Some women hate it when men look at them. They're not into feeling like sex objects.
But that's not you. You've always enjoyed admiring glances, and you're not afraid to admit you like male attention.
We're not talking about the attention from obnoxious guys who leer and who won't leave you alone. We're talking attention from harmless, healthy men who aren't blind. Appreciative glances have always made you feel attractive and sexy. Except now you're over 40, and you notice that not as many guys look at you.
Even if you're married, faithful and with children -- you're not dead. You know you've still "got it." You know younger women have nothing on you except less years. You just need a little help.
Mature women are not only interesting, but they're sexy, too. Says R&B singer Tank, "As you get older you can't lose your competitive edge, that's what it is. You have to always stay competitive and always stay current because things are always changing and the minute you fall out of that loop, that's the minute you get old. You got 25-year-olds that are old because they're just out of the loop and don't have a clue what to do or what's going on but at the same time you got 35-year-olds that are the life of the party so regardless of what age you are you gotta keep it current."
Incorporate these five tips to "keep it current" and get back in the spotlight.
Begin with the basics: cardio, strength training and a healthy diet
An over 40 woman who eats a healthy diet and who exercises will look good and get noticed. "As we age, our bodies lose muscle and gain fat," says Bonnie Taub-Dix, R.D. "Metabolism gradually slows each decade after age 20, so it's not as if you suddenly wake up 10 pounds heavier. It creeps up slowly."
Flabby arms, flabby thighs, love handles -- all of it can happen when you're over 40, eat poorly and don't exercise. So do a minimum of 20 minutes of cardiovascular exercise at least three times a week. You can jog or walk briskly, get on the elliptical machine, ride your bike, participate in an aerobics class or swim.
Add strength training to your routine, at least 4 times a week. You'll find that working with weights gets you stronger and toner faster.
When you were younger, you loved hamburgers and fries, all the time. You loved to smoke and drink with your girlfriends, too. Well, you're not in your 20s anymore.
Cut way down on the sugar, trans fats and saturated fats, fried foods, processed foods, alcohol and cigarettes. Load up on fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean meats. Drink more water.
Try a body shaper
You're doing your cardio, your sit-ups, you're eating right, but your stomach is not as flat as it was when you were 25. Perfectly normal. If you're one for plastic surgery, go for a tummy tuck. If you prefer natural methods, like I do, buy a body shaper. Spanx makes plenty of them. A body shaper will pull in flab and make you look thinner.
Ditch the "mom jeans"
Are you walking around in high-waisted, tapered leg jeans? Dump them. Skip the low-rise jeans that the teens love, unless you think you can pull them off, and instead, shoot for stylish jeans that flatter your figure. Don't be afraid to experiment. I find that I need to try on many pairs of jeans until I find the right one. Take your time.
Update your hairstyle
If you're still sporting that long hairstyle you wore since 20 years ago, take some advice from hairstylist Marlin Bressi, "Long hair may look sexy and luxurious on someone who is in their 20s or 30s, but after the age of 40 not many women look good with long hair. It is a generally accepted fact that as women get older, their hair should be lighter and shorter."
Find a good hairstylist, get a consultation and update.
Get confident
You've put your kids first and in the process you've let yourself go. Putting your kids first is admirable and all, but it's OK to bring some of that focus back to yourself. You'll look better. You'll feel better, and you'll gain more confidence. When that happens, to be honest, you won't care if the men look or not.
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