Get in shape and stay slim even when 40

You can look life as a plane flight, you lift-off when you were born. You continued to climb through childhood and adolescence, until you reached adulthood; full cruising altitude. Throughout your 20's and 30's, flying fell effortless. No matter what you ate, how little you slept, or how frequently you exercised, your body kept it sleek, strong lines. No engine trouble for you!

Then, out of the blue, you hit the big Four-O. Suddenly, you're not cruising along so easily anymore. Hormonal and metobolic changes are creating torbulance. Your plane is losing altitude. Its turn to turn-off the autopilot and seize the controls. As you guide your plane through to your post 40 skies, here are some tips for a smooth ride.

Don't full your plate

As your body nears menopaus, it burns calories less efficiently. The end result is that althought you may be following the same diet that kept you slim at 30, it no longer works when you're 40 or 50. Cutting a mere 100 calories from your daily consumption can put you back on track. Whats 100 calories? It's equal to a small snack. Another way to look at it: don't full your plate the usual. Minimize your eating by atleast 2 bites every meal and that will give you 6 bites in a day which in turn a little over 100 calories less.

Steer clear of fast foods (i.e. Starbucks, Mcdonalds, Burger King, etc.)

Most post-40 women i know, is in the business of coordinating life amidst everyday chaos---work, husband, dirty laundry, cooking, cleaning the house. And that exactly what frozen-cappuccino, vanilla sundae and apple pie will come in to complement your hard effort. Big mistake. Studies shows that your body doesn't register a feeling of fulness from the calories you drink or eat (a little). It will satisfy your crave but it will help you gain more weight instead.

It will be better if you make a habit of eating fruits instead at home or even when you go out with your kids. Keep a piece of fruit in your bag at all times. Whenever you want a snack, drink a 12-ounce glass of water, then eat the fruit. Not only will you feel full, but most importantly you'll stay that way until dinner.

Eat real food

Cheeseburgers, Pizza, Macaroni and cheese-- these are not real foods. I know for the fact that many busy women over 40 is just concern of getting their family eat fast enough that they can just buy foods to their favorite fastfood chain. Why not try to start eating real food like pasta primavera, broiled scallops, grilled salmon in your dinner table. Add a big bowl of steamed vegetables as the first course. If you can do that in your schedule then it will be healthier for all of you.

Since you started cooking real food, don't blow it by adding unnecessary calories. Your recipe may be needing butter or cooking oil. You can still make use of it but with only a little. Meaning, only "drizzle", "lightly spray" or "dab" the butter instead of generous brushing, pouring or slathering it. It is better to season generous recipe's spices and invest in an oil sprayer so you can make a little bit of fat go on an extra-long way.

Exercise hard

Push-ups, sit-ups, lunges, your choice. The biggest factor for succeeding with your weight-loss plan once you've reach age-40 is strength training. Strength training builds lean muscle, which in turn, can burn 50 calories per pound every day. So push yourself a little: each morning, string together 20 sit-ups, 20 squats, 20 leg lifts and as many push-ups as you can manage. It won't take more than 10 minutes, but over the next year it can trim over 5 pounds of your frame.

Make use of weighing scale

Don't get into habit that you guesstimate your weight by the way your favorite jeans do (or don't) fit. Stop believing that doing so is better that using the weighing scale. If the plane symbolizes your body, then its instrument panel is your scale--it privides you with important data. Once in a week, same time, same scale, weight yourself and see with your own eyes what's happening with your body.

Make weight loss a priority

Fact: Finding time to exercise (only) gets harder as you age. Try to remember that working out gives you the sanity, strength and good health to keep the rest of your world running smoothly. Come to think of this: Can an overweight woman really preach to her children about merits of eating right? Can an out-of-shape mom hope to cope-up with her kids who are hyper playing in the playground without gasping for breath? Commiting to fitness routine is the first step in becoming a positive force to those around you. The time crunch isn't going to go away, so maybe you'll need to wake up earlier, or use your lunch break to hit the gym, or walk home from work instead of driving. The better shape you're in, the better you'll feel inside and out.

Get a regular tune-up

You should have your physical annual check-up regularly. This will monitor your physical status to be healthy. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar levels should need routine checks, especially if you know there is a family history of troubles. The ache you feel today could be nothing but, you should be coutious of what you feel if its not subsiding. You should see a doctor if it persists.

Beware post-40 stress attacks

Stress is one of the biggest reasons women overeat. So taking a few minutes each day to unwind is key to your weight-loss success. Soak in a hot bath, light some candles, or get out and enjoy the summer sunshine.

You started life as sleek new jet, one that was built to last. Feed your body high quality fuel, monitor its intake, and routinely push your engine's limits to keep it running smoothly. Remember you are the captain of your plane. Just reach out and take the controls.