Earlier this year, I introduced the Women of Grace series. I debuted the series with Jeannie of Gracefully 50. I started this blog to highlight spiritually mature ladies who 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 bodies. It is no big surprise that as we age, the body functions decline and 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 a 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 had 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, how Liz is aging with beauty, health, and grace.
She Sees the World:
Lady Liz, retired for nearly 10 years, has become a world traveler, not just international travel but extensive United States travel. 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 the U.S.,
Health:
Pre-diabetic diagnosis a few years ago. 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 suggested some life-changing simple things to do to ward off advances to becoming a full-blown diabetic.
The nutritionist taught Liz to interchange foods to maintain proper calorie and sugar balance daily. Over the last 20 years, Liz has avoided red meat and pork, which, if eaten in excess, contribute significantly to high blood pressure and diabetes. Lady Liz eats nothing fried, no butter or margarine. Her only issue is with a sweet tooth. She was on one medication, which she no longer takes, but she is still monitored by a medical professional to ensure it is under control.
The nutritionist also recommended joining a gym. Lady Liz started going to the gym five days a week. Lately, she has gone to the gym at least three days a week but now walks three to four days a week and works in her garden in the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Another word of advice: We black women don’t drink enough water. Liz learned to substitute sodas, coffee, and iced teas with water.
Beauty Secrets:
Liz usually doesn’t use make-up/foundation or even mascara on a typical day. Her preferred facial cleansing regimen is to wash her skin with Dove. Her only go-to product is Vitamin E. She occasionally uses gloss for her lips but mentioned she could do without it. In her earlier years, she wore no make-up, just lipstick, and out the door. Over the last few years, Liz noticed eyebrows were thinner and spruced them up. She doesn’t consider herself a make-up person; she wears lipstick and is out the door unless going to a special event.
Weight Maintenance: How have you been able to ward off the dreaded “middle” at this stage?
Liz learned to drink lots of water, avoid simple carbs (bread, cakes, candy), and “always be mindful of what you eat. Eat early rather than late because you have time to burn off calories.” “I used to wear artificial sweaters. She uses a small amount of sugar in her morning cup of Joe to curb her desire for something sweet.”
Importance of her faith; “I can do all things with Christ that strengthens me.”
You must love yourself, not allow yourself to gain excessive weight, and 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?
She monitors her weight and does weekly blood pressure self-checks. She continues to check her blood sugar levels even though she is no longer pre-diabetic. She watches what she eats daily and sees her medical professional every three months to make sure all is well.
Lady Liz, thank you for sharing your story. I hope your story motivates someone to make some life-changing moves now to live healthier. I hope Liz’s story encourages you 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.