Vain Worries: Face to face with someone new

By Carolyn Roberson - Friday 02 Sep 2011 

 

Today, I was looking in the mirror, and didn’t recognize the person staring back! My thought was “who in the world are you?” followed by “where did I go?” Everything is different: the hair, the eyes, the wrinkles, the nose, the earlobes, and the turkey neck.

Vain worries: Aging.

Dermal tone facial exerciser:

 

I bought one years ago, and started using it right away. It helped, and I don’t know why I quit using it. These little devices work by using small electrical impulses that actually exercise facial muscles, thus the name Natural Face Lift has been associated with it. I was skeptical, but used it anyway. I could see a difference, but could anyone else see it? That answer came at my mother’s funeral when someone asked me how I stayed looking so young to which I replied, “DERMAL TONE!” I don’t know why I stopped using it, and couldn’t tell you where it is. I’ve got to look for it and start again.

Sun-damaged skin:

 

I’m dermatologist bound! Microdermabrasion, laser skin resurfacing, and chemical peel are just a few tricks the doctor has up his sleeve. However, are these treatments cost prohibited? Selective dermatological therapy isn’t covered by my insurance; so how deeply in my pocket book can I go? Unfortunately, my purse isn’t Mary Poppins issue providing a never-ending assortment of things to pull out of the bag.

Fade creams:

 

During my years working for Clinique at a Parisian department store in the cosmetic department, I ran across a product called Vantex. It was a product in the Fashion Fair line, which is a cosmetics line for darker skinned women. My fair skin self couldn’t use the makeup, but found that Vantex fade cream sure cleared up the discolored sunspots popping up on my face. However, I’ve not seen that product for years, and other fade creams contain quinine, which upsets my delicate stomach. Yes, it makes me nauseous to use. Come to think of it, I may have seen an ad for Clinique’s new fade cream, or was I dreaming? Perhaps, I need to check that out!

Therapeutic Massage:

 

I’ve allotted a few dollars each month for massage therapy. It is great for the stiffness, tired, aching muscles, and mental clarity. Whether it is 30 minutes or one hour, I have decided that, at least once a month, I’m having a massage. Get creative, you can get a massage in different ways. Wal-Mart sells those massage cushions, which I’ve used—and, it was comfortable. Some malls have massage chairs now. You can drop a quarter in and get a few minutes of treatment, or you can invest in a massage chair for yourself. It’s up to you!

Weight loss, and weight management:

 

Years ago, in the early 80s, I used Herbalife to keep my weight in check. Slowly creeping up over the years, and a constant yo-yo of weight gain, and loss, my body is not springing back to shape. I’m not morbidly obese like those super obese shows we see on TV, but the elasticity of my skin is gone. So, skin flaps will have to be surgically removed at some point, but there is the cost issue once again. Thank goodness I’ve found Herbalife again. It makes me feel good to use, keeps the weight off, and helps with the yo-yo cycle. But, like any good weight loss program, the key to loosing is moderation, exercise, and self-discipline. Weight loss is a mind thing. No one can do it for you, and nothing is an easy, magic way to loose. And, take it slow: you didn’t gain overnight, and you can’t loose overnight.

Time management:

 

Time doesn’t stand still: it keeps marching forward, and waits for no one. Take a few minutes a day to pamper yourself or at least once a week. Use your Ped Egg, and some Heel Tastic for those scratchy feet; and put your aloe infused socks on before bed. Paint your toenails. And remember, what skin therapy you use on your face, use it on your hands so your hands will stay younger looking as well. At-home manicures are a great pick-me-up any time. You only get one life, so make it comfortable while you travel the years you are given.

Okay, so this was my pep talk to myself. I hope it helps pick you up when you look in the mirror and ask, “What’s a vain woman to do?!”

Vain Worries: Belly Fat

Hags, sags, and bags...vain worries about changes due to aging, reinvention, and healthy respect for your older body and mind.

By Carolyn Roberson - Friday 28 Oct 2011

“And, it shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.” Most of us know this is a famous line describing Santa Claus, from the poem “Twas the Night Before Christmas.” Think about how you might feel seeing a skinny Santa. Nah, it’s not the same. Santa has to be fat and jolly.

“And it shook when I laughed like a bowl full of jelly” is an entirely different feeling. No one, I’m pretty sure, likes a pudgy tummy.

My heart breaks to see the staggering number of men, women, and children who are obese in our society. And, it is most distressing to see people who have bellies hanging down between their knees. That has to be uncomfortable. Many should walk for exercise, but with the weight, it is hard on the joints so most choose to use scooters.

Thanks to 3 healthy sons, 2 of which were over 9 lbs, I have stretch marks on my belly. And, because of a C-section, and a hysterectomy, my abdominal muscles are pretty weak. My belly could use some help. I would love to have a tummy tuck, but monetary restraints keep me from it.

Kate Gosselin was so fortunate that a doctor donated his time, and services for a tummy tuck after her sextuplets were born. Regardless, of how you may feel about her, that must have been a wonderful gift and a relief.

So, how can we combat belly fat?

Whole grains do more good fighting belly fat than refined grains. I have found a great flax seed multigrain bread recently that I have started enjoying. Although that soft white bread makes a great peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I determined to fight that belly fat with whole grains.

Seeds and nuts are another way to combat belly fat. Comprised of monounsaturated fats, seeds and nuts boost metabolism. But for people with diverticulosis, seeds and nuts aren’t a great alternative. So, olive oil, a monounsaturated fat, should be utilized for cooking.

Green vegetables contain fiber, which helps stabilize blood sugar, and keep that spare tire flat. Your momma knew best when she said, “You can’t leave the table until you eat your broccoli.” Sometimes, green vegetables are best with loads of salt, butter, and/or cheese. I know the urge is strong, but try to resist and learn to appreciate the taste of natural foods.

Lean proteins build muscle and keep cravings at bay. Any number of protein powders can assist in loosing weight also. Protein can be hard on the liver, so consult your doctor before starting any high-protein diet.

Oops, I said the “D” word, diet. Remember diet is a lifestyle, not something we do to lose weight. Years ago, a woman started a craze called “Live it” because she felt like she was dying on a diet. Her change of attitude toward the way she ate allowed her to loose tons of weight. Unfortunately, I don’t remember her name, and my cookbook was damaged by water. But, just a positive attitude can do wonders. Just remember it took time to put weight on, and will take time to pull weight off.

Other good foods to combat belly fat are avocado, apples, yogurt, and bananas.

Water is a wonderful way to reduce belly fat as it aids the body’s waste removal processes, or should I say waist removal process. Most people are dehydrated and don’t even know it. Appetite can be suppressed by an increase in water intake. And, shockingly, most cravings are not induced by hunger, but by thirst. Soda, tea, juice, and coffee doesn’t satisfy the body’s need for plain old water. And, we, here in the US, are so fortunate to have a limitless supply of clean water from tap, bottles, jugs, filters, and purifiers. Lime Water is my favorite. So, flavor it, savor it, but most importantly drink it daily.

Exercise is another key element to losing belly fat. I know what you are thinking: I can’t do sit ups either! But there are many exercises you can do to reduce that belly. Twisting is one, so “come on baby, do that twist” to use Chubby’s words. Whittle away those inches.

Our generation is so fortunate to have the internet, with search engines such as Google. So, information on fighting belly fat is at our fingertips 24/7. However, a physician or nutrition specialist can work up a personalized program suited for your body. Consult an expert before starting any new diet program.

Belly fat: What’s a vain woman to do? Feed your mind, body, and soul a healthy lifestyle, and flatten that tummy.