Before I proceed, let me remind seniors all over the world that losing weight is neither easy nor instant. I would like to think of it as an adapted lifestyle in which you should leave behind bad habits to embrace a life that is healthy—bland food and all! Problem is, we only face this problem when it is already in front of us, staring back like an ugly monster. I, for one, am guilty of this. There were days when I’d rather stay at home and sleep than run my usual mile just because: it’s too hot or too dark outside; my running shoes gave up or I’m having a bad-knee-day. Fast forward and I’ll have 3 days of useless procrastination, only to find myself staring at those awfully huge thighs screaming “RUN!!”. Even though, the ever loyal partner would say that I appear no different from the other day, I swear, that guilty feeling always kills me!
So for the benefit of seniors who would like to lose weight, actually maintain it and manage to keep sanity intact, here are my 10 easy ways to lose weight:
·    Don’t be obsessed with that weighing scale! Actually, you don’t have to do it everyday. Weigh yourself every single morning and it’ll definitely drive you crazy! Pressure is not good when trying to lose weight. Bottom line is, relax and just do what you can to lose weight—not your mind.
·    No fad diets. Most of the time, they are very dangerous for your health, especially those which promise instant results. Based on my very extensive record of losing weight, no fad diet is ever doable and maintainable except if you are a model aiming for a stick-thin figure. Fad diets are crazy, and you know it. They will only ruin your good fitness program.
·    Accept that there will never be a shortcut for losing weight. It’s always a combination of exercise and diet. All you can do is make it fun and somehow, “stickable”.
·    It’s okay to “break the commandment” sometimes. It is impossible to totally give up the habits you love especially if they make you happy. Indulge yourself when you feel the urge, just don’t let that throw you off the fitness track.
·    Seek help. Losing weight can be a battle for most seniors but with supportive people cheering for you, you’ll be able to fully adjust to your newfound lifestyle in no time!
·    Be conscious of the food you eat. The first few weeks are the most crucial as probably you are not used to healthy options. Always stay on guard during these times.
·    Being healthy is not all about losing weight. It’s training the body to keep age-related, as well as lifestyle diseases at bay.
·    Never consider losing weight as a task or a problem to be solved. A problem, when solved, you stop exerting effort for it. On the other hand, staying healthy is a lifelong commitment to yourself.
·    Stop blaming outside forces for your poor choices in life. You have gotten fat because you ate too much and moved a little for a very long time.  In other words, you let yourself go, it’s time you take responsibility for your actions.
·    Don’t give up. So what if you are not seeing results? Just as long as you feel good about it, there’s no reason for you to stop. Never stop challenging yourself!