Turning 40 is hard enough without having to worry about the changes going on behind the scenes with your body. When I was 20, thirty sounded old and forty sounded like the beginning of the end. Remember the photos of your grandparents in their forties? They looked ancient. Perhaps it’s just my perspective that has changed, but when I look around at forty year olds today, I see a much more youthful picture. Eating healthier and exercising regularly has certainly helped make 40 the new 30.

Even though we are physically healthier and younger-looking than forty year old women in the 1960’s; we are also, on average, 25 pounds heavier. This most definitely can be attributed to a more hectic lifestyle coupled with the ease of buying fast-food and/or pre-made meals and eating on the go more often than not.

Okay, as forty year olds, we are wiser and more self-confident than when we were younger, but we also have a metabolism rate that is beginning to work against us. It’s not a losing battle, though. By following these three simple steps, you can keep your metabolism rate high and your weight where you want it.

Step 1: Find Out How Many Calories You Eat
This one’s easy. If your clothes feel tight, you’re consuming too many calories per day for your body to work off.

Step 2: Determine How Many Calories You Need
Knowing your ideal goal prevents weight gain and helps you lose. Use this simple equation to find your daily calorie needs:
Your weight goal: ________
Multiply by:
x 10 if you don’t exercise at all
x 13 if you rarely exercise or only play the occasional weekend golf or tennis game
x 15 if you regularly exercise (swim, walk, or jog) for 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week
Total daily calories: ________
Aim for this number every day to reach and maintain your weight goal.

Step 3: Make Smart Choices All Day
It doesn’t matter where calories come from (fat, sugar, protein, or carbs), if you eat too many, they get converted to fat at the same rate. Focus on total calorie intake to get slim.

Drink plenty of water…make it ice-cold and you’ll burn calories while your body warms the water.

Walk more…skip the elevator and park a little further away from your destination.

Add aerobics and weight-training to your exercise routine. Aerobics helps to speed your metabolism and using weights helps burn more calories during your workout.