Smart Passive Income Ideas for Women Over 40 (2025 Edition)

Turning 40 often marks a time of reinvention, reflection, great sadness, weird mood swings, hormonal imbalances, possibly accompanied by great life changes and hopefully a newfound confidence. After all of this, you may find yourself thinking long-term: financial freedom, career pivots, or preparing for retirement on their own terms. What have I done with my life? What does it mean? Do I have purpose? Am I just a slave to money and society? Maybe, but there are other ways to think about things, including the purpose of passive income—money earned with minimal ongoing effort—and how it can be a powerful tool in building the future that you want for yourself.

Whether you’re looking to supplement your income, create the life that you have always wanted, get away from your husband/partner grip or secure financial independence, here are seven smart passive income techniques for women over 40 in 2025. Remember that through this journey you will reveal things about yourself. 

1. Digital Products & Courses

If you’ve built your craft/skills/employment over the years—whether it is in health, parenting, business, design, or even life coaching you have something to offer other people that are just getting started in those fields and now is the perfect time to package your knowledge into e-books, printables, or online courses.  Creating digital products is easier than ever with the introduction of AI into video editing. 

Use platforms like Teachable, Thinkific, or Kajabi for low-cost entry.

Trending niches in 2025 include wellness for Gen X, parenting tips for busy families, how to stay in the US legally, how to a run a household when your staff has been deported, effective and easy digital organization when everything is always changing, and real solid advice for small businesses.

Pro Tip: Evergreen courses continue to sell with minimal updates. Add an AI-generated quiz or chat assistant to modernize your course offering.

Video: Teachable

2. Rental Income (Even Without Owning Property)

Property rental isn’t just for big investors anymore.

• Short-term sublets: If you travel often, rent your home or a room through Airbnb.
• Rent out assets: Storage space, parking spots, or even backyard gardens via apps like Neighbor and Swimply.
• REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts): Earn rental income without owning physical property. Perfect for hands-off investors.

3. Stock Photography or Audio Licensing

Got a creative streak? Your past vacation photos, lifestyle images, or voiceovers could be earning you royalties.

1. Sell photos on sites like Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, or Canva.
2. Voice actors and musicians can license work on sites like Pond5 or Epidemic Sound.

4. Affiliate Marketing

If you have a blog, newsletter, or growing social media account, affiliate marketing can generate steady income.

1. Promote products you already love and use—beauty, wellness, tech, or lifestyle.
2. Use affiliate platforms like LTK, Amazon Associates, or ShareASale.
3. 2025 Trend: Micro-niches (like "fitness for busy women 45+” or “gluten-free empty nester meals”) outperform broad lifestyle content.

5. Dividend Stocks & Index Funds

For something a little different, dividend investing remains a classic. This does require some learning and best to initially speak with a financial advisor or someone you trust.

1. Choose ETFs or dividend-paying stocks that offer regular payouts.
2. Reinvest dividends or use them to cover monthly expenses.

Use platforms like Fidelity, Schwab, or apps like M1 Finance to automate and track your progress. This does require investment and works differently than the other aforementioned items. 

"A stock's capital-gains potential is influenced significantly by what the market does in a given year. Stocks can buck a downward market, but most don't. On the other hand, dividends are usually paid whether the broad market is up or down.

The dependability of dividends is a big reason to consider dividends when buying stock. For example, Procter & Gamble, the consumer-products giant, has paid a dividend every year since 1891. Procter & Gamble's stock price has not risen every year since 1891, but shareholders who owned the stock were still paid dividends during those down years." Fidelity

6. YouTube or Podcast Monetization

If you enjoy sharing stories, tutorials, or interviews, now’s the time to launch a YouTube channel or podcast.

1. Revenue comes from ads, sponsorships, memberships, and affiliate mentions.
2. AI tools now make editing, captioning, and scheduling easier than ever.
3. Focus on topics you’re naturally passionate about—authenticity connects better than polished perfection.
4. Affiliate ads can be very successful if done correctly, stay tuned for more info on how to become a successful affiliate.

7. Print-on-Demand Merch

1. Design fun, empowering, or stylish products—without managing inventory.
2. Use platforms like Printful, Redbubble, or Zazzle.
3. Popular niches: motivational T-shirts, custom planners, or minimalist art prints.

Photo: Zazzle

Final Thoughts

You don’t need a huge audience or a tech degree to start earning passive income. What you do need is clarity, consistency, and the confidence to turn your experience into opportunity.

2025 is the year of ownership and ease. Whether you're building a side income or crafting your next chapter, passive income can help you work smarter—not harder.

Have you started your passive income journey? Share your wins (or challenges) in the comments!

Instant Skinny Coffee Weight Loss Diet Coffee Review

Instant Skinny Coffee (Healthy Coffee) Weight Loss Diet, Fat Burners for Men & Women

RESULTS • COMMENTS • MY FAVORITE

Results will vary for everyone, some people may lose 30-pounds some may gain weight. Each person is different, but don't give up, and just because these products may not work don't give up!
If you end up trying out some, just one or all of the above products, leave comments on this blog I would love to hear your results.

I love coffee and working from home leaves me in a weight loss/gain situation, so after trying each and every one of the above products I would have to say that the Skinny Boost Skinny Coffee- (Vanilla Flavored) Instant Slimming Coffee Blend Made with premium Arabica Coffee, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Green Coffee Bean Extract, and Prebiotics- Supports Weight Loss and Detox-Gluten Free/Keto Friendly, Non-GMO is my favorite!

• Skinny Premium Coffee offers some amazing health benefits and can play a powerful role in supporting weight loss. 
• Specially blended using Arabica coffee and key premium ingredients from around the world that can speed up digestion, reduce bad cholesterol levels, and can actually help shrink fat cells.
• Coffee and extracts have been suggested during research to improve issues associated with major afflictions. 
• Aids in reducing appetite, making you feel fuller so you eat fewer calories. Supports less absorption of nutrients like fat, making you take in fewer calories
• Increases fat burning, so you burn more calories. Perfect for those seeking a healthy, rich, smooth coffee blend, while supporting weight management and increasing metabolism. 
• Additional benefits include improving stamina and endurance, libido enhancement and numerous other restorative benefits.

Above coffee: Skinny Boost Skinny Coffee- (Vanilla Flavored) Instant Slimming Coffee Blend Made with premium Arabica Coffee, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Green Coffee Bean Extract, and Prebiotics- Supports Weight Loss and Detox-Gluten Free/Keto Friendly, Non-GMO!

• Single packed micro-ground instant coffee to conveniently enjoy at home or on the go. Finally, a delicious coffee that's good for you! Enjoy Skinny Premium Coffee with positive health advantages now.
  
  But what's in it? Most skinny Coffee Ingredients include:
  - Green Tea
  - Green Bean Coffee Extract
  - Guarana
  - Lotus Leaf
  - Ginseng

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Mushroom Powder & Slim Mushroom Coffee Bundle

Brand FIT AND FOCUSED PRODUCTS
Item Form Ground
Flavor Organic Colombian Roast Coffee
Caffeine Content Caffeinated
Diet Type Kosher

About this item
Green Tea-Infused Coffee: Naturally Increase Your Daily Calorie Burn and Metabolism
Organic and Kosher Coffee
Ground Micro Roast Packaged With High-Quality Degassing Valve To Preserve Freshness
Imported Colombian Arabica Roasted in a Micro-Batch for Freshness and Quality
Filled with Antioxidants to Help Fight Free Radicals

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Above image: It Works Skinny Brew- 15 servings per bag

Brand It works!
Container type Bag
Product Specifications (Unit) 3.15 Ounce


About this item225 mg Caffeine
Accelerates enhanced thermogenesis to actively burn body fat
Intensifies metabolism and energizes the body to help manage weight
Delivers more than twice the amount of caffeine as regular coffee

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Above image: VitaCup Slim Coffee Instant Stick

Brand VitaCup
Item Form Sticks
Roast Level Medium_roast
Flavor Slim
Caffeine Content Caffeinated


About this item🤗 DIET & METABOLISM: An infusion of Garcinia Cambogia extract, which is naturally derived from the rind of this exotic fruit, complements a healthy diet, as it may help to keep you fuller, longer.
➕ ANTI-SNACKER: This rockstar ingredient is a powerful natural fiber, which helps to promote healthy digestion and can assist your body in feeling fuller, longer.
💊 DAILY VITAMINS: Get your daily vitamins from one cup of coffee. A powerhouse blended vitamin infusion of B1, B5, B6, B9, B12 to make it easy to get nutrients to power your body.
☕ QUALITY COFFEE: Enjoy a smooth, and richly complex, full-bodied medium roast using 100% Arabica beans that are roasted and sealed in the USA.
👍 BREW IT ANYWHERE: Enjoy this brainy blend of premium coffee anywhere and anytime. Each single-serve packet is sealed to preserve flavor and product integrity in the USA.

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Above image: Skinny Boost Skinny Coffee- (Vanilla Flavored) Instant Slimming Coffee Blend Made with premium Arabica Coffee, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Green Coffee Bean Extract, and Prebiotics- Supports Weight Loss and Detox-Gluten Free/Keto Friendly, Non-GMO. (28 Packets)

Brand SkinnyBoost Sticks 28 PackRoast LevelMedium_roastFlavorSkinny Coffee VanillaDiet Type Paleo, Gluten-Free, Vegan

About this itemMADE WITH PREMIUM ARABICA COFFEE: Skinny Boost Skinny Coffee has a smooth, satisfying medium roast profile that uses 100% Arabica beans from South America. Our Skinny Coffee does not need sweetener, it naturally tastes great!
ALL NATURAL SLIMMING COFFEE – Skinny Boost Skinny Coffee is 100% all-natural, Vegan, Non-GMO, Soy, Gluten & Sugar-Free. Our coffee is made up of 100% natural ingredients, no scary chemicals. Keto and Paleo-friendly and perfect for intermittent fasting. And best of all Skinny Coffee tastes delicious!
📚SCIENTIFICALLY proven Skinny Boost Skinny Coffee has Green Tea Extract, Green Coffee Bean, Garcinia Cambogia, and L-carnitine which are key ingredients to help support fitness and weight loss goals.
🍃REACH HEALTH GOALS- Skinny Coffee may help boost the metabolism and increasing energy levels throughout the day and possibly help to suppress the appetite. Consistent use may result in feeling fuller longer and reduce bloat through detox support of the prebiotics.
WE’RE A BRAND YOU CAN TRUST – Skinny Boost is a USA company based out of Austin, Texas. We have been blending teas and coffees and creating healthy products for over 15 years using an all-natural approach to wellness, lifestyle, and nutrition.


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Above image: Rapidfire Rapid Fire Ketogenic High Performance Keto Coffee Pods, Supports Energy and Metabolism, Weight Loss, Ketogenic Diet 16 Single Serve K-Cup Pods

Brand Rapidfire
Ingredients Medium Chain Triglycerides, Himalayan Sea Salt, Organic Grass-Fed Butter, Caffeine
Item Weight 0.64 Pounds
Additives Organic, Gluten-Free


About this itemPremium Fair Trade Coffee pods for enhanced cognition, metabolism, and stronger mental performance
Quickly metabolizes to ketone energy, rather than storing as fat
Organic, Gluten-Free and Soy-Free - Made with grass-fed butter from pasture-raised cows
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RESULTS • COMMENTS • MY FAVORITE


I love coffee and working from home leaves me in a weight loss/gain situation, so after trying each and every one of the above products I would have to say that the Skinny Boost Skinny Coffee- (Vanilla Flavored) Instant Slimming Coffee Blend Made with premium Arabica Coffee, Garcinia Cambogia, Green Tea Extract, Green Coffee Bean Extract, and Prebiotics- Supports Weight Loss and Detox-Gluten Free/Keto Friendly, Non GMO is my favorite!

Results will vary for everyone, some people may lose 30-pounds some may gain weight. Each person is different, but don't give up, and just because these products may not work don't give up! Don't forget to discuss changes with your doctor prior to trying out new products.


If you end up trying out some, just one or all of the above products, leave comments on this blog I would love to hear your results.

Will weight loss surgery work for you?

With claims from doctors that there are no scars, a fast surgery and instant weight loss, why not? But let's cover some of the basics first, before we make an appointment at the local doctor's office:

1. The surgery started many years ago on cancer patients with severe ulcers. Where the doctors removed large parts of the stomach or intestine to help control the cancer patient's ulcers. The doctors noticed that the cancer patients began to loose weight after the surgery, and weight loss surgery was born.
2. Obesity surgery involves manipulating the stomach or/and small intestine in some way.
3. There are two types of surgery used currently for weight loss: malabsorption and restrictive surgery.
4. Malabsorption surgery shortens the length of the small intestine therefore limiting the amount of food that is digested or absorbed.
   
5. Restrictive surgery involves making the stomach smaller. In restrictive surgery a section of your stomach is removed or closed off therefore limiting the amount of food it can hold which also causes you to feel full.

Photo courtesy of: PennMedicine.org

The University of Rochester's Medical Center states that in order to have bariatic surgery you must meet these qualifications:

• BMI (body mass index is determined by your height and weight) of 40
• BMI of 35-39.9 with one of the following obesity related health conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea.
• Absence of any psychiatric disorders
• Absence of any eating disorders
• No active substance abuse
• 21 years of age and older
• History of obesity of at least 5 years or greater
• Documented failed attempts at conventional weight loss programs
• Ability to follow pre-operative and post operative dietary, exercise and behavioral recommendations

To calculate your body mass index visit the University of Rochester's website: URMC.Rochester.edu

Keep in mind like most surgeries there is the possibility of many side effects, for a list of side effect consult your physician or WebMD.

Aside from physical side effects keep in mind the emotional effects of this surgery. Sure you feel fuller and you will begin to drop the pounds if all goes as the ads state. However the underlined behavior not being mentioned is dealing with the emotional patterns that began your weight gain nightmare. So if you decide to take advantage of this new advancement in medical technology, just don't forget about inner emotional self. The self that you buried deep underneath those extra pounds. Remember that your butt may look better for now, however that phases out after some time when the underlined emotions that created all that fat in the first place begin to resurface. Whatever your choice may be, best wishes in a new happy and positive you!

For more information on weight loss surgery, here is a brief list of informative websites:

• WeightLossSurgeryChannel.com
• American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
• National Association for Weight Loss Surgery
• Obesity Help
• Is Bariatric Surgery Right for You?
  

Source:

WebMD's - Is Weight Loss Surgury For You?

Not Your Average Marriage Proposal Video

Check out this fun and all inclusive marriage proposal video. Need ideas on how to do it? This may help. If you have no plans to propose or it has already happened to you  then maybe this will just lift your spirit and bring you back to a place of soulful love!

Video: Isaac's Live Lip-Dub Proposal by RobertaFosse on YouTube

Marriage proposals can be tough, how do you do it? Will it be right? What about the timing? There are so many questions and what ifs. Below are some helpful books that helped me through the process. Salute!

Beyonce Loses 60 Pounds of Baby Weight!

Congrats to Beyonce for losing 60 pounds!  Why waste time after giving birth to a new daughter? Beyonce did not, in fact soon after Blue Ivy's birth in January she began to get ready for her May four concert weekend in Atlantic City, NJ.  Bearing a custom-made Ralph & Russo two-piece midriff, adorned with eye-catching Swarovski crystals fringe.

Image courtesy of: Amazon S3

"Y'all have no idea how hard I worked!" says  the 30-year-old Beyonce to her fans during her May concert at Revel's Ovation Hall.  Strange as it may be, it is comforting to know that even Beyonce has had weight issues and struggled to move forward with weight loss. So congrats to this beautiful woman no matter what her size.

Image courtesy of: ABC7.com

How to re-create yourself? Part 1

This is part 1 of a 3 part series on recreating your life!

Spring is the time for renewal, growth and change. Eastern medicine empahasizes the air for re-creation and balance of oneself begins with the seasons. And dis-ease with oneself may set in when old behavioral patterns become unhealthy and change is not accepted into one's life when it is needed.

Recently the idea of re-creating became constantly evident in every aspect of my life. Re-creation, how do I re-create myself and what does it mean?


There is a saying that states that:
'The only thing you can count on in life is change.'




And although for some of you "I hate change-ers" this can be scary, but really it is true and no matter how hard you try to hang onto today, today will change into tomorrow. And that is good, it is the natural part of life's every changing re-creating of itself.

So what is re-creating oneself?

Re-creating oneself encompasses a dramatic challenging of one's daily habits and beliefs.  Becoming observant of unconscious ways that you treat yourself and others. A few unconscious attributes I have recently became conscious of is:

• How I feel about others
• Negative self talk
• How I apply and where I apply my creative abilities
• How I spend my time
• And positive and negative ways that I care for myself

Taking a thorough inventory of these qualities about myself has opened up my eyes in so many ways to how I operate on an every basis and will overall help me improve myself.



Here are few great books to help you through the process of recreating yourself:

1)   Recreating Your Self   by Neale Donald Walsch

            

2)  Recreating Your Self  : Building Self-Esteem Through Imaging and Self-Hypnosis by Nancy J. Napier

     


3) Flawless! The Ten Most Common Character Flaws and What You Can Do about Them by Louis A. Tartaglia

     

4) The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them by David Richo

           

Why change?

People can change until they take their last breath.
-Alton R. Jorgenson-

Why change if what you are doing is working? Your ability to change is your biggest advantage in life. And unlike an animal we have the ability to create and change our circumstances. And although sometimes it feels as those change is not possible, and stuck may be the word that comes into your mind frequently. And even if the solution isn't what you may think it is I am sure there is "another option" to enjoy your life and become the full wonderful person that you are.

The state of your life is nothing more than a reflection of your state of mind. 

 -Wayne Dyer-

If you feel as though you need a change and you are in the holding pattern, try asking yourself a few questions:

• What is stopping me from making the changes I know I need to make?
• What do I have to loose?
• Will this change bring improvement to my life?
• Are there things in your life that need to happen before this change occurs? If so what?
• Do you really want to change your weight, your life and/or your perception?
• Is this change for you or for someone else?

These questions may help you through your weight loss journey. Becuase part of weight loss is getting in touch with your inner feelings, the ones that are normally stuffed when eating. Be aware of these new feelings and what you really want within your life. And remember if you are having a hard time expressing or dealing with these "extra" feelings seek professional help or check out free support through local groups in your area such as OA (Overaters Anonymous).

Or try out Free Online Chats and Forums:

• FitClick.com
• BuddySlim.com 

Livestrong.com mentions that:
"The Mayo Clinic suggests that many individuals who are trying to lose weight often benefit from behavioral support. If you struggle with motivation or negative eating or lifestyle habits, such as giving in to food cravings or leading a sedentary lifestyle, a peer support group may help you stay motivated. Support groups can help you learn new strategies for long-term weight loss and give you encouragement when you experience difficulties or frustration."


Life is worth the change and although your feet may drag at first things will improve. 


Be the change you want to see in the world.
— Mahatma Gandhi

Pay Attention!

Pay Attention!
Eating. We do it every day; three, four, five times a day or more. We have eaten food since birth, and there are some good and bad feelings associated with eating. It is easy to become numb while eating, which is why some of us eat extra. It is also convenient and acceptable on some levels to try to and eat your feelings away. Today ask yourself how are you feeling? Pay attention to your feelings before, during and after you eat.

Source: Pinterest

Common feelings include:
    Hunger
    Anger
    Loneliness
    Tired

Also known as HALT.  It is easy to get swallowed up by your emotions especially strong emotions like anger, loneliness, self-loathing and even exhaustion. Food is safe for many people, as it is not illegal and no one regulates your personal daily intake, except you. Unlike alcohol you can't stop eating food, it is everywhere and you need it to survive. So that's where moderation and healthy behaviors come in, and don't forget pleasure. Enjoying the sweet taste of a strawberry because you want it and not because you emotionally need can be satisfying and life changing for the body and the soul.
 

Pure Garcinia Cambogia Extract - Super Powerful Fat Burner And Appetite Suppressant

Things will begin to change when you begin to change your daily actions and habits. Sometimes this happens overnight and sometimes it will take awhile. Life is great and it is here for your enjoyment if you take the reins and move forward into a life of greatness and joy. Begin by acknowledging and writing down your feelings throughout the day and while you eat. If these feelings are too much for you to handle and work through, search out a competent professional to help you, because your life is worth it!

5 Effective Weight Loss Tips: How to Eat Half Your Usual Portions

Weight loss is a phenomenon; the United States seems to have a cultural epidemic, and it has for some time. A corporate play on who can provide the best solutions for the littlest amount of money or the smallest monthly fee. 

Photo: American Amish Donuts

Make a choice to take your weight loss into your own hands. So today, a free tip from the experts, try this handy dandy trick that has worked for many:

• Eat half of what you normally eat. i.e. if you have a plate of food or you are ordering from a restaurant or taking your normal portions, take half of that portion. 

Eating half of what you normally would in a meal can be an effective way to manage your calorie intake and potentially lose weight. This strategy involves mindful eating, portion control, and an understanding of hunger cues. 

Here's how to approach this eating method:

1. Use Smaller Plates:
Switching to smaller plates can visually trick your brain into thinking you are eating more than you are.This makes smaller portions appear larger and can help you feel more satisfied with less food.

2. Serve Yourself Half:
When preparing your plate, immediately serve yourself half the amount you normally would. This helps in controlling portion size right from the start.

3. Eat Slowly:
Take your time with each bite and chew thoroughly. Eating slowly allows your body to register feelings of fullness, which can take up to 20 minutes to occur.

4. Drink Water Before Meals:
Drinking a glass of water before eating can help fill your stomach and reduce hunger, making it easier to eat less.

5. Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods:
Fill your plate with high-fiber vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods help you feel full longer, which can prevent overeating.

By adopting these habits, you can gradually adjust to eating smaller portions without feeling deprived, leading to a more balanced and health-conscious approach to eating.

It's as easy as that to start something new today. Cheers to the best in all of us!

Photo: Weight Loss Gummy

Photo: Meal Prep for Weight Loss

Photo: Wall Pilates Workouts for Women to Lose Weight

Loose Weight and Eat What You Want

Is it possible to loose weight and eat what you like?  Sometimes it feels like loosing weight means starving yourself from you favorite goodies. Although sometimes this may be true, it is also relative that maintaining a balanced diet that includes foods that you like will keep you happier and healthier for a longer period of time. Therefore stopping the up and down scenario, starvation, binge, self loathing, etc.

Here are  a few healthy suggestions for maintaining your balance:

PHOTO: Balance with my Edit

• Try a lot of wonderful healthy food, with a little of what you like.
• The time when healthy food tasted bad is long gone. Healthy food has the capacity to taste great! It is just a matter of finding the right source for your healthy recipes. I personally worked with the P90x menu and tweaked it where I found it necessary. 

Other great resources include:

• Cooking Light Magazine
• Prevention Magazine
• Taste of Home Recipe Makeovers
• Fitness Magazine
• Weight Watchers
• Food Network Healthy Eating
• Eating Well Magazine

The key here is to enjoy while you supplement your body with what it needs to prosper.

Valentine's Day Weight Loss Plan

Valentine's Day brings forth a wide assortment of feelings for both singles, couples and married couples. Love, confusion, loneliness and satisfaction are only some of these feelings. And although this blog is about food and weight loss, V-day is an important subject because holidays can be a sore spot for some and a trigger for emotional eating for others.

PHOTO: Happy Valentine

Don't give in this Valentine's Day, don't give into the self ridicule and loneliness talk. Instead inspire yourself, no matter what your situation is and move into with GRATITUDE and shed a smile on someone else's life. Get out of your head, and treat someone how you would like to treated for Valentine's Day. Traditional isn't always the way someone feels i.e. flowers, chocolate and cards. Maybe you are not inspired by that. Dig deep into how you want to give and move forward. And sometimes an experience is worth far more than a box of chocolate. Break out and have fun this Valentine's Day!

If you don't like your life CHANGE IT!

Many people today are finding that at a  later age the habits they held during their youth (teens through late 30's) do NOT hold up for positive health at a later age 40's plus.  Basically the fast food diets, and fast paced, low exercise life is not a good stepping stone to live problem free for many years to come. Just remember that it is never to late to change your health and habits.  Some say next week, next month and even next year.

But the reality of it all is that we have today this moment to change. The discipline comes in when we choose to stick to it through the tough times. When you are tired, stressed or unhappy, and you choose something greater for yourself than the negative old habits that pulled you through the bad times before. Everything gets better and today is the day to start something new and something better!

PHOTO: Beach Runners

Suggestions for starting something great include:

1)  Go for a walk

2)  Do something nice for yourself. Find that special thing that makes you feel good. I am a pretty easy to please person at this point in my life, and a hot bath with candles and some meditative, calming music with an empty house does it for me.  

3) If you can't be alone, take whomever with you to go somewhere you want to go, try somewhere new. It is probably best to be sure they will somewhat enjoy it, as you don't want to hear someone complain the whole time you are out. LOL!

4) Watch an uplifting movie, relax and cuddle up with a blanket and enjoy.

5)  If you happen to have a fire place, use it. This can be extremely relaxing and soothing.

Enjoy your life this is all you have! Don't rush through each day, savor the moments and enjoy, enjoy, enjoy! And if you don't like your life CHANGE IT!

7 Reasons Why People Gain Weight

Fat. Squishy, hanging over the pants, clothes too small, mushy, unattractive, hard to loose, and I wish it never existed fat. Media hates it, and even at an early age people/kids make fun of you for having it. Society in some ways, especially now-a-days is meant to be fat. 

There is so much TV, video games, and comfort indoors why even go outdoors or work out. Well, for one because it feels good, in fact it feels great! It improves your health (emotional and physical), your energy, your focus, the list goes on.

Is there a fine line between comfortable weight and unhealthy weight. If so, what is it? And why do people get overweight and fat in the first place?

1) Some believe that sleep (or rather lack of) can play a large part in weight gain. I know quite a few people that will eat when they are tired instead of taking the adequate rest they need for themselves. 

2) Sometimes medications can take a strong play in how you are feeling, your equilibrium, your energy, including your inner balance and connection with how you feel about food and your body. Talk to your doctor, evaluate your medication's side effects, search for an effective answer with him or her. Some of the most common med's that cause weight gain are:  Steroids, Heartburn medications, High blood pressure medications, Antipsychotics, Antiseizure medications, Diabetes medications, and Antidepressants. Remember to talk to your doctor, because the side effects of removing yourself from the medication(s) may be worse than a few extra pounds.

 

3) Stress, family, achievements, school, work, life.  The responsibilities can pile on and on and soon you have stress.  Unless you have good coping methods to handle stress. Note: Food is not a healthy coping method, unless of course you are truly hungry. I was taught to never eat when I am emotional. Instead, deal with those feelings, work through them, and then eat a healthy planned meal.

4) Unknown medical conditions can play a big role in weight gain. Maybe something is out of balance with your body, or maybe you have an organ failure such as your thyroid and do not even know it. Well you can always do what I do..LOL. Try to find my diagnosis online, freak out, end up eating and then go to sleep. Or maybe, go see a doctor, explain your situation and move onto something better.

5) Menopause, the slow decrease of your normally occurring hormones can actually create weight gain.  Most women reach menopause in the mid-life age range (40's-50's), although it tends to vary depending on the woman and her physical circumstances. Also something to discuss with your doctor or midwife, there are so many options out there today, whether you want to go with just pharmaceutical or herbal, it is worth searching out a solution to feel better. This is, this is your life, today. Today is the day to improve, feel better and live to fullest.

6) Emotions and dissatisfaction includes eating because it is an acceptable and a convenient way to deal with your feelings, although not necessarily healthy. I see people do so, heck I have done so. Marriage, kids, work....you name it. Doesn't a jelly donut and a Frappacino make it all better?  It does for a bit but a continuos habit can be, well not so good. For one, physically the pounds start to add up. And two, if you are stuffing your feelings you are not dealing with them. So they will eventually build and blow. Feelings are meant to be expressed, it is just finding a healthy way to incorporate them into your expression. Easier said than done, but for me necessary for my own health and well being.

7) Blood sugar and starvation can be triggers for some. Following an adequate food regimen (doctor, dietician or self-prescribed) may help to decrease your unplanned food intake. Starvation can also be a trigger for weight gain. Two thoughts on that is that your body goes into survival mode and thinks that you are starving and therefore stores the food for energy as fat for future starvations. 

If you are anything like me, when I starve and then finally go to eat, I tend to eat unplanned fatty and sugary foods that are not what I really want anyway. Sometimes just keeping a high protein, low fat, low sugar, combo food plan will help to decrease those nasty binges and plummeting blood sugar levels. 

I am sure I have missed some reasons, however if you have anything to add I would love to hear your feedback.

Take care, and be well!