How to lose weight and feel awesome (Even at middle age!)

Keeping our bodies fit and our minds healthy even at middle age is easier than it seems. Keeping up with kids, stress at work and caring for aging parents take a toll on the way we take care of ourselves. Exercising the mind and body will not only have great short term effects but will also last into our senior years, especially if it becomes a long term routine.

1. Stretching- It keeps your body toned and able to keep up with a broad range of activities from playing with your kids to gardening. A little goes a long way too; 15 minutes of stretching everyday will keep up your range of motion and your body active.

2. Puzzles- Exercise is not just for your body. Spending time doing word puzzles, will keep your brain sharp and helps prevent Alzheimers in old age.

3. Reading- Curling up with a good book will actually force you to set apart some time quiet and alone which will decrease stress and

also stimulate the brain. Reading a book with a group or a friend will also give you a chance for some great conversation.

4. Walking- Not only will walking give you physical exercise, it will also exercise your brain. Walking for 45 minutes a day, 4 days a week will increase blood flow to the brain making it healthier and stronger.

5. Drinking a Glass of Wine- It will lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and help keep your bones strong.

6. Developing Relationships- This will keep you young at heart and lowers stress. Have a chat on the phone, go on a picnic, start a family heirloom project with people you love…feeling awesome isn’t just about staying physically healthy!

7. Drinking Water- Staying hydrated is the first step to keeping your body in working order. It’s also the zero calorie beverage. Swap out the soda, tea or juice drinks at each meal and just watch the weight drop.

8. Developing a Hobby- Learning a new skill or developing an old one will give your brain a good workout and will give you something to feel good about. Try planting a small vegetable or flower garden, scrapbook your kids photos that have piled up in boxes or in files on your computer, volunteer, or  learn a language.

9. Swimming- How many little old ladies do you see at the gym in their bathing suits and goggles doing laps around the pool? Swimming is the ultimate low-impact exercise because the water is easy on joints and aching bodies that make it difficult to run on a treadmill or go for long periods of time on the elliptical. Your heart rate is constantly going and the water resistance is great for toning muscles. Combined with daily stretching, swimming will get you ready for bathing suit weather in no time.

10. Cycling- Not just at the gym. Get on an actual bicycle and roam around your neighborhood. Take your kids and make it a family affair. Cycling is a great way to get your heart rate up and will keep your endurance up. Make cycling a 2-in-1 if you are at the gym and bring a book along for the ride!

It’s always hard to find time, but if losing weight is your goal, consider all of the factors that keep one healthy…body and mind. Of course, healthy meals are a big part of staying healthy too!

Mariel, MagicKitchen.com Blogger