Healthy Weight loss using diet, nutrition & movement!

Hi Mama Yoga,

I am a woman who is “slightly” over 40, and I want to lose weight! I must admit I have not exercised since having my last child 7 years ago, and I feel tired and wore out all the time. Can you provide any suggestions that might help me get started? Juicy Mother wants her sexy back.

Dear Juicy Mother,

Well my dear ain’t nothing wrong with being a “little” juicy, but I get your point. The first thing I would do is have your medical doctor give you the green light for exercise. This can be assessed during a routine physical. In addition, ask your doctor to request a lab report to check your hormonal levels. Often, when a person reaches 35 years and over hormone levels which produce energy, stamina, and  the motivation to get things done has decreased.

Once it has been determined that you healthy enough to exercise, I suggest that you start by walking! Walking is one of the most active “whole-body” exercises that a person can participate in. Then try water aerobics, or some other form of aerobics that has both low and high impact modifications for beginners and advances. You might even want to hire a personal trainer, however, make sure that the PT can provide a “person specific” regimen and not a “cookie cutter” routine that doesn’t take into account your specific needs. The thing about exercising is that you have to do something that you enjoy or you will have less of a chance of sticking with it, so explore and try new routines, but go at your pace.

What is surprising to most people is that 80% of being fit and healthy is diet. What a person eats is nearly the most important factor in over all Well-being. Take an honest look at your diet. How much fast food do you eat per week? How many sweet treats are you indulging? Sugar is one of the main foods that can drain the body of energy and vitality. How often do you eat uncooked, unprocessed fruits and vegetables? If you are falling short in any of these areas, change your diet to include 60% fresh fruits and vegetables (more uncooked the better), 20% protein and 10% healthy carbohydrates, (whole grains from brown rice, barley, sweet potatoes, etc…). Eliminate ALL white food products or “refined” foods from your diet, (white sugar, white flour, white rice etc…), as all refined food products have been stripped of the nutrients that complement good health and nutrition. Our First Lady Michelle Obama has created a wonderful resource for healthy living. You can access the link to “MYPLATE.GOV” at http://www.choosemyplate.gov . At this site I you can find more information that will accommodate not only healthy weight loss but an increase in a healthy lifestyle. Remember “Your Good Health is Your Wealth”, Mama Yoga

Send your health & wellness related question to Ask Mama Yoga at mamayogawellness@gmail.com * or Blog at http://askmamayoga.blogspot.com/ The Ask Mama Yoga” column is not intended to replace or serve as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional.