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.

Why Haven’t We Cured Arthritis?

February 26, 2025

Bad backs, elbow pain, and creaky knees so common in older people often aren’t just “old age.” In fact, the source of this stiffness plagues many young people as well. The culprit is arthritis: a condition that affects over 90 million people in the U.S. alone. What makes arthritis so pervasive, and why haven’t we found a cure for it? Kaitlyn Sadtler and Heather J. Faust investigate.

Understanding Anti-Inflammatory Foods and Their Benefits

February 25, 2025
Processed food.

A Meal of Processed Food

A healthy lunch of grilled salmon garnished with greens and lemon.

Grilled Salmon with Fresh Greens

What Are Anti-Inflammatory Foods

An anti-inflammatory diet is a style of eating that eliminates certain foods that are known to cause inflammation in the body. Examples are pre-packaged desserts, snack foods, processed meats, processed cheeses, sugary beverages, and fried foods. Chronic internal inflammation can lead to damaging internal organs.

Chronic Health Conditions Associated with Inflammation
  • Crohn’s Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • High Blood Pressure
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Obesity, Psoriasis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Type 1 Diabetes
  • Ulcerative Colitis
Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods To Include In Your Diet
  • Green Leafy Vegetables
  • Salmon, Tuna, Mackerel, Herring
  • Legumes
  • Nuts and Seeds
  • Avocados
  • Olive Oil

Easy Banana Pineapple Nut Bread Recipe

February 24, 2025
Banana Pineapple Nut Bread

Sweet Fruit Bread With Unsweetened Pineapple and Walnuts

Banana Pineapple Nut Bread

INGREDIENTS

  • 3 cups flour
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup chopped walnuts
  • 3 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 cups ripe, thoroughly mashed bananas
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 8-oz. can crushed unsweetened pineapple, drained

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • In a large bowl combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and salt. Stir together.
  • Add walnuts to the mixture.
  • In a separate bowl combine eggs, oil, bananas, and pineapple. Mix well.
  • Add moist ingredients to dry ingredients. Stir until blended.
  • Prepare 2 loaf pans by either oiling bottom and sides, or lining
    the pans with baking paper.
  • Spoon batter into each pan equally. Bake 45 to 50 minutes.
  • Makes 2 loaves. Allow bread to cool before slicing.

Boost Your Workout With DIY Trail Mix

February 21, 2025
Trail mix containing raisins, raw cashews and raw almonds.

The Benefits of Eating Trail Mix Before Exercise

Trail mix is an easy to prepare, portable snack that provides sustained energy for your workout. It provides a healthy mixture of protein, fats and carbohydrates. Make it yourself by combining your favorite ingredients.

Suggested Ingredients

  • Roasted or raw nuts: walnuts, cashews, almonds, peanuts or pecans.
  • Raw or roasted seeds: pumpkin or sunflower.
  • Dried fruit: pineapple, raisins, cranberries, apples, dates, figs, plantain or banana chips.
  • Optional ingredients: chocolate or carob chips. Chocolate pieces or M&Ms.

Measure the ingredients in equal amounts and place in a plastic sandwich bag. Store in refrigerator. Your pre-workout snack should be consumed at least 1-hour before exercise to allow sufficient absorption of nutrients.

Dates Make A Great Pre-Workout Snack

February 20, 2025
Medjool dates arranged on a colorful serving plate.

Dates Provide A Healthy and Filling Snack Prior To Exercise

The Benefits of Eating Dates

Medjool Dates

Dates are known as a stone fruit meaning they have a single seed surrounded by an outer fleshy fruit similar to mangoes, peaches and olives. There are many varieties of dates. Pictured in this post are the large Medjool variety.

Dates contain natural sugars and have a sweet, caramel, chewy taste. They are an energy boosting soft fruit with impressive health benefits. Eat them at least an hour before exercise to allow time for digestion.

Nutrients In Dates

  • Selenium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Potassium
  • Copper
  • Fiber
  • B Vitamins: Pantothenic Acid, Folate, Niacin
  • Vitamins C, A and K
  • Antioxidants
  • Low Glycemic Index

The Benefits of Eating Pumpkin Seeds

February 19, 2025

Why You Should Eat Raw Unsalted Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds are the edible seeds from pumpkins. They have a nutty, slightly sweet flavor and are a good source of plant protein comparable to soy protein. Pumpkin seeds are very filling and make a great snack. In addition, they contain important minerals.

Where To Buy Raw Pumpkin Seeds

Packaged Raw Pumpkin Seeds are sold at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s and Amazon.

Raw Unsalted Pumpkin seeds contain the following minerals.

  • Phosphorus
  • Potassium
  • Magnesium
  • Calcium
  • Iron
  • Zinc
  • Sodium
  • Manganese
  • Copper