No matter your age, you still want to look your best. But if you're trying to lose weight as a senior, you can't follow the same path as when you were 30. Learn how to lose weight the healthy way, and create your own diet and exercise plan that actually will work.
Just a Number?
At any age, it's a good idea to maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active, according to Prevention. But losing weight is much harder for seniors than for any other age group, and don't let those 40-somethings tell you differently. Your body is stiffer, your joints aren't as flexible, and you aren't 20 anymore. But anyone can lose weight at any age. As a senior, you just have to take some extra steps to make sure you're doing it the healthy way.
Losing Weight With Healthy Eating
Obesity can shorten your lifespan, so it's a good idea to maintain a healthy weight at every age. As a senior, you have to take a total-body approach to weight loss. Before you begin any weight-loss routine, talk to your doctor. This is an essential step that you can't skip. Ask about the types of exercises you can perform safely without putting too much pressure on your joints, and find out how many calories you need to consume per day to stay healthy without overeating. Next, get some vitamins. Start taking vitamin D and calcium on a regular basis and integrate plenty of lean proteins into your daily diet. Focus on healthy eating in order to achieve healthy weight loss.
Exercising Off the Extra Pounds
It is possible for seniors to get healthy exercise, even if you can't go on a four-mile run every morning. Walking is an effective exercise, but this can put strain on joints. Try swimming instead. This will burn calories without putting stress on your body. Don't forget to stretch. According to Verywell Fit, you should practice simple stretching exercises daily to increase flexibility and maintain healthy joints (or at least, prevent them from getting worse). Get a yoga mat and work on stretching out your muscles daily.
Integrate strength training into your workout with dumbbells and resistance bands. Small hand weights help you build muscles without putting a ton of strain on your body, because you don't need to do heavy lifting. Resistance bands work with your body and your own strength. Spend 30 to 60 minutes per day working out by stretching and lifting weights because muscle actually helps burn your body fat. The more muscle you have, the harder your natural metabolism will work to burn up extra fat and calories. Don't strain too much. If something starts to hurt, try a different exercise. If you would rather not go to a gym, you can create your own small home gym or workout area. There’s no need for expensive weights and machines; equipment like dumbbells and resistance bands work very well for a home gym.
The Healthy Way to Lose Weight
Don't worry about all the things you can't do to lose weight. Focus on what you are able to do and what your body can handle, and work with your body to become stronger and slimmer. Lose weight the healthy way and get the healthier body you deserve.
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