Creative Strategies for Wellness | Design Communications | Wineitudes

Hayseeds Creative

Enhancing Lives

Category: Healthy Eating

Two empty glass test tubes in a wooden test tube rack on a wooden laboratory bench.

Understanding Cholesterol: Focus on Ratios, Not Just Numbers

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

The REAL Truth About Cholesterol (Not Taught in Most Clinics):

Most people are told to panic if their total cholesterol is over 200. But honestly, total cholesterol is like a total grade average — it doesn’t show the real story.

The Real Markers That Matter:

  1. Triglycerides
  2. HDL (the “good” cholesterol)
  3. The Ratio: Triglycerides ÷ HDL

Expert Note: This ratio is one of the strongest predictors of heart health, insulin sensitivity, and metabolic function.

  • Ideal ratio: less than 2:1
  • Optimal reset-level: 1:1 or less (Beth’s is 1:1)

Example:

• Triglycerides: 70

• HDL: 70

• Ratio: 1.0 — Metabolic gold

Now compare this:

• Total cholesterol: 210 (looks high to a doctor)

• Ratio still 1.0 SO no danger.

In other words: you can have a total cholesterol of 230 and still be metabolically healthier than someone with a total of 180.

Why Your Doctor’s Solution (Statins) Is Not the Whole Answer:

Statins can lower total cholesterol… but at what cost?

They block your body from producing CoQ10, an essential nutrient for:

  • Heart energy
  • Brain function
  • Cellular repair

Low CoQ10 has been linked to:

  • Muscle aches and weakness
  • Brain fog
  • Increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders (like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s)
  • Hormone disruption
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction (your metabolic powerhouse)

I’m Not Saying “No Statins Ever” BUT Here’s What I Am Saying:

Know the full picture before panicking or popping a pill. Focus on lowering triglycerides and raising HDL naturally. Don’t chase numbers — heal the body and let the number correct itself.

If you must take a statin, support your CoQ10 (at least 100–200mg/day)

Stop letting fear take the wheel of your health. Your cholesterol number is just a conversation starter, not a death sentence. Stop staring at your total and start looking at the markers that actually matter. Leafy greens, fiber, clean fats, and sleep lower triglycerides. Prayer, protein, and purpose raise HDL. Learn your ratios, protect your brain, and stop taking prescriptions out of fear.

Does Your Metabolism Slow Down With Age?

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

As we age, many of us find ourselves questioning how our metabolism changes. The short answer is yes, metabolism does slow down with age, but it may not be as early as you might think.

When Does Metabolism Slow Down?

Women often attribute weight gain to a “slow metabolism,” but research indicates that our metabolism typically does not start to decline until our 60s. Here’s how it works:

  • In Your 20s: Metabolism slows by about 3% each year, but this gradual decline levels off as you enter your 30s.
  • After Age 60: The metabolism slows further at a rate of approximately 0.7% per year.

Why Does Metabolism Slow Down?

Several factors contribute to the slowing of metabolism as we age:

  1. Slower Food Breakdown: As we age, our bodies break down food more slowly, resulting in leftover calories that can turn into fat.
  2. Decreased Activity: Aging often leads to decreased physical activity due to injuries, joint pain, lack of resources, or reduced social involvement. A less active lifestyle equals lower calorie burn.
  3. Changes in Appetite: With age, energy needs decrease, which can lead to a reduced appetite. Additionally, changes in vision, sense of smell, and taste may further diminish our desire to eat.
  4. Loss of Muscle Mass: Starting around age 30, people typically begin to lose muscle mass, with a more pronounced acceleration after age 65 for women and 70 for men. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, this loss can contribute to a slower metabolism.
  5. Dietary Changes: As we age, socializing more often can lead to dietary changes, such as increased alcohol consumption, which may contribute to weight gain.

Take Action!

The good news is that you can take proactive steps to manage your metabolism and combat age-related weight gain.

Discover the Best Beef Tallow at Riverbend Ranch

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

Oh boy! If you’re a fan of The Wellness Store, you’re in for a treat. They just announced a jaw-dropping product that you won’t want to miss!

Have you been using tallow? If not, now is the perfect time to dive in and experience the best tallow on the market. We’re thrilled to introduce our very own beef tallow, crafted right here at Riverbend Ranch in our dedicated manufacturing plant.

Why does this matter? Well, I recently uncovered some shocking truths about where store brand tallow comes from and how it’s made. Let’s just say, it’s not pretty, and the deception on labels never ceases to surprise me.

Why Choose Riverbend Ranch Beef Tallow?

Our beef tallow stands out for several reasons:

  • 100% Pure: Our tallow is free from any additives or harmful substances.
  • No Growth Hormones or Antibiotics: We prioritize your health and the welfare of our animals.
  • No mRNA: You can feel confident about what you are consuming.
  • No Rank Beefy Smell: Our tallow is fresh and odor-free, unlike some others on the market.
  • Not Bleached: Yes, you read that right—no bleaching here!

And the best part? You can get all of this quality for just $14.95 for 14 oz!

Why Tallow?

If you’re not already in your tallow era, let me tell you why you should be. Tallow is incredibly stable for high-heat cooking and frying. Plus, it contains zero carbs and zero sugar, making it an excellent choice for those watching their diet. It also supports hormone health since fat is a vital building block for hormones.

Additionally, tallow is a fantastic alternative for anyone looking to avoid processed oils.

Special Offer!

To sweeten the deal, if you comment “tallow” below, I’ll send you a FREE 60-page Premium Beef Tallow Cookbook PDF!

So, have you been using tallow? If not, it’s time to start! Experience the goodness of Riverbend Ranch Beef Tallow today!

I now offer R3 Coaching

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

I am so thrilled to be Coaching others with this amazing protocol.
REAL FOOD!

I’m getting ready for the upcoming R3 Challenge, the first for 2026. I’m working on my final 20 pounds.
If you are interested in starting out this new year in creating a healthier you, do contact me. There is something
for every one in R3. After all, it’s a lifestyle—not a diet. I know it works. I lost 100 pounds in 2022 and it still hasn’t
come back!

Who wants to join me, a certified R3 Coach, in starting a new healthy chapter?

Helping others to feel better and get healthy is the best Career Choice I’ve ever made.

Muffins for breakfast, anyone?

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

Simply Fit Banana Muffin Mix.

I couldn’t wait to bake up these new banana muffins. This mix is gluten free, packed with protein and fiber, and made with allulose to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Did you know allulose is the sugar contained in figs and raisins? It is 70% as sweet as table sugar, but so much better for you. If you are cutting the sugar foods in your diet, this is a yummy treat you would love! I like to give my puffins a little extra touch by adding a few pecans into the mix. They are delicious and seem like a decadent breakfast treat. They are also approved for R3 if you are following the plan.

Another great find

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

Simply Fit Pancake Mix

Waffles were on the menu for breakfast this morning! I love the Simply Fit Pancake Mix and the waffle recipe did not disappoint! I made the recipe for eight pancakes, with the addition of one tablespoon of oil (I use olive oil), per the instructions on the bag. This gave me six 4.5″ x 3.75″ waffles.

If you haven’t tried this mix yet, I highly recommend it! It’s gluten free, packed with protein and fiber, and made with allulose to maintain stable blood glucose levels. Being a LADA diabetic means that this mix is great for those like me who need to watch heavy carb loading and the resulting blood sugar spikes that regular pancake mix causes. Plus, it’s actually delicious with a lightly sweet taste without the need for syrup or other sweet toppings to accent the normally bland taste of pancakes. I sometimes add a handful of blueberries to the batter for a change of pace.

Since I am certified with R3, I’m happy to say that this is R3 friendly. Although it’s best to wait until you are in the Reintroduction phase of the plan. Why not during the Reset phase? Reset is a major metabolic reset so stick only with products that are on the “yes” list. Once in the Reintroduce phase, you can add “no” list items, while observing how our bodies respond to each reintroduced item.

I love this plan and all of the great products I’ve found—after all this is how I lost over 100 pounds If you haven’t checked out the R3 plan, I highly recommend it!

Keeping Holidays Merry & Bright

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

Day 17: Riverbend Ranch Beef Sticks

I believe in a high protein diet with healthy snacks and I’ve found one in these beef sticks. Riverbend Ranch® Beef Sticks are crafted from premium, ranch-raised U.S. beef with no added sugar and 10g of protein to deliver the bold, natural flavor I want to fuel my day.

Riverbend Ranch Beef Sticks make the perfect protein-packed snack, whether I’m hitting the trails, tackling my busy schedule, or just needing a quick bite to keep hunger at bay. There are never ever any hormones or antibiotics in these sticks.

The nice thing is at $9.95 for six sticks or $1.65 each, they are more affordable than Chomps at Costco.

Are You “Under Muscled”?

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

Muscle mass peaks in our 30s and then starts a long, slow decline. Muscle loss, also called Sarcopenia, affects more than 45% of older Americans, especially women.

The good news: No matter your age, you can take steps to maximize your strength. Resistance training is key, but equally important, is eating adequate amounts of protein. If we don’t eat enough protein, we’re missing half of the equation.

As we age, the goal is to consume protein from food at a faster rate than our body is breaking it down. When you add in resistance training, this will help maintain muscle mass. But how much protein should we consume?

The National Academy of Science recommend a minimum of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. That’s about 0.36 grams of protein multiplied by your weight in pounds. That means a person who weighs 150 pounds should consume at least 54 grams of protein a day.

But many experts say more is optimal. As we age, protein needs to increase—and if you are exercising a lot—which is the way to build new muscle — you may benefit from even more. Some sports medicine experts recommend 115 grams of protein for a 150 pound person.

Are You A Diet Soda Drinker?

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

Many people justify drinking diet soda because the sugar has been removed, thinking it’s a healthier option.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 20% of Americans drink diet soda on a regular basis.

But did you know that it is still considered an ULTRA PROCESSED FOOD? It’s because of the manufacturing process and ingredients like additives and artificial sweeteners.

So what? Well, research links ultra-processed foods to an acceleration in biological again and a 10% increase in mortality risk. In fact, one study reported a link between ultra processed food consumption and 32 negative health issues, including asthma, high blood pressure, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, sleep disorders, anxiety and Crohn’s disease.

But get this: In another study, 90% of the women who switched to water reached remission for their Type II Diabetes. 

  1. Study participants were randomly grouped to either one group that continued to drink diet soda five times per week after their lunch, and another group that substituted their usual diet soda with water.
  2. During the study, participants were also provided with a six-month weight loss intervention, followed by a 12-month weight maintenance program.
  3. At the 18 month follow-up, researchers found that participants in the water group experienced a much larger average weight loss when compared to the diet soda group.

Additionally, 90% of study participants in the water group reached type 2 diabetes remission, compared to only 45% in the diet soda group.

Might be worth the switch!

Making Holidays Merry and Bright

hayseedscreative's avatar by Leave a comment

Day 3: Healthy Simply Fit Baking Mixes

I like a lot of protein in my house and I need quick, healthy meals—breakfast included.
I use this mix for pancakes and waffles. Think Kodiak Cakes, but better. Simply Fit baking mixes offer 15 grams of protein, are gluten free, sugar free and have become a family favorite. I even make them ahead and freeze them for an even quicker breakfast when I’m in a hurry. I warm up the frozen Pancakes for one minute in the microwave and I pop the waffles in the toaster add a little butter and /or syrup and a healthy breakfast is ready to get me through my holiday errands,

By the way, Simply Fit also makes Muffin mixes and Double Chocolate Brownie mix too.
$17.99 for 23.5 ounce bag.