How to approach weight loss after your 30s

The Healthy Diary

A lot of women ask me why their approach to weight loss isn’t working anymore. They were able to manage their weight in their younger years, but now in their thirties, forties and older, those strategies no longer work for them.

Many women in this age group find that what used to work for them in their twenties no longer produces the same results. So today I’m sharing some key factors that impact weight loss for women over 30 and how you can approach weight loss in a healthy and sustainable way.

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can impact our weight loss journey. Factors such as lifestyle and priorities, muscle mass loss, hormonal changes, and stress play a significant role in how our bodies respond to diet and exercise. For women over 30, understanding these challenges is the first step towards developing an effective weight loss strategy.

Lifestyle and Priorities

As you get older, your lifestyle and priorities are naturally going to change. With increased responsibilities, children and sedentary jobs, we tend to become less active than we were in our younger days. Finding time for self-care and exercise is a challenge for many women, but with some planning, you can make it a priority.

Muscle Loss

As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can lead to a decrease in metabolism. Incorporating resistance training and a high-protein diet can help preserve muscle mass and support your weight loss efforts.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, especially during perimenopause and menopause, can impact the way your body responds to energy in and out. The symptoms of hormonal changes can also disrupt sleep, which has a spiralling effect on your appetite, making you feel more hungry and crave more carbohydrates. At this stage in your life, it’s important to prioritise your hormonal health through food and lifestyle choices.

Stress

Unfortunately, our society has normalised stress as being something we all live with each day but chronic stress can sabotage your weight loss efforts. When you’re stressed, you’re more likely to develop unhealthy eating habits and disrupted sleep patterns. Make sure you take this aspect into consideration and put strategies in place to help you unwind your nervous system in a healthy way.

Approaching Weight Loss After 30

When it comes to weight loss for women over 30, a holistic approach focusing on overall health and sustainability is key. Rather than just focusing on the number on the scales and your physical appearance, choose sustainability over speed. Crash diets will only lead to further weight gain and more stress on your body.

Other aspects to consider after 30 are incorporating regular resistance training, prioritising quality sleep, and adopting a high-protein diet. These factors can help to enhance your metabolism and support muscle mass preservation.

It’s also important to shift your mentality from “all or nothing” to focusing on consistency. Things will happen in life, your schedule will be interrupted, and your plans will have to change and that’s okay. Remember, it's not just about losing weight; it's about gaining vitality, confidence, and longevity. Embrace the journey, prioritise your overall health, and you will begin to see lasting results.

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