As someone navigating the fabulous (and sometimes baffling) 40s, I've been on a journey to find what works for my body.
From diets to supplements, and workouts, I've tried it all.
Let me spill the tea on my top 5 experiences, including some popular items like mass gainers, fat burners, and meal replacement shakes.
1. Keto Diet + Garcinia Cambogia: My Middle-Aged Weight Loss Experiment
Embarking on the Keto Diet in my 40s, I faced a unique set of challenges. Let's just say, I'm not the biggest fan of meat, and dairy and I have a love-hate relationship. So, the thought of limiting my diet to primarily fats and proteins was daunting. There was a nagging fear of feeling trapped in my food choices, potentially setting me up for failure as happened in the past.
Yet, I had a compelling reason to give Keto a shot. Rewind to a few years ago, when I briefly tried the Atkins induction phase. The experience was transformative – I lost about 10 pounds in a month, felt more alive, and my cravings practically vanished. What's more, the dietary restrictions naturally cut out a lot of unhealthy foods I'd been overindulging in.
But let's talk about the elephant in the room – losing weight isn't the same when you're in your 40s. It's a whole different ball game, and here's how I played it:
Hormones, Hormones, Hormones: They can be your best friend or your worst enemy. I learned the hard way that keeping my hormones balanced was key. I started taking small doses of progesterone and estrogen, alongside some precursor hormones. If your doctor brushes off your concerns with a 'you're fine,' don't hesitate to seek a second opinion. Hormone balance is a game-changer.
Stress is a No-Go: Stress can wreak havoc on your weight loss efforts, thanks to cortisol. I found my solace in meditation and reconnecting with nature. Managing stress is non-negotiable.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods for the Win: While not strictly part of the Keto diet, these foods have been lifesavers. They help combat years of dietary missteps and support my body's overall well-being.
Garcinia Cambogia: Famous for its appetite-suppressing properties, I was curious to see if it would turbo-charge my Keto results. It's hard to pinpoint its exact impact, but I felt it complemented my Keto journey well, particularly in keeping those pesky food cravings at bay.
2. Intermittent Fasting + Thermogenic Fat Burners: A Game-Changer in My 40s
My journey with Intermittent Fasting (IF) was a difficult but rewarding one. It all began with a simple goal: cut out sugar and increase my intake of fats and proteins. What I didn't expect was the cascade of positive changes that followed. To my surprise, I didn't fall sick – not even once – since starting IF. This was a big win for me, considering my previous bouts with frequent illnesses.
My IF journey started with a 16/8 fasting window – that's 16 hours of fasting and an 8-hour eating window. As I grew more accustomed to this pattern, I gradually shifted to a 20/4 schedule and sometimes even one meal a day (OMAD). One tool that turned out to be a game-changer for me was tracking my food intake. Using MyFitnessPal to log everything I ate kept me accountable and honest about my eating habits. Also, employing a food scale was an eye-opener – I was shocked to realize how much I had been overeating!
One of the toughest challenges initially was eliminating midnight snacking. Looking back, it's astonishing to think how often I raided the fridge just a few hours post-dinner.
To supplement my IF routine, I started using thermogenic fat burners. I was drawn to their promise of boosting metabolism and enhancing fat burning. While it's hard to quantify their exact impact, I do feel they've played a role in my overall wellness and weight management.
3. Yoga + Meal Replacement Shakes: A Harmonious Blend for Body and Mind
My journey with Yoga began somewhat unassumingly. Initially, it was just a few downward dogs here and there, a staple pose known as Adho Mukha Svanasana. But what started as a casual practice soon transformed into something much more profound.
Before I knew it, Yoga wasn't just a part of my routine; it had become a way of life. I loved it so much that I even went to India for a two-week retreat in Rishikesh. It's incredible how life can take such transformative turns.
The changes brought about by Yoga were gradual yet impactful. I noticed a significant improvement in my overall well-being. My body felt better, my mind clearer, and there was this undeniable shift in my perspective towards life. Yoga taught me the art of having a softer approach to everything. Whether it was handling stress or making everyday decisions, I found myself navigating life with more grace and poise, thanks to the control I had gained over my breath and the ability to pause and reflect.
One of the most beautiful aspects of delving deep into Yoga was how it influenced my choices, especially in terms of health. Alongside my Yoga practice, I incorporated meal replacement shakes into my diet. These shakes were not just about cutting calories or losing weight; they were about nourishing my body with the right nutrients in a convenient, no-fuss way. Especially on days filled with Yoga practices and meditation sessions, these shakes became my go-to solution for maintaining a balanced diet.
The combination of Yoga and meal replacement shakes was a revelation. Yoga worked on my inner self, instilling peace and resilience, while the shakes took care of my physical health, ensuring I received the essential nutrients without overburdening my digestive system.
What's most heartening is the way Yoga has reshaped my social circles and relationships. Some people naturally drifted away, their energies no longer resonating with mine. It was a gentle reminder that as we evolve, so do our connections with others.
4. HIIT Workouts + Weight Loss Pills: A Balanced Approach
With High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), the energy and strength I felt post-workout were unparalleled. HIIT wasn't just about burning calories; it was transforming my body's ability to function efficiently and energetically.
However, I also explored the idea of weight loss pills. There's a stigma that surrounds these pills, and I understand why. The notion that they're a quick fix is misleading. I realized that these supplements should be a part of a broader, more holistic approach to health, not the entire solution.
Before even considering weight loss pills, I had a detailed discussion with my doctor. It's crucial to understand that these pills aren't magic bullets. They work best when complemented with a healthy diet and regular exercise. More importantly, they're not a replacement for the fundamental lifestyle changes necessary for long-term health.
The key takeaway from my experience with HIIT and weight loss pills is balance. While the workouts provide a solid foundation for physical health, any supplemental pills should be approached with caution, understanding, and professional guidance. It's about finding a sustainable path to health, not a temporary fix.
5. My Sicilian Orange Adventure: A Surprise Turn in My Health Journey
So, this whole thing began with a simple coffee catch-up. My friend, who honestly looked amazing, let me in on her little secret: Sicilian oranges. She was all praises about these Morosil Blood Oranges. At first, I thought, "Okay, it's just fruit, right?" But curiosity got the best of me, and I started digging around for more info.
The Cool Stuff About Sicilian Oranges
Turns out, these aren't your average oranges. It’s oranges from Sicily, Italy which are packed with goodies like vitamin C and clinically proven weight busters, flavonoids and anthocyanins. In fact, research on Morosil Blood Orange extract has shown promising results in weight management, with significant reductions in body measurements in clinical studies.
Finding The Purest Co
My research trail led me to The Purest Co. They had this product that was all about the goodness of Sicilian oranges, and it seemed like a super simple way to try out this whole thing. No crazy diet, no intense workout plan – just something easy and pleasant to add to my day.
Giving It a Shot
I thought, "Why not?" and decided to give it a go. It wasn't like those typical diet routines that feel like a chore. It was more like a little moment of self-care each day. After a while, I started noticing changes, and it wasn't just about looking different. I felt better, more balanced.
Looking Back
That coffee chat was the start of something unexpected – my own journey with Sicilian oranges. It wasn't just a quest to lose some weight. It turned into a way of living better, feeling more connected to what my body needs. Thanks to The Purest Co, I found a simple, natural way to help myself. It's been an eye-opener, really. Who knew a small fruit could make such a big difference?
The Best Natural Supplement for Weight Loss
If you're looking for weight loss supplement that's both effective and natural, I recommend the Sicilian Orange Slimming Elixir from The Purest Co. It contains high-quality, scientifically-proven ingredients like 400 mg of blood orange extract—the clinically recommended dosage for weight loss.
Pros:
400mg blood orange, the recommended clinical dosage
Contains forslean coleus forskohlii extract that help with fat reduction
No unnecessary ingredients or additives
30-day, 100% satisfaction guaranteed or money back
Rigorously tested for purity and ingredient quality
Made in Taiwan
Manufactured to HACCP and ISO22000 standards
Highly rated for customer service
Free SG delivery on all orders
Cons:
Only available online
Always out of stock due to demand
