Jan 10
28
Fitness over 50, it’s simple
I walked in to Barnes and Noble recently, and the first table I saw was loaded with books on “how to lose weight.” Everybody under the sun has a new and improved plan to get you in to shape quickly, from The South Beach Diet Supercharged to The Diet and Fitness Secret of Hollywood’s A-List to numerous books on reducing belly flab. You can get fitness tips from Jillian Michaels, the Mayo Clinic and the contestants from the TV show The Biggest Loser, plus insight from hundreds of authors you’ve likely never heard of, who claim to have the miracle plan we’ve all been searching for.
I’m guessing that, if you dissected each one, you’d find a pretty basic plan, one you really don’t need a new library for. It’s pretty simple—eat less, exercise more. I’ve been on such a regimen for several months now, and I’m feeling better than I have in years. I’ll give you my tips for free.
- Keep a food journal, at least for a couple of months. That’s the quickest way to determine where you’re off track, and where you need to re-balance your diet. There are tons of programs to purchase, but I used a free one from Fit Day. It is a great tool for analyzing the nutritional makeup of everything you eat, from basic vitamins and minerals to the fat-carb-protein balance. I quickly saw that I was deficient in my protein intake, and a simple adjustment has made a world of difference for me. After focusing on loading up on protein for breakfast and keeping a good overall balance, my energy level has increased and I’ve dropped a few pounds.
- Exercise, exercise, exercise. Even if you don’t want to go to the gym, do what I do and buy a good DVD for in-home workouts, or start walking a couple of miles a day. I alternate between cardio and weight training programs, and have set a goal for at least four days a week. Great results with consistent effort. And on the days when I don’t have time for a workout, a brisk walk gets me moving. Once you get in the habit, you will be motivated to exercise often, and you will notice a definite improvement in both your physical and mental energy.
- Get an accountability partner. I began working with a wellness coach in September, and she has been invaluable in my journey toward a better me. But enlisting the help of a girlfriend will also work, as long as she pledges to be diligent about keeping you on track. Set realistic weekly goals, share them with a friend, trainer or wellness coach, and celebrate accomplishments together.
So keep it simple, keep it balanced and keep moving. A “new and improved you” is easier to achieve than you thought!
