As we age past 50, necessary changes in our diet become more apparent. In our retirement years, we cannot eat the same as when we were in our 20s, 30s, or perhaps even as we did just a few years ago. It may feel like your body is just betraying you. Or that maybe you don't understand how to take care of it anymore. As the body ages, so does your metabolism. In this article, we will discuss easy ways to help boost your metabolism!
As we age, weight gain feels much easier than weight loss. Life gets busy, and there seems to be no time or energy for exercise. Weight training does not mean you must attempt heavy bench pressing, deadlifts, or even get those magazine-worthy abs and spend hours upon hours at the gym every day. An exercise routine can be as simple as walking around your neighborhood or on a treadmill. Physical activity helps with building muscle mass as well as maintaining it. Every bit of exercise helps contribute to a healthy lifestyle and metabolism.
We've talked about controlling your intake of calories. But did you know that decreasing your caloric intake too much can cause you harm as well? Studies have shown that lowering your caloric intake too much can actually slow down your metabolism. This is not only unhealthy but dangerous. A safer way of cutting calories would be to use a calorie tracker and watch how many calories you eat a day. The average human needs to consume a max of 2500 calories a day. This may not be the case for people with specific diseases or underlying health conditions, so it is best to speak to your doctor for specific recommendations.
Magnesium is necessary for your nerve cells and heart cells. The best way to get magnesium is by consuming nuts. Perhaps the next time you eat a salad, sprinkle some on top. If you have a peanut allergy, there are Magnesium supplements that you can get at any pharmacy.
A good sleep schedule can improve your immune system, maintain a healthy weight, and lower the risk of severe health problems, such as diabetes and heart disease. It also helps keep the hormones that regulate hunger in check. With a poor sleep schedule, you are more prone to late-night snacking, which usually consists of sugary, salty, fatty foods. With better sleeping hours, you will boost your immune system and improve your memory. It's an all-around win-win situation!
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As we age, it is increasingly important to be more aware of what we put into our bodies. By doing so, it will be easier to lose weight. It will also lower blood sugar levels, lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and help keep your liver healthy. Add that with drinking more water, getting more sleep, getting the right vitamins, and good exercise, and you are setting yourself up for health long into retirement. Hopefully, with these tips, you can help maintain a healthy metabolism. One that you can enjoy and use to live the rest of your life healthily & happily.