By Adesuwa Ewoigbokhan
Some people are not even foodies, yet, as the African saying goes, “rest of mind” can make you add weight while stress can make you lose it. Life and the human body can be very unpredictable.
As one ages, it may be time to rethink how you eat and this is not necessarily about giving up everything we love or going on a restrictive diet.
More often, it is about what we eat, how much we eat, how often we eat and how active we remain. Our bodies change as we grow older, muscle mass can gradually decline, our energy needs may reduce, and hormonal changes can influence how and where the body stores fat. Which means that eating habits that worked perfectly years ago may not produce exactly the same results today.
The answer, however, is not starvation: a little of everything, in sensible portions, can be a much more sustainable approach. More vegetables, fruits, fibre rich foods and good sources of protein should have a place on the plate, while foods high in added sugar, excessive oil and refined carbohydrates should be moderated.
Portion size matters because even nutritious food can contribute to weight gain when we consistently consume more foods than our bodies need.
Then comes movement, exercise does not have to mean spending hours in a gym, especially as walking, dancing, swimming, cycling, gardening, stretching or simply becoming more physically active can make a difference. Strength and resistance exercises are particularly useful as we age because maintaining muscle supports strength, mobility, balance and healthy ageing.
And yes, let us talk about sexercises: sexual activity is physical activity, and for many people it can contribute to movement, relaxation, intimacy and general wellbeing. This should not replace regular exercise, but there is certainly no reason to stop enjoying sex simply because we are getting older.
Ageing does not automatically switch off a woman’s sexuality since some women continue to have a strong libido, while others experience changes in desire. Both experiences are normal, what really matters is you being comfortable with your body, communicating with your partner and seeking professional help when physical or hormonal changes become troublesome.
Hydration also deserves attention: drink water regularly and do not wait until you are extremely thirsty before reaching for it.
What about eating at night?
Rather than turning a particular hour into a forbidden food zone, pay attention to your overall eating pattern. Have dinner at a reasonable time, avoid routinely eating very large meals late at night, and listen to genuine hunger. A small, nutritious snack when you are genuinely hungry is not going to undo an otherwise balanced diet.
Growing older should not become a punishment for the body, so eat sensibly, move regularly, stay hydrated, rest adequately, have sex if you want to, and, above all, learn to enjoy the body you are living in; not fight it!