Here’s a common complaint: You’ve hit your 40’s and now you’ve noticed that it’s a lot easier to gain weight rather than lose it. Sure, a sedentary lifestyle and too many late-night snacks can contribute to weight gain. But hormonal changes and a slower metabolism could also be the culprit. 

Don’t give up though! It’s totally possible to stop cravings in their tracks, release fat, and have a healthy, vibrant body, even after 40.

Are hormonal changes causing weight gain?

As you age, it’s not uncommon to begin holding on to extra weight around your abdomen, hips, and thighs. And weight in this area has been associated with all sorts of health problems according to the Mayo Clinic. And while things like food choices, how active you are, and genetic factors play a role in how our bodies gain weight, hormones play a role, too. 

Your body experiences lots of hormonal changes as you age. And hormones can often cause cravings that quickly derail your healthy eating habits. So, in addition to moving your body every day and eating a nourishing diet, fat loss over 40 depends on curbing your cravings. 

How Hormones Impact Cravings

We’ve all been there — experiencing an intense urge to eat a certain food. People often blame cravings on a lack of self-control, but cravings are more complex than that. 

For instance, Harvard School of Public Health found that certain foods stimulate the reward regions of the brain. So, when you’re munching on your favorite foods, neurons in the reward region of your brain become very active. Suddenly, you’re feeling happy and positive, which makes you want to keep eating those foods regularly. So, what foods are you likely craving? Foods that taste sweet, salty or rich, and are easily digestible.

When you’re hungry, the hormone ghrelin is released from the stomach to let you know you’re hungry. And ghrelin can not only play a role in what you crave but also reward-driven eating behaviors. And that can be tough on the waistline.

Then when you eat, other hormones are released, letting you know you’re full and that it’s time to stop eating. But when you snack too often on processed foods like cookies and chips, it interferes with how the brain processes these hormonal signals. So, you continue to crave them even though you’re full. 

This is why getting a handle on your cravings will help with fat loss.

Insulin resistance over 40 

As you age (and especially if you’re struggling with your weight) insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar, doesn’t work as efficiently. This can lead to you becoming hungrier often and experiencing more cravings. Insulin resistance is also associated with a number of common health issues. 

In addition to a diet rich in nutrient-dense foods and an active lifestyle, Harvard Health suggests that intermittent fasting for 12 hours per day can help the body maintain healthy blood sugar levels And it’s easy to do. Simply stop eating after dinner, around 7pm for example, and give your body a break from food for 12 hours before eating breakfast the next morning.

Metabolism change after 40

In your 20s, you could probably eat a pint of ice cream or munch on a bag of chips without too many consequences. But in your 40s, everything has changed. Often people wonder why they’re gaining weight after 40 when they haven’t changed their eating habits. Sadly, your metabolism is likely to blame. 

Your body is always burning calories. The rate at which it does is called your resting metabolic rate. But as you age, your metabolism slows by approximately five percent each decade after age 40. So, if your resting metabolic rate is about 1,200 calories per day at age 40, it will be about 1,140 by age 50.

Not only does your resting metabolic rate slow after your 40’s, lower estrogen levels also contribute to a sluggish metabolism. Moving your body every day is one of the most effective ways to boost your metabolism. Whether it’s cardiovascular exercises or strength training (or, ideally, both!), it’s important to exercise at least 3 times per week. 

How to curb your cravings for fat loss

Did you know that added sugars make up nearly 300 calories a day in an average person’s diet? About half of these calories alone come from sugar-sweetened drinks, like soft drinks, flavored waters, juices, and sugar-sweetened coffee and tea. And what does that get you? Nothing, except empty calories, extra weight, and extra sugar cravings. 

Sugar is not only addictive, but can also deplete you of certain nutrients, like magnesium, potassium, and other important vitamins and minerals. And sugar cravings can be some of the hardest to keep at bay. But there is a superfood that can help you lose weight and curb your cravings without sugar — raw cacao.

How raw cacao helps fight cravings

When your body is depleted of certain nutrients, it makes sense that you’ll start to develop cravings and eat more. But, when your body gets the nutrients it needs, it no longer sends messages for fast energy. 

Raw cacao has more nutrients than most vegetables or legumes. It’s also an amazing source of magnesium. Magnesium supports every cell in the body. In fact, your cells can’t function without it. Yet, it’s a mineral we often don’t get enough of from our diet.

Raw cacao is also a great source of chromium. When it comes to cravings, chromium is definitely your go-to mineral.  Not only does it reduce sugar cravings, but it also improves insulin function in the body. 

Broccoli, beans, nuts, and seeds are all good sources of chromium. But raw cacao is much higher in chromium per serving. Raw cacao is also high in zinc, which helps metabolize sugar and carbs.

What you need is a superfood elixir that promotes weight loss and stops cravings

Cacao Bliss is not only decadent and super-tasty but also works to curb cravings and support a healthy appetite. Cacao Bliss also supports mental focus and boosts energy.  

In addition to being a great source of raw cacao, this nourishing blend includes other health-boosting superfoods:

• Turmeric – fights temporary inflammation related to physical exercise, improves digestion, dissolves stubborn fat, and soothes occasional anxiety and stress.*
• Black Pepper – to maximize your results by increasing the “bioavailability” of the Turmeric by up to 2,000%.*
• MCT Powder – to help you feel satiated longer, making it easier for your body to release stubborn fat deposits.*
• Cinnamon – improves your body’s ability to digest glucose, and reduces your desire for sugary treats.*
• Monk Fruit – helps satisfy your sweet tooth as well as sugar, with zero calories and no ill effect on your blood sugar.*
• Coconut Nectar – acts as a prebiotic and feeds the healthy gut bacteria in your lower intestine.*
• Lucuma – adds a hint of caramel-like flavor and has body-repairing properties.*
• Mesquite – a sweet and nutty superfood that doesn’t cause blood sugar spikes, and helps boost your immune system.*
• Himalayan Salt – contains over 84 minerals and trace elements, while helping to balance your pH levels.*

Ready to stop struggling to lose weight and fat? Then click here to find out how Cacao Bliss supports weight loss and helps eliminate those pesky food cravings.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.