Author: Irene Pastore

Hello! I am a Personal Trainer, Yoga and Pilates Instructor who specializes in fitness after 50. My service is Live Streaming. Connect with me from anywhere in the world. I look forward to helping you achieve your health and fitness goals.

Break Free from the Fat Gene: Weight Loss Success

April 17, 2025
Overweight Woman Weighing Herself On A Scale.

“Research shows that even if you’re likely to be obese because of your genes, you can change course by breaking a sweat regularly.“

A informative article from WebMD gives hope to those who want to lose excess weight while having obesity in their family. You don’t have to accept obesity as your fate and you can lose with diet and exercise.

What You’ll Learn About Obesity and Weight Loss

  • The Fat Gene may cause you to naturally store more fat.
  • Many factors contribute to obesity including genetics, behavior and environment.
  • The increase in worldwide obesity can’t be explained by genetics.
  • Genetic predisposition to obesity can be overcome with lifestyle.
  • Family history alone doesn’t make you obese.

Your Road Map Toward Destination Weight Loss

  • Get Active with walking and weight training.
  • Eat Less by cutting calories to lose 1-2 pounds weekly.
  • Choose Good-For-You Foods by eating more fruits and veggies, fat-free dairy, whole grains, fish, lean meats, beans, eggs and nuts.

Read the full article here: Are You Fated To Be Fat?

Healthy Pasta Dish with Swiss Chard and Tomatoes

April 15, 2025

Pasta With Swiss Chard Recipe

INGREDIENTS

  • 8 ounces Penne, Rotelle, Rigatoni, or Gomiti (elbows) cooked and drained
  • 1/4 cup pasta cooking water
  • 1 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 chopped onion
  • 1 clove garlic, finely chopped or thinly sliced
  • 1 pound Swiss chard, washed, stems removed and coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup red or white wine or chicken stock
  • 1 cup crushed red tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon toasted pine nuts (optional)
  • Salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

INSTRUCTIONS

  • In a large skillet heat the oil and stir in the onion.
  • Cook for 2 minutes and stir in the garlic.
  • Add the chopped Swiss chard and toss to coat.
  • Pour in the wine or stock and stir to coat.
  • When the chard begins to wilt, stir in the tomatoes, red pepper flakes and pine nuts.
  • Bring to a simmer and stir in the reserved pasta cooking water.
  • Remember: Do Not over cook the chard. It is ready to serve just after it has wilted.
  • Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Yield: 2 Servings

Recipe Source: FoodNetwork.com

The Nutritional Benefits of Swiss Chard

April 14, 2025

What Is Swiss Chard?

Swiss Chard is a leafy green vegetable with highly nutritious leaves. The plant is a good source of vitamins A, C and K, and minerals including magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, iron and dietary fiber.

Rainbow Chard leaves and stems

Chard has shiny, ribbed leaves, is low in calories and has a low glycemic index of 32. Varieties include red, green and rainbow. Swiss Chard is considered a superfood because it’s rich in antioxidants including beta carotene and flavonoids.

How To Prepare Swiss Chard

Fresh chard can be used raw or cooked in salads, stir-fries, soups and omelets. The entire plant is edible, so nothing goes to waste. Boiling, sauteing, baking, frying and steaming are methods of cooking chard.

Understanding the Burden of Alzheimer’s Caregivers

April 10, 2025

The Institute On Aging featured a recent article about the emotional and physical challenges facing Alzheimer’s caregivers. Click the link below to read the article.

Gene Hackman’s passing sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of caregivers, who dedicate themselves to the relentless demands of supporting loved ones with dementia.

Caregiving

The article covers the Emotional and Physical Toll of Caregiving, Raising Awareness: The Role of Public Figures, and Finding Support: The Importance of Resources.

Read the full article here: The Hidden Toll of Caregiving