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!

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

 

Karl Bruns-Kyler
(877) 850-0211
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Karl Bruns-Kyler is a Medicare insurance broker and independent Medicare agent licensed to help Medicare recipients in thirty states around the country, including:

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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.