Aging Can Be Rough on Your Waistline

• By Admin
• My Blog

Let's face it, getting older can truly be a bummer (I decided to put it nicely). Of course there are some benefits (older, wiser.. yada yada). For right now though I am focusing on your health and trying to shed some pounds as you age.

Ok, let's delve into some of these challenges and what to do about them.

Hormonal changes - this applies to both women and men. I have seen many men with a testosterone dip that impacts them in some unpleasant ways (weight gain, depression, libido). Women, you are used to hormonal changes. This has been happening for decades at this point, but what can we do about it? Your hormones are even impacting your ability to know when you are hungry and when you are satisfied.

 

The best thing you can do here is reduce your sugar intake and starchy foods, eat more lean protein and whole foods (fresh fruit and veggies!), and exercise regularly. High insulin levels will even impact your sex drive! So start by choosing wisely what you reach for and you will notice a difference.  We can also discuss this at Sadkhin Therapy, the natural weight loss center in Boca Raton.

 

Slower metabolism - we lose muscle mass as we age. It's unfortunate, but it happens. This loss of muscle mass impacts our metabolism. Our resting metabolic rate (burning calories while doing nothing) decreases significantly as we age.

 

Strength training is key to maintaining muscle mass and keeping your metabolism revved up! If you can combine that with some cardio then you will see results. Be sure to hydrate all day long as well. Water is key to keeping the body going. Dehydration is even more common as you age.

 

Lack of sleep - I hear from clients on a daily basis that they are just not sleeping through the night or they have trouble falling asleep. When you are sleep-deprived you tend to reach for things that will wake you up and keep you going. These things tend not to be the healthiest choices, whether it's that very fattening coffee drink or an extra snack during the day, it's usually not going to be a healthy option. Lack of sleep will also impact those hormones I mentioned earlier that control your hunger cues.

 

The best thing you can do for yourself is set up a sleep routine. A set time that your body will know it's time for bed. When you go into that bedroom do not bring in your electronics. This includes not turning on the TV. Reading is fine, but use the black screen if you are on a kindle. We do not want to stimulate your brain at this point. The bed is for sleeping (and sex of course which I have mentioned in previous emails is a great calorie burner!).

 

Aging does not have to be all bad. Our kids are grown (or at least more independent), we can go out with friends/loved ones more, maybe even travel. Enjoy a well-rounded life and take care of the one body you have. It will thank you by aging beautifully and gracefully.