A very good question indeed!
One of the best things about getting older is that we become wiser, more experienced, and we know who we are! We are more confident and we don’t need approval from others. It is wonderful!
However, our metabolism begins to slow down and we start to hang on to extra weight around our waistline. Our clothes start to feel tighter and uncomfortable. We become frustrated as we step on the scale and see that our weight is creeping up! Not so wonderful!
After the age of 40, it becomes easier to pack on the pounds and harder to lose them. I know and experience it! With a decrease in our testosterone and the slowing down of our metabolism, our muscles do not burn calories the way they used to and we begin to see an increase in weight.
As we hit our 40s and 50s, we have to make a conscious effort to have activity in our lives. Otherwise we find ourselves doing less and less, feeling more aches and pains, and finding the couch more!
This was me not too long ago and now that I have gotten back to exercising (not in a crazy way) and making sure to include high nutrient foods into my diet, I am feeling so much better and my weight has stopped its climb!
Women also begin peri-menopause moving into menopause which means our bodies are producing less estrogen. In order to compensate for the reduction in estrogen, the body begins to hang on to fat. There is also a reduction in the production of progesterone which can lead to bloating and water retention.
What can we do?
Strength Training
In addition to walking or dancing or any other form of cardio activity, include some strength training whether at the gym or at home. At the least maintain, we want to maintain the muscle we have. You don’t have to go crazy and lift heavy weights; even light weights or body weight exercises will help!
Be Aware Of What We Are Eating
We can’t eat like we did when we were younger as our bodies have begun to slow down the calorie burning process. Changing how and what we eat, one small change at a time, can make for a healthy, happy lifestyle.
If you want to have a body that functions well mentally and physically, make sure that what you are eating is high in nutrients! I always do my best to ensure that I do get the nutrients I need, but there are times I am on the go, super busy, and may not have had the time to prepare. So, to ensure that I do get my nutrients, I go with my Core4 products (protein, fruits, vegetables and gut health). Gift code is at bottom of post and if you are interested in knowing more, message me.
Don’t Skip Meals
Don’t skip meals! Skipping meals makes our bodies want to hang on to the calories instead of burning them which in turn makes it difficult to lose the weight. Skipping meals may also cause a sugar crash which will have you reaching for a sugary snack. This will lead to a reduction in the nutrients that our bodies need to function.
Eating three meals a day (not too big) plus two snacks will help to keep your blood sugar level and help prevent you from reaching for the highly processed, high sugar foods.
Commit to a lifestyle change
Make a lifestyle change that is NOT all or nothing. Begin by making small changes that you can incorporate into your life daily, weekly, and monthly. After a while, the small changes that you have made will provide you with an energetic and healthy lifestyle that is full of vitality!
If you need help or support making a lifestyle change, reach out to me and we can discuss what and how you can do it. I love seeing the results that people get from incorporating a balanced lifestyle change. They feel so good about themselves and are so proud to have made the changes they needed to make so that they could enjoy their lives!
To a healthy weight!
Join my Facebook group Aging with Vitality for tips, strategies, motivation, fun, and support on aging gracefully! (must be 40 years of age or over ?)
Check out our Health SAVVY Facebook page for great health tips, inspiration, and resources! (For all ages)
Or if you would like to reach out to me personally, just send me an email at anitaduwel@live.com!
Are you interested in organic, vegan superfoods? Check out my SUPERFOODS store! Gift card code: anitaduwel
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