Losing weight and getting in shape can often feel like an intimidating task, especially for those of us over 40. We’ve tried countless diets, exercised daily, and yet we still don’t see the results we want. We may even feel depressed and beat ourselves up for giving in to our cravings every now and then. But what if we told you that it’s possible to achieve our desired weight and still enjoy the foods we love? It’s all about finding balance – and I’m here to show you how.
First things first, understand that deprivation is not sustainable. If we cut out all the foods we love, we’re setting ourselves up for failure. It’s normal to crave our favorite treats every once in a while, and denying ourselves of them will only make us more likely to binge on them later. Instead, we should allow ourselves to indulge in moderation. For example, if we’re craving a burger, we can opt for a smaller portion or a smaller burger instead of going for a double cheeseburger with fries and a soda. By doing so, we won’t feel deprived and are less likely to overeat.
Second, find ways to make healthier versions of our favorite foods. For instance, we can swap fried chicken for baked chicken or fries for roasted veggies. By making small changes to our meals, we can still eat the foods we love without compromising our health.
Third, structure our meals around protein and vegetables. By eating a high protein and veggie diet, we’ll feel fuller for longer periods of time and be less likely to indulge in snacks and other unhealthy foods. Make sure to incorporate at least one serving of vegetables with each meal and choose lean protein sources such as chicken, fish, turkey, and lean beef.
Fourth, don’t forget to move our bodies. Exercise is an important part of any weight loss journey, but it doesn’t have to be boring. We can try new activities such as strength training, swimming, biking, or even simply walking around the block a few times a day. The key is to find things that we enjoy doing so that exercise becomes a habit and not a chore.
Finally, give ourselves permission to take breaks. We don’t need to be perfect all the time, and occasionally indulging in our favorite foods or taking a break from our structured routine won’t derail our progress. However, it is important to put a limit on how long we take these breaks. Holidays, vacations, and celebrations are great times to relax and enjoy ourselves, but we need to get back on track as soon as possible to avoid undoing all of our hard work.
In conclusion, finding balance is the key to sustainable weight loss and better health. We don’t need to deprive ourselves of our favorite foods or live a strict, structured lifestyle in order to achieve our goals. Instead, we can allow ourselves to indulge in moderation, make healthier versions of our favorite meals, structure our meals around protein and vegetables, exercise in ways we enjoy, and allow ourselves to take breaks – within reason. By doing so, we’ll feel happier, healthier, and more motivated in our weight loss journeys.
