Don’t you love that headline? I was inspired by a recent article in Men’s health on solving your problems in the various decades of life. It has always fascinated me that life’s complicated issues can easily be resolved in a two page magazine article. It’s the magic of the magazine medium. I think I have always been attracted to magazines for the escape they provide into their perfect little world. Regardless of whether it’s Men’s fitness, Martha Stewart’s living or the Family circle you can always find ways to improve your world and start fresh with some great ideas and inspirational pictures.

So here is my best shot at neatly re- solving your health and fitness problems as you venture through midlife .

PROBLEM #1- WE START LOSING MUSCLE AND GAINING FAT AS WE AGE.

Starting in your late 40’s YOUR METABOLISM BEGINS A MAJOR SLOWDOWN. The metabolic rate of your youth that allowed you to burn through indulgences of cheeseburgers and pizza is dropping by one persent every four years. Even if the scale doesn’t move your ratio of fat to muscle is shifting. It sounds depressing, but you can slow down the process and even reverse it.

SOLUTION – Strength train three times a week  and build as much muscle as you possibly can, eat a high protein high fiber diet and stay as active as possible- do anything but sit !  It takes just 30 minutes a day and well worth the investment.

PROBLEM #2  YOUR JOINTS ACHE and certain movements give you pain. Unfortunately your joints are wearing out and you need to be kind to them so you can maximize their lifespan. Arthritis might be setting in and things that were once easy now become a chore.

SOLUTION- Although there is really no cure for this yet (there are some promising new treatments on the horizon though) , you can start by taking fish oil capsules and eating a low sugar less inflammation causing diet. Take 3 -1000 MG capsules of fish oil capsules  daily. Try the WAL MART brand- it’s what they recommend at the Duke university weight management program. Also eat 3 six ounces servings of cold water fish weekly – salmon , sardines, tuna, herring, halibut and mackerel. Be sensible with the weight you lift and go for lighter weights and higher reps.

PROBLEM #3  LOWER  SEX DRIVE

Things down under aren’t what they used to be. Besides the little blue pills, there are some natural ways to boost that puppy dog tail in your lap out of it’s slumber.

SOLUTION-  Munch on a handful of either walnuts or almonds every day. Eating healthy fats is crucial for higher testosterone levels. Monounsaturated fats from nuts , olives and avocadoes are libido boosting wonder foods. Nuts are a great source of arginine which enhances blood flow through the body and especially below the belt. Aerobic exercise will also enhance your performance ability and give you more energy for this all time favorite activity.

PROBLEM #4  DINING OUT AND GROWING OUT OF YOUR PANTS is a problem especially if you have business obligations, don’t enjoy cooking or love the social perks of dining out with friends and family.

SOLUTION – TO MAINTAIN YOU FAT LOSS  WHEN EATING OUT FOLLOW THESE STRATEGIES:

ORDER GRILLED MEATS – sauce on the side. DOUBLE YOUR VEGETABLES AND PASS ON THE STARCH ( NO POTATOES OR ROLLS) GET SALAD DRESSING ON THE SIDE. MAKE A SALAD AND APPETIZER A MEAL, SHARE A DESSERT AND DON’T BE AFRAID TO SPEAK UP AND ASK WHAT IS IN THE  DISH YOU ARE ORDERING.

There you have it. Some quick neat solutions to your most pressing problems. It’s simpler than you thought. Now it’s your turn to get out there and take action. Based on what you know from reading this you have no excuses and no reason to complain about getting older!

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