It’s never too late to change your lifestyle. Small changes, no matter your current age or fitness level, can drastically impact your overall health. I first met John “The Penguin” Bingham in 1998. I was the president of a sports nutrition company based in San Diego, and John was one of our best customers who later became a good friend and one of the company’s ambassadors.
John was in his forties when he finally decided he could make some real changes to his eating habits and his activity level. A self-proclaimed “overweight couch potato with a smoking and drinking habit,” John had no idea that he would one day run more than 40 marathons and inspire scores of others to get off their couches. But John set his mind to losing weight, and his “I can do it” attitude helped him surpass his initial goals. Nearly 20 years later and 100 pounds lighter, he’s one of the greatest weight loss success stories I’ve encountered. He’ll tell you it all began with the courage to change, prompted by the crucial decision to believe in himself. John is now in his sixties and has impressively kept the weight off.
Often people in their forties, fifties and sixties assume that it’s too late to change their behavior and habits. But in fact, this is the perfect time to make changes. Later in life, we finally realize that we truly control our own destinies. Losing weight might not come as quickly or effortlessly as it did in our twenties, but it can be so much more rewarding.
Mary Kay Andrews, a New York Times best-selling author, was in her mid-fifties when she decided to change her diet and curb her emotional eating habits. Although it proved a constant battle, especially while traveling on book tours, Mary Kay managed to lose 70 pounds by eating fresh fruits, vegetables and lean meats as well as by limiting processed foods and sugar—her trigger foods. In the summer, the season when her book deadlines usually occur, she often finds the scale creeping back up. Focusing on a clean diet and drinking plenty of water has enabled her to get back on track.
When I asked Mary Kay what losing weight means to her, she said, “It’s about eating healthy, feeling better and having more energy. I want to feel good about myself while I am enjoying life.” Mary Kay is a great example of how it’s never too late to change your eating habits and to successfully lose weight. Mary Kay changed her life, and so can you!
No matter how much weight you need to lose, no matter how out of shape you feel and no matter your age, I believe you can improve your life. Just believe in yourself and take the first step.