Avoid falling into the usual traps while dieting.
Dieting can be more difficult once we get reach 60 years of age due to the body requiring fewer calories, but research shows losing as little as five to 10 percent of your body weight can lower blood pressure, as well as decrease the risk of both heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
If you know you can benefit from shedding a few pounds but have keeping them off, we are here to help with three suggestions to help you.
- Start Smart
You’ll want to make sure you’re at a point where there aren’t extra stressors in your life and set reasonable goals – trimming a pound or two a week is considered a realistic goal. This way, you can celebrate your successes instead of being unable to reach goals that may prove to be unrealistic. Weight loss is for the long-term, so you need to make sure to get off to a positive start to prevent getting discouraged early.
- Avoid Stress Eating
Many of us fall into the trap of eating comfort foods (and probably too much of them) in order to feel better in stressful situations or to curb feelings like depression or anxiety. Try to redirect that nervous energy toward a different avenue in order to reduce stress – go for a walk, read a book, get a massage, or call a friend to talk.
- Remove Temptation
Leave snacks like cookies and chips on the store shelves and replace them with healthier alternatives like fruit and (unsalted) nuts. Many seniors will stock their house with goodies for the grandkids but end up partaking in them. Remove the temptation by keeping them out of your home. Also, drink a glass of water before reaching for a snack; you may just be thirsty, and a lot of times, water will satisfy you enough to resist eating before mealtime.
Before starting any type of diet or exercise program, consult your doctor to make sure you are clear of any limitations that could steer you in the wrong direction.