My Vet Put My Cat On A Diet and What It Taught Me
Jump up on the scale kitty...
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In today’s issue we will cover:
What to order when eating out on the Mediterranean Diet.
How to burn more fat while walking. 12 mistakes I made at the gym. Read on…..
My Vet Put My Cat On A Diet and What It Taught Me
In the world of feline fashion, my 18-month-old cat was strutting her stuff at a whopping 11 pounds. She was the epitome of “fluffy”, but our veterinarian seemed to think she was more “pudgy”. He suggested that her ideal weight should be around 9.5 pounds. Apparently, the extra 1.5 pounds she was carrying was not just her being “big-boned”. It was a potential threat to her long-term health and longevity. Who knew that the phrase “every ounce counts” would apply to our pets too?
The vet then suggested a diet plan that would make any fitness enthusiast proud. Regular weigh-ins, portion control, and a lean diet were now on the agenda. My cat looked at me with wide eyes as if saying, “You’re kidding, right?” But the vet was serious. He even suggested weighing her food. I could see my cat’s dreams of midnight snacks and endless treats fading away.
The photo above shows my cat Skye today in January 2024 at a weight of 11 lbs. ( 4.98 KG) Interestingly, the vet’s advice didn’t just apply to my cat. He suggested that we humans could learn a thing or two from our feline friends:
1. Regularly checking our weight on the scale
2. Controlling our food portions
Opting for healthier meals could do wonders for our health.
So, while my Skye embarked on her journey towards a healthier lifestyle, it made me wonder if it was time for me to get on the scale. After all, if my cat can do it, so can I. Right?
Here are some great tips for humans on aging, weight and life:
“Don’t eat anything your great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food.”
Michael Pollan
Eating out while on the Mediterranean diet- Atlanta's Gypsy Kitchen
Many of you know I am on a modified Mediterranean Diet. I’m modified because I currently don’t eat dairy, bread (flour products) or eggs that may be on the Mediterranean plan. I started on thinking about this food change last year when we were visiting Greece, and I saw how fresh the food is. Ideally the Mediterranean plan is a menu with reduced processed foods and breads and more local fresh vegetables and lean fresh seafood and meats. Eating out while on the Mediterranean diet is like being a secret agent in a culinary thriller. You’re there, scanning the menu with a keen eye, looking for keywords like “grilled”, “fresh”, and “olive oil”. You’re on a mission, a mission to enjoy the rich flavors of the Mediterranean while keeping your health in check. The benefits? Lower risk of heart disease improved mental health, and a ticket to a longer life. Not to mention, you get to enjoy the deliciousness of whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, and the star of the show - olive oil!
Photos below were taken at: Gypsy Kitchen Atlanta Ga
Now, let’s talk strategy. I recently went to Atlanta’s Gypsy Kitchen in the Buckhead Village neighborhood and had the test. What can I order and stay on the food plan? Your top Mediterranean entrees are always the grilled fish, the Greek salad, the vegetable kabobs, lean meats like fish, beef and lamb and the hummus platters. They offered an Adana Kebab that is a minced lamb met that is grilled and then served with a generous spread of hummus. See photo above. It was excellent. So was the Falafel which is a chickpea dish with onion, parsley and garlic. Even though they are fried they are a mostly good choice because of the fresh ingredients. These dishes are your allies, rich in nutrients and full of flavor. But beware, there are villains lurking in the shadows of the menus too. The three things you should never order at any restaurant are the creamy pasta or bread dishes, the deep-fried foods like calamari ( vs grilled seafood), French Fries, and cheese-loaded dishes. They might look tempting, but remember, you’re a secret agent on a mission. Stick to your mission, enjoy the adventure, and remember, the Mediterranean diet isn’t just about eating, it’s a lifestyle! Atlanta’s Gypsy Kitchen was a winner in all departments with plenty of good options. Check out the link above to The Gypsy Kitchen.
2 Tips on How To Burn More Fat While Walking
As a Personal Trainer I know walking is a great way to stay fit and healthy, especially for seniors who want to burn more fat and lose weight. But how can you make your walking workouts more effective and enjoyable? Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your walks:
Walk briskly. Walking at a moderate to vigorous pace can help you burn more calories and fat than walking slowly. Aim for a speed that makes you breathe harder, sweat, and feel your heart beat faster, but still allows you to talk. You can use a heart rate monitor or an app to track your intensity and stay in the fat-burning zone.
Walk uphill. Adding some incline to your walks can challenge your muscles and increase your calorie burn. You can walk up hills, stairs, or ramps, or use the incline feature on a treadmill. Start with a low incline and gradually increase it as you get stronger and fitter.
By following these 2 tips, you can make your walking workouts more fun and effective. Remember to warm up before you walk, cool down after you walk, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Happy walking!
How to turn every walk into a fat burning session article
12 Mistakes I made at the gym article:
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Welcome to our International 50+ Readers
It’s always great to hear from our 50+ Newsletter readers in 22 Countries including The United States, Australia, France, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Nigeria, Columbia, South Africa, Great Britain, Canada and Indonesia and more! I’m glad you are here to read my weekly Wednesday newsletter and fitness post, The Over Age 50+ News.
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You may know I’m a Certified Personal Trainer specializing in training people over age 50. Most of my clients are over age 70 and still seeing improvements in their strength and health.
I get lots of good questions on losing weight and how to stay fit, especially as we have to train with medical conditions or injuries as we age. I read many books and publications and will keep you informed here about fitness, relationships, finances, second careers, part time jobs and of course, how not to work at all and enjoy retirement.
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Has your veterinarian ever put your pet on a diet? Did it work? Let me know below in comments.
Nearly 10 years ago, our little cocker spaniel was not so little. Our children were still at home and he was getting his fair share of table scraps. When I took him to the vet our former country vet was appalled at his weight which was 37# in lieu of a target weight of 25#! The vet advised a dog should NEVER get dog treats! From that time forward our dog Denny has enjoyed vegetables as treats. He favors carrots, cucumbers and even roasted brussels sprout. Denny was soon below his target 25# and has remained there in the time since. Nowadays I have joined him in a mostly plant-based diet. He happily helps me finish nearly any salad. He even likes radishes! Just like humans, however, kale is a hard sell. Denny will be 18 in July and remains healthy and active.
Hey Paul,
thank you very much for referencing to my Substack. I`m happy to see you mention me with your engaged audience.
You are in my recommended substacks for a few months.
Looking forward to sharing your articles with my readers.
Have a great day.