The saying used to go, “it’s all downhill from 40”. If you are a woman and you remember this outdated phrase, you are probably approaching your midlife years now and you are possibly searching for guidance relating to health, weight, hormones, nutrition, skin, style, hair, etc. What you used to do to look and feel good doesn’t seem to work quite as well anymore or it just doesn’t at all! Sound familiar?
The world definitely seems to have gotten younger – 50 feels like the new 40. And there is so much free advice out there, which is great. But this also means it can be very confusing and you can end up feeling overwhelmed with the options.
Vicki Snow, health coach living in the Algarve (hormones, yoga, weight loss, emotions and mindset), and Nicky Hambleton-Jones, UK TV fashion stylist (‘This Morning’ and ‘10 Years Younger’), have developed an easy-to-follow formula that is working for hundreds of women in their 40’s and 50’s.
Both aged around 50 themselves, they know that support and advice is needed. You will also know this if:
- Your clothes don’t suit you anymore. Either not chic enough or simply no longer flattering, and you’re unsure about what to wear.
- You have been trying to lose weight. But you’re finding it much harder than you did in your 20s and 30s.
- You’ve lost your style identity. You don’t know how to dress for the woman you want to be.
- Your skin looks and feels different. You aren’t sure what products to buy anymore.
- Your energy levels are very inconsistent. You just want to feel vital again!
- You are experiencing other mid-life symptoms. Bloating, cravings, aches and pains, fatigue, constant hunger, loss of confidence in your appearance.
- You feel a big need to refocus (on yourself). Time out, to switch off from work and family commitments. A chance to recharge and just focus on you.
Do not throw in that towel. If you are feeling stuck and like nothing is working, it’s just because things have changed, so you now need to take a different approach. You can still reach your goal and feel and look fabulous – you just need to do a little learning.
Below Nicky and Vicki have pulled together some thought-provoking tips to help you begin the process of change for yourself.
Our 10 years younger tips
- For effortless weight loss: balance blood sugar levels (and hormones)
Hormones are in charge of whether you store or burn fat and blood sugar directly affects hormone balance. So, instead of counting every calorie and feeling guilty and frustrated, calmly focus on keeping your blood sugar levels steady by:
- Avoiding foods that are high in sugars and flour.
- Eating foods high in protein, vegetables and good fats instead.
- Stop limiting yourself. Get solution-focused (and out of your own way!)
Vicki is also a mindset coach and works with clients “weeding out” thoughts and beliefs that are holding them back. Instead of beating yourself up and focussing on why you can’t achieve your goals, use the words ‘How can I’, followed by the result. For example: How can I reduce my daily wine intake? Instead of ‘I just can’t stick to anything!’
When we are stuck and repeating actions that don’t serve us, our minds are also repeating the same thought patterns. Changing the internal narrative and asking a question opens your mind up to new possibilities.
- Be consistent with exercise
Sounds very obvious! But think about how much you exercise – you may think you do a lot but, be honest, are you consistent or do you tend to ramp it up (with a crash diet) when you have a holiday or event and frequently skip it for a week or two when there’s no urgency? It’s very common especially in the Algarve in the summer!
Infrequent short bursts do not pay off long term – the key to success is consistency. A little lower impact exercise every day like swimming, weights and yoga will result in big changes over time. On retreat Vicki teaches yoga and meditation every day. Yoga is well known for boosting strength and flexibility as well as giving mental benefits (which greatly helps with the mindset work). These are the criteria for ageing well and anyone of any age can adopt a yoga practice.
- Plan your wardrobe ahead of time
Nicky is a whizz stylist and will turn your wardrobe around in an instant! Her ‘number one’ tip for always looking your best is taking time to curate 6-7 outfits for the week ahead of time and have them ready and hanging in your wardrobe. It takes away so much outfit stress in the moment when you are trying to get out of the door! They become your go-to core outfit staples and, as time progresses, you create more and more. If you have time, there are even apps that can help you to create outfits and store them for when you need them.
- Self-talk – Be a friend to yourself.
Nothing and nobody is perfect. So, why are you so hard on yourself about the way you look? The way you speak to yourself affects you greatly – your mood, confidence and your demeanour drop, and you lose your sparkle.
Next time you feel the “inner mean girl” beginning an attack, try to see her as separate to yourself and instead of allowing the usual critical thoughts to take over your brain, imagine what might it be like to be a friend to yourself. Imagine what you might say to yourself… If you were being the most loving, most supportive caring friend to yourself right in this very moment. Don’t underestimate how powerful this is – it will change your life.
- Just do it!
If there is something you always avoid wearing because you don’t think you can or you feel too old or fat (revert to self-talk above), just do it! This is such a great “Nicky phrase” to have in your back pocket for the moment when you feel anxious or vulnerable.
If you are worried about what others might think, don’t – nobody is judging you and, if they are, why should you actually care about what they think?
As we get older, we care less and less. So, if you are approaching 50 and always wanted to wear denim cut off shorts, just do it! And own it!
Vicki and Nicky are running retreats in a boutique hotel in the Algarve (close to Tavira), with a schedule of expert workshops on all you need to know about your changing body and looking good into your 50s and beyond, plus daily yoga and meditation sessions.
If you want to learn more about weight loss, hormone balancing, style upleveling, emotional and mindset coaching to be your best ever self into your 40s and 50s, contact Vicki at vickisnow@gmail.com
If you want to book onto one of their Algarve retreats (next one is October 2024, more dates TBA) and get one-to-one attention, check the webpage here: www.bit.ly/10YearsY
