For those in their 40s seeking to lose weight, starting can be challenging.
However, several effective methods can help you achieve a healthy weight and feel more confident. Here are three tips to help you get started with your weight loss journey.
1. Reduce Refined Carbs
Cutting back on refined carbs has many health benefits, especially when it comes to weight loss. Refined carbs are foods like cookies, cakes, pastries, candies, fast foods, breaded or battered foods, sugary cereals, pastas, bagels, pizza, sugar-sweetened beverages, and the list goes on.
Cut back on these foods as much as you can. Refined carbs are absorbed into the bloodstream quickly, causing spikes in blood sugar and insulin levels. Many of the foods are highly addictive, but the more you wean yourself off of them, the easier it is to stay away.
2. Downsize Your Portions
Meal portions in North American are getting bigger and bigger, and if we’re not careful, our households are going to massively overeat.
This is especially dangerous for women over 40 since your metabolism is slowing down and your body uses fewer calories to get through daily activities.
Some of the best ways to avoid overeating?
- Meal prep and use portion control containers to stick to suggested servings
- Share restaurant meals, especially if they’re large portions
- Eat slowly and stop when you feel satisfied
- Don’t just eat to eat – eat when you’re actually hungry
3. Increase Your Fiber
Consuming adequate fiber is a great way to manage your weight in your 40s. You should be eating at least 25 grams of fiber a day to reap the benefits. Fiber helps with your digestive health, disease prevention, weight control, and foods high in fiber help you feel full for longer.
To increase your fiber, eat foods such as lentils, black beans, peas, broccoli, raspberries, pears and oatmeal.