How Do You Define Aging?

We sabotage our bodies by our beliefs about aging. I challenge that the accumulation of years is not the only factor that causes aging.

We associate wrinkles, sagging skin, forgetfulness, belly fat, steady weight gain, high blood pressure, diabetes, slow metabolism, etc. as symptoms of aging.

Our age is more determined by the exercise we get or don’t get, by the kinds of foods we eat or don’t eat, and how we emotionally handle stresses in our lives.

What will age a body fast is mistreating it with a steady diet of processed foods such as sodas, dairy and meats loaded with hormones, nitrates, etc. or are overly fatty, both sugar and artificial sweeteners, additives, cigarettes, alcohol, trans-fats, and the list goes on.

Moving our bodies, drinking plenty of water, having enough sleep, and eating whole foods… may sound basic for optimal health and should come as no surprise. Our bodies need to be able to heel and replenish with these basic needs.

I believe our self-talk equally plays a role in our ability to feel and even look young. When you think, “I’m too old to do that” or “I’m having a senior moment”, you will subconsciously make your body respond to feel old and be old.

I encourage exercising no matter what your chronological age is or even if you have never worked out before. Fortunately the muscles in your body are forgiving and you can turn the clock around to strengthen them.

Is it harder to get in shape now than when you were in your 20’s and 30’s? What if you have been sedentary for most of your life, or perhaps you had a little bit of a “wake-up call” at your last physical?

Most “chronologically” older people who have come to me automatically assume that they need to exercise and eat differently because they are older. They believe it is impossible to achieve substantial weight loss, body strength or a beautifully sculpted body.

While it is true that your metabolism is slower and your muscle mass decreases as you age, I challenge you to ask: is it impossible, or just a little harder?

It is not your age that’s the determining factor of your body fat, it is your metabolism, and metabolism is affected by exercise and nutrition.

Can we eat like we did as teenagers? Probably not, but you can change your metabolism at any age. When you do, you will lose body fat. Here are 7 basic steps to follow:

1. Decide you want to make a permanent change and make a commitment to do it.

2. Get emotional and social support with an accountability partner, an exercise partner, or a professional wellness coach… and be certain he/she is a reliable partner. Your chances of success will increase exponentially.

3. Set realistic and measurable goals… goals for the day, the week, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and one year.

4. Enjoy healthier foods and plan for the week and for each day, where you are going to be, etc.

5. Eat frequent, small meals, 5-6 times a day. Always eat breakfast and make your smallest meal your last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime. Drink lots of water.

6. Get moving, stay moving, and ENJOY moving everyday.

7. Believe in yourself. You can do this.