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Eat Your Age!

You read the title correctly. For years we've been told to act our age. But we also need to eat our age. And here's why...

First, a word about metabolism. As we age the metabolic SCHEME doesn't change. But the EFFICIENCY of our metabolism does change. As we age, some key enzymes and substances that allow the metabolism to function efficiently decrease. Try to think of it like a car. Newer, more recent models will function more efficiently than older, less efficient models. Two cars of vastly different age will still get you where you are going, because their engines still burn gasoline, and that internal combustion causes the pistons to move, turning the crankshaft which then turns the wheels. But an older car will not get you to your destination as efficiently. It may waste gasoline or it may break down.

In much the same way my 74 year old body will still take carbohydrates and turn them into energy, but it won't do so as efficiently. What does this mean? Simply this. If I eat like a 25 year old, my less efficient metabolism will not be able to process all the things I take in as efficiently as the metabolism of that 25 year old I used to be. So what happens? I may end up depositing more of that intake as fat, especially given my lower level of activity than a 25 year old.

But don't panic! It doesn't mean that you can't still enjoy the same foods. However, it does mean that you may not be able to pile your plate as high at a buffet, eat that extra serving or snack demand.

Tailoring your intake to a less efficient metabolism is just good, common-sense!
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