I am so tired of the constant barrage of research, studies, “secrets” and crash diets. And those of us of the 40-something plus age group seem to be more susceptible than any other group. Why?

Because we hate the way our bodies are aging?

Because we look in the mirror and hardly recognize the person who stares back at us?

Because there are so many who fight the aging process with various kinds of intervention, including surgery?

Because we’re addicted to a quick fix? (I’m not talking about people who fall in either the under-weight or obese categories. If you’re not sure where you fall, check out the BMI calculator (click here).

What I think we need a larger dose of is moderation, balance and mindfulness.

Here are some basic truths:

1. As we age, our bodies change. As much as we hate it, that usually means we tend to start to look more and more like our mothers (or fathers). Those muffin tops, bat wings, bra bulges and the like come from somewhere and it’s not just the candy bars. Genetics get involved, too.

Can you fight it? Yes, of course. But why? Won’t the years take over eventually? What if we actually made peace with the “new me”?

2. Food has become our enemy or something we have formed a love-hate relationship with. And yet we need food to survive. I think being intentional about what you eat, thinking about where it came from, how it was prepared and thinking about each bite you take can help put food back in perspective.

Eating anything mindlessly means you’re going to consume more than you should for health or well-being. How many times do we eat while doing something else? Like watching TV, driving in the car or banging on a computer?

The only activity you really should engage in while eating is talking to another person who’s sharing your meal. Even if you eat alone, pay attention to your food. Be mindful about what goes into your mouth. Savor each bite. Notice the texture and flavor, feel it on the tip of your tongue, as it passes over your entire palate and as you swallow it. If you don’t enjoy every bite, you might want to reconsider the food you are eating. Food should have various textures and flavors and should be enjoyed. Flavor should come from natural sources, not added salt, sugar or fat. When you are mindful, portion control is not usually a problem.

3. Being active is the best answer to staying in good shape. Don’t do it because you have to, then it just becomes another chore. Instead, find an activity you really enjoy. I used to swim when I was younger and stopped when life got so busy. For years, I took my kids to swim team year round and never even dipped my big toe into the pool. If I’m honest, I just didn’t make me a priority. I started swimming about a year ago, and now I can’t believe I stayed out of the pool for so many years.

If you haven’t been active in a while, of course, consult a doctor and get advice. But find something you really enjoy and do it. I have friends who take dance lessons, do yoga, run, walk, swim, ride bikes, play tennis in a league and some who participate in several activities so they don’t ever get bored.

4. Balancing the energy that you consume and energy you use up is the only “secret” you ever need to know to stay in shape. It really is simple math -- if you eat more than you burn off, your body will store the extra for later. If you burn more than you consume, your body will go to those “stores” to find the energy.

I’d love to know what you think. Are we inundated with too many studies, “secrets” and quick fixes and not enough mindful eating? What are some of the basic truths you believe about food and exercise?