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Question: Can food and supplements help you boost your metabolism as you age?

It is true that our bodies run on fewer calories as we get older, since our resting metabolism - the number of calories burned at rest - declines by one to two per cent each decade. Unfortunately, there isn't any food or supplement that can speed the rate your body burns calories.

The best way to keep your metabolism efficiently burning calories is to eat at regular intervals, starting with breakfast to rev up your metabolism after a night of fasting. Eating three balanced meals plus one or two snacks will help. Skipping meals on a regular basis can result in a sluggish metabolism.

Because your metabolism is closely tied to the amount of muscle you have, I also recommend strength training two or three times a week to help preserve your muscle mass as you age.

Question: Is rooibos tea as good for you, as green tea?

Rooibos tea and green tea are actually two different plants and as a result have different active ingredients and health properties in the body. Rooibos comes from a South African plant that's related to the legume family. It's naturally caffeine-free and high in antioxidants. Green rooibos tea has an even higher antioxidant content. This tea is said to reduce anxiety, allergies and digestive problems although no studies have been conducted to confirm this.

Green tea, on the other hand, has been well studied. It comes from the leaves of an evergreen plant called Camellia sinensis. It's a rich source of phytochemicals called catechins, which have potent antioxidant properties In animal and lab studies, green tea has been shown to have a number of anti-cancer and cardio-protective properties. Drinking green tea regularly has been linked with lower rates numerous cancers as well heart disease. Unlike rooibos tea, green tea does have caffeine although considerably less than coffee One cup has roughly 35 milligrams of caffeine.

Question: What are some good protein boosters after a workout?

After an intense weight workout, it is important to eat a snack or meal that contains carbohydrate and protein. Carbohydrates help replenish muscle glycogen, the energy that fuels all types of exercise. Carbohydrates also keep you from feeling tired after a hard workout.

But you do need protein too to help repair and build muscle fibres. And studies show that consuming some protein along with carbohydrate can optimize glycogen replacement and muscle tissue repair. Here are some good recovery foods that supply both carbohydrate and protein:

  • Commercial liquid shakes such as President's Choice UltraShake
  • Whey protein shake made from plain whey protein, milk and fruit
  • Yogurt (fruit bottom, 175 g) + 1 medium banana
  • Protein Bar + fruit juice

Question: I have been avoiding bread for years. Is bread a healthy choice after all? What's the healthiest bread on the market?

Yes, bread can be a healthy choice providing which one you choose. When it comes to weight control, it's how much bread you eat that matters. And what you put on it! I tell many of my weight loss clients to lay off large bagels that deliver the equivalent of 4 to 5 slices worth of bread.

The healthiest breads are made from 100% whole grain, including the germ. You'll need to read the ingredient list to determine this. Studies have found that eating more whole grains - 3 servings per day - helps prevent type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Next, read the nutrition label to compare brands. Choose a bread that provides at least 2 to 3 grams of fibre per slice. And look for a bread that's lower in sodium. Most brands supply 200 milligrams per slice - and the bigger the bread, the more sodium. Today, some whole grain breads have as little as 115 milligrams per slice - half of what's in most brands.

Question: Are frozen dinners healthy if you're trying to lose weight?

Because frozen dinners are portion controlled, they do help people control calories. But I don't recommend frozen dinners becoming a staple because compared to a home cooked meal, they are higher in sodium and often lacking in fibre and vegetables. Healthier frozen dinners have no more than 3 grams of saturated fat per meal and 200 milligrams of sodium per 100 calories. For a 300 calorie dinner, aim for no more than 600 milligrams of sodium. If a frozen dinner doesn't measure up in the vegetable department, add your own on the side. Not only will this boost your vitamin and fibre intake, it will also help fill you up.