Six Surefire Ways To Stay Slim

Gaining weight is a growing concern as you age. Your metabolism slows down, making it more difficult for you to maintain your current slim look. However, with improved diet, exercise and overall lifestyle choices, you can maintain the slim, healthy look you desire.

Exercise

Engaging in regular exercise is a surefire way to stay slim. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends that healthy adults engage in 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity, five days each week. Moderately intense physical activity includes exercise that causes you to break a sweat and raises your heart rate. Try swimming, cycling, aerobics, running, jogging, walking or dancing. Stretch and warm up for five to 10 minutes before beginning any form of physical activity.

Diet

Eat a healthy diet. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends an emphasis on fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products and whole grains. Your diet should also include fish, poultry, lean meats, eggs, beans and nuts. Avoid foods with added sugars and those that are high in saturated fats, trans fats, sodium and cholesterol.

Count Calories

Stay within the recommended calorie range. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends that the average American adult looking to maintain her current weight take in 2,000 calories each day. Your body needs calories to fuel itself. Without calories, your body will go into a starvation mode, meaning it will become more difficult for you to burn calories and maintain your current weight.

Drink Water

Drink plenty of water. Water helps rid your body of toxins, delivers essential vitamins and nutrients throughout your body and helps keep your skin looking great. In addition, drinking the recommended eight glasses of water a day can help you feel satisfied. When you are feeling full, you are less likely to eat. Some individuals eat when they are thirsty, rather than drink. Drinking water satisfies your thirst, which helps to ensure you eat only when you are hungry.

Avoid Alcohol

Avoiding alcohol is an easy way to stay slim. Alcohol is high in calories that will not do anything to satisfy your hunger or thirst. Avoid drinking in excess. If you do decide to have a drink for a special occasion, make room for these calories in your daily allotment.

Live Healthy

Lead a healthy lifestyle. Sleep between seven and nine hours each night. Avoid smoking, and work to reduce any stress in your life. Relax and take time for yourself. Enjoy a good book, time with friends or a hobby. Leading an overall healthy lifestyle keeps you in control of your life, which allows you to stay slim.