How to Win at the Gain Game
As we age, a curious thing often happens. Even though we are just as active and consume the same calories as always, we still end up putting on a few pounds. Unfortunately, excess weight often leads to a variety of health issues. While gaining a bit of weight may seem to be part of the normal aging process, following are some tips to help you minimize those gains.
Realize what is at stake and take it seriously.
When the well-being of your body becomes compromised, it is often a long, hard road back to good health. It is much easier to just stay in good shape. The journey from average shape to good shape is a lot shorter than the journey from out-of-shape to good shape. It is also less time-consuming, simpler, and more economically feasible.
Understand the dilemma and set reasonable goals.
Realize that it becomes easier to gain some weight as you get older, so take steps to prevent this from happening. Focus on getting and staying in shape rather than on what you weigh. After all, if you are in good shape and healthy you will not carry an excess of unhealthy weight. The scale does matter, but don’t make that number your primary goal. Make it your goal to get and stay in above average health for your age group. If you do that, your weight will also come into line.
Don’t let financial or time constraints stop you from exercising.
Exercise plans are available everywhere: TV, Internet, health clubs, the bookstore, your smart phone, etc. It’s hard to change channels nowadays without running across at least one infomercial about exercising or eating well. Seek out reliable information and figure out what works for you and your lifestyle. Not every program will work for everybody. Exercising does not have to be a financial burden either. There are many exercise classes and programs that do not cost very much and there are lots of things you can do at home to stay in shape. Jack LaLanne became famous for teaching people how to exercise with kitchen chairs!
Also, do not let your daily schedule prevent you from exercising. Most experts recommend about thirty minutes a day of exercise. Thirty minutes is two percent of the day. That leaves ninety-eight percent of the day free for you to the other things that you want or need to do.
Make healthier food choices.
Eat more healthfully. There is a lot of information out there about healthy choices, diets, etc. Do your research, experiment, and figure out what works for you. Don’t try to exist on foods you do not care for — it won’t last!
Accept that you will take a step backwards occasionally.
There will be days when you do not exercise and when you eat cookies instead of quinoa. That’s OK — it happens. What is important is that you don’t feel overly guilty about it and that you make sure those occasions are exceptions and don’t become the rule.
Have Fun.
Eating well and exercising will make you feel better. Your energy level will be higher, and you will appreciate how you look in the mirror. The juice is truly worth the squeeze. So don’t wait to get started!
For more information about senior living, you may contact Holly Hall, Meadows Senior Director of Marketing, at 309-268-1501. Meadows offers a full range of senior living options — Independent Living, Independent Living-PLUS, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing Care, and Rehab Therapy — with two locations: Meadows Mennonite Retirement Community in Chenoa and Meadows at Mercy Creek in Normal.