Analyze
At one point or another we all take a moment to assess ourselves. We are analyzing where we are in life, how we are doing, what we look and feel like. We ask ourselves, if we are happy or if there is something that needs to change. From there decisions need to be made.
If you are happy with everything then keep doing what you are doing because it’s working! If there is something bothering you then it’s time to take a step back, take a long hard look at what you are doing (or not doing) and decide what needs to change to fix the problem.
Change we cannot control
As we age our body makes changes that we don’t have complete control over. Two of the biggest changes go hand in hand, we lose muscle mass and our metabolism slows down. It is important to recognize that these changes happen and to adapt your habits to counteract them.
Changes to offset our body's auto pilot
Exercise and good eating habits are not always something we think about. At some point most of us realize that our bodies are changing but not in the way we want them to. It’s harder to keep off weight so we can no longer eat whatever we want and everyday tasks seem harder.
Using resistance training as we age is very important. It will help keep our muscles tone, our bones strong and help us to be able to do what we want to do when we want to do it. While most of us are not looking to get up on a stage in a bathing suit and show off our bodies, keeping your muscles strong and tone is important for everyday living.
Adjusting our eating habits is important as well. With a slower metabolism we have to think about how much we are eating and when we are eating it. It’s important to check on your portion sizes every now and then. Read the label and make sure that bowl of cereal you are having is only one serving, chances are it’s two or three. If we are not moving around much in the evening hours then we have to adjust the types of food we are having for dinner. Consider reducing or removing carbs from your dinner since they won’t get burned as you sit and watch TV after dinner.
Change happens with change
You have to be willing to make changes to see change happen, but don’t expect it to happen overnight. With anything it takes time for your body to make adjustments. Consistency is key! Starting and stopping over and over is NOT going to get you the change you want to see. Lifestyle changes have the biggest impact, start small with things you can stick with and keep it going through thick and thin because only you can change you!
Remember that we want to be healthy BEFORE we NEED to be healthy. Proactive change happens when you realize the changes you should make BEFORE you HAVE to make them!