There seems to be something magical about turning 50. Suddenly you feel like your body goes downhill and you realize it is a lot harder to melt belly fat. If you are looking at yourself in the mirror and don't like what you see, it's time to think about learning proven strategies to melt belly fat no matter how far over the hill you feel you may be.

Boost Your Metabolism

One of the biggest reasons it is so difficult to melt belly fat and look in shape after 50 is the natural decrease in your metabolism. Your metabolic rate tends to drop over time, especially if you are not living an active life, exercising regularly, and eating the right foods. The slower your metabolic rate gets the harder and harder it becomes to melt belly fat.

Boosting your metabolism will allow you to burn more calories around the clock. In order to do this you need to lead an active lifestyle with as much movement as possible. Think of small ways to add movement into your life:

• Take a walk around the neighborhood every night after dinner or first thing in the morning.

• Take up a hobby that gets you out of the house for some friendly activity.

• Join a local gym or start taking exercise classes.

Cut the Junk and The Fat

The older you get, the more important your diet becomes. If you seriously want to melt belly fat and get healthy, then check out the following:

• Reduce the bad fat content in your meals.

• Get your fats from healthy foods instead. Eg… Nuts, avocado

• Cut right back on your fried foods

• Increase lean protein (to help feed your muscles and support repair and growth)

• Eat fresh salads and veggies

• Cut back on high sugary foods

• Opt for brown carbs, not white

• You want to stick to foods that are low on the glycemic index, which typically means whole grains and tons of fruits and vegetables.

• Choose lean, free range and organic meat and grill it

Don't Underestimate Your Power

One of the biggest reasons people over 50 have trouble shedding fat and staying healthy is they underestimate what they can really do.

As long as you have gone to your doctor to get cleared for physical activity and there are no medical issues standing in your way, get out there and push yourself that bit further! You would be amazed what grandmas and grandads are doing in gyms and boot camps all across the country. You are stronger than you give yourself credit for.

The more you challenge and stimulate your body the more results you are going to see. You have the ability to push harder and melt belly fat, but it all starts with believing that you can do it.

If you’re still uncertain then pay for a few sessions with a certified personal trainer so they can show you exactly what to do.

Give It Time

You will be able to melt belly fat and get your body back into reasonable shape, but you have to accept that it isn't going to happen overnight. Work consistently at boosting your metabolism and building more muscle mass and you will be surprised at how you’ll start to feel more energetic and youthful.

© Mandy Gibbons

virtualfitnesstrainer.com