How to Lose Weight in a Healthy Way
July 1, 2019Healthy Weight Loss for Seniors
Excess weight is something we shouldn’t ignore, especially when considering the increased risk of high blood pressure, coronary heart disease and other serious diseases and health conditions. When it comes to losing weight, there are plenty of fad diets to shed pounds quickly – but these can leave you feeling tired, hungry and irritable, and can cause more damage to your body than good. With the right plan, losing weight doesn’t have to be unhealthy or a struggle. At The Atrium at Navesink, we’ve pulled together some general tips on how to begin a healthy weight loss journey.
A Few Tips to Losing Weight in a Healthy Way
- Stay Hydrated – Drinking water benefits your body in many ways, including helping to maintain a healthy weight. And, when you drink a glass of water before working out, it’s been found that it can boost your metabolism by 24–30% within an hour to hour and a half period, helping you burn off even more calories.
- Reasonably Limit Carbs and Sugars – Although there’s no need to give up all sweet treats after dinner, enjoy carb- and sugar-heavy food within sensible limits. High blood sugar makes it difficult to shed extra pounds. Find a balanced meal plan that works for you, focusing on fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy and whole grains.
- Keep Moving – Develop an exercise routine that suits your schedule and physical needs, and try different variations of physical activity to ensure a full-body workout throughout the week. If you’re concerned about joint health, low-impact exercises like swimming and brisk walking pack a powerful punch when consistently added to your routine at least three or four times a week. Also, be sure to incorporate strength training into your plans–since muscle is metabolically active, the more muscle mass you have, the faster your metabolism is.
- Don’t Be So Hard on Yourself – No one is able to lose weight overnight. While it’s important to keep your goals in mind throughout this process, you have to also allow yourself room to breathe and enjoy life. The goal is to achieve a healthy body – not to make yourself miserable. So take a break from the gym if your body needs it, or indulge in a cocktail when a friend comes to visit. Moderation is key.
Although these are a few tips to losing weight the healthy way, always consult your doctor before making lifestyle changes. As experts, they can help you form a plan that meets your needs, without jeopardizing any other medical concerns you may have.
Learn How to Stay Healthy at The Atrium at Navesink Harbor
At The Atrium at Navesink Harbor, we offer LivWell, an award-winning, holistic wellness program. One thing that makes LivWell unique is the personalized approach to wellness. As a new resident, you’re invited to create a personal profile using tools such as our questionnaire to ensure we design programming based on your goals. If one of your goals is to lose weight, our staff works with you to explore LivWell activities and programs that can help you meet your goal.
Contact us today to learn more about LivWell or schedule your personal tour.