Here we go again. Another year has passed us by, and for many of us we’re thinking “good riddance” due to 2020 being forever associated with the terrible effects of Covid-19.
But there’s always hope and favorable prospects at the beginning of a new year. So it’s time to make 2021 New Year resolutions!
And if you’re like millions of other people, especially since we’ve all been “safe but stuck at home” this past year (and therefore less active), weight loss will be a part of those resolutions.
If I had to guess, far too many new year resolutions are made while in a holiday fog, thanks to:
- Drinking too much alcohol and calorie-laden beverages
- Eating excessive amounts of sweet, salty and fatty foods
- Eating too much food, in general
- Not getting your body moving (e.g., very little exercise, too much couch-potato’ing)
- Sleeping too little or way too much
Any one of the above behaviors has the ability to give you a headache, make you bloated and sluggish and/or bring on the ‘blues.’
Perhaps it would be best to wait until late January (or even early February) to make the most realistic new year resolutions by giving your holiday excesses time to resolve themselves.
When you have more clarity and can best make decisions on how to move forward with a healthier lifestyle, be sure to make resolutions based on reality. That includes setting realistic goals as well as making healthy choices based on scientifically sound information.
There’s a ton of misinformation floating around (especially on the internet) about food and how it affects our health, especially related to losing weight. Let me touch upon a few…
Will gluten-free foods help you lose weight?
No! Just because “gluten free” is a hot topic of discussion, gluten free foods still contain calories, and usually the same amount as their traditional counterparts that contain gluten. Gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye and barley) need not be avoided for individuals without celiac disease, a gluten sensitivity or any condition that has been identified by your healthcare provider. If you have been diagnosed by a physician with any gluten-related problems, be aware that “calories are calories” and over-consumption of a gluten-free food will not help you lose weight. In a previous blog we addressed some myths about gluten.
Should dieters avoid nuts since they contain so much fat?
No way! Although nuts do contain fat, it is the healthy types of fat – monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. They also are an excellent source of fiber, protein and minerals that can support heart health and keep you “full” longer. Like any other nutrient-rich food that is a concentrated source of calories, nuts can be incorporated into a healthy weight maintenance or weight-loss diet. (If allergic to tree nuts or peanuts, of course they should be avoided.)
Can foods that are rich in umami help with weight loss?
Yes! If weight loss is on the top of your list, you may want to consider that umami foods may help you lose unwanted pounds. Why? Read about it in a previous MSGdish blog. It is well worth reading for anyone who has “lose weight” on their list of 2021 new year resolutions. Research has revealed that that the popular umami taste can actually make you feel fuller and more satisfied, thus having the potential to curb your appetite and reduce total amount of calories consumed. Check out the study for yourself here.
Very best wishes from the MSGdish Team for a happy and healthy 2021!
For more information:
- Where is Umami Found in Foods? (video)
- Umami, How Could I Live Without You?
- How to Add Umami to Your Cooking
