This blog will help you towards healthier lifestyle choices!

I owned a State Approved K-6 for over 20 years and when it closed, I was devastated. However, I decided to make lemonade out of lemons and so I thought: I went to school for 40 years (one class at a time) and I have a PhD, I'll just look for a better job.



And, I did.....look that is, the "finding" part eluded me. I was 60 years old, never got sick and could outwork almost anyone half my age but, as I was looking for a job, it was NOT looking for me!



In the first two years after my school's closure, I applied for over 450 jobs (everything from Starbucks, to Admin Assistant to jewelry sales) and had no luck.



Finally a friend asked why I was counting the jobs and I realized I was focusing on what was NOT happening instead of what might happen so I quit counting, but not applying.



In order to survive, I sold my house and lived off the proceeds while I continued applying. I lived extremely frugally because I knew that the money would not last forever.



Over the years, I have continued to live frugally and apply for jobs. However, there truly is ageism in America today and I have been unsuccessful in getting a "real" job.



What I have been successful at is cobbling together a life by working at my many part time jobs! Currently, I have 2 jobs each day (subbing in the Auburn School District and tutoring at Sylvan Learning Centers). And I do other jobs occasionally such as Real Estate Broker, Author, and Editor.



Because I am a Health Coach, my passion is helping people be healthier.
Over the years, I've learned much about how to be healthy even if I wasn't wealthy so I decided to share my expertise with you! I will bring you tips, recipes, and many ideas on how to choose a healthy lifestyle, even if you are eating out of the local Food Bank and/or don't have much money to pay for gym memberships!

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Good for Your Heart

Love Your Heart!
These foods will help your heart be healthier:
1.  Oatmeal - well known for the ability to lower cholesterol significantly (by 8 to 23 percent) in people with elevated levels, oatmeal is also a good source of fiber, omega 3's, vitamin B1 and magnesium.  Toss in a handful of almonds or walnuts to up its heart benefits and add a nutty crunch. 
2.  Blueberries - packed with antioxidants, blueberries are a ood source of beta carotene, lutein, calcium, viatmin C adn fiber.  They're also versatile.  Pop them into your mouth for a snack add to a green salad, mix them into a yogurt smoothie, or use them as a filling for breakfast crepes.  They're available frozen or fesh year-round. 
3. Spinach - Popeye was right; this dark green, leafy vetable is good for you and for your heart.  With the carotenoid lutein, B vitamins, iron, potassium, calcium, and fiber, it's a terrific heart-healthy substitute for lettuce in dalads and sandwiches.  you can also steam it, toss it into an omelet, layer it in lasagna, or simmer it in soup.
4.  Garlic - this amazing and pungent herb has been shown to decrease total cholesterol while increasing good (HDL) cholesterol-with the addedbenefit of lowering high blood pressure.  It'll add zing to your stir-fries, sauces, soups, and mashed potatoes.  Steep it in olive oil for a week, andthen use the oil in dressings and marinades.
5.  Brown Rice - In addition to being a good source of B vitamins, iron, selenium, and magnesium, brown rice contains gamma-oryzanoi, which lowers cholesterol.  Substitute it for white rice, which is leached of its nutrients during processing.  Cooked rice can be used in stir-fries, as a side dish, in desserts, or scrambled into eggs.
6. Tomatoes - these cookign staples contain carotenoids, vitamin C, potassium, and fiber.  Their heart benefits come from lycopene, a red carotene that's been shown to lower the risk of heart disease.  Use them on sandwiches, in salads, or cook them into sauces and soups.