5 Tricks To Lose Weight Faster for Women Over 40

When you look back on your younger days, you feel bad. You ate abundantly, slept erratically and rarely exercised, but despite this, you were slim and trim. Now that you've turned forty, the slim figure remains elusive. The reduction in portion sizes and the abstinence from desserts and fast food only seem to add more pounds instead of melting them.

 Losing weight for women gets hard after a certain age however; a combination of right diet and lifestyle can help any woman maintain her body shape irrespective of her age. Here's a brief on the same.

How is age tied to weight gain? 

As we grow older, our body undergoes a series of changes. Hormonal imbalance is the most important change. Hormones are chemical messengers. They maintain body chemicals at a constant level and thus bring about stability within the body. Hormones act as catalysts and are important for growth, development and energy. They also regulate crucial body functions one of which is metabolism.

With age, there is a decline in the amount of hormones. In case of women, there is a drop in the natural production of estrogen. The decrease in amount of hormones affects metabolism. Thus as a woman approaches menopause, around 40 years, her body burns fewer calories than in her younger days. She gains fat and losses muscle mass.

Weight Loss for Women after 40: 5 Tricks

1. Metabolism Boosting Foods:

Fat-fighting foods boost your metabolism. You should limit high-fat, high-sugar and high-sodium foods. Sodium foods cause water retention in the body while fat and sugar add to fat deposits. You should increase the intake of protein-foods, fiber-foods and water-rich foods. Also, drink plenty of water.

2. Strength-Increasing Foods: 

Most women complain that despite eating the same number of calories their energy level continues to dip as they age. Hormonal imbalance is the primary reason for it. Building strength and endurance is necessary to perform physical activity. In addition to eating metabolism-boosting foods, you should eat foods that will stabilize your energy levels. The examples include foods rich in magnesium such as nuts, whole grains and fish and less sugar foods. Besides, you should eat right to keep your energy tank fueled. You should not diet. Do not skip meals. Instead, eat several smaller meals throughout the day.

3. Underlying Medical Issues: 

Menopausal women suffer varied health issues. High blood pressure, thyroid dysfunction, osteoporosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome are a few to mention. They also suffer psychological problems such as stress, anxiety and depression. In many cases, weight gain is a secondary symptom of these medical issues or certain medications used for it. Diet and exercise will not be able to reduce weight quickly unless the underlying medical issue is treated.

4. Get Adequate Sleep: 

Sleep schedules get erratic with age. It is difficult to get a goodnight's sleep. Inadequate sleep increases hunger. In this manner, sleep is indirectly linked to weight gain. You should sleep well. It will help to build a proper sleep schedule.

5. Exercise - Cardio and Strength Training: 

Diet needs to be supplemented with regular exercise. Cardiovascular exercise routines help initiate weight loss in women over 40. Running, cycling, dancing, swimming and jogging are cardio activities you can enjoy.

 Perform cardiovascular exercises 3 times a week for minimum 20 minutes. Strength training or weight resistance exercises help burn fat by building muscle mass. Activities include squats, lunges, shoulder presses, crunches and arm curls.