The incredible shrinking swimsuit and other seasonal tales

With the weather finally warming up, maybe I can safely put away the remainder of my sweaters, flannel slacks and fuzzy acrylic jackets and break out the cottons and floral prints. There’s always that distressing moment, however, when you discover that the clothes you carefully put away at the end of last summer have magically lost an entire size.


You also will come across several T-shirts that, when held to the light, reveal strawberry yogurt stains, and the unbecoming pedal pushers that should have been tossed.

By far the worst ritual leading to summer, however, is trying on last year’s bathing suit.

There you stand, all lumpy, shivering, un-tanned flesh, wondering if you dare be seen on a public beach. Despite the fact that new bathing suits are advertised with glamorous names such as “the Regatta” and “the Goddess,” I refuse to go through the embarrassment of trying on bathing suits in the overhead glare of 100-watt spotlights, the skin’s every dimple reflected in a four-way mirror. It is the ultimate humiliation.
Instead, I play it safe by sending for the same basic swimmer’s tank. It comes to my door, discreetly boxed, from Land’s End. The only daring, new innovation I might risk would be a different color, perhaps “purple passion” or “green with envy,” although surely anyone who has seen me in a swimsuit is definitely not.
While my basic pear shape is not going to change, warmer weather does make it easier to eat healthy. The American Medical Association reports that the “Mediterranean diet” is not only a figure slimmer, but is also linked to less late-in-life cognitive impairment. Basically, that means we should be eating more fruits, vegetables, legumes, cereals and fish and less meat and dairy products.
Staying hydrated as the weather turns warmer is important, too, but we should stay away from many of the canned sodas. A surprising report from a study done by Britain’s Food Standard Agency indicates there is no evidence that organically produced foods are nutritionally superior. Many nutritionists feel otherwise, and the research did not address questions of pesticides or other residues. So, if using all-organic food blows your budget, you might try a thorough washing of regular fruits and veggies, knowing that you are still receiving all your necessary vitamins.

The following are plentiful now, and especially good for you:
Apples: Good source of fiber and only 80 calories.
Apricots: Rich source of vitamin A. Continued...
Asparagus: Only 25 calories a serving, rich in vitamins A, C and folic acid.
Bananas: Good source of magnesium and potassium.
Blueberries: Antioxidant benefits (brain boosters).
Cantaloupe: Great source of beta-carotene and vitamin C.

If you like to garden but don’t have space, there is an interesting group that supports community gardening, the Connecticut Community Gardening Association. Gardens are in New Haven, Branford, Groton, Middletown, Westport and Enfield.

The one in Branford is an all-volunteer group that promotes local, organic produce, which is donated to families in need.

In New Haven, several city lots were made beautiful and productive. Call 203-770-0146 or go to ctcommunitygardening.org.

Contact Jean Cherni, certified senior adviser for Senior Living Solutions and Pearce Plus, a helpful, full-service program for seniors contemplating a move, at jeancherni@sbcglobal.net or 15 The Ponds at 101 Hotchkiss Grove, Branford 06405.

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