MY FIT STEPS

Women over 40 have different metabolic needs, so you’ll need to make some dietary adjustments. Here are the diet swaps you should make if you want to lose weight, feel great, and stay healthy. 1  / 7 PHOTO CREDIT: SHUTTERSTOCK Swap in healthy fats Fat may be higher in calories than carbohydrates or protein, but it satisfies your hunger—and that’s key to keeping your calorie count down. People tend to lose more weight and keep it off on a calorie-reduced diet that contains healthy fats rather than a diet that’s low in fat. That’s why the best diets for women over 40 include a source of healthy fat at each meal and snack. This could be two teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil, two tablespoons of raw nuts or seeds, or half an avocado. Choosing the right fat is also key to staying healthy. While fibre plays a part in reducing cholesterol levels, the types of fat you eat can also keep you healthy as you age. We’re talking beautiful, glowing skin, shiny hair and more! The

These insider tips from 16 people who lost weight could tip the scale for you. 1  / 16 PHOTO CREDIT: KATE MCGINTY Seek out others with similar goals Newsroom editor Kate McGinty, 33, of Cincinnati, OH, found success losing weight—74 pounds, to be exact—by participating in a private accountability group on Facebook. Group members all started the same workout program—21-Day Fix, which they could do in their living rooms for just 30 minutes a day—and committed to checking in with each other on the platform every day. “The accountability was a huge help. I wasn’t alone. Having the support group means having people to celebrate with you, cheer you, relate to you, and hold you accountable,” she says. Follow McGinty’s journey on Instagram  @kjmcginty . 2  / 16 PHOTO CREDIT: @MYADVENTURETOFIT Adopt the right mindset For 26-year-old  Tiffany Elizabeth  of Clearwater, FL, changing her expectations made all the difference. In the past, she felt dieting wasn’t worth it