Abbott partnered with influencers such as me for its Ensure Program. As part of this Program, I received compensation for my time—although thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re following along with my venture to stay healthy and active this summer, you probably already read 3 Major Facts About Our Body After 50 That You Should Know! I was put on this venture by joining in the Ensure Enlive campaign and I added it to my “get healthy regimen“. We learned a lot about how we lose 8% of our muscle each decade after 40 in the last post. I noticed a difference in my muscle strength but actually reading “8%”, I knew it was imperative that I took action. I’m still not doing everything that needs to be done but I am on a uphill path to healthy and I’d love for you to join me. It’s always easier to do it with friends!

I’m going to go over my personal goals and what I need to do to get there. You should do this. With that said, if you have any existing health issues you should check with your doctor first!

My Goals

I’d like to stop being the huffer and puffer! I sat around all winter and now with the warm weather I want to do it all but my body is saying, “STOP!” My goals are to eat healthier, exercise, and to live a more active lifestyle. I have two active grandsons who love to play Star Wars and other things that involve running, jumping, and twirling. Plus one baby granddaughter who is about to start crawling around and it would be great if I can get back up off the floor without moaning. I’d like to try water skiing by the end of summer and I’d also like to walk the 52 mile Appalachian Trial in CT by the end of the year. Oh, and one more thing. I was pretty good at gymnastics when I was younger so I would love to be able to do a cartwheel and back bend again. What are your goals?

Getting To Our Goals

Eat healthy– We always told our kids that breakfast was the most important part of the day. This is still true for those of us over 40. We should also be including lots of vegetables, fruits, fiber and especially protein. It’s so easy for me to add these to my diet because there’s nothing like fresh veggies, fruit, and fish on the grill!

Vitamins– It’s best to get natural vitamins form our foods but a daily vitamin is good for us. This is one of the hardest for me because I’m not very good at routine. I always forget vitamins. Ensure is great for those who are unable to get a complete and balanced nutrition through their diet, Ensure Enlive has 26 essential vitamins and minerals, 3 grams of fiber, HMB and 20 grams of protein.

• Ensure Enlive is a specialized nutrition drink that can be used to help rebuild muscles – tying back to the losing muscle mass (and energy) naturally after 40. Ensure Enlive helps adults 50+ rebuild muscles so you can participate in the summer activities you love. 

Exercise– You shouldn’t jump right into it, but I did start to walk and I’m thinking of joining a gym. Last weekend I went away and I amazed myself at some of the activities I did but I was sore for three days. I’d like to be able to exercise, gradually increase what I’m doing and start really enjoying the things I love.

Be Consistent- Reading the above doesn’t seem to be a lot, but change is hard. It’s key for us to be consistent.

There are many more things I should do but I think adding it all at once will only make me fail. I like to add things gradually to be sure that I succeed. I was talking to one of my best friends who is a nurse. She not only agreed that I should drink Ensure but she gave me some recipes that she makes for her patients to help give them nourishment. I’m sharing with you, see her creations below.

Ensure Enlive Recipe: 

Mix in Blender:

Yogurt of any flavor: Peach, blueberries, vanilla

Ice cream- Vanilla or chocolate

Fresh fruit of any kind – strawberries, bananas, grapes, peaches or even fruit cocktail

One bottle of Ensure (chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla)

It makes a great smoothie with a supply of nutrition and vitamins.

Chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, or honey can also be added for extra flavor.

If you think it’s just you, you’re wrong. According to the ABBOTT/AARP SURVEY:

• Surveyed 1,480 Americans 50+ about how they view diet and health issues as they age, including muscle health.

• One in two reported that they wished they had more strength or energy to participate in activities they enjoy.

Check out more an Ensure Enlive

I’ll be working on my “healthy regimen” for the next 4 weeks (Diet, exercise, Ensure, etc). Join me and let’s have a healthy and active summer. I’ll give an update next month but let’s keep in touch! Tell me how you’ll start getting healthy in the comments below and be sure to checkout more information about Ensure Enlive.

 

 

Abbott partnered with influencers such as me for its Ensure Program. As part of this Program, I received compensation for my time. The opinions and thoughts in this piece are my own. Abbott/Ensure believes that consumers and influencers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. Abbott/Ensure policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, Federal Trade Commission (FTC) guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.