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As we age, taking care of our skin becomes even more important. Women over 40 often focus on hydration, anti-aging treatments, and sun protection, but one factor that is sometimes overlooked is the impact of alcohol on skin health. While a glass of wine or a cocktail can be an enjoyable part of life, it’s essential to understand how alcohol can affect your skin and overall complexion. In this blog post, we’ll explore the effects of alcohol on the skin, especially for women ov

Do you feel the need to constantly be productive? Do you feel guilty for taking some down time? For women over 40, balancing career, family, and personal commitments can make it difficult to carve out time for yourself. But sometimes, it's not only okay to have a day of doing absolutely nothing—it’s necessary. Taking time to recharge and practice self-care is crucial for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In this blog post, we’ll explore why allowing yourself a

In the quest for optimal health, many of us are on the lookout for powerful compounds that can boost our well-being. One such compound gaining attention is sulforaphane . Found primarily in cruciferous vegetables, particularly broccoli sprouts, sulforaphane is celebrated for its numerous health benefits. In this blog post, we’ll explore what sulforaphane is, its benefits, and how you can easily incorporate it into your diet. What is Sulforaphane? Sulforaphane is a naturally o

When it comes to cardiovascular workouts at the gym, choosing the right exercise can significantly impact your fitness journey. Running on the treadmill, using an exercise bike, and swimming are all effective forms of cardio, but each offers unique benefits and considerations. This article compares these three popular cardio options to help you determine which is best for you. 1. Running on the Treadmill Benefits: Calorie Burn : Running is one of the highest calorie-burning e

Starting running is a great way to get fit, especially for women over 40. Not only does running improve physical health, but it also enhances mental well-being. The runner's high is real! If you’re ready to lace up your sneakers and work towards completing a 5K, this guide will provide you with the essential tips to safely and effectively build your running routine. 1. Consult Your Doctor Before starting any new exercise program, especially if you’re over 40, it’s crucial to

When it comes to achieving fitness goals, whether it’s building muscle, losing fat, or improving performance, protein shakes are a popular and convenient option. But when is the best time to drink a protein shake to maximize its benefits? Understanding the optimal timing can help you get the most out of your workout and recovery. Here’s what you need to know about when to consume your protein shake. 1. Post-Workout: The Optimal Time for Muscle Recovery One of the best times t

Sunscreen is vital for protecting your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, which can lead to: Premature Aging : UV exposure accelerates skin aging, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Skin Cancer : Regular use of sunscreen significantly reduces the risk of developing skin cancers, including melanoma. Hyperpigmentation : Sun exposure can lead to dark spots and uneven skin tone, which are difficult to treat. To ensure maximum prot

I love the plank! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced fitness enthusiast, incorporating planks into your routine can enhance core strength, improve posture, and even boost your mental resilience. Here’s a look at the benefits of doing the plank, along with tips on how to build up your holding time. (I'm currently at 2 minutes, but aiming for longer!) Benefits of Doing the Plank 1. Strengthens Core Muscles The plank primarily targets your core muscles, including the re

Have you been lifting weights for ages, and now feel frustrated because you don't appear to be toned? Read on! Weight training is one of the most effective ways to build muscle, increase strength, and improve overall fitness. However, many people are frustrated when they don’t see the muscle tone they’re expecting, despite consistent workouts. The reason often comes down to body fat. If you have a higher percentage of body fat, it can obscure the muscles you’re building, maki

As women enter their 40s, the appearance of wrinkles often becomes more prominent. This natural part of aging can be attributed to several factors, including decreased collagen production, hormonal changes, and lifestyle choices. Understanding why wrinkles increase and how to combat them is essential for maintaining youthful, healthy skin. Causes of Wrinkles After 40 Reduced Collagen and Elastin Production Collagen and elastin are proteins that give skin its structure and ela

I have a medical checkup every year. For about 3 years, I was referred to a doctor to monitor my cholesterol levels, which, while not super high, were high enough to warrant supervision. This was surprising because I’m vegetarian, and don’t eat fried food. I guess it was all the chocolate. :( So, I wondered if I could do anything myself to lower my cholesterol. I read somewhere that oat milk was good, and so I swapped the soy milk in my protein shake for oat milk, drank it ev

Small, juicy, and delicious, grapes are more than just a convenient snack—they’re a powerhouse of nutrition. Packed with essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these tiny fruits can offer big health benefits. Whether you prefer them fresh, dried as raisins, or in the form of juice (or wine! ;), grapes are a superfood worth adding to your daily diet. So, why should they be part of your wellness routine? 1. Rich in Antioxidants: Nature’s Defense Against Aging Grapes,

For many women over 40, the idea of going back to school can feel daunting. Questions like, “Am I too old?”  or “Will I fit in?”  often creep in. But here’s the truth: it’s never too late to pursue education and personal growth. In fact, going back to school in your 40s can be one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. Here’s why. 1. You Bring Life Experience to the Table At 40 and beyond, you’ve accumulated a wealth of knowledge and skills from life and work exper

As we age, the skin on our face begins to show signs of wear and tear. Wrinkles, sagging, and loss of elasticity are common concerns for women over 40. While skincare products and treatments can be effective, there’s a natural and accessible practice that can also work wonders for your skin: facial yoga. I came across facial yoga in Japan, when a friend lent me a book of facial yoga exercises. She was a practitioner, and looked around 20 years younger than her real age of 62.

When it comes to self-care, the way you choose to cleanse your body can make a big difference in how you feel throughout the day or night. Whether you prefer the refreshing start of a morning shower or the relaxing indulgence of a nighttime bath, each has its unique benefits. Understanding these benefits can help you make the best choice for your lifestyle, especially as you age. Growing up in the West, I always took showers in the morning. Living in Asia, I started to take n

Skincare routines and beauty products dominate in today's consumer market, making it easy to overlook a simple yet effective way to boost your skin’s health: letting it be exposed to the air. While applying creams, serums, and sunscreen is essential for maintaining healthy skin, giving your skin some time to breathe without layers of products can provide significant benefits. I first came across this idea in a book by a Japanese yoga master. He wrote that we should expose our

In our 40s and beyond, we want to maintain healthy, radiant skin, however, aging can affect skin elasticity, hydration, and tone. One powerful ally in promoting skin health is the humble lemon. This citrus fruit, packed with vitamins and antioxidants, can be a game-changer for women looking to enhance their skincare routine from the inside out. I watched a program in Japan about a family whose main business was growin g lemons. All the women looked so young, and they put the

As women over 40, maintaining energy levels and overall well-being becomes increasingly important to us. One often overlooked yet incredibly beneficial habit that can help restore balance to both body and mind is napping . In fact, the ancient Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang —which emphasizes balance and harmony—perfectly aligns with the idea that sometimes, slowing down and recharging is just as essential as being active and productive. My Chinese friend told me that napp

As we age, we want to retain plump, youthful skin, right? Once we hit 40, our skin starts to lose its natural moisture, elasticity, and plumpness, making it more prone to fine lines and wrinkles. One skincare ingredient that can significantly improve the appearance and health of mature skin is hyaluronic acid. It is an important skincare ingredient in Asian beauty products, and a skincare specialist in Japan recommended that I use it every morning and night. Which I do! Using

Have you heard of the Japanese practice of "Shinrin-yoku?" It means forest bathing, and has gained international recognition for its...