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.

Weight Loss: Protect Your Spine and Health

November 4, 2024

Too Much Weight Puts Pressure on Your Spinal Discs

As you get older you want to avoid common health issues that are associated with the aging process. Consider weight loss as preventive medicine.

Normal Spinal Discs

There are a lot of good reasons to lose weight. Spinal health is one of them. This post will help you make the connection between getting rid of excess pounds to keep your spine in good shape.

To the right is a picture of a human spine. The spine is made up of bones called vertebrae. In between the vertebrae are small pillows called discs. They act as cushions in between the vertebrae. Inside the disc is a jelly-like substance, while the exterior is comprised of tougher material.

Herniated Spinal Disc

Excess weight puts undue pressure on the spinal discs and causes wear and tear. This may cause a disc to rupture. Most likely you will suffer pain and need medical care. The pain prevents you from participating in much needed physical activity to help you lose unwanted weight.

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Vintage TV: Happy Halloween with the Addams Family

October 30, 2024

The Addams Family was a television series that ran from 1964 to 1966. The gothic theme featured four principal family members. John Astin played the role of Gomez Addams. Carolyn Jones as Morticia, his wife.

Morticia and Gomez had two children. Their daughter Wednesday and their son, Pugsley, played by Lisa Loring and Ken Weatherwax.

Jackie Coogan played Uncle Fester and Blossom Rock as Grandmama Addams. Ted Cassidy played the butler Lurch, whose dialog was primarily grunts and groans.

You Tube Video: Halloween With The Addams Family

Understanding Buckwheat: A Gluten-Free Alternative

October 25, 2024

Buckwheat is not a grain, a cereal, or a grass, and it’s not related to wheat. Buckwheat is a triangular shaped seed related to rhubarb and sorrel. It looks and acts like a grain and has a hearty, nutty flavor.

To make things confusing, it is often referred to as a grain.

Buckwheat is a good substitute for wheat or grains containing gluten.  It cooks quickly, and is highly nutritious. Great news for those who are wheat or gluten sensitive.

Buckwheat is sold either raw or toasted. It can be mixed with rice, or other grains or seeds. Toasted Buckwheat sometimes called kasha,  has a more nutty flavor than raw buckwheat.  Either way it’s a wonderful side dish when sauteed with onions.

How To Cook With Buckwheat

  • Buckwheat Bread: Bake bread with buckwheat flour.
  • Buckwheat Morning Cereal: Cook raw, or toasted buckwheat seeds in water to make cereal.  Add fruit, cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, and hemp milk according to taste.
  • Buckwheat Pancakes: Use buckwheat flour for morning pancakes.  
  • Buckwheat Side Dish: Combine either cooked raw buckwheat, or cooked toasted buckwheat with sauteed onions, for a delicious side dish.
  • Japanese Buckwheat Noodles: Prepare the noodles. Serve with sauteed vegetables.