Let’s be fair.
I can’t blame Marvel super-hero Deadpool for my never-ending weight struggle.
I have only myself to blame for my weakness for buttered popcorn.
After all, who can see an action-packed movie on the big screen starring our favourite Canadian Ryan Reynolds, with his irreverent humour, without the comfort of a bag of buttered popcorn, albeit a small one.
In fairness to me, according to the chart in my doctor’s office, I am at the perfect weight for my height, age and gender.
So what’s my problem you ask.
Well, it’s not about the number on the scale; it’s about my dresses fitting me.
It’s about fitting into those said dresses after I have returned from yet another vacation which includes copious amounts of delicious food and alcohol.
Losing weight can be particularly challenging for those of us aged 70 and older due to a combination of physiological, psychological, and lifestyle factors.
First, as people age, their metabolism naturally slows down. This decline in metabolic rate means that the body burns fewer calories at rest, making it easier to gain weight. Additionally, muscle mass typically decreases with age. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, this loss of muscle further reduces caloric expenditure, complicating weight loss efforts.
Hormonal changes also play a significant role. With aging, levels of hormones decrease, affecting fat distribution. Older adults may find it more challenging to shed fat, particularly around the abdomen.
Moreover, many seniors face health-related challenges that can hinder weight loss. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease may limit physical activity, making exercise difficult. Medications for these conditions can also contribute to weight gain or hinder weight loss.
Psychologically, many older adults may have entrenched eating habits or emotional connections to food that make changing their diet difficult. Social factors, such as loneliness or limited social engagements, can also lead to overeating or unhealthy eating patterns.
Lastly, access to resources like nutritious food and fitness programs may be limited, particularly for seniors living on fixed incomes.
I can’t blame my weight gain on any of the above as far as I know.
My problem is I eat too many desserts and drink too much delicious wine on my holidays.
But I have discovered a solution which works for me.
The ketogenic diet, known simply as the keto diet.
Now I am not suggesting you do what I did. I started this low carb, high fat diet without consulting my doctor. I was sure she would disapprove as it would likely increase my cholesterol levels but funnily enough the opposite happened.
Simply put, the goal of a keto diet is to put the body in a state of ketosis where it burns fat instead of carbohydrates. When the carbohydrate stores in the body are depleted, the body lacks a supply of glucose to burn for energy so it goes next door to the stubborn fat department where the ketones hang out. Pick me they say! Fat-burning, here we come!
All I can say is that it works for me. I eat well. Lots of meat, cheese, sour cream, butter, broccoli, cauliflower, blackberries, blueberries, avocados, eggs, fish, butter, olive oil, nuts, salads…
No sugar. No pasta, bread, potatoes, rice. No dessert. No alcohol. And no popcorn! Continue to exercise.
I have more energy and I sleep well.
My dresses fit.
Ready for the next vacation which is coming up in a couple of weeks.
Maybe I can invite Deadpool to come along with me to keep me on track.
Sorry Deadpool, chimichangas, your favourite deep-fried burritos are not Keto-friendly.
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