Reclaiming Your Health After 40: Insights from a Registered Dietitian

It gets harder to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle as we get older. Slower metabolism, shifting hormones, and years of eating habits can make life seem like an uphill battle for people over 40. However, long-lasting transformation is achievable with the correct strategy, particularly when strength training and healthy eating are combined.

As the proprietor of The Exercise Coach in Tega Cay, I want to make sure my customers have access to all the tools they want in order to reach their fitness and health objectives. Although the goals of our strength training studio are to increase muscle mass, boost metabolism, and improve general health, I am aware that certain of our clients want more accountability, support, and a more thorough understanding of nutrition in order to succeed.

I thus looked for a reputable local registered dietitian like Patrick Zeoli, a committed professional who has devoted his professional life to empowering individuals, especially those over 40, to take charge of their health by providing them with individualized, evidence-based dietary advice. His method is inspiring and a wonderful fit for the work we perform in our studio.

Patrick didn’t have an epiphany about becoming a dietitian. His love of eating, his interest in science, and his desire to serve others all naturally came together. “When I was younger, I wanted to be a chef, but in high school, I fell in love with science, which led me to dietetics and nutrition,” he says.

In contrast to the more generic term nutritionist, a registered dietitian must complete years of education, work under supervision, and pass a license exam. Patrick provides medical nutrition therapy, a specialty that comes from years of study and ongoing education, as a qualified healthcare professional.

One of Patrick’s main tenets is that each diet plan is as distinct as the individual for whom it is intended. Everybody has a unique body. He clarifies that what is effective for one individual may not be for another. He prioritizes long-term adjustments above temporary ones when working with people over 40 who want to reduce their weight. He thinks it’s about being consistent and making decisions that work for you.

The idea that there is a single ideal diet for everyone is a frequent misunderstanding he runs against. Nutrition is actually quite personal. Finding a strategy that fits your interests, way of life, and health objectives is crucial, according to Patrick. Additionally, he cautions against following the newest diet trend. Steer clear of diets that you can’t stick to over time or that deprive the body of vital nutrients. In an effort to identify the underlying reason for someone’s particular relationship with food, I also make a concerted effort to raise awareness of food issues.

Patrick stresses that strength training is equally as important as nutrition, particularly for people over 40. It becomes more difficult to maintain a healthy weight as we age because we naturally lose muscular mass, which slows down metabolism. According to him, strength exercise is essential for maintaining muscle mass, increasing metabolism, and improving general health.

Witnessing customers improve their health is possibly the most fulfilling aspect of Patrick’s employment. A client who shed more than 130 pounds in two years is the subject of one of his most motivational success tales. He concentrated on consuming more foods he liked that were high in fiber and protein. According to Patrick, his cholesterol decreased, his diabetes got better with time, and he needed fewer prescription drugs. His statement that he feels in control of his health once more is the finest part.

Maintaining healthy eating habits becomes increasingly important as we become older. Patrick suggests a few easy methods to boost vigor and health:

Make protein a priority because it aids with metabolism, satiety, and muscle maintenance.Add fiber: To enhance heart health and digestion, eat more fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains.Prepare meals at home: You have control over the ingredients and portion quantities when you prepare your meals.Explore the store’s perimeter: Limit your intake of processed foods and limit your intake of fresh produce, meats, and dairy.Limit alcohol and soda because they are high in empty calories and can quickly mount up.Strength training: At least twice a week, get in some exercise at a level that suits you.

The notion that food is medicine lies at the core of Patrick’s worldview. He says that our diet has a direct impact on a number of chronic illnesses, including diabetes and obesity. Patrick thinks we can significantly enhance our healthcare system by concentrating on individualized nutrition and implementing long-lasting reforms.

The correct diet and consistent strength exercise can make all the difference, whether your goal is to lose weight, manage chronic diseases, or just feel better every day.