As we grow older, we embark on some changes, and maybe even a few challenges. Learning to create health at any age means that we need to constantly assess what is going on within. Our body’s metabolic rate slows down in our 30s, and is continuously influenced by changing hormones and age.
Many of us desire to be healthy because, within health, we often find our best-looking self. What worked for you a decade ago may not be working for you now. One of the most common challenges we face is weight loss. If you have been eating well and exercising, but still struggle to lose weight or maintain your ideal weight, you may want to consider a few things.
In order for the body to shift into fat burning mode to promote weight loss, it needs to stop burning simple fuel (refined foods, starches and sugar). Even though we don’t like hunger, it is a beautiful thing. Hunger communicates to us that our body’s enzymes are available to break down foods or stored fats. When we don’t immediately feed that hunger, our body learns to burn fat and adjust to a lower caloric intake. In fact, as you age, your body may not require as many calories. If you are used to eating a certain quantity, your body may feel hunger out of habit, rather than actual need. Taking out all the snacks and fillers that keep you from feeling hungry may aid you in weight loss.
Reflect back on the things you ate this week. If you created two piles, one for all the nutritionally dense healthy foods and one for the unnecessary foods, you might be surprised by all the unnecessary calories you’re eating. Focusing on quality of food ensures that your body is getting what it needs and primes you for weight loss.
If you are struggling with weight loss, consider:
A 1 Day Cleanse once a week for a month is a great way to ease into cleansing. On the days you eat normal meals, commit to not eating past 5 pm. Also eliminate all refined or process foods from your diet to ensure that the bulk of your calories are actually loaded with health benefits. Nutritional deficiencies can create excess hunger, so the more you nourish your body the less you will need to just “feed” it, and the more success you will have at weight loss.
Put your scale away for a month. Tune in to how you feel and create a place of peace within yourself. Sometimes the weight-loss battle itself can create stress that makes it harder to lose weight.
Keep your vitamin D levels up. The body naturally wants to store fat as we move towards winter. Vitamin D helps keep your body in balance, and without a supplement, you might not get enough in the sunless months.
Don’t be afraid of fat. Eating enough healthy fats in your diet will actually help in your weight loss journey. Healthy fats include: olive oil, flax oil, sesame oil, coconut oil, and ghee (clarified butter).
Without sufficient sleep, all the other cycles and processes of the body can easily move out of balance. Go to bed an hour earlier to really restore your body. Fatigue can lead to overeating. No thank you.
If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, make some changes. Your job may require that you sit at a computer for 8+ hours a day, but you can add movement to your day in little ways. Start your day with 10 minutes of yoga, walking, dancing, whatever you like. Find 4 slots within your day where you can spend 10 minutes moving your body. It’s essential! During one of your 10 minute mini sessions, add in some high intensity movements. For example, if you are going for a 10 minute walk, alternate every other minute between sprinting and power walking. Research shows that high-intensity exercise may actually promote weight loss more than long sessions of low-intensity cardio.
When you’re ready, try a 10 day cleanse. This is the ultimate way to reboot, repair, heal, and lose weight. Cleansing is not just an opportunity to lose weight, it’s an opportunity to change your eating habits and learn how to serve your body best as it changes through the aging process. It’s not a quick fix, it’s a starting point. If you are struggling with weight loss, you may just need to start fresh.
