Secrets to a youthful appearance in our mellow years

* One of the ways to a youthful appearance as I approach 70, is to “think young, and dress youthfully”, although I refrain from dressing like a ‘teeny bopper’!! I like vibrant colors and tops with jeans, when appropriate. I never wear my clothes too tight or revealing and I think youthful thoughts!!

* As we age, the digestive system slows down, therefore it is important to eat foods that have a short digestive period, ie an orange takes 15 minutes to digest, while a banana takes two hours and so does fish, where as red meat takes 48 hours to digest. This long digestive process saps our energy and slows down our activities. The best foods are greens (uncooked or steamed), fruits, grains, such as quinoa and brown rice, nuts (raw), seeds and at least 32 ounces of water daily. I am a follower of the Dr. Ann Wigmore Program (raw foods), which I highly recommend. See the web site of the Ann Wigmore Institute of Natural Health in Aguada, Puerto Rico. Remember, you are what you eat!!!

* Positive thinking is paramount for living on a higher plane. Negative thoughts pass my mind all the time, but I have learned not to allow them to “rent space in my head”, as my sister, Mary is fond of reminding me, “You are what you think”!

* Spirituality is important to staying youthful. It helps to keep me balanced, knowing that “everything comes to past and all things work together”, for my greater good. One writer put it this way: “Religion”, he says, “is for those who anticipate going through the fire. Spirituality is for those who have gone through the fire”! I like to think that I am endowed with both!!! Whatever your mind can conceive, you can believe. Watch Joel Osteen on Sundays or see web site for more information.

* Rest and exercise are also a part of my routine, and I try to engage in these daily. I have a trampoline by my bedside and I mark rest days on my calendar, that I have to give myself permission to take time to reconnect, rebuild and rejuvenate!!

* Alternative therapies are a valuable part of my lifestyle. All prescription medications have side effects, from causing impotence for men to excess weight for women. Enemas and colonics are primary among my non-traditional healing techniques.The body is 70% water and needs to be in flow at all times. Many illnesses can be remedied by opening the body up by flowing water into the colon to relieve constipation from toxic foods. Notice how rice and potatoes (starches) stick to the pot?? Well, they stick to the colon as well. Miracle II (see web site), is an alternative “supplement” of choice and it’s healing properties are phenomenal!!!!

Admittedly, Hog Plum, I am not perfect, but a work in progress and I am grateful to the good and gracious God, who has my back and yours!!!

Thank you for your letter to the editor and your question, that inspired this article!!

Dr. Laura Lyons is a job developer extraordinaire for Cal Works at Berkeley City College, Berkeley, Ca. where she teaches resume writing, job interviewing skills and places students in jobs. She will be hosting a job fair on November 19, 2010 at Berkeley City College. Dr. Lyons was selected for “Who’s Who Among Business Women in America” in 2009. She is a master motivator, author of “Lyons Guide to the Career Jungle”, and CEO of Career Dynamics. She is available for consultation at [email protected].