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You shuttle the kids to school, do the dishes, help with the homework, handle the company’s high profile accounts, pick up the dry cleaning, hit the supermarket, provide the family with a hot supper and tuck everyone in at night. And guess what? You’re in for the same thing tomorrow. No, this isn’t “Survivor Suburbia”...It’s your life. And it’s about time you stop to think about yourself for a little while.
Ladies, ladies, ladies…If you suppose I’m telling you to hit the internet and find the cheapest seats to Mexico, try again. We all know the family can’t live without you. That’s why it’s more important than ever for you to think about the way you’re living—sleeping, exercising and, of course, eating! And I’m not talking about dieting to trim down for swimsuit season this time.
As women, we’ve got very different nutritional requirements than our y-chromosome carrying counterparts. And we have ever since we were digging in the sandbox and cooking in our Easy-bake ovens. As we pass through each phase of life— from adolescence when we could use a little extra calcium for healthy bone growth, to our childbearing years when we need lots of iron and folic acid, to menopause when healthy monounsaturated fats and soy foods keep heart disease, certain cancers and mood swings at bay—its important to eat right.
But don’t stress it (that’s not good for you either). There are plenty of delicious foods for every stage that’ll have you grazing gracefully through your life. In fact, as long as you eat wholesome natural foods rather than overly processed and fast foods, you can justify just about anything. Craving a gooey wedge of brie? Go ahead, its great for your bones. Salivating over a thick slice of juicy steak? Dig in to all that iron. Ogling another can of California Ripe Olives? Open it up for those monounsaturated fats that help with nutrient absorption and heart health. How ‘bout that? A diet based on what’s in it for you, rather than what’s not! Just remember, all things in moderation.
Longing to learn more about California Ripe Olives and healthy eating habits for every stage of your life? Check out what nutritionists are reading on our California Ripe Olive website. TOP
Chicks Rule
O.K., so I’m thinking that with obesity and eating disorders reaching epidemic proportions within our teen and tween populations, most young gals aren’t too into reading up on good nutrition, let alone acting on it. But moms, I know you’re out there and here’s what you need to know. Fast food…Bad. Overly processed packaged foods...Bad. Fresh, homemade entrees and snacks...There’s the bomb! (And that’s a good thing these days.)
You see for this age group, it seems that it’s not only what they eat, it's where they eat it that matters. Hitting the drive-thru is way more likely to tighten those low-rise jeans than sitting down for a meal with mom. And I’m not talking a sparse plate of carrot sticks and tofu. These gals can and should be indulging in all of the major food groups including plenty of dairy for healthy bone growth and monounsaturated fats for vitamin absorption. As long as they’re spending a little time exercising every day, like say walking to the mall rather than driving, there’s no need to nit pick over fat grams or calories when they come from healthy sources.
So instead of sending your offspring off to supersize her next supper, spend a little time with her around the dinner table. It doesn’t have to be gourmet, just quick and nutritious. Like this recipe for Spin-N-Chick-N Wraps. Flavored with feta cheese, spinach and California Ripe Olives, this easy-to-eat entrée is full of calcium, iron and monounsaturated fats. Delicious, healthy and quick...it may be for your gals, but it’s definitely one that the whole family will love. TOP
Mom's the Word
If you’re anything like the rest of us women out there, you’ve counted calories, cut carbs and even tried removing fat from your diet from time to time. So how much of your life have you spent thinking about what to eat rather than what not to eat? That is the question… For many of us it takes a monumentous, life changing event—something like getting pregnant, for instance—to inspire us to eat the right nutrients and vitamins rather than focusing on forbidden foods.
As we reach our childbearing years, suddenly there’s a new spin on nutrition. It’s not all about you anymore and getting the right vitamins and nutrients becomes and even bigger responsibility. Well remember, it’s not only baby that needs proper nutrients. Whether you’re “trying” or not, twenty and thirty-something women need plenty of protein, iron, B-vitamins and folic acid for energy, cancer and heart disease prevention and, perhaps eventually, healthy child bearing. And just like little sis, calcium to maintain prime bone density and deter osteoporosis is hugely important as well.
What does this mean? Plenty of beans, beets, dairy, leafy greens and red meat. And of course, monounsaturated fats from foods like California Ripe Olives, almonds and avocados to help your body absorb all of the vitamins that it needs. Have a bun in the oven or a bundle of joy in your arms? Now is the time you have permission to eat more. Pregnant and nursing moms should consume extra calories in just about every category to keep mom and baby feeling their best.
So, whether you’re ready to reproduce or simply in it for yourself, time to get cooking! Toss together some beets, California Ripe Olives, asparagus and goat cheese and you’re on your way. Served alone as a salad or as a sidekick to that juicy steak you’ve been craving, eating right never seemed so right on! TOP
Mind Over Menopause
Hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain and an increased risk of certain cancers, Alzheimer’s and heart disease…And we thought dealing with a period once a month was a pain. Fortunately, as our population of menopausal and post menopausal women continues to increase, we’re learning that there are lots of things we can do, including eating the right foods, to decrease these symptoms and get on with our lives.
With the kids heading off to college or completely out on their own, sounds like perfect timing to me. I mean, what’s stopping a healthy, active 50, 60, even 70 year old woman from living like she’s in the prime of her life…As long as she’s got the right mind set and a healthy diet—rich in monounsaturated fats and omega 3 fatty acids for a healthy heart, phytoestrogens and isoflavones to balance hormonal changes and B vitamins to decrease the risk of cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s disease—absolutely nothing.
And did I mention its all for the taking at your local supermarket? From salmon loaded with omega 3’s at the seafood counter to California Ripe Olives full of monounsaturated fats in the center of the store to just about anything in the produce aisle, some of these things may be hard to pronounce, but they’re easy to find, naturally.
Having some doubts? This recipe for Soybean Salsa Salmon tells the story with corn, soybeans and California Ripe Olives. It’s perfectly seasoned with tons of nutrients that you’ll need at this stage of life. Now this is the kind of food we can all live with! TOP
