As you approach your forties, weight loss by the usual tricks doesn’t just work out. A few lifestyle changes you had implemented in your 20s to lose weight won’t tilt the scales in your favor. At this age, there are several natural factors that seem to work against your best laid weight loss plans. As you get older, you tend to become less active, which makes it all the more difficult to knock off the ever-accumulating pounds.

Factors that affect weight loss

You might wonder why it becomes more difficult to lose weight as you grow older, but there are scientific reasons as to why this occurs. Firstly, your metabolic rate decreases i.e. once you cross the threshold of forty, then every decade after forty (fifty, sixty, etc), your metabolic rate reduces by 5%. In simple terms, though you consume the same quantity of food, you won’t be able to burn your calories in the same proportion.

Thyroid is another major obstacle in your weight loss regime. Thyroid issues crop up as you get older and it is an impediment to faster metabolism. Thirdly, you tend to lose muscle mass pretty rapidly. Muscle mass is very important in losing weight. It is a well-known fact that muscled people can lose calories easily as compared to others because, muscles contribute to a faster metabolism rate.

What you should be doing?

Though a bit difficult, you could still successfully chalk out a plan for losing weight. A few essential changes like watching what you eat, exercising and hiring a personal trainer will go a long way in helping you lose weight. If you are in your forties and are looking to shed that excess flab, then here are some tips that you could follow.

Watch how and what you eat

Do not simply cut down your food intake. Drastic changes in your daily diet will adversely impact your health. Instead, consume a balanced diet that has all the vital nutrients to keep your body fit. Have small portions of food and eat them slowly. When you eat slowly, you tend to evaluate whether you are full or not thereby preventing overeating.

Switch to low-calorie foods

Substitute your junk food with nutritious food that is low on calories. Instead of having pizzas, burgers and other fatty foods, start eating fresh fruits and vegetables. They are rich in fiber and keep you full even though you have a small portion. These low-calorie foods help in metabolic activity.

Exercise daily

A daily exercise regime helps you stay active which is directly proportional to your metabolic activity. Allot 30 minutes every day for exercises. You need not do complex exercises. Start with simple exercises and gradually go to the next level.

Go for strength training

It is very important to have ample muscle mass. Go for strength training exercises to build those muscles. You need to do strength training at least twice a week. Hire a personal trainer to help you train for these exercises.

Dan Clay is the owner of Dangerously Fit Boot Camp. If you would like to sign up for a free session with a Personal Trainer St George or for a free boot camp trial, visit Personal Trainers Sydney.

Dan Clay is the owner of Dangerously Fit Boot Camp. If you would like to sign up for a free session with a http://bootcampsydney.com.au/personal-trainer-st-george.html Personal Trainer St George or for a free http://bootcampsydney.com.au/ boot camp trial, visit http://www.personaltrainersydney.com/ Personal Trainers Sydney.

Author Bio: Dan Clay is the owner of Dangerously Fit Boot Camp. If you would like to sign up for a free session with a Personal Trainer St George or for a free boot camp trial, visit Personal Trainers Sydney.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: Personal Trainer St George