How we lose body fat in midlife is different than when we’re younger. We can’t do the same things we did and get the same results because WE are not the same.
Strength training - at least 3x per week to build fat burning muscle: One reason strength training burns body fat during midlife is due to its ability to increase muscle mass. As we age, our metabolism tends to slow down, leading to a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat. Strength training, however, helps counteract this by building lean muscle tissue.
Muscle tissue is more metabolically active than fat tissue, meaning it burns more calories even at rest. So, as you increase your muscle mass through strength training, your body becomes more efficient at burning calories throughout the day, including burning stored body fat for energy. Additionally, strength training can also boost your metabolism in the hours following your workout, further enhancing fat loss during midlife.
Do “some” cardio - 40-60 minutes per week is good and prevents elevated cortisol: cardio exercise has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic efficiency, which can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote the body's ability to use stored fat as fuel. This improvement in metabolic health can facilitate fat loss, particularly during midlife when hormonal changes and metabolic slowdown may make weight management more challenging.
Eat whole food - prevents inflammation weight gain: the nutrient density of whole foods supports overall metabolic health, which is crucial for efficient fat burning. Adequate intake of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients from whole foods helps optimize metabolic processes, including those involved in energy metabolism and fat oxidation.
Be in a slight calorie deficit - but not forever to avoid metabolic adaptation: During midlife, metabolic rate may naturally decrease due to factors such as hormonal changes and decreased muscle mass. Therefore, being in a slight caloric deficit can help counteract this metabolic slowdown by ensuring that your body is not taking in more energy than it needs for daily functions and activities.
Aim for consistency - repetition is better than perfection when building healthy habits: consistency builds discipline and mental resilience, which are essential for overcoming obstacles and staying committed to your fat loss goals during midlife and beyond.
Trust the process - progress takes time: trusting the process promotes a positive mindset, reducing stress and emotional eating tendencies that can impede fat loss efforts. This psychological aspect is particularly important during midlife when hormonal fluctuations and life stressors may influence weight management.
What part do you struggle with the most? Maybe I can help!
