Using a weight loss program to get in shape can be difficult for men to do.  This is because men seem to think that they can eat whatever they want and still get into good shape.  Plus, people in general will overestimate the amount of Exercise that they do while underestimating the amount of food that they eat.

There are 6 things that any man should do whenever they are trying to lose weight.  This is especially true for men who are over the age of 40.  It is at this point in life that men’s metabolism begins slowing down and both their muscles and eyesight begin to decline.  It is important to make sure that you do all of these things in order to have a successful weight loss program:

1. Get a complete physical.  As a middle aged man who is overweight, it is possible that you may have diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
2. Make a plan of action.  Write down where you want to be and how you are going to get there.  Put this somewhere that you can see it daily.
3. Eat 6 small meals a day.  Make sure that you eat healthy foods in appropriate portions.
4. Include both strength training and cardio in your workouts.  Alternate between these 2 types of workouts.  It is important to exercise 6 days a week, 30 minutes per session.  Make sure that you warm up and stretch beforehand.
5. Drink plenty of water.  Fill up a gallon jug with water everyday.  Make sure that this is cold, filtered water.  This is important because your brain alone is made up of about 75% water.
6. Get plenty of sleep each night.  For those of you who like to stay up late at night, it is time to take another look at your schedule in order to make sure that your body is able to get all of the rest that it needs.  Since you will be doing a lot of exercise, you will need a lot of rest so that your muscles will be able to properly recover and so that you will be able to get the maximum benefits from your exercise regimen.
7. Be committed.  The only way that this is going to work is if you are really committed to this on a daily basis.  You will be able to measure your success by the minute to minute decisions that you choose to make.  Taking positive control over your life occurs whenever you mentally check off how much water you have drank and how you have controlled your food portions.

How successful you are will depend upon how many positive choices you make along the way.  Of course, you will slip every once in a while but by keeping track of your progress, even when you don’t feel as though you are making much progress, you will be able to make any necessary adjustments.  Nobody said that this is going to be easy but it can be done and the health benefits, along with your increased self-esteem, will make it worth the effort.