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Health and Wellness: Nutritional Yeast - What is it and what do you do with it?

10/11/2019

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If you're a beer lover, you may be surprised by this food supplement. Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast related to brewer's yeast.
Brewer's yeast is used as a fermentation agent in making beer.

I love nutritional yeast. It tastes good and it's good for you. If you are dieting, are a vegan or vegetarian, or you have a restricted diet due to allergies or health issue this is something you should consider adding to your diet.

This yeast has a great tasting cheesy taste that can be used in numerous foods (such as smoothies, flakes sprinkled on popcorn, add to oatmeal or cereals, add to salads as a topping, add to bone broth for a richer flavor, and to just about anything you want to
add it to).

This yeast is grown on a food source, many brands us molasses. Then it is harvested, heated, dried, and crumbled into flakes that can sprinkled on almost anything.

It must be protected from the light in order to retain it's high B vitamin content. When you purchase it, you can leave it in the package you purchased it in or if you want to put it into a storage container (such as when you purchase it in bulk), use a dark glass or ceramic container with a tight lid to keep moisture out. If you store it properly (dry and protected from light), it will keep for up to two years.

Here's the breakdown of all the wonderful nutrients in ONE Tablespoon of Nutritional Yeast:


B1 (Thiamine) 180% of Recommended Daily Value (RDA)
B2 (Riboflavin) 160% of RDA
B3 (Niacin) 70% of RDA
B6 (Pyridoxine) 140% of RDA
Folic Acid 40% of RDA
B12 40% of RDA
3 grams of Protein
1 gram of Fiber

B vitamins are essential to our immune and nervous systems. B vitamins assist our bodies in converting food into energy that we depend on every day. If you are a vegan or vegetarian there is no food source of B12.

Adding nutritional yeast to your vegan/vegetarian diet is the easiest way to get this much needed vitamin.

I will say it again.....I LOVE NUTRITIONAL YEAST!

I add it to my bone broth every day and it makes the broth richer in texture and taste. I have put it on popcorn and it is really good. Usually, if I make a salad at home, I will sprinkle a tablespoon over my salad... yummy. I have tried it on lots of dishes and foods, I haven't found anything that it doesn't enhance and taste good.

However, just because I love it, doesn't mean you will. I will say that no one that I have recommended this great additive to has come back and said they didn't like it. You may be the first! (LOL)

Please do not try to use brewer's yeast or active dry yeast in place of nutritional yeast...they are not the same and the taste alone will turn you off.

Some vegetable bouillon cubes and powders contain nutritional yeast, but I prefer the pure nutritional yeast flakes and then I put it on at least one food every day, usually in my bone broth. Adding it to hot bone broth is probably my favorite. Bone broth is full of collagen and who doesn't need more of that at our age? By adding nutritional yeast to the broth makes it an extremely nutritious beverage.

Give nutritional yeast a try and when you do, think of all the wonderful things you are doing for your body by adding it to good foods and drinks.

Have you ever eaten nutritional yeast? If so, what did you put it on? What is your experience with the taste and versatility of this additive? If you have never tried it, will you consider it now? Please comment and share your opinion with the
​OFOF community.

XOXO
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Life: It is What it Is. Especially after the age of 50. Live Your Life!

10/4/2019

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Recently I received disturbing news about two of my friends. One had an accident and as a result is paralyzed from the waist down and the other was diagnosed with bone cancer. Neither of my friends expected their lives to change so drastically, so quickly.

This is not a blog about living your life while you can or before tragedy or illness stops us...no. This about how to use our circumstances to our own good and also to good of God. Ours lives are not really our own, our lives are given to us, on loan, by God and therefore return to Him in the end. It's what we do with our lives that matters, not the length or quality. No matter what situation you are in, there is always someone worse off.

You may ask, what could be worse than being totally paralyzed? Well, being totally paralyzed and not having anyone to care for you or also not having your mental functions... AKA: being in a vegetative state. Never complain, there is always someone worse off than you.

We all have circumstances in our lives that could bring us down mentally and emotionally. For example, I have several events going on in my life right now that, if I were to allow them to take over my mind, would bring me down mentally. I choose, however, to look to the bright side and try to make good on these less than welcome circumstances.

Do I get depressed? Yes. Do I cry over things in my life? Yes, at times I do. Do I ever feel like giving up? Never. I realize that every thing in life is temporary. Every thing has a beginning and an end. Nothing, not even life goes on forever.

Having observed people over my lifetime (as I am sure you have, too), I have seen people with obstacles that seemed overwhelming and insurmountable do some amazing things. They have attitudes that simply amaze me. I try to have a positive attitude all the time, even when life gives me a problem, but I still have those times when a positive attitude is only a thought and not an action. In other words, I lose that positive attitude for a period of time.

The thing is, I try. I try not to let circumstances dictate my outlook on life. The only time this is hard if not impossible for me, is if it involves someone I love, such as one of my kids, grand kids, sister, etc. Family is my soft spot. Even then, I try to remain positive and deal with life as it comes.

I still get up every morning and begin a new day. I try to start with a fresh outlook on the new day that God has given me and make plans to use it fully.

The older I get, the more I realize that we should be thankful that we do wake up each morning as there are many who won't.

The point I am trying to make with all this, is:

"Wake up each day thankful to be alive!
Wake up each day thankful that you can accomplish something!
Wake up each day and make it a memorable day!"
- Sheryl 2019 -

“Live today as though it was your last day on earth.
Learn something new everyday as though you are going to live forever.
Experience life everyday – it's more than just another day –
it's another glorious day in your life!”
- Sheryl 2019 -

Here are thoughts on life and living from a few others, hope they lift you up:

“Don't be afraid your life will end;
be afraid that it will never begin.”
- Grace Hansen -

“Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives,
that we are dying.
Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day.
So do it! I say.
Whatever you want to do, do it now!
There are only so many tomorrows.”
- Pope Paul VI -

“Every day, it's important to ask and answer these questions:
“What's good in my life?” and “What needs to be done?”
- Nathaniel Branden -

Eleanor Roosevelt, even during her time, knew the purpose and secret to life, she said:

“The purpose of life, after all,
is to live it,
to taste experience to the utmost,
to reach out eagerly and without fear
for newer and richer experience.”

Gene Simmons , an Israeli-American musician, singer, songwriter, record producer, made this statement about life and living. It is worthy of remembering:

“I don't wait for the calendar to figure out when I should live life.”

In Summary, start TODAY to EXPLORE new EXPERIENCES no matter what your CIRCUMSTANCES or your ABILITIES. Start WHERE you ARE and DO what you CAN and FILL each day with WONDERFUL MEMORIES!

What is your plan for tomorrow? Will it be the same as yesterday or today or will you live it fuller? Are you already living a full life? Do you see any opportunities in your life to add more living to each of your remaining days on earth?

XOXO
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Encouragement: Ending September with thoughts on Healthy Habits

9/27/2019

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As we get older, what we eat, how we move, and how we think become more and more important. While everyone no matter what age they are need to be more mindful of their diet, exercise, and brain health, it becomes more and more important with age.

For example, brain functions begin to deteriorate in the 30s, continuing to learn, taking on new jobs, reading, traveling during these years can improve and sometimes even delay age related brain deterioration.

This also is true for older adults over 50 years of age. If they eat healthy, exercise regularly, and continue to learn new things and challenge themselves, the over 50 person can retain good health, mobility, and brain function well into their 90s and even 100s. It takes effort and a decision to do so.

Meditation is one thing we learned this month that can help us to stay focused and grounded. The practices outlined in this month's blog will insure that you start off the right way and continue the right way. Learning to meditate can also help with brain function. Just keep adding to it and trying different mantras or phrases as well as different poses and locations. Mix it up.

Exercise is something we all know will help, but few of us actually put into practice. If you exercise, even if it's just walking, for a minimum of 30 minutes every day, you are well on your way to better mobility as you age.

If you gradually add other exercises in and include some weight lifting eventually, you will find your strength, stamina, and mobility will get better and better.

Healthy eating will provide all the vitamins and minerals your body needs to remain healthy. Low refined carbohydrates, lots of green leafy vegetables, healthy fats, and proteins, will ensure a well rounded diet.

A person over the age of 50 needs to be sure they drink lots of water and eat healthy foods or they will start to feel tired a lot.

Which brings me to the final piece of this puzzle, sleep. You need sleep to survive and to survive healthy.

A minimum of 7 hours sleep per night is optimum. Taking a nap during the day is perfection. It used to be that the 7-8 hours of sleep had to occur at night, but as long as the majority is at night, taking a nap to make up the deficit is a good way to get 7-8 or more hours of restful sleep in. Just don't sleep the day away, twenty minutes to an hour is plenty.

Things that are out of the normal routine of a day are no excuse to not eat healthy, exercise, meditate, or get enough sleep.

Traveling, vacationing, visiting family, and other things that take us out of our normal routine are not excuses to let your health go to the wayside.

An occasional day off from exercise, the occasional consumption of fast food, or a late night out for entertainment will not ruin your health, but to throw all you have worked for to the wayside everyday and all day is dangerous.

Meditation, healthy food, exercise, and sleep, all work together for a healthy and happy YOU!

Do you meditate? Do you eat healthy food? Do you exercise? Are you getting enough sleep? Remember that meditation, healthy eating, exercise, and sleep are all important to your overall health and well-being. Don't neglect one over the other. 

XOXO
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Health and Wellness: Food choices when traveling - help is on the way!

9/20/2019

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Traveling can ruin a good, healthy eating plan. A traveler can be successful, but it takes thought. It also requires turning off our sense of smell and learning to look away from some foods, If we smell it and see it - we will want it.

For example, hotels that offer a free breakfast. Some offer full meals with eggs, a meat, hash browns, sometimes waffles, bagels, pastries, oatmeal, yogurt, etc. Making good choices can be really hard, but it can be done. Am I always perfect? No.

Sometimes (although rarely) I choose the waffle or biscuits and gravy, and sometimes both (lol). I always regret it, but it still happens now and then. Just the other morning, we were traveling to see family in another state and stopped at little family owned diner.

On the menu was 'Cornbread Waffles' for breakfast...I couldn't leave without trying a local cornbread waffle. (LOL) Turns out I like cornbread waffles better than the regular waffle. Especially good with warm maple syrup.

So, no I am not perfect. But I don't let it become a habit or the norm. I stick to my healthy choices 90 percent of the time.

However, when offered a full breakfast bar, there are good choices. For example:
  • Eggs with or without one serving of meat, add a piece of fruit and it's good.
  • Waffles? Yes, but go for fruit toppings instead of syrup, no butter, no whipped cream, and no powdered sugar. (Unless it's cornbread waffles, then a little maple syrup is in order.)
  • Oatmeal with fruit (add yogurt, if you must)
  • If you must then go for the bagel, but no cream cheese or butter. Perhaps a tablespoon of yogurt on it, and then eat the rest of the yogurt, too.
  • The best breakfast choices if you are strong enough is: an egg, 1 serving of bacon or other meat, and a small fruit.

If offered a continental breakfast, choose:
  • Oatmeal and fruit
  • Yogurt and fruit
  • 1/2 bagel with half a pat of real butter (no margarine) or a teaspoon of cream cheese, if no other choice, and fruit
  • Drink water and/or coffee/tea

It's the same for lunch and dinner, you may have to eat out, but you can do so without giving up your health or diet:
  • Make good choices, choose green over white,
  • choose high protein and no sugar,
  • eat vegetables,
  • leave breads alone,
  • go easy on sauces and dressings,
  • say no to gravies,
  • and choose fresh whenever possible.

Yes, it is possible to travel and still eat healthy and stay on your diet. Just think before it goes into your mouth.

Plan as much as possible. Pull the menu up for the restaurant you are going to ahead of time and choose your meal. Then don't look at the menu again. If you look at it at the restaurant, you may end up choosing something you will regret later. Preplan your meals when possible.


Do you have any tips for eating while traveling to stay on track with your diet and health? If you travel a lot, are you successful at staying true to your eating plan? Share, we need all the help we can get!


XOXO
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Health and Wellness: Alcon Dailies Contact Lenses - My visit to the ER!

9/13/2019

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First off, this is not a negative review of this product, but it does bring forth an issue I had with these lenses. (I have another brand that I prefer because of this issue.) If you use these lenses and you have had no issue with them, I am happy for you. I had a different experience with them and I want to share this with anyone who wears contact lenses or who is considering them.


I only wear contact lenses when I am participating in an event where glasses may be lost or broken or just simply be in the way. Many years ago I wore them everywhere and all the time, I love contact lenses. The reason I went to limited wear is due to my allergies. We moved to a city that never had a winter and something bloomed all year around.


Last year, I was told by my eye doctor that I have dry eye and she recommended I use liquid tears. So that may have played a factor in my issue with the contacts, except I had lubricated my eyes before I put them in.


The Alcon Dailies Aqua Comfort Plus contact lenses are very thin. The thinnest I have ever worn. That's where the problem (for me) lays. They are very hard for me to see for the first thing and very hard to get a hold on for the second thing. If you drop them you may never find them.


I wore them, then when the time came to take them out, it took me forty-five minutes to get the right one out and after four hours of trying to remove the left one, I gave up. I looked to see if it was okay to sleep for a short period with them in, and the website for these lenses said - NO!

It could cause damage and increased risk of infections. I had two choices either to stay awake until morning and go to my doctor, or I had to go to the ER to get them to remove it. I chose the ER.

It's hard to explain how hard it is for me to remove these particular lenses. They are extremely thin, which is good for comfort, but bad for someone like me when you are trying to remove them.

After this episode, I returned them to the eye doctor so that I wouldn't accidentally put them in again in the future. The only ones in my drawer now are the ones that are thicker and easier to remove.


My warning to anyone using these thin lenses it to be aware that if your eyes tend to be dry, you may have a difficult or as in my case, an impossible time removing them. Also, never consider sleeping in them. You may be able to sleep in them once and have no problem, but the Alcon company was very clear NOT to sleep in them. The ER doctor and my eye doctor both told me that I was wise not to have slept in them as damage to the eye can result.


BIG WARNING! Always following the manufacturer's instructions for wearing, caring, removing, and sleeping in contact lenses. NEVER make assumptions about them. NEVER take chances.


Years ago I learned this lesson the hard way. I wore extended wear contacts that could be worn up to seven days. You could sleep in them, but it was recommended to do so only on rare occasions and not on a regular basis.


I wore these extended wear contacts for seven day and slept in them for six.

Why, you may ask? Because I went on a camping trip and forgot my contact storage case and my glasses. I did remember solution, but nothing to store them in. In error, I thought it wouldn't hurt just once to sleep in them a few nights.


Nothing during the camping trip led me to believe any damage had been done. However, when I took them off to throw them out once I got home, it was a different story.

The next day I went to put a fresh pair of lenses in and my eye lids were red and inflamed and felt like sand paper. I made an appointment for my eye doctor, but by the time I got there, my eyes were also tearing up and sunlight hurt them.


I had a severe case of conjuctivitis and blepharitis.

Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelid that affects the eyelashes and/or tear production. This is an infection that can last for a year or more.

It did take a long time to heal with the help of steroidal eye drops and an ointment. I also had to take an antibiotic.

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the outer membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid. It is sometimes called "pink eye" It is long process to get over, but it takes ibuprofen, lubricating eye drops, and warm damp washcloths over the eyes for minutes at a time.

I can tell you, I NEVER DID THAT AGAIN, EVER!


Hope this blog article benefits someone who wears contacts or is considering them. I love them, and I will continue to wear them, but I will always give proper respect for the instructions that come along with them. I will also never wear ultra thin contacts again.


Have you ever had an unpleasant experience with contacts? Have you ever had an infection caused by wearing contacts? Do you have any advice or tips for those of us who wear them? Share your stories and maybe you can save someone's eyes.


XOXO
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Health and Wellness: Meditation - What is it exactly and is it good for me?

9/6/2019

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Meditation is concentration on a thought. It can be through a prayer, a single statement, a mantra (positive affirmation), concentrating on breathing, or a single word (yogi's use OM sometimes). It is focused concentration. It can benefit your body, brain, and emotions. It can teach you to cope with stress during daily living.

Meditation can help people prone to anger, frustration, resentment, and interpersonal conflict.

Dictionary.com defines Meditation as:

"The act of meditating; continued or extended thought; reflection; contemplation; devout religious contemplation or spiritual introspection."
It is Latin in origin and was considered to be "thinking over".

Meditation is focusing on a phrase, prayer, scripture, affirming statement or a simple word. Some examples are:

Breathe Awareness - you take slow, deep breathes and focus on each breathe you take while ignoring all other thoughts. This type of meditation is good for reducing anxiety and improving concentration. It is also good for learning to control emotions.

Mindfulness Meditation - this form of meditation is focused on the here and now. What is going on around you? You take time to notice your surroundings and take in the smells, sounds while relaxing your body.

Breathe awareness can also be a part of this type of meditation. This type of meditation is good for improving your focus, memory, negative emotions, negative impulse reactions, and may improve relationships.

It has also been found to improve physical health in many areas such as lowering blood pressure.

Transcendental Meditation - in this form, you will be seated and take slow breathes in a attempt to raise your thoughts above your normal state of being.

To accomplish this type of meditation you will need to focus on a mantra, a single word repeated over and over, or a series of words. This type of meditation has been stated to broaden mindfulness and enhance or create spiritual experiences.

The purpose of meditation is not to create stress by over thinking but to reduce stress and be more accepting of ourselves and others. The overall result should be to feel greater peace within.

Some common mantras, phrases, words, or thoughts are:

If you have a weakness such as a lack of confidence in an area (public speaking, direct selling, interviewing, etc.) your affirmation could be:
“I am a good public speaker.”
“ I am the most qualified candidate for this job.”

If you repeat this over and over again, you will start to believe it. It will make a difference.

You can deal with emotional issues during meditation as well, your affirmation could be:
“I forgive myself.”
“I forgive others.”
“I am at peace.”
“I am a child of God.”

You can deal with self image issues during meditation, your affirmation could be:
“My body is beautiful.”
“I am healthy.”
“I am better than no one, no one is better than me.”
“God made me the say I am, I am perfect in every way.”

A mantra is different than an affirmation, here are a few mantras:
“OM” Hindu in origin, it is pronounced “A-OO-M” (the “A” is sounded like the “a” in car.) Hindus believe that OM is the sound vibration that underlies the creation of the universe.

OM MANI PADME HUM is another well-known mantra, which is often used by Buddhists to evoke compassion and dispel negative feelings toward oneself or others. Pronounced “AOOM-MANI-PADMAY-HOOM”.

“ALLELUIA” If you are a Christian, this is an excellent mantra. Pronounced “AH-LAY-LOO-YA”. It comes from the Hebrew “hallelu” meaning praise and “jah” meaning Jehovah and means “Praise God”.
Other mantras could be: love, peace, one, amen, etc.

Mantras can be stated aloud or only in thought. It is just as effective either way. You can repeat a mantra while keeping an internal rhythm using your heartbeat.

Scriptures can be phrases or affirmations that can be extremely useful during meditation.
Meditating on scriptures should be completely different than what most people associate with meditation. There are several verses in the Bible that instruct the Christian on meditation.

Here is probably the best one:

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth,
but you shall meditate on it day and night,
so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it.
For then you will make your way prosperous,
and then you will have good success.
Joshua 1:8 NKJV


Any scripture that helps you can be used, however, here are some good ones to get you started:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of Angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)

“God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

“Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven! For His mercy endures forever,” (Psalms 136:26)

“Come to Me, all you labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)

Meditation can also come in the form of prayers. You can use prayers from scriptures or your own.

You can also use this time to think on yourself and your life, as long it is in a positive way.

Meditation is supposed to be uplifting and affirming, so if you find yourself going down a negative path, revert to the standard words or phrases for meditations (OM, I am confident, etc.).

As we get older, life can be challenging and sometimes extremely difficult. No matter what the situation is, finding time to meditate, no matter what method you choose, can be a blessing and healing tool. It can change your negative feelings and thoughts to positive ones.

Give meditation a try. Do it more than once. Give it a chance to work. It will if you put the effort it take to start it and to continue in it for a period of time.

Healthline.com has an article written by Matthew Thorpe, MD, PhD, dated July 5, 2017, that provides 12 science-based health benefits of meditation.

​Here's the link to the article, it's a good one:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/12-benefits-of-meditation

Do you practice meditation? Do you practice on a regular basis? If you don't, will you consider doing so now? What are your feelings and thoughts about meditation?

XOXO
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Life: Fate or Divine Providence? A Recap and Review for the End of August!

8/30/2019

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Fate or Divine Providence? The purpose the August 3rd post was to get our minds thinking about our lives and our control over them.

Sometimes we think we have no control, sometimes we are right. Sometimes, when we allow him, God is in control and there's nothing better than that.
But more often than not, we are in control or we are trying to be in control.

We have to make the decisions, the calls, the choices. Sometimes God takes over after we decide or choose, sometimes not. There are times after fate has handed us a "bad" deal, that God turns it around, if we choose to let him.

“It is what a man thinks of himself that really determines his fate.”
- Henry David Thoreau -

As we age, we will encounter many times where fate is the ruler. We will also encounter many times when (Divine) providence (God) is the ruler. We must learn to accept and work with what we are given in life and live with the consequences of our own choices.

But this is true at any age, not only as we get older.
For example, if we choose to sit and watch the TV for 10 hours a day and eat the other hours when we are not sleeping, then we must suffer the consequences of becoming overweight, immobile, and at an increased risk of disease or illness. Our immune system will be weak.

If we choose, however, to change that by starting to walk everyday and eating healthier food, we suffer with those consequences, too...increased good health, mobility, and a strong immune system not to mention a stronger brain. So, it seems, we are in control.

Whether you believe in fate, (Divine) providence, or personal choice or a combination of all three, you must be an active player in your own life.

Nothing will happen if you are not engaged in your own choices. Don't let others determine your choices, be the master of your own life.

“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it.
But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief,
that is a fate more terrible than dying.”

- Joan of Arc -

So what do you believe? Fate? Divine providence? Combination of both?
Or neither one?
​ 
XOXO

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Health and Wellness: Women's Wear in the Gym - What are we doing to ourselves, ladies?

8/23/2019

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Recently, I read an article about "Why Yoga Pants Are Bad for Women" (published by the New York Times, February 17, 2018). The article addressed the tight fitting yoga pants women wear to the gym and asks "What happened to sweat pants?"

The author writes:

"We aren't wearing these workout clothes
because they're cooler
or more comfortable
....because they're sexy."


I agree that some women wear them to attract attention....but some wear them to stimulate circulation, hold in muscle heat, and support veins in the legs. The difference is some wear them everywhere, others only to the gym. The pants with the fancy cutouts kind of defeat those purposes - so why wear them? To look sexy.

Are they necessary in order to get a good workout? No. If you don't believe me, look at the men in gyms. They wear loose shorts, sweatpants, and loose jogging pants. Very few wear anything that could be considered tight.

Personally, I find the following true for me (before you criticize me, remember these are only MY preferences, what works for me. It may be different for you and that's fine. 🙂):
  • In actual yoga classes, I wear the "classic" yoga pants. They are form fitting at the waist to the knee then looser from the knee down. I have ease of movement and they are cooler.
  • In Zumba, elipticals, treadmills, bootcamps, etc., the same "classic" yoga pants work, but the long legged tight pants support my muscles and veins better with all the jumping around and stress to the leg.
  • In the weight room, my "classic" yoga pants work great, even the capri length that have a looser thigh. I am actually more comfortable in the weight room wearing these. However the tighter ones have been worn by me on occasion, also.

Regarding the health benefits and issues of tight yoga pants (not the "classic"), if you are serious about your workout, whether it be weights or other activity, you will sweat in certain places - not just under your arms. You will also sweat in your crotch, breast folds, between the thighs, in the butt area, etc. This is where the tighter pants have a tendency towards creating health issues, especially for women.

Reader's Digest published an article (no date available) titled "How leggings can make these 7 health problems worse".

Here are the 7 issues
they wrote about,
but there are
many more issues:

1. Chafing: this is pretty much self explanatory.
2. Ringworm and other fungal infections (red, scaly, itchy patches of skin)
3. Folliculitis: all body hair, and I mean ALL body hair is susceptible. Here is an excellent article on it: https://www.aocd.org/page/PityrosporumFollicu
4. Jock Itch: not just a male issue. A fungal infection caused by tight pants combined with sweat.
5. Bacterial Vaginosis: I hear females in the locker rooms talking about this sometimes. I think it occurs more often than is discussed. Most women don't make the connection between tight leggings and sweat together with this one.
6. Yeast infections: tight leggings, heat, and sweat create the perfect environment for this common problem that creates itching and/or a white curd-like discharge. (other related infections caused by this environment includes Bacterial Vaginosis). More information can be found here:
https://www.webmd.com/women/guide/sexual-health-vaginal-infections#1
7. Skin Dryness - Dermatitis is a common condition that has many causes and occurs in many forms. It usually involves itchy, dry skin or a rash on swollen, reddened skin. Or it may cause the skin to blister, ooze, crust or flake off.

Some of these can be avoided by not wearing skin tight pants in the first place or at least only wearing them for short periods of time, showering soon after removing them (swimming, saunas don't count) and taking extra care not to let your female body parts stay in a hot, sweaty, tight pair of leggings for very long (over an hour).

"Tight pants. For women,
overly tight pants or jeans
can lead to fungal infections like Thrush."

https://bbc.in/1GEeDOz

Men and women have the choice of what to wear at the gym. However, women (especially) should consider the health of their bodies over the sexy appearance before making that choice. Women in child-bearing years and menstruating should be especially careful as should menopausal women. Hormones pay a part in these issues as well, both in the young and the older woman.

Ask yourself:

What's more important to me, the health of my body (which is the reason you are going to the gym, right?) or that I look cute (sexy, stylish, whatever your motivation) while I am trying to workout? Age doesn't matter in this situation, this applies to the young woman and the older woman the same.

Remember, tight yoga pants can be beneficial for certain activities in the gym, but not for everything.

They should be worn for short periods of time with a shower immediately after removing them. Put thought into what you wear and consider all the pros and cons of your workout attire. As women, of all ages, our bodies need to be cared for if we expect them to perform well for us and see us through our entire lives.

If you are interested in other articles on this subject the following links will be helpful:

www.elitedaily.com/p/are-yoga-pants-bad-for-you-6-things-that-could-happen-if-you-wear-them-all-the-time-7699357

www.nytimes.com/2018/02/17/opinion/sunday/yoga-pants-sweatpants-women.html

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/photo-stories/bad-things-that-can-happen-to-you-if-you-wear-yoga-pants-all-the-time/photostory/62295315.cms

www.today.com/health/7-reasons-your-yoga-pants-could-lead-health-issues-t100245

www.yourtango.com/2015284080/four-disgusting-diseases-you-might-get-if-wear-yoga-pants

Do you wear different workout gear according what you are doing or do you wear the same thing for everything? Do you workout in tight yoga pants and then go home without a shower first? Have you considered if the clothes you wear are healthy or unhealthy for your body before you wear just for the "appearance"? What are your thoughts on this blog?

XOXO
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Travel: Girl's Weekend Club! Another Way to Travel!

8/16/2019

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Last year I wrote a blog post about building your tribe and how important it is (especially as we get older) to build relationships with other women. If you have built your own tribe then the Girl's Weekend Club could be just the ticket for your travel dreams. If you don't have a tribe, then pull your friends together and find the ones (or the one) that has the same dream you do about traveling.


With your friend, friends, or tribe plan a weekend trip. Do something short and sweet for the first one until you get the feel for traveling with a non-family member. This will give you the opportunity to adjust and develop skills that will make you a better traveling companion with a non-family member. It will also five your friend, friends, or tribe an opportunity to do the same before you venture into a long trip.


The ground rules should be set from the beginning, so sit down with your traveling companion and discuss the following and any other issues you may think of:


Where will you go?


Each should have input. Perhaps you each will make a list of the top 5 places you want to travel to. List 2 short day trips, two overnight trips, and one extended (up to a week) trip. Discuss and make a list that meets and makes all travelers happy.


What will you do?
​

Each should have input. If there are four or more you can do somethings in separate groups. If there are only two or three of you, then you should stick together and try to do things that everyone can agree with. Sometimes you may do something you are not fond of, but you are doing it for your friend. This can also be a chance to do something you may not have ever thought of or you have never done. Be open to compromise and to new experiences.


What will you eat?


Eating local food is a treat. You experience the life of other cultures even if it is in the states. There are local differences in food from state to state and even within each state. For sure, you will find differences in other countries. Be open to foods you may have never eaten before or even heard of. Be aware of your own food allergies but also the food allergies of your fellow travelers. Compromise, but don't miss the opportunity to try something new and different.


Who pays for what?


Everyone should be responsible for their own expenses including travel. Everyone should pay up front and friends shouldn't have to be “begging” for another friend to pay their share.


This is extremely important:

ALWAYS GO WITH FRIENDS YOU TRUST, KNOW WELL, AND EVERYONE SHOULD AGREE TO PAY BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
Once you have that first trip under your belt, you are on your way. Make it a “club” and plan two or more every year. Whether it is just a weekend or a longer, start a tradition.


Traveling with your friends can be a real joy. (Even if they are not female, a friend is a friend). Give it try.... you may open yourself up to a whole new world.


Make it a girl's weekend!
Have you ever had a girl's weekend? Have you ever gone somewhere and done something new with a good friend and decided to make it tradition? Do you have any good stories to share about your weekend excursions with friends? Share your thoughts in the comments so that we may all enjoy and also learn something.


XOXO
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Product Review: Zevia Zero Calorie Energy Drink vs. Bang Energy Drink – A MUST READ!

8/9/2019

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Recently, I have noticed a lot discussion about Bang Energy drinks. A lot of people love them, some find them overwhelming with caffeine, and others can take them or leave them.

I decided to find out for myself what they are and if they are something I would drink. In the process of purchasing a variety of bang flavors, I discovered Zevia Zero Calorie Energy drink. So, I purchased a variety of flavors to sample.

This blog is my opinion on these two drinks, pros and cons, and safety concerns.

First the flavors. Bang, by far, has the most unusual flavors; whereas, Zevia has more traditional flavors.

Flavors
​(a few, as I keep seeing new flavors in different stores):
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Ingredients:
​
NOTE: the main ingredients that make these energy drinks is caffeine. However, Bang also has other ingredients that may affect your energy level. The only ingredient that can the Zevia brand has that can affect energy levels is the caffeine.):
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Nutrition Facts:
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SAFETY!

Bang carries a warning statement due to it's high caffeine content. Zevia does not. Bang is ranked as Extreme in the caffeine content and Zevia is ranked as High.


Bang also carries other warnings on the label: Not intended for individuals under the age of 18; Do not use this product if you are pregnant or nursing; Do not consume this product if you are taking any prescription drug and/or have a medical condition; This product intended for use by healthy individuals only; and This product contains caffeine and should not be used with any other caffeine containing products.


The Bang could affect someone who doesn't drink a lot of caffeine, but for me, it was like drinking 2 cups of coffee. Nothing spectacular, but I was awake and ready to work. If you have any heart conditions, liver or kidney issues, or just generally not in good health, these drinks are not for you.


They are extremely sweet. Bang is (in my opinion, about 10 X sweeter than Coca Cola). Zevia is really sweet also, but not unreasonably so. 

The FDA recommends no more than 400 milligrams per day. So Bang is under that at 300 milligrams.

However! If you consume a cup of morning coffee, a couple of cups or glasses of black tea, chocolate, etc., all that contain caffeine, then you “could” potentially overdose on caffeine. (Key word is “could”.)


Side effects from over dosing on caffeine?

Migraine headaches, insomnia, jitters, fast heart rate, upset stomach, nausea, a feeling of unhappiness (dysphoria), among others. Too much caffeine can also affect your health in that it can trigger seizures, damage kidneys, stress your heart, and many other issues.

It also takes your body around 4 hours to metabolize the caffeine from one cup of coffee. So if you have a cup of coffee for dinner or with an after dinner dessert, your body may still be stimulated at bedtime.

With this information in hand, if you drink Bang or Zevia Zero Calorie Energy drinks, will you continue? Will you change anything, like reduce caffeine intake from other sources during the day? How do you feel about Bang, Zevia, and other energy drinks on the market today?
​
XOXO


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