5 WAYS TO LIVE AS LONG AS RICH PEOPLE

Did you know that rich men and women live longer than poor people? This is not a guess—it’s a proven fact. A recent study showed that the richest people are living 12 years longer than the poor. However, only about ten percent of the population are statistically considered rich. How can the rest of us hope to match their life span? Here are 5 ways to live as long as rich people.

1. Make healthcare a priority. Wealthy people like Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip have had access to good medical care. They probably have a live-in physician. However, if you’re enrolled in Medicare, you’re entitled to receive preventive care on a regular basis. Flu shots, yearly checkups. And if you have diabetes or some other risk factor for heart disease, it will pay for any necessary doctor visits. Prescription drugs are covered under a separate policy, but make it a priority to pay that monthly premium, even if you can’t take a fancy vacation or eat out quite as often.

2. Weight control: Ever notice that fewer rich people are overweight? That’s because they can afford to buy healthy foods. Never, would they ever, make a meal of a $5 special at Burger King. Which is what a lot of folks are doing these days of high inflation, because it costs less than preparing a meal at home. Unfortunately, a greasy burger with French fries provide a lot more calories and fewer nutrients than a homemade dinner of tossed salad and ground round burger. And there’s no temptation to ask for a chocolate shake to go along with your order.

3. Brush your teeth twice a day, and see your dentist at least once a year. Rich people usually have nice teeth. Do not ignore a toothache. Studies have shown those with poor oral health (such as gum disease or tooth loss) have higher rates of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke than people with good oral health.

4, Don’t smoke; it’s the leading cause of preventable death from lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other lung diseases. Ever notice how many cigarette butts you see in a Dollar Store parking lot? That’s because low income people are 75% more likely to smoke than rich people. Ditch the cigarettes if you want to live a long life.

5. Exercise often. Don’t leave the television on all day in your home or apartment. The CDC recommends a least 150 minutes of exercise per week for seniors. You seldom see runners and walkers in poor neighborhoods the way you do in upper class suburbs. You don’t have to belong to an expensive fitness club to get enough exercise. Walking and jogging are free. Other alternatives like swimming, Tai chi and Yoga may be offered at your local YMCA or senior center.

Many fatal diseases affect people in all walks of life. That can’t be changed. But you can improve your chances for a longer life if you follow these 5 ways to live as long as rich people.

January 9, 2022

WATCH OUT FOR COLD WEATHER HUNGRIES

Most of us eat way too much between Christmas and New Years. Then comes January 2, and you’re afraid to step on the scale. Did you know the average person gains at least a pound over the holidays? But it doesn’t stop there. Most add another pound or two until spring arrives. That first week in January, when the temperatures plunge, you’re apt to wake up feeling much more hungry than usual. You wonder if your blood sugar is too low or too high, or what’s up? Watch out for the cold weather hungries!

It’s a known fact that cold weather makes us hungry. Our body needs fuel to stay warm. As a result, you’re liable to gain weight during the winter months. How are we going to handle those hunger pangs?

First off, don’t bother counting calories. Start with techniques learned during meditation. Hunger is a physical sensation, but there’s an emotional component. Hunger makes us throw caution to the winds, and gobble down much bigger portions of whatever meal we’re partaking. Try this: When you feel hungry, stop and think. Take a few deep breaths. Identify your feelings. Yes, I am hungrier than usual because it’s cold. But that doesn’t mean I need another piece of toast or an extra bowl of cereal at breakfast. Lunch at McDonalds? No, I won’t order a big batch of fries. A plain hamburger and a glass of milk will fill my stomach very nicely. Eat slowly; don’t increase your intake and portion sizes just because the cold weather makes you hungry.

In addition, cold weather can make you feel sluggish. The thought of going outside for a walk or running errands is unappealing. You would rather sit by the fire and read a book Or take an extra long nap. Encourage yourself to keep going at the same pace as if it were nice and warm outside. When it’s below freezing, and too cold to go outdoors, do something to take your mind off food. Time flies when you’re working on a jigsaw puzzle. Get creative: sew, knit, or crochet. Paint your bedroom. Rearrange the furniture

If your tummy still has yearnings, sip a warm cup of herbal tea. Munch on an apple or a handful of almonds. Try out a new vegan recipe.

Watch out for cold weather hungries!

August 25, 2021

FARMERS MARKETS HELP WEIGHT CONTROL

Farmers Markets Help Control Weight — Farmers Markets Help Weight Control. Summer is the best time to lose weight.

We Hoosiers have been blessed this summer. Lots of rain, and abundant crops. Which means farmers markets have a lavish array of fresh produce. Vine ripened, red and yellow tomatoes. Sweet, juicy cantaloupe and watermelon. Fresh picked corn. Peppers. Some are even selling colorful bouquets of coxcomb flowers to decorate your living room and take your mind off food. Now is the best time of year to try and lose weight. Farmer’s markets help weight control by providing us with the best “diet” food on earth.

There are a few unfortunate people who don’t like tomatoes. I’m not one of them. I keep a basketful in my kitchen. When you get the hungries, slice a tomato, add a little salt, and any cravings for high calorie snacks disappear. Here’s the good news: One small tomato has only 15 calories. Tomatoes are a source of the antioxidant lycopene, which has been linked to many health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and cancer. They also provide vitamin C, potassium, folate, and vitamin K.

Sweet corn is a great substitute for potatoes. A baked potato has 161 calories vs. 59 calories for an ear of corn. Butter will add extra calories to both. Caution: Do not overcook corn. If you do, it will taste tough and starchy. Boil for no more than 15 minutes.

Some folks are allergic to watermelon, but most aren’t. One problem is that they’re so big, it’s a challenge to consume the whole melon while still fresh. But as I mentioned in my blog last month, it can be frozen in chunks to use in smoothies. There are only 49 calories in a cup of watermelon, but it has a high water content, which makes you feel full. And it has beneficial nutrients like Vitamins A and C.

Zucchini squash isn’t one of my favorite veggies, but it’s colorful and crisp.. When serving dip to guests, substitute zucchini slices for potato chips. Did you know that 10 potato chips have 100 calories, while 10 zucchini slices have almost none?

Thank heaven for local farmers help with weight control. Fill your tummy with fresh fruits and veggies, and you’re bound to lose a few pounds.

July 2, 2021July 2, 2021

HOORAY! BACK TO PRE-PANDEMIC WEIGHT

It doesn’t take a whole lot to make me happy. I don’t want to be rich and famous. But I do want to be in control of my weight. That’s what comes from being a hospital dietitian for so long. But stepping on the scales after the Covid-19 pandemic lockdowns was a downer. I don’t have unrealistic goals. What I weighed at 25 and even 55 is not going to happen again. In fact, elderly women who are slightly overweight have longer life expectancies. So who wants to look like Jane Fonda? I’m okay with being at the far end of a normal BMI (body mass index), and have kept my weight about the same for many years—until the end of March , 2021. But today, I had to celebrate, just in time for the 4^th of July. Hooray! Back to pre-pandemic weight.

How did I gain weight last year? We fixed the same types of food—lots of salads and weight watcher type frozen dinners. And we didn’t eat in a restaurant for over a year. However, we did more carry out, which often had a side order of French fries. Who can resist hot, steamy, fragrant French fries when they’re sitting right in front of you? But more importantly, I didn’t get nearly as much exercise. My frequent shopping trips were condensed to once a week. Daily walks had to be outside, and were often canceled by rain, sleet, snow, and extreme heat. The lesson to be learned here isn’t new. If you want to lose weight, eat less, exercise more.

But the pandemic didn’t affect everyone the same way. In fact, at groups and gatherings, I’ve noticed that some people actually lost weight. I don’t know how they did that, but I’m thinking they didn’t eat out as often, and don’t really like to cook. Or maybe they invested in some type of home exercise machine. Good for them! I’m hoping they weren’t depressed, which could have affected their appetite and resulted in weight loss. But it’s possible.

I’m happy to be back to pre pandemic weight. However, new challenges are ahead this coming weekend. Who can resist 4^th of July food? Potato salad, deviled eggs, baked beans…yum!

Happy 4^th of July to all!

August 29, 2020September 2, 2020

ALMONDS TO THE RESCUE!

What has happened to your weight during this pandemic? It’s been a struggle for me, because I’m unable to walk or swim every day like I used to. The pool is open, but cases are skyrocketing in this city, so I’m afraid of taking a chance. And walking outside in 90 degree heat is not recommended at my age. The air conditioned mall used to be a good place to walk on hot days, but during covid-19, it doesn’t seem too wise . So, I’ve become a reluctant couch potato this week. Boredom leads to snacking. Things like cheese and chips are tempting, but there’s a healthier alternative. Almonds to the rescue!

According to the Harvard School of Public Health “ Almonds reduce heart disease risk by lowering total and LDL cholesterol, and exerting anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Almonds also contain phytonutrients that support the growth of beneficial gut microbes. Controlled trials have shown that nut intake can decrease inflammation, promote healthy blood vessels, and reduce insulin resistance.”

In a word, Almonds are really good for you They’re nutritious and help control hunger. When you get those mid morning or mid afternoon cravings, just reach for a handful of almonds.. Although 10 almonds only have about 78 calories, you can overdo it. Don’t eat half a can! Chew them slowly , then firmly close the lid or fasten the bag and put them out of sight.

Some people shouldn’t eat almonds. Especially, if you’re a senior who has difficulty with chewing and swallowing. You sure don’t want an almond stuck in your gullet! Little kids shouldn’t have nuts because they don’t chew things up carefully.

Almonds are fairly expensive compared to less healthy snacks like chips and candy. However, they’re often on sale for half price at major pharmacies like CVS or Walgreens. That’s when I stock up for a monthly supply. Blue Diamond gives you almonds with different flavors like honey roasted, smokehouse, soy, and just plain lightly salted. You can get them unsalted, too, but those aren’t very interesting.

If you don’t like almonds, you could try peanuts, walnuts, or mixed nuts. However, they have more calories and don’t have as many nutrients.

If you’re unable to walk or work out some days, be sure you don’t overeat. Almonds to the rescue.!

May 20, 2020May 20, 2020

Pelosi body shames Trump

As a dietitian, I had to agree with Nancy Pelosi when she went on TV saying that Trump is overweight. But is she qualified to say he’s “morbidly obese?” That’s the term for a medical condition, and I don’t think she has a license to practice. Anyway, I thought that body shaming was verboten in our modern society. Popular magazines like “People,” frequently interview overweight celebrities who describe the trauma when they were teased about their weight. Peloisi hit below the belt( as my Mother used to say) when body shaming Trump. Has he mentioned how many face lifts and botox treatments she’s had?

I suspect no one feels sorry for Trump, because he’s brought it on himself. He’s a master at putting down his critics with childish nicknames like “Crooked Hillary,” “Sleepy Joe.” Anyone who disagrees with him is fair game. But I never thought Nancy Pelosi would get caught up in the madness.

She gleefully celebrated his impeachment, but still tried to appear somewhat dignified. She’s always taken the stance of moral superiority when it comes to Trump. Why, then, would she stoop to his level? 70% of Americans are either overweight or obese. I’m wondering how those voters will react to a privileged, California Congresswoman body shaming the president during the covid-19 outbreak.

I never knew much about Trump until he ran for president, so I don’t know when his weight got out of control. He should probably hire a nutritionist to plan his menus. But he’d probably fire her after a week. She would undoubtedly cancel the hamburger and fries. Would he go for a fruit smoothie or grilled chicken salad for lunch? I doubt it. On the other hand, he looks and acts very healthy. (Hopefully the Hydroxychloroquine he’s taking won’t give him a heart attack.) It probably helps that he doesn’t drink or smoke. Apparently, he gets plenty of exercise on the golf course. Maybe it’s just his metabolism. Or perhaps he’s a “stress eater.” If so, he’s had plenty of stressful triggers.

Meanwhile, there are other obese people running their countries. Like England’s Boris Johnson & North Korea’s Kim Jong Um. In fact, I think Winston Churchill was kind of chubby. Most of us are acquainted with “heavies,” who are capable and sharp. She’ll probably never admit it, but I think Nancy Pelosi is going to regret body shaming Trump. I just wish that both of them would act like grown-ups.

November 20, 2019November 20, 2019

HOW TO AVOID HOLIDAY REGRETS

Everyone looks forward to the holiday season. But when it’s over we may feel a post season slump. Things didn’t go as well as expected, and it’s partly our own fault. Here’s how to avoid holiday regrets:

Do you control your appetite or does it control you? The holidays start on Thanksgiving and don’t end until Jan 2. Now is the time for some preventive maintenance. Start downsizing your body before the holidays even begin. This gives you some leeway if you eat too much pecan pie and stuffing.

One way to control your weight is to ignore those first signs of hunger. Don’t head for the frig as soon as you feel your stomach gnawing or growling. Drink a glass of water. Do some exercises–anything to get your mind on something else. And on the big day, try to avoid second servings.

Here are five ways to avoid holiday regrets. — TOO MUCH ALCOHOL CAN TRIGGER FAMILY FEUDS AT HOLIDAY GATHERINGS.

Alcohol and relatives don’t always mix. Not everyone likes their in laws. If you’re a never Trumper, someone in the family probably likes him. Family gatherings are fertile grounds for disagreements over just about anything. The choice of restaurant, a loan that wasn’t paid back, grandpa’s will. The list goes on and on. You try to bite your tongue most of the time, but an extra glass of wine or a double scotch is apt to loosen it. . And before you know it, you’ve said something nasty and you can’t take it back. Know your limits. Don’t let too much alcohol ruin family harmony and leave you feeling ashamed of yourself.

It’s fine to give expensive presents if you can afford them. But don’t overspend. Who wants to be paying off Christmas bills at Easter time?

Don’t feel you must go home for Christmas. Ice and snow usually create hazardous conditions at least once during the season. No family wants to get a call that their loved ones have been in an accident. You can always celebrate a few days later when the roads have cleared.

Stay home if you’re sick. Don’ t push yourself to attend social gatherings or go to work. If you feel you’re coming down with something, you’re probably contagious. A bad virus infection can turn into pneumonia if you don’t stay in bed until you’re well. For your own sake, and the wellness of others, take care of yourself until you’re feeling healthy again.

Here’s hoping your holidays are full of happy memories, and no regrets!

Sweet corn is a great substitute for potatoes. A baked potato has 161 calories vs. 59 calories for an ear of corn. Butter will add extra calories to both. Caution: Do not overcook corn. If you do, it will taste tough and starchy. Boil for no more than 15 minutes.

I’m happy to be back to pre pandemic weight. However, new challenges are ahead this coming weekend. Who can resist 4th of July food? Potato salad, deviled eggs, baked beans…yum!

Happy 4th of July to all!

Everyone looks forward to the holiday season. But when it’s over we may feel a post season slump. Things didn’t go as well as expected, and it’s partly our own fault. Here’s how to avoid holiday regrets:

I’m happy to be back to pre pandemic weight. However, new challenges are ahead this coming weekend. Who can resist 4^th of July food? Potato salad, deviled eggs, baked beans…yum!

Happy 4^th of July to all!