooked through, about 10 minutes.
- Allow the fish to rest for 2 minutes, the plate and serve with the salsa.
One more thing…
Now I’m not trying to stand on a soapbox here, but when we’re in good health, it’s oftentimes taken for granted. It’s the human condition, I suppose.
But women in their 20s and 30s should be mindful of the ease with which they can maintain their weight during this time. Because chances are, it won’t last forever.
That’s why this time period is so crucial. It can dictate how the next 20 or so years will go.
If you’re one of the members of this dieting type, you’d be wise to adopt healthy behaviors now, which in turn, will build healthy habits. Those healthy habits will eventually transform into routines. And those routines will ultimately result in a lifestyle that will help keep you feeling and looking good for years to come.
Until next time,
Dr. Fred
P.S.—The A-List Diet is now available in handy paperback…the perfect size to tote along to the beach or the lake!