Most people live their life going from one activity to another, enjoying themselves and never once considering the thought of weight gain.
But as we all know, life can take a different turn and before you know it, you’re eating biscuits, drinking wine and dancing all night.
Whether you want to admit it or not, weight loss is a common concern for people as they get older.
Many people think that being active and eating healthy food will help them to shed those extra pounds but what they don’t realize is that it’s not that easy.
Certain foods are more likely to cause you to pack on the pounds while others will help you to shed those extra kilos.
And it’s not just about what you eat either – how you live your life is just as important.
If you’re looking to lose weight after 30, then you’re in the right place. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Take Advantage Of The Changes That Occur During Menopause
One of the things that happens to women as they get older is the onset of menopause.
This is a change that involves the hormonal balance in your body shifting and altering significantly.
One of the things that results from this is that your body’s energy levels decrease which can make you feel a bit sluggish.
This is why many people consider menopause to be a time when you can really put on the pounds.
Your levels of energy decrease which makes you want to be near a warm fireplace or simply stay in bed.
So if you’re in a colder climate, then it might be smart to leave the heating on. Of course, this also depends on your personal preference and what you find more comfortable.
The key is to make the most of this change and take advantage of the lower energy levels by doing simple activities and staying in bed.
Many menopausal women gain weight easily because it’s very easy for them to lay down in bed every day and watch TV. So doing some activities such as walking, cleaning the house or going to the gym won’t be as easy for them as it is for you.
If you’re in menopause then it might be a good idea for you to follow the simple guidelines mentioned above. This will help you to put on fewer pounds and feel happier and more comfortable in your skin.
Consume Less Sodium
High blood pressure is one of the major causes of heart disease and stroke. So it’s important to keep a watchful eye on your blood pressure and try not to raise it too much.
There are many foods that are high in sodium which cause your blood pressure to go up. So if you want to keep your blood vessels healthy and prevent yourself from getting heart disease and stroke, then it’s important to watch what you eat.
You should also try to keep your salt intake to a minimum when you cook your food. When you add salt to food, it draws fluid to the surface which makes you feel fuller even though you ate nothing. So watch out for that!
Consuming too much sodium can also lead to stomach irritation and water retention which might cause you to gain weight. So if you want to lose weight, then you should try to keep your sodium intake low.
Reduce Your Carbohydrate Consumption
Carbohydrates are important because they provide your body with energy but when you eat too many of them then it can lead to weight gain.
So if you want to lose weight, then it might be a good idea for you to reduce your carbohydrate intake. This should be easy for you as you’ve been recommended to eat less processed food and more fruits and vegetables. These will both provide you with carbohydrates but in smaller amounts.
Eating more fiber rich food will also help you to stay regular which means that you’ll pass urine more often than you would if you ate fewer fibers. So again, if you want to stay light then it’s worth considering.
Cut Back On The Booze And Coffee
Alcoholic drinks and coffee can cause your body to retain water which puts you at risk of weight gain. So if you want to keep your weight under control then it might be a good idea for you to cut back on your consumption of these drinks.
Not only will the water contribute to your weight but so will the calories. One alcoholic drink contains around 120 calories and a venti size coffee contains around 200 calories. So if you want to shed some pounds then cutting back on these drinks is a step in the right direction.
These drinks are rich in caffeine which is a stimulant and a potent chemical which makes the adrenaline surge and cause your heart to beat faster. Caffeine also causes the neurotransmitter adenosine to accumulate which makes you feel happier.
So if you want to improve your mental and physical health then it might be a good idea for you to avoid these drinks as much as possible.
Eat Plenty Of Fruits And Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables offer your body with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which are all beneficial for your health. They also provide you with fiber which aids digestion and makes you feel fuller. So it’s no wonder that many people consider these food groups to be essential for weight loss.
Cut back on the red meat and cook yourself some thin slices of steak instead. You’ll still get the needed protein but you won’t add as much fat to your diet. So again, if you want to shed some pounds then it might be worth considering this option.
It’s also important to note that fruit and vegetables provide you with dietary fiber which gives you a feeling of fullness. So if you want to lose weight then you should eat more of these food groups to aid your digestion.
There are so many ways that food can affect your weight. When you eat too much sugar then it promotes tooth decay and gives you a temporary high which in turn makes you want to eat more.
So if you want to reduce your calorie intake then you should try to avoid foods with added sugar. As much as possible, you should also try to feed your body with foods that are high in fiber. This is because food that is rich in fiber aids digestion and gives you a feeling of fullness. So again, if you want to lose weight then you should try to consume less sugar and more plants!