Check out my article in the APP today! Let’s say you’ve been carrying around an extra 20, 40, 80 or more pounds, and you’ve reached the age where the “vanity” aspect of weight loss is no longer the motivating factor it used to be. (Vanity is one of the greatest motivators for weight loss in younger folks, not that there’s anything wrong with that!) But let’s say you’re 65 or older and still struggling with weight. Chances are the motivation for wanting to lose the weight has shifted to health and mobility concerns. These are indeed the biggest concerns as we age and the idea that its too late to affect change is a myth. Our bodies respond to change at any age, albeit differently. So the good news is that yes, you can lose the weight, get stronger and improve your balance, flexibility and strength at any age. The bad news is that it will take longer and must be approached with more caution and structure. Senior weight loss is a process of adjusting the diet to reflect the current needs of the body, which are very different than in younger years. Making sure you’re getting the nutrients you need to remain healthy and active, while adjusting the balance of food intake to allow your weight to gradually return to normal, is the goal. Incorporating reasonable, gentle and effective exercise can re-claim the body’s ability to climb stairs, get up and down from the floor, enter and exit a car with ease, play with grandchildren, etc. These are all simple activities that we all want to be able to do well into our later years. If you can’t do these things because of excess weight and de-conditioning, there is hope! Finding your starting points for both fitness and weight loss is essential. Meet with a professional for guidance and assistance. Making your health the priority means being willing to hire the right service provider, understanding that the cost is part of the process. Be patient with your results because they won’t happen quickly, but the possibility of coming off medications, lowering blood sugars, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as moving more easily, are all there for you. There are lots and lots of “diets” out there and chances are you’ve tried a few of them. Analyze why they didn’t work or didn’t last. Chances are you were on your own with it and eventually defaulted back to old behaviors. This is why choosing the right professional is essential. Get the help you need to reclaim your health and mobility and above all, never ever believe it’s too late! Joy Solliday-Allison is the owner/director of FOODFIT Ultimate Weight Management in Ocean Township. Call 855-693-6633 or visit myfoodfit.
Posted on: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 16:13:59 +0000
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