So I have updated the title to now say 60s rather than just 60 to represent another year!!!
Each year goes by and we have a choice – we can either let our age change us or we can change the way that we age.
A very simple statement that I have seen quite a few times, but one that is very true – and this is reflective no matter your age.
In my previous post I talked about being post menopause and both how it affects and effects us. I was at a training event with work the other day and it discussed all the stages women go through – hormonal health through the whole life span – puberty to menopause and some differing conditions. All of it was really interesting, but what got me was why is this kind of information is not being taught at an earlier age, obviously the menopause section of the training intrigued me more and the information that came out resonated so much, which if was told a lot earlier, could make the difference in preparing women for what was coming. The thing is you don’t know until it happens to you.
All of this in a roundabout way brings me back to the point above – age changing us or us changing the way we age. Recently there was a lady who joined our gym group – having never really done what she called hard exercise and she said that she felt unfit – but we all agreed that you need to start somewhere and things don’t change overnight – it takes time, persistence and consistency (I sound like a broken record I know as I keep saying this – but so true!!!!). I saw an instagram reel the other day of an American women who is 71 and about to take her finals to be a fitness instructor (she already has a host of clients – her own body is her advert) she had said she had been through the menopause and being told her cholesterol was too high – she changed her outlook and began exercising and eating a balanced diet – I have to say she does look amazing.
I said previously I was going to look at some of the questions and see what information is out there. I had a look at foods and have come across a few things but basically they say a similar thing i.e. eat a balanced diet. Dairy products which are essential for healthy bones (glad about that as love cheese and yoghurts!! ) These are filled with calcium, potassium and magnesium and has also been said to help sleep – can’t say that it has helped me to be honest. You also have to know the difference between unhealthy and healthy fats – so omega 3 foods are healthy fats – fish (all I can say to that is eugh!!! – hate fish and anything related to any seafood) so instead I use a supplement of fish oil – great cause there is no taste!! Whole grains – so rice, oatmeal, popcorn, buckwheat – so some of these you can get in pasta and bread (so not all bad). Of course there is fruit and vegetables and believe it or not quality protein. As a vegetarian I have found it quite hard to increase my protein intake (I was increasing it for the gym and wasn’t really aware that it was also good to have for post menopause – you live and learn I suppose). There is a lot more options to increase your protein now, Aldi (and yes there are other shops!!!) do some great protein mousse and yoghurts and it is a case of just having a wee look to see what’s in your meals and maybe a bit of planning and that is not always easy to do. I’m hoping the more I read on these things the easier it will get – but we’ll see – so watch this space!!!!
A couple of photos – how protein can help lifting 85kg
60's fit and not ready to quit 