Women Over 50: Stay Thin with 6 Healthy Habits ( Part 2 )

by Keri Tidwell

(4) Cut Back on Portions. As a woman ages, her metabolism slows down. This can cause weight gain to increase. Keep fit and thin by lowering your caloric intake to the amount of calories you can burn in a day. If you’re gaining weight, then your body may require fewer calories and less food than you are consuming in order to function (Source: Fitday). Reduce portion sizes by using smaller plates and limiting yourself to one helping. In addition to consulting your doctor, there are many good calorie counters online like Livestrong.com’s MyPlate Calorie Tracker to help you keep track of the caloriesyou consume each day.

(5) Get Active. In addition to creating healthy eating habits, being active is key. Nothing helps keep the weight off like regular cardiovascular exercise. Lose weight, relieve joint pain and arthritis, anddecrease your risk of colon cancer by engaging in an active lifestyle. Try activities like walking, swimming, yoga, and dancing that are easy on the body but also quite enjoyable (Source: Fitday). Also, make exercise a regular part of your routine by taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking at a distance from stores, and participating in activities like gardening that give you a sense of purpose but also exert energy.

(6) Make Time for Friends. Studies have shown a link between social support and health (Source:Mayo Clinic). Having someone to confide in and who supports you not only helps relieve stress, but also minimizes the risk of developing chronic illnesses. According to Bulik, a social support system is especially important for women over 50 who are fighting eating disorders. Having friends to talk to and share problems with can provide the encouragement women need to stay thin in a healthy way. Plus, friendships boost self-esteem and increase your sense of belonging. Even though finding and maintaining friendships is a challenge, it is an investment worth making for your overall health.

Aging comes with a lot of changes. Women over 50 who were once thin may feel extra pressure to maintain their youthful appearance, but that should not mean adopting unhealthy diet behaviors. Unhealthy eating and going to extremes is not the way to fix the problem. Instead eat right, stay active and surround yourself with positive relationships these steps all help lead to success. These six healthy habits will keep you looking and feeling your best and also help prevent colon cancer.

SOURCE:  buttseriouslyblog.com