1 Become food conscious. Successful diet plans begin by simply taking stock of what, when and how you eat. It may be easier than you think to modify your eating behavior. Tune into your thoughts, feelings and actions – but seek support if necessary.
2 Sleep well. Try a mind-body relaxation technique at bedtime for better rest. Sleep is the foundation for daily health, but nightly rest can become more elusive as we age. “The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook,” (New Harbinger Publications: 2008), explains progressive method relaxation and cued relaxation. Local yoga studios also instruct in deep relaxation.
3 Control your weight! Join a reliable weight loss program if you’re obese. Weight Watchers, founded in the 1960s, is among the longest-running and best-known. Avoid fad diets and non-food products. They’re not only expensive; they put you on a weight loss-and-gain rollercoaster. Smart diet programs help develop healthy routines that last a lifetime.
4 Exercise. Join a fitness club or jog on Chattanooga’s Riverwalk. If nothing else, walk in the malls. Popular with seniors during the cold winter months, a mall stroll is fun for all. Start now and you can enjoy January and February closeout sales – what can beat shopping while walking?
5 Don’t neglect the abs. Good posture and a healthy back – not to mention great looks – depend on strong abs. Think about the core while at the gym. Take a Pilates class. For those in reasonably good shape, Ashtanga, a strenuous, cardio-and-muscle-boosting type of yoga, builds abs with every move.