If you’re reading this, I’m going to venture to say that you’ve been on the diet train before. So many of us spend YEARS going on diets, losing weight and then gaining it back. And for what?
Disappointment.
Discouragement.
Disillusionment.
And when we hit a certain point in our lives (say, the biological age of 40), it seems like NOTHING we do works.
Well, what if you could lose weight FAST (and in a healthy way) eating food you love?
Think that’s just a pipe dream? Feel like it’s the unattainable goal you’ll never see? Well, stick with me ‘cuz this is the real deal.
3 Ways Women over 40 Can Lose Weight Fast – Eating Food They Love
1. Starving is OUT
Remember those TV shows in which women literally didn’t eat so that they could fit into some teeny tiny dress for a party? Well, those days are OVER!
Why??
Because we know that starving our bodies actually forces us to hold onto weight, rather than release it. Depriving the body of the nutrients it needs causes it to freak out – not knowing when it’s going to get more fuel to continue its regular maintenance functions – and shut down the metabolism to conserve what little fuel it has left.
In other words, no food = no weight loss.
Now, I’m not talking about extreme forms of food restriction, such as anorexia or bulimia. If you suffer from an eating disorder, please seek help.
I’m talking about going hungry several times per day just so you can make it to the next meal.
What do you do if you’re hungry and you’re trying to lose weight?
Drink Water
Oftentimes, we are thirsty, not hungry. Having a big glass of water and waiting 10-20 minutes could prevent you from diving into the bowl of Cheetos (or a sugary drink) and save you some extra calories. PLUS, it will help determine if you are truly hungry or just dehydrated.
According to the CDC, 80% of us do not get enough water – Yikes!
And water is SOOOO important to maintaining our body’s standard operations. Drinking water helps you lose weight by:
- Boosting your metabolism
- Helping your body burn fat
- Making you feel more full
- Reducing your intake of sugary drinks
- Aiding digestion
Remember this rule: Drink ½ ounce of water for every pound. So, if you’re 200 lbs, drink 100 ounces of water per day. It’s that simple!
Focus on REAL foods.
What does that even mean, “real foods”? Well, first off, it means staying away from:
- Processed foods
- Sugary drinks and treats
And focusing on high-fiber, high-nutrient foods such as:
- Vegetables
- Beans (pre-soaked or cooked in a pressure cooker)
- Nuts and seeds (raw, unsalted)
- Whole grains/complex carbohydrates
- Fruits
Why? Because eating a diet high in fiber and nutrients means that your body will function better, have more energy, and be less hungry!
Foods that take longer for the body to digest (i.e. NOT processed foods or simple carbs) keep your blood sugar stable, preventing the sugar crash that leads to you reaching for another bag of chips or candy… because they keep you full longer.
Smart Swaps
But how does this all work in real life? Here are some Smart Swaps to help you get through the munchies.
Instead of: Salty snacks like chips, crackers, snack bag mixes
Try: A handful of unsalted nuts, hummus, or (real) guacamole with veggies, a hard-boiled egg, or sliced cucumbers sprinkled with salt.
Instead of: Candy, cookies, or sugary (real or artificial)drinks
Try: Sliced apples with nut butter, a cup of berries (so yummy!), a square of dark chocolate, or a clean-eating latte
By the way: My blog is packed with more delicious and easy recipes to satisfy your cravings and keep you eating clean – browse the list!
2. Kick Stress to the Curb
Stress is a BIG impediment to weight loss. And I know what you’re thinking, “Claudine, I would LOVE to not have stress in my life but it’s just IMPOSSIBLE!”
And you’re right. Not having stress isn’t realistic. What’s key, however, is understanding how to release the stress so your body can re-set.
Most of us are in what is called a state of chronic stress. Unlike when our ancestors would run away from the tiger, make it out alive (hopefully), and be welcomed back to the local village with cheers, modern-day stress is not so cut-and-dry.
How do you de-stress from a nasty email? Or a work deadline? Or a crazy schedule running around from place to place?
Here’s the thing: You have to do what is called “completing the cycle.”
That big party the other villagers threw for your long-lost ancestor when he or she escaped from a ravenous beast? That completed the stress cycle. There was stress, the stressor was defeated, then there was a celebration (oh, and a fair amount of cardio to get away from the stressor!)
And, yes, the best way to “complete the cycle” is with physical activity – but that doesn’t necessarily have to mean exercise (you can read more about that topic right here: 10 Easy Ways to Burn Calories Without Exercising).
In fact, my favorite ways to de-stress are:
- Have a dance party of 1
- Enjoy a great laugh
- Meditate or sit in silence for 5-10 minutes (I need this daily!)
3. You Are What You Eat
In addition to doing all of the “right” things (exercising, eating healthy foods, drinking water, etc.), many of us are wondering WHAT is the secret formula to losing weight after 40. Well, here is what I do for myself and my clients to lose unwanted pounds (and keep them off) while eating foods we love:
- Find recipes that are filling and delicious – without the extra calories. I have a treasure trove of them but the internet is also full of ‘em! Find ones you love and incorporate them into your weekly routine.
- Plan your meals and set yourself up for success. What does it mean to set yourself up for success? It means setting up a time to shop and prep so that when you’re ready to make dinner, it’s a quick and easy process.
- Easy on the salt. One thing that’s a KILLER to weight loss is sodium. I can be eating great all week but then one TV dinner or takeout meal and I’m up 2 pounds overnight. It’s water weight, of course. But that doesn’t matter if you’re wanting to look your absolute best! Plus, if sodium is consistently high, those 2 lbs can multiply.
- Swap out one meal per day for a fiber-rich salad, a low-calorie soup or a protein shake. Even if you splurge at another meal, you’ll have a bit of a buffer so that you’re not too far off track for the day.
- Do a quick-and-easy cleanse. Every quarter or so, I like to have a reset to give my body a break from whatever holiday has just passed or pattern I’ve fallen into. It’s not only a time to heal and get rejuvenated (like an oil change for the body), it’s also a great weight loss tool!
If you have questions about how YOU can lose your next 10 pounds eating foods you love, you can schedule a call with me here.