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Hi Kathy. I enjoy Smart Living 365. What brand of CBD oil works for you in your VLOG?
Thanks, Mary
Great vlog, you two. You’re becoming YouTubers, with a dedicated following. A healthy diet, enough sleep, and activity (exercise) are a key to feeling good. After a few crappy nights on parking lots, I hope tonight will be a decent one for me… Eating healthy food has always been important to us (we add 2Tbs of ground flaxseeds to our daily meals) and, now that we’re back on the road, daily walks and/or hikes are becoming prominent again. Being in nature and away from people helps us with our sanity! 🙂
Mark tries to make and drink a shake every day, to get more calories in him (he’s way too skinny): almond or oat milk, honey, cocoa powder, peanut butter, and banana. We don’t have the space for more ingredients. 🙂
Hi Liesbet! Thank you. We’re trying to make it fun and hope people enjoy the effort. And yes, it’s nice to have a few subscribers 🙂 I’m guessing many of my readers like you have a healthy thing going for you and not surprised to hear that you are eating right and ALWAYS get good exercise. But you do have a challenge to fit a large number of ingredients in Zesty to make a smoothie every day. I’m grateful for my large fridge every single day! ~Kathy P.S. I am loving your photos of autumn on FB and look forward to another blog post when you can fit it in!
Great video Kathy and Thom! I’m a smoothie fan — not every day (especially in the winter) but a definite regular although my “recipes” are much simpler. I keep a powder mix (ginger, tumeric, cinnamon, dark chocolate, flax powder, oat bran and chia seeds) in my fridge and then grab a mix of frozen and fresh fruit and greens with non-dairy milk options. And a variety of activity options: walk, bike, garden. I also use a sun lamp (given the winter here) which helps regulate mood and sleep patterns. I’d add – a hobby that shows progress as a sanity tool — building or repair projects, jigsaw puzzle). Anyway, thanks for sharing your thoughts – and for the action-packed vlog.
Hi Janet! Oooh..I love adding dark chocolate to your smoothie. And I can see the advantage of a sun lamp or other light spectrum lamp for shorter winter days. I can’t imagine how I would get by in a climate where I couldn’t get out in the sunlight 95% of the time. Talk about cranky! 🙂 And thanks for letting us know you liked our more action-oriented blog. It is challenging to find new ways to share ideas. ~Kathy
I’ve been a little nervous about trying CBD because it’s difficult to find a trusted brand. Could you possibly share yours?
Hi Bobi! I’ll send you an email. But do research it yourself. Everyone is different so what works for me might not work for you. Still, I think some things are worth a try. Good luck. ~Kathy
Loved the VLOG and the smoothie looked delicious! I have a NutriBullet but have never been motivated to make smoothies-seeing how you two enjoyed it, I will definitely try it again!
Can you please send me the CBD information.
(I tried the gummy.).
I do look forward to Friday mornings when I receive Smart365, so informative!!
Hi Susan. Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the vlog. We are never quite sure so feedback is good. And do give the smoothies a try. They do take some effort to get started but so worth it once you do. (and I’ll send you an email with the CBD link) I don’t want SMART Living to be a commercial. ~Kathy
Loved seeing you guys on the video! Thom would you send me your Smoothie recipe, please.
My C-pap allows me great sleep. I take the CBD oil to lower my blood sugar. I was taking it with breakfast but, I was having a sugar low by lunch time. I’ve switched to taking it with dinner which is working. Thom, don’t sweat 67; I’m pushing 76!
Love & joy,
Tisha
Hi Tisha! Nice to hear from you. Glad you found a way to get good sleep–we are all different so it’s good to find what works for us. But didn’t know CBD oil helps with blood sugar–I’ll have to research that more cuz I can use the help. And happy 76 to you! ~Kathy
This was your most adorable Vlog! I was just talking with a friend about what keeps you sane during this pandemic. You 2 have highlighted some great tips for healthy easy sanity all the time but especially during a pandemic where we have everyday restrictions.
BUT!!!!! Thom needs to have a helmet on all the time on any bike. I use to call on Brain Surgeons in my former work life and bike injuries keep these folks in business. Enough said!
Hi Haralee! Oops you got caught among the other comments so i’m just seeing this. Glad you liked our blog and thanks for watching. And yeah, wearing a bike helmet can be VERY important so I’m learning to love mine but Thom has memories of riding a kazillioin miles without one in his 60+ years and what’s the saying, “Hard to teach an old dog new tricks?” Thanks for your advice though…. ~Kathy
Here you go…for those who requested my Smoothie recipe:
I use a NutriBullet blender and this recipe is for one (large) serving.
1. 3-4 ounces of coconut water
2. 2 tablespoons of chia seeds
3. 1 small scoop of Dr. Ax Collagen (mix these 3 together and let soak 5 minutes or more)
4. 1 quarter avocado
5. ½ apple
6. 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar (less if you taste in your smoothie)
7. 1 Medjool date
8. 1 large piece of celery
9. 1 medium carrot
10. 3-4 tablespoons of blueberries
11. Other berries if available – I usually add raspberries or strawberries
12. A few grapes if in season
13. 1/2 -1 banana depending upon size
14. ½ tablespoon of almond butter
15. ½ cup of red cabbage
16. Small piece of fresh ginger
17. 1 tablespoon of liquid probiotics or 1 capsule if no liquid available
18. 1 capsule of Zinc – during Covid for us
19. 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
20. 4-5 ounces of almond milk/drink
21. 1 cup of power greens
Comments: Plain yogurt can be added in any desired amount and use less almond milk to make creamier. More power greens can be added for people that want to get more greens and usually do not eat as many salads as we do. Remember to just play with portion sizes and add ingredients of your choosing. Also fyi…we purchase everything organic if possible and Costco has been a very good source. Tips…freeze your power greens, bananas and berries to keep fresh much longer. Have fun…
HI, Kathy and Thom – I absolutely loved the interactive video. Awesome!
Your ideas are spot on – nourishing our bodies, moving it (or losing it) and ensuring a good night’s sleep are all essential.
Other important habits that I know you incorporate into your daily life include gratitude, curiosity, hydration and relationships-relationships-relationships (quality vs quantity).
Great V-Log!
Hey Donna! Thanks…and why am I NOT surprised to hear you mention gratitude? So true my friend. When we are grateful it focuses our minds on all the good things in our lives and that makes a world of difference. I’ll bet every single person reading this blog could come up with a BUNCH of things to do that would be helpful and beneficial but they all sort of pale when it comes to being thankful for the life we have been given. Thank you for that! ~Kathy
All good advice, I guess, altho’ for me, the smoothie ain’t gonna cut it. I need something to chew in the morning. I always have fruit, and then raisin bran is my go-to. But I love the way you’ve reframed exercise into activity — you’re right; it’s more fun! — and I always like how the two of you banter and kind of pick up on each other. Good job!
Hi Tom! Yeah there is definitely a lack of chewing with the smoothie, unless a seed gets left in there and that isn’t good. But they do fill me up…they aren’t wimpy by any means and we last until noon before a light lunch. And who knows? One of these days you might want to refer back to the recipe. And glad you liked the banter. We are actually better directors than we are actors so sometimes we have to do several “takes” before we end up with one that we both like. Still, we are trying to make them fun and it’s nice to hear when people appreciate the effort. ~Kathy
I think your video experiment was a great success! It was fun to see you two in your outdoor environment. I agree with all three suggestions. I definitely need to find ways to help me get the sleep I need. I don’t want to take meds so the CBD might be something to try. It would be great to get both your smoothie “recipe” and the brand of CBD you use.
Hi Janis! Thank you. We had fun mixing this one up a bit. I sent you an email with your “requests” and please ask me if you have any questions. I know our suggestions aren’t rocket science but I think it is helpful to share any ideas we all come across. Thanks for checking in here! ~Kathy
Hi guys,
This post was interesting. I would like to know how you make your smoothie. Would you share the recipe and method that you use? I like that it doesn’t appear to have a lot of fruit and sugar in it. I look forward to zen of the morning process myself. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you,
Hi Cheri,
I sent you an email with the recipe and Thom is posting it here for everyone. He really does call it his zen meditation…but I call him the mad scientist as he “works” his brew. 🙂 He used to add more fruit to it that made it even sweeter but I also have to watch my sugars so he’s cut it back and there is probably room to cut more if needed. Blueberries and banana is our basics though and I wouldn’t want to miss those! If you try it let us know. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy (& Thom),
This recipe and your tips are so welcome. I’m printing it off & will be prepping to start blending this weekend. I’ll let you know after I give it a try. And I’ll watch for the CBD drops to go on sale. Sleeping through the night has been a lost cause for months. How did you know ;)? Thank you for all that you both share. I’m grateful. Cheri
You’re so welcome Cheri! And let me know how it goes for you. We’re all in this together, right? ~Kathy
You two are a joy and delight! Thank you for sharing your video of helpful suggestions. My partner and I have changed our diet in the past several months to become more plant based for our health needs. We spend as much time outdoors as possible doing “activities”. My husband runs and I walk. Often times we walk together several times a week. Sometimes when we get near the end of our walk we skip to see the we still can, and to feel young! It is fun and usually makes us smile! On Sundays we ride our bicycles.
In addition, I asked for a pickle ball set for my birthday. We have started hitting the ball around, but have not played a game. Baby steps. We limit the amount of time we do it, and always leave when we each have had success on returning the ball across the net. (My partner played tennis as a child and young adult so he has more skills and knowledge he can relate to pickle ball.) I want to learn gradually and don’t see myself becoming obsessed over the game, but want to have fun with it.
Hi Ruthie! Good for you for changing your diet. I think the more we can all continue to tweak it towards better health for ourselves and the planet the better. And you know I’m a big cheerleader for getting outside, walking and riding bikes. I haven’t tried the skipping yet thought…that’s for that suggestion.
We did pick up pickleball a couple of years ago and I liked it quite a bit but we have to play on public courts and a lot of people there are extremely competitive. (and yes obsessive!) I tend to be a social fun-motivated player and the competitors sort of intimidate me. I really ought to get back into it though. WE need to find another couple that views it the same as us and we’ll just go and have fun. If you lived close to me we could set something up. But do give it a try, it can be great “activity” and fun too. Thanks for your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, these are all solid suggestions that form a great base for living well in retirement and especially during Covid. I try to maintain a similar routine which allows for spontaneity and balance. I start my day with a protein shake, followed by activity/exercise, and rest comes easily for me right now. Malcolm has trouble sleeping and the CBD is an option he is considering. It is good to know it works for you.
I would add that it helps to do something each day that will leave you feeling accomplished. I am amazed at how satisfying it feels to reorganize the pantry or de-clutter a closet.
The other thing I would add is to be extra sensitive to your partner’s needs. We are all processing life differently right now and our emotions slide from needing additional space to craving comfort and hugs in the span of 24 hours.
Hi Suzanne! You add a great idea–at least for those who value accomplishment! I agree that I always seem to feel better when I check some of those items I’ve wanted to complete off my check list.
And I also agree about being sensitive to our partners. The best thing about this pandemic (IMHO) is that it has allowed me/us to get past that initial of WTH??? and sort of settle into our new routines. We spend a lot of time together and learning how to navigate circumstances is a big part of a happy relationship huh? And YES! to frequent hugs…I never want to take it for granted that I/we get that tactile when not everyone does.
Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
Hi,
I am working on a lifestyle that is anti-cancer, having had two bouts with that disease. But I know it’s a lifestyle that is good for all.. it includes healthy eating, more vegetarian meals, activity, sleep, socialization, meditation, journaling… I have a breakfast that is good, but my husband doesn’t like it, so maybe I will try the smoothy and see if it works for him too. Would you send the smoothy recipe? I’d also like to know the source for the CBD oil you use. That sounds like just the ticket.
Thanks!
Hi Jackie! Congratulations for being healthy after cancer. I applaud your changes to stay healthy and agree with them all. I’ve sent you an email with the recipe and link so let me know if/how it works for you. Thanks for your comment. ~Kathy
Hi – great suggestions! I just (last week) started making smoothies and they are perhaps similar to yours, not juicy based, but some combination of almond milk or butter, yogurt, kale/spinach, blueberries, flax and/or chia seeds, maple syrup from our trees. Perhaps you could share your ingredients? Activity is important. We walk (with our canine buddy) most days, and I do weights/yoga/stretches. Walking in the woods is therapeutic for the soul as well as body, but I miss swimming laps. I dream about it, and can’t wait for it to be safe enough to return to the pool. No more outside lake/pond swimming now that the weather is changing. You didn’t mention socializing. How about zoom book group? Mine meets once a month. Most of my group travel to second homes both summer and winter (not me!), so we are happy to have found a medium to always meet, even when the virus is gone! Other zoom activities have kept me connected to family and community. But I admit that I am still feeling very stressed. Thank you for your upbeat suggestions.
Hi Annie! Be careful! YOu just might become as addicted to your smoothie as I am to mine. I have to watch my sugars so haven’t tried the maple syrup but that sounds tasty. I’ve sent you the recipe by email so you can compare it to your own.
And isn’t walking in nature one of the best? I can’t imagine not being able to be outside as often as we have been in the last 7 months, so glad to hear that’s working for you too. I do like swimming but haven’t had access (and not into ocean swimming) so that hasn’t been on my list. But I do zoom very regularly with a group of other bloggers and lots of Happy Hours with friends. I agree that staying connected with friends is critical. Thanks for all your thoughts on our Vlog. ~Kathy
All important things! I walk, too, and bicycle when the weather is right for it. (I’m hoping to get an electric-assist bicycle soon.) For winter days when we can’t walk, we have an elliptical — not too bac with books on tape or podcasts. I agree with Ann (comment above) that the next vlog ought to be Thom making the smoothie!
One thing I love about retirement is getting enough sleep! My husband and I both wake up in the middle of the night. I turn on an app that reads me a story that puts me back to sleep (I use Calm, but there are others, too). My husband gets up and does his meditation in the middle of the night. Both work!
I’d add: keep in touch with friends in some way! Email, phone calls, FaceTime, Zoom, whatever — none of it is as good as physical presence, but it’s a darned sight better than nothing.
Thanks, Kathy and Thom!
Hi Nancy! We strongly recommend an e-bike. We’d heard about them for years but finally took the plunge this year and are SO-O happy we did because they are really fun. I end up going twice as far because I can…and I’m not afraid or intimidated by hills any more either. Also I can keep up with Thom much easier. Obviously with his history he can outbike me…but now I have power and keep up. Let me know if I can offer any advice.
Good for you for having a way to get your sleep. I REALLY think that makes a huge difference for us all…and the meditation works for all sorts of things doesn’t it. And yes to Zooming. That has also made a real difference in our lives as well. Thank YOU for stopping by and sharing your tips. ~Kathy
I think that palm trees are essential. The next edition of the vlog should be Thom making the smoothie. And then on to more joint cooking projects. Throw in your words of wisdom on top of that. ?
Hi Ann! Yes, the palm trees are a nice touch aren’t they? And I’m glad you liked our “first” try at a cooking demonstration. That idea just makes me laugh! As for our words of wisdom…we mostly just say what we need to hear. Thanks for watching! ~Kathy