As we age, maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle becomes increasingly challenging. For those over 40, slower metabolism, changing hormones, and years of dietary habits can make it feel like a constant uphill battle. But with the right approach, lasting change is possible—especially when you combine proper nutrition with the power of strength training.
As the owner of The Exercise Coach in Tega Cay, I want to ensure my clients have access to all the resources they need to achieve their health and fitness goals. While our strength training studio focuses on building muscle, improving metabolism, and enhancing overall health, I recognize that some clients need more support, accountability, and a deeper understanding of nutrition to truly thrive.
That’s why I sought out a trusted local Registered Dietitian like Patrick Zeoli, a dedicated expert who has spent his career helping people, particularly those over 40, take control of their health through personalized, evidence-based nutrition guidance. His approach is empowering and a perfect complement to the work we do at our studio.
For Patrick, becoming a dietitian wasn’t a single “light bulb” moment. It was a natural intersection of his passion for helping others, his love of food, and his interest in science. “As a kid, I dreamed of being a chef, but in high school, I discovered a love for science, which led me to nutrition and dietetics,” he shares.
Becoming a registered dietitian requires years of education, supervised practice, and passing a licensing exam—skills that set him apart from the more general term “nutritionist.” As a licensed healthcare professional, Patrick offers medical nutrition therapy, a level of expertise that comes with years of training and continuing education.
One of the key aspects of Patrick’s practice is that every nutrition plan is as unique as the person it’s designed for. “Everyone’s body is different. What works for one person might not work for another,” he explains. When working with clients over 40 who are looking to lose weight, his focus is on sustainable changes rather than quick fixes. “It’s about consistency and making choices that fit your life,” he says.
A common misconception he encounters is that there’s one “perfect” diet for everyone. In reality, nutrition is deeply personal. “What matters most is finding a plan that aligns with your preferences, lifestyle, and health goals,” Patrick says. He also warns against jumping on the latest fad diet bandwagon. “Avoid diets that deprive the body of essential nutrients and that you can’t maintain long-term. I also try to focus a lot on food awareness with the hope of finding the
root cause as to why someone has the relationship with food that they do.”
While nutrition is vital, Patrick emphasizes that strength training is just as important—especially for those over 40. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which slows down metabolism and makes it harder to maintain a healthy weight. “Strength training is key to preserving muscle, boosting metabolism, and enhancing overall well-being,” he says.
Perhaps the most rewarding part of Patrick’s work is seeing clients transform their health. One of his most inspiring success stories involves a client who lost over 130 pounds in two years. “He focused on eating more protein and fiber-rich foods—things he enjoyed. Over time, his diabetes improved, his cholesterol dropped, and his prescriptions were reduced,” Patrick says. “The best part is when he tells me he finally feels in control of his health again.”
As we age, staying on track with healthy eating habits becomes more and more essential. Patrick recommends a few simple strategies to improve health and vitality:
● Prioritize protein: Protein helps with muscle maintenance, satiety, and metabolism.
● Incorporate fiber: Include vegetables, fruits, nuts, and whole grains to improve digestion and heart health.
● Cook at home: Preparing meals gives you control over ingredients and portion sizes.
● Shop the perimeter of the store: Stick to fresh produce, meats, and dairy, while limiting processed foods.
● Limit soda and alcohol: These empty calories can add up quickly.
● Strength train: Engage in physical activity at the right intensity for you, at least twice per week.
At the heart of Patrick’s philosophy is the idea that food is medicine. “Many chronic diseases, like obesity and diabetes, are directly linked to what we eat,” he explains. By focusing on personalized nutrition and making sustainable changes, Patrick believes we can drastically improve our healthcare system.
Whether it’s shedding pounds, managing chronic conditions, or simply feeling better every day, the right diet and regular strength training can make all the difference.
