“Like anyone else, there are days I feel beautiful and days I don’t, and when I don’t, I do something about it”. Cheryl Tiegs (1947 - )

There are always going to be days where we shlump around, feeling like the ugly duckling, examining our faces, bodies, and hair with a critical eye. Every now and again we deserve a day where we don’t worry about image but if you’re feeling down, there are things you can do to pick up your mood and learn to really appreciate YOU.

I found this list of Ten Steps To Positive Body Image at Loyola University. The list includes some simple wisdom and active ways you can learn to “think about new ways of looking more healthfully and happily at yourself and your body”.

Recently I told you about the book Fifty Things To Do When You Turn Fifty but Wendy Reid Crisp has a different take on the lessons of life in her book 100 Things I’m Not Going to Do Now That I’m Over 50.

Aside from the hopeful declaration that there are more things to not do than to do, the book promises everyday wisdom for enjoying the freedom of being over 50, especially the freedom to say “no”. Crisp vows not to introduce body parts as topics of conversation, not to repeat herself, talk like the kids or have a joint checking account.

100 Things I’m Not Going to Do Now That I’m Over 50, Updated - Amazon

We all know we should exercise for energy and health. Resistance training builds muscle mass and helps harden bones to guard against osteoporosis. But few have room to set up a complete gym in their homes and the prospect of joining a gym is often not an appealing one. When you are starting out on a weight loss or workout program, the gym can be a depressing place. Who wants to take their neglected middle and flabby upper arms to be compared to those twenty-something hard bodies that parade the gym in workout clothes that are not designed to conceal but rather draw attention to their… ummm… personal assets?

Curves is a health club that caters to women. With a total workout circuit that takes only 30 minutes, the Curves program fits into your busy schedule. What’s more, most women find the atmosphere to be relaxing, fun and supportive. With 9000 locations nationwide, there is probably one near you.

The Curves system is built around easy to use hydraulic resistance machines. The program is simple and clear: complete the circuit in 30 minutes for a toned and confident new you.

Dedicated to women’s fitness, Curves offers a proven 30-minute workout that combines strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance. Curves also offers a commonsense weight management program that ends the need for perpetual dieting. With more than 9,000 locations and 4 million members worldwide, Curves offers something others can’t: the support you need to reach your goals. At Curves, discover the power to amaze yourself.

For more information visit the Curves website.

You are watching your weight by trying to eat right and exercise. When dining out you try to make smart choices and scan the menu for lighter dishes and are proud of choosing the salad over those fried or sauce-laden foods. But are you defeating your own efforts by what you are eating on your salad?

Salad dressings vary widely in calories and fat. Ranch dressing contains approx 148 calories per 2 tbs serving and packs 15 grams of fat. Creamy Caesar dressing runs about 110 calories per serving with 11 grams of fat.

If you want to make that salad healthier and lower in calories, check the list of house dressings for a balsamic vinaigrette. At about 70 calories per serving and 7 grams of fat it contains half the calories and fat of regular ranch dressing. Try ordering salad dressing on the side. You will probably use less than you think. Dip your fork into the dressing before plunging it into the salad, you will still get a burst of tangy flavor with each bite.

Another option is to buy your own dressing and bring it with you in a small container when you know you are going out. Newman’s Own Lighten Up Low Fat Sesame Ginger Dressing contains 35 calories per serving and 1.5 fat grams. Kraft’s Fat Free Ranch dressing has less than 1/2 a gram of fat and is only 48 calories per 2 tbs serving.

Finally, avoid additions to your salad like chopped eggs, cheese and bacon which add extra calories and fat.