Category: Food

Why mushroom in your coffee is good for you

 

 

 

Hi All!

I have always enjoyed eating mushrooms. Usually, I have them gently fried with a little olive oil.So I am gratified to have further recent confirmation they are very good for you.Now this versatile edible fungus and beloved ingredient of the all-day breakfast, soup, and pizza has a coffee named after it.

Do you take mushroom in your coffee?

What I am surprised to learn is that many coffee shops in the UK are now feeding this rising trend: the mushroom latte. Continue reading “Why mushroom in your coffee is good for you”

What you need to know about tomatoes and lycopene

tomato motif
by courtesy of dollarphotoclub

 

In the Europe of the 1700’s “the golden apple”, so described by the herbalist, Pietro Andrea Matthiola ,about two hundred years before,was still often viewed with suspicion because it was closely related to certain plants like the poisonous nightshade vine.Happily, the much beloved fruit and now essential food survived being stigmatised for ever as the “poison apple”.Today,we know the health secret behind the shiny red skin of the large majority of the over 5,000 varieties of tomato that are grown worldwide.The truth about lycopene is now known.

Gina Crawford the well known and highly respected author of many books on cooking and eating healthily has recently written: 5 Things You Need to Know About Tomatoes and Lycopene.

Have you ever wondered where tomatoes get their lovely red colour?
The answer is lycopene, a powerful, naturally-occurring substance that does wonders for your health. Here’s what you need to know about it:

1. Lycopene is an antioxidant

This means that it fights against harmful free radicals, lowering the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, and macular degenerative eye diseases.

2. Your body stores lycopene in its tissues to fight cancer

When you consume enough lycopene, your body stores it in your
liver, lungs, prostate gland, colon, blood, and skin. The higher these levels of lycopene are, the lower your risk of developing cancer in the prostate, digestive tract, upper respiratory tract, and lungs.

3. Cooked tomatoes are best

Unlike many other nutrients found in fruits and veggies, the
availability of lycopene is actually increased when tomatoes
are cooked. Good sources include tomato paste, tomato
sauce, tomato juice, and of course tomatoes that you’ve
cooked yourself.

4. You should aim for 30 mg per day

Eating 30 mg of lycopene per day can lower your risk of heart
disease and stroke. One raw tomato contains only 3 mg of
lycopene, but you can get all you need from half a can of
tomato paste, two glasses of tomato juice, or four tablespoons
of ketchup.One small can of tomato paste provides 62 mg of
lycopene. Two glasses of tomato juice, four tablespoons of
ketchup per day or a bowl of tomato soup provide an ample
amount of antioxidant protection for your body.

5. Lycopene is fat-soluble

Your body will absorb far more lycopene if you consume some
fat at the same time, so add a little extra virgin olive oil to your
tomato sauce!

6. Lycopene lowers ‘bad’ cholesterol levels

In doing so, it prevents the hardening of your arteries and lowers your risk of coronary heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes.

NOTE: The amount of lycopene varies in tomatoes. Tomatoes
allowed to ripen on the vine contain the most lycopene. The more brilliant red a tomato is, the more lycopene it contains.

  • Gina Crawford
Italian food ingredients on wooden background (dollarphotoclub)
Italian food ingredients on wooden background (dollarphotoclub)

There you have it.In summary,unlike other fruits and vegetables, where nutritional content such as vitamin C is diminished upon cooking, processing of tomatoes increases the concentration of bioavailable lycopene. Lycopene in tomato paste is four times more bioavailable than in fresh tomatoes. Thus processed tomato products such as tomato juice, soup, sauce, and ketchup contain the highest concentrations of bioavailable lycopene.

Tomatoes provide an essential ingredient in the Mediterranean Diet..Healthy,easy to grow and delicious, cooked or eaten raw in salads,it is little wonder they are one of the most popular of foods. See Mediterranean Diet for Beginners. for a quick start guide.

 

SaveSave

SaveSave

An 80th birthday celebration and family days out with food in North Wales

Landscape Views from the Great Orme Llandudno North Wales Uk -courtesy Gail Johnson @ dollar photo club
Landscape Views from
the Great Orme Llandudno
North Wales Uk -courtesy Gail Johnson @ dollar photo club

There is still life left in the Summer and I for one need little excuse to spend time in North Wales come rain or come shine.The following is a short round-up of news on family days out with food found this week on websites covering this wonderful region which is full of interest and contrast for the visitor. Continue reading “An 80th birthday celebration and family days out with food in North Wales”

How to harness the vast health benefits of the tomato for later life

tomato motif
by courtesy of dollarphotoclub

Almost 200 years ago, the tomato as part of the nightshade family was considered  poisonous. It is therefore hard to believe that this fruit has been rehabilitated  as a wonder food. Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamins A and C and folic acid. They contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients and antioxidants, including alpha-lipoic acid, lycopene. The consumption of tomatoes has been credited with beneficial  health qualities including the prevention and alleviation of a number of serious health conditions including Continue reading “How to harness the vast health benefits of the tomato for later life”

Reverse the effects of inflammation in the arteries with the Mediterranean Diet

Italian food ingredients on wooden background (dollarphotoclub)
Italian food ingredients on wooden background (dollarphotoclub)

 

Enjoy the benefits of the Mediterranean Diet.

You may worry about inflammatory disease such as arthritis or hardening of the arteries which can cause heart problems, many cancers and even Alzheimer’s disease. It’s very important that you discuss with your doctor any treatment that’s right for you. But, the good news is that you can help prevent or reduce the symptoms of these chronic diseases by adhering Continue reading “Reverse the effects of inflammation in the arteries with the Mediterranean Diet”

7 Helpful Tips for getting the best out of the Mediterranean diet

MediterraneanDietPyramid

 Generally, medical health experts agree the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle provide the best ways to living a healthy and happy life. As a lifestyle it can keep you healthy from a young age to a ripe old age and help you feel, look and think the best you can be.

For the best results,the Mediterranean diet Continue reading “7 Helpful Tips for getting the best out of the Mediterranean diet”

Mediterranean Diet for Beginners: A Quick Start Guide to Heart Healthy Eating, Super-Charged Weight Loss and Unstoppable Energy Book Review

mediterranean diet for beginners

 

Introduction

The title of Gina Crawford’s most recent book says it all. For an introduction to an exciting new lifestyle you need an easy to read quick guide delivering “no fluff,no filler, and going straight to the point” as Mrs Crawford would put it. This book is just that.

Mediterranean Diet for Beginners: A Quick Start Guide to Heart Healthy Eating, Super-Charged Weight Loss and Unstoppable Energy was released in January of 2015, and reveals the “healthiest, most well respected and scientifically documented diet in the world.” Continue reading “Mediterranean Diet for Beginners: A Quick Start Guide to Heart Healthy Eating, Super-Charged Weight Loss and Unstoppable Energy Book Review”

What Food Choices Make up a Mediterranean Diet?

mediterranean diet
dollarphotoclub

 

When you think about Mediterranean food do you think of pitta, lasagna, plenty of white bread, lamb and pizza? If so, you are missing the point.

The Mediterranean Diet, proved time and again to lead to less disease, a healthier heart, better brain function and a multitude of other health benefits, has been misrepresented in recent years. A true healthy Mediterranean Diet is based on the eating habits of Greece, Crete and Southern Italy of around 1960.

That diet is based on whole foods, plants and vegetables. To these basic essentials small portions of lean, healthy meat can be added, as well as seafood 2 or 3 times a week. The idea is that good fats replace bad ones, and you should always eat a breakfast rich in high-fibre foods, fruits and whole grains.Though allowed,daily products, are used in limited amounts.

Below are a few popular food choices which make up a healthy Mediterranean-style diet.

Whole wheat, whole grains and oats
Good fats like extra-virgin olive oil, sunflower seeds, nuts and avocados
Fish like salmon and sardines, tuna and herring
Shellfish, such as clams, oysters and mussels
Herbs and natural spices
Fruits and vegetables of all kinds
Whole foods (foods that are as close to their natural state as possible)
Foods you should avoid or eat less

An understanding of your eating options also means knowing what foods you should avoid, or simply cut back on. If you limit your intake of the following food items and components, and you will be making smart Mediterranean food choices.

Fast food and fried food
Processed and red meat
Products made with white flour
Refined sugar
Bad fats like hydrogenated oils, saturated fats and trans fats
Butter, margarine and lard
Salt
Monosodium glutamate (MSG is found in up to 80% of all processed food)the
Isn’t this rather too strict a diet?

It doesn’t have to be.You can see the above are foods to avoid or eat less of and are not all strictly forbidden. Eating red meat a few times a month is considered alright. And sea salt can be used in limited quantities since it is not processed like table salt. Essentially, it is important to focus on eating more fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains, and less processed and refined food, salt, sugar and unhealthy fats.The wide variety of foods available and good for you means that the diet is not boring.

Gina Crawford has written a comprehensive guide to the real deal Mediterranean Diet with many delicious and easy to produce recipes.

Making smart food choices is the basis of the Mediterranean Diet. Before you prepare your next meal, be honest with yourself. Is your diet primarily whole food, plant and vegetable-based? Does it substitute healthy fats for bad fats? Will it ensure that you eat fish 2 or 3 times each week, and red meat no more than 2 or 3 times a month? If so, you are well on your way to choosing the foods found in a Mediterranean-style diet that lead to fewer diseases and better overall health.

 

Ease into the Mediterranean diet today

cestino di pane con verdure - dollarphotoclub
cestino di pane con verdure – dollarphotoclub

 

Media headlines often tell it all:

Sensible diet cuts heart attack risk within weeks (The Times)

Obesity threatens chronic ill health in older age

Dire warning of [adult] obesity as [youngsters] pile on the pounds(The Daily Mail)

but many of us still don’t respond to the headlines, or even read the rest of the article,news item,or report we maybe reading.

Despite the sheer volume of scientific evidence written today about the likely consequences of poor diet Continue reading “Ease into the Mediterranean diet today”

How To Help Avoid Losing The Meaning Of Life Visit The Over 50s Show

Are you over 50 and at a loose end? Don’t know what to do next in your life? Well, the Over 50s Show could help you find your way.

Billed as the biggest show for active Over 50s, The 50+ Show hits town again for the seventh time with a three day event taking place in July at the Olympia’s Grand Hall in London.Following last year’s successful event, the organisers are determined to make this year’s show even better and expect 12,000 people to attend. As an added attraction this year, celebrities have been drafted-in to help the full and varied programme go with a swing.

On the main stage area during day two consumer champion, Esther Rantzen CBE,will be introducing her new charity The Silver Line. On the Saturday,day three, it will be the turn of journalist and TV broadcaster Angela Rippon, who will be giving ‘an audience’ and host a question and answer session.Opening the show on day one, Thursday, will be comedian and actor, Brian Conley, who will entertain with his particular style of stand-up comedy.

The main focus of the Show is ‘Making the Most of Life : Positively, Actively and Creatively.’

Sponsored by the Prudential, the show will have something of interest for most people covering a range of practical skills, including craft work, cookery, gardening, fashion, and keeping fit. Making the most of ourselves is what it will all be about as you visit the many exhibitor stands.

The 50+ show will be  joined by the 50+ Travel  and the Health Tourism Shows to provide a packed programme of activities including:

  • fitness sessions and a climbing wall
  • free health checks
  • cookery demonstrations – led by Beer Chef Richard Fox
  • wellness-based travel
  • holidays for mature travellers
  • fashion shows
  • flower arranging workshops – run by the national Association of Flower Arrangement Societies (NAFAS)

If you would like further details you can visit the official 50+ Show website

If you can’t make the London venue don’t worry! There are other venue dates to choose from for later in the year at Birmingham,Manchester and Glasgow, and there maybe others.

 

 

 

 

Why a tomato pill could cut your risk of heart attack

rich tomato

 

 

 

Following a study by experts from Cambridge University, claims by scientists have been recently reported that a single pill taken daily could quickly and dramatically reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke.

According to Ian Wilkinson, director of the University’s clinical trials unit ,  “these results [from the study]are good news and potentially very significant .” The “wonder pill”, a natural health remedy is packed full of bio-available lycopene obtained from the skin of tomatoes. Called Ateronon,this pill allows a modified  type of lycopene to be easily absorbed by the body in the blood stream. Normally lycopene from our diet , which is known to be beneficial in softening hardened and damaged arteries and aid blood flow, is not so easily taken into the blood stream.

Ateronon, being hailed by experts as “very exciting indeed” has been around for a while, and was seen primarily as an aid to improving arterial efficiency. Now, it is believed, the benefits of taking a single pill each day extend to significant reduction in the risks of heart attacks and strokes, and may even offer the potential to fight other major illnesses.

Now before we get ahead of ourselves, the exciting study was taken of a small group of people , average age 67 years , in certain at risk categories – some with pre-existing heart disease – and,it is acknowledged by the Cambridge experts that these are preliminary results and need to be backed by much longer and wider clinical trials, to confirm these early findings. Promising,though, and something to keep our eye on as further information from promised future trials comes through. To read further about this health product claimed to have captured the health secret of the Mediterranean diet… Also interesting to note that the health product has caught the attention of the American Heart Association’s Winter conference attended by 17,000 cardiologists and circulatory specialists.

 

Revealed the 6 food types to cut your cholesterol


Fotosearch_k9216838The old cliche, you are in health what you eat is as true today as it has ever been,according to a recent report in the Daily Mail. There are ,for example,food types which can effect our health in a positive way by helping to lower high cholesterol levels. As high cholesterol is frequently blamed as a key factor in developing heart disease.To me, this is encouraging. Eat well, stay well.But how?

Information overload…?

…The information out there is confusing.There is a lot of it.The clear message coming through is that you can protect yourself with  simple changes in diet and lifestyle. So let’s take the diet and food angle. This alone can significantly reduce cholesterol levels. The trick seems to be to use specific types of cholesterol-busting foods in certain daily amounts. The Daily Mail features expert advice received , including guidelines on changing your  daily food diet, and recommended consumption of the following six foods to introduce into the diet mix:

1. Smart Foods

2.Fibre

3.Nuts

4.Soya

Also de-mystified,is the question: What is  good and bad cholesterol all about?

And before you go, there’s more useful information provided by the British Heart Foundation which is currently running its Love Your heart Campaign bringing tips and expert advice to change our lives. It’s never to late to benefit from simple changes to diet, and also give us further benefit from appropriate (for our time of life) exercise routines and lifestyle changes.

Austerity diet rules?

No.Not okay. This is not in the message. Lowering your cholesterol is also about working within a low-fat diet. In following a balanced heart healthy diet,total deprivation from all those things you love to eat like cheese and chocolate is not the name of the game. Eggs, too, are good for you.

 

 

 

 

 

The most important meal of the day at any age? Yes, that’s breakfast.

Staying on top of your game whatever your age can very much depend on your diet. The most important meal of the day is breakfast.This appears to be the universal fact wherever you look given by reputable experts on nutrition and wellness. So,how important is breakfast?

Eating a meal within 60 minutes of waking in the morning,comprising essential nutrients from three out of four certain food groups can help to keep obesity,diabetes, and the risk of heart attacks, at bay.

There is a mindset about breakfast. Often we are just too lazy or feel too time poor to eat breakfast. But really eating a breakfast well balanced with a selection of certain food groups is an easy to set-up process and can take little time at all. Just how difficult is it to shake cereals into a bowl and add skimmed milk, or to boil an egg for three or four minutes to suit, and perhaps pop a slice of whole meal bread into the toaster?These foods will help boost your day at any age, and help pace your food intake for the rest of the day. A healthy breakfast should consist of a variety of foods, easily prepared. It should contain complex carbohydrates, protein and fiber. Protein can come from eggs, beans, or soy. Fibre and carbohydrates can be found in whole cereals, grains or in fruits. A good example of a healthy breakfast might be something like a boiled egg, an orange, and a bowl of whole grain cereal with skimmed milk.What constitute’s a healthy breakfast? Here.

Take the Good Food Guide for the 60 life


Canada Good Food Guide

Continuing our theme about vitamin sufficiency, we have been looking widely for a consensus view around the world. The clear simple general message is that you are what you eat; also, there are important requirements for people at different ages and stages in life.

Trawling the world for clear, impartial and comprehensive advice on eating well for the over 50s, we have the Canadian authorities sponsored Good Food Guide which is readily available as a download for all.This is a well written, easy to follow,nicely illustrated guide for all age ranges. It does however enable the special requirements for older people to be identified in clearly defined categories: food groups and and daily portion control are explained.

The issue of Vitamin D deficiency is fully covered. You can read more on the Canada Food Guide here>>

Here’s a classic retro recipe for Mother’s Day

This one may be for you whether you are cooking, or being cooked for on Mother’s Day.

Today, on the ITV Daybreak/Lorraine programme there was featured a delicious classic retro dish I will definitely try, and which even I should be able to do. It is a vegetarian version of the classic chilli retro dish ,served with grated cheese,sour cream, guacomole, and crushed tortilla chips sprinkled over the whole. This dish is eaten with easy homemade cornbread. The recipe for this is also provided.

You can watch this easy dish being prepared. A full recipe, including ingredients and the method of preparation is given.
itv.com/lorraine

Make Yourself A Handsome New Year’s Cake 1891 Style

A treat for you for the New Year 2011: A handsome cake recipe from the Village Magazine of 1891:
“Rub half a pound of butter into half a pound of flour; add one cup of molasses and one of brown sugar, two pounds of chopped raisons, one pound of currants, and a quarter of a pound of chopped citron, four eggs and half a tablespoonful each of cinnamon, mace and nutmeg, and two wineglassfuls of brandy; mix all together and bake in jelly cake tins; keep the cake warm while you make, and bake in jelly tins of the same size, white cake made of half a pound of butter beaten to a cream,with half a pound of powdered sugar and five eggs,the whites beaten to a froth ; then add half a pound of flour, which should be dried by the fire and then sifted. The only wetting used is a wineglass of wine.
While the white cake is hot spread it lightly with jelly and pile it alternately with the black, having the white on the bottom and the black on the top. This cake will keep several months, but if to be eaten within a short time it may be frosted. Long keeping will darken the icing.”

Well,I’ve never made on of these! Some of the measurements though clear have not been tested by me; what of the wineglass of wine: red or white? Please if anyone does have a go at making this Handsome Cake, please let us know that we can all share your experience.
You can email me as usual at http://[email protected]

Do you suffer from this frustrating problem?

– Do you suffer from this frustrating problem?
· – 20 Ways to make your Christmas easier
· – Try these amazing seasonal recipes for eating and drinking

Hi,

With clear evidence of Winter outside and Christmas not far away, this week we turn our thoughts to keeping warm and well fed, and preparing for the festive season. Also, we take a quick look at a frustrating problem many writers suffer, and we are introduced to a vast free source of material that can help us with ideas and content for our writing, whether fictional or non-fictional.

***************************************************
Do you suffer this frustrating problem?
***************************************************

Debra at publicdomaintreasurehunters.com asks these questions?

‘Are you an idea junkie? Do you have a notebook filled with great ideas? It’s a problem I fight every day.
‘Why is it a problem? It is because great ideas can lead to overwhelm.’

Many of us writing every day have too many ideas and often don’t know where to begin with a writing project. This effects many successful people, and Debra says,

‘Sometimes You Have To Put Things On Hold Even If They Are Good Ideas.’

To catch more on this issue, and to take some inspiration and comfort (and also a sneak peak into the world of the Public Domain), check-out more from Debra at Sometime you have to put things on hold

**************************************************
20 Ways to make your Christmas easier

Good to Know have got 20 quick tips on how to make cooking for Christmas simple and stress-free, from cheat’s tricks to time-saving tips for classic Christmas recipes. So more time to sip sherry and open presents!

Go to the Good to Know site at

20 Way to make Christmas easier

****************************************************************
Try These Amazing Seasonal Recipes for Eating and Drinking
****************************************************************

Seasonal recipes for winter Eating and drinking hot seasonal food and drink can help to keep you healthy over winter. Most winter fruit and vegetables contain the nutrients you need for the season, and there are lots of great recipes to choose from. Guardian Lifestyle ,a href=”http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/food-and-drink”>Guardian Lifestyle

has some wonderful winter recipes from across the country. Good to know at Good to know-Winter recipes
has a wide choice of dishes from casseroles to delicious desserts. The ever-popular River Cottage is another good option. Go to : 20 Way to make your Christmas easier

And if you need a new cooker, slow cooker or microwave. Or intend to buy kitchen electricals as Christmas presents? Look out for the Energy Saving Trust Recommended logo to save money on running costs.

Energy Saving Trust

As the first Christmas cards drop through the letterbox, I am reminded that perhaps it’s time I drew-up my list and addresses, and wrote my cards.

Do stay tuned-in! Above all stay warm!
Remember you can pick-up more tips and news at the60life.com

I do hope you will join me again next week for more build-up to the festive season. There will be more about the Public Domain, and opportunities it can provide to pick-up free ideas and content for use in your writing, whether fictional or non-fictional. Also here, and at the60life.com, I will also be taking you back to 1891 and give you a little insight into North American life at that time.

Yours,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

[email protected]

3 myths about building a career after 50

The60LifeWeekly

16th September 2010

• How to write a book and get it published
• 3 myths about building a career after 50
• Introducing over 5,000 tried and tested food recipes

Hi,

How the weeks fly by! This week, for those looking to write a book, I have found a source of interesting f.ree articles which you should find useful. And, continuing the theme from last time about starting a home business, I have also included below some tips from a general article on building a career after 50.

***************************************************

How to write a book and get it published

***************************************************
At writeandpublishyourbook.com the aim is to try to fulfil this ambitious title. You will find well written articles giving a wide range of tips and advice for writers – there is a review of a book: ‘HOW NOT TO WRITE A NOVEL – 200 Classic mistakes and how to avoid them’!

http://www.writeandpublishyourbook.com

***************************************************
3 myths about building a career after 50
***************************************************
In an article at articlesnatch.com three common myths (or generalisations) about older employees are exposed. These are:
1. Older people have poor health
2. Older employees are ‘outdated’
3. Older people are way more expensive to employ
The article concludes :
‘There are simpler methods in starting new career after 50 where you don’t have to go through the agony of having to explain to a recruiter half your age how much you know, or convincing an employer that you are as fit as a pony. And that alternative would be to build your business from home. The best part is that you have all the ‘equipment’ you need to make a home based company work.’
The 3 truths given are:
‘1. You have the experience and the experience to make claims that you are an authority in the field, and that’s something that no amount of technological knowledge will ever replace as you are starting new career after 50.
2. You have been around long enough to know the terrain, and particularly how people in your field of specialty work and act. You also possibly know lots of resources or leads that others don’t. Add that to an already existing client or customer base from all of your years of tough work, and the sole hurdle left for you is to convert all of these potentials into something which will work for your benefit.
3. Web businesses are very inexpensive to start up, which make them ideal if you’re starting new career after 50. If you want to be a service supplier, all you want is an internet site or a blog page, or even just signing up with one of those online directories. If you are more of a product salesman, you can affiliate or partner up with a longtime business till you make enough cash to go on your own.’
To read more check out : http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Starting-New-Career-After-50–It-s-Never-Too-Late-/1428422#ixzz0ywjMULcs

***************************************************************

Introducing over 5,000 tried and tested food recipes
***************************************************************
It seems we can’t get enough of food recipes and cooking related information which together often pass for entertainment content: newspapers, magazines day and evening-time television programmes provide a constant diet.

But of course the utility of it all, if it feeds us, introduces us to a wide variety of foodstuffs and cooking styles and, with an eye to more healthy eating, enables us to be self sufficient in the kitchen, then good job done! So in this strongly represented area of our lives , I add, with only light apology, another source of easy research providing over 5,000 tried and tested recipes for you to research and try for yourself.

http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/searchAZ.do

I’m going to try the Mail’s recipe choice for yesterday: Chicken, potato and green bean curry – a mild, creamy curry, low in fat, and serves 4 people. http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/search.do?keywords=chicken+potato+and+green+bean+curry&filterItem=&filterItem=&filterItem=&filterItem=&filterItem=&filterItem=&filterItem=&filterItem=&filterItem=&filterItem=&x=20&y=12

If you have, thank you for reading this far.

Don’t miss your next weekly issue!

If you have missed earlier issues of The60Life Weekly – these can be found by scrolling down the categories in the right hand column at http://www.the60life.com.

Yours,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

PS: Please, if you have your own stories, tips, or feedback send them to me at
[email protected] – be great to hear from you!

Disclaimer: It is always my intention to be as accurate in fact, detail and comment as possible. However, I cannot be held responsible for any error in details, accuracy or judgement whatsoever. This e-letter is produced on this understanding.

Where to find advice worth far more than £1000 for nothing

The60LifeWeekly

2nd September 2010

· How to boost your energy levels naturally
· Discover 10 Top Tips for short story writing
· Where to find advice worth far more than £1000 for nothing

Hi,

This week, where I live, many parents and grandparents are seeing their kids into full time school for the very first time. We have one of our own, a grandson…but let’s get on with the topics for the week: a look at short story writing; keeping those energy levels up; and easy ways to save some cash…

*****************************************************
Discover 10 Top Tips for short story writing
*****************************************************
Short Stories: 10 Tips for Creative Writers (Kennedy and Jerz)
What is a Short Story?
‘A short story begins as close to the conclusion as possible, and grabs the reader from the very first line. It conserves character and scenes, typically focuses on just one problem, and drives towards a sudden, unexpected revelation.’ (Kathy Kennedy and Dennis G. Jerz)

1. Get Started: Emergency Tips
2. Write a Catchy First Paragraph
3. Develop Your Characters
4. Choose a Point of View
5. Write Meaningful Dialogue
6. Use Setting and Context
7. Set up the Plot
8. Create Conflict and Tension
9. Build to a Crisis or a Climax
10. Deliver a Resolution
These tips are expanded in a report at http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/creative/shortstory/

—————————————–Advertisement——————————————————

When improving your fitness by stretching need not over stretch your pocket
If you have been trying for years to overcome painful back and joints and have been doing the wrong back and joint strengthening exercises then you need to try the exercises in this ebook.
Pilates is not just for movie stars who want to keep their firm and toned figures.
Pilates is for people at every age who want to look and feel their best!
You are about to learn the exercises that the author has been experimenting and testing on her own clients for over 10 years.
These back and joint exercises have been found to be most beneficial in relieving back and joint pain from activities of daily living, or even from degenerative conditions in the spine and from arthritis.
The new revised edition offers you 30 more detailed pictures and modifications on the Classic Exercises along with Pilates Principles and Standing Posture and Balance Exercises.
The author wrote this ebook to help improve the lives of countless people who are suffering.
CLICK HERE NOW!

pilates-back-joint-exercise.com/pilates

————————————————————————————————

***************************************************
How to boost your energy levels naturally
***************************************************
Boost your energy with food by Lynn Grieger, R.D., C.D.E. If you can’t function in the morning without gallons of coffee and you run out of gas every afternoon, then this energy-boosting food plan is for you.

With this diet plan, instead of relying on caffeine or a trip to the vending machine for a fleeting burst of artificial energy, you choose healthy foods to rev up your engine. Here’s how the Energy Booster Diet will keep you energised all day long:

Breakfast
Option 1
Plain fat-free yoghurt with low-sugar muesli and mixed fresh berries
Small glass of orange juice

Option 2
2-egg omelette made with low-fat cheese, chopped veggies and low-fat ham or turkey
1 slice wholegrain toast topped with fruit spread
Small cup grapefruit juice

Option 3
Shredded wheat cereal with skimmed milk and a banana
1 slice wholewheat toast with peanut butter
Small glass tomato juice

Points to note for the rest of the day:

•’The right combination of carbohydrates, protein and fat eaten at regular intervals will help keep energy levels high. This diet includes balanced meals designed to boost your energy throughout the day
•Eating healthy snacks will help keep your blood-sugar levels even so that you don’t have energy ‘highs’ and ‘lows’. This meal plan includes tasty food suggestions to eat every three to four hours to keep your energy level from falling
•Not drinking enough liquids can cause you to feel fatigued due to dehydration. That’s why this diet includes fruit juices and skimmed milk with every meal choice, rather than ultra-sugary sodas or sweetened beverages that can cause energy lows
•Eating fried or fatty foods can make you feel sluggish. This food plan emphasises natural, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables that won’t slow you down. ‘

Read more: Boost your energy with food http://www.ivillage.co.uk/health/hlive/eat/articles/0,,181039_532821,00.html#ixzz0yGd7pUFw

************************************************************************
Where to find advice worth far more than £1000 for nothing
************************************************************************

What does it take to waste £5,000 (say, $10,000) a year? Just £13.50 per day

The 5 Most Common Money Mistakes, according to goodhousekeeping.com are :

1.In rocky times, you can’t afford to play fast, loose, and clueless with your finances.
Minor money gaffes can add up to thousands of lost dollars (or pounds) over time. Avoid the five most common money mistakes, and you could add more than £5,000 to your savings this year.

It is not just the discretionary spending on the odd luxury- we do not intend in this service to be ‘killjoys’, there will be times for treating ourselves. Two-for-one deals, even in discount stores, and the occasional frapuccino can do real damage to your bottom line.

2. If you are still in employment and you are not taking advantage of your employer’s pension plan, you [could be] throwing money away.

3. Allowing your kids(or grandkids) their endless wish lists when you are out shopping. Adopt a ‘distract and delay’ tactic. This can mean fewer snacks, and less spend.

4. Spending and not saving every windfall: A tax rebate, birthday money present, an income raise.

5. You should not underestimate the contribution you or a partner make towards the household budget. It may pay to ensure that you are adequately (but not excessively) covered by appropriate insurance cover against those potentially costly events in life.

For the full information on the above check out
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/money/budget/common-money-mistakes-5

I do hope you find the above information useful. The final topic this week is not ‘rocket science’, but reminds me, for instance, how I can fritter away small amounts of cash on’ this and that’,when perhaps I could be saving an appreciable amount over, say, a year to put towards something substantially more beneficial.

Don’t miss your next issue on 9th September!

If you have missed earlier issues of The60Life Weekly, these can be found at www.the60life.com

Yours,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

PS: Please, if you have your own stories, tips, or feedback send them to me at
[email protected]

Disclaimer: It is always my intention to be as accurate in fact, detail and comment as possible. However, I cannot be held responsible for any error in details, accuracy or judgement whatsoever. This e-letter is produced on this understanding

Why creative writing is all about ideas

The60LifeWeekly

26th August 2010

• Creative writing is all about ideas
• The fruit that may act as your brain’s natural housekeeper
• Dealing with the silence of the autodialers in our homes

Hi,

Recent feedback tells me that 60lifers out there are interested in more information about writing: both fiction and non-fiction; health issues including nutrition and appropriate exercise; and money management and related issues. So, I shall be including over the next few weeks what I can find on creative and non-fictional writing, and the other topic categories.

Below, please find three more topics for the week…

**********************************************
Creative writing is all about ideas
**********************************************
According to UK writer, Nick Daws :
‘Being a creative writer is all about ideas. Readers and potential writers are always asking successful and creative authors the question, “Where do you get your ideas?” – to which the writers often stumble in reply, or have no real answer. It’s an unsatisfying transaction every time – so why is it that writers can’t say where they get their ideas from? I think it’s partly because they don’t really know, and partly because the way they collect ideas is individual to them, and so any answer they gave would be no use to the asker of the question…

… in one of [Terry Pratchett’s ] books I noticed he postulated the theory in an aside that ideas were like rain. Great thinkers and writers stood out in it and caught as many ideas as they could, while non-writers and non-thinkers sheltered from it. A lovely thought – simple, beautiful and very Terry.’

Check out more of this fascinating insight at mywritingblog.com
Nick Daws’ blog is worth a regular visit if you are truly interested in writing.

—————————————–Advertisement——————————————————
When improving your fitness by stretching need not over stretch your pocket
If you have been trying for years to overcome painful back and joints and have been doing the wrong back and joint strengthening exercises then you need to try the exercises in this ebook.
Pilates is not just for movie stars who want to keep their firm and toned figures.
Pilates is for people at every age who want to look and feel their best!
You are about to learn the exercises that the author has been experimenting and testing on her own clients for over 10 years.
These back and joint exercises have been found to be most beneficial in relieving back and joint pain from activities of daily living, or even from degenerative conditions in the spine and from arthritis.
The new revised edition offers you 30 more detailed pictures and modifications on the Classic Exercises along with Pilates Principles and Standing Posture and Balance Exercises.
The author wrote this ebook to help improve the lives of countless people who are suffering.
CLICK HERE NOW!
pilates-ebook

————————————————————————————————

************************************************************************
The fruit that may act as your brain’s natural housekeeper
************************************************************************
According to Medical News Today :
‘Scientists have reported the first evidence that eating blueberries, strawberries, and acai berries may help the aging brain stay healthy in a crucial but previously unrecognized way. Their study, presented at the 240th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society (ACS), concluded that berries, and possibly walnuts, activate the brain’s natural “housekeeper” mechanism, which cleans up and recycles toxic proteins linked to age-related memory loss and other mental decline.

Shibu Poulose, Ph.D., who presented the report, said previous research suggested that one factor involved in aging is a steady decline in the body’s ability to protect itself against inflammation and oxidative damage.’

medical news today

********************************************************************
Dealing with the silence of the autodialers in our homes
********************************************************************
Britons receive six cold calls a month, finds Which? studyScams, sales pitches and ‘silence of the autodiallers’ all intimidate consumers
(1)Tweet this (22)Press Association
The Guardian, Thursday 26 August 2010 Article historyBritish consumers receive an average of six cold calls a month, a survey has found.

The study by Which? found that many of the calls are scams, but big industry is “just as guilty” of using the tactic.

A two-week diary kept by Which? members found British Gas, BT, EDF, E.ON, Homeserve, Sky and TalkTalk were among those who cold-called the most often.

The consumer group’s survey of 2,092 people found two thirds had received at least one cold call in the past three months, and the average was around six calls a month.

One in four people had found such calls intimidating and one in five had felt pressured to buy something.

The diary-keepers found that four in 10 calls were sales calls, which are legal if the householder has not taken action to prevent them.

Another 32% were silent calls, when “autodiallers” phone multiple numbers but do not have enough staff to speak to those who answer.

Among those surveyed, 75% wanted the calls banned and 60% said they immediately hung up on cold-callers.

guardian.co.uk/money/2010/aug/26/six-cold-calls-monthly-survey

I hope you find the above information useful. I’m going to follow Nick Daws’ blog .
Coming-up in the next issue will be three more items, giving news and tips about things that concern us.

Don’t miss your next issue on 2nd September!

Yours,

Mike Paterson,
The 60Life Weekly

PS: Please, if you have your own stories, tips, or feedback send them to me at
[email protected]
PPS: If you have missed earlier issues of The 60Life Weekly these can be found in the archives at
the60life.com

Disclaimer: It is always my intention to be as accurate in fact, detail and comment as possible. However, I cannot be held responsible for any error in details, accuracy or judgement whatsoever. This e-letter is produced on this understanding.

Food tastes of the 60s and 70s

In October 2007, I wrote the following post in an early blog of mine:

Eating-out in the 60s and 70s meant for many sampling the delights of that staple three course menu promoted by the Berni Inn restaurant chain:prawn cocktail for starters,then steak diane with chips and peas,finishing with black forest gateau and cream,and coffee. Wine if ordered would most likely be a bottle of the ubiquitous Mateus Rose or Blue Nun. So what was wrong with that, you may ask.

Tastes in food may have moved on but thirty-odd years ago there was not the variety and availability of food produce for the table, particularly for a popular and affordable establishment. Abundance of a kind required a very deep pocket from the diner at a top restaurant.

My attention was drawn recently,though,to the report by Frontier PR recently of the Porth Tocyn Country Hotel (above), on the Lleyn Peninsula near Abersoch ,which recently celebrated its appearance in the Good Food Guide for the 50th consecutive year. This still family-owned bastion of good food and service was first listed in the Guide in 1957. Owner Nick Fletcher-Brewer says that keeping high standards year-in-year-out has been the recipe for success – no dishes served in the beginning have survived,though. This is a pity. For those of you who would like to retickle your tastebuds with this retro fare, or experience what it was all about, you can see one revival recipe by clicking here for the prawn cocktail! http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/cuisine/european/english/prawn-cocktail.html

…and the Blue Nun? Well, I am told more bottles per annum are currently consumed than in its supposed heyday in the mid-80s, but then we are consuming more of everything today.’

So why have I resurrected this piece? Well,perhaps only to add that since 2007 I have tasted for myself the culinary delights of the Porth Tocyn Hotel on several occasions while staying there for short breaks. As I write over looking a spectacular view of Cardigan Bay and the Snowdonia mountains beyond, here we are again! Last night’s menu? Oh, an excellent ham hock terrine, with a mouthwatering Welsh beef main course to follow; and all helped down with a glass or two of the house merlot.If you are interested in this “little gem” of a place check out the details at www.porthtocynhotel.co.uk

Food Safety for Seniors

Today’s tips on food safety,you may think smack a little of ‘nannying’- well, you can pass over this if you wish. Otherwise, I make no apology for this piece which I came across the other day from The US Food and Drugs Administration (FDA):

Older people need a healthy diet. It can help them avoid sickness. A healthy diet includes a range of foods. But raw foods are risky because they can have a lot of germs in them.

Why do seniors get sick from raw foods?

As we age, it can get harder and harder to fight off germs. As you age, it’s easier to get sick from germs in your food. Having diabetes, kidney disease,or some cancer treatments also may add to your risk.

What foods should I avoid?

* Rawfish

* Raw shellfish, such as oysters, clams, mussels,and scallops

* Raw meat or poultry

* Raw or unpasteurized milk or cheese

* Soft cheeses such as feta, brie, blue, and Mexican-style

* Raw or lightly cooked eggs or egg products, such as salad dressings, cookie dough, cake batter, sauces, and drinks such as eggnog

* Raw sprouts

* Unpasteurized or untreated juice from fruits and veggies

In the U.S., almost all juice is treated to kill germs. This makes it safe to drink. The FDA requires a warning label on all juices that have not been treated. The label says:

WARNING:

This product has not been pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with a weak immune system.

In other countries, for example the UK, you should look out for similar warnings ,or absence of warnings, about sensible treatment of foodstuffs on the label.

Final Note: This is all about taking a common sense approach to staying in good health, and so enjoying the best quality of life that you can.