When you’re young, it’s easy to take your health for granted. Your metabolism is at an accelerated rate so burning extra calories isn’t a problem. You can eat what you want, when you want it. Your muscles are developed and your internal organs function like a well-oiled machine, flawlessly. Unfortunately, this state of body bliss has an ending. The good news is that despite your current status, you can improve the way you look and feel by restoring balance.
Doctor’s Approval
With the pandemic in your rear view mirror, it’s time to get back to living life. If you’re like many people, you gained several pounds during the lockdown. The extra weight, even just 10 lbs., can have a negative impact on your health. Before starting a diet or working out, make sure to get your doctor’s approval.
Comfortable Workout Attire
Getting the most out of each workout session is important. Thankfully, there are ways to achieve it. Your workout top and short leggings need to fit in all the right places to lend support while remaining comfortable. They should also be made of an expandable and breathable fabric to prevent movement restrictions and keep you cool.
Weight Watching
It seems some people can eat anything and remain thin while others simply look at food and pack on the pounds. It’s all about managing caloric intake and burning calories. As discussed earlier, as you age your metabolism slows. Eating smaller portions consisting of healthy foods will reduce the amount of calories you consume daily. Of course, a diet will not provide the results you want on its own. In addition to eating a well-balanced diet, you also need to workout several times a week for at least 40-45 minutes. It doesn’t matter what workout routine you decide on, just that it makes you sweat.
Hidden Calories
If you’re not seeing the weight come off regularly, take a closer look at what you consume. For example, if you give up the late night snack, but add rich gravy and biscuits to dinner, you’re not going to lose weight. Condiments and beverages are often overlooked for their calories. Read a label on a can of soda. It contains nearly 200 calories.
Moving More, Sitting Less
Along with reducing your caloric intake you need to increase the calories you burn. The 10-lb. weight increase may come as a direct result of reduced movement. This is especially true when children grow and leave home. Suddenly moms find themselves with idle time on their hands and an abrupt end to constant running. Park the car further away from stores, walk whenever possible and pick up the pace. These are a few ways to burn additional calories.
A Good Night’s Rest
Sleep is an essential component in maintaining a healthy life. When you get enough rest, you awake full of energy, you’re happy and ready to conquer any challenge. That’s because while you sleep, your body begins to make necessary repairs. It also regulates metabolism. In short, it stabilizes levels of blood sugar and changes food into a source of energy.
Remain Positive
If you’re more than 50 lbs. overweight, you may lose hope and give up. Don’t stress over a bad week where you cheated on your diet. The additional weight didn’t come on overnight. It will take time to lose it. It’s actually beneficial to lose a few pounds each month. This means you are changing poor habits and the odds of the weight staying off are in your favor.
You can change your reflection in the mirror by creating a balance over what you eat and the calories you burn. By adapting, you’ll lose the weight slowly, over several months or more depending on your weight loss goals, and continue to keep it off.
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