During my rehab (still ongoing) I gained 15 pounds while eating 4 meals a day. No fat gained and I lost size in my waist with several abdominal exercises. My calories amounted from 6000 to 7000 calories per day.
One morning, though, while looking in the mirror, I discovered that the wrinkles on my cheek and under the eyes, a casualty of the Pacific islands sun, had disappeared. I should say almost disappeared. Even the larger ones had “filled in” nicely. I kept wondering the cause of the change. Then I remembered a show recently which extolled the benefits of cantaloupes and almonds for wrinkled skin. I generally used a skin lotion with aloe.
Eureka! It just so happened that I was a regular user of almonds for almost 6 months. That’s an understatement. If almonds were illegal, I’d be doing hard time in the lockup. Almonds are loaded in vitamins and minerals, plus fiber, essential for digestion. See the chart. But also be aware that 1 serving, 2 tablespoons of the spread, carry 10% saturated fat. But on the almond milk side, there is no saturated fat.
Taking a rough estimate, I was devouring 15 to 20 servings of almonds per day. That would be milk (8 cups) and the rest in the all natural no stir almond butter (creamy). It ‘s delicious with oatmeal or as a spread over gluten free bagels or buns. Mix in a little maple syrup and you have a unique and delicious meal with your coffee. It will give you a boost and a positive start for your day.
The Central Florida stores have gluten free bagels for one bag of 4 large size for $5.00. The No Stir Almond Butter is a 12 oz. jar for $6.09 and a half gallon of unsweetened Pure Almond milk is $3.45 per half gallon*, the same amount as a half gallon of lactose milk. The taste of the bagel is more satisfying than one with a bland white wheat flour. Note that I am also allergic to most of the regular baked products and milk so I have no choice or I would be eating them too.
Most important of all is to have a daily exercise regime, working your abs, legs and rear, plus light lifting for firm arms and strength. You can add whatever you would like. Consult a doctor who is also knowledgeable about nutrients.
Remember that it took me 6 months at a high level of servings per day to see a change. Buy the book, Earl Mindell’s Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century. It gives you the good and bad of all your nutrients so you can make an informed decision. Remember moderation is the key. I have already cut back on my excess portions and I’m doing fine. (One serving a day won’t do it. But at 190 calories per serving you can easily hit 2000 calories a day, not counting the almond milk. So plan carefully.
UPDATE, 05/10/12:
I’ve cut my servings of food and and almonds in half, lost 12 pounds and put definition on my abdomen. I still use the lotion on my face and upper body. (Vaseline Aloe hydrating on my face and Walgreen Daily Moisturizing Lotion on my body- the store brand for Aveeno.)
Filed under: Seniors' Corner
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