It’s not uncommon for weight to slowly start creeping up after 40, even if your diet and lifestyle hasn’t changed. And while you might be tempted to blame yourself for not being able to maintain your natural healthy weight as easily as you used to, you shouldn’t!
There are a number of subtle changes that come with age like hormonal shifts, metabolism changes, and even changes in cravings that can contribute to weight gain after 40. Take a look at some of the reasons releasing fat after 40 can feel so difficult and what you can do to support your body.
Hormones And Cravings
It’s no secret that as you age, your body experiences a number of hormonal changes. These hormonal fluctuations often result in decreased energy and fatigue. And if you’re trying to power through your normal routine while feeling depleted, the body is naturally going to start craving “quick fix” snacks that are loaded in refined carbs and sugar to try to get you through the day. And these “quick fix” snacks come with a number of downsides: sugar crashes, fewer nutrient-dense foods, increased cravings, and imbalanced blood sugar.
For many people, these hormonally-driven sugar cravings can be powerful and discouraging. But rather than simply relying on willpower to get you through, it can be more beneficial to set yourself up for success by focusing on nutrient-dense foods, adding complex carbs into your diet, and allowing yourself the grace to take it easy when your body signals that it needs a break.
Blood Sugar And Weight Gain
Maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is critical to overall health and to maintaining a healthy weight as you age. Unfortunately, insulin resistance is becoming more and more common for people over 40.
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that manages how your body uses glucose for energy. When insulin is out of balance, your body will start to experience blood sugar spikes and crashes. This often results in sugar cravings, fatigue, and increased hunger.
There are a number of things you can do to help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Replace refined carbs with complex carbs whenever possible. And swap the usual sugary snacks for healthier alternatives like whole fruits, nuts, and healthy dark chocolate. Prioritizing sleep is crucial. And moving your body every day goes a long way to helping maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Metabolism Changes After 40
If you’ve noticed you’re gaining weight even though you haven’t changed your eating habits, it’s not in your head. Once you hit 40, your metabolism tends to slow by about 5 percent every 10 years. This means that even if you’re eating roughly the same number of calories every day, there’s a chance your weight could start to creep up.
In addition, changes to estrogen and progesterone levels can contribute to a decrease in metabolism, an increase in cravings, and leave you feeling less satisfied after eating.
One of the most effective ways to maintain your metabolism naturally is to add strength training to your exercise routine. It doesn’t have to be anything too intense. But building more muscle through strength training naturally increases your metabolic rate, which is your body's ability to burn calories.
A Healthy Chocolate Snack That Curbs Cravings
Increased food cravings are clearly a common problem, especially as you age. And because cravings are often caused by the body’s need for a quick energy boost, highly-processed, sugar-loaded snacks become the go-to. And because these cravings can be incredibly powerful, simply relying on willpower to help you through often isn’t enough.
A better option is to keep a nourishing snack on-hand that you can reach for when those cravings do strike. One that satisfies your sweet tooth while nourishing your body in the process!
Cacao Bliss was created specifically for this purpose. It’s made with raw ceremonial-grade cacao that’s loaded with vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants. Raw cacao also supports your body's natural ability to maintain healthy blood sugar levels already in normal range, keeps you satiated, and promotes optimal carbohydrate metabolism. *
This decadent superfood blend also includes:
- Turmeric and black pepper, to help improve digestion, dissolves stubborn fat, and helps soothe occasional anxiety and stress.*
- MCT Powder, to help keep you satiated longer.*
- Cinnamon, to support your body’s ability to digest glucose and reduce your desire for sugary treats.*
- Monk Fruit, Mesquite, and Lucuma, to help satisfy your sweet tooth with zero calories and no ill effect on your blood sugar.*
In addition to eating a nutrient-dense diet and moving your body regularly, managing cravings can go a long way to helping you maintain a healthy body weight throughout your life. *
Don’t let your cravings control you. Take control of your cravings with the help of an indulgent mug of Cacao Bliss! Click the link below to give it a try!
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*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.