Regards! The purpose of this article is primarily to help hundreds of thousands of people who are struggling with weight and fitness issues after the age of 40. As we all know, staying in shape after 40 certainly doesn’t get any easier. The body goes through some significant changes during this period of our lives and we find limitations where there were none before; we find weaknesses that we were previously unaware of; and…yes…we find pounds that we used to be able to lose easily but now stubbornly refuse to go away. We all share this plight to varying degrees, and we’re going to use a very old concept here…”United we stand, divided we fall”. If we unite and share our good and bad experiences, we will all benefit. If you’re like me you’ve probably lost over 500 pounds over the years and I’ve been told more than once if you look behind you you’ll find them. The extra weight is not only unsightly, but above all unhealthy! Hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, elevated cholesterol and triglycerides are just a few of the diseases that await us as we continue to “grow” with each passing year.
The mission… you should accept it
First, let’s talk about different eating plans – we don’t want to call them “diets” because diets are so temporary. A healthy, balanced eating plan is critical to any weight loss/fitness goal. For that, you need to stay away from fad diets and instead rely on the basic principles of good dietary nutrition. One type of eating plan is the USDA Food Pyramid and the sound nutritional advice and information contained within that pyramid. Portion control is very important in any diet plan. You can eat the healthiest foods on the planet, but if you eat too large portions, or eat too often, or with the wrong foods, then those healthy foods will pack on the pounds quickly. Weight Watchers and the South Beach Diet Plan are other good, reliable diet plans with solid nutritional values.
Lifestyle changes need to be made. These changes must be developed and maintained if you are to achieve the goal of getting fit and staying fit. These lifestyle changes should include different eating habits and shopping habits, as well as exercise changes. Things you’ve tried in the past that worked for you and things that didn’t work – and why they didn’t work – need to be identified and analyzed for possible improvements. For example, most available information about exercise says that you only need about 30 minutes a day, four to five days a week to achieve better health and fitness. It can be a simple, brisk walk around the block while walking your dog, or it can be as involved as joining a gym and working with a fitness trainer. The most important thing to consider when deciding on an exercise route is to make sure you’re doing something you enjoy and you look forward to exercising for 30 minutes four or five days a week. If you’re not in shape, you need to start slow and work your way up to longer, more intense periods of exercise. Aerobic walking is a good activity for everyone, of all ages and fitness levels, as you can start slowly and build up to a faster pace while building your energy and endurance.
So get up and get started! Start today with a firm determination to lose weight and get in better physical shape to improve your health. It’s a decision only you can make…and you’ll be thankful you made it.
Thanks to Vicki Fassler
