Expert exposes 11 belly busters

Experts say it is impossible to trim belly fat just by doing more sit-ups and eating certain foods, but Diet Detective Charles Stuart Platkin has identified 11 dietary changes that can decrease unwanted pounds around the middle.

Dietary changes suggested by Dr. Platkin range from the obvious, “avoid certain sugar,” to the obscure, “eat tart cherries,” and are a compilation of research studies conducted throughout the world.

Long associated with increased risk of diabetes, heart disease and some types of cancers belly fat becomes more difficult to trim after the age of 40.

Pamela Peeke, M.D. and assistant clinical professor of medicine at the University of Maryland explains this phenomenon.

“Up until about age 40, estrogen in women controls fat allocation, keeping it away from the abdomen,” Dr. Peeke says, “Once these hormones decline, it becomes easier for excessive calories to be stored deep inside the belly.”

Read 11 tips to trim belly fat by Dr. Charles Platkin

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Junk food may feed depression

Many factors can lead to increased risk of depression, but a new study suggests those who eat more processed and fatty foods are at greater risk.

The study, published in the November issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry, included 3,486 people with an average age of 55.

Researchers found people with the highest intake of ‘whole food’ were less likely to have symptoms of depression and people with a high intake of processed food were more likely to be depressed.

While depression is not only a women’s disease, according to the Epigee Women’s Health Organization, women are more likely to experience symptoms than men and between 8 and 15 percent of menopausal women experience some type of depression.

Experts suggest maintaining a healthy lifestyle in general, including exercising regularly and avoiding alcohol and tobacco, can help stave off depression. But, the study suggests women can further decrease risk of depression by choosing a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruit and fish.

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11 tips for trimming belly fat

How Sweet It Is

The average American woman consumes more than 3 times the recommended 6 teaspoons of sugar a day, and most women don’t even know it.

Hidden sugars are responsible for a large part of the excess intake, which the American Heart Association says can lead to obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

“Some sugary foods are pretty obvious. But even a frozen turkey entree can have as much as 7 teaspoons of sugar, and a half-cup of canned baked beans or bottled spaghetti sauce can have 3 teaspoons of sugar,” according to Elizabeth Somer, a registered dietitian whose new book — “Eat Your Way to Happiness” — includes a chapter on sugar smarts.

To combat hidden sugars, limit sodas to one a day, and when shopping, choose whole foods in their most natural state, recommends Lona Sandon, a registered dietician with the American Dietetic Association.

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