November 23rd, 2008
We all want to look our best for special occasions. Now is the time to focus on our skin for Thanksgiving Day. It can be more simple than you think. With our temperatures outside it is a good idea to add hydrating masks to your skin care routine.
Cranberry pomegranate is a good winter mask. Cranberry will rehydrate and plump tired cells, while the pomegranate has anti-oxidant therapy which will be soothing and rejuvenating. Hard to go wrong with this mask in the winter.
For people with a oilier skin, I would recommend a gel based mask. Look for one that has licorice and azulene in it. This will help soothe and reduce redness. Also the gel base will add hydration to your skin without adding in a lot of emollients and lipids.(people with oily skin don’t want a lot of this). Your skin will look refreshed and energized after this mask.
Remember this can take as little time as possible if you want. Tip: apply your favorite mask before you get into the shower, at the end of the shower just wash it off! Very Simple.
See you at the Spa…..
November 18th, 2008
Thanksgiving may be a day of feasting, but it doesn’t mean that you have to overdo it. From the start of the day, try following these tips to avoid tipping the scales:
- Eat breakfast. Skip your morning meal and you’ll be more likely to overeat later.
- Sit or stand away from food while socializing with family and friends.
- Instead of munching mindlessly, chew gum or suck on a sugar-free mint to keep your mouth busy.
- Avoid wearing loose-fitting clothing. This way your clothes can give you gentle reminders throughout the day.
- Alternate alcoholic or other calorie laden drinks with water or calorie-free beverages. Liquid calories add up quickly.
- Plan some non-food activities, such as a leisurely walk, a friendly game of soccer or baseball, or a game of cards or charades.
- Consider cutting back on the number of dishes you serve—then donate the extra food to a local food pantry or shelter.
- Bring a healthy dish to pass, such as a veggie tray, whole grain rolls or wild rice, or fruit crisp for dessert. Search online for ways to lighten your favorite holiday recipes.
- Peruse the offerings before you fill your plate. Then serve yourself half-size portions.
- Eat slowly and take the time to savor every bite. You’ll be more likely to feel satisfied without second helpings.
Be thankful for not being stuffed!
November 4th, 2008
Nearly every day, food and nutrition makes the news. Yet today’s report may contradict what you heard last week or last month. Do the results of a single research study mean you should overhaul your diet? Absolutely not. Nutrition is an evolving science, so it is almost certain that diet advice will change with time. In the meantime, you may wonder whether you can trust the science when you hear conflicting advice. Keep these thoughts in mind when you judge reports of the latest food and nutrition research findings:
- The results of one study are just one piece of a bigger puzzle. Wait to make changes until more studies can confirm the results.
- Be wary of recommendations that promise a quick fix. Headlines that claim “medical miracle” or “scientific breakthrough” are red flags that claims sounding too good to be true are usually just that.
- Read beyond the headlines. Attention-grabbing headlines often oversimplify complex research results. Look for bottom-line conclusions, which are usually reported at the end of a news story.
- Take note of the study methods. Longer studies with more people are more likely to produce valid results. Even so, many different factors can influence study findings. Study results may not apply to you if the people studied are different in age, gender, health, or lifestyle.
- Check the sources. Credible research is conducted by respectable scientists or organizations, and it’s reported by a reputable newspaper, newsletter, magazine or scientific journal.
- Look for expert interpretation. Reports of research findings often include review and advice from nutrition and health professionals not involved with the research.
