Well, Carol, you are the second person this year (which has just started)to comment on my appearance. So first of all, thank you for the confidence boost! I do like to think that my long commitment to eating healthfully, exercising and having a passion for life has helped me to maximize my looks and my energy levels. Since my early 20s I have tried to exercise every day and I also vary my routines so I get enough cardiovascular exercise and weight training. I take kickboxing classes so there's also a social aspect to some of my fitness experiences and when I am in NYC I also take a break from writing and a brisk walk- no matter how bad the weather. I've been a vegetarian for an number of years but I track protein at every meal and I "go easy" on the bread carbs, only allowing myself a serving at breakfast and one at lunch. I eat a lot of vegetables, probably six servings a day and fruits, yogurt, nuts and nut butters, beans and legumes, soy and eggs plus fish at least three times a week. So the healthy lifestyle I recommend ad naseum to my readers, I really do live myself. My mom stayed out of the sun and had no wrinkles even at age 60 ( she diedmof breast cancer at age 64, the kind associate deity long term HRT use- I did not know she was using hormones until she was diagnosed). So I had the good genes to start, but I have tried to live a healthy life. I am mostly proud that when people meet me, the firstnthing they sense is my unbridled energy and zest for life- so I know that radiates from within. I do like to think that I "look good for my age" - after all, I am a girl at heart. So thanks for the compliment , and keep reading my blogs- to learn more about breaking health news and tips to help you be the vest you can be!

OK - I LOVE the SAD acronym - simply love it, with a smile.

Just to let you know, I recently Health Coached a 58 year old into a weight loss of 30 pounds and along the way she developed amazing arm tone and leg tone (she still needs to watch her belly area) and a glowing skin, better skin texture and everyone who sees her is amazed - so it can be done.  It took her a "slow year, with a big commitment to food journaling, exercise, and a willingness to make some time daily for "her needs."

 

I don't often push my book, The 4 Habits of Healthy Families (amazon.com), but it does walk you through a variety of menu plans - the why's and what's you need to eat for better health, glowing skin and weight loss.  It's also not just about what you intentionally eat - it's also about what you are willing to drop, i.e. soda, processed grains,etc.

 

I personally only eat two grain servings daily, except sunday when I treat myself to a "healthy style muffin" with peanut butter.  It works for me and I am getting alot of fiber, energy and fill factor from the fruits and veggies I eat - so I still have the energy to exercise.  More than two grains and frankly I start to get a bit "grey" with other food choices.  So my personal cut off works for me and it's typically a Kashi or Vans whole grain waffle in the am (with fruit, peanut butter and a fat free latte) and brown rice or 1/2 a yam or another healthy grain at dinner.  Again, that's what works for me.  It may not fit your needs.

 

I think the book provides support, empathy, menus, basic nutrition pronciples, tips for organization, which good nutrition REQUIRES and lots of stories of clients.  And you can pick and choose chapters to read!

 

Hope that helps - good luck!