health and wellness Archives

Happy Wednesday, ladies! Do I have a post for you! Or should I say a post geared towards you? I am so excited to share a solution to a question many of us struggle with: how to lose belly fat over 50. Today, I’m partnering with FASTer Way to Fat Loss which has tailored made this round for the over 50 women.

If we want to age with grace, strength, and beauty, we have to arm ourselves with proper knowledge. While I am not a fitness expert, FASTer Way to Fat Loss is an expert in the industry, which is why I rely on their guidance. This is but one of many reasons I love to share this program with you. But what I do want is to be the healthiest 63-year-old I can be, and I know health is of utmost importance to you too. And I do receive daily questions about how I stay fit or how to lose belly fat over 50...

The Summary

Today's I'm featuring FASTer Way To Fat Loss, as I'm preparing to begin a new round of the program May 23rd

I've also linked an interview with Amanda Tress, the founder of FASTer Way To Fat Loss

I've provided tons of links to active- and swimwear that I've featured over the past few weeks. Plus a bunch of new items for Summer

How To Lose Belly Fat Over 50

1. FASTer Way To Fat Loss

That’s where FASTer Way to Fat Loss steps in. This a-ma-zing program changed my life when I embarked on my fitness journey. FASTer Way to Fat Loss opened my eyes as to how to properly fuel my body. What we feed our body every day is 80% of the solution or the problem.

If your diet is working against you (and for many of us, it is) and you don’t have a consistent exercise program, that’s a recipe for belly fat accumulating since our metabolism starts to slow down after menopause. For years, we've been taught that weight gain and an ever-expanding waistline are normal once we hit a certain age. Wrong! Did you know that significant fat loss IS possible at age 50 and beyond?!

Jumpsuit | Tee | Denim Jacket (old, similar here) | White Platform Sneakers

shop more Sweaty Betty

Striped Swimsuit (J.Crew) | Ruched one-shoulder (J.Crew) | Cotton linen beach coverup (J.Crew) | Straw handbag (Neiman Marcus) | Cotton bucket hat (J.Crew)

shop more J.Crew swimsuits

2. How To Lose Belly

For the past fifty years, we’ve been told to cut calories and exercise more. Right?! Wrong! While exercise is key to staying active, our diet is the most important factor. That’s where FASTer Way to Fat Loss steps in to implement science-backed principles and teach us how to lose belly fat over 50. Yes, it’s possible to thrive with every passing year to reveal a vibrant, healthy YOU! Here’s what you can expect in the exclusive round of the FASTer Way to Fat Loss for women over 50. It starts May 23rd. And guess what? I’m joining this round too! A tuneup now and again is always a good idea. Here’s what to expect:

Be armed with cutting-edge nutrition strategies that accelerate fat loss - skip the hassle and confusion!
Eliminate the frustration about what to eat with simple, done for you meal guides
How to lose belly fat over 50 and sculpt lean muscle (in a mere 30 minutes per day, with little to no equipment).
Thrive with a vibrant community of other women just like you who will cheer you on and support you at every turn - they just get it!

Striped Dress (Veronica Beard) | Sandals (Marc Fisher) | Handbag (old, Ralph Lauren similar here and here)

Striped Swimsuit (J.Crew) | Ruched one-shoulder (J.Crew) | Cotton linen beach coverup (J.Crew) | Straw handbag (Neiman Marcus) | Cotton bucket hat (J.Crew)

shop more J.Crew swimsuits

3. Program Details

What benefits have I seen over the past four years since I incorporated the tools FASTer Way to Fat Loss gave me besides how to lose belly fat over 50? I sleep better at night, have increased energy levels, and food has become my friend, not the enemy. I lead a sustainable, not a spartan lifestyle. I’ve lost inches, gained muscle, and feel confident I can age with grace, strength, and beauty. If you are interested in how to lose belly fat over 50 and improving your eating habits the next round of FASTer Way to Fat that’s tailored-made for women over 50 starts May 23rd. Here’s what you will get when you join.

All program materials for $199, to accelerate your success.
LIVE training to set you up for success.
Weekly workout plans that include low impact, home, and gym workouts.
Meal plan and recipe guide to assist you in the FASTer Way.
Nutrition recommendations with a focus on whole food nutrition, balanced macros, intermittent fasting, carb cycling, and effective workouts to transform your life.

Workout Crop Top (Nordstrom) | Boxy Tank Top (Nordstrom) | Leggings (Nordstrom)

shop more Sweaty Betty

4. Amanda Tress

I've known Amanda Tress, the founder of FASTer Way To Fat Loss, for years. In her own words:

As the founder and CEO of the FASTer Way to Fat Loss, Amanda Tress is passionate about empowering others to get well, prevent disease, and live with the energy they need to fulfill their purpose. Her mission is to make a positive impact in the world, one client at a time.

A few years ago, I conducted an interview with her. If you want to learn more about her, her passions, and the program, read the full interview here.

Sweaty Betty

Supersoft Leggings | Nestle Up Half Zip Sweatshirt | Nestle Up Taper Leg Sweatpants | Easy Peazy Tank Top | Ace Racerback Midi Dress

J.Crew Swimwear

Land's End Swimwear

Talbots Swimwear

In Case You Missed It

Yesterday, I featured a utility jacket from Ralph Lauren. Click the title or image below to read the article.

Elevate Your Casual Wardrobe With A Utility Jacket

I’ve documented my health journey extensively over the past 8 years on the blog. From my Pilates workouts all the way through my total knee replacement surgery, one of my goals here at SAACA is to provide transparency into my commitment to health & wellness. That being said, the thing that truly reignited my health journey was FASTer Way to Fat Loss. It’s a program I’ve documented and promoted extensively over the years. But I still get questions as to why it’s important to burn fat fast, or burn fat at all.

With so many weight loss tips, diets, and information thrown our way, it can be confusing to navigate our way to a healthy lifestyle. And I emphasize healthy, here, because while you will lose weight with FASTer Way to Fat Loss, the program is focused on choosing:

the right foods;
balancing your macros; and
exercising

which are all important at any age, but especially as we age. So let me state again, as I know there is sensitivity around the issues of health, wellness, and weight loss—-this post is not about losing weight, nor is FASTer Way to Fat Loss as a program. What this post is about is simple: establishing healthy habits to help us age with grace, beauty, and strength.

Unsurprisingly, the primary readership of this blog is women over the age of 40. And a woman’s life after 40 is very different from than pre-40—it includes everything from second careers to empty-nesting to menopause to grandchildren to retirement to grieving the loss of loved ones. And I truly believe that one of the ways we can best prepare and deal with those changes is to establish healthy habits.

home gym workout clothes

What is FASTer Way to Fat Loss

Simply stated, FASTer Way to Fat Loss is an online program founded by CEO Amanda Burns that provides you with an app and web-based materials where

daily workouts
meal plans
and an online support community

are all readily accessible.

Burn fat fast

What benefits have I seen besides how to burn fat fast, even though I’m well now over 60?

I sleep better at night.
I have increased energy levels.
Food has become my friend, not the enemy.
I’ve lost inches.
I’ve gained muscle
And I feel confident that I can age with grace, strength, and beauty.

I’m definitely not a size zero ( never have been) but I am healthy and fit and feel great. And those are my fitness goals.

athleta stripe sports bra, athleta high rise chatarunga tights, new balance shoes

What FASTer Way to Fat Loss focuses on

For the past fifty years, we’ve been told to cut calories and exercise more. Right?! Wrong. While exercise is key to staying active our diet is the most important factor to aging well. If you want to lose belly fat over 50 there are a few things to consider.

First, balance your macros. Many of you might be wondering what macros are. They’re better known as carbohydrates, protein, and fat. We need all three in our diet. Carbohydrates provide fuel, the energy for your body and brain. It’s found in all plant foods, like grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and also milk and yogurt.

I typically stay away from grains and get my carbs by eating fruit, veggies, and legumes. Protein helps to build and repair your muscles, organs, skin, blood, and different chemicals, like hormones, in your body. It’s found in meat, poultry, fish, legumes, dairy, tofu, and eggs, and in smaller amounts in nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Fat insulates and protects your bones and organs, acts as a backup fuel for energy, and helps in brain development. Healthy, unsaturated fats are found in olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

Unhealthy saturated fats are found in processed foods, like cookies and donuts. These days I definitely stay away from processed foods as they are high in sugar. Consuming too much sugar increases weight gain and leads to belly fat.

With that as a backdrop, the pillars that comprise FASTer Way to Fat Loss are three-fold:

carb cycling;
macro counting; and
intermittent fasting.

Carb cycling

Carb cycling simply means some days you eat low carb and other days you eat moderate carbs. This ensures that you will burn fat effectively without causing hormonal damage or dips in energy.

For example, on low-carb days, I eat 50 grams or less of net carbs, where net carbs are defined as carbs minus fiber.

On regular macro days, I eat 205 carbs! This feels like a ton of food for someone who has been eating low carb for so long. Some days I have trouble eating enough.

Macro counting

Macronutrients are protein, carbs, and fat.

Simply use the free version of My Fitness Pal to record your daily intake of macros. Whenever you eat something, log it into My Fitness Pal. In the beginning, it helps to plan out your meals, so you aren’t scrambling at the last minute to fit in the right macros.

It’s not that hard I promise. And if you join FASTer Way to Fat Loss, you’ll be assigned a coach that can answer any and all questions you may have during the 6-week program.

Intermittent fasting

Intermittent fasting is an important component of the Faster Way to Fat Loss. It means you stay in a fasted state for 16 hours. This may sound daunting, but it is doable, and you will get used to it. Typically, I stop eating around 7 PM and don’t eat again until 11 AM. You can ease into this and slowly work up to it if that helps.

It’s funny, now that I have been doing it for so long, I no longer crave food at night. I don’t even think about it anymore. That’s a huge win for me.

Intermittent fasting turns your body into a fat burner. It allows the body to utilize fat as its main source of energy and can help to change your overall body composition.

Why I love FASTer Way to Fat Loss

This program is based on eating whole, clean foods, and it’s something I can do for life. It is a gluten-free and dairy-free program, but I know folks who have had success without being dairy-free. And you can drink wine as long as it fits into your macros.

Eating well and not starving myself makes my body happy. And it’s the best way to burn fat fast, which can be a challenge once we hit menopause and beyond.

What will you get when you join the FASTer Way to Fat Loss?

All program materials for $199, to accelerate your success in the FASTer Way.
LIVE training to set you up for success.
Weekly workout plans that include low impact, home, and gym workouts.
Community group with certified FASTer Way community specialists for daily accountability, training, and support.
Four-week meal plan and recipe guide to assist you in the FASTer Way.
Nutrition recommendations with a focus on whole food nutrition, balanced macros, intermittent fasting, carb cycling, and effective workouts to transform your life.
Options to pause or cancel your membership at any time.
FASTer Way to Fat Loss app

How do you join FASTer Way to Fat Loss?

The new cycle starts today Monday, February 28. Here’s how you join.

Step 1

Purchase the FASTer Way to Fat Loss program for only $199 by clicking this link.

Step 2

Join an accountability group with a certified FASTer Way to Fat Loss coach for accountability, training, and support. You will receive the link once you have completed your registration.

Step 3

Commit to the program nutrition recommendations with a focus on whole-food nutrition, balanced macros, intermittent fasting, carb cycling, and effective workouts.

Step 4

Transition into the VIP Membership, which will automatically be billed at a discounted rate of $79/month, at the end of your initial 6-week experience. Work 1-on-1 with your FASTer Way trainer, utilize the Digital Studio classes and access our supportive online community. Pause or cancel at any time!

Healthy cooking & eating

Food is medicine. Food is powerful. And nutrient-rich foods can impact our health and our life in sometimes unimaginably positive ways. When we make the right choices, our pants size will improve but more importantly, our quality of life will too.

I’ll say it again, this blog is dedicated to aging with grace, strength, and beauty. Even if you don’t try FASTer Way to Fat Loss, I will encourage you to focus on healthy eating. A few months ago, I asked my daughter-in-law, Kelly, to share a few of her favorites today that will help inspire you to cook healthy at home. I’m reposting them below. (Click the recipe titles below to get the full recipe.)

Mediterranean Poached Halibut

Spinach and Mushroom Frittata

Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini

Sheet Pan Tandoori Chicken

Southwest Bean Burgers

Baked salmon rice bowl

Meal Service Deliveries

Ok, ok. With all that being said about cooking at home, let me be honest with you: one of the things I hate about being single is cooking for one, which is why I’ve experimented with several meal service deliveries over the past few years.

I’m now using Sakara regularly. They have a wide variety of healthy meals from breakfast to lunch to dinner and even snacks. If you’re interested in trying out Sakara, use code XOBETHD for 20% off your first purchase.

In case you missed it

Our Spring preview series is in full swing. In case you’ve missed any of our posts, make sure to check out:

Are you getting enough rest and relaxation in the new year? Guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff rounds up her top luxury items to help you start the year on the right foot.

Happy Vacation—real or imagined

A little Rest & Relaxation is in order….at home and in our minds!! To say 2021 was exhausting, may be an understatement… Be good to yourself and those you love with a little respite of comfort to sooth our spirits!

Bernardaud Naxos Dinnerware Collection (Bloomingdale’s) | Tea Forte Tea Tasting Assortment Set (Bloomingdale’s) | SFERRA Pettra Throw (Bloomingdale’s)

Mariage Freres International Marco Polo Te a Tin (Neiman Marcus) | Baccarat Harmonie Single Old Fashion Tumblers (Neiman Marcus)

Angelina N226 Chocolate Tea (Neiman Marcus) | MoMA Multiccino Mug (Neiman Marcus)

What is “comfort” to you?

Relaxing at home in a favorite chair and throw, looking out at your view, with cup of tea, soup or bubbly glass of prosecco, champagne in hand? Classical music may be wafting in the air and every candle you own lit? That is my idea of bliss…with some of my favorite things!

Candle Cire Trudon Madurai Classic Candle, Splendour of Indian Jasmine B

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Trudon Cire Maduraï Classic Candle, Splendour of Indian Jasmine (Bloomingdale’s ) | Painter’s Palette 1,000-Piece Puzzle (Amazon) | Small Clear Pocket Photo Album |( Neiman Marcus)

Might it be snuggled by the fire with loving pup or feline at your slippered feet – and a good book, calming puzzle or album of photos from your past to make you smile and giggle?

Frame Aerin Malachite nm_4136518_100324_m

Graphic Image Family History nm_4183395_100491_m

AERIN Cassiel Mosaic Picture Frame (Neiman Marcus) | Bell’INVITO Italian Lace Stationery (Bergdorf Goodman) | Family History Book (Neiman Marcus)

Might you be writing letters of thanks on beautiful stationery for lovely messages and gifts received or shopping for beautiful frames to hold new, memorable photos in Malachite, Lapis or suede perhaps?

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mottahedeh-blue-canton-dinnerware-collection-o

Spode “Blue Italian” Dinner Plat (Macy’s)| Mottahedeh Blue Canton Dinnerware Collection (Williams Sonoma)

What do you enjoy?

Enjoyment comes in many ways: loving voices on the phone – reconnecting over the miles, cooking favorite meals of comfort food – over a warm stove, baking family favorites or trying new ones?? My Italian heritage and memories of dinners past inspire me to try a little risotto in a charming classic Italian Ruffoni copper pot this new year! It reminds me of trips to Firenze, where I enjoyed homemade risotto’s “of the day” …creative comfort food!!

ruffoni-historia-hammered-copper-chefs-pan-with-acorn-hand-o

Ruffoni Historia Hammered Copper Chef’s Pan with Acorn Handle (Williams Sonoma) | Risotto with Porcini Mushrooms (Williams Sonoma) |Shugg’s Blueberry Bourbon & Basil Pound Cake (Williams Sonoma)

Do you enjoy playing with your plants on the deck or in the garden, taking some fresh air? Arranging flowers for every room throughout your home? What fun to find the perfect vases for lovely blooms – from your own collection or discovering a fabulous antique!!

Christmas Beauty Camellia (Lots of Plants) | Elegant Black Pearl Amaryllis Gift Growing Kit (Patio, Lawn & Garden) | Red Amaryllis in Wooden Planter (Williams Sonoma) | Camellia Japonica ‘pink Perfection’ (Etsy) | Wedgwood Green Jasperware Vase (Etsy)

Plan a home refresh

Maybe you are planning a little 2022 home refresh with beautiful bedding, fluffy cotton towels and charming decorative pillows for your interior spaces to nurture you? It is lovely to live with natural fibers to grace your home, no matter what style of décor you choose.

Roberto Cavalli Monogram velvet pillow NM-80S6_mz

Donna Karan Home Essential Silk Collection (Neiman Marcus) | Roberto Cavalli Monogram Velvet Pillow (Neiman Marcus) | Ralph Lauren Home Wilton Bath Towel (Neiman Marcus)

Plan a vacation near or far

Are you hoping for a future trip or vacation this year – for work or play?

January always reminds me of buying trips to Europe. Paris, in particular, for Maison and Objet gift shows and past vacations to Hawaii and Mexico, too!

The mind is so wonderful…a magic little catalog of images that brings all of those beauties to life again and again!! Enjoy plotting and planning your own little getaways…on any of the many beautiful calendars created for desk, wall, or handbag! Cavallini’s wall version Botanica has lived with me for many, many years and in numerous cities. They are fabulous, floral reproductions on elegant, textured Italian ivory paper! Of course, perfect for framing!

Whether January 2022 holds travel for you across town, in the U.S., or abroad; enjoy a little journey today thru art, film, music, photos, or with your diary for future days and months of our new year, so filled with promise and surprise! Make it memorable, and oh–so–happy!!

Graphic Image Pocket Calendar -GTI-WTG-OPEN_800x

Cavallini 2022 Wall Calendar, Vintage Botanica Posters (Amazon) |MoMA Cubes Calendar (Neiman Marcus) |2022 Pocket Journal Planner | Georgia O Keeffe 2022 Wall Calendar (Amazon) | 2022 Desk Calendar (Thornwillow Press)

Wishing you much Good Luck…and a HAPPY 2022!! xoxo MMK

Baccarat Dice Paperweight (Neiman Marcus)

Style at a Certain Age Saturday guest editor Marlene M. Kristoff shares luxury retail, home, and design ideas.

today’s post is a bit different. don’t worry, we still have an OOTD for you. but i should say upfront; i’ve debated sharing this news for a couple of months now. since the outbreak of COVID-19, it’s been our aim at style at a certain age to be an encouragement to you—a “fashion distraction” as we like to say. i haven’t wanted to take away from that. but as this pandemic continues, i realize that the rest of our lives also continue, in some form or another, and i hope that this post will be an encouragement to at least some of you. specifically, i want to talk today about how i dealt with knee surgery, and the road to recovery that i’ve been on.

jumpsuit | sandals | similar tee

some history

the story starts about eighteen months ago after mr. style was diagnosed with liver cancer. he had just finished two rounds of radiation to slow its progress. it was a challenging summer with lots of trips to Atlanta to see the specialists, have the treatments, recuperate, and give mr. style a bit of tlc. but above all, we tried to live our lives as normally as possible because we knew every day was precious. honestly, when you’re going through a trial you’re just putting one foot in front of the other each day, so you don’t even realize the stress you’re going through.

but one very ordinary day after the radiation treatments were behind us i stepped out of the shower and noticed my ankle was swollen. had i twisted it? banged it on a chair? it was definitely swollen like a balloon, but i couldn’t remember doing anything out of the ordinary to injure it. odd and perplexing, to say the least.

a trip to the Orthopedist was soon schedule but turned up nothing. the x-rays from both knees and ankles came back perfectly normal. so the Dr. turned me over to a Rheumatologist for more tests. mr. style, and i knew the Rheumatologist well as he had been treating mr. style for psoriatic arthritis since our arrival in Athens. needless to say, i was in good hands.

a battery of blood tests came back with negative results for rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and a string of auto-immune diseases. are inconclusive tests good? bad? they’re somewhat frustrating. but one thing was clear. the tests showed my inflammation was off the charts. and though my swollen ankle finally subsided, the joint pain had just begun to creep into every bone of my body. there came a time when the pain was so severe i could barely get out of bed. all i could think about was that i needed to take care of mr. style, not the other way around. there had to be something i could do to help myself.

modern medicine intervened, along with a comprehensive medical plan from my Rheumatologist. soon i was taking daily doses of prednisone with a weekly dose of methotrexate. hallelujah! the pain slowly subsided, and i was able to resume normal activities again. but the doctor privately shared how worried he had been because my inflammation levels had been so very, very high.

so how and why was my body turning against itself? because that’s exactly what happens with inflammation. your body is getting mixed signals and begins to attack itself. i was already on my fitness journey in 2018 with Faster Way to Fat Loss and had started to learn more and change my nutrition habits. i can’t emphasize enough how fitness begins with food. how food and nutrients keep our bodies strong. how it acts like medicine. how nutrients that come from spinach, broccoli, salmon, eggs, feed our bodies, and keep us healthy. and so on and so forth. i devoured books about inflammation and how your diet can impact it. i learned the importance of supplements that fill in the gaps that food alone can’t fill. but above all, i listened to my gut – the microbiome that keeps our body and mind humming in tip-top shape. it’s an entire community of immune system cells living in your gut that are the gatekeepers fighting off harmful bacterias and viruses from penetrating your gut wall.

when 2018 turned into 2019 i was ready. ready to slowly wean myself from the medication prescribed by my Rheumatologist. the prednisone was first. followed by methotrexate several months later. but i still relied on tylenol or ibuprofen to ease the pain. my plan was working. nutrition was working and the supplements too. i had the energy and the resources to take care of mr. style, which had been my prayer all along.

my knee surgery

so that’s a bit of backstory. but how and why did i need a total knee replacement? well, by mid-2019, my right knee began to deteriorate. i had trouble taking oscar for his daily walks, stairs became a challenge, and i couldn’t get up and down from a chair without the aid of my hands. very troubling for a woman who had been active and exercising her entire life. the symptoms crept in slowly then picked up speed. during this time i suffered another trauma that put my health on the backburner. in July of 2019 mr. style lost his battle with liver cancer. now there were other priorities to take care of besides a deteriorating knee. my mental health and that of my children were of utmost importance. the knee could wait. and it did although it continued to deteriorate.

fast forward to January 2, 2020 when i headed back to the Orthopedist for a check-up. guess what? the x-rays came back and revealed that my right knee that had been perfectly normal in August 2018 was now bone-on-bone. no wonder i couldn’t go up and down the stairs, had to forego Orange Theory workouts, and a Peloton ride consisted of rotating my legs not working them to the max.

needless to say, my doctor encouraged me to consider a total knee replacement. i was definitely on the road of no return. once the damage has been done to a joint the damage is done. after a few weeks of contemplation, i was on board. let’s schedule the surgery to coincide with my schedule. there were three conferences i would be attending in the next few months (all of which were canceled), so we finally coordinated a date to pencil in on my calendar.

my recovery

here i am post-surgery sharing my tale with you that a health setback can be challenging, but there’s hope. it takes a lot of hard work, lots of research, listening to medical advice, but always knowing that you are your own best advocate in any scenario that you’re given in life. the good news is that i’m now on the road to recovery. and i’ll be sharing lots more of my meal plans, workouts, and health tips that i incorporate to live a healthy and vibrant life. and i want to encourage those who have had similar health setbacks that there’s hope. but it takes a lot of hard work and perseverance. and i’m lucky that there was a solution to my dilemma thanks to advances in our healthcare.

three days after surgery. the first glimpse of my knee.

icing your knee several times a day for the first two weeks is key to your recovery. along with the at-home exercises your physical therapist gives you. there are two things you have to remember after knee replacement surgery: straighten the knee and bend the knee. sounds simple right? oh, how i wish it were.

off to visit the physical therapist with my walker. don’t wean yourself off the walker too soon as it helps you keep an even gait. if you transition to a cane too early in the recovery process, it’s far too easy to develop a limp. rotating between the walker and cane should do the trick.

a few of the machines my physical therapist uses to ~~torture~~ rehabilitate me.

so far, the bike has been my biggest challenge. that first full rotation is a mental and physical victory!

waiting at the Dr.’s office to get my staples out.

on the road to recovery. two weeks post-surgery, and the staples are gone for good.

what’s next

as i said, there’s work to be done from here on out to regain the vibrant life i once had. but i’m ready to hit my home gym, lift those weights, hop on the Peloton for a sweaty spin class, and top it all off with Pilates when they reopen. i’ll check in with you from time-to-time to share my progress, workouts and a few healthy meals as i’m truly back on course for a healthy and happy life. let me know in the comments how you lead an active life. we can all learn from each other during the good times and the bad. right?! knowledge is power.

and for any of you health-nuts out there today on Instagram in honor of our healthcare workers i’m teaming up with a few of my favorite FASTer Way to Fat Loss gals to ramp up for the Healthcare worker round they are hosting on April 27th. we’ll be gifting 10 individuals with items to help YOU reach your nutrition and fitness goals this spring!!! the grand prize winner will receive a Peloton bike. trust me, it’s the BEST. additionally, we will give away a Nespresso, 2 LULU Lemon gift cards, and 6 brand new limited edition FASTer Way to Fat Loss items. head to Instagram to enter! there’s no age limit when it comes to style or fitness.

jumpsuit | sandals | similar tee

with shelter in-place orders in-place, it can be extremely difficult to stay active. not only can we not frequent our gyms nor our normal places of exercise, but often there’s a temptation to stay inside and just watch the news. staying informed is important, but maintaining our fitness and focusing on our health is equally important now more than ever. the good news is, staying healthy and fit by walking is possible while still maintaining social distancing. but today is National Walking Day and we’re pulling together a post and YouTube video to celebrate. walking is great exercise and 48% of us don’t get enough. walking 10,000 steps is a great daily goal we can all work towards and is still doable, even in our environment.

today, we’re focusing on just that: establishing and maintaining a walking routine. for those of us that live in suburban neighborhoods or rural settings, this is extremely doable as population density is low. we can get wake up early and walk; take a mid-afternoon stroll; or head out for a sunset loop around the block. if, however, we live in a large city or an urban area, things can potentially be a bit more challenging. timing and location are key. picking times of the day that are less busy is important and finding routes that avoid, say, grocery stores or other essential business make maintaining social distancing easier.

walk the line

i’ve got a really casual and comfortable OOTD that’s easy to put together for your daily walk. the focus is on a jacket and legging pairing from J.Crew. because we’re still getting cool(er) days here in Athens, I’m layering a chambray shirt with a lightweight boatneck one. comfortable and reliable footwear is essential if you’re going to commit to daily walks. we’re featuring a ton of sneakers in this post, and make sure to check out our newest YouTube video. the list: top 5 sneakers for spring and summer.

staying healthy and fit by walking

we’ve been focusing a lot on health & wellness over the past few weeks. this weekend, we put out a blog post focusing on how to boost your immune system. and on Monday, we talked about good skincare and hand washing. for women—or anyone of a certain age—establishing and maintaining exercise routines while still maintaining social distancing will pay dividends. we’re going to continue to share our strategies over here on the blog. let us know yours in the comments below!

a new member of the family

we’ve got a really special treat for your today. given all that’s going on in the world, it’s sometimes hard to find moments of joy uninterrupted by world events. a few weeks ago, as the world started to turn upside down, junior style adopted a new puppy. his name is Pax, and he’s a German Shepherd/Husky/Lab mix. he just loves his uncle Oscar, and Oscar loves him.

gear roundup

finally, kelly and i spent the other day putting together a fitness & exercise gear roundup. if you’re looking for a solid pair of sneakers or headphones for your daily walks, we’ve got you covered. below is a list of some of the gear we, or people we know, use and love during their exercise routines.

we’re dealing with uncertain times. because this is a fashion blog, i generally avoid addressing world events. i’ve always viewed this blog as a bit of escapism. it’s a daily, quick read that connects women all over the world around a topic we all love: fashion. but i would be remiss if i didn’t address the Coronavirus (COVID-19). it’s affecting us all in (in)direct ways. it has and will continue to disrupt our lives, creating uncertainty, confusion, and fear.

i’m not here to talk about how to deal with the virus in any meaningful way. i’m not a public official nor a medical expert. in general, we’re being asked to wash our hands, distance ourselves socially, and stay home to the extent possible. all sound advice that should be followed.

and here’s what i will add to that: during time of uncertainty, reach to family and friends for support. they’re there for you, and you for them. and know also that, in some way shape and form, the hundreds of thousands of women connected by this blog are all here for each other. i encourage you all to leave a comment today with words of encouragement for your sisters across the globe.

i also want you to know that i am committed to you—committed to continue to bring you a bit of escapism over the next few months. it might not be much, but it’s something. and today is no different. as many of you have been and will continue to be at home, let’s make the most of bunking in. what to do with all that extra time at home? here are five ideas.

curl up with a book

reading: the lost art. is there really anything better to do when home? those of you that are part of my book club with style know that i’m an avid reader. so much so that i started a book club. if you’re looking for recommendations, i’ve taken a shot of a section of my library that includes some of the more recent books i’ve read over the past few months. i’d recommend all of them. grab a book and a blanket, curl up on your couch, and read.

clean your closet

i’m a big advocate for closet cleanses. i talk about it regularly over here on the blog, and if you’re at home looking for something to do, now’s the time. twice a year, i ruthlessly purge my closet to keep my wardrobe streamlined and in tip-top condition for the upcoming season. if you’re looking for tips, tricks, and advice i’ve outlined my process here and here.

closet cleanse

have a movie night

movie night! once you’ve made it through all of your books, make a bowl of popcorn and grab a movie. last fall i put together a list of my top 5 favorite classic movies. i’m going to repost them here.

5. The Thomas Crown Affair

The Thomas Crown Affair starring Steve McQueen, Faye Dunaway, and Paul Burke. i’ve always been fascinated by the high-end art world, and i love a good heist movie. so when you couple the two, and add great performances by McQueen and Dunaway, you absolutely cannot go wrong.

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4. It Happened One Night

in my #4 spot is the classic It Happened One Night starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable. this is an older one, so some of my younger readers might have missed it, but i definitely encourage you to check it out.

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3. To Catch a Thief

in my #3 spot is the classic To Catch a Thief starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly. it’s a Hitchcock classic and a must see.

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2. Casablanca

there’s not much to say about this movie that hasn’t already been said. it appears on almost if not every top movie list. Casablanca holds my #2 spot. stay tuned for my #1.

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1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

my number one favorite classic movie needs absolutely no introduction. starring the great Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, it’s Breakfast at Tiffany’s. if you have not seen it, you must.

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make an immune-boosting soup

chicken noodle soup for the soul. it’s a great immune-boosting soup. super simple and unbelievably tasty—and it keeps. i made a batch this past winter for fridays with oscar.

[read the full post…]

have a game night

finally, a great way to spend an evening at home is a game night. i spent last night playing board games with my son and Kelly. we pulled out Scrabble. some of our other favorites: Taboo, Scattergories, and Boggle. some of our new favorites: Sagrada, Azul, and Patchwork.

and for a very thoughtful take on the Coronavirus from a medical and scientific perspective here’s a recent podcast from cardiac surgeon Dr. Steven Gundry New York Times bestselling author of The Plant Paradox and The Longevity Paradox. both are great reads that dive into living a long, happy and healthy life.

we’ve spent a lot of this month talking about travel tips, tricks, and hacks. i’ve also given you some travel outfit ideas and shown you my flat layouts for Florida. today, though, i want to focus on a slightly different topic: staying healthy while traveling.

staying healthy in general can be a challenge no doubt. whether it’s tailoring our diets or managing to make it to the gym regularly, there’s a lot to consider and do. and things can get particularly difficult when we leave our familiar environment and venture away from home.

forget routine; it goes straight out the window.

healthy eating? yeah right. dinner out again.

caught a cold. again. that darn recycled airplane air.

so what i want to do today is just give you some plain, practical advice on staying healthy while traveling. whether it’s just a weekend getaway or a week on the coast, i’m hoping some of these tips (many of which seem totally obvious when you see them in print), will make for a slightly healthier and happier vacation. and if i missed any, let me know yours in the comments below.

staying healthy while traveling

keep it clean

there is a lot going on the world right now. and while i generally stay away from current events over here on the blog, it’s impossible to ignore the inherent health risks in traveling at present. hand washing is your first line of defense. and while washing your hands with soap may seem obvious, it is the easiest, cheapest way to protect your health on a plane. keep a pack of sanitizing wipes easily accessible to clean your hands and surfaces on the plane like your tray table.

stay hydrated

staying hydrated is key to avoiding catching a cold while traveling by plane. bringing your own bottle or buying a large one at the airport is important because the amount of water you need on a plane far exceeds the amount the attendants give you in the air. pack a large bottle of water like this one.

give your immune system a kick start

supplements can get your immune system into gear. if you don’t already use supplements, start taking them a few days before you travel to give your immune system a head start. here are a few must brings.

Vitamin C (Emergen-C). add a packet to your water and get supplement support while you stay hydrated.
Zinc Lozenges. zinc can help regulate the immune system to keep you from catching a cold and it can shorten the duration of a cold.
Olly Super Foods Multivitamin. super foods including wheatgrass and açaí, plus a blend of vitamins D, E, B6 and B12 will have you feeling super!

road trip

supplementary meals

it’s also important to keep your body humming along and often times airport restaurants and newsstands don’t have the best foods for us (or if they do, they’re often overpriced). you will feel better and your immune system will thank you for packing healthy snacks. plus you never know if you might find yourself unable to get a snack due to delays, so it’s always good to have a snack that will work for you and not against you.

meal bars are easy to pack. there are so many flavors on the market that you’re sure to find one that suits your taste. i vote for meal and protein bars that aren’t loaded with sugar. sugar will spike your glucose and leave you feeling even hungrier and tired.

for a slightly sweet bar that is gluten, dairy, soy and added sugar free, try: Sans
for a savory bar that is really satisfying, try Epic Bars

beth from Style at a Certain Age wears a Gretchen Scott shirtdress while visiting Panama City Beach

delray beach

jet lag is a pain!

if you happen to be traveling where jet lag is an issue, acclimating yourself to your destination time zone as early as your arrival for your departure can help with jet lag symptoms. this includes a schedule for eating and sleeping on the plane.

if you are traveling west, studies have shown that exercising in the evenings as a recovery method can be beneficial because exercise blocks the production of melatonin, helping you stay awake later into the evening.

getting out in the sunlight has also been proven to benefit the symptoms of jet lag. if you arrive in the daylight hours, take a 30 minute walk outside when you get to your hotel. in order to regulate your circadian rhythm to your new timezone, waking up and being in the sunlight early, during normal hours will help tremendously.

this post is sponsored by Regeneron

y’all know how much i love to read. every month i head off to my local book club to discuss our monthly book selection. i also host a Facebook group book club with Style, where we invite authors from all genres to chat about their recent releases. that’s at least two books a month that are on my must-read list. so you can imagine vison is near and dear to my heart. good eyesight is what enables me to read every gripping word from the latest thriller, biography, or New York Times bestseller. which is why you’ll get a gentle nudge from me from time-to-time to schedule an annual eye exam with your Ophthalmologist. because good vision starts with healthy eyes. there’s nothing more important for an active lifestyle than our eyesight.

today, i’m pleased to partner with Look to Your Future to discuss Low Vision Awareness Month. once we hit a certain age, we all experienced the words the printed page becoming smaller and smaller. am i right?! but are you familiar with Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration? it’s a retinal disease that affects the central vision and often appears in people as they age. the macula is the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. when it’s impaired from an abnormal growth or leakage from blood vessels under the macula, our vision is affected.

symptoms for Wet AMD include:

blurriness in the center of your vision
blind spots or patches
straight lines that look wavy
colors that look dull or washed out

risk factors for Wet AMD include:

dry AMD
age 50 years or older
family history of Wet AMD
female gender
obesity
caucasian
smoking

i know i know Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration can be a bit scary to think about. but knowledge is power, and we need to arm ourselves with information about this disease so we can confront it head-on. the good news is there are treatment options that may help protect against vision loss caused by Wet AMD. and Look to Your Future has lots of valuable information and tools available to help understand this condition.

there’s nothing better than hopping in my car the first tuesday of the month with a book in hand to hear the thoughts of my book club buddies. did they love the book as much as me? who was their favorite character? what genre do they love to read the most? if you’re like me no matter what stage of life we find ourselves in, we look forward to the next chapter. not only with our latest book but in our daily life. so don’t forget to visit Look to Your Future to learn more about Wet Age-Related Macular Degeneration. because our eyesight is a precious gift.

a big thank you to Regeneron for this sponsored post. and thank you, lovely readers, for supporting the brands that allow me to bring you fresh ideas.

it’s always a good day when i shine the spotlight on successful female entrepreneurs. success comes in many forms and strikes at any age, and it’s so important to connect you, the reader, to brilliant style-mavens that i’ve had the opportunity to meet. many of you know i’ve been on a fitness journey since 2018 with FASTer Way to Fat Loss. this one program changed the way i viewed my diet and set me on a health and wellness path that i’m passionate about. as we age, it’s essential to keep our bodies and minds fit, active, and healthy. because the two go hand in hand. over the course of two years, i have gleaned so much information from the FASTer Way to Fat Loss community like tracking macros and intermittent fasting. and i’ve had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Amanda Tress the powerhouse behind FASTer Way to Fat Loss. last December i flew down to Florida to participate on a panel at their annual conference. it was truly inspiring to see first hand the amazing community Amanda is building.

in January, i signed up for another round of FASTer Way to Fat Loss to experience all the incredible upgrades to this program. it’s important to stay abreast of what’s new and improved. like a FASTer Way to Fat Loss app where daily workouts and meal plans are readily accessible. it’s never been easier to track your progress and discover new healthy recipes for each meal! there’s even a low impact workout offered that’s perfect for my less than perfect knees.

trust me when i say Amanda is one of the hardest working entrepreneurs i’ve met. her energy is boundless. and she’s on a mission to help women (and men too) of all ages and sizes. are you ready to meet Amanda? i thought so.

As the founder and CEO of the FASTer Way to Fat Loss, Amanda Tress is passionate about empowering others to get well, prevent disease, and live with the energy they need to fulfill their purpose. Her mission is to make a positive impact in the world, one client at a time.

how to burn fat

Amanda, are you over or under the age of 40?

Under. I turned 33 this year.

Everyone has to start somewhere. What was your first job?

I started a painting and mulching company in high school with my then-friend-now-husband Brandon. I guess you could say we’ve always been entrepreneurially inclined! I also worked at a gym in the childcare area, starting at age 15! My mom would have to drive me to work.

What do you think of first impressions?

First impressions are vital! Whether it is confidence in yourself or your business, making a good first impression can set you up for incredible success. When you live life with integrity and truly believe in what you are putting forward, your purpose will enhance that boldness and you’ll carry yourself with pride and conviction. The way you look and feel will also make a big impact on your confidence, so a healthy lifestyle is key to living a life full of purpose, where your first impression will always shine!

Does your FASTer Way to Fat Loss have a compelling backstory?

I’ve been training clients for 15 years, and for the first ten, I was giving them all the standard advice I learned as a trainer: eat less, do lots of cardio, eat six small meals every day, etc. My clients and I were frustrated with the stalled progress they were experiencing because they were working hard and doing all the “right” things—but they weren’t reaching their goals.

It wasn’t until I began researching some “cutting edge” strategies that we began busting through those plateaus and seeing huge progress! At the time, no one was talking about intermittent fasting or carb cycling, so I’m forever grateful to those clients for trusting me enough to try out the strategies that are now the foundation of the FASTer Way to Fat Loss. We have now served more than 135,000 clients across the world in just four years.

What advice would you give your 20something self if you could?

Trust … there’s no need to worry about the future. God is in control. Find joy in the process and focus on doing the right things at the right time for the right reasons.

Do you have a motto?

Progress over perfection.

What are the three health and wellness tips you love to share?

Just start. It doesn’t matter where you are, all progress is good!

Strive for balance. Get off the all-or-nothing train and start making a little progress every day.

Exercise less and eat more. Stop running your body down—instead, give it what it needs, and it will respond!

Ocean, lake, or pool?

Ocean! I moved to Florida to be by the beach all year.

Can you tell me three essential exercises you suggest for all clients, and why?

Squats. Leg strength is essential to quality of life, especially as we age.

Lunges. We really get the most bang for our buck when we work the lower body.

Arm Circles. My clients know I love arm circles to warm up and strengthen the shoulders and prevent injury long term.

What three words describe your current life?

Rocketship

Circus

Blessed

Amanda also has a podcast series Accelerate Your Success you won’t want to miss. guess who was on her show?

Amanda, thank you so much for taking the time from your busy schedule to pay a visit. keep up the good work!

The Summary

How To Lose Belly Fat Over 50

1. FASTer Way To Fat Loss

2. How To Lose Belly

3. Program Details

4. Amanda Tress

Sweaty Betty

J.Crew Swimwear

Land's End Swimwear

Talbots Swimwear

In Case You Missed It

Elevate Your Casual Wardrobe With A Utility Jacket

What is FASTer Way to Fat Loss

Burn fat fast

What FASTer Way to Fat Loss focuses on

Carb cycling

Macro counting

Intermittent fasting

Why I love FASTer Way to Fat Loss

What will you get when you join the FASTer Way to Fat Loss?

How do you join FASTer Way to Fat Loss?

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Healthy cooking & eating

Mediterranean Poached Halibut

Spinach and Mushroom Frittata

Mediterranean Stuffed Zucchini

Sheet Pan Tandoori Chicken

Southwest Bean Burgers

Baked salmon rice bowl

Meal Service Deliveries

In case you missed it

Happy Vacation—real or imagined

What is “comfort” to you?

What do you enjoy?

Plan a home refresh

Plan a vacation near or far

some history

my knee surgery

my recovery

what’s next

walk the line

staying healthy and fit by walking

a new member of the family

gear roundup

sneakers

athleisure

exercise gadgets

water bottles

bags & pouches

trekking poles

headphones

curl up with a book

clean your closet

have a movie night

5. The Thomas Crown Affair

4. It Happened One Night

3. To Catch a Thief

2. Casablanca

1. Breakfast at Tiffany’s

make an immune-boosting soup

have a game night

staying healthy while traveling

keep it clean

stay hydrated

give your immune system a kick start

supplementary meals

jet lag is a pain!

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