Weight Loss Over 35: How to Find Middle-Age Success

Remember when you were younger, the days of giving up meat for Lent and dropping 15 pounds by Easter? How about switching from regular soda to diet, and wondering where those last 10 pounds flew off to? Think of them fondly, for those days are long gone once you turn 35. You've got to change the way you think about your body and weight loss, so that you can change your body!

Tip #1: Do what you know

Long-term weight loss requires a combination of diet and exercise. Most of us already know this; it's not difficult to remember. It's just difficult to do. Examining (and shrinking) portions of food, giving up French fries for the occasional apple, and skipping dessert or that second glass of wine every once in a while requires a lot more self-awareness, personal responsibility and self-control than most people want to spend. But hey, isn't that the great thing about passing 30? You finally have a real sense of self-control and self-awareness that is lacking in many people younger than you. This can work in your favor. Take advantage of it.

Tip # 2: Less food in, more energy out

The second part of reaching your weight loss goals is exercise. Don't run away-- come back here and read the rest of this article! Hmmm, is all your running metaphorical these days? Probably so, what with kids and work and stress and no more long nights of dancing (where did all the good dance music go, anyway?). Make yourself move. Join a gym or buy some free weights, get an old treadmill off of craigslist, walk with a friend, anything! At this age, the extra weight isn't going to burn out-- you've got to get the fat to fade away. That means regular exercise-and by regular I mean 5 or more days a week-every week.

Tip #3: Loreal's right, you're worth it

You've reached-or passed-that milestone birthday. The one you ignored almost completely, the one that made you wonder how much you really look like your mother (or dad). Your hair color is purchased, you spend most days tired and dragging, and even though you think you've given up plenty of the little food-and-drink treats you used to give yourself, the weight just isn't coming off. It's time to stop dieting and exercising like it doesn't matter (the old something-is-better-than-nothing-even-if-it-does-nothing-for-me approach). It's time to invest in you.

Tip #4: Talk to yourself

You are worth thirty minutes a day of exercise you enjoy (or can put up with). You are worth more water and veggies, because they will make you feel better. You're worth sit-down meals, not sitting down in your car meals. You are worth investing time and energy into. Repeat this everyday until you wake up ready to invest in yourself.

Tip #5: Remember the lessons of your youth

A long time ago, when you were learning to walk, you fell down a lot. How in the world did you ever master the art of moving your legs properly while upright? You kept getting back up until you didn't fall over anymore. Take that lesson to heart. Some days you won't get out and do anything. That's okay, as long as it isn't everyday. Some days you will go back to the birthday cake two, three, or even four times (just for a little more icing). That's okay, as long as the next day doesn't include five trips to the buffet line. Keep getting back on track with diet and exercise until you've reached your goal weight.

Being over 35 has many benefits. It can be a great and empowering time in your life. One thing it is not, however, is a time of rapid weight loss without effort. Cut down on portions, cut down on sugar, increase movement, and increase it every day. Combine forces, just like the Wonder Twins, and use diet and exercise together. They are an unbeatable combination!