Over the years, I have discovered there are certain pieces of common sense that apply to our weight and overall health.

Whether we want to lose or gain weight, we cannot ignore these facts. That is, unless we want to bury our heads in the sand, or we have discovered the secret to Eternal Youth and still have the body we had when we were 18!

The Two Major Weight Experiences

As we advance in years, we experience two major events that have to do with body weight. One is loss of hormones which leads to thickening around the waist, growth of beard and/or mustache, changes in the hair, etc.

The other one is slowing metabolism, which includes all of the above and adds larger feet, tiredness, a bigger bust, dry skin, and more. In other words, there are some things we cannot change because they will happen anyway, and it becomes a question of degree.

Christmas and General Celebrations

You may not be thinking about Christmas right now – and in fact we hope you aren’t – but you know what will happen when it arrives. The same thing that happens when you have a birthday or an anniversary or a celebration of any kind. The table is loaded with food!

If you go to the gym regularly, it usually gets abandoned, and, for whatever reason, you’re eating habits may change on the special day and continue that way afterward.

Here are eight small things to remember that will help you combat food overload.

You Are Unique

If you go to a gym (or have signed up to an online do-it-at-home program) and the 21-year-old girl with the 21-year-old body instructs you to do something, it doesn’t mean the exercise is right for you. Understand your limitations which are there for a reason.

You may not have exercised for a while, so take it easy when you start. You may have arthritis which is worse some days than others. You’re a big girl now and can decide what is right for you and what isn’t. The 21-year-old may sulk, but that’s not your problem.

Weight Loss Is Not Always a Good Thing

If you’re sacrificing your health to shed weight, the loss can be dangerous. Remember, a drop on the scales doesn’t necessarily equal fat loss. Your weight is a terrible way to measure your size.

Throw the bathroom scales out of the window. The only thing they’re measuring correctly is how bad you feel. Use photos and measurements to track your progress and keep an eye on your stats. You will see real results and feel terrific about yourself!

Health Is a Lifestyle

If you choose to undertake a body transformation program, don’t forget that what gets you started may not be the one that will keep you going.

You cannot limit a healthy lifestyle to a 30-day d.i.e.t. Instead, consider easing into a healthy lifestyle with sensible eating and perhaps yoga to keep you supple, stretched, and energised!

Sleep

Why do we forget the importance of sleep? Easily as important as the food you eat and the exercise you do, a good night’s sleep can improve your health mentally, physically, and emotionally.

If you don’t sleep well, there are many tips that can help you get a good night’s sleep. Try magnesium or valerian, natural and designed to help you get a healthy eight hours of slumber.

Stop Cutting Calories

Cutting calories will only slow your metabolism, lower your energy levels, and increase your appetite! Cutting back on food volume is the sensible way to go. If necessary, use smaller plates. It will make a huge difference.

Take Your Weight Less Seriously

Having an anxiety attack over what to eat or a missed training session is doing you more harm than good. If planning food for the week is too tiresome a chore, follow a plan with menu options.

If you don’t lose those 10 kilos in the first 6 weeks, ask yourself how long it took you to gain those 10 kilos to begin with!

Slow Down

Achieving your health goals will never happen quickly. There will be no instant gratification on this one and yes, you will have setbacks and plateaus. But you know that even slow progress is progress.

Start Thinking in Outcomes

A ‘naughty’ meal or a missed yoga class will not destroy your health. Feeling like a failure for eating Chocolate or Chocolate Chip Ice Cream will. Guilt is a dangerous emotion. Never feel guilty, just enjoy your treats while you can!

How do you keep tabs on your size if there is too much celebration happening in your life? We love to hear about the exercise and eating habits of others, so please, share yours with us.