The canolo whispered… “Eat Me😋.” I Whispered Back… “Just One Bite✨

Happy Mother’s Day …. may this blog find you in amazing health with your Medicare insurance coverage🏥working well, even if you’re not a mother!

Any issues with your Medicare coverage (and the carrier isn’t helping), or you’d like to shop?  Email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar.

Remember to hang up 📞 on the big illegal call centers ⚠️ that try to force the wrong plans on consumers. Always use an independent broker.

Well, we finally got to Sicily to spend some time with our Airman Nicholas. After four years in the UK, he is enjoying the warmer weather of the Mediterranean. We are enjoying his company!

Quantz and Nicholas having an espresso together.

What’s my favorite part of Italy? Honestly, it’s the Americanos… hot, black and strong and way less expensive than a Starbuck’s coffee.

When the American GI’s liberated Sicily in 1943, they begged the local baristas to add hot water to the tiny cups of espresso, hence the name!

I also learned that cannoli is plural, the single is cannolo and they are best when the sweet filling is added JUST before they are served. Maybe that’s why I never liked them before.

A cannolo and a cup of coffee sitting on a table.

Whenever we visit a new city, Q always looks for a walking tour… to get the layout of the city, the local history, and the street food recommendations.

It’s easy to fall in love with arancini, deep-fried rice balls, typically stuffed, breaded, and fried to perfection😋.

A group of people, including Quantz and Nicholas, enjoying a treat.

Arancini means little oranges🍊, because of the arancini’s shape and color. Colonel Sander’s has nothing on this dangerous, delicious little street food.

It should probably be served sprinkled with a cholesterol statin! Man are they addictive!

Karl and Nicholas enjoying a treat.

Fortunately, Sicily is blessed with healthy fruits, vegetables, and seafood.

Of course there are also plenty of healthy choices at home in the US, but…

A man preparing an orange treat.

When surrounded by deliciousness… how does anyone stay healthy without missing out?

Nicholas taking in the aroma from a trey of sweet looking food.

Here are some simple strategies:

Don’t deprive—sample smartly:  Enjoy a few bites instead of a full portion. Share with your travel buddy or wrap up the rest. You don’t have to finish it all.

A table set with different plates of delectable looking dishes.

Balance the day, not every bite:  If lunch is indulgent (hello, deep-fried rice balls 😋), go light on dinner with veggies, lean proteins, and water.

Nicholas at a counter preparing food.

Eat local, eat slowly:  Take time to enjoy each bite. Mindful eating helps your brain register fullness and satisfaction sooner.

Why is mindful eating the topic this week? Q let me know my shirts appeared to be shrinking since we arrived in Italy🍨🥐😱! Coincidence? I think not! Time for me to get with the program.

Karl and Quantz standing in front of an old historic building.

Hydration is your secret weapon:  Sip water regularly to curb cravings and help your body process salt and sugar… and always listen to your barista☕🍫.

Quantz pointing at a baked treat as the barista looks on.

Walk it off:  Exploring on foot after a meal helps digestion and glucose control — and in Sicily, every step is a scenic reward.

In places where everyone walks (and Nicholas has no elevator), it’s easy to get in your steps🚶‍♂️.

Nicholas and Quantz walking down the sidewalk.

Build a “core meal” habit:  Start your day with something nourishing and fiber-rich (like oatmeal and Greek yogurt) so you’re less tempted to snack impulsively later.

Truthfully, this is the one I struggle with most with on the road, every corner is filled with croissants, cookies, and cakes.

At home, my routine is black coffee and a few nuts. But hey, sometimes you just have to give thanks and keep going. Plus, I’ll be home with Plato shortly.

Karl looking at some rocks.

🍽️ Bottom Line:

You can enjoy life’s delicious moments — like Sicilian street food — or a Mother’s Day Brunch — without derailing your health goals. The key? Intentional indulgence, not accidental overload.

And why should we do any of this? At this point in life, it’s about staying healthy and not being a burden, taking care of family, living a life of service, and annoying our children for as long as humanly possible😆!

As my Dad always  said… everything in moderation, even moderation!

Karl and Nicholas looking at each other.

Keep squeezing the juice🍊 out of life and look for ways to help others!

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@TheBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

 

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.


Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Arizona Medicare broker Karl Bruns Kyler Big 65.

 

 

The Hills are Alive…

Hello and may this blog find you in amazing health 💪 with your Medicare insurance coverage 🏥 working well.

For Medicare questions, quotes, or quandaries, email Gray@TheBig65.com or book a time on my calendar and we’ll get it sorted.

How was your Fourth of July? I hope no one you love ended up like the folks behind Nicholas and my wife Q.

The Bruns-Kyler family celebrated the holiday in the country where my grandmother was born before she emigrated to the US. Can you guess where we are?

Nicholas and Q surrounded by skulls.

I’ll give you a hint, remember this song: “The hills are alive with the sound of …🎵 ”

Karl standing in Austria.

That’s right, we are in Austria enjoying some time with our Air Force son so he can get some much needed R&R from the flight line he works on in Britain. It is a blessing to spend time with our son.

Salzburg inspired “The Sound of Music.” Hallstatt is famous because it was the inspiration for the movie “Frozen.” Believe it or not, I haven’t seen either movie.

Q says I’m a bit of a curmudgeon when it comes to feel-good movies, but that’s just how I roll. While they are out touring, I’m usually in a coffee shop on my laptop working on the 2025 Medicare certifications. I give thanks for good internet.

Karl staring at a swan.

If you ask me what’s my favorite part of Europe, it’s the food that inspires me.

When I see all this fresh produce, I think about how I should be eating more non-processed foods. Doing so can bring significant health and cognitive benefits. Here’s how prioritizing fresh foods can enhance well-being.

Delicious looking green vegetables.

Unlike processed foods, fresh foods are free from high levels of added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.

A lady explaining vegetables.

•  Fresh foods are typically lower in calories and higher in nutrients compared to processed foods. They help manage weight and reduce the risk of obesity.

•  Fresh foods such as vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish are low in unhealthy fats and sodium, promoting better heart health and reducing the risk of heart disease.

•  Fresh foods are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and prevents constipation. Fiber-rich options like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains support a healthy gut microbiome.

Nicholas buying bread on the street.

•  Fresh foods are packed with nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins that support brain health, improving memory and focus.

•  Diets high in fresh foods are linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Eating more fresh foods can help protect your brain as you age. That’s what it’s all about.

•  Fresh, nutrient-rich foods positively impact mood and mental health. They help regulate neurotransmitters in the brain, reducing the risk of depression and anxiety. Eat well, feel better.

A cute dog sitting under a vegetable stand.

•  Consider visiting farmers’ markets and local produce stands for fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables.

•  When shopping, choose products with the fewest ingredients and avoid items with added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial additives.

•  Cooking at home allows you to use fresh ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.

•  Try new recipes that focus on fresh, whole foods. Incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains.

•  Planning your meals for the week can help you make healthier choices and ensure you’re incorporating fresh foods.

•  Have fresh fruits, nuts, and yogurt ready for quick, healthy snacks.

Of course you could be like my little brother Haas in Virginia and catch and prepare most of your own food. Whenever we visit him, we eat very well.

Haas fishing in Virginia.

Switching to a diet rich in fresh, non-processed foods can be simple and rewarding. Start with small changes, like adding more fruits and vegetables to your meals or cooking a few more dinners at home each week. Your body and mind will thank you!

Chris, a former exchange student, join the Bruns-Kyler family in Vienna for a meal.

Of course, like my dad said, “everything in moderation, even moderation.” One of our former German exchange students, Chris, joined us in Vienna for a few days and it was a delight to see him and catch up on his time when he lived with our family in Roswell, Georgia. Where does the time go?

Chris and Nicholas walking down the street with food in hand.

The young’uns have much faster metabolisms than us, so I was a bit jealous of the way they scarfed down the fries and the sausages (I’m keepin’ an eye on my triglycerides). Remember, gettin’ old ain’t for sissies, right?

Living well isn’t just about food, it’s about overall quality of life.

Claire in front of Niagara Falls.

Claire sent this picture from Niagara Falls celebrating time with her family. Keep going Claire👍❤️!

And this weekend, please keep squeezing the juice out of life and look for ways to help others!

If family or friends need help… referrals are the lifeblood of my business.

If you know someone who might like to receive The Big 65 newsletter, forward this link.

Medicare questions or problems?

Book a time on my calendar or email Gray, Gray@theBig65.com.

Let us know what’s going on and please send pictures :).

 

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
Book a time on my calendar here
Happy with my Service? Click Here to Leave a Review.


Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Georgia
Idaho
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maryland
Michigan
Minnesota
Missouri
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
North Carolina
Ohio
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Texas
Virginia
Washington
Wisconsin

The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Services does not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent 10 organizations that offer 50 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.

Karl Bruns-Kyler of The Big 65 Medicare Insurance Agency.