Middle Age Spread Dilemma

April 7, 2007 | By Marie In Health |

Let’s get real for a moment, the older we get, the wider we spread. Is this a fact? Is exercising and dieting not enough to avoid this middle age spread? Weight loss experts say that it has something to do with metabolism. Below are some ways on how you can help speed up your metabolism when you reach middle age.

Diet: Maybe the most essential key to keeping your metabolism at a higher rate is to consume low-fat foods. Combined with strong doses of protein such as fish, and leafy green vegetables, a healthy and balanced diet is the best method in which you can burn fat and gain additional energy. Leans meats, chicken and low-fat dairy products can be helpful in burning calories. While it is true that not everyone’s metabolism is the same, it is also true you can maintain the same metabolic rate in middle age as you did in your early adult years. A proper diet is the key.

Exercise: The most important ingredient in boosting your metabolic rate is to increase muscle mass - this burns more calories - and, at the same time, reduces your body fat. This is not to say you should pump up your muscles to such an extent that you redefine your body image; but it is a well known fact that without exercise, you lose muscle not fat. Therefore, if you want to avoid the middle age spread, start an exercise program which is geared for you. Try walking 20 minutes a day, and work up to a mile or more. If you like swimming, this is another very healthy exercise which can lose those pounds. More importantly, these exercises speed up your metabolism which yield a higher rate of return. In other words, more calories will be burned after your exercise routine is over.

Emotional Well-Being: Try your very best to stay stress-free. Using yoga will not only improve your emotional state, but your physical being as well. Sometimes, we end up eating more when stressed or depressed. Maintaining a balance within will stop you from eating and snacking unnecessarily.

Even if the battle of minimizing the middle age spread seems to be hard to win, it doesn’t have to be. Work out and stick to a healthy diet and try your best to burn those calories. This way, the only spread you’ll worry about is that jam you place on your whole-wheat toast in the morning.