It’s true, as we age, our metabolism slows down and so does our activity level. This means that it is no longer enough to eat fewer calories than what you burn off to maintain a healthy weight. Instead, we need to increase the amount of nutrients we eat and reduce excess sugar and fat intake to maintain a healthy weight. Here are some tips for maintaining a healthy weight as you age:
Eat a Healthy Breakfast Every Morning
Eating a healthy breakfast every morning is an important way to start each day. A good breakfast will give you the energy you need, help control your appetite throughout the day, and provide your body with key vitamins and minerals.
In addition, eating a healthy breakfast can help you maintain a healthy weight and increase your metabolism to burn more calories throughout the day. Make sure to include fruits, veggies, dairy, whole grains and protein in your morning meal to get all the nutrients your body needs.
Drink Plenty of Water
It’s important to drink sufficient water every day so that your body can perform at its best. Even seemingly healthy individuals should take the time to keep their bodies hydrated because this will improve overall health, prevent chronic disease and increase longevity.
Drink water throughout the day to keep your metabolism running smoothly. Water is essential for many bodily functions, including digestion and detoxification. Studies show that drinking half your body weight in ounces of water a day can boost body function and help you lose extra pounds.
Try Not to Skip Meals or Eat Too Fast
It’s imperative to eat at regular intervals and avoid skipping meals, as this can lead to overeating or low blood sugar. For the best health, try eating five or six small meals throughout the day with healthy snacks like fruit and nuts in between meals.
Besides, taking your time while eating allows you to savor your food, enjoy all the flavors and reduce the risk of becoming overweight or obese. In addition, chewing your food properly ensures digestion is much easier and will keep bloating and indigestion at bay.
Make Time for Exercise in Your Daily Routine
Exercise is an essential factor in controlling your weight. By exercising, you burn extra calories and prevent weight gain. For example, you can burn calories by running or walking and you will tone your legs, calves and abs while you’re at it.
Set aside time to exercise in your daily routine. Try walking after dinner or going for a jog around noon. If you don’t have time to go to the gym, try finding a place nearby that has free weights or even just stairs so you can get your workout in.
Get Enough Sleep Each Night
Many senior citizens have trouble sleeping at night due to many factors, including daytime sleep, hormonal imbalances and stress. Finding a solution to insomnia is crucial in your quest to maintain a healthy weight. You can discuss with your doctor and find a holistic approach to insomnia.
Eating healthy can be hard when you don’t get adequate sleep. If you’re hungry at night, it’s easy to grab a bag of chips or some ice cream. But if you get enough sleep each night, this will help prevent making bad food choices.
Find an Activity that You Enjoy Doing
Many elderly citizens find it challenging to maintain an active life. After all, their loved ones may have liaised with the best NDIS provider and everything, including meals, shopping and laundry, is well-catered for. In such a case, there might be too much free time, especially when you do not have planned activities.
To avoid falling into a passive situation, it would help find an activity that you enjoy doing, such as gardening, painting, or cooking. You will have more fun doing it if you love what you are doing and don’t feel pressured to be perfect. These activities will ensure you move around the house and keep your body muscles engaged.
Seek Professional Help if you Need it to Maintain Healthy Weight
An old age healthy diet can promote better well-being and increase longevity. If you make smart, healthy food choices and add in regular activity, it’s likely that you’ll maintain your weight as you age. However, if necessary, seek professional help to manage your health issues.
Understandably, many senior citizens have a hard time e controlling their eating habits and exercising regularly. In such cases, medication may be needed to help maintain weight loss in old age. You can partner with a nutritionist and your healthcare provider to create a personalized solution for weight management.
Keep Your House Stocked with Healthy Snacks
Keep your fridge and pantry stocked with healthy snacks like fruit, yogurt and nuts for when you need a quick bite. Feeling hungry between meals is expected and when you snack up on beneficial snacks instead of empty calories found in junk food, you can keep your weight in check for a longer time.
Remember that junk food may appear cheaper than healthier alternatives. However, the long-term effects far outweigh any savings you make by opting for unhealthy food. Apart from weight gain, you will have to deal with diabetes due to uncontrolled sugar intake and the possibility of stroke.
Maintaining a healthy weight is not only for your physical health but also for your mental well-being. To maintain a healthy weight in old age requires discipline to make good food choices and get enough exercise. And if you are feeling overwhelmed or need professional help with this process, there are many online and offline resources to support you on your journey towards better health.
All it takes is some self-awareness about what makes us tick, understanding how our brain works so we can tap into its power when making decisions, and taking the time to learn from others who have been through similar challenges before us.
