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Soon after having my second child, I realized that my metabolism was NOT what it once was. I could not get back to my pre-pregnancy weight no matter how hard I tried. In fact, I was 15 pounds AWAY from that number. I thought, maybe this is just the weight I am now. I am older, that is a normal thing, right? I wasn’t too worried about it and decided to let it go. My weight has never been super important to me, so as long as my hubby was happy then I was good with my new normal.
What I do worry about is cancer. I am terrified of getting cancer and of getting sick overall. I started reading a ton of books about food and healthy eating. While I understand that no matter what I do I may still end up getting the big C, I can do my best to influence the factors that are in my control. For me, that has been cutting out processed foods and added sugars while trying to eat as clean as I can. I have replaced a number of bad habits with healthier ones and feel better than I have in a long time.
Another side effect of my healthy lifestyle: losing weight. I am back down to my “usual” and I didn’t even make an effort to get there. I don’t count calories, I don’t deprive myself, I don’t measure out portions. I was going to call this post: How Eating Healthy So You Don’t Get Cancer and Die Will Also Make You Skinny… but I ultimately decided my chosen title would be a bit more enticing to the masses.
Here are 10 ways to help you stay slim as you age:
1. Stop Eating So Much Sugar: I put this first since, personally, I think this has made the most difference for me in the way I look & feel. Sugar is in EVERYTHING these days. It is not just your mid-afternoon candy pick-me-up. Sugar is in your salad dressing, mayonnaise, coffee creamer, ketchup, pasta sauces, yogurt, granola bars… I can go on and on! When I started LOOKING at the sugar content in some of my favorite items I was shocked. I still eat fruit and have alcohol, but I have drastically cut down the amount of sugar I consume on a daily basis. I could seriously talk about this forever, but I will spare you. However, I highly recommend the book Sugar Crush for all the technical details about sugar and the effects it has on your body.
2. Don’t Drink on Weeknights: This was a hard one for me, and something I adhere to 80% of the time. Not only does alcohol have calories, it is metabolized in your body a certain way that makes it harder for you to lose weight. You are also more likely to grab unhealthy snacks and eat extra calories after a few glasses of wine. (since, honestly.. who can only have one glass?)
3. Eat Breakfast: I have always been a breakfast girl. Many studies have shown that breakfast eaters tend to weigh less than non-breakfast eaters.
4. Take Probiotics: I am in no way an expert on this topic, but I have been focusing on my pro and pre-biotic intake since reading the book, Brain Maker. Apparently, gut health is very important when it comes to staying slim and your overall health. Since adding more probiotic rich foods to my diet, I have noticed less bloating and increased energy.
5. Drink Green Tea: I only have one cup of coffee a day, in the morning. For the rest of the day I drink green tea. It is packed with antioxidants and gives your metabolism a little boost.
6. Start Your Day with Warm Lemon Water: Warm lemon water or water mixed with lemon and apple cider vinegar does amazing things for your digestive system when you drink it first thing in the morning. It also helps you start your day hydrated, which helps keep cravings at bay.
7. Eat More Fat: Fat is really good for you, as long as it is the right kind of fat. Many doctors believe the low-fat trend is what screwed us all up and helped kickstart the obesity epidemic. I eat avocados, coconut oil, nuts & nut butter, ghee and salmon all the time. I put a huge glob of coconut oil in my coffee every single day. These types of fat are not only good for you, but they are also filling and delicious.
8. Lift Weights: I used to be a cardio rat in college. Then I met my husband, a personal trainer who was getting his masters in nutrition to become a registered dietitian. He taught me SO much about diet and fitness, but the most important thing was that you need to lift weights to lose weight, especially as you get older. The extra muscle will help you burn more fat and calories throughout the day and help you tone up and slim down.
9. Get More Sleep: Sleep is apparently the solver of all things, now if only I could get some of it. Years ago, when I worked an overnight schedule I gained weight. I read that not getting enough sleep messes with your hormones, which causes you to gain weight easier. The past year I have really been pushing myself to go to bed earlier in an attempt to get more shut eye.
10. Treat Your Body Like You Love It: For this life, I was given just one body. This is what I am stuck with. I want to see my kids get married and have their own kids, I want to grow old and wrinkly gracefully while feeling strong and healthy. Fuel yourself with good, healthy foods… not crap that is processed and has an expiration date 3 years from now. Get out and exercise to keep your body healthy and feeling good. You and your body deserve only the very best.
These days, we worry about our kids health, our spouses health, our parents health… even our pets health! As women age, we pile on the responsibilities, take horrible care of ourselves, then wonder why we keep gaining weight. Since making the decision to finally start taking care of myself, I can honestly say I have never felt better. Fitting in my ‘skinny’ jeans is just the icing on the cake.
these really are Alllllll great ideas. except i really can’t get into eating much of a breakfast. even tho i know i should…
I know a lot of people who cant stand breakfast.. I am the total opposite, I need to eat right away!!
Such great tips. I know it’s been a battle for me as I’ve been getting older. I would have to say getting into a daily or every other day routine of cardio, walking….is good too.
These are great ideas. The sugar is the hardest one for me–I’m so addicted. I’m adding daily yoga to my routine now thanks to a new yoga download subscription so I can do it at home. And getting more sleep. Huge!
This is super helpful. I’m going to start trying these things! Doesn’t hurt to start early 🙂
xoxo, Sam | thehauntedhousewife.com
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this article Lauren! I have been struggling with weight gain due to stress and my metabolism slowing down. I have been trying to be more mindful about sugars and exercise. This article couldn’t have come at a better time for me. Thanks for sharing all of your great tips!
Great suggestions! Getting slim is one of my goals this year. I’m starting my cardio and lifting weights already.. i’m just having hard time finding what foods are safe or healthy to eat and whatnot. Note to self: No more Sugar. Thanks for the advice!
This was a great read! I just haven’t been able
To lose weight since my 3rd baby and as I get into my late 30s. Im going to try all these things! Tell me about your coffee?
Love this post! So much great information that focuses more on being healthy, with the great side-effect of losing weight.
Great article! All of these ideas are spot-on. What is it about coconut oil in coffee? I’ve heard of this before…. what exactly is the point?
Well there is bulletproof coffee which is coconut oil with butter and it is supposed to help you enter ketosis which is a fat-burning state, but I dont do all that since you cant eat breakfast to get those benefits. I read the coconut oil has MCT’s which is good for energy, brain health and has anti-inflammatory benefits. 🙂 It6’s also good in my coffee since I froth it up with a handheld milk frother. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and have an awesome day!
OMG yes to all of this! I TOTALLY got off the clean eating train on the cruise…it was bread and wine and dessert OH MY! But I am detoxing Thursday and Friday and can’t wait to get back to it. Thanks for motivating me, sharing this everywhere!
Great tips! I drink lemon water first thing in the morning upon waking. I also make sure I get in at least a tablespoon of coconut oil a day.
Wonderful article! I was the same after my second child, and as a food, wine, and travel writer, it’s hard to stick to things like not drinking on weeknights (which is also one of the rules I try to live by as well!), but I’ve found that being active first thing in the morning has helped me stay on track more. And you’re so right about sugar… it is in EVERYTHING! Thank you for these great tips!
Those are great suggestions. I will have to try some warm lemon water in the morning. I am already a big fan of drinking warm water later in the day..
These are amazing suggestions. I Love lemon water in the mornings as well
These are great tips! It’s crazy how much sleep can influence weight loss…I’ve been realizing that more and more recently! Thanks for sharing.
Great tips! Cutting out sugar was a huge one for me! It’s crazy how much weight you will drop when you give up something like soda! When I have up soda I swear the lbs disappeared instantly!
Strength training is so great for your body! These are all great ideas. The drinking on week nights though… I just can’t quit it lol.
I’m such a sugar fiend, though I know it’s bad for me. I used to be into the low-fat craze, now I savor my natural fats. Almonds have become a favorite snacks, as well as a brown rice cake with peanut butter & bananas. I’m generally not a big tea drinker, but I think it’s worth trying to bring more green tea into my diet. And I’m going to check out those books you recommended!
Love these tips! The coconut oil thing I’ve never heard of before. I’ll have to give that a try.
Great tips!
Weight is something I super struggle with as I age…something I didn’t have to worry about 5-10 years ago. I’m going to try the probiotics, warm lemon water and the green tea. I’ve also cut back my coffee to one cup on the weekdays but I haven’t replaced it with anything.
The biggest difference for me came from cutting down on my sugar intake. All of those changes will def make you feel better and give you energy!
great tips! I try to do all these! I struggle with the sugar though!
Once you cut it out, you really wont miss it. (at least most of the time, I still treat myself! ha!)
Thanks for all these tips. It’s so important to take care of yourself more as you age and especially after you have kids. I have to find more time to do these things!
Yes! I am realizing that no one is going to give me a break, so I better find one for myself!
Great Read and insight!
Thank you 🙂
My metabolism was a wreak after having my 3… and it took me a while to get back to healthy. I love coconut oil in my coffee and the warm lemon/apple cider water. I’ve also added to my list taking turmeric curcumin which has really helped with any joint issues and swelling. Great post!
Lauren, those are great tips! I think I am following all of the above, I would add one more thing – I keep reminding myself to be mentally there! I mean I am an emotional person, and it’s easy for me to grab a cookie at Panera, or order dessert in addition to coffee, but I have to remind myself – through meditation, etc, that I need to focus on my body & health. With a good understanding all those “cravings” tend to disappear 🙂
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