Hello Everyone

I am pleased to say that we’ve got a great new resource of information pertaining to women over 40. Michelle Segar has been researching women over 40 for over 14 years. Please take a moment and visit her website at EssentialSteps.net

The media is very interested in her research. You can find some of her articles here:

www.age-40.com/WomensGoals.pdf

www.age-40.com/FIF1.pdf

Hi Ladies,

I am sorry for the late blog  posts but I have not heard from Shirley since May 1st.  I am hoping she is ok. I know she fell and hurt her hip not too long ago. It is unlike her to not answer my emails and not post blogs every Friday. She was excited to promote some new crafts she was making so I am very concerned. I will continue to post blogs regularly pertaining to weight loss. But for now,  Where is Shirley?

You ladies might want to check out Medifast: A 2 week package is just $140.50

May 1, 2008

Greetings Ladies,

        The month of May has arrived with warm sun, flowers, and smiles! Now we can wear our spring clothes that show colors and patterns that help brighten our day. I am very happy to say that I lost some weight but sorry to say not quite enough to wear my bathing suit. The time now focused on warm summer days and festivals! Many of us will be starting the month by attending a Cinco de Mayo festival! Oh, what fun for all of us with good foods, lots of music, and beautiful colors. The ethnic dancing really helps you to loose weight I find that to be the best form of exercise. The food beware a lot of it can be very fattening. All the food I admit is delicious but not good for your heart and health. This is Step 1 of “POWER CONTROL” A diet only works with “PC” (POWER CONTROL). I know that “ALL” can do it! Just stick to it!

        Every year about this time, I normally have a party for my family on Sunday afternoon to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and my grandchildren like to put on a play or dress in costume dancing some of the ethnic dances. Afterwards, we start our cookout providing many foods that are nutritious to eat. We normally cook chicken and turkey franks for our main meats. My children and their wives provide the side dishes and they like mamma need to watch those calories so it is interesting some of the dishes that they come up with that are both tasty, look good, and low in calories.  We find this to be the first Holiday of the New Year to start our outdoor celebrations. We want to wish you all a very happy Cinco de Mayo holiday and happy cookouts!

Sincerely,

Writershirley

Email address:  writer.5@hotmail.com 

All questions or recipes are welcome!

Chocolate Lovers everywhere great news! Eat more Chocolate that is the cry of the dieticians today. As hard as it maybe to believe recent studies have found that eating more chocolate comes with some surprising health benefits. It has even been suggested that chocolate increases your brainpower levels. Perhaps we should all send the politicians a nice box of chocolate!

The first study showed that people who ate a diet rich in cocoa powder and dark chocolate had lower oxidation levels of LKL “bad” cholesterol and higher levels of HDL “good” cholesterol. Ladies that is an excellent reason to eat chocolate.  Penn State University students preformed this study.

According to a German study eating chocolate just a bite a day may help to regulate high blood pressure. The theory is that cocoa increases levels of nitric oxide, a compound that helps to relax and open blood vessels.

The Indiana University found that drinking chocolate milk was like taking an energy boost drink. The athlete is who drank their chocolate milk scored better than those who took energy drinks. I believe the Hershey Company tried to tell us this for a long time. During the wars, they would provide our soldiers with chocolate bars to help them maintain a high energy level.

My favorite research from the National Alzheimer’s Association determined that by eating more dark chocolate now it will help you to reduce chances of developing dementia later in life. Some days like all of you, I feel that I am loosing my mind it just takes five kids, seven grandchildren and one husband! Now I know the possible cure is one chocolate bar. One who am I kidding I had buy a six-pack, ha, ha. Hope you like this weeks remedies for a healthier life style. Sometimes it is fun to look at those foods that we have been taught that are taboo and find out the good points.   Enjoy eating chocolate!

Writershirley

“Junk Food Junkies” the article I hope should make your day!

April 25, 2008

Greetings Ladies,

          This is a great time to be 40+ and capable of taking control of your life. I find that I am now doing many things that I wanted too while I was in college but had put things on a shelf to lead my other life of homemaker and mother. I just spent a wonderful weekend in Frankenmuth enjoying the sites and the delicious chicken. I am a people watcher so while I was there I noticed many women about our age since they were hosting a large group of businesspersons. I had a chance to chat with a few women and found that in their busy lifestyle many were concerned about taking the proper vitamins.

          The ironic thing when I returned I had e-mails relating to what kind of vitamins should I take if I am active, if I am not so active, and just because I am over forty? I thought instead of doing the e-mail format I would address this question today in my letter. First, you need to look at what your body lacks or will lack at the appropriate age you are.

For the most of us women, we need to look at our calcium intake. Brittle bones, broken bones are no fun for anyone! One vitamin we need is calcium for good bone health. The next thing that many of us women need to be concerned about is their cholesterol. That is when we need to watch our food that we eat and take calcium to make sure we can help our cholesterol level remain low.

Our energy level does not always stay as long as we would like and sometimes we need a little boost. It is better not to take a high-energy drink that works fast but really lets you down later. Our diet is vital in order to maintain an even energy level but since our activities vary, we need to take certain vitamins. The vitamins that will help us are the Vitamin B’s -12-6 and Vitamin E. I prefer the multi-vitamin, which provides all that plus other needed vitamins. I also like to drink an advantage shake daily and take a calcium bar. I find this helps with my energy level and helps maintain my immune system. I hope you women have a great week until the next time keep smiling!

Writershirley,

Contact me with your comments or questions: writer.5@hotmail.com

April 18, 2008

Greetings Ladies,

        Our topic this week is about Cellulite that unsightly lump of skin that is unwanted. We have spoke about the Cellulite problem before but since it seems to remain a concern of many of you, I felt I should discuss some issues we face. Remember women Cellulite is primarily cultural and cosmetic issue not a health problem. In today society, every one feels that your skin should be smooth, without blemish. The tissue forms in a “lump” close to the surface of skin Cellulite gives a very uneven and dimpled appearance.  Unfortunately, people with cosmetic blemishes such as acne scars, burn scars, cellulite or even birthmarks seen as less attractive in today’s society. The psychological and emotional turmoil that can cause in a society that demands the appearance of physical perfection can be very damaging.

        Now we know the problems we incur with Cellulite so let us looks at what we can do to manage the condition. In order to make a positive impact on Cellulite we need to exercise keeping your body toned and in shape has a positive impact on the appearance of your skin. The next thing that gives you a positive impact on controlling your Cellulite is a well balanced diet that is wholesome. Hydration and maintaining a proper fluid balance in your body are also part of the solution. Good self-esteem stems from staying in shape, eating right and staying hydrated which decreases negative energy and promotes a positive body image. When you change the perception about yourself that will do a lot to help rid yourself of unwanted Cellulite. Many products on the market claim that they can eliminate your problem with Cellulite but you really have to work for it. The products can prove to be expensive and there is always the problem you are allergic to the ingredients. I do not advocate not trying any product you feel comfortable in using. I do feel that the natural process is much better and rewarding. Please feel free to ask for my e-book about cellulite and skin problems just email me at: writer.5@hotmail.com .

God Bless,

Until next week-writershirley

April 12, 2008

Greetings Ladies,

                I hope that you are all enjoying this beautiful weather that we are having and making plans for the outdoor lunches. Right now I know that we will still may have a few chilly mornings that is the reason I am including a very good recipe for breakfast on a chilly day. This smiling oatmeal breakfast is very nutritious only contains 2 grams of fat and for calorie counters 240 calories. I find this recipe great for “Junk Food Junkie’s” as an evening snack.  Why not give it a try instead of eating other fattening foods !

                This week our email guests have written me about calories most wanted to know what snack foods had under 100 calories. I decided instead of answering each individual request I would make a snack food calorie chart for your convenience. I hope this helps.