 |
Middle Aged Metabolism and Weight Control
Author: Leeann Simons  | Posted: 08-01-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 2 | Rating: (50)  (?) 
 Copyright (c) 2008 At Peace With Food
As I was lying on the ground the other day, having slipped on the ice while walking our beloved pet, I was wondering yet again about this whole ?new middle age? idea. I was lying there thinking ?if I was in my 30?s, would I really be thinking about calling my husband and asking him to pick me up, because my back hurt? Or would I simply get my 30+ year old body up and keep walking??
What I finally did was pick up my 50+ year old body and kept walking, but it was at a much slower pace.
This whole idea of my 50?s being more like being in my 30?s intrigues me. In many ways, we 50+ folks are indeed in better health than our parents were. Our access to health care, for many of us, is much better, so medically we can take better care of ourselves. The concept of ?personal trainer? was unheard of twenty-five years ago, as was the idea of belonging to a gym. Many of our parents couldn't even consider making time for a daily walk.
We are lucky, though, because so many of us are able to include these benefits into our lives, allowing us to be a much healthier generation.
However, some things haven?t changed. As we age, our metabolism still slows down, which is why we tend to gain weight as we age. Metabolism refers to the rate at which the body burns calories. There are many factors affecting what is called our ?metabolic rate,? including height (tall people burn more calories than short folks), fasting (that?s why skipping meals is not a good way to lose weight-your metabolism slows down) and temperature. When it is colder outside, we require more calories to stay warm, to keep our internal body temperature at 98.6 degrees. I suppose one way to lose weight would be to run around naked in the cold. However, I?m not sure how long this ?diet? would last before your neighbors call the police.
The point is that we cannot control many of the factors affecting our metabolic rate, including age (young, middle or old). ((Activity, however, is one factor we can control. When you are active, you?re body can build muscle. Muscle is referred to as a more metabolically active tissue because it takes more calories to maintain muscle than to maintain fat. Fat is a lazy tissue, and can get along without any help on our part. But muscle? There?s a different story. Muscles use more calories to do their job, so the more muscles you build, the more calories your body uses. And that?s why, as we age, we need to stay active. To keep fat from accumulating, we need to build our muscles, and maintain their tone. Walking is one important activity I rely on to keep my metabolism up. Others enjoy lifting weights. As long as you have worked with an experienced trainer making sure you don?t injure yourself, increased muscle mass is definitely a benefit of this activity. Being active raises your metabolic rate, increasing the number of calories you burn while preventing fat tissue from growing.
So whether you are lying on the ice wondering how to get up, or stuck in a couch wondering how to get out, think about staying active. It?s the activity that will make moving around (and preventing weight gain) a lot easier-at any age.
Rate this Article:
Current: 0 / 5 stars - 0 vote(s).
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/middle-aged-metabolism-and-weight-control-298647.html
About the Author:Leeann Simons has over 20 years of experience in the field of nutrition. She received her Master's Degree in Nutrition Science at Penn State University. As a Registered Dietician (R.D.), Leeann has worked as an outpatient dietitian for Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, as well as a private consultant to various organizations including fitness groups and hospice care. She teaches nutrition, human biology, and immunology at a college level. Leeann lives with her husband in Auburndale, MA and has two sons.
|
Submitting articles has become one of the most popular means of generating quality backlinks and targeted traffic to your website. Join us today - It's Free! |
|
Related Articles
What Happens When "just Do It" Isn't Enough?
By: Leeann Simons | 19/01/2008 | Health
What happens when there is no activity you are interested in? How do you"fulfill" your exercise recommendations when you don't even want to get started? If you are truly interested in changing your behaviors, then you need to work on your attitude. Looking at exercise from a "cost/benefit" perspective may help you get off your chair and start walking. You know why to do it-you just need help getting started.
Just Do it
By: Leeann Simons | 02/01/2008 | Health
People want to know what is the BEST exercise to do and when is the BEST time of day to do it. My answer? Pick the activity your like and do it when you have the time. As long as you are doing something you enjoy, and are doing it when you have the time, you will be successful.
Whether you Hike or Walk, Keep Moving
By: Leeann Simons | 06/01/2008 | Health
Some people hate the word "exercise" and it keeps them from being active. Whether you hike or walk, join a club or ride a bike on your own, the important thing is to stay active. Set small goals and build on them.
Guess Why My Friends Think I Am Smart
By: Leeann Simons | 08/04/2008 | Health
My friends think I have become really smart lately, and do you know why? It's because I have been listening to news and medical podcasts while I'm walking. Not only do I get my exercise in, but I'm learning something while I'm out there. And, sometimes, I may even go the extra step just to get to the end of the story. So even if you don't whistle while you work, you certainly can listen while you walk.
Making Sure you Pick the Right Yoga Class
By: Leeann Simons | 13/01/2008 | Health
Regardless of the type of yoga you choose to do, make sure you find a class with an instructor who knows how you are doing, physically and mentally. If you want to get the most of the class, for your mind and body, you must pick an instructor who asks you, before you start the class, how you are, physically and mentally. Once that information is known, you can safely move into the wonder of yoga.
Using Yoga to Find Peace With Food
By: Leeann Simons | 05/10/2007 | Health
Losing weight isn't always about eliminating foods, it's also about adding new behaviors. When my colleague included yoga in her life, she seemed to easily lose weight and feel peaceful, in control. When both were stopped, weight returned, control left. Start with the yoga, be at peace with your body, and you'll find that being at peace with food falls more easily into your life.
Around the Holidays, be Real With your Goals
By: Leeann Simons | 04/12/2007 | Health
It is difficult to lose weight during the holidays, we all know that. So make sure you have a realistic attitude during this festive time. Don't plan to lose weight, try to maintain your weight. Don't set food goals, set activity goals. Be realistic with yourself and your attitude and you won't be disappointed. Have a wonderful season.
Is Someone Holding a Gun to Your Head?
By: Leeann Simons | 27/02/2008 | Health
No one is forcing you to eat. You are the one in charge. If you are dining out (at a restaurant, or a friends), and you know you may overeat, try eating a little less during the day, or walk a little more. But remember, you are responsible for your eating behavior-unless someone is holding a gun to your head.
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Wieght loss tips PLZ!
By: taekwondogirlx72 | 23-07-2008
I only have one month to lose at least 10 pounds...... what do i do!!! i need to look good for the newe school year!!!!
Birth Control Effect Weight Loss?
By: mealybug1010 | 23-07-2008
I have tried to lose weight all summer and the scale only budges a pound or two. I am on LoEstrin 24 birth control and that is the only reason I can think of as to why I have not been losing. Anyone else have this problem with bc? I would rather not go off of it, but if it meas not losing the weight I will.
Naked men exercise video
By: David | 23-07-2008
Where can i find a few video of men who do naked exercises. it's like exercise videos we buy in the book store or on line but one wthat are naked men. Looking at naked men who are fit helps me focus on being fit.
I do know there was a couple video that were mostly yoga and the men were naked.
Pain but i exercise through the pain
By: b4nat | 23-07-2008
I am a 47 year old male i reitred from the military about 5 years ago i have severe authritus. it really bothers me i have it in both knees and my left hip. I still exercise also. but when i am sitting my left hip joint throbs something terrible. is there any relief that i can try. i was told i was to young for any type of joint replacement surgery.
I have a nuclear stress test (non exercise ...
By: Beverly | 22-07-2008
I have a nuclear stress test (non exercise) scheduled for 7:30 in the morning and just realized that I misread the instructions and drank a glass of caffiene tea at 4pm today. What will this do to my test or to me? HELP! I feel stupid and scared.
What is the best way to lose the most weight in ...
By: taylor | 22-07-2008
what is the best way to lose the most weight in the least amount of time?
Q&A Powered by: 
Latest Health Articles
Reduce Salt Intake, Reduce Life Insurance, Live Longer
By: Catherine Harvey | 24/07/2008
A look at the way our salt intake needs to be balanced for a healthier life.
Weight Loss Secrets - Lose Weight for the Summer Now!
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
Summer is here again and for sure, men and women alike would like to enjoy the sun and the beach. But enjoying is not complete if you can not wear your favorite sexy swimsuits, right? But with all the websites available in the internet, it is too difficult to know...
Weight Loss Surgery - Is Surgery For Losing Weight Worth It?
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
If you have been dieting for a long time that you feel like you are on some kind of eternal weight loss program, for sure you have been considering on or thinking about having a weight loss surgery done. Weight loss surgery is not a new way towards losing weight...
Weight Loss Surgery Testimonials - Is Weight Loss Surgery Right For You?
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
There are many people who want to lose some weight. With this growing demand for products and services that promises the users weight loss in shorter period of time, more ways of losing some pounds in the body are also offered. Some may resolve to strict dieting, heavy exercises, weight...
Weight Loss Tea - The Healthy Way to Lose Weight
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
Is it true that drinking tea is a healthy way to lose weight? We are now aware of how famous tea variants are working well in the bodies to help health conscious people to lose weight. However, though reported to be effective, still some people are saying that weight loss...
Weight Loss Workout - Discover How to Build a Fit and Healthy Body Now!
By: Janet Sommers | 24/07/2008
When it comes to saying good bye to fats, nothing says it more than having a very good weight loss workout. It has become a common fact and idea that when any person decides and sees the need to slim down, automatically the words 'weight loss workout' come into mind....
Turn Your Shade From Dark to Light
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Has your old skin whitening done wonders for you? Have you found something to rely on when it comes to your skin's health and whitening needs? Don't be stuck with the old ways of skin whitening, there is a new answer for your problems, Glutathione.
Glutathione has become one of the...
Nutritional Health Resources Online
By: James Brown | 24/07/2008
Finding health resources online is quick and simple when people use health calculators to describe health conditions that they are currently experiencing. The nutritional health resources online can help people find nutritional supplements to relieve some health related symptoms and through a daily regimen, people have the ability to control...
More from Leeann Simons
Don't Like Tax and Spend? Then You Probably Hate Diet and Gain
By: Leeann Simons | 15/04/2008 | Health
Stop taxing your body and wasting your money on diets that don't work. Learning to become "at peace with food" will allow you to give up those diets and free you to spend your time and energy in areas of your choice. While the decision won't be easy, consider it, shall we say, a long term investment.
Guess Why My Friends Think I Am Smart
By: Leeann Simons | 08/04/2008 | Health
My friends think I have become really smart lately, and do you know why? It's because I have been listening to news and medical podcasts while I'm walking. Not only do I get my exercise in, but I'm learning something while I'm out there. And, sometimes, I may even go the extra step just to get to the end of the story. So even if you don't whistle while you work, you certainly can listen while you walk.
Trust Me, Your Body is not Toxic
By: Leeann Simons | 25/03/2008 | Health
Body cleansing is quite the fad these days. People want to believe they can drink a potion, take a pill or fast and get rid of "toxins" in their bodies. What we don't understand is that our body is quite capable of taking care of us, if we trust ourselves to take care of our body. We need to learn how to make healthy choices, and not be afraid of the occasional snack or drink. We are capable of taking care of ourselves. Trust me.
Eat Food Because You Like It, not Because You Should
By: Leeann Simons | 14/03/2008 | Health
At the movies I overheard a woman say she force fed herself dark chocolate every night (until she couldn't eat any more) because "I know it's good for me." Don't ever use this as a reason to eat something (especially chocolate), unless you have a medical condition. This leads to very unhealthy behaviors and, even worse, unhealthy attitudes towards food. Eat because you want to. If it happens to be good for you, that's a bonus.
Buy Food, not Pills-your Body, and Wallet, Will Thank You
By: Leeann Simons | 09/03/2008 | Health
Too many people think taking pills and powders is the best way to attain good health. Judy Foreman, health write for the Boston Globe, writes that the studies on these topics have proven false. It is time to throw away the expensive pills and start buying healthy food. Your body, and your wallet, will thank you.
What's Really Eating Me?
By: Leeann Simons | 05/03/2008 | Health
Being upset about weight may be a cover for some other issue of concern. It is easier to be angry about one's weight than to worry about work, family, friends, or, in this case, getting older. Figuring out what's really eating you (pardon the pun) may help save energy for what's really important.
Is Someone Holding a Gun to Your Head?
By: Leeann Simons | 27/02/2008 | Health
No one is forcing you to eat. You are the one in charge. If you are dining out (at a restaurant, or a friends), and you know you may overeat, try eating a little less during the day, or walk a little more. But remember, you are responsible for your eating behavior-unless someone is holding a gun to your head.
A New Way to Watch your Weight
By: Leeann Simons | 18/02/2008 | Health
If you are a person who weighs yourself all the time, try giving yourself a week off-you know you deserve it. Pay attention to how you are feeling, emotionally. If you can learn to trust yourself not to rely on a single number, you will be able to learn to trust yourself to make healthy choices for yourself. Perhaps
|
|
Health 
