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Post by Zakiah Levanah on Jun 11, 2004 11:25:53 GMT -5
Clerks would give me this look when I used to buy cigarettes and I knew to produce my ID. I still get carded for everything to this day and I’ll be 29 in a little over a month. High school boys even try to holla at me and I have to tell them I’m old lol. I said all that to say as the clock ticks away we have to be more conscious of our diets and habits because they have a grave effect on our outward appearance. Especially women, our diets can even effect our hormonal balance, attitudes and body cycles as well as our weight. Many of us have a natural glow though we may smoke, drink and practice poor eating habits. As we age our bodies will not function and generate or regenerate as they did before, especially if we are not providing the proper fuel. I've found many sisters who I admire for their beautiful completions like J-LO and that lady from "Sex in the City" the older promiscuous one. That lady is like 47 and she has such a radiant complexion and minimal wrinkles especially being Caucasian. J-Lo shoot her perfume is called Glow! It’s all about thier diets. I’ve found that by eating foods high in protein mainly fish, the best fruits and veggies like berries and cantaloupe, honey dew melon, dark leafy veggies, avocadoes etc. will not only promote a healthier look but will maintain balance in your body. Most black people are not interested in a healthy diet until they get sick (I had gestational diabetes). I’ve fully recovered but I want to maintain my health. I started by giving up smoking, then all flesh except for fish. Now I am balancing my diet to promote good health for my baby and me. If you eat meat eat more chicken breast without the skin. More fish is great, Salmon has the best benefits as far as its natural antioxidant and its good omega fats. (Please check out fresh water, farms ect in your area for any health risks) Most fish have EPA and DHA omega-3 essential fatty acid. Cut back on saturated fats, use extra virgin olive oil. If you’re a vegan eat a lot of raw nuts, flaxseeds and its oil, Green Tea, herbal natural antioxidants. Try to eat carbohydrates that have a low rating on the Glycemic index, you can learn about that below. www.diet-i.com/glycemic-index.htmUnfortunately it is expensive to maintain this type of diet, but I find that if you replace the ice cream, fast food and restaurant takeouts, white sugar, cooking oils, steaks, tobacco and other harmful things and habits and let this become a lifestyle instead of a diet you can make a significant difference in your life. Here are some sites to check out vanderbiltowc.wellsource.com/dh/Content.asp?ID=1567www.diet-i.com/perricone-diet.htm |
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Post by Zakiah Levanah on Jun 11, 2004 14:28:40 GMT -5
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Post by BalkisII on Jun 15, 2004 5:47:40 GMT -5
Excellent post Anav, and you are correct in saying that: - "it is expensive to maintain this type of diet, but I find that if you replace the ice cream, fast food and restaurant takeouts, white sugar, cooking oils, steaks, tobacco and other harmful things and habits and let this become a lifestyle instead of a diet you can make a significant difference in your life." I don't buy most "normal" foods like cakes, prepared food, etc., icream just occasionally for the children. In mentining women you "admire for their beautiful complexions", you did not mention any women of "color"  Your avatar, now that IS a VERY BEAUTIFUL PICTURE, so you can include yourself there! Much blessings and peace to you and yours. |
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Post by SatiyaH on Jun 15, 2004 6:42:02 GMT -5
I think she did say it when she said "especially for a caucasian" because even I have to live with hearing "black don't crack" even though I've seen tons of cracked black  I totally agree with diet and the expense of eating properly! I've been taking Omega 3 supplements for a few years now, now they got Omega 5  I've totally cut back on meats, and am beginning to cut them out altogether. I've recently planted my own garden--mainly as a means for relaxation and to "get back to mother nature" but I truly cannot wait until the first time we get to eat from it! I got the compliment of a lifetime this past weekend-- my dog had surgery (spayed) and something came up about the kids which made attention to my age. This man in line with his doggy said "4 kids, my god how old are you?" I don't think he meant it that abruptly but I laughed and said "I'm 31". He said NO WAY and the tech behind the counter said "Shanda, you are NOT 31! " (suddenly 31 sounded soooooo old) So then to make it worse she says "Dr. Pascal (as she's walking by) Can you believe Mrs. Hodge is 31?!" By then I was totally embarrased thinking, damn--did I take this wrong--maybe I look 40 or something....and the guy says "I would have guessed 23. Dr. Pascal said, "Yeah me too!" and the tech just stared at me and said "Wow, you look great". And you know what! THAT day, I really needed that  Something I never said on her--1Dell made a comment that the pic I had up of me was taken maybe 10 years ago--Nope, It was taken shortly before I posted it Only difference now is I cut my hair. |
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Post by SatiyaH on Jun 15, 2004 9:02:08 GMT -5
Part of the reason why I wanted to create this forum was to discuss the things you just mentioned! After turning 30, which is a big turning point for women, I became much more health concious than before. I attempted a "raw" diet, which the title is misleading because it does not include raw eggs or meat, but instead it means NO MEAT, NO DAIRY and "raw" meaning in it's natural state. I managed a week at that diet and it was the most amazing feeling. Initially I became "ill" which I learned was my body ridding itself of mucous. I experienced 2 days of the most horrible headache and fatigue. Which was my body ridding toxins such as caffeine (which I now strictly avoid) and other toxins that we can encounter thruout our days. By the end of the week, I felt like a whole new person and I loved it! Since then, I am not completely "raw" but about 85% raw. For breakfast I have a smoothie with fresh fruits and chase it with a glass of lemon water with Kyolic Garlic  sounds nastier than it is. Lunch is usually just some fresh fruit or veggies. Snacks are nuts (unsalted unroasted, which are very expensive compared to the Planter's roasted kind) We pretty much shop at Wild Oats. Because my blood type is type O, I have a natural "taste for blood", and I just love me a good ole rare steak! Now, instead of the full portion, I just have maybe an ounce to satisfy my craving. At the most, it's once a month--and I don't cook it here--we find a good steak restaurant, and we share it. I don't eat much fish at all, because I really don't eat much meat and am working towards my goal of 95% raw. I will eat Sushi! YUM So, to get the needed Omega 3's I take the supplements. Cod liver oil capsules are the best, but most "Fish Oils" are pretty good. I take super B complex supplement. I do this for preventive health as well as for health repair. I allowed my system to get "out of whack" and imbalanced. I had zero energy at one point, and consulted a specialist at a health food store. I don't like "taking" pills, even vitamins--but had to accept that being a woman at 30 and counting with 4 kids who I nursed it had taken a toll on me. A multi vitamin supplement, Super B complex, Kyolic garlic, no white sugar, flour, dairy, "false wheat" bread. I don't eat much sweets at all--thus sugar isn't a big deal. I don't like cake, pies, ice cream or bread. I fight Derrick over them, because he LOVES ice cream like a lil kid! If I don't control what he takes in, he will lose all control. It's hard enough taking care of myself--but taking care of a grown man's health can be tough! I told him, I want to grow old TOGETHER, not one off us pass the other up. |
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Post by BalkisII on Jun 15, 2004 10:09:54 GMT -5
Isn't it GREAT to look GREAT at our age?
Imagine some of us can't even afford all those other ESSENTIAL things you mentioned, you will need a job just for that!!!
Don't be a stay at home single parents on a very limited budget. You barely afford the more economical sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, which are a very good source of proteins and calcium, so you make do!
Despite ALL, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL!
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Post by Zakiah Levanah on Jun 15, 2004 13:06:22 GMT -5
Excellent post Anav, and you are correct in saying that: - "it is expensive to maintain this type of diet, but I find that if you replace the ice cream, fast food and restaurant takeouts, white sugar, cooking oils, steaks, tobacco and other harmful things and habits and let this become a lifestyle instead of a diet you can make a significant difference in your life." I don't buy most "normal" foods like cakes, prepared food, etc., icream just occasionally for the children. In mentining women you "admire for their beautiful complexions", you did not mention any women of "color" Your avatar, now that IS a VERY BEAUTIFUL PICTURE, so you can include yourself there! Much blessings and peace to you and yours. Forgive me there are so many woman of color with pretty complections but I don't know if they owe it to there diet or nature. Most of us tend to be blessed with this. Like the girl from Bad Boys 2, beautiful complexion. J'lo is colored isn't she lol. I picked those 2 examples because I know they are on the Pericone Prescription which basically pushes Fish and good veggies for skin care. Thanks for the compliment also. |
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Post by Zakiah Levanah on Jun 15, 2004 13:18:43 GMT -5
I think she did say it when she said "especially for a caucasian" because even I have to live with hearing "black don't crack" even though I've seen tons of cracked black I totally agree with diet and the expense of eating properly! I've been taking Omega 3 supplements for a few years now, now they got Omega 5 I've totally cut back on meats, and am beginning to cut them out altogether. I've recently planted my own garden--mainly as a means for relaxation and to "get back to mother nature" but I truly cannot wait until the first time we get to eat from it! I got the compliment of a lifetime this past weekend-- my dog had surgery (spayed) and something came up about the kids which made attention to my age. This man in line with his doggy said "4 kids, my god how old are you?" I don't think he meant it that abruptly but I laughed and said "I'm 31". He said NO WAY and the tech behind the counter said "Shanda, you are NOT 31! " (suddenly 31 sounded soooooo old) So then to make it worse she says "Dr. Pascal (as she's walking by) Can you believe Mrs. Hodge is 31?!" By then I was totally embarrased thinking, damn--did I take this wrong--maybe I look 40 or something....and the guy says "I would have guessed 23. Dr. Pascal said, "Yeah me too!" and the tech just stared at me and said "Wow, you look great". And you know what! THAT day, I really needed that Something I never said on her--1Dell made a comment that the pic I had up of me was taken maybe 10 years ago--Nope, It was taken shortly before I posted it Only difference now is I cut my hair. Ha ha on "Black Don't Crack" usually it won't if you don't smoke and drink. I can usually tell a Caucasions age in her hands first. The sun is a killer it ages people with less melanin and the fairer you are the more it will age you. My Grandmother was very fair and was pretty wrinkled in her 60's but she had a smooth looking complection. I used to always take the flaxseed oil until it became to costly. I think my mom gave me enough cod liver oil to last my life . I tried the raw food and could not last also. But I did last a while eating 2 raw and one cooked meal. I can't do alot of raw nuts and there is no way I'm soaking beans and eating crunchy brown rice eeeew. The poison starches are hard also, I love WHITE BREAD!! I can bake with wheat flour and eat buckwheat pancakes... but 100% wheat bread yuck, I can eat rye bread though. I try to buy pure sugar cane but I'm guilty of ICE Tea mixes. Wondells son is coming and he said no meat for him at all because he's been misbehaving. Most vegan and low sugar diets promote a better behaved child. So that will save me a little money, they will be rice and beaning and TVP'n it up. I will try to buy a B12 supplement drops and drop it in the kids juice. Me I'm gonna take advantage of the extra money and have me more Tuna Steak, Salmon and Snapper instead of them cheap flounders, whitings and talapia hahaha!!! |
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Post by Zakiah Levanah on Jun 15, 2004 13:30:55 GMT -5
Isn't it GREAT to look GREAT at our age? Imagine some of us can't even afford all those other ESSENTIAL things you mentioned, you will need a job just for that!!! Don't be a stay at home single parents on a very limited budget. You barely afford the more economical sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, which are a very good source of proteins and calcium, so you make do! Despite ALL, LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL! I am going to get some sunflower seeds for sure I always liked them and I'm going to try to sesame seeds. Girl its really hard when you have kids and are a single parent. Its hard when you make what I call the slipping through the cracks income 20-30k with kids ain't jack and you can't get help on medical, or daycare in some states. Thats why I'm such a good cook. I can make a stew out of what others complain is nothing to eat. I can make 3-4 styles of rice an beans and I was born in america. And I can make 100 types of chicken lol which I'm sure many black or just broke folks can brag on. Now that I'm trying to maintain healthy I'm going to try to bake more breads and muffins keep everyone full so they won't notice meats are missing I can add nuts here and they will be easier for me to eat. |
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Post by SatiyaH on Jun 15, 2004 13:42:59 GMT -5
I'm a "sales shopper" myself. I catch the Fish Oil supplements when they are buy one bottle, get one free. I've cut out the bad and replaced the good and learned there is plenty of money for the good! It does appear to be more expensive to buy healthy, but buying in bulk helps. We buy our granola, nuts, seeds etc. in bulk by the pound or whatever measurement.
I owe much of my youthful appearance to genetics and proper care. My mother has aged well. I don't smoke or drink which greatly ages your body. Cigarette smoke will hit you all at once! Funny, because back in my earlier (teen) years, people started to smoke to "look older" and then voila--they look older! My girl smoked since she was 14. She is 31 and looks 45. Wrinkles around her eyes "laugh lines", dry skin. I tell her to give up the smokes.
Moisturizing really helps. That's my godmother's (who is black)"secret". She is 76 years old...I can't really say what age she looks because she is obviously older--I mean your skin can look great, but the eyes are the dead give away. Her skin is nice and smooth--the wrinkles are only in her neck and upper arms.
I always hated the phrase "looks good for that age" because that really isn't a compliment! Yeah, I mean--I feel I look good for 31, but I'd rather just look good period, not look good for 31. My mom looks good for 55, but hell--she's still 55. Lookin' good doesn't change the clock at all. I compliment her, but she is still not happy about being 55. Derrick's mom looks great "for 60", but she is still 60 and it frustrates her.
Derrick has an adopted sister who is 46 and chases young men to hold on to her youth---funny thing is the younger the man, the older she looks! She was messing with this younger man--33 and he would tell Derrick--man, your sister is nuts--I can't get any peace, every night she grabbing "it" and trying to get some. He wound up leaving her, of course. Not "because" she was older, but because she got on his nerves...but then he later said he'd never mess with an older woman again.
I enjoy being 31. I looked forward to 30 when I was in my late 20's. I think 30-35 is the age when women get the most respect from men. It's also a woman's "sexual peak" but we're not allowed to talk about that on her no mo'. (LOL) I'm also very glad to have had my kids early on. When my youngest turns 18, I will have just turned 46 and Derrick will be 44 and we plan to REALLY ENJOY LIFE kid free!
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