I'm Not 25 Anymore

     I have heard through the years that when a woman hits 50, habits are harder to break, pounds are much more difficult to shed and your stamina rapidly declines. But, I have also heard that it's Nifty to be Fifty. I held out hope for the latter to be my fate however, now that I'm smack dab in the middle, age 55, I see both sides very well.
     What makes The Fifties so Nifty in my eyes is the confidence gained as a matured individual. I've grown in spiritual knowledge which lends to a strong belief system.  After 25 years of marriage to a wonderful man I feel a solid sense of security. I'm content to be alone with my thoughts, a book, or a beautiful day. At 55, my friendships have deepened, where friends are more like family.  I love being fifty and the maturity that comes along with it.
     The flip side; although I have not hit menopause yet, I have experienced what they tell me is Peri-Menopause for what seems like twenty years already. I won't go into all the details but suffice to say, I've definitely had the hot flashes, the cold flashes, the migraines, the moods, the crying jags and whatever else goes with the female body shedding the ability to bare children. Hormones that have
played such a significant role in my life are declining, and from what I understand that is a main reason that makes losing weight at this age so difficult, and as much as I hate to say it, those same hormones play a large part of why my energy and stamina has declined.

     I finally understand the words that hurt so much 30 years ago when my mother in law said, "I raised mine." when asked to babysit. It's darn right exhausting to go from the solitude and comfort of our house of two, to a home filled with childhood pranks and proddings and constant movement and chatter from sun up until the last little dude goes down. It seems that most of my patience was spent on raising my own five kids, because I don't have much in reserve for the Grands.
    
     What does this have to do with my eating habits? Friday will be two months that I decided to start my NoMoreExcusesDiet by cutting out any unnecessary processed foods, breads (because of the gluten) and sugars. After years of be driven by school schedules, children's wants and needs, eating on the fly, slapping quick and easy meals (not particularly healthy) together for the brood, it feels good to take control of my life and what I allow myself to eat. I know I'm feeding my body foods, real foods, that help it thrive and heal itself. Rather than aimlessly snacking, bingeing or woofing down whatever smells or look good.
     I wish I would have known then what I know now about healthy eating because, breaking the old bad habits of process foods (which are full of sugars, sodium and msg to enhance the real taste) is difficult. Processed foods are meant to get you hooked, so that when you have something healthy, your palate registers it as boring or bland. Changing that thinking and learning how to use herbs and spices to jazz up a menu, is a journey that takes initiative, hard work and a real desire. Food affects every part of life, including mental clarity, hormone disruptions, mood and energy. Implementing the wealth of health knowledge available in a way that addresses all the above in a balanced way, takes forethought and creativity.  
     As far as weight loss? It's seems a bit harder to take off the unwanted pounds but, they are shedding slow and steady. Yesterday I reached 12 pounds lost. May not sound like much but, when I think of it as a pound or so a week, in just eight more weeks I will have lost approximately 25 lbs. That excites me. Motivates me. Side note: My husband Larry has been loosely following this with me and has lost 15 lbs.
    I'm working on energy and stamina. I have noticed naps are no longer a daily necessity. I am eating to fuel my body and it's responding accordingly. With real foods. I feel better. The days I get a little more exercise in, the more energy available. I need to work in a exercise schedule each day. Working on it.
    I am also on a quest of knowledge to better understand how and what foods have the greatest ability to balance hormones. Suzanne Somers books are updated and insightful info about hormone balancing. Another book making the diet circuit is Trim Healthy Mommas, which is the THM Diet or way of eating. How to balance insulin levels which will balance hormones to. Making meals that combine well for the best result. Can't wait to get started. 
    I will keep you informed as my journey continues as it has become a lifestyle.  

Pictures taking Feb. 2013 at our 25th Anniversary.

Let's Talk Water

     The one thing as humans we can not live without, for any period of time is water. Our bodies are made up of 70% water, our blood 80%, our brains 75% and our liver a whopping 96% water. We can not produce our own water, it must be replenished, by us, everyday, if we are to remain healthy. Our bodies will die without water within 3-5 days. It is essential that we give our body what it needs.
  
     There are 5 vital things water does in your body: 
1)Water helps remove the dangerous toxins floating around inside you taken in from the air you breathe, the food you eat and the chemicals taken in by using various products on your skin and hair.
2) Water transports oxygen, vitamin, nutrients and glucose to all your cells.
3) Water also helps regulate your body temperature. Allows the body to sweat.
4) Water helps cushion your joints as well as acts as shock absorbers for your eyes, brain and spinal cord.
5)  It is also involved in the chemical and metabolic reactions in your body. Helps to break down the foods we eat.
     You need water to keep your metabolism working properly. In order for this to happen, there is a certain level of water in each of our bodies that we need to maintain. If we don't keep that amount,
our bodies will start to dehydrate. We've all heard we need to drink 8-12 glasses of water a day. I hear what you're thinking, "OMG, you've got to be kidding, I'd be running to the bathroom every five minutes." Don't get your undies all in a bunch. If your body isn't used to getting the correct amount of water, you will make several more trips to the potty than you're used to. But, that will only last a couple of weeks, while your body, kidneys especially, get used to being bathed in the right amounts of water. However, that will settle down.
      An easy way to think of it is to think of your car's need for oil. If your oil level gets too low, your
engine will start to run rough. If you totally deplete your oil supply in your car, your engine will seize up. Same with your body. We NEED to drink at least eight glasses of water a day for our bodies to run right.
     For a time our amazing bodies will find ways to adjust to the lack of water. At first it will start retaining water to compensate. But if it isn't replenished regularly throughout the day, dehydration sets in. Not drinking enough water stymies' the body ability to function well, in all facets.
     Signals that you NEED TO REHYDRATE are swelling in hands and feet, low energy, lethargy, mental confusion and joint pain. Your blood pressure can fall to dangerously low levels. Blood clots form easier. Normal kidney function is impaired. You may get terrible constipation. Lesser, but no more healthy signals when you don't drink enough water is very dry skin, urinary tract infections, recurring headaches and constipation.
     Don't wait until your thirsty to drink water, by then many of your bodily functions have been affected. What happens then is you gulp down 1 -2 glasses all at once, which isn't good either. You're liable to get a belly ache. Drinking through out the day, replenishing as it is getting used, is best.
     And just so you know, drinking coffee, tea (iced or hot), juices, pops and energy drinks do NOT react or do the same job inside your body as water. Even if their made with water. They are full of sugars, sodium and a host of other stuff that make the bodies systems work at breaking those down, rather than doing the function of keeping everything cleansed, balanced and running right.
     Soooo....stop what you're doing and go grab a refreshing glass of water and drink. Your body will thank you.