Face Your Food (Friday) - Coconut

Face Your Food (Friday) - Coconut

Coconut is a natural powerhouse! Coconut water is fantastic for electrolyte, or mineral, balance (far better than a sports drink), since it contains potassium, magnesium, and sodium, plus small amounts of zinc, copper, and selenium. Selenium maintains skin elasticity and a healthy scalp, while zinc keeps hair and nails gorgeous and immunity strong.

Coconut oil is wonderful for homemade lip and body scrubs. Be creative. Add a little brown sugar, finely ground coffee beans and/or cocoa, maybe a little honey. Lovely. Gently use as an exfoliating treatment (wash off as you cleanse or use a damp cloth to remove from lips).

Coconut is not only tasty, it's rich in healthy fats, which help to balance blood sugar levels, reduce inflammation, fuel the nervous system and provide us with energy. Coconut meat can be cut into chunks and added to stir-fries, or you can make your own shredded coconut using a box grater and drying your shreds in the oven. Try shredded coconut for baking or sprinkling on top of your favorite treats - I love it sprinkled over chunks of mango!

There's lots of info out there on how to pick and get into a coconut. Check it out and consider sharing the adventure with a friend this weekend. Take care of you, yeah? 

On Wednesdays We Talk About Our Face - Skin Barrier - March 9, 2022

On Wednesdays We Talk About Our Face - Skin Barrier

Our outermost layer of skin (the epidermis), especially its upper layer (the stratum corneum), acts as a skin barrier. It defends our body against a constant onslaught of environmental threats while simultaneously protecting our body's critical water balance. Symptoms such as dryness, itching, and inflammation can alert us to a disturbance in this important barrier.

You can help your skin's barrier by simplifying your skin care routine, being gentle with your skin, using products with a suitable pH, and mindfully moisturizing. Diet is also important.

Citrus foods and garlic have collagen-boosting properties; healthy fats from walnuts, avocado and olive oil are essential for great skin and a balanced diet, while carrots, sweet potatoes and broccoli contain Vitamin A which improves skin elasticity. Of course, it's always wise to stay hydrated.

If you have stratum corneum questions or want to learn more about feeding your face healthfully, please do contact me. As a licensed esthetician and holistic health coach, I love sharing simple strategies to get and keep you and your skin healthy. Fill that water bottle, get outside and play and take care of you, yeah?

Face Your Food (Friday) - Garlic - March 4, 2022

 Face Your Food (Friday) - Garlic

I love garlic. I add it to everything from breakfast scrambles to salads (garlic infused olive oil and lemon pepper make the perfect dressing) to popcorn. It is off the charts for its anti-inflammatory value, its antibacterial and antifungal properties support healthy intestinal flora and garlic boosts circulation. Research also indicates it can have a positive impact on your arteries and blood pressure.

Garlic contains Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, selenium, copper and zinc which are fabulous for your face. This tasty plant also has antiseptic properties from allicin, which helps to kill the bacteria causing acne and has also been shown to have potential effects on psoriasis and wound healing.

Freshly chopped or deliciously roasted, you probably need more of this in your life, and if you share, no one will mind the smell. Gather a few friends, eat well and take care of you, yeah?

Healthy Musings Monday - Our Hearts - February 21, 2022

Healthy Musings Monday - Our hearts

One of my favorite people reminded me recently how important it is to take care of our hearts. So, as we near the end of American Heart Month I've decided to share a little of what I know to be true.

Your heart is happier when you eat healthfully. Be sure to include a wide variety of fruits, veggies, whole grains, beans, legumes and nuts. Lighten up on the processed foods, sugar and salt.

Your heart isn't thrilled with you sitting around all day. Get up and move. Walk, run, dance, get on a bike or a treadmill, do some jumping jacks or yoga. Just, please, add a little more movement to your days.

Chronic stress, anxiety, and anger are associated with increased blood pressure, heart rate irregularities, and reduced blood flow to the heart. On the other hand, gratitude, a sense of purpose and mindfulness are associated with a lower risk of heart disease. Your mental health matters, my friends. If you're struggling, please find someone to help you sort things out. Your heart will thank you. (If you don't know where to turn, please contact me. I know some wonderful people who may be able to help.)

Oh, if you're still smoking, your heart wants you to stop.

Last, but not least, love has actually been found to be good for your heart. Blood pressure tends to decrease when spending quality time with friends or family. When you hug someone, your body releases oxytocin, which is a powerful hormone that can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Studies also show that laughter can reduce stress and help promote blood flow, and holding hands can reduce stress and anxiety. Share the love, y'all, and take care of you, yeah? 

Face Your Food (Friday) - Chickpeas - January 28, 2022

 

Face Your Food (Friday) - Chickpeas

Chickpeas have a wonderfully nutty, buttery flavor that tastes so good in soups and salads, roasted as snacks or blended with garlic, tahini, olive oil and lemon juice to make one of the healthiest, most delicious vegetarian/vegan staples on the planet - hummus. Oh, and there's also falafel. Yum!

Also called garbanzo beans, these antioxidant-rich legumes are full of phytochemicals that boost immunity and aid in the absorption of other important minerals. Chickpeas are loaded with protein, fiber and folate. They also contain copper, manganese and zinc, the antioxidant beauty mineral that helps keep skin clear and scalp healthy while promoting hair growth and strong nails. Chickpeas are a source of complex carbohydrates that stabilize your blood sugar levels, and they may help prevent the development of diabetes and heart disease.

Please consider adding these fabulous little legumes to your shopping list this weekend, stay hydrated, and take care of you, yeah?

On Wednesdays We Talk About Our Face - Pro-Aging - January 19, 2022

 On Wednesdays We Talk About Our Face - Pro-Aging

We're all aging, my friends, and I'm so glad you're joining me for the ride! Viewing the aging process in a realistic and positive way and working with the body's natural defenses is what the pro-aging concept is all about. I believe it's time to consider less invasive skincare that supports the organic aging of the skin, working with the body, instead of against it.

A pro-aging mindset nudges us into making small adjustments and restructuring our habits as we age. Our health is reflected on our skin, so a healthier lifestyle is essential. Get adequate sleep, hydrate and eat a variety of colorful, healthy foods.

Bottom line is that a pro-aging attitude gives us the freedom to make our own skin care choices and not be a prisoner to societal standards. So many skin care messages can feel ageist and shameful (anti-aging). Do your research, ask questions, do what feels right and comfortable for you. I'm here to help, if you need me. Take care of you, yeah?

Face Your Food (Friday) - Cacao / Cocoa - January 7, 2022

 Face Your Food (Friday) - Cacao / Cocoa

First, yes, there is a difference between cacao and cocoa. Cocoa is processed at a much higher temperature which destroys much of the nutritional benefits (and often packaged cocoa contains added sugar and dairy). Cacao is processed at lower temperatures and is rich in disease-fighting plant compounds including flavanols, which have antioxidant and heart-protective qualities. It's also a good source of iron, fiber and magnesium.

Chocolate with a high cacao percentage helps protect the skin from UV damage, while cacao in general boosts skin hydration and reduces skin redness. Cacao also contains sulfur, a beauty mineral that promotes strong hair, nails and skin.

So, enjoy that oat milk chai with a little cacao powder, stay cozy, and take care of you, yeah?