This blog is dedicated to the belief that a lot of what we consider aging in the modern world is just accumulated years of misuse (sitting!), plus years of eating stuff our bodies weren’t designed to handle.

We already see unhealthy aging becoming a huge societal problem, and I’m determined not to be part of it.

I’m not in pursuit of eternal youth. I don’t care about wrinkles or grey hair. What I do care about:

• Continuing to feel joy in movement — running, walking, skiing, CrossFit
• Being able to live independently as I age, and continuing to contribute to my community (the wonderful Prince George in northern BC, Canada)
• Continuing to enjoy life (and athletic adventures!) with my dear husband
• Not being a burden to our son
• Not losing my marbles!
• Compressing the window of disability at the end of life as much as possible. In the words of Mark Sisson, “Live long, drop dead.”
• Living long enough, and well enough, to see a good chunk of “the rest of the story,” in my family, as well as nationally and globally. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
• (And, if I’m being totally honest here, I do care about looking good in a bathing suit.)

In this blog, I’ll focus on aging well through the lens of Paleo or “caveman” life, looking at food, exercise, sleep, stress management, and more.

Why should you take advice from  me? Well, I lost 40 lb and kept it off since the year 2000 by doing the stuff I’ll be talking about – easily, with no hunger (I have zero willpower). It also worked for my husband and son.

Puffy and inflamed in 1996 (I’m 36)

2010 in Maui. At age 50, I’d been on the path for some years, but my boys lagged a bit. Once they got going, though, they zoomed ahead (I think Andrew’s FiveFingers were his secret weapon). Now Andrew and Sam inspire me every day with their dedication to fitness and healthy eating.

2015 – We’re all leaner, stronger, and — the best part — not controlled by food

Now I want to take things to the next level, so in addition to all the good diet/lifestyle stuff mentioned above, this blog will also be covering my latest project, my sugar-free year. As of today, there’s no added sugar in my life until midnight on December 31, 2017. (Note added January 1, 2018: I did it! 🙂 )

For the last 16 years, I’ve eaten very little sugar, but I’m now moving to zero tolerance – not even in my toothpaste! See tomorrow’s post for all the details. It’s going to be difficult, but I’m determined.

Until then, I wish you a happy, healthy 2017.