Fit Over Fifty

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The question I get asked most often is what I do to stay fit. And of course, my answer is Pilates. But a big part of why Pilates Works is that it is strength training. The number one key to staying fit as you age is resistance/strength training. You have to maintain muscle mass. Most people over do it on the cardio thinking the longer the do something the more calories they will burn and thus lose weight and stay fit. And I am here to tell you and so will many others who are fit past a certain age that, that concept is wrong!

Muscle mass is the key to staying lean and balancing hormones as you age. Whether you are a man or woman, you need muscle to increase metabolism and simply protect your cells. Now I could get all scientific on you here as in protecting mitochondria, but I will go simply to the point.

Now diet is a big aspect of staying lean and balancing hormones but that is where people go in multiple directions of fasting, low carbs, no carbs, Keito, etc. The information is exhausting and confusing. I will tell you a secret, I have never been on a diet in my life. I have always opted for lifestyle changes. Pick something you can stick with for the long haul. Don’t deprive yourself. You need to eat!

Now I have not always been lean. I struggled in my thirties and forties with an extra 10-20 pounds at times. The issue was always hormones and the way I was training and eating, too much cardio, gluten, not enough water or sleep, too much dairy and especially eggs and seafood,

To break it down:

  1. Do more strength training than cardio

  2. Balance your hormones, estrogen, testosterone, and especially thyroid! Get your levels checked. You need to look at T3 and T4 for Thyroid not just TSH.

  3. No eggs. Chicken is okay just make sure it is organic.

  4. Minimal dairy. Organic is key.

  5. Gluten free.

  6. Only seafood that is mercury tested Tuna by SafeCatch, and grass fed beef.

  7. Lots of water.

  8. Sunshine.

  9. Organic Fruits and Vegatables

  10. Raw sprouted seeds over nuts.

  11. Green tea over coffee

  12. Eating 3 meals a day.

  13. Lots of sleep

  14. A good Probiotic.

Now these are the main changes I have implemented over a 20 year period. And I can honestly say I do not crave junk or processed foods. When you eliminate certain foods, you just stop craving the junk. For instance, I still eat chocolate, but I eat a high-quality dark chocolate that I can eat in small portions and I do not need anymore.

Your body tells you what you need. The key is to listen and understand the signals. For more detailed information, and a consultation with me, please send an email or call

I look forward to hearing from you!