How to Lose Weight When You Are 57 Years Old

You might think that because you are growing older, you have to submit to the effects of your slowing metabolism. Feelings of lethargy, gaining weight without a change in diet and an overall sense of poor health come with age if you are not proactive in keeping yourself healthy. Losing weight at 57 or older can be a challenge, but the mental and physical benefits of keeping the weight off and maintaining an active lifestyle are not so far out of reach. With a few changes to your eating and exercise habits, you will be feeling healthy, fit and youthful in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Journal
• Vitamins
• Exercise buddy

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Instructions

• 1

  Writing down what you eat every day gives you a clearer picture of your overall diet.

  Keep a food log. Writing down what you eat and when you eat it allows you to get a general picture of your nutrition. Do you snack mindlessly throughout the day? Is your diet composed primarily of fresh fruits and vegetables or processed foods? Notice the trends and replace bad habits with good ones.

• 2

  Cut calories. Start by eliminating or eating less of foods with empty calories, like soda or candy. Replacing sugary drinks with fresh fruit or vegetable juices, and processed snacks with carrots or apple slices are simple ways to improve your nutritional habits. As you progress, cut down on your portion sizes. One portion of any dish should be about the size of your fist.

• 3

  Fresh fruit is a healthy snack that keeps your metabolism going.

  Eat small meals throughout the day. Snacking on healthy foods at regular intervals helps your metabolism to stay consistent and work more efficiently. Keeping your metabolism at a consistent level will allow your body to burn calories at a regular rate, rather than slowing down at varying times throughout the day.

• 4

  Finding an exercise routine you enjoy helps keep you on track.

  Exercise daily. Start out with at least 30 minutes of exercise a day and add minutes in increments, as you feel ready. Walking is considered a low-impact and easy way to boost your cardiovascular health and burn calories without taking too much effort.

• 5

  A workout partner can help keep you motivated.

  Find a buddy. Having someone to exercise with or to try new, healthy recipes with helps keep your morale up and can keep an exercise routine fun and exciting.

• 6

  Vitamins keep your body functioning at its best.

  Take supplemental vitamins. As you get older, losing weight isn't just about counting calories; it includes overall health, too. By keeping your body healthy overall, you will be able to function at your best.

• 7

  Water helps control hunger while keeping you hydrated.

  Drink a lot of water. Remaining hydrated helps flush out toxins and keeps you feeling full, stemming those hunger pangs.