Whew, we’ve been waiting for this news for a long time, so let’s examine an article that I found in the (Connecticut Post: Bridgeport, Conn: October 12, 2010).
What’s an older person to do? You still want to feel good and you still want to look good, but it is literally impossible to keep your weight down as your body chemistry changes and your metabolism slows. Women are as weight conscious at 92 as they were at 29 or 19.
Oh the struggle for that elusive ideal weight! The anonymous author admitted that we live in a weight challenged society. America has a love affair with being very young and very thin. Our culture does not embrace normal sized people. We have unrealistic versions of real people. Ads for super builds, no wrinkles, no cellulite, no sagging, and no bagging, bombard us from every direction. Magazines covers are filled with pictures and stories about people gaining and losing weight. How many people do you know that look like super models?
The author suggests that you just can’t win. Studies and the media tell us that we have to lose weight, or do you? Well maybe. Reporters tell us that there is an epidemic of obesity in this county, but surely there must be a middle ground somewhere. The latest research now tells us that when it comes to older people, it is healthier to be a little chubby.
For the average “chubby” person the risk of death was actually less than it was for super thin people. Dieting is not the answer. For the average person, who struggles with weight fluctuations but who is not actually obese, strategies other than dieting are the key for healthy living.
Find out what is a healthy weight for you. You can calculate your body weight right down to the tiniest kilogram or you can ask your doctor. If your weight is in the safe zone you can consider some other options. The author suggests that a lower weight or a smaller dress size doesn’t matter much if your life span is shortened.
Recommendations for a healthier weight and a healthier lifestyle:
- Eat smaller portions more frequently.
- No between meal snacks other than fruits and vegetables.
- Switch to low fat dairy, skip butter or other rich spreads, drink water and avoid fried foods. Smaller meat portions, lots of vegetables and alcohol in moderation only. Identify your trouble areas (that scoop of ice cream before going to bed) and try to get a handle on it. Maybe a half portion at first. As long as you do not GAIN weight you are okay.
- Yes, you have to exercise, even if your knees hurt. Exercise is important for longevity, but even the smallest regular exercise will help.
Before embarking on a weight loss program, be sure you need it. Very obese may be harmful, but slightly larger is beautiful.
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