Earlier this year, I introduced the Women of Grace series. I debuted the series with Jeannie of Gracefully 50. The reason I started this blog was to highlight spiritually mature ladies that are aging gracefully and healthy while looking great yet dressing age appropriate. I am sorry to say that too many women especially African American females are leaving this earth too soon, some because of poor choices in their diets, lack of exercise and not being tuned into their body. No big surprise that as we age the body functions decline and do contribute to poor quality of life. However, I believe it is possible to slow down the aging process and we can look to women of grace to see how it should be done.
Everyone, Meet Liz:
I recently reconnected with Liz at a fundraiser, she reminded me of the reason why I started this blog. Liz is managing her weight, not on boatload of medications and she looks fabulous. I met Liz nearly 20 years ago when we attended the same church, I was in awe of how well Liz has stopped the aging clock, she looks the same as I remembered 20 years ago.
I want to share with you through a series of questions about how Liz is aging with beauty, health and grace.
She See’s the World:
Lady Liz, retired for nearly 10 years, has become a world traveler, not just international travel but extensive United States travel as well. Liz has enjoyed over fourteen Caribbean cruises with a love for Aruba, adoring the friendly people, beautiful colors and true blue water. Her 15-day Paris trip was another highlight of her travels where she enjoyed the sights and shopping. Extensive travel in the United States with Key West, Florida, being her fave in U. S.,
Health:
Pre – diabetic diagnosis a few years, How were you able to reverse the diagnosis and come off medications?
The symptoms were there for being pre-diabetic but Liz fought the diagnosis. Once admitting the signs and symptoms were there for being pre-diabetic, it was recommended by her medical professional to see a nutritionist. Liz made the appointment with a nutritionist, who recommended some life changing simple things to do to ward off advances to be a full blown diabetic.
The nutritionist taught Liz how to interchange foods to maintain proper calorie and sugar balance daily. Over the last 20 years, Liz doesn’t eat red meats or pork which contribute greatly to high-blood pressure and diabetes if eaten in excess. Lady Liz eats nothing fried, no butters, or margarine. Her only issue is with a sweet tooth, she was on one medication which she no longer takes medication but still is monitored by medical professional to make sure under control.
Additional recommendations by the nutritionist was to join a gym. Lady Liz started going to the gym 5 days a week. Lately she goes to gym at least 3 days every week but now walks 3 – 4 days a week, works in her garden in the Spring, Summer and Fall.
Another word of advice, we as black women don’t drink enough water. Liz learned to substitute sodas, coffee and iced teas with water.
Beauty Secrets:
On a typical day, Liz normally doesn’t use make-up/foundation or even mascara. Her preferred facial cleansing regiment is just to wash her skin with Dove. Her only go to product is Vitamin E occasionally uses gloss for her lips, but mentioned she can do without. In her earlier years, she wore no make-up, just lipstick and out the door. Over the last few years, Liz noticed eyebrows are thinner and spruces them up. She doesn’t consider herself make-up person, just lipstick and out the door unless going to special event.
Weight Maintenance: How have you been able to ward off the dreaded “middle” at this stage in your life?
Liz learned to drink lots of water, stays away from simple carbs (breads, cakes, candy), “always be mindful what you eat, eat early rather than late because you have time to burn off calories.” “I used to use artificial sweaters, uses small amount of sugar in her morning cup of Joe to curb desire for something sweet.”
Importance of her faith; “I can do all things with Christ that strengthens me.”
You have to love yourself, don’t allow yourself to gain excessive amounts of weight, take responsibility for your body. Liz’s advice: Do you know what you are doing to yourself? Do you know how you are contributing to a poor quality of age as you age?
How do you continue to be in excellent health ?
Monitors her weight, weekly blood pressure self – checks, continues to check her blood sugar levels even though she is no longer pre-diabetic. She watches what she eats daily and continues to see her medical professional every three months to make sure all is well.
Lady Liz, thank you for sharing your story. I hope someone is motivated by your story to make some life changing moves now to live healthier. I hope you are encouraged by Liz’s story especially to make better choices with your diet and exercise. Are you living your healthiest life? Take the Real Age quiz to see!
Nice feature Eugenia. Very encouraging to see other women taking care of themselves and aging gracefully. Nice thing to see that she was able to reverse disease by making lifestyle changes and taking a proactive approach to managing her life! Keep on Liz!
I agree with your comments, bravo to Liz for taking a proactive stance in her health. Thank you for your comment April
Amen to Liz’s testimony. It is great to see other women battling the bulge and keeping their weight under control. I was extremely impressed that Liz was able to turn the table on diabetes. That took a lot of will power. I say, “keep up the good work”, to Liz. She is looking fabulous. J Terry
I was very excited to share Liz’s story. I hope someone is inspired by her lifestyle change.