In 2000, the New England Journal of Medicine released a study, which revealed that the average American gained less than one pound over the holiday season.
Obviously the “average” American does not eat with my family.
In the 10 years that has passed since that most recent report by the New England Journal of Medicine was released, over two-thirds of Americans are presently overweight or obese.
Whether we believe that the true amount that an American gains over the holidays is 5 pounds, or as much as 7 to 10 pounds as some reports indicate, that same study by the New England Journal of Medicine concludes that “people don’t tend to lose the weight they gain over the holidays, and the holiday season may be a key contributor to long-term weight gain in adults.”
With the holidays coming to a close, it is time to look forward to a New Year, and a New and Improved You. While men over 40 are not getting any younger, any time is the right time to make a resolution for improved health and fitness.
The Benefits of Exercise for Men over 40
It might be good to treat yourself to a personal trainer for a month or two. During your consultation and fitness assessment they will discuss with you your objectives: weight loss, toning, or an increase in muscle mass. They’ll also put you on a cardio program designed to shed those unwanted pounds.
Just after you have binged on cakes and candies and cookies during the holidays, don’t make the mistake or burning yourself to the ground with hundreds of sit ups to eliminate that bulk around your waist. Any muscle you do develop will be hidden under layers of fat. Spend the time now on the elliptical machine, rower, and Stairmaster.
An article by the Mayo Clinic highlighted that exercise
- Improves your mood
- Combats chronic illness
- Helps you manage your weight
- Boosts your energy level
- Promotes better sleep
- And can even put the spark back in your sex life
During an interview with USA Today, Pamela Peeke, a Bethesda, Md., physician and fitness expert, stated: “While an exercise program offers benefits to health and wellness at any age, but is particularly important for men over 40 when physical strength, endurance, flexibility and balance begin to decline.”
Need a quick jumpstart to a healthier new you? Here are some great Tips to Increase Metabolism in Men over 40.
The Benefits of a Body Cleanse for Men over 40
After weeks and weeks of overeating, over drinking and sporadic exercise, it’s time to cleanse the body of toxins. The presence of toxins in your body has likely caused you to feel more sluggish than normal.
For optimum effect, a body cleanse should last 10 days. The first day or two will be difficult, but by the third or fourth day your mind will clear and food cravings will disappear.
Surprisingly, a cleanse will not interrupt with your workout routine. You will still have energy, even more, than when you were eating. Your body will begin to burn excess fats that you have stored in your body and will open the way for the more healthful foods you will fill your body with in the New Year.
You can find detailed information here on The Master Cleanse.
The Importance of Vitamins for Men over 40
A one-a-day supplement is essential to ensure men over 40 are getting all of the vitamins, nutrients and minerals their body requires.
Specific to men over 40, research by the Mayo Clinic indicates that “DHA and EPA compounds found in dietary fish and fish oil supplements lowers triglycerides, reduces the risk of death, heart attack, dangerous abnormal heart rhythms and stroke in people with known cardiovascular diseases, slows the buildup of atherosclerotic plagues (hardening of the arteries), and lowers blood pressure slightly."
Healthy Eating for Men Over 40
Certain foods work wonders to reduce the signs of premature aging in men over 40. The article Top 10 Anti Aging Foods for Men Over 40 provides a wealth of information about foods you can easily incorporate into your dietary routine.
Another key to healthy eating for men over 40 is rather than eating three meals a day, reduce portion sizes considerably and eat four or five smaller meals. Remember that the energy output of men over 40 is significantly reduced from where it was some years ago when you were spending an hour or so in the gym four or five times each week.
An effective way to burn calories is to limit consumption of carbohydrates to mornings and early afternoons, and eat only protein in the evenings. Healthy choices at dinner would include grilled chicken or fish, grilled vegetables and a large, green salad with all the trimmings—but stay away from the ranch and bleu cheese dressing!
The consumption of red wine is considered to offer significant health benefits specific to men over 40.
Throw a party this weekend and serve up quick and easy sangria. It’s an inexpensive, low-calorie, heart-healthy refreshing beverage loaded with anti-oxidants.
Even coffee has its place, but all things in moderation!
Your New Years Resolution shouldn’t phase out by mid-January. Over the course of the next few weeks, follow these tips to increase metabolism in men over 40.
Brian Berenty - Not all who wander are lost.
