We’ve found the 12 best secrets to lose weight after 40!
If you’re getting older, gaining weight does not have to come with the territory.
Lots of us think that because we’re getting older, it’s okay or even normal to gain a few extra pounds.
Luckily, this doesn’t have to be the case!
When you were younger, losing weight was much simpler, all you had to do was not have that extra scoop of ice cream or do an extra workout for the week.
But as we get older, our metabolic rate naturally declines, making how we used to diet and exercise not as effective as it once was which can feel frustrating.
We have to do things differently.
For women, after the age of 40, there are many hormonal changes including menopause.
These changes can make it even harder to lose weight and keep it off.
However, you do not need to settle for weight gain after 40, it is still possible to lose weight.
Grab a friend and work together on shedding those pounds and feel years younger.
Simply follow these tips and you’ll be able to ensure that your pants will be a little looser on your 40th birthday!
Tip #1 – Weight Training
Aging can cause a depletion of muscle tissue in women.
Building muscle with a weight training routine can help you burn calories along with increasing your resting metabolic rate.
Even if you start with very light weights, just beginning is the first step.
You can easily find some online training programs or hit the gym and ask a trainer for some exercises.
Tip #2 – Take a Swim
A great workout that you can add to your schedule is swimming.
The pool is a great way to get your body into shape, regardless of age.
You can burn around 500 calories an hour swimming at a leisurely pace.
Upping your speed will allow you to burn even more calories.
Being over 40, low impact exercises are beneficial since there is no wear and tear on the joints.
Tip # 3 – Stick to a Schedule
By keeping a regular eating schedule, you are helping yourself ditch those extra pounds.
Sticking to a consistent eating schedule can curb your hunger cravings and keep you from reaching for foods that are high in fat or sugary.
Try to plan out your meals, this way you won’t be grabbing something unhealthy when you feel hungry.
Tip #4 – The Kitchen is Closed!
Keeping yourself from eating after a certain hour definitely assists in helping you shed the extra pounds, no matter how old you are.
People who eat throughout the day and night are more likely to gain more weight than those who stop at a certain time in the early evening.
Most people who snack at night go for something quick and unhealthy, so closing the kitchen has many positives.
Tip #5 – Go Organic
Eating organic foods can help you lose pounds!
Organic produce is the way to go.
The Center for Research in Environmental Epidemiology illustrates that food containing pesticides can alter the levels of the thyroid hormone in your bloodstream, which can lead to weight gain and cause numerous health issues.
Women who are older are at a higher risk of thyroid problems, therefore, this is a great reason to go organic.
Tip #6 – Increase your Protein Intake
Looking to slim down after 40? Increase your protein intake.
The Journal of the American Dietetic Association mentions that a diet with low-protein causes more lean muscle loss, especially in post-menopausal women.
If you aren’t a fan of meat, try adding extra nuts or whole grains such as quinoa to your menu.
You can also start supplementing with your favorite protein powder.
Tip #7 – No more Cocktails!
Instead of enjoying those sugary drinks, make a change now.
A single flavored martini can cost you as much as 600 calories.
And let’s be serious, if you have one, chances are you are going to have another!
Another interesting fact, by drinking cocktails you can actually make your hot flashes worse.
Tip #8 – Switch to Whole Grains
Whole Grains are higher in fiber than refined bread, thus they help you stay full longer so you don’t get hunger cravings.
If you are battling some belly-bloating from menopause, whole grains are an effective way to curb that as well.
Tip #9 – Intensify your Workouts
Spending countless hours at the gym won’t get you anywhere, it’s how you spend your time that makes the biggest difference.
Using high-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great way to amp up your routine and give your metabolism a boost.
It not only helps with overall fitness, but it increases lean muscle too.
Tip #10 – Online Support
It is hard to stick to a new regimen and you need the support of others to assist when you face challenges or hit a wall.
Most people are finding it harder and harder to make time to go in-person to a meeting for support.
Great news, there are now online support groups!
These groups encourage weight loss and give you guidance while you shed those pounds.
Tip #11 – Salty Snacks are Out
Eating saltier snacks makes you retain more water and increases bloating.
You will end up drinking a lot more to quench your thirst.
If you skip the salty snacks, you will put yourself on track for more weight loss.
You won’t be as thirsty, and you will feel leaner in no time!
Tip #12 – Get some Sleep!
A Nurses’ Health Study revealed that out of 60,000 women who were studied over16 years, those who were only able to get 5 hours of sleep or less each night increased their chance of obesity by 15%.
Getting enough sleep is an effective means of slimming down.
So make sure you get yourself to bed at a reasonable time.
