Losing weight at any age is tough. Trying to lose weight for people 65 and over is a bit more problematic. With your body not being as young as it once was, you have to keep that in mind when setting up a goal for weight loss. Putting in a little extra effort and meal planning is needed for success.
One of the biggest challenges faced while trying to lose weight is self-discipline. Knowing when to treat yourself to a sugary snack like soda, candy, or even chips is good, and knowing when to just say “no” is important. Grocery shopping is hard enough. Walking every isle and seeing all of the highly processed, and high calorie foods makes it even harder. One important thing to remember while losing weight is to not go overboard. When setting a goal for yourself, you also have to think of your well being as well as financial means for prepping for food and even joining a walking group.
Here are a few tips to help stay in shape:
- Get a physical. Before you start making a weight loss plan, make an appointment to see your doctor to make sure you are in good health. Changing diets creates changes inside our bodies. It’s a good idea to have a baseline from which to start.
- Cut out empty calories. Cutting out the junk and sugary snacks is DIFFICULT. Junk food provides calories with little or no nutritional value. Many Americans do consider sugar to be “a poison to the body”. Eating processed foods high in sugar is another big no no. Consider eating foods low in fat, low/no sugar. Sugar can do many different things to your body and brain. Diabetes is just one dangerous disease linked to excess sugar.
- Work out. You don’t need to join a gym or go on a 5 mile run. Simply walking everyday around the block, park or where ever is accessible to you is a huge plus. Also, you can join swim classes (which are great for your muscles especially people who suffer from arthritis). Yoga teaches techniques to strengthen and tone your body. Regular exercise, even in small amounts, is critical to ongoing good health.
- Say “No”. If you have temptation in front of you and you know you cannot have it, say no. Spending time with friends and family often means food. Don’t be afraid to say “No, thank you, I am trying to eat healthier.” Look for healthy alternatives. One thing to always keep your health in mind. It’s easy to excuse a special occasion, but know that tempting treats are around every corner.
- Drink More Water. Eight glasses a day seems like a lot, but it definitely is the best thing for you. It has no calories, sodium, or carbs. Not only does your body need it but your brain can’t function without it. Water is the best thing to drink for you.
Trying these five steps will help you lose weight and keep it off. Only you know your strengths and weaknesses as far as what you can eat and how much working out you can do. When you learn about food and what each product has in it, it gives you a better objective as to what to eat or not to eat.
Starting slow, and not giving up, will give you a great end result.
