Tuesday, October 22, 2013

9 Tips for Healthy Living over 40

 Inspired by Sexy Forever

In 2010, I was diagnosed with fatty liver disease, a condition that affects more than 15 million Americans. At the time, I was frustrated with failed diets and the inability to lose 20 pounds—until I discovered Suzanne Somers’ book Sexy Forever.

That book was a turning point. It introduced me to the idea of reducing toxins, eating clean, and making lifestyle changes that support liver health. While I’ve had ups and downs, these are the 9 habits that continue to support my health and energy over 40.

(Educational only; not medical advice.)


Picture collage of working out with weights.
My Workout Routine with weights

1. Embrace Simple Clean Eating

Focus on whole foods: organic fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds whenever possible. This reduces toxins that your liver has to process. 

Related: Steps to My Plan → Simple Clean Eating → What is Clean Eating


2. Choose Organic Inside & Out

It’s not just about food—your skin absorbs what you put on it. Switching to natural skincare lowered my toxin load.

Related: Skin Care Naturally Guide


3. Add Beans for Liver Support

Beans contain amino acids that help neutralize toxins and reduce stress on the liver.


4. Spice It Up with Anise Seeds

Some research suggests anise seeds may support regeneration of healthy liver cells and flush out fat deposits.


5. Harness the Power of Turmeric

Turmeric contains curcumin, which may help protect against liver damage and reduce inflammation.


6. Prioritize Lean Protein

Protein supports metabolism and muscle maintenance, especially important for women over 40. Rotate fish, poultry, legumes, and eggs.


7. Do Functional Exercises

Forget endless crunches or treadmill time. For women over 40, strength-based movements like lunges, squats, and mountain climbers build strength and boost metabolism.


8. Stay Hydrated with Lemon Water

Aim for 8 glasses (64 oz) daily. Lemon adds flavor and may support digestion.


9. Limit Alcohol, Sugar & Processed Foods

These stress the liver and increase fat storage. Focus instead on whole grains, healthy fats, and fiber-rich foods.
Source: Mayo Clinic on Fatty Liver


FAQ: Healthy Living & Fatty Liver

Q: What is fatty liver disease?
A: It’s the buildup of fat in the liver, often linked to obesity and poor diet. Left untreated, it can lead to more serious conditions.

Q: What’s the best diet for fatty liver?
A: Doctors recommend a Mediterranean-style diet: whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and limited processed foods.

Q: How much water should I drink per day?
A: The general guideline is 8 glasses (64 oz) daily, though needs vary by activity level and climate.

Q: What exercises are best for women over 40?
A: Strength training (squats, lunges, resistance work) plus moderate cardio. These protect muscle, bone, and metabolism.

Closing Thought

Getting healthy isn’t about perfection. It’s about daily habits that support your body—clean food, movement, hydration, and joy.

My journey with fatty liver taught me that small, consistent changes matter most. You don’t need a miracle program. You just need a plan that works for you. For me, the Sexy Forever program was the breakthrough that made clean eating and toxin reduction click. The key is consistency—choosing a plan you can live with for life.





Wednesday, October 16, 2013

11 Midday Energy Boosting Tricks

Natural Ways to Beat the Afternoon Slump

Ever hit that 2–3 p.m. crash where you could nap for hours? It’s part of your body’s natural rhythm, but you don’t have to power through it with sugar or caffeine. With a few small shifts, you can re-energize naturally.

Here are my 11 go-to tricks for fighting off midday fatigue—tested in my own Jeep Momma life.

(Educational only; not medical advice.)





✅ Quick Energy Boost Checklist

☐ Change tasks or scenery
☐ Take a brisk walk outdoors
☐ Do a 4-minute mini-workout
☐ Stretch with calming music
☐ Take a 5-minute cat nap (set a timer!)
☐ Drink lemon water
☐ Eat a light lunch (protein + produce)
☐ Grab an apple for natural energy
☐ Turn on energizing music and move
☐ Try a quick deep-breathing reset
☐ Step outside for fresh air (Jeep = bonus points!)


1. Change Tasks

A change of scenery does wonders. If I’m stuck at my desk too long, I switch to something hands-on—or simply step outside. It clears mental fog fast.


2. Walk Outside

Even a 10-minute brisk walk gets the blood flowing and the brain awake. Bonus if the sun’s shining!

3. Quick Exercise Burst

When I really hit the slump, I do a 4-minute workout:

  • 1 min jumping jacks

  • 1 min push-ups

  • 1 min lunges

  • 1 min squats

It’s amazing how quickly your energy returns when your heart’s pumping.


4. Stretch It Out

Flexibility isn’t just for yoga—it’s key for circulation, posture, and staying strong as we age. If I could tell my younger self one thing: stretch, stretch, stretch! Flexibility Importance


5. Cat Nap (Micro-Nap)

I keep it short—just 5 minutes, sitting up. Any longer and I’d be groggy, but done right it’s a tiny reset button.


6. Hydrate with Lemon Water

Dehydration is one of the sneakiest causes of fatigue. A tall glass of water with lemon refreshes me way more than coffee ever could.

7. Light Lunch Choices

Skip the carb-heavy midday meals that drag you down. I stick to protein + veggies.


8. Grab an Apple

A crisp apple = quick natural energy. The fiber + natural sugars lift me up without the crash I get from candy or soda.


9. Turn On the Music

Music is a mood shifter. Whether it’s rock, country, or Jeep radio, turning it up instantly resets my vibe.


10. Deep Breathing Reset

When I can’t move around, I use a simple breathing exercise:

  • Inhale for 4

  • Hold for 4

  • Exhale for 6

It calms my mind while giving me a fresh hit of oxygen.


11. Blast of Fresh Air (Jeep Style!)

My #1 favorite? Hopping in my Jeep with the top down. Sunshine, fresh air, and music—it’s instant energy and pure joy rolled into one.
👉 Related: 
Healthy Reasons to go Topless

Collage pictures of the top down in my Jeep.
Topless in my Jeep!

FAQ: Midday Energy Boosts

Q: Why am I always tired in the afternoon?
A: Your circadian rhythm naturally dips midday. Poor sleep, dehydration, or heavy lunches can make it worse.

Q: What can I do instead of coffee?
A: Try lemon water, a walk, a stretch, or a deep-breathing reset—no jitters, no crash.

Q: How long should a nap be?
A: Aim for 5–20 minutes max. Short naps refresh; long naps often leave you groggy.

Q: What’s your personal go-to energy booster?
A: Driving my Jeep with the top down! Fresh air + sun = instant recharge.


Closing Thought

The afternoon slump doesn’t have to own you. With small shifts—movement, hydration, lighter meals, and fresh air—you can power through with energy to spare.

Life’s too short to feel drained. Find what recharges you and make it a daily habit.




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