From Nancy Desjardins R.N.C.P.
In a world where even mature women are expected to have the bodies of eighteen-year-old women, many women over 40 approach weight loss with unrealistic goals and expectations. If we were meant to look like teenagers we would be teenagers, not women over 40 who are seeking a complete body transplant!
Ladies, we all know deep down inside that, realistically, we won't achieve these celebrity-induced skeletal bodies no matter how much we secretly envy those who can pull it off. And you know what? That's a good thing! Our bodies are not meant to be skin and bones no matter how old we are, but as women over 40 we can still achieve a healthy, sexy appearance and we can do it by losing weight the right way.
Although every woman is unique in her own right, there are certain principles that will hold true for all women over 40 who are committed to losing weight and becoming more rejuvenated and vibrant. If you think back on all the factors that helped you get to where you are now, I am sure you will agree that your weight gain was not a one-step process. It was a combination of things that, when they all worked together, conspired against you to pack on the extra pounds. In the same way, weight loss requires a whole new conspiracy theory, with 7 weight loss truths, for all of us women over 40.
7 Weight Loss Truths for Women Over 40
1. Get Your Head in the Game
In sports, coaches frequently scold their players for thinking about too many other things besides the matter at hand; to win, players have to get their heads in the game. Now that you've decided that weight loss is in your future (or maybe even in your present!), are you really focused on playing the game? To be successful, you have to really want it. Weight loss is hard work, and your mind can be your biggest asset or your strongest enemy. Find that place inside yourself where you truly believe you can not only lose the weight, but you can keep it off.
2. Move Your Body
When you think about weight loss, what is the first thing that comes to mind? Where do I want to have my last meal of freedom before I can no longer eat what I like? For many women, what they will or, most likely, will not be able to eat is the first consideration they make when thinking about weight loss, but it is imperative that we not forget about exercise. Taking the time to get up and move will go a long way in helping you achieve your goals. Schedule physical activity into your day in much the same way as you would schedule a spa appointment or the kids soccer practice. Make it mandatory, even if it just means brisk-walking around the fields at that soccer practice instead of sitting.
3. Squash the Excuses
We are our own most effective saboteurs. Whether we're talking about exercise, making healthy food choices, or even just drinking enough water; it's time to squash the excuses and whip ourselves into shape. Think back to all the excuses you have used during weight loss efforts in the past. The number one excuse, according to experts, is that we don't have time. Their solution? Get over it! It has been said that if you really want to do something you will find a way. Do you really want to lose weight and start living a healthier lifestyle? Drop the excuses and you'll drop the weight.
4. The D Word
Ladies, you're toxic. How many chemicals do we put into our bodies every year? Caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol and others the list could go on for a mile. Detoxifying your body is an excellent way to boost yourself into a greater feeling of health and you can do it through a wide variety of ways.
5. Drink Your Way to Health
It is amazing to me that juicing is still such a hidden gem in the weight loss industry. From cleansing your body to boosting your energy, juicing provides an unprecedented number of benefits for your body. When on a weight loss plan, (especially) vegetables can feel as though they are going to be the death of you. In reality, consuming fresh fruits and vegetables is the staple of any good health plan, both for losing weight and increasing vitality. Juicing is vital to your lifestyle and should be considered as a great addition to your weight loss plan.
(If you don't already have a juicer at home, I highly recommend this one) Hippo Juicer
6. Do a Little Swimming
Yes, here it is the dreaded water lecture. There are many different ideas out there about how much water a person should be drinking in a day, from a percentage of your body weight to the standard 8-10 glasses. From my experience, drinking 8-10 glasses is a good starting place and will likely be something you will increase on your own after a while. Not drinking water is one of the biggest mistakes most dieters make. Water is a natural appetite suppressant and helps remove toxins and waste from your body, but that isn't always a helpful thought when you are 6 glasses and 12 bathroom breaks into your day. After drinking that much water you very well may feel like you're swimming, but wouldn't you rather be swimming in a bikini? If you need more convincing, here are some tips for drinking water to help get you through the day.
7. Don't Fear Success
That's right, you read correctly. Don't fear success. After all the effort you will put into becoming a healthier you and losing your weight; after all the water, juices, power walks, and pep talks; you have succeeded and now realize that success is a daily battle. Don't fear it, embrace it. You have started a new life with a new body and a renewed sense of self; reaching your goal is not a license to jump back into your old habits.
Congratulations! The journey has just begun.
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Nancy Desjardins is a nutritionist specializing in the development of wellness programs tailored to suit personal health concerns. Her individualized approach focuses on detoxifying, rejuvenating, and revitalizing the body. www.womenshealthacademy.com
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