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Your Midlife Health Check

Here we are – midlife. Somewhere between 40 and 60 years of age. It’s time to take a good hard look at the state of our well-being. Where are you at health-wise? What lifestyle habits got you to this stage in life? Is it time those habits improve?

If you are like most Americans, you’ve managed to gain a little weight – about 2 pounds per year after the age of 30. How did THAT happen? Chances are that you didn’t change what you were eating during those years but you did change your amount of physical activity.

You worked longer hours, had more family responsibilities, higher stress and before you knew it you were carrying some extra “padding” around the middle. I’ve been there. I understand. Then getting fit during middle age can be daunting. Which is why over 50% of American adults are overweight or obese and that number continues to grow.

But just because you’ve reached midlife doesn’t mean you give up and give way to aging. Now more than ever, it’s time to take control of your health and get back on track. How do you get control of the weight gain and resume a healthy midlife? You start by adopting four simple lifestyle changes.

They are:
 
    Eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables a day (everyday)
 
    Maintain weight that is neither underweight (BMI under 18.5) nor obese (BMI over 30).
 
    Get regular exercise – such as walking, 2.5 hours a week or 30 minutes a day.
 
    Don’t smoke

Although these changes are easy, I am astounded to learn that less than 10% of middle aged adults practice these healthy lifestyles regularly. And, it seems the older we get, the less likely we are to adopt these changes.

Is it any wonder why the quality of life seems to diminish as we get older? This is why positive changes toward getting healthier once we reach middle age are important, no matter how small they are. Done consistently, the simple steps listed above will give way to greater energy, strength and motivation.

Age is not an excuse to stop living. So I challenge you to live your WHOLE life! And if you need help organizing a wellness program that works for you – then to talk to me. We’re in this “mid-life” together! Feel free to shoot me an email or leave a comment below.

Be well, and Always Enjoy Your Life!

John Aaron Villarreal


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