Staying Healthy In Your Late 40’s

*Before starting anything new related to your health, it’s important to always check with your doctor first.

Do you ever wish you had the metabolism of Usain Bolt on Red Bull? Well, I certainly do, but honestly, I’ve never been one of those lucky girls who can eat whatever she wants without consequence. It could be due to my metabolism, genetics, or the fact that I’m only 4’11, but there’s not much wiggle room for error regarding my diet. I can’t just pick up fast food and eat on the go. My body would retaliate like a vengeful ex, and I’d feel the consequences for days.

It’s a common misconception that being petite automatically means you can eat whatever you want. Trust me, I know from personal experience that it’s not true. I’ve always had to watch what I eat and struggled with my weight. I have to be mindful of what I put in my body and the older I get, the harder it is.

Fitness programs such as Insanity, Peloton, P90x, and Beachbody have gained immense popularity recently. However, it’s important to consider the sustainability of these programs before committing to them. While they may promise quick and impressive results, the intense workouts and strict meal plans they require can be challenging to maintain over an extended period. In addition, these programs demand significant amounts of time and dedication, making them difficult to sustain for some people. It’s me. I am some people.

Understanding that these fitness programs are not a one-size-fits-all solution is crucial. As someone who has tried all these programs except Peloton, I found them unsustainable for my lifestyle. It was too much like exercise and I didn’t enjoy it. Therefore, finding an exercise and diet routine that suits your unique needs and circumstances is important. By doing so, you can maintain a healthy lifestyle in the long term without the risk of quitting before starting.

I have discovered that I like long walks on the greenway, jumping rope, deadlifts, and mat Pilates, which I learned after trying different programs. It’s worth exploring various fitness programs and finding the best one for you. Don’t know where to start? Just get out there and try them all. You can discover the exercises and routines that make you happy and healthy.

As women get older, our metabolism starts to move like the line at the DMV. It’s like our bodies are saying, “Hey, let’s slow down now, we’ve earned a break.” But our appetites are still in overdrive! So, we’re stuck with the challenge of finding new and creative ways to burn calories and stay fit.

Between the hormonal changes, eating too much, eating too little, and sitting behind a desk all day, it’s a wonder we are able to maintain our health and well-being.! But don’t you worry, with some determination, self-love, and a visit to the right healthcare professional, we can still rock those skinny jeans like nobody’s business.

At the ripe age of 43, I found myself on a one-way trip to Flab City. Despite all my Zumba and strength training, I was still carrying extra weight and feeling as energetic as a sloth in a hammock. And to add insult to injury, my sex drive had packed up and left the building. Talk about feeling defeated and depressed.

I went to my GP for answers, but all they could offer were some vitamin D and iron supplements. Yeah, because that’s going to fix everything! So, I did some digging and talked with my girlfriends about what I was experiencing. One of them suggested I get a comprehensive baseline lab workup. Yippee! That’s when I discovered the root of my problems: hypothyroidism, low testosterone, and borderline diabetes.

To get back on track, I decided to go on a medically supervised diet. I also did a basal metabolic rate test to see how many calories I was burning. This test told me exactly how many calories I needed to lose weight. After a host of additional tests and an EKG I started a low-carb/high-fat diet and began meds for my various deficiencies. I even started hormone replacement therapy. I LOVE TESTOSTERONE!!!!!!!! After a year, my thyroid meds were changed, and my diet was changed to low carb/low fat. I felt even better.

Although I was a pescatarian for over 20 years, I craved Chick-fil-A and filet mignon with carmelized onions and blue cheese crumbles. Make it make sense. I couldn’t take it any longer, so I decided to go to Chick-fil-A for nuggets. It was the best meal I’ve ever eaten in a parking lot. Today, I eat a lot salmon/chicken salads, organic free-range chicken, grass-fed beef, and non-starchy vegetables. I regularly test my levels to ensure my health is in check, and I am thrilled with the results!

At 48 years old, I feel like I have a good grasp on my health. I prioritize maintaining a healthy diet, keeping my hormones balanced, staying well-hydrated, taking both multivitamins and vitamin D supplements, and ensuring that I get quality sleep. Additionally, I highly recommend trying magnesium if you haven’t already. I have found that it helps me wake up feeling refreshed.

Well I hope you enjoyed my journey to staying healthy after 40. It can be hard to find time in your busy schedule, but I also know how important it is to take care of yourself! Again, I’m not a medical professional. I am simply sharing what has worked for me. If there are tips that have helped you or if you have any questions about what I’ve written, please let me know in the comments section below!

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