Jocelyn Nelson

I love my coffee in the morning. These days I usually only do one cup, maybe 2. Now that we're here in Arizona, I might also have a cold brewed coffee in the afternoon. AND I love a little creamer. I know there's a lot of nasty ingredients in my favorite creamer (carrageenan, artificial sweetness, chemically derived phosphates.....). And I know just a little every day can really add up. So I decided to try a DIY recipe and I love it.

Simple: Equal amounts of evaporated milk and cream (half & half or heavy), a sweetener of your choice (I used coconut sugar), and any flavoring (or none). Mix it all together and enjoy

PS - I used a little vanilla but I've seen recipes with cinnamon, almond extract, peppermint extract, or even pumpkin pie filling. Let me know if you've tried this, what you used, or if you have any better recipes.

I'm THAT age. Over 50 and wanting to keep up with my 30-year-old self (right 🙂). But I also want to stay with natural, and preferably plant-based solutions.  Here's a couple of my tips to keep in mind to keep 50 the new 30.

Stay Hydrated, at least 64 oz per day.

Keep moving. If you don't use it, you lose it.

Eat clean. Read your labels and avoid preservatives, emulsifiers (like any of the "gums" found in condiments), dyes, natural flavors; go for organic and grass-fed as much as possible.

Watch your personal care products. Avoid parabens, phthalates, fragrances. 

We actually need more vitamins and minerals as we age but, conversly, we don't need as much food. Make sure you are supplementing if needed.

Any of you health gurus out that want to add to my list?

One of the reasons I never use the word “diet” any more is because it brings up all kinds of stories I have about food. And then I start overthinking or obsessing about food, which only makes me want it more. Yup, that proverbial “vicious circle.” Here’s the thoughts I want to replace it with. The last one explains the picture 🤣

1. Mindful Eating: For me, this just means being fully present when I eat. Trying not to do other things while I eat like reading, watching, or scrolling. I want to appreciate each bite.

2. Plan ahead: Not just what I eat but when. Not getting too hungry & overeating, or just “graze” all day. This includes scheduling my snacks. I’m less likely to grab something if I know I have something scheduled. I know, it’s mind games but whatever works!

3. Out of sight / Out of mind: We have a “snacks” cupboard where it all goes. Plus, Joe likes some really decadent snacks (Reese’s, Hersey bars, cookies, etc.) I keep those in a very inconvenient cupboard that I don’t need for anything else.

4. The Power of Pause: This is a new one for me that I am just starting. Before I reach for a snack, I want to ask myself why I want it. Am I really hungry or just bored or stressed.

5. Positive Self-Talk: ALWAYS working on this one. Be kind to myself.

6. Indulge Wisely: When I decide to indulge, I want to make sure it is something I REALLY want. It has to be good. The treat has to be worth it.

7. Laugh it off: I’m pretty good at this. It’s not all-or-nothing for me. I slip? OK, I tell myself I can do messy and survive!

I just try to remember that controlling my thoughts around food isn’t about restriction or deprivation. I need it to live and thrive. I am empowering myself to make good choices. So forward and onward with determination, a good laugh, and a plan. (Picture is to remind me to laugh!

Are your golden years getting tarnished by inflammation? The joys of retirement can sometimes be overshadowed by persistent health concerns, particularly inflammation-related issues. Inflammation can hinder your ability to fully embrace and enjoy your well-deserved retirement. But just how significant is the impact for you? And what steps can be taken to alleviate these obstacles?
I’ve created a checklist aimed at pinpointing inflammatory barriers. Additionally, I’ve added extra strategies tailored to enrich this stage of your life. If this resonates with you and you’re ready to tackle these challenges head-on, simply comment “Me.”