Aug 23, 2019
An interesting twist on the classic breakfast smoothie! This smoothie is super filling, delicious and will give you the energy you need to conquer your morning. Also, it’s super quick to make- perfect for an easy breakfast before heading out the door. While some ordinary smoothies can leave you feeling hungry in a few hours, this one incorporates oatmeal and nut butter, upping the fiber and protein content to leave you feeling full longer.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup old fashioned oats
- 1 banana (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup of any milk- add more for a thinner smoothie
- 1 tablespoon of nut butter- like peanut or almond
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- small pinch of salt
- handful of ice (makes a thicker smoothie)
Directions
- Add the oats to the blender first, and pulse until they’re finely ground. Secondly, add in the milk following by the remainder of the ingredients.
- Blend until smooth and drink while cold!
This is such a simple recipe, but it’s one that will never get old. If you want to get creative, try adding in strawberry or cocoa powder. Stock up on these essential ingredients, and you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of different breakfast smoothie combinations!
Aug 19, 2019
Aging gracefully doesn’t just apply to the skin on your face. Your entire body deserves a chance to look and feel great no matter what the calendar says. The health benefits of exercise in people over 50 are numerous, here are some of the top rewards for staying fit as you age:
- Exercise promotes cardiovascular health, keeping your heart and lungs healthy. This is important so that you don’t get winded doing daily activities like climbing stairs or walking through the grocery store.
- Exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which in turn helps reduce your risk of dementia. The extra blood flow removes harmful waste products that can hinder memory and problem solving over time.
- Many adults experience bone density loss as they get older. The impact on your bones from walking and moderate exercise like weight lifting will build your bone strength as well as your muscle strength, preventing osteoporosis.
- Stretching exercises and doing yoga or Pilates will not only build your larger muscles, but it will improve stabilizer muscle strength, helping to prevent falls and fall-related injuries. It will also keep your range of motion intact, so you can continue to do daily activities like reaching the top shelf in your closet or picking up a fallen item from the floor.
Now that you know the rewards, you may be wondering how to achieve them. Here are some tips for finding the right exercise program for you.
- Get involved with a group, such as taking group fitness classes at a local gym. The Woodlands YMCA at Branch Crossing is less than 15 minutes away and offers classes specially designed for adults over 50, like Silver Sneakers and their signature Active Older Adults programs. Of course, you can always participate in their traditional group classes as well. 24 Hour Fitness also offers Silver Sneakers classes.
- Inner Element Fitness in Spring has a Fit After Fifty program tailored to the needs of this age group.
- Barre classes are popping up all over and they offer many benefits that seniors can enjoy. The classes are low- to no-impact and help strengthen hips and legs as well as increase flexibility through ballet-type movements.
- Hire a personal trainer (at a gym or not) to show you exercises that will benefit your body type and help you reach your fitness goals. The idea that trainers are only for body builders or professional athletes is a popular misconception. Look for deals or holiday specials at your gym or online, or ask neighbors and friends for a recommendation.
- Tai Chi is a great option that not only exercises and relaxes your body, it also calms the mind. Numerous martial arts venues and yoga studios offer these classes, or you may come across an informal one in your neighborhood.
No matter what you choose, staying active is a crucial part of aging gracefully and happily. Take the time to take care of yourself now so you don’t have to spend the time trying to cure an illness or injury later.
Aug 9, 2019
Lemon butter pasta always seems to be a showstopper! This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it be a family dinner or a date night. The wonderful thing about pasta is the simplicity and ease, yet the flavor payoff is always amazing. In this recipe, you cook the pasta and sauce at the same time, which makes it great for a quick weeknight dinner you can whip up after work or school.
Ingredients
1 lb of tagliatelle pasta, or pasta of your choice
3 tablespoons butter
1 lb of shrimp, deveined and shelled
4 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 cup cream
2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Handful of parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large bot of boiling water with a pinch of sea salt, until it has reached the consistency you desire. Once drained, save one cup of cooking water.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pan over low-medium heat, and cook the shrimp in batches until they are golden brown in color, and slightly opaque. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Remove the shrimp from pan, and set them aside.
- Add the remaining one tablespoon of butter to the pan, along with the crushed garlic and allow it to heat until it is fragrant. Next, pour in the cream, lemon juice, parsley, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Once combined, allow the sauce to simmer over low heat until the consistency is thick until to stick to the back of a spoon.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the sauce.
- Lastly, add the cooked pasta to the sauce in the pan, along with a little of the cooking water and toss until the pasta is coated with sauce.
- Serve immediately with slices of lemon and chopped parsley as a garnish. Enjoy!
Aug 5, 2019
The sound of the school bell will soon be ringing in our ears, and while it is a joyous sound to some or a painful one to others, no matter how you feel about it, August 20th is right around the corner so let’s get ready! You can pick up the latest fashions in children’s wear and school gear at a discounted price the weekend of August 9th when the entire state of Texas has the tax-free weekend. Many items you may not even think would qualify are on the list, so check out these two links from the Texas Comptroller to maximize your savings.
For clothes, shoes, and athletic items use this link:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/clothing-footwear.php
For school supplies, use this link:
https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/publications/98-490/school-supplies.php
Remember, items must have a price tag of $100 or less in order to qualify.
Before heading out on that shopping spree, take an inventory of your child’s clothes and school items. Involve your kid in this process so he or she can try on outfits and determine what new purchases are needed. This will not only provide some bonding time, but it will also help your child learn responsibility and a little financial sense, too.
If your child will walk or bike to school, make sure she or he has the proper equipment, like a good pair of closed-toe shoes for bike riding. Check bike tires and chains and maybe do a few practice rides. You don’t just have to stick to a bicycle; scooters are also a fun mode of transportation and they’re less expensive. Younger kids may be apprehensive so work out their route and demonstrate how to safely cross the street.
No matter your child’s age, back to school can be a stressful time. Prepare in advance for what to do if you aren’t home when your child gets off the bus and make sure he or she knows your phone number. Check-in with neighbors because we all need community support and you will probably meet more people through the school this year, just like last. It takes a village!
