How Not to Look Older

Having enough energy to do all you want in a day is a basic human need. So often when a woman starts the FASTer Way to Fat Loss, she expresses her desire to have more energy.

After working with women for over 40 years, I can confidently give you the tips I’ve seen transform a woman’s energy. Do it for yourself but also for all those in your life who rely on you. Some of these tips will be easier than others. But…you can do hard things. I promise you will look better and feel younger.

Let’s do this!

1. Manage your stress. The body is supposed to deal with stress but what is stressing your body. Relationships? Work situations? Stress can actually shrink and age the brain. It can lead to accelerated aging on a cellular level. Learn some self-care techniques such as box breathing, take quiet time or a long walk to manage stress.
2. Sleep. A lack of quality sleep could harm your health and your appearance. It will increase fine lines, uneven pigmentation and reduce elasticity in the skin. Practice good sleep hygiene by having a regular routine of going to bed and getting up. Live the 3-2-1 rule. Three hours before bed stop eating. Two hours before stop drinking. One hour before put away all electronic devices.
3. Drink your water. Water supports collagen in your skin. Someone who is seriously dehydrated loses skin elasticity. Drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water to look and feel younger.
4. Limit caffeine. Caffeine in coffee can help you stay younger and slow down your aging pace. Extra cups of coffee may lead to accelerated aging, wrinkles, and collagen depletion.
5. Cleanse your face properly. Going to bed with your makeup on will cause premature aging, dryness, and breakouts. One night is unlikely to cause damage. Repeated nights can inhibit the skin’s process of repair and regeneration while sleeping. Even if you don’t wear makeup, your skin is exposed to plenty of oils and air pollution that can build up on the skin in the course of a day. Wash and moisturize your face.
6. Exercise. Exercise increases blood flow, nourishes the skin, and makes you look healthier and younger. After the age of 40 it is most important to focus on strength resistance training over cardio. Women especially have weaker upper bodies, and we need the upper body strength to put our luggage in overhead bins, lift up small children and carry in all the groceries.
7. Eat whole foods. Food is how we age well. Whole foods are single ingredient foods such as apples, potatoes, etc. Fruits and vegetables represent the most healthy and safe method to maintain a balanced diet and youthful appearance.
8. Wear clothing that fits your body. Ready to wear isn’t ready to wear. Only 5% of the population can put something on and it fits. Big baggy styles make you look old. Clothing that is too small makes you look heavier. Please take your clothing to an alterations specialist and make the adjustments needed for your body. It actually makes your clothing look more expensive than it probably was.
9. Don’t smoke. Does anyone really do that anymore? Smoking cigarettes causes yellowing of the fingers, baggy skin under the eyes, sagging skin at the jawline, and skin that becomes harder and less elastic. Smoking has “old age” written all over it.
10. Good attitude. Grow old being likeable. Aging is 20% genetics and 80% in our hands (and minds). What is your attitude on aging?

Feeling good about our appearance lifts us up mentally. Become an active participant in your health and do what lights you up and makes you feel good. It really has never been a better time to be over 60.