Hello and welcome back.
In today’s issue we will also cover:
7 things retirees can’t afford anymore and
Skye the cats weight loss plan update
Read on…..
Kale is the New Superfood: How to Eat More of It Without Hating It
Kale sales are exploding. Kale has been hailed as the new superfood, thanks to its high levels of antioxidants, fiber, vitamin K, and iron.
I never really liked kale until I learned recently how to prepare and massage it. It can be too coarse and chewy for most people compared to spinach or salad greens.
Eat Kale Every Day: A Doctor’s Perspective
Doctors recommend eating up to 3 cups a day! Click here to read about Doctors and Kale But let's face it, kale is not exactly the most delicious vegetable out there. It can be bitter, tough, and hard to digest. So how can you eat more kale without hating yourself?
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How I Prep Kale
Prepare kale properly before eating it. See Photo above -I remove the stems and then chop it with a knife. Its got hearty leaves so you can store it in the refrigerator in a bowl or bin for up to a week after prepping it.
Pauls Key Kale Tip: Below I will show you how to Massage your Kale
Spice up your kale.
Kale can be bland and boring, so I spice it up with some flavor. You can season kale with garlic, onion, ginger, chili, cumin, turmeric, or curry. You can also add some cheese, nuts, seeds, dried fruits, or bacon bits to make it more interesting. Just be careful not to add too much salt, sugar, or fat, or you'll defeat the purpose of eating kale in the first place.
Massaging Kale The Proper Way
Massaging kale makes it easier to eat by breaking down its tough, fibrous texture and reducing its bitterness. Here’s a simple method to massage kale:
Remove the tough stems and stalks and throw them out.
Place the chopped kale in a large bowl.
Drizzle with Olive oil and add salt and lemon, if desired.
Massage the kale for 3 minutes with your hands. You will note the leaves become tender and brighter green.
Enjoy as a salad base or a topping.
How do you eat and prepare Kale? Do you put Kale in smoothies or other recipes? Please leave comment below.
“ The willingness to accept responsibility for ones own life is the source from which self- respect springs”
Joan Didion
Budgets- 3 Things Retirees Won’t Be Able to Afford at the Grocery Store Anymore
Grocery shopping is not what it used to be. Here are three things that we may have to cross off grocery lists soon:
Meat. If you love a good steak or burger, you may have to settle for less. Meat prices are up 10.5 %
Cheese. Cheese lovers, beware. Cheese has gone up 6.6% in the last 18 months. Cheese is not only a delicious snack, but also a good source of protein and calcium. However, it may become a luxury item for many of us who are on a tight budget.
Coffee. If you need a cup of joe to start your day, you may have to brew it at home or switch to tea. Coffee is up over 8.7 % in last 18 months.
These are just some of the things that retirees may have to give up or cut back on at the grocery store.
Foods That Make You Fat -
Diet Soda?
How Our Diet Choices Affect Our Weight
As we age, maintaining a healthy weight becomes increasingly important. Certain dietary components can significantly impact our waistlines. You may be shocked by three culprits: MSG, diet sodas, and seed oils.
MSG (Monosodium Glutamate):
MSG is a flavor enhancer commonly found in processed foods, restaurant dishes, and packaged snacks.
MSG in our food can lead to overeating. MSG tricks our brain into craving more food, potentially contributing to excess calorie consumption.
Diet Sodas:
Surprisingly, diet sodas may not be the best choice for weight management. Studies have shown that people who consume diet sodas are more likely to gain weight than those who opt for regular versions!
The reasons behind this aren’t entirely clear, but it’s essential to be mindful of our beverage choices. (Read more details on diet soda in article link below)
Seed Oils:
Seed oils (such as canola, soybean, and sunflower oil) are often used in ultra-processed foods. These oils contain high levels of omega-6 fats, which can lead to inflammation. The real issue lies in how they’re used—mainly in fast food and packaged snacks.
Have you ever heard of shopping around the outside of the store first? Thats where the fresh stuff is. This helps us avoid the processed boxed and canned foods on the center isles. As we get older, we should focus on a balanced diet, limit processed foods, and be cautious about hidden ingredients. Small changes can make a big difference in maintaining a healthy weight during our golden years.
Remember, it’s never too late to prioritize our health, and informed choices can lead to better outcomes.
Here is a great must-read article sent to me by a 60+ Reader:
Read the full article- Foods That Make You Fat
“Color outside the lines. Practice random kindness and senseless acts of beauty. This is your last chance.”
Anne Herbert
Skye Update - the Feline Fitness Star
Skye has become a newsletter sensation with many of you inquiring more about how her food plan is going than about me. I’m proud to report she has lost 1 pound in just 3 months. She is still on a strict diet prescribed by her veterinarian. She now on maintenance as she has reached her target weight. Her diet consists of low-calorie dry food weighed out each day in strict portions, fresh water, and occasional treats of catnip.
Have you ever put your pet on a diet? Leave a comment below:
“A house is not a home unless it contains food and fire for the mind as well as the body”
Margaret Fuller
Welcome to our International 50+ Readers
It’s always great to hear from our 50+ Newsletter readers worldwide in 22 countries including The United States, Australia, France, Philippines, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Nigeria, Columbia, South Africa, Great Britain, Canada and Indonesia and more! I’m glad you are here to read my weekly Wednesday newsletter and fitness post, The Over Age 50+ News.
We would like to hear from all readers. Leave a comment below.
You may know I’m a Certified Personal Trainer specializing in training people over age 50. Most of my clients are over age 70 and still seeing improvements in their strength and health.
I get lots of good questions on losing weight and how to stay fit, especially as we have to train with medical conditions or injuries as we age. I read many books and publications and will keep you informed here about fitness, relationships, finances, second careers, part time jobs and of course, how not to work at all and enjoy retirement.
Do you “like” this 50+ newsletter so far? Let Paul know by clicking the “like” heart sign at the top or bottom of this page.
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Great kale info. I wonder if the massage helps in digestion. Raw kale is tough to digest.
Thanks for sharing, Paul! I've never heard of massaging kale before... definitely going to give that a go next time I eat it.