IF YOU’RE A SENIOR, THESE 6 TIPS CAN HELP YOU SHED A FEW POUNDS

Getting rid of extra weight when you’re older can be a little more challenging. But getting to a healthy weight can help you look and feel better at any age. By losing weight, you can decrease your chances of developing diabetes and heart disease while giving yourself more energy. Need some pointers to help you develop your weight-loss plan? 
 
Sign Up for Some Classes
 
If you have a hard time getting to the gym, try signing up for some workout classes instead. Group fitness can keep you motivated to keep moving. All that exciting energy can be contagious and can drive you to exercise a little harder. You can try one of the more popular classes, like Zumba or Jazzercise, to get your heart rate up. There are also some low-impact options that are great for seniors.
 
Know When to Schedule a Check-Up
 
For the most part, you shouldn’t have any problems starting a new diet or exercise plan. As long as you’ve had a fairly recent physical, you’ll be fine adding some exercise or healthy foods to your daily routine. But if you’re living with a chronic illness or have not had a check-up, be smart and set up an appointment with your healthcare provider. You can discuss your weight concerns and figure out if you need to be careful when starting your new workout plans. Your doctor may also be able to refer you to nutritionists or physical therapists that can help you reach your weight loss goals safely.
 
Carefully Clean Up Your Diet
 
Avocado toast isn’t just for millennials. You need healthy fats to keep your heart and body strong. So think twice before you cut all fats out of your diet. Foods like avocados, eggs, and nuts can actually help you stay thinner as long as they are consumed in the right amounts. Be careful of cutting down your calories too much, too. Eating too little can actually prevent you from losing weight and cause other health side effects as well. 
 
Look for Fun Ways to Burn Calories
 
Working out doesn’t have to burn you out. If you don’t want to waste time on a treadmill, try some more exciting ways to get the exercise you need. You can go on an evening bike ride with your partner, or play in the pool with the grandkids. If you have a dog, get in some regular, brisk walks in the park to get you both out of the house.
 
If you’d prefer to work out alone, get some headphones so you can listen to music that will fuel your workouts. A secure stand that you can prop up anywhere will also come in handy as you follow along with interactive online training and workout videos. When you actually enjoy your workouts, you will be more likely to stick with them and stick to your plans to lose weight.
 
Avoid Jeopardizing Your Joints
 
This may come as a surprise, but extreme dieting and exercising can actually harm your joints. As we age, our joints become more susceptible to injury and pain, so be careful as you take steps to get into shape. Opt for low-impact cardio, and make sure your strength-training and exercise sets are balanced. Be sure to stretch and warm up before getting active, and try adding yoga to your fitness routine to increase flexibility.
 
Don’t Get Tricked by Gimmicks
 
When you’re looking to lose weight, it can be easy to get sucked into fads and crash diets. But as a senior, you need to be especially concerned about how these gimmicks will impact your health. So many of the weight-loss supplements on the market have no FDA approval and can even interact with other medications. Every year, thousands of people have to seek medical care due to the side effects of supplements, so be careful when planning out your weight-loss strategy.
 
When it comes to taking off those extra pounds, these healthy options are your best bet. Losing weight takes some dedication and work, but you are more than capable. Changing your body can change your life, so start your weight loss journey today. 


Guest Author Hal Salazar Elders Today