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.

Ever wonder if your vitamins are really doing their job? 🤔 For us 50+ folks, it’s easy to be skeptical about supplements—there are so many out there! But here’s the thing: not all vitamins are created equal. Some aren’t even absorbed well by your body (aka not “bioavailable”), so you might not be getting the benefits you think you are.

The key? Finding a reliable source with quality ingredients that your body can actually use. Do your research, and if you’re serious about feeling your best, choose wisely. 💊✨

What’s your take on vitamins? Ever wondered if they’re worth it? Let’s chat! 👇

POSITIVELY SUNDAY:

Life's too short to dwell on the negatives. That's why I want to do this post every Sunday with a different question each week. When there's so much tension and animosity in the world today, let's find some positivity together. I think we'll find we are more alike than different.

Here's our first question. What's something you're looking forward to in the near future? Big or small, let's have fun with it. Please comment and get our week off to a positive start.

I'll go first - It's my new kitchen. Scheduled to get started on Nov 20th 🥰👏🔨🔧🪚🎉

YOU THINK I'M A DAY OFF? But I’m not. Let me ask you; do you want to wake up tomorrow (Wednesday) feeling well rested and ready to give the day a chance to be beautiful?

Well that depends on how you end today. Did you know that the blue light emitted from our screens can mess with our sleep? Blue light tricks our brains into thinking it's still daytime, suppressing the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps us wind down for sleep. So, if you’re binge-watching your favorite series or scrolling through social media before bed, it might be why you’re tossing and turning at night and waking up tired. To sleep like a baby, try cutting back on screen time an hour before bed or use blue light filters on your devices. Your future well-rested self will thank you!

I know I’m not the only one that does this. I’m easily distracted, especially when I have specific or focused work that needs to be done. I hate it but its so easy to get distracted by a phone call, the laundry, ohhh or that “thing” I forgot to do. And then how hard is it to get back to the “focused” activity you were supposed to be doing in the first place, right?

When I first started using essential oils, I knew that I could diffuse certain ones to help me relax or even sleep. But when I tried Sacred Mountain (just so my office would smell great), I realized I was able to stay on track longer and get more done. It was crazy how well it worked. I found that I had been working for a longer period of time without interrupting myself or wandering off to do other things. Now, I use it all the time. It allows me to concentrate my work, get more work done in a concentrated time, and have more time to enjoy other things I wanted to do.

Do any of you find that your mind wanders when doing something that needs attention and focus? Do you get distracted with other things/people? Let me know what you’ve found that works for you.

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!

It is so different trying to lose weight, post menopause. I can't do any of the quick fixes I did in my 30s or 40s. And, I realize I can't eat what I used to eat. Here's what I'm shooting for now:

1. As much non-processed foods as possible.

2. Drastically reduced sugar, including all those "added sugar." (Why do they have to do that!!?)

3. Lean Proteins: Helps keep me feeling full and supports muscle strength.

4. Veggie Power: My hardest but I need the fiber.

5. Healthy Fats: I'm loving pumpkin seeds in everything. And I use Avocado oil for all my cooking.

6. Whole Grains: OK. This is my downfall. I love bread. I haven't given it up. Just making better choices.

7. Watching Portions: I'm diligent with a scale & measuring cups. Pretty good guesser too when I'm out & about.

8. Drinking my water: I do at least 64 oz a day. Check out my previous post on this. People commented some good tips.

9. Staying mindful: These are intentional changes. None of them come naturally for me.

10. I do Messy: No perfection here. I just keep plugging away!

Remember, it's all about finding what works for you! Share your tips below and let's support each other for a healthier post-menopause life! 💪🥦🌟

My picture shows the big salad I make twice a week so I can have some with every meal.

 

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.”

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.”