Weight Loss Without The Diet

We all seem to reach that age eventually.

 Some of us, it started in the early years, teenage years or young adulthood. But the majority of people sail right through the first 40 or 50 years of their life with absolutely no problems with weight gain. Then the middle age years get here and all of a sudden the scale starts creeping up...and up.

But it's so hard to understand why, isn't it? After all, you're still pretty careful about your diet (you haven't changed anything really, have you). And then you still get exercise (maybe not quite as much but you try as often as you can). So, what's really going on?

The problem here, middle age equates to a slower metabolism. It has absolutely nothing to do with what you are, or are not doing. Your body has reached that stage it needs less calories to survive and yet you are still feeding it on the same schedule.

The result - weight gain! So start now to make a few serious - but easy - lifestyle changes and the results will soon be seen on the scale but more importantly felt in your wardrobe.

• Become a smarter snacker - we all love snacks. Many of us use them as mini meals actually. The problem is what you are still snacking on. Change up to a handful of raw nuts or seeds (almonds are the best nuts/pumpkin seeds in the seed category). Each of these are higher in calories but they are a powerhouse of nutrients for your body, fill you up quickly (so you eat less), and a great source of healthy fats (yes, your body must have fats) to keep your body running efficiently.
• If you need a drink, think water as the base. Forget everything else, whether it is natural or chemically sweetened. Take a glass of distilled, filtered water and add your own pureed fruits or a slice of lemon or lime for flavored waters. Even some vegetables (like cucumbers) are a popular variety. The amount of calories, sugars and fats you have just saved yourself is astronomical when you add this up over a year's time. If you prefer bubbles, start your drink with a seltzer water instead and build your own favorites instead.
• Get moving more! Many people say, but I already exercise. The trick here is take your "down times" and use them to your advantage. Brushing your teeth, combing your hair, folding the laundry, washing the dishes...whatever you are doing, if you are standing in one place, then walk in one place instead. Next,  if you drive to work, park two blocks away and walk the two blocks. If it's the bus, get off two blocks early. 
• Your body thrives on sunshine. Our bodies actually produce their own Vitamin D, all you have to do about it is stand in the sunshine. Ten to fifteen minutes every day will give you enough Vitamin D that you will never have to take a supplement.
• Play time - we all like some downtime also. So instead of sitting in a theater or going to a sports game, watching a play or going to a concert, change this up to something just as fun and exciting, just a little more movement is necessary. A walk on the beach, bicycling, flower or vegetable gardening, or get another job - a volunteer job that is. Volunteer at the local floral gardens, the train museum, the amusement park, the local dude ranch (where you can learn to be a cowboy) or the ski slope (how about a ski bunny). You can check out what is in your area and see what each of them needs. Pick something you would enjoy and go for it. Whether it is one day a week, a month or more, you have now made your mind and your body more efficient and healthy.
• Look to your diet. As I said, the metabolism is slowing down so there is some foods your digestive system is going to have a harder time processing. Avoid the white flours, potatoes, corn, pasta and cereals and change this up to fresh fruits and vegetables or some of the alternative grains. Use lean meats instead of the ground meats, sausages, hot dogs all filled with chemical fillers. Use low fat dairy products instead of whole milk products. Add some quality lean protein from free range chicken, turkeys or eggs.

So, instead of fretting over how you are going to lose those extra 10 pounds you have gained is just a waste of time and energy. Change up a few of the details in your current daily life and the 10 lbs. will take care of losing themselves and often a few extra more.