You’re eating the same amount of foods and you’re exercising on a regular basis. Nothing has changed, you only grew older. But as the years go by, you notice that losing weight gets tougher and tougher.
Well, you may not be aware of it but the changes that come along with ageing make losing weight more difficult. One of these changes is slow metabolism. This means you don’t burn as much calories as before. So even if you are strictly following a diet program, it does not guarantee positive results.
What makes weight loss after 40 so difficult?
·You’re not tracking your calorie intake.
Many people think that if they eat lots of fruits and vegetables, they won’t get fat. Even if they are good for you, too much of these foods can lead to weight gain because they are still ‘excess calories’. The golden rule in weight loss is this: consume fewer calories than you burn. Before focusing on what and what not to eat, research the portion size appropriate to your body’s needs.
·You think sweating it out is all you need.
Exercising has a lot of health benefits. But if you think that sweating it out is all you need to lose weight, you won’t get the results you want. It would be okay if you can manage to burn more calories than your consumption through physical activities. But unless you reduce your calorie intake, you’re just torturing yourself in the gym.
·You stick to unsustainable diet programs
You must have heard of the ‘soup’ diet, the Paleo diet, the low-fat diet, etc. A lot of weight loss schemes promise great results in just a short period of time. They might sound like a good idea but most of them lack the concept of ‘longevity’. Before considering a diet program, ask yourself if you can sustain it for many years. If not, find another one that will give you long-term results.
What else can you do?
·Adjust your eating habits for maximum energy.
As you hit this stage in your life, your goal is to keep yourself full without eating like you were still in your 20s. Doctors recommend eating less but more frequently – 5-6 times a day. For example, eat a healthy breakfast before going to work, have a cup of plain yogurt for your morning snack, eat a little for lunch and spend most of your break time brisk walking. In the afternoon, much on apple, and in the evening, get yourself a bowl of vegetable salad. This eating pattern will also help stabilise your blood sugar levels, preventing energy loss and fatigue.
·Lift your metabolism.
Metabolic problems are common in people over 40. Would it surprise you to know that one in five adults at this age have thyroid problems? Hypothyroidism, which results from inactive thyroid, is the common reason why many women fail to lose weight. The more you age, the more you need to see your doctor on a regular basis. Undergo medical tests and check-ups so you know what health issues are preventing you from losing extra pounds.
·Sleep longer.
Quality sleep gets ever more elusive as you advance in age. But you have to deal with your sleeping problems and make sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep every night. Research shows that poor quality of sleep is directly related to weight gain because it triggers hormonal imbalance that stimulates hunger and craving.
Dear Readers,
What other weight loss tips can you recommend to women over 40?
