Category Archives: Health Wellness Detox

The Benefits of Homemade Coldpressed Drinks this Winter.

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Hello Y’all! Welcome to a new month and the second-to-last month of the year. As the weather cools, the flu, along with every other bug, becomes rampant. Avoiding getting sick during the winter is the best thing one can do because not only will it be miserable outside, you will be miserable on the inside, coupled with still having to do daily activities and get stuff done.

If you’re in the States and keeping abreast with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) overhaul, you would realize that a lot of our processed drinks contain ingredients that are not only harmful to our health but also have limited to no nutrients and predominantly artificial sugars. It’s widely known that some of the ingredients in our foods have been banned in Europe and are not included in food processing activities. The result of this is the fact that we Americans have the highest obesity rate in the world as of 2022, with approximately 41.92% of men and 43.8% of women. Need I say more?

In an attempt to have a healthier option than soda with zero calories or fruit juice with reportedly ‘no sugar’ but has a saccharine sweetness that tastes sweeter than honey, I started researching alternatives. One thing I learned was that when making regular juice, it doesn’t keep as long, but a better option is cold-pressed juices, which keep longer in your refrigerator. In my case, they last about 7 days. Now, I am not sure as to why, but there is a science behind it, and that’s a blog for another day.

Yes, they quench your thirst but expand your waistline over time….unfortunately :/

And so, about 2 years ago, I purchased a cold press juicer and began experimenting with making juices with fruit and roots that my body needed. I usually have from two to four ingredients in any given batch, with ginger being the non-negotiable and always included in ALL juice batches. Other ingredients are pineapples, celery, apples, turmeric, and lemons. These fruits and roots contain everything from anti-inflammatory benefits, digestive enzymes, fiber, antioxidants, immune boosters, anti-nausea, weight loss, fat burning, cholesterol, and blood sugar-lowering properties, just to mention a few. These are my preferences. Another fun fact is the husk from the press can be used as compost for your garden…if you have one.

Putting on my elder-type glasses literally, let me share, according to AI, some of the benefits of cold-pressed juices.

  • Detoxification
  • Boosting immunity
  • Nutrient absorption
  • Weight management
  • Improved digestion
  • Clearer skin
  • Mental clarity
  • Reduced cravings
  • Stabilize Insulin levels
  • Lower blood pressure
  • Anti-aging
  • Mood enhancement
  • Hydration.

Now, I’m not saying I’ve been completely weaned off sodas, but I have drastically reduced my intake, and we no longer purchase soda at home anymore. It’s all about tweaks without any drastic changes that cannot be sustained. So, with this being said, If you’re interested in getting started with a cold-pressed juicer, there are a few good options on the market, and I’ll be sharing the exact one I use as well, and they include brands like Aietto, Ninja Neverclog, Tinana cold press juicer, and Kitchen in the Box. As you swap out your wardrobe for layers and warmer clothing, remember to boost your immune system and keep it healthy against all the bugs and viruses common at this time of year. Until I come your way again, be safe, healthy, like, follow, and comment. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Finding You Again!

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Hello Y’all! Summer is officially here and we’ve just hit a cooler front with temperatures dropping about 12 degrees overnight. It has been an interesting couple of months, sometimes hectic and other times not as much. But in everything, I’m so glad to be sitting on my overstuffed couch with a zillion pillows and writing this post. It is planting season, so if you love to garden, this is the perfect time to get on with it. Yesterday was the Fourth of July, and I must say that this year was a bit lowkey than the last couple of years. The fireworks weren’t as loud and didn’t last as long. Still, I was glad for the holiday. Today’s post is one I’ve been meaning to write for two months now. I started it but just now getting to finish it. It’s been a journey I have been on for a while and felt now was the time to share it with you so, grab a comfy spot wherever you are and read on.

As time goes by, we change. Whether the change is by our surroundings, life events, circumstances, or through the people in our lives or those we interact with daily. We are a product of these factors. Thinking back to when I graduated and had my first internship, there were so many dreams and things I had planned that I wanted to do and be…but you know how it goes – there’s what you want to do and be then…THERES LIFE. Depending on what side of the coin you’re looking at, some things could be good and other things unpleasant but the goal is to never lose yourself completely. I liken it to holding onto your hobbies, love, hopes, dreams or ambition… even if it’s by a thin thread because if we let life, circumstances, people, or events take that from us, we begin to die albeit little by little.

Now, there are things that are considered wishes. There are things that are likened to literally digging for fool’s gold. What I am referring to here are the simple things that make your soul happy. The things that brought joy to your innermost being without a huge price tag. Those things my friends, are the things we must never lose no matter what life brings or throws our way.

I love to bake. I’m not a master baker or an expert. I just love baking. My love for it was inspired by my grandmother who was a regional chef/competitor/winner when I was little. She put a lot of love into baking and cooking, you could taste it in the food. It was different. Baking is something I do for close friends and family and not on a large scale but it’s a part of me and what brings little flutters to my heart whenever I make anything from a simple recipe to something complex and unknown.

Life Happens!

I liken life to the sea. Its waves are strong when the tide is high, it could be still when the tide is low but be rest assured, it’s always moving. The goal is to know when to fight and when to let the waves do their thing. To know when to be flexible and adjust and when to brace for impact. To know how to watch the tide, how to time it just right, and when to make a run for it.

As we mature, we attain a layer of sophistication which is part of maturity and a positive on every front. But never losing touch with who I am is one of the things that anchor me to the ground despite life’s roses or shenanigans. If you are reading this post and you’ve got this far, thank you for being here. Take a moment and think deeply. Liken your life to an onion with layers. As you peel back the layers, the wins, the losses, whatever it may be; when you get to core, are you still that person you were? Can you still indulge in the simple things that make your heart flutter? Can you still connect to that person? Is there any semblance between that person and you?

Folks, never let go of who you were born to be. Never stop finding ways to do the things you love and things that really fulfill you. Only then will we feel anchored, only then will we not forget who we are or lose sight of why we are here. If you’re far removed from your authentic self, you can always retrace your steps and find you again. It will always be a balancing act but without any of the pressure…just focus on the simple things. Until I come your way again, let me know your thoughts and comments and if this is a journey you would like to embark on.

Periwinkle Starr

Not Another Weight Loss Blog Post!!

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Hello Y’all! I hope this post finds you doing great in your corner of the world. If this is your first time stumbling on my blog Periwinkle Starr, you’re welcome! This is a lifestyle blog where I get to share all things worth living for from food, travel, fashion, health and so much more. So if this is right up your alley, then follow to get notified whenever I post a new blog.

I know, I know…if you’ve been following, you know that weight loss is something I love to write about not just because it’s something that I and a majority of the population have struggled with every now and then but because weight loss eliminates the risk of several illnesses and prolongs life. So, before you roll your eyes (wink), please read on and thank me later.

We’ve heard over and over that 80 percent of weight loss is attributed to your diet. Well, that isn’t entirely true. I recently embarked on a search to figure out why I wasn’t losing weight despite doing my best to eat right, exercise regularly, and maintain a positive outlook on the process. I WAS WRONG! And on so many levels. Here’s what I found out and I’ll share what actually worked in the last month and a half – six weeks; with me being down 12 pounds without starving myself. Before this, for the past two years, I couldn’t even lose 5-pounds no matter what I did.

Know Your Blood Type

I learned that your blood type has requirements for nourishment. It also determines whether you need to be physically active or you can get away with less exercise. I kid you not. This blew my mind and opened up a rabbit hole that I voluntarily decided to explore. For free information, my first stop was YouTube. I found the following channels:

  1. Ask Dr Anita PhD
  2. BioBalance Healthcast

Eliminate Stress From Your Life

Stress is a major blocker when it comes to weight loss. It affects your metabolism, your hormones, your bones, and even your ability to burn fat. If you are ready to lose weight fast, removing stress is a huge requirement. If you aren’t able to due to circumstances probably beyond your control like school or a stressful job, weight loss will be harder and it will take longer. It will also affect the body negatively because the body is already in a bad state to begin with.

Change Up Your Diet

After incorporating points 1 and 2, you’re ready to implement the third item which is changing up your diet. If you remember a previous post I made where I talked about a YouTuber that I follow named Plantiful Kiki who was overweight for so many years but was able to shed the weight and keep it off so many years after doing the Carb Diet or Carb Balance Diet, something along those lines. Well, I tried that diet and gained even more weight. But knowing my blood type and what it needs to be nourished, I can’t eat the Carb Diet. It won’t work or give me the same results as Kiki. And I feel there are tons of people who have given up hope of losing weight or not being able to keep it off long-term; not because the diets were bad but because that was someone else’s diet, and meant for someone with a different blood type.

Now Exercise!!! Exercise!!! Exercise!!!

Don’t complicate things by saying you need to join a gym or hire a trainer, all of these are good things but you can start small. Youtube has a plethora of short-circuit exercises you can begin with. Start walking whether on the treadmill or outside. Take the stairs. When you go grocery shopping, park a little distance from the entrance so you get more steps in. You can even start tracking your steps on a daily. All of these things are FREE!!

Get A Smart Scale…If you don’t already have one.

The reason smart scales are preferred in my book is because they give me a breakdown of everything including my weight, BMI, Body Fat, Muscle Mass, Body Water, Visceral Fat, Bone Mass, BMR, Protein Intake, Fat Level, Subcutaneous Fat, Lean Body Mass, Body Type and Standard Weight. Having this information, I get to custom tweak my diet to improve.

Folks, If like me, you had practically given up on shedding those 10 or 20 pounds and accepted your fate that age had come to stay, I’m here to shake you out of that rot. You can have the best body in your later years if you’re ready to do these few tweaks. It’s worked for me and I almost cried when I saw the numbers on the scale. Illness is rampant in our world and we have so little control over many things but if you become an active participant in your life, success is inevitable!!

Until I come your way again, please like, follow, and subscribe.

Periwinkle Starr

Having the Courage to Walk Away.

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. The eclipse is here and unfortunately, we have thunderstorms in my little corner in North Texas, so i probably won’t be seeing anything but rain and storm clouds. Over the weekend, some friends of mine and a few others helped organize an easter egg hunt which was fun for a community of kids but quite a workout for us the adults however, it was still fun, and the weather was gorgeous.

Today’s post is none other but ‘having the courage to walk away’. Life is beautiful and I believe it happens in stages and cycles, and not just physical growth alone. We keep on growing and advancing as we pass each phase and if we fail, life has a way of taking us back around until we pass the test – which could be anything from an area of growth needed in character, emotions, self-control or a literal test.

Growing up in a close-knit family with a bunch of siblings, I began to learn early about boundaries among my brothers and sisters such things like you couldn’t bite anyone else, pull their hair, fight over toys and things of that nature. As simple as this may sound, these rules began forming what I call ‘lines’ that I could not violate and should not be violated by others. I believe majority of the populace have this; but like anything that isn’t exercised regularly, over time, our lines become weak which can bring on a passivity that is neither healthy nor serve us long term.

Life and Relationships

I believe life has blessed us with relationships in every sphere and includes family relationships, love, friendships, business, religious, fitness, social groups and everything in between. Having healthy and wholesome relationships filled with genuine interest, care and respect is beneficial to all involved and does require some effort by the parties concerned for such things like showing up, being present and overall, just doing life together and all that it entails.

Sometimes in the course of these relationships, interactions may not be pleasant, some may be abusive, others demanding, unfair, non-supportive, flat out disrespectful, toxic and unhealthy. This occurs when the relationships do not positively add to our lives and well-being but take, devalue, disrespect and even in some cases are harmful to the individual or individuals concerned. Just from personal experiences and experiences shared with me by others in confidence voicing dissatisfaction, an absence of validation or not just getting anything close to what we’re giving or dishing out is all too real.

Instantly cutting people off or excluding oneself may not always be the first line of action for majority of us. But there comes a time when, one person can no longer shoulder the burden, is dissatisfied, unhappy and cannot see any change in sight; this is where I feel having the courage to move on is the best option. This could be temporary or in some cases, it may be permanent depending on the circumstances.

Some Reasons to Walk Away

*When a relationship tears down and isolates an individual instead of building up and flourishing in community.

*Blatant disrespect for one’s humanity.

*One sided pairing(s) that serve only one party ‘all-the-time’.

*Any kind of abuse – physical, verbal, emotional, mental etc.

*Toxicity – Need I say more.

Folks, I wrote this post not just for you all but for myself as well. Wherever you are in the world, know that you are a human being, and you deserve the dignity and respect to live, to thrive, to flourish and go after your dreams in life. As everyday people, we will always be a work in progress ourselves and those we are in community with. Living life in a healthy and safe environment with others is doable and possible. Sometimes we, need to have the courage to walk out of bad relationships so our eyes can be opened to the good all around us. For some, walking away may not be entirely possible, but I dare say that strengthening our boundaries will certainly go a long way.

Until I come your way again, please like, follow, and comment. 2024 feels like it’s going to be a unique year so let’s clean house and walk away from things that no longer mutually benefit us. I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Happy 2024!!…..From Sub-Zero Temperatures.

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Happy Belated New Year!!! We made it to 2024. To all the readers all over the world, welcome – you made it and there’s a lot to be thankful for. Winter has just set in with our very first snow in North Texas. It was so cold but oh so beautiful. The powdery dust of soft snow blown about in the wind with the contrast of an overcast gloomy skyline. I love winter…just so I can layer on warm clothes, but also so I can stay home and nest.

A New Year…..

Curled up on my couch, snacks close by and drinks within reach, I’ve been thinking about the year and how different it feels from the past couple of years. We’ve had so much happen in the news, pop culture, and just everyday events that have already beginning to happen and we aren’t even a month into the year. I’m listening to the falling water of the fountain in the living room as I ponder on how best to adjust to all the goings on in the world around us. We have to keep on moving forward despite the uncertainty and constant surprises in the world. These are some tenets that I intend including in the Grand Plan for the new year.

֍   Keep It Simple.

֍   Rest Is Important

֍   Stay Active Any Chance You Get

֍   Cook More.

֍   Manage Your Time Effectively

Folks, I’m sure there’s all kinds of things happening even in your corner of the world which we may not always have control over. But we can make the best use of every situation that comes our way. Be optimistic, keen and ready because its going to be a wonderful year ahead. Until I come your way again, stay warm and cozy!! I remain,

Periwinkle Starr

Soups Are In….Happy Thanksgiving!

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Hello Y’all! It’s that time of the year when the Yuletides begin. I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. It’s the eve of Thanksgiving and the streets are packed with people doing their last-minute shopping, and yours truly was one of them but also the Memorial Day of the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The temperature has finally dropped and will not go up for a while so we can officially change out our summer gear for Fall and Winter clothing. I’m back to decluttering again and will continue to sift through the house for items that aren’t getting any use and wont in the near future which is fun but also a way to give back to those less fortunate.

The cooler it gets, I yearn more for soups, I feel the need to bake and be a little easy on the diets because I know they won’t make it past the holidays…lol. But as I walked down the aisles of my local grocery store, I couldn’t help but scream internally at the level of inflation we currently have. Food items are double- and in some cases triple the price from just one year ago. THIS IS INSANE! Well, I will be dusting off my cookbooks and begin baking cookies at home. Honestly, it’s cheaper than spending an arm and a leg because quite frankly, the only way to overcome this impending hump of sky-high inflation is to be smarter with money…. but folks, that’s a post for another day.

Soups are in but so is warm, fresh, homemade bread! The beauty about homemade food is it costs less, is more nutritious, you have control over the portions, and you know what the real ingredients and caloric densities are. After scouring the internet for healthy websites, I came across a website called ‘Eat This, Not That’, had a post listing a vast array of healthy soup options and I’ve selected 11 of my favorite recipes and others I’d like to try.

Folks, the holidays are in and all diets are seemingly out…but there are delicious options available and yours truly will be trying each and every one of these recipes. Its been a whirlwind of a year and if you’re reading it, you are still kicking. I am thankful to you for reading my scribbles and wishing you and yours an amazing holiday season ahead. There’s more to come from Periwinkle Starr, so stay tuned, like and follow for more. Until I come your way again, I remain.

Periwinkle Starr

Fitness on the Road: It’s Doable!

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Hello Y’all! How are you and I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. Summer is here and we have slowly eased our way into triple digit temperatures in North Texas. A slew of air conditioning complaints, multiple breakdowns and power companies requesting light use and conservation during peak times…. the whole shebang! Anyway, the weather has been better today, and we just might be able to be outside for a little while. It’s been super busy, and I have had this post waiting in the wings for some time now. But alas! it’s done.

One of the things that irk me when I’m on the road but also something that I hear often from friends and coworkers is how difficult it is to maintain their fitness goals when traveling. I know a lot of you might say ‘It’s simple! Just stick to the plan’, but to be honest, it’s easier said than done and I have by no means figured it ALL out but I’m going to share what I’ve learned from friends that has motivated me to keep it up. These tips are not only simple but work if you commit to it. These are tips gleaned from a few friends, coworkers and of course the internet, so please stay with me.

Another List!

*Look up your hotel for fitness amenities or gyms close by.

*Pack your trainers…with the intent to use them.

*Try not to get ravenously hungry too often because it will lead to unhealthy choices.

*At meals, substitute, substitute, substitute…for healthy options, veggies or have dessert and plan on working out later. Finding balance where you’re not deprived and yet not overindulging.

*Travel with a scale. I know some might see this as over kill but I first learned this from a YouTube influencer who said it helped keep him on track; and knowing he had to weigh first thing in the morning, he tried to make better choices with food and being active during the day. Now this may be a bit much for some but if you’re looking to shed some serious pounds, this will work in conjunction with a lean-er diet.

*Try to rest. I find that on road trips, there a lot of late nights, tons of meetings and work that needs to be done. Try to sleep early and wind down so your body is rested even with late nights or days when you have minimal hours.

*Try to get some sun…..if you can’t, taking vitamin D supplements daily will help.

*Keep up your hydration. These days we have apps, reminders or just good ol water bottles – Do whatever works best for you.

Well folks, there you have it…a few tips that can help you and yours truly stay on track when we’re on the road. It is a balancing act and a lot of commitment but, it does work. Staying healthy is becoming an anomaly these days, so keep striving to give your body a fighting chance. Until I come your way again, be safe and stay in shape.

For the lovers of all things random out here….a few photos for your viewing pleasure. The Lord knows we need a lot more randomness in our lives. Enjoy!

Periwinkle Starr!

Skincare – A Vast Array of Options and Alternatives.

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Hello Y’all! I hope you are doing great in your corner of the world. I’m back with a new post as promised and I have to say that the weather in North Texas has been wonderful even though we’ve had thunderstorms and the occasional tornado warning. I almost feel like when it comes to the weather, we can’t ever be happy…lol. Anyway, with Spring comes planting season, and I have added new indoor Pothos plants to the house. I’ve been told that these are low maintenance plants that can survive with minimal effort so, wish me luck!

Skin is the one organ we as humans all have in common and writing a blog on skincare is a topic that intrigues me because it’s so vast and is certainly not a one size fits all. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it tells a story about your health, your age and where you’ve been. Some people were gifted with amazingly good skin that requires little or no maintenance while others may need to be intentional and work at keeping their skin vibrant, healthy and youthful. But it doesn’t matter what kind of skin we have; we have a responsibility to take care of it the best way we possibly can. I haven’t written on skincare in a very long time, but I feel it’s time to revisit the subject – but from a different perspective. I love learning new things, new information but also gleaning from aestheticians, specialists and naturopaths; and yes, random folk are some of the avenues I’ve gleaned from the most and I’m happy to share what I’ve learned with you so grab a drink and a snack and get cozy!!

Hydration is Everything. I only learned this very recently that majority of people going about their daily lives are dehydrated. That included yours truly before I started making a conscious effort to hydrate on a daily basis. When the body is hydrated with clean, refreshing WATER, the skin is supple, blood flows unrestricted and toxins can be flushed out. Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate the body. I swapped out tea for lemon water for about two years now, and even though I miss the kick, my cravings have slowly died down to where I don’t even reach for it anymore.

Eating a Balanced Diet. Foods rich in fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, protein from plant and animal sources and healthy carbs. Olive oil, Avocadoes, Nuts, Carrots, Seafood fortify the skin and slow down the aging process. Also discovering what my body needs has helped me know how best to fuel it. Everyone is different.

Have a Skin Cleansing Regimen. Whether you’re a guy or gal, having a skin care regimen is key. Some have a simple routine and others go a little bit on the extreme, but the bottom line is to just have one. There is no judgement on your preference. Hygiene is a very important aspect of skincare. In this post pandemic world, we live in, its ideal to shower at least once a day. The thought of climbing into bed after an activity filled day makes my skin itch.

Be Openminded. In chatting with people across the board, I have heard so many different ways of caring for my skin. I mean from all-natural products all the way up to the latest scientific gadgets; some of which cost an arm and a leg. It has been intriguing to learn so many different ways. You can never know until you try and sometimes getting things done using technological enhancements or procedures may be the best route for some. For others, its a combination of both so called ‘extremes’.

Use a Water Based Moisturizer. Lotions without any of the nasty chemicals. Serums and natural oils responsibly sourced are also great for the skin Ex. Olive, Almond, Vitamin E oils.

Post Pandemic? …You Have Options. Here are some products that help. Antibacterial soaps and washes. Sugar scrubs. A pumice stone for your feet. Feminine washes for the ladies – those that contain tea tree oil are great. Clean razors and shaving creams. Waxes. Facial washes and scrubs. Exfoliators. Toners and Astringents. Masks. Safe sulphate free shampoos. Face clothes, loofas, body brushes and sponges.

Sunscreen is Vital. We all need protection from UV-rays.

Check out my last post on skincare here: Cosmetic Products…Phase or Maze https://myeamba.com/2016/12/05/cosmetic-products-phase-or-maze/

Folks, I had a blast writing this post and still feel that I have so much more to learn about skincare. I don’t think we will ever get to a point where we’ve nailed down the perfect routine quite frankly because technology is always changing and scientific breakthroughs these days are a dime a dozen. However, having an open mind to learn and experience new options have helped me a whole lot. Until I come your merry way again, please like, follow and share your thoughts on your own skincare routine. Be safe and upbeat!

Periwinkle Starr

P.S.: Majority of the photos used in this post are culled from Freepik.

Starting Fresh in 2023…Making Egg Rolls in the Kitchen!

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Hello Y’all! Happy New Month & Year; and I hope you are doing well in your corner of the world. We had a snow-mageddon in Texas this week, so it felt like the pandemic all over again. Being trapped in the house within proximity to the fridge and pantry was awesome in good and bad ways. But it was good not having to fight my way through traffic and bad because there wasn’t a separation between home and work. But any way, we have one more freeze coming up and we should be done with winter. I missed writing so if you’re reading this, thank you from North Texas!

Let’s chat while I try my hands at a new recipe…..(drum roll) I’m making veggie egg rolls!! Ingredients: Cabbage, Carrots, Green Onion, Ginger, Garlic, Sesame Seed Oil, Olive Oil and Soy Sauce. How to Make: Clean and shred your Cabbage, grate your Carrots, Chop your Garlic, Green Onions and Ginger. Heat a pan and add olive oil. Sautee the ginger and garlic together. After fragrant, add the cabbage, carrots and stir. Add the green onions and let cook. Add a tablespoon of Soy Sauce and a tablespoon of Sesame Oil. Stir for a few minutes then remove from stove and allow to cool. Roll your egg rolls and use a baking brush and water to seal. Spray your air fryer with cooking spray and lay out. Spray the rolls with some butter cooking spray so it isn’t too dry. Cook at 350F for 10 minutes. Use a dipping sauce of choice. Calories are about 70-75 each.

Starting Fresh!

If you read my last post, I did a look back on the past year and areas that I could improve on. This was very insightful for me so much so; I had to share it with you. The year always begins with resolutions, packed gyms, packed libraries, packed learning centers and religious buildings. By years end, its reported that only 9% of the population actually follow through on their resolutions. I like to call them ‘tweaks’. For some reason, the word ‘Resolutions’ just sound unattainable. Here are some of my tweaks for 2023. If I can get myself to move from a 5 to a 7, that, to me is success! Perfection does not exist and if you know anyone who is, they’re probably crazy underneath it all…LOL.

Self-Care – Taking the time to rejuvenate and do the things you love and not just for everybody else.

Slow Down – Stress is the root cause of a lot of the ailments people suffer.

Scale Back on Excesses – Whether it’s unnecessary spending, snacking, drinking, or even saying yes to every request that comes your way. Balance is the key.

Be Mindful of Time – Timing is everything. We can always do better. Something as simple as going to bed an hour early can increase your productivity levels and alertness during the day.

Get Your Work Done – In Texas, we say ‘You need to bite the bullet’ to get things done sometimes. It means sometimes you may need to be uncomfortable for a little while to attain a goal, a dream, task or fulfill a promise.

Rest – Need I say more.

Be Organized – Always position yourself for whatever life throws at you. We have no control but we can always do the best with what we’ve got.

The Gift of Giving – When you step outside of yourself and give of your time and resources, whether it be by volunteering or serving in your community, it makes you grateful for the things you may take for granted. Giving is a two-way street. Both parties benefit immensely.

Positivity is Contagious – Surround yourself with positive people and if there aren’t any around you, be positive no matter what.

Folks it’s good to be back and writing again. Let me know how I did on those egg rolls and what new habits you intend imbibing in the new year. Until I come your way again, be safe, stay healthy and remain positive.

Periwinkle Starr

A Look Back at 2022 – An Epiphany of Sorts.

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Happy Holidays and a belated Merry Christmas to all! I hope you are doing amazingly well in your corner of the world. 2022 is at its end and I am resting my way into 2023 but also taking the time to look back over the last 362 days. Taking time off to rest every now and again is so vital to being fit and healthy. Sometimes we don’t even know how exhausted we are until our body breaks down and we’re bedridden and forced to rest. Anyway, I’m warm and cozy, have my hair in a bun, my snacks nearby and I’m ready to dive into today’s post.

I Had An Epiphany….

I realized that ‘Everything matters’…We are very fond of separating our lives into compartments like work life, relationships, religion, health & fitness, friendships, hobbies etc. But in actual fact, these pieces make up who we are and are intertwined or bleed into every other area no matter how hard we may try to compartmentalize. One area that’s not doing so well affects every other area. ‘Yeah…yeah, we know that already’, I imagine some reader say but take a minute to think it through.

Every step counts. I mean this literally. It’s hard to keep up with a fitness regimen. All the determination in the world will get you nowhere if your body is tired. On days where I can’t drive my tired body to the gym, I can walk through the house, go up and down the stair’s multiple times, do online Zumba, stretch or exercise in place. You’ll still burn calories which is better than not exercising at all.

Hydration is huge part of weight loss. I didn’t know this until a friend of mine who is a fitness buff and competitive lifter shared this with me. Being hydrated with WATER removes toxins from your system, aids digestion, reduces constipation, and improves your skin, brain function and overall health. When I hear medical professionals tell the public to drink 8 glasses of water a day, I roll my eyes because no one and I mean NO ONE is drinking that much water…its soo boring especially when you have zero calorie diet drinks and everything else out there. I know I wasn’t. But to get there, start by buying a half gallon water bottle. It doesn’t feel like that many glasses but trust me that I exceed this quantity in water intake these days. This water bottle changed my life and I know it can change yours.

Sleep is important. If you’re always on the go during a typical work week, take one day on the weekend to sleep, rest, relax and let your body recharge. When you rest, your cortisol levels come down, this signals to your body that you can relax; stress reduces and the craving for salty and sweet snacks go down. Its literally a domino effect. If you have a bad or poor sleep routine, it’s only a matter of time before it begins to take its toll on your life.

Procrastination has an effect on weight loss. Quit telling yourself that you will start tomorrow. You would start walking, start dieting, sign up for a gym membership, join a fitness group, sign up for a personal trainer…..you get the gist. START NOW! Use the stairs instead of the elevator. Opt for a low calorie dressing on your salad instead a high carb option. Opt for a healthy midnight snack or pass on a second serving at meals. What really matters are the baby steps.

You can’t do it alone. There is that 1% of individuals who lose ALL their weight in their basement while livestreaming on YouTube. Well, I hate to break it to you, but those individuals are far and in between. The rest of us who are the 99% need to have a support system, people with similar goals, text groups and accountability partners to motivate us on our down and lazy days. Now, if you aren’t sure where to find ‘those’ people, start with your circle. Find out from friends, neighbors and ask if they’re interested in starting for example a mall walking group, joining a class etc. If that isn’t successful, you can find fitness groups online via social media. There are no excuses. There is a group for everyone out there.

Little Habits = Big Results. Friends, if you’ve been with me on this journey for a couple of years now, you’d notice that I’m very skeptical about instant results especially when it comes to diet, health and weight loss. Not only does it take a toll on your body, but your brain hasn’t had enough time to master or take on new habits. Anything too fast or hastily done in my opinion isn’t sustainable. Start by tweaking the little things and slowly override the old you with who you want to become by imbibing new habits and better lifestyle choices.

2022 has been a good year. Life is seemingly back to ‘normal’. To all the readers of Periwinkle Starr, thank you for being a part of my journey. Thank you for the likes, comments and follows. The new year will be even better. Until I come your way again, be safe, upbeat and have a Happy and Amazing New Year!

Periwinkle Starr

(P.S. All photos are culled from the internet).