Aileen
Achille’s Heel: Hip Problem that Makes Walking Difficult
Age: 46
Hometown: Olney, Maryland
Health improvement: Less hip pain with leg strengthening exercises
Other benefits of following the anti-aging plan for 8 weeks: Cooks a few throw-together recipes, finally looks forward to exercise and lost 4 pounds.

As a child, I always sat on the floor with my knees in the “W” position since it was the most comfortable way to sit and watch television or play a game. I continued to sit like this until I was in my 20’s, when someone warned me that this is a terrible position for the hip. I stopped sitting like that, and I didn’t realize it then, but the damage was already done. At 46, I now have some pain when I walk, and it takes me a long time to get moving comfortably the morning. I belong to a gym, but exercise sometimes feels like a real chore since I use my hips for most of the aerobic exercise machines. So I tend to avoid going altogether.

I work 12-hour shifts as an operating room nurse and I don’t make many meals for my family. In fact, I hate cooking! But I tried a few of the recipes in the book and the instructions are so easy and the food is on the table so quickly that I now find it easier to prepare our own meals rather than doing take out. And the food is so good! I love the salads for my husband and me, and the whole family loves the turkey empanadas.

Since I’ve been cooking, I dropped 4 pounds, which is a nice bonus. I do all of the leg strength exercises every other day, the heel raises, sit to stand squats, wall ball squats and partial step ups and my legs have really gotten stronger. Although I’ll probably need to have surgery on my hips someday, the strength I’ve gained helps me to get around more comfortably. Thanks for this jump-start on a healthier lifestyle!

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Kay
Achille’s Heel: High Cholesterol
Age: 45
Hometown: Jamesville, NY
Health improvement: Total Cholesterol dropped from 226 to 195
Other benefits of following the anti-aging plan for 8 weeks: Lost 7 pounds

Once I turned 40 I started having high cholesterol. I didn’t know why the level started climbing. Even though I tried to pinpoint

changes in my diet or my weight, I just couldn’t find a connection. I have a few relatives who died from heart disease so I was worried about doing everything I could to control my cholesterol level.

I’ve never been much of an exerciser but I knew I needed to start an exercise program. A friend recommended that I read The Anti-Aging Fitness Prescription since it had an easy exercise program. I started doing a few of the stretches every day and I really started to feel better. So I added in some strength exercises too, but I haven’t started doing any cardiovascular exercise yet. I thought it would be better to take things one step at a time.

I follow the principles of the mix n’ match plan but I like to eat the same foods over and over again. I’m a finicky eater so I have only tried two of the recipes, the Broccoli Beef and Tomatoes and the Asian Mixed Green Salad. They are both great and I make them whenever I can. My goal is to start making one new recipe every few weeks.

Since I’ve started exercising, my cholesterol dropped within the normal range! I couldn’t believe that a little exercise and some structure to my diet would make a difference, but it’s true!

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I’ve struggled for years without a regular exercise program. I’m always researching new exercise contraptions and considering joining various gyms. I have a treadmill at home but I don’t use it regularly. As I’ve gotten older, my body has changed and I really need to use my muscles and tone up.

I saw The Anti-Aging Fitness Prescription at my bookstore and the colorful cover caught my eye. I looked through the book and the exercises seemed to be very straightforward so I bought it. I really enjoyed following the 8-week exercise routine! I feel great after doing the workout and I’ve lost weight and inches from my abdomen, upper arms and thighs!

I don’t really plan what I’m going to eat every day. So I started by trying to have three fruits and vegetables every day. This really helped me to structure my meals and snacks and I find that I’m eating healthier than ever.

I enjoyed the book so much that I bought a copy for my parents. Thanks for the guidance to get me moving in the right direction!

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