Is it too late to get healthy in your 40s?
No, it’s definitely not too late! I am turning 46 years old this year, and in many ways I look and feel healthier than I did in my 30s.
There are many things you can do to improve your health and fitness at any age. Here are some tips for a healthier and happier life in your 40s.
Get regular checkups and screenings
It’s important to get regular checkups and screenings in your 40s. This is the time when many health problems can start to develop, so it’s important to catch them early.
Make sure to schedule annual physicals with your doctor and get any recommended screenings. These simple tests can save your life.
Personally, I’m also a fan of having control over deciding which screenings I want and being able to do them from home in a safe and cost-effective manner. I use Knowing Labs for my at-home testing.
Eat Healthy
Healthy eating is important at any age, but it becomes even more important in your 40s. This is the time when your metabolism starts to slow down and you may start to gain weight more easily. Personally my metabolism started to significantly slow down in my late 30s. I was still eating healthy, but love handles and unwanted fat started to appear and was not as easy to get rid of as in my younger years.
First thing I started to do was eliminate processed foods, eliminate refined carbs, and eliminate refined sugars. When going grocery shopping I would primarily focus on sticking to the perimeter of the supermarket, and always selecting organic when possible.
Including a nice mix of vegetables, fruits, and proteins in my meals not only pleased my taste buds with variety, but also kept my body and mind happy. For proteins, I choose grass fed products and stay away from industrialized/ mass produced meats. I’m also a big fan of wild caught salmon (which is an excellent way of getting Omega 3 in your diet).
Keep Your Body Active
As they say, “A body in motion, stays in motion.” Staying active is important for your health at any age. But in your 40s, it’s especially important to focus on fitness because it can help prevent age-related health problems.
One of the best ways to stay active in your 40s is to find an activity you enjoy and make it part of your regular routine. Whether you prefer to workout at the gym or at home, make exercise a regular routine in your weekly activities. Personally, I like to workout first thing in the morning to kick off my day with some good energy and mental focus. I workout five days per week, and I like to mix resistance training with some cardio.
Walking is also a great form of exercise for people of all ages. It’s low impact, so it’s easy on your joints, and it’s a great way to get some fresh air and sunshine.
Reduce Stress
In your 40s, it’s important to focus on reducing stress. Stress can take a toll on your health, both mentally and physically. It can contribute to weight gain, anxiety, depression, and a host of other health problems.
There are many ways to reduce stress (even something as simple as smiling). Some people find that exercise is a great way to relieve stress. Others find that meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises help them to relax. Find what works for you and make it a priority in your life.
It’s also important to focus on healthy coping mechanisms when stress does occur. Avoid unhealthy habits like drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or overeating. Instead, try to find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as talking to a friend, writing in a journal, or spending time outdoors.
Get enough quality sleep
Sleep is important for your health at any age, but it becomes even more important in your 40s. This is the time when your metabolism starts to slow down and you may start to gain weight more easily. Getting enough sleep helps keep your metabolism healthy and can help prevent weight gain.
In my 20s to early 30s I was in the music business and formed some horrible sleeping habits. For years, the late nights and small amount of hour of sleep didn’t phase me much, but as I got older it hit me like a ton of bricks. Improving my sleep was one of the greatest things I did for my mental and physical health.
Maintaining a healthy hormone balance
Hormones play a vital role in our overall health and well-being. They are responsible for regulating many of the body’s functions, including metabolism, reproduction, and mood. As we age, our hormone levels naturally begin to decline. This can lead to a variety of health problems, such as weight gain, fatigue, low libido, and depression.
That’s why it’s so important to focus on maintaining a healthy hormone balance in your 40s. There are many ways to do this, including eating a healthy diet, getting enough exercise, and managing stress. If you think you may have a hormone imbalance, talk to your doctor about testing and treatment options.
As some of you may already know, about four years ago I started using a homeopathic gel that did wonders for balancing and optimizing my hormones naturally. You can read about my results and experience with it here.
I hope you found this information helpful. Here’s to living an amazing life in our 40s and beyond!
