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I Got Into the Best Shape of My Life at 50 by Following These 6 “Basics”

Here is how to get and stay in shape at any age, according to one fitness expert.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Alicia Erickson - The Midlife Maven aliciae
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FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

You can’t let your age be the excuse for not getting in shape! There are lots of social media influencers here to remind you that you can be the best and healthiest version of yourself at any age. Alicia Erikson, aka The Midlife Maven, is a social media influencer and fitness expert who designs programs specifically for people who want to shape up after 50. In a new post, she breaks down the “basics” of what it takes to achieve your goals.


1. Eat Nutritionally Dense and Protein-Packed Food

Raw chicken breast sliced or cut pieces on wooden cutting board with herbs and spices on dark slate, stone, concrete background. Raw chicken meat. Top view with copy space. Mock up.Shutterstock

According to Alicia the first basic is tackling your diet. She recommends “eating nutritionally dense foods” and “making protein a high priority.” And, while you don’t need to eliminate them, she suggests sticking to an “appropriate” amount of carbs and fats.

RELATED: 9 Foods That Fight Aging

2. Do Progressive Overload Strength Training

Blurred and cropped image of a beautiful young athletic girl in leggings and top crouches with dumbbells at home. Sport, healthy lifestyle.Shutterstock

As for exercise, she recommends progressive overload strength training. “I do 5-6 days a week. Commit to what lt you can and stay consistent with it,” she recommends.

3. Walk 8,000 to 10,000

Underwater,Reflection,Silhouette,Of,A,Girl,Walking,On,The,SeashoreShutterstock

She also suggests daily walking. “I aim for 8-10k steps,” she says. “If you have a certain cardio form you love, do it! I love walking!” Another workout she loves? Dancing too. “I keep it LISS because my body loves it and I want the 💪.”

RELATED:10-Minute Workouts to Melt Abdominal Fat in 60 Days

4. Cut or Limit Refined Sugar and Alcohol

People clinking glasses with wine on the summer terrace of cafe or restaurantShutterstock

Next, “cut or limit refined sugar and alcohol,” she says. “I personally had to cut it because it’s very habit forming for me. I do enjoy coconut sugar, monkfruit, honey and stevia. Figure out what works best for you!”

5. Hydrate

Sports woman drinking bottle of water.Shutterstock

Don’t forget to hydrate! “I drink half of my body weight (lbs) in ounces of water daily. I also throw in an electrolyte pack while I’m working out,” Alicia says.

6. Sleep

Serene woman sleeping at night in the bedroomShutterstock

And finally, “sleep has to be a priority,” she says. “7-8 hours a night. This is how your body recovers and resets.”

You Can Tweak These

phone with calorie and macronutrient counting app on phone next to healthy food. Healthy diet and maintaining a caloric deficitShutterstock

“These are the basics! Everyone will have their own unique tweaks to this,” she continues. “Maybe you want to track macros for a certain goal. Or maybe tracking is not your jam so you eyeball and that’s ok with you. Maybe you don’t want to completely cut out alcohol and enjoy a drink occasionally. Do what is going to work best for you but also be honest with yourself about what you KNOW is not working.”

RELATED:7 Things You Should Never Do on a Diet

Remember, It’s a Process

Mature lady in white shirt holding hands behind her head and expressing positive emotions while spending time outdoors.Shutterstock

“Getting in tune with our bodies is a process. Being honest with ourselves is a process. Do you need to give yourself some tough love when it comes to changing certain habits? Or do you need to give yourself a little grace?” she writes.

You Can “Get Better with Age”

Beautiful mature senior woman at home, domestic life and leisure moments - 50-60 years old pretty female adult wearing sportswear eating healthy food after fitness workoutShutterstock

“At the end of the day, you’re the one living in your mind and body forever. Make it the best little temple you can! I share what has worked for me for inspiration and hopefully to simplify. Yes, ladies, we can get better with age!!!” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

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Coach Lost 50 Pounds at 50 by Eating These 6 High-Protein Meals
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you struggling to lose weight in your 50s? You may need to try a more flexible dietary approach. Denise Kirtley is a 54-year-old transformation coach who looks half her age after rehabbing her approach to diet and fitness shortly after turning 50. In a new social media post, she reveals the dietary changes she made that enabled her to get her fittest figure ever. “I lost 50 pounds in my 50s and have kept it off for almost 4 years now. Here’s what I ate last year to maintain my weight loss,” she writes in the post.

She Has “Cracked the Code”

Here’s the thing…I love food. I look forward to my meals. Over the past four and a half years, I feel like I have finally cracked the code on how to eat in a way that makes me feel satisfied while fueling my workouts so I can become stronger. And most importantly…without feeling deprived.

Her Meals Are Protein Focused

“I have learned to make balanced meals that work for me. All of my meals have approximately 25g to 35g of protein plus a good amount of healthy carbs for energy and the right amount of fat to maintain my goals,” she says.

Her Meals Are “Balanced” and Even Include Processed Foods

“Whenever I post my meals…there’s always a few that criticize any processed food, any sugar, anything that we are told are ‘bad’ foods. I have learned that for me, it’s really about balance. I don’t look at foods as good or bad,” she says.

The “All Or Nothing” Mindset Backfires

“And I have learned long ago that when I fall into a perfectionist, all or nothing mindset…it backfires.

As a former binger and emotional eater, that mindset doesn’t serve me,” she continues.

She Aims for 80/20

“So, I aim for 80% of my diet to be whole natural foods…I eat lots of lean meats, fish, fruits, veggies and grains. I have developed a love for these foods as a result of loving how eating them makes me feel. But I also allow flexibility with 20% of my diet,” she says.

She Even Eats Bread, Chocolate, Pasta, and Protein Bars

This “includes bread (gasp!). I love bread! And chocolate! (Bigger gasp!) I have had a bit of chocolate every day for the past 4.5 years! Every.Single.Day. And the occasional protein bar, bit of pasta, protein powder, veggie meats, etc, etc,” she says. “On vacation or special occasions I have dessert! And even on a very rare occasion, a glass of champagne (few times per year)”

Flexible Eating Makes Her Diet Sustainable

“My working these more flexible foods into my macros has made this a really sustainable and enjoyable way of life for me. If you’re looking for someone that has given up absolutely everything processed or refined, that’s not me. I admire the people I see on here that say they only eat whole foods 100% of the time,” she says.

Rigidity Doesn’t Work for Her

“But as a food lover and someone who struggled with weight ups and downs most of my adult life, it’s all about balance. I know that a life with rigidity around food choices and a future of only chicken and broccoli doesn’t work for me,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Alicia Erickson - The Midlife Maven aliciae
Copyright aliciae/Instagram
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

You can’t let your age be the excuse for not getting in shape! There are lots of social media influencers here to remind you that you can be the best and healthiest version of yourself at any age. Alicia Erikson, aka The Midlife Maven, is a social media influencer and fitness expert who designs programs specifically for people who want to shape up after 50. In a new post, she breaks down the “basics” of what it takes to achieve your goals.


1. Eat Nutritionally Dense and Protein-Packed Food

Raw chicken breast sliced or cut pieces on wooden cutting board with herbs and spices on dark slate, stone, concrete background. Raw chicken meat. Top view with copy space. Mock up.Shutterstock

According to Alicia the first basic is tackling your diet. She recommends “eating nutritionally dense foods” and “making protein a high priority.” And, while you don’t need to eliminate them, she suggests sticking to an “appropriate” amount of carbs and fats.

RELATED: 9 Foods That Fight Aging

2. Do Progressive Overload Strength Training

Blurred and cropped image of a beautiful young athletic girl in leggings and top crouches with dumbbells at home. Sport, healthy lifestyle.Shutterstock

As for exercise, she recommends progressive overload strength training. “I do 5-6 days a week. Commit to what lt you can and stay consistent with it,” she recommends.

3. Walk 8,000 to 10,000

Underwater,Reflection,Silhouette,Of,A,Girl,Walking,On,The,SeashoreShutterstock

She also suggests daily walking. “I aim for 8-10k steps,” she says. “If you have a certain cardio form you love, do it! I love walking!” Another workout she loves? Dancing too. “I keep it LISS because my body loves it and I want the 💪.”

RELATED:10-Minute Workouts to Melt Abdominal Fat in 60 Days

4. Cut or Limit Refined Sugar and Alcohol

People clinking glasses with wine on the summer terrace of cafe or restaurantShutterstock

Next, “cut or limit refined sugar and alcohol,” she says. “I personally had to cut it because it’s very habit forming for me. I do enjoy coconut sugar, monkfruit, honey and stevia. Figure out what works best for you!”

5. Hydrate

Sports woman drinking bottle of water.Shutterstock

Don’t forget to hydrate! “I drink half of my body weight (lbs) in ounces of water daily. I also throw in an electrolyte pack while I’m working out,” Alicia says.

6. Sleep

Serene woman sleeping at night in the bedroomShutterstock

And finally, “sleep has to be a priority,” she says. “7-8 hours a night. This is how your body recovers and resets.”

You Can Tweak These

phone with calorie and macronutrient counting app on phone next to healthy food. Healthy diet and maintaining a caloric deficitShutterstock

“These are the basics! Everyone will have their own unique tweaks to this,” she continues. “Maybe you want to track macros for a certain goal. Or maybe tracking is not your jam so you eyeball and that’s ok with you. Maybe you don’t want to completely cut out alcohol and enjoy a drink occasionally. Do what is going to work best for you but also be honest with yourself about what you KNOW is not working.”

RELATED:7 Things You Should Never Do on a Diet

Remember, It’s a Process

Mature lady in white shirt holding hands behind her head and expressing positive emotions while spending time outdoors.Shutterstock

“Getting in tune with our bodies is a process. Being honest with ourselves is a process. Do you need to give yourself some tough love when it comes to changing certain habits? Or do you need to give yourself a little grace?” she writes.

You Can “Get Better with Age”

Beautiful mature senior woman at home, domestic life and leisure moments - 50-60 years old pretty female adult wearing sportswear eating healthy food after fitness workoutShutterstock

“At the end of the day, you’re the one living in your mind and body forever. Make it the best little temple you can! I share what has worked for me for inspiration and hopefully to simplify. Yes, ladies, we can get better with age!!!” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Liz_Hilliard_5844
Liz Hilliard
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Liz Hilliard, 70, is living, breathing proof that age is just a number. The pilates instructor, who trains out of her studio Hilliard Studio Method, discovered the workout when she was 48, and completely transformed her approach to health. Over the years she has managed to learn a few things about longevity, revealing her secrets in an interview with Body Network.


Liz Used to Rely on Traditional Workouts

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

Liz, who lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, explains that she was athletic throughout her childhood and enjoyed playing basketball and other team sports. “Traditional workouts always felt boring and offered minimal results for the time and energy put into them, " she says. Until I was in my late 40s, I relied on tennis and walking as my main sources of exercise.

RELATED: I'm a Personal Trainer and These 5 Moves Banished My Clients' Bat Wings in Weeks

She Discovered Pilates at Age 48

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

“At age 48, I attended my first Pilates class and immediately felt incredibly challenged. I even had fun, which led me to become certified in Pilates,” she says. In 2002, she opened her first personal Pilates training studio. “It was a successful business, and my clients were seeing real results. However, at age 51, while going through menopause, I noticed despite my Pilates workout, my belly fat was increasing, and my overall strength was decreasing as well, aka flabby arms and sagging bottom."

Fusing Strength Training with Pilates Was a Game-Changer

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

"Inspired by my daughter, who was getting married and sculpting up for her wedding, I began researching heavy resistance training and hired my own personal trainer to try to sculpt my 51-year-old, menopausal body. We implemented heavy weight training, and I was determined to debunk the ‘bulking’ myth that most women feel about weightlifting," Liz says.

"The short story is that adding heavier resistance training to my core-centric Pilates workout began to sculpt my body in ways I hadn’t seen before using only traditional Pilates. That’s when I devised my Method. By incorporating heavy resistance with the core-centric exercises of Pilates, the Hilliard Studio Method was born."

She Shaved Inches Off Her Waistline

Slim young woman measuring her thin waist with a tape measure, close upShutterstock

Hillard, who has since authored the book "Be Powerful: Find Your Strength at Any Age" and co-hosts the Be Powerful Podcast, has remained 135 pounds throughout most of her life. “Muscle weighs more than fat, so I was replacing adipose tissue with muscle. My body was sculpting and changing at a rapid rate, especially given that I was in the throes of menopause. I lost inches around my waist, my arms became strong and sculpted, my abs flattened, and my glutes lifted. My entire body changed over the course of a year or less,” she says.

She Works Out 4 to 5 Times a Week

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

What are the most important things she learned about getting in shape? “Find a workout that you enjoy, or you won’t stick with it. Our lives are busy, so finding a workout that efficiently provides resistance combined with stretch and enough cardio is essential. I do my workout at Hilliard Studio Method 4 to 5 times a week because we change the workout daily, moving through compound exercising and utilizing different resistance tools like balls, gliders, and bands to continuously cause muscle confusion and avoid the dreadful plateau, both mentally and physically. We keep the work fun and evolving, low impact yet high intensity. The amazing side effect of getting in physical shape is that one’s mental and emotional outlook becomes far more positive. Strength training like I do at HSM is the fountain of youth,” she continues.

RELATED: This Woman Gave Up Processed Sugar and Got Into the Best Shape of Her Life at 54 By Doing These 4 Things

Get Your Steps In

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

Her top workout suggestions? “Walk every day and everywhere. Get outside as often as possible to walk in nature. Bonus points if you walk with a friend. It’s built-in mental and physical therapy, which will not only help keep you fit but also lift your mood and keep your mind creative,” she says.

Strength Train Four Times a Week

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

Also, strength training 4 times per week. “Strength training is an absolute requirement for healthy aging and simply means load-bearing exercises that require your muscles to engage. This can include anything from hand weights, resistance bands, weighted balls or any weighted object that taxes and builds skeletal muscles. Skeletal muscle strength allows the body to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight while setting the body up for success when inevitable accidents happen, so you are far less likely to avoid falling and breaking bones,” she says.

It’s Never Too Late to Get in Shape

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

What is her message for women out there who are struggling to get in shape? “It’s never too late, and you’re never too old or out of shape to start exercising. By simply getting out of your chair and going for a 20-minute walk, you’ll have the immediate feedback of feeling better physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she says.

Make Exercise Social

Liz HilliardLiz Hilliard

She also recommends connecting with friends to walk, workout, “and just talk every day,” she says. “Walking and talking with a friend or acquaintance is the perfect combo for both physical and mental health! Add resistance training to your workout, which can be as simple as a plank for as long as you can hold it until you work for up to a minute. Then go for 2 minutes or more. This is resistance training and incredible for your core and overall fitness! Then add a pushup on your knees, which is basically a moving plank that strengthens your arms, back, and core, not to mention flattens your abs. Do as many as you can, and try to work up to 20 or more. Mostly, just keep moving every single day. Our bodies are designed to move. The fastest way to early aging is to stop moving. The move it or lose it cliché is true.”

RELATED: I Help Women Over 35 Lose Weight: 9 Eating Errors You Must Stop Today

Try the Hilliard Studio Method at Home

Athletic woman in stylish sportswear doing lunges exercises at home in bedroom.Shutterstock

She says she “takes working out to the next level to produce results that are nothing short of a total mind-body transformation for women and men of all ages and stages,” she says. “Hilliard Studio Method group classes are designed to be taken on a regular basis. Each class is different from the day before. Our energetic and encouraging trainers utilize a variety of powerful movements and workout tools in a high intensity, low impact method driven by empowering, beat-driven music; think personal training in a group setting.” Her classes can also be done virtually via an online streaming platform and live Zoom classes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Don’t let menopause be an excuse for not getting into shape. Annie Murray (@anniesfitnesssteyning) is a 54-year-old fitness trainer whose mission is “empowering mid-lifers to get strong, build healthy habits, and be the best version of themselves.” She regularly offers fitness, motivation, and nutrition tips to her followers on how to be the healthiest version of themselves through and beyond menopause. In a recent viral post, she reveals how she got into the best shape of her life and the changes she made to get there.


In the First Photo She Was 42 and Perimenopausal

Annie shares before-and-after images of herself during the perimenopausal stage and after menopause. “The photo on the left was taken when I was 42 years old. At the time, I was perimenopausal with low Tmuscle mass, low body weight, and low energy. I was constantly ill, experiencing bouts of shingles and chest infections,” she says.

This Was Her Training Routine and Diet

Home training concept. Smiling senior woman doing elbow plank on yoga mat in living room. Positive mature lady doing her workout routine, exercising indoors, strengthening her core musclesShutterstock

Her nutrition and exercise routine consisted of:

- Hours of cardio

- Bodyweight exercises

- Cutting out food groups

- Yo-yo dieting

- Eating too much convenience food, processed sugar and refined carbohydrates

- Drinking alcohol regularly

She Is Healthier at 54 Than She Was at 42

“The photo on the right was taken last week when I turned 54,” she continues. “I am currently post-menopausal, with high muscle mass and low body fat. My body weight has increased, I eat more, I have higher energy levels, and my immune system is strong. My metabolic age is 36, with a visceral fat rating of 2.”

Strength Training

One woman mature caucasian female slim hands hold dumbbell while training at home or fitness center real people healthy lifestyle concept copy spaceShutterstock

She then goes on to detail her “nutrition and exercise” routine. She starts off by revealing she does strength training three times a week.

Cardio

Shot of athlete woman exercising on assault air bike.Shutterstock

She also makes sure to get cardio in, but doesn’t do as much. She does “cardio training 2-3x\week,” she writes.

Walking

woman walking towards unknown placesShutterstock

She also makes sure to get her steps in. “Walking daily” is part of her routine.

Nutritious Whole Foods

Happy vegan woman smiling at the camera while eating a vegetable salad from a bowl. Senior woman enjoying a plant-based breakfast after a home workout. Mature woman taking care of her ageing body.Shutterstock

As for her diet, she tries to keep it clean. “Eating nutritious whole-food,” is her focus.

Protein

Raw chicken breast sliced or cut pieces on wooden cutting board with herbs and spices on dark slate, stone, concrete background. Raw chicken meat. Top view with copy space. Mock up.Shutterstock

She also understands the importance of fueling up with protein. “Eating a minimum of 100g protein a day,” is key, she says.

No Processed Sugar or Refined Carbohydrates

Unhealthy Chocolate Cookies with Vanilla Cream FillingShutterstock

One of her biggest no-nos when it comes to diet? “No processed sugar or refined carbohydrates,” she writes.

No Alcohol

Group of happy friends toasting and drinking fancy cocktails at bar terrace-Three Young girls drink mojito and clinking glass together at pub enjoying happy hour at summer party- Life Style conceptShutterstock

There is something else she avoids: Drinking her calories. “No alcohol” is her other major, don’t.

She Discovered Weights at 48

Fit mature woman in sportswear lifting a dumbbell during a strength training session at the gymShutterstock

“At the age of 48, I became a personal trainer and started to incorporate lighter weights into my fitness routine. At 50, I started to strength train in the gym using the progressive load technique (increasing the weight or number of reps over time). That’s when I discovered the power of lifting weights and the importance of having lean muscle mass,” she says.

Here Is Why Muscle Is Important

Fitness woman in sportswear trains shoulder muscles, doing dumbbell press while sitting on bench in gym. Back viewShutterstock

According to Annie, muscle is the “key” to:

✨ better body composition

✨ burning fat

✨ driving your metabolism

✨ protecting against disease

✨ regulating blood sugar

✨ controlling hunger

✨ increased mobility

✨ better mood

✨ increased energy

She Is “Fitter, Stronger, and Healthier” Than She Was in Her 20s

Mature lady in white shirt holding hands behind her head and expressing positive emotions while spending time outdoors.Shutterstock

Overall, she is happy where she is today. “I can safely say, I am fitter, stronger and healthier now, than I was in my 20’s,” she says.

Having Lean Muscle “Is Key”

Middle age sportswoman smiling happy training at the park.Shutterstock

“If you’re serious about staying healthy whilst you age, then having lean muscle is key. The only way to build and maintain muscle is to lift weights and don’t stop. Combined this with good nutrition and that’s the formula that’s worked for me,” she says.

She Adds That “It’s Never too Late”

Beautiful mature senior woman at home, domestic life and leisure moments - 50-60 years old pretty female adult wearing sportswear eating healthy food after fitness workoutShutterstock

Her final words of wisdom? “If I can do it, so can you. It’s never too late, and you are never too old to start,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

YouTube health and lifestyle influencer Candi Randolph (Inspire My Style) is in her mid-60s and in the best shape of her life—and she says you can do it, too. Randolph is passionate about women in their 50s and 60s thriving, not just health and fitness-wise but in overall wellness and quality of life. “Fitness after 60 is a commitment,” she says. “It doesn't happen by chance, nor does it happen automatically. You have to make it happen for yourself, my friend. Work within any limitations that you may have. Make sure you follow any doctor's instructions that you are under the care of, and be wise and smart about what you do. But just remember, you are never too old to stay in shape.” Here’s how she does it.


The Joy of Walking Every Day

Health, nature and senior woman on walk in the morning for exercise, wellness and fitness in park. Healthy, outdoor and elderly lady in retirement from Australia walking in garden for cardio workout.Shutterstock

Randolph loves getting her steps outdoors. “Walking outdoors is always my first choice when it's possible. And I aim to walk about 7,500 steps just about every day, more if I can. It's a daily activity for me, and it really is part of my self-care because it helps me to feel like, well, me.”

Walking Inside Home

Elder family hikers pair fun stroll. Two happy old sportsman enjoy romantic date. Old sporty couple nordic walk poles green nature forest park. Elderly people fit workout. Old grandparents joy smile.Shutterstock

Staying active throughout the day is crucial, and that’s aside from any structured exercise routine. “I manage to get in 7-10,000 steps almost every day without leaving my home,” Randolph says. “There's a lot of places you can walk inside your home, even if it's small. I don't live in a big home, but I managed to do that. So getting steps in and keeping your body active are important.”

RELATED:12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster

Healthy Diet

Happy elderly couple smiling husband and wife in aprons prepare salad together at kitchen table, chopping variety of colorful vegetables, trying to maintain healthy lifestyle eating vegetarian foodShutterstock

Randolph makes a point to eat a healthy, balanced diet that adequately fuels her workouts—but admits it takes discipline. “If in my sixties I allowed myself to indulge every time I felt like it, I probably wouldn't fit behind this desk,” she says. “So there is discipline involved for sure. I don't deprive myself of any of the foods and things that I like, but I am careful to balance proteins, fats, and carbs pretty much every day. It's the way I eat.”

Positive Routines

Taking care of your mind is also important. “How we feed our mind and our spirit and how we go through our day makes a difference as well,” she says. “Having routines that keep us moving forward in a positive direction, like a morning routine or even evening routine before we go to bed, things like that, that we make a part of our life are all essential components of fitness and a healthy lifestyle as we get older.”

Low-Impact Exercises

Positive mature woman doing aerobics exercises with group of people in dance centerShutterstock

Randolph recommends low-impact exercises to stay strong and independent. “There are plenty of low impact aerobics type exercises that can be done that a relatively healthy person in their sixties and seventies can accomplish,” she says. “You can accomplish so much towards keeping your body strong without using any weights at all. You use your own body weight. My focus is not on seeing how big my muscles can get, but keeping them firm and strong so that I can do the daily tasks that I want to do.”

RELATED:I'm 50+ and These 7 Fat-Blasting Habits Keep Me in the Best Shape of My Life

Functional Fitness

Smiling senior woman making squat exercise at home, active sporty elderly lady training on her yoga mat, smiling during fitness workout in her airy, well-lit living room, copy spaceShutterstock

Randolph’s goals are to be able to lift and play with her grandchildren with ease, so she focuses on functional fitness and balance. “Functional fitness is doing exercises that include several different body movements that would mimic things like bending down to pick up a bag of groceries off the floor or picking something up off the floor and then putting it up on a shelf or into a cabinet, maybe bending down to tie a shoe,” she says.

Stationary Bike

Portrait of active mature woman training on stationary bike workout in gymShutterstock

Getting your heart rate up is important, Randolph says. “Other types of similar exercise would be biking, whether it's a stationary bike or a bicycle outside strength training, keeping our muscles strong, low impact aerobics, getting our heart rate moving without jumping all around. And then as part of strength training exercises that include functional fitness and balance so that we can move around as we need to in our daily activities without hurting ourselves.”

Crunches and Glute Bridges

Gym, stomach workout and woman with fitness, sport and abs exercise for wellness, health and care. Training, athlete and thinking with crunches, abdomen muscle and core strength on the floorShutterstock

“Moving floor exercises are one type of strength training that we can do, and I aim to get in my strength training exercises several times a week,” Randolph says. “So here's just a couple of examples. I've been doing crunches and glute bridges for years, and they really help me stay strong and relatively fit. It really is amazing what you can accomplish by using just your body weight.”

RELATED:I Hit 60 and These Daily Habits Keep Me Fit and Feeling 20 Years Younger

Inspirational Words

Randolph emphasizes how important it is to take charge of your health. My commitment to living a healthy lifestyle really is at the top or the forefront of my daily activities because if I don't take care of myself, no one else is going to do it for me,” she says. “There are several essentials to a healthy lifestyle. Exercise is one of them. Certainly eating well, eating balanced meals, getting the right nutrients for our bodies that are getting older, self-care, giving our body, mind, and heart the regular care they need to keep us positive and motivated every day.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Alexandra_alexx.fitt
This Woman Lost 40 Pounds After Quitting These 5 Common Habits Forever
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Can you lose a significant amount of weight just by walking every day? Yes, absolutely! Not only does walking burn fat, help lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol levels, but it also does wonders for your mental state as well. “You need to make it part of your routine,” exercise physiologist Katie Lawton, MEd. tells Cleveland Clinic Health Essentials. “This is about adjusting your lifestyle for your health.” TikTok influencer Alex ( @alex.fitt) lost 40 pounds just by walking—here’s how she did it.

Don’t Start Big

@alexx.fitt Step by step walk it off #walking #weightloss ♬ original sound - alexx.fitt

Alex makes the important point that it’s better to start off slow to build sustainable habits. You don’t have to kickstart your fitness regimen with two-hour walks. Even just half an hour will make a difference to your mood and your health, and encourage you to do it again the next day.

Walking After Meals

Alex says she started off her walking program by simply taking a 15 minute walk after a big meal. Research shows walking after meals can benefit blood sugar. “Exercise impacts your blood sugar quickly, often within a few minutes,” Shannon Knapp, MEd, BSN, RN, CDCES, tells the Cleveland Clinic. “And over time, physical activity helps your body use insulin more effectively, decreasing the insulin resistance we often see in diabetes.”

Walking In the Morning

Alex would start her day with a walk. “Getting outside gives you a chance to enjoy fresh air and nature,” says Henry Ford Health. “Walking, like any form of exercise, reduces stress and anxiety. You’ll start the day with a positive attitude, better able to manage challenges during the day.”

Long Walk After Dinner

Alex would save her long walk for after dinner, which studies show is very beneficial. “The closer we get to the evening, the less efficient our bodies are at using insulin to deal with blood glucose, making it harder to keep blood glucose levels healthy,” Dr Evelyn Parr from the Australian Catholic University’s Exercise and Nutrition Research Program tells the Sydney Morning Herald. “Yet this is when we have our biggest meal of the day.”

Smaller Waist

Alex says the biggest difference she noticed from walking was in her waist. “The faster, farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits,” says the Mayo Clinic. “For example, you may start out as an average walker, and then work your way up to walking faster and walking a mile in a shorter amount of time than an average walker, similar to power walkers.”

Using Technology

Alex was thrilled the first time her watch buzzed when she hit 10k steps. Research shows people who track their fitness tend to be successful. “We’ve seen this rise of digital health tools in the last decade, and they provide a great way for people to access interventions to better their health,” Michele Patel, PhD, tells Stanford Medicine.

10,000 Steps a Day

No matter how long or short her walks, Alex always aims for 10,000 steps every day. “Evidence suggests that accumulating up to 10,000 steps per day is helpful for reducing chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and some forms of cancer,” John M. Jakicic, Ph.D, tells University of Kansas Medical Center. “And more recent evidence supports the benefits of reducing the risk of dementia.”

💪🔥Body Booster: Start slow and steady to build lasting habits. Even 10 minutes will make a difference.

Denise Hamdan denisehamdan
I Lost 30 Pounds While Eating These High-Protein Foods
Copyright denisehamdan/TikTok
Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Denise Hamdan (@denisehamdan) is a food and fitness influencer on TikTok who regularly shares her tricks and tips on weight loss with her 71,000 followers. Hamdan lost a whopping 30 pounds by following a healthy diet and exercising. In a recent clip, she reveals her diet. “Hey y'all, here's everything I ate in one day to stay lean as someone who lost 30 pounds,” she says, revealing that she eats 1829 calories and 147 g of protein per day. Body Network’s Resident RDN, The Diet Diva, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian, co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies, also weighs in.

Breakfast

“I started my morning with my breakfast cocktail of oxygen and creatine. I just added the products to my showcase. So go check them out. I have my cocktail with Greek yogurt with strawberries and blueberries and a drizzle of granola,” she says. The total calories equal 157 and 14 g protein.

Lunch

“I'm in this phase where I eat nearly the same thing every day, and that's been scrambled eggs with cheese and spinach and some turkey bacon on the side,” she says about her lunch. “And honestly, I'm not complaining because it hits every time. Her total calories are 562 and 52 g protein.

Green Smoothie

Sometimes she will have a smoothie instead. “I made a cute little green smoothie and it was a little messy, but it was good regardless,” she says.

Pre-Workout Snack

“Later, for a pre-workout snack, I made some cute little tuna crackers with the green onion and bell pepper,” she says about the snack totaling 430 calories and 28 g protein.

OxyShred and Pre-Workout

“Then I got to the gym and made my OxyShred and pre-workout combo before hitting cardio and abs,” she continued. “It had me sweating.”

Protein Bar

“Right after my workout I had my favorite dark chocolate pretzel protein bar,” she continued.

Dinner

“And finally for dinner I made this super easy teriyaki chicken bowl over brown rice,” she said, adding that the 560 calorie and 52 gram protein meal is “so delicious and the macros forward are amazing.”

Dessert

“Lastly, for dessert, I had some chocolate 'cause I cannot end the day without a little sweet treat,” she said about the 120 calorie sweet treat.

RDN Weighs in

tara collingwoodI'm a Nutritionist and These 9 High-Protein Snacks Keep My Clients Full While Losing 50 Pounds

Copyright Tara Collingwood

“1800-1900 calories seems like a good amount for her, but I don’t know her exact age, height, weight, or exercise level,” says Collingwood. “147 grams of protein is probably more than she needs, but it is not dangerously high.”

Try Eating More Vegetables, Expert Says

“I see a little bit of fruit on the yogurt and a tiny bit of spinach in eggs and peppers in tuna but overall not much veggie intake (green smoothie was green powder and not real whole veggies) which is proven with only 16 grams of fiber for her overall day,” Collingwood continues. “I would recommend increasing veggies to aim for 25 grams of fiber each day.” She also likes how often she is eating with the meals and snacks in between. “I do worry about the OxyShred. I couldn’t find on their website anywhere exactly how much caffeine is in it and having it later in the day could definitely impact sleep since caffeine has a 5 hour half-life,” she points out.

💪🔥Body Booster: How much protein should you consume per day? Aim for 0.8 to one gram per pound of bodyweight. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week

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20 Things to Avoid While on Ozempic
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Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Ozempic can be highly effective for weight loss, but there are definitely some unpleasant side effects to contend with, as the makers of the drug, Novo Nordisk, warn about. Nausea, constipation, and stomach pain are common, but avoiding certain foods and behaviors can make a difference. Here are 20 things to avoid while on Ozempic, to make the most of the medication and encourage healthy weight loss.

Too Much Sugar

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Added sugars, and sugary sodas, can spike blood sugar. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic and Wegovy, recommends that people avoid sugary foods while on the drug. “If you are taking medication to lower your sugar levels, it is advisable to avoid excess sugar consumption,” Dr. Dina Peralta-Reich, MD, FAAP, FOMA, tells Parade. “Failure to watch what you eat and keep your sugar levels elevated may prevent you from seeing the intended results of the medication,” she shares.”

Ultra-Processed Foods

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Ultra-processed foods can make side effects of Ozempic worse. “This medication slows down gastric emptying and the dense food will move much slower through your intestines, which can make you feel sick [and experience] nausea, vomiting, reflux and abdominal pain,” says Dr. Peralta-Reich. “Someone may not see the results they're looking for either.”

High-Fat Foods

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Foods high in saturated and trans fats can make side effects of Ozempic worse. Some people complain of diarrhea and stomach pains. “I’ve seen an almost dumping syndrome-like response in people taking GLP-1s when they eat simple carbohydrates and high-fat foods,” Dr. Shauna Levy, a specialist in obesity medicine and medical director of the Tulane Bariatric and Weight Loss Center in New Orleans, tells TODAY.

Sitting All Day

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Staying active is important while on Ozempic. Regular exercise is not only important for health, it can prevent muscle loss. The goal should be fat loss, and getting strong.

Not Hydrating

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Don’t forget to drink your water and stay hydrated. Drinking water can help with side effects of Ozempic, especially nausea. Ozempic.com recommends drinking clear or ice-cold drinks to combat any nausea and discomfort.

Too Much Alcohol

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Avoid alcohol on Ozempic, experts advice. “One, it’s just empty calories. Two, it tends to make people make decisions that they otherwise might not make,” says Dr. Levy. “It could increase hunger, and the whole point of GLP-1s, or at least one of the points, is to decrease hunger. So it sort of negates their purpose.”

Be Mindful of Portions

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Ozempic keeps food in the stomach longer, so bigger portions can cause discomfort. “Understanding that overall portions are smaller on these medications, we want to optimize nutritional intake and consume the ‘best’ calories available,” obesity medicine physician Dr. Christopher McGowan tells TODAY. “The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake.”

Be Mindful of Coffee

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“Overall, coffee is perfectly fine to consume, but for some individuals can lead to stomach irritation,” says Dr. McGowan. “Therefore, I recommend drinking coffee in moderation, such as one to two cups a day. Patients should also be mindful of calorie-dense additives, like cream and sugar.”

Don’t Skip Meals

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It’s easy to skip meals when on Ozempic, but make sure you’re getting enough nutrition. Some people have even become malnourished as a result of not eating. “It’s never healthy to not eat,” Dr. Hwang said. Dr. Janice Jin Hwang, the division chief of endocrinology and metabolism at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine tells the New York Times.

Don’t Consider It a Quick Fix

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Ozempic should be part of a long-term health plan. “It’s important to note that if you start taking either of these drugs for weight loss, your body may get used to it, establishing a new normal,” says UC Davis Health. This can cause your weight to plateau. Research has shown that if you stop taking Ozempic (or Wegovy), it's likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.”

Same Unhealthy Lifestyle

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Don’t continue an unhealthy diet and assume it’s ok because of Ozempic. “You can likely lose weight on semaglutide medications without changing your diet and activity behaviors, but these lifestyle changes will make the treatment more effective,” Richard Siegel, MD, tells the Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy. “Also, we don’t know if weight loss will have the same health benefits if one does not change their behaviors.”

Protect Your Health

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Some doctors warn that taking Ozempic can make people complacent about their health. “It is important to remember that obesity is heterogenous, chronic and complex,” Vijaya Surampudi, MD, physician nutrition specialist and assistant director of the UCLA Weight Management Program (RFO), tells UCLA Health. “There is no cure for obesity. It requires lifelong treatment that’s not one size fits all.”

Carbonated Beverages

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Ozempic slows down digestion, keeping food in your stomach for longer. This causes a feeling of fullness and some unpleasant side effects for some people like belching. Stick to still water as carbonated beverages can make stomach issues worse.

Long-Term Goals

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If you plan on only taking Ozempic or Wegovy for a short while, it’s likely your weight will come back on. “In one trial of Wegovy, people regained about two-thirds of the weight lost within a year of stopping the drug,” Dr. Siegel explains. “Lifestyle changes can help maintain weight loss, but it’s unusual to maintain all weight loss once you stop any weight loss medication.”

Refined Carbohydrates

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Refined carbohydrates tend to spike blood sugar, which is exactly what Ozempic is meant to treat. You don’t have to cut these foods out entirely, but be aware it makes it harder for Ozempic to do its job. “Foods like white bread, white rice, crackers, or even cereals may seem like better choices than foods with added sugar, but refined carbohydrates still metabolize as glucose in the body,” Christine Fallabel, MPH, tells Diabetes Strong.

Watch Out For High Fiber

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While many green vegetables are low GI, be careful about the fiber. “If you’re not used to eating a lot of vegetables, you may experience side effects such as bloating and gas, until your body has acclimated to eating a more fiber-filled diet,” Fallabel says.

Junk Food

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Junk food—which you should be avoiding either way for weight loss purposes—often contains high levels of sodium. “Ultra-processed foods are high in sodium, saturated fats and added sugars, which contribute to a range of health problems,” Elizabeth Ko, MD, and Eve Glazier, MD, tell UCLA Health. These include an increased risk of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, lowered immune response, certain cancers, dementia and early death.”

Spicy Foods

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Ozempic can cause acid reflux due to slow digestion. Spicy foods can make acid reflux worse, experts warn. However, if acid reflux is not an issue, people can probably enjoy spicy foods if they wish.

Always See a Medical Professional

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Ozempic should only be prescribed by a medical professional. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” endocrinologist Alyssa Dominguez, MD, tells Keck Medicine. “I have used Ozempic, sometimes, off-label for weight loss, though getting insurance approval for that can be challenging.”

Fried Foods

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Fried, greasy foods can make Ozempic stomach issues worse. “Foods high in fat can make digestive side effects worse. Since food hangs around longer in the stomach, it has more time to cause problems,” Sarah Bullard, MS, RD, LD, tells Signos. “Some studies have shown that consuming too much fat can increase symptoms of fullness, nausea, and bloating in individuals with digestive issues and heartburn. Reducing fat intake resolved symptoms.”

💪🔥Body Booster: A whole foods Mediterranean diet is ideal while taking Ozempic.