All Posts

If you’re like many people, dementia is one of the greatest fears associated with aging. In Canada, more than 750,000 people are living with Alzheimer's or another form dementia, and that number continues to grow. While there is no cure, the Alzheimer Society of Canada emphasizes that lifestyle choices can play an important role in brain health and risk reduction. “There is growing evidence that adopting healthy lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of developing dementia

After 10 years of doing this, I've noticed an annual pattern... December leaves us wrung out, January shows up with a long list of things we’re “supposed” to fix about ourselves, and by the time February rolls around most of us are quietly wondering why it’s already starting to feel hard again. Here’s what I want you to know: There is nothing wrong with you. If motivation actually worked, we’d all be sleeping better, eating well, moving daily, and checking off our goals witho

Pre-sliced smoked salmon is a convenient source of high-quality protein, omega-3s and other essential nutrients that can elevate the taste of so many things. This quick pasta dish is a great example. A splash of cream lends a touch of richness while keeping this dish on the light side, and toasted pine nuts, lemon juice, and herbs add dimension. Green peas or asparagus tips would also be welcome. While smoked salmon is high in sodium, a little goes a long way. Do taste before

With the New Year here, there’s so much pressure — December had us trying to make the holidays magical for everyone, and now January not-so-quietly tells us we need to overhaul our lives and “do better.” I’m opting out of that mindset this year. Instead, my New Year’s resolution is simple, realistic, and actually enjoyable: sleep. Instead of more rules and resolutions, I’m choosing one simple priority to start the year: sleep. Somewhere in middle age, sleep quietly moves fro

Crispy Sheet Pan Chicken with Potatoes, Broccoli, and Carrots Serves 4   Sheet pan-roasted chicken thighs is a no-brainer of a dinner if ever there was one. They’re an excellent and convenient source of protein and, unlike chicken breasts, stay tender and juicy even if they’re slightly overcooked. This one-pan, whole-meal recipe, adapted from the Simply Recipes website, shows how to keep the skin extra-crispy by first placing the thighs skin-side down on a pre-heated pan, the

If the phrase “New Year’s Resolution” makes you groan instead of cheer, you’re not alone. For many of us — juggling work, family, aging parents, grandkids, and our own health — January feels less like a fresh start and more like a performance review. Suddenly we’re supposed to fix everything all at once: our bodies, our schedules, our eating, our mindset… no wonder so many resolutions quietly disappear by mid-February. What if this year you tried something different — small,

Here’s a handy recipe for any time of year. We always need healthy, delicious CHOCOLATE, right? Great for breakfast or snacking, and fun to bake with little visitors. Makes 12. From Tastes Better from Scratch.   INGREDIENTS: • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour • 2/3 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup granulated sugar • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder • 1 teaspoon baking soda • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon • 1/4 teaspoon salt • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips • 2 large organic eggs •

People are living longer than ever, but not always better. There’s a 13-year gap between lifespan and “healthspan,” the years we spend in good health. Closing that gap is one of the biggest opportunities of our time, especially since adults over 65 soon will outnumber those under 18. AARP CEO Dr. Myechia Minter-Jordan recently outlined five lessons for aging well: recharge your mind daily, move your body, set new goals, think beyond retirement, and build community. Each one m

Makes 6 heaping cups   If you’re wracking your brain for a last-minute edible gift for a health-minded friend, bypass the cookies and fudge and whip up a batch of this low-sugar, high protein granola instead.  Dried cranberries, crystallized ginger, and fragrant warm spices give this blend a holiday vibe. But the basic formula can easily be customized with whatever nuts, seeds, and dried fruits you have on hand. Package in jars or small bags labeled and tied with ribbon. But

Anytime we think about gratitude, most people often put their health high on the list.   And not much boosts your health quite like healthy habits – including regularly exercising, eating right, sleeping well, and managing stress.   It’s always a good time to express gratitude. And here are a few more items to add to your gratitude list, all related to how fitness enriches our lives at any age. Can you think of any others?   You ’re never too old to start exercising and see

Hot, gooey artichoke dip is a reliable party-pleaser. This version, lightly adapted from Martha Stewart’s website, delivers just as much satisfaction without any guilt. Just whirl everything together in the food processor or blender and you’re good to go. Plain Greek yogurt — full-fat or no-fat — stands in for the mayo; the reserved marinade from the artichokes supplies seasonings and tang; a few anchovies (or anchovy paste) give it a boost of umami; and a generous handful of

Here’s a gentle reminder I could probably tape to my own forehead this time of year: Rest matters. A lot. I talk a lot about workouts, consistency, and “not losing momentum,” especially around the holidays. But here’s the part that doesn’t get nearly enough attention: the good stuff from your workouts actually happens after you’re done. Muscles rebuild when you rest. Energy comes back when you pause. Progress depends on recovery. And it’s not just about your body. December h

Refreshing as it is in the heat of summer, a pitcher of sangria fits right in with a holiday spread as well by adjusting the fruits and flavors to the season. This recipe shows how you can easily turn that concept into a healthy mocktail by swapping pomegranate juice for the red wine and supplementing with freshly brewed tea and cinnamon sticks. Vary the fruits to your desires: cranberries, grapes, pears, pineapple chunks. Cranberry juice could be used instead of pomegranate

I’ve always believed age is much more about outlook than the number on your birthday cake—but this weekend gave me the perfect reminder. On Saturday, my husband and I were supposed to go to an alt-rock concert together in Edmonton. Think loud, sweaty, political, and full of energy. The kind of show that makes your ears ring for two days. The crowd? Mainly 18–30-year-olds, a few dozen Millennials and a handful of Gen X'ers like me —a 58-year-old woman who still loves a good wa

The holiday season can be a tough time to stick to a healthy diet, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan. This festive salad on the table ensures no one will feel deprived. Heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich wild rice provides an earthy, nutty-tasting base for a colorful mélange of cool-weather produce. Apples, pears, pomegranate arils, and any kind of nut could also make themselves at home here. Serves 4. – Susan Puckett Dressing: • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice • 1 tables

Every December, I hear the same thing: " I’ll get back on track in January.” "This month is just too busy.” “I’ll start fresh after the holidays.” If that sounds familiar, you’re definitely not alone. But here’s the truth I want to offer you today: December doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful. You don’t need a full workout plan or a meticulously prepped fridge to feel good this month. What matters most right now is momentum — even tiny bits of it. And I’ll be honest… I

Who’s your favourite superhero? Maybe it’s Wonder Woman, Thor, or Superman. But if you’re over 50 and working on your health, you’ve already earned the cape, even if you’ve never worn one. Real-life superheroes show up, day after day, and do the hard things. And in fitness, that means working out even when it’s uncomfortable or you’d rather be doing something else. Take Jerry, for example. He ran his first Spartan Race at age 75. He trained for months, modified movements to p

This rustic Turkish-inspired recipe is adapted from one in Christopher Kimball’s “Milk Street Shorts: Recipes That Pack a Punch.” It is a great example of how you can add flavor to simmered chicken with a couple of spices and pantry staples. The trick is to brown the tomato paste with the olive oil and garlic first to the point that it looks like it’s beginning to burn. A simple green salad and hunk of crusty bread complete the meal. Serves 4-6. – Susan Puckett Ingredients •

Have you ever noticed that sometimes the things that feel good in the moment don’t actually move you closer to feeling your best? That’s the difference between self-soothing and self-care . Self-soothing is about comfort right now. Think: Curling up with a blanket and Netflix A glass of wine at the end of a long day Treating yourself to dessert There’s nothing wrong with any of these. In fact, we all need ways to soothe ourselves in stressful moments. But here’s the catch:

Ingredients: ·         2 cups oat flour ·         1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips ·         1 tsp baking soda ·         2 tsp baking powder ·         1 1/4 tsp cinnamon ·         1/2 tsp salt ·         2/3 cup maple syrup ·         2 large eggs, room temperature ·         1/3 cup of oil or melted unsalted butter ·         1 cup unsweetened applesauce ·         1/2 cup of unsweetened milk Directions: • Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Line a muffin tin with liners; set aside. •