5 Tips for Keeping Your Cholesterol in Check
High cholesterol can sneak up on you as it doesn’t cause symptoms — a blood test is the only way you’ll know. If your doctor tells you your cholesterol is high, here’s what you can do to keep it in check.
Weight Management Tips for Older Adults
Metabolism changes are a reality of aging. For many adults, this means it becomes more difficult to lose weight or to avoid gaining weight. And for others, it means working hard to keep the weight you have.
If you’ve noticed the effects of metabolic changes, reach out to the private practice of Jeffrey H. Graf, MD, on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, New York. Dr. Graf provides individualized weight management services that account for age-related changes.
Are you trying to manage your weight while navigating age-related body changes? These weight management tips can be especially helpful for older adults.
1. Find exercises that match your ability level
Your metabolism isn’t the only thing about your body that changes with age. Your joints can get stiffer, you might lose some muscle, and your energy level declines.
Even if you can’t be as active as you were when you were younger, you can find enjoyable and fulfilling exercises that align with your abilities. Consider these options:
- Cycling
- Swimming
- Water aerobics
- Walking
- Dancing
Even chores around the house can count as exercise. Keep that in mind the next time you vacuum or do yardwork.
2. Drink water, not sugar
Altering your diet and exchanging foods for healthier alternatives can take time and effort, but one simple change you can make to better manage your weight is exchanging juices and sodas for water.
Consuming drinks with added sugar can make it hard to manage your weight, especially when coupled with metabolic changes. Plus, drinking water has lots of benefits. Staying hydrated supports digestion and muscle function while moderately reducing your appetite.
3. Watch your portion sizes
Limiting your portion sizes helps you eat fewer calories to manage your weight. If you’re used to loading up your plate, eating smaller portions can seem challenging at first. To make it easier, try using smaller plates at mealtimes. Talk to Dr. Graf about appropriate portion sizes for you based on your weight and metabolism.
4. Set realistic goals
Your body isn’t the same as it was when you were younger, and you might not be able to eat the same foods or portions as you once did without seeing your weight fluctuate. It’s important to go easy on yourself and give yourself some grace.
Dr. Graf can help you set goals that are realistic and achievable. When you reach each goal, no matter how small, your progress will stand out more, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.
5. Work with a professional
Making major changes to your routine can feel intimidating, especially if you’ve had the same habits for most of your life. Many patients have benefited from a supervised medical weight management program.
If you need extra support with weight management, contact Jeffrey H. Graf, MD. Call our New York City office to book an appointment today.
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