Things You SHOULD Be Doing For Your Health in Your 50s
Where are all my ladies 50 and older? As a 56 year old woman, I get the things you struggle with as you age (or go through during menopause). I’VE BEEN THERE! Lack of energy, increased belly fat, decreased muscle tone and achy joints. Sister, I SEE YOU! And I’m here to tell you there is hope for you as you age. It is GREAT to be alive!
Here’s the thing, you CAN make progress, take small steps that build up to a sustainable lifestyle. And I’m going to let you in on a little secret of the daily habits I do to feel good.
Here are five healthy lifestyle habits to begin today
Lift weights
Lifting weights is so important as we age. Not only to build lean muscle, but also to help keep your metabolism healthy and functioning properly. Maintaining muscle mass will help you take on all of life’s daily tasks with ease, like walking up the stairs, lifting heavy boxes, and getting on the ground to play with your grandkids.
Drink enough water
Make hydration a priority daily. I always say to aim for at least half of your body weight in ounces of water. EX: If you weigh 160 lbs, divide that by 2 (which gives you 80), meaning to aim for at least 80 oz of water per day. Water helps give you an instant metabolism boost, keeps organs functioning properly and even helps keep joints lubricated. Want to get a jumpstart on your hydration? I always say to hydrate before you caffeinate. That means before you enjoy your morning coffee, drink a tall glass of water. I always keep a glass of water in my bathroom and drink it before I go to the kitchen in the morning.
Enjoy whole foods
Good nutrition truly must be the foundation of it all. Focus on fueling your body with MORE whole foods, and LESS processed foods. What are whole foods, you may ask? Anything that comes from the ground or has a mother. Think fruits, veggies, healthy carbs (oats, potatoes, rice), and protein. Processed foods often include unhealthy levels of sugar, chemicals, preservatives, sodium and fat so they taste better, and have a longer shelf life. Those snack crackers or cookies you like to enjoy? Read the ingredients, notice just how many artificial chemicals/preservatives are inside of them! Yikes! Next time you’re shopping, check the back of the box. I always say if you’re going to buy processed foods, aim for items with as few ingredients as possible.
Move your body
I’m going to let you in on a little secret… Hours on the elliptical or treadmill is NOT what your 50+ body needs. You need a strategic plan. Aim for 30 minutes of movement daily. Not quite on a workout routine? That’s OK! Start finding places during your day to incorporate MORE movement. Take the stairs, walk to the end of the driveway, do some squats while you wait for your dinner to finish cooking.
Get sunshine every day
Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, is so important for your overall health. Did you know vitamin D helps your body maintain calcium and prevents brittle thin bones? It’s true! That’s why prioritizing soaking in sun can be good for your bone health, which is important as we age!
Sister, I want to empower and encourage you today to take action on your health. Nothing will change if you don’t take action. Just because you are aging and your body is experiencing changes, it does not mean that this is the end for you. You can still make progress, and yes THRIVE as you age!!!
If you’re reading this and you’re ready to feel better, to live with energy as you age, I want to invite you to a special 50+ round of the FASTer Way kicking off November 14.
Have any questions? Want to chat? Let’s connect! Feel free to shoot me a message here. We can hop on the phone or chat. I want to encourage you on your journey. You’re not without hope!