Feel Better and Look Younger Menu

What would you say if I told you that the best anti-aging products can be found right in your local supermarket?  Ready to get gorgeous?  I know you think that my answer to everything is food.  Well that might be true but try these super foods on for size and see if you’re not feeling and looking more beautiful than ever.

Let us begin our quest for beauty with salmon.  There are numerous benefits of salmon.  Health wise, it’s amazing!!!  It’s low in calories, high in protein and high in Omega-3’s. The cardiovascular benefits are phenomenal.  However, we want to know – how will this beautiful pink fish make me pretty?  Since salmon has such amazing cardiovascular benefits, it improves circulation.  Improved circulation leaves skin rosy, supple, dewy and glowing.  Also, the Omega-3’s are known to improve skin texture… microdermabrasion in a fish!

Who needs to take dangerous weight loss pills when you can just eat chia seeds?  This is how this mighty little seed aids in weight loss; when the seed is exposed to water it forms a coating of gel increasing its size and weight.  This helps with satiety as it expands in your stomach.  You will feel very full!  Also, chia seeds are very high in anti-oxidants and have an amazing shelf life with no preservatives!  All natural, baby!

Ginger – No we are not talking about the redhead from Gilligan’s Island.  We are talking about a skin super hero!  First off, ginger has the ability to lighten age spots.  This is very important because age spots are a dead giveaway for age or unfortunately can make you look older than you actually are.  Ginger contains the powerful anti-oxidant gingerol which not only fights skin damaging free radicals, but promotes smoothness and evenness in skin tone.  Blue ginger from Madagascar has particular potent anti-oxidant properties. Also, ginger is an anti-inflammatory which makes it a natural acne fighting ingredient.  The antiseptic properties of ginger kill bacteria that causes acne!  Wow!

Quinoa – that’s kinda fun to say but more fun to eat!  It’s light, mild and a little crunchy.  Did you know that Quinoa is not actually a grain, it’s a seed related to the spinach family.  It is a complete protein which means it contains all of the nine essential amino acids.  It’s also very high in nutrients and fiber!  YUM!

Do you have rough, scaly winter skin?  It’s OK, you are not alone, and we have the answer!  Sweet potatoes!  Sweet potatoes contain beta carotene which helps balance PH levels and encourages skin cell turnover!  It has vitamin C which helps boost immunity and has huge anti-aging properties.  Sweet potatoes also have high levels of vitamin B6 which lowers your chances of heart attack and stroke.  This is a very sweet thing!

Hail, Hail, King Kale!  Kale is loaded with beta carotene and lutein, these two nutrients improve skin elasticity and firmness.  Who needs a face lift when you can eat kale?  In addition to making your face gorgeous it is packed with vitamins and minerals that will meet all the requirements of your daily nutrition content!  Kale contains phytochemicals and sulforaphanes along with indoles which are known to protect against cancer.  It helps boost the immune system so a little kale a day keeps the doctor away.  Trying to lose weight?  Kale fills you up with fewer calories.  Kale is king!

Brussels sprouts… not your grandma’s Brussels sprouts!  They are so delicious; the whole family will love them!  They are a great source of vitamins B2, B5, B6, C, folate, beta-carotene and potassium.  They are also high in fiber.  Roast them in the oven for a yummy side dish!

Artichokes…besides its health benefits artichokes can be used as a diuretic, aphrodisiac, breath freshener and deodorant!  Can you guess which vegetable has the highest anti-oxidant content?  Surprisingly, the answer is artichokes!  They are very high in a certain antioxidant known as phytonutrients in the form of cynarin and silymarin, which can aid in digestion, liver problems, gallbladder function and cholesterol levels.

Do you want healthy, strong hair and a glowing complexion?  Who doesn’t?  Asparagus contains silica and can help give you beautiful hair and skin.  Asparagus also can help prevent the occurrence of varicose veins.  Asparagus contains high quantities of a flavonoid called rutin.   Rutin has anti-inflammatory properties that improve circulation and thus helps diminish the appearance of varicose veins.  Asparagus also contains rich quantities of vitamins A and C.  Vitamin C supports collagen production which prevents the skin from sagging.

After reading this, the next time you see a dandelion on the side of the road you will look at it as little differently!  Dandelion root is a powerful anti aging herb.  Dandelion leaves are rich in vitamin A, zinc, magnesium, silicon, potassium, phosphorus, sulfur and sodium.  They are very rich in calcium and have a high mineral content.  They are an excellent diuretic to flush the body of excess water and toxins.  Dandelions have been known to aid in weight loss, relieve acne, help with depression and prevent cancer just to name a few things.

The healthiest nut of them all, the walnut.  Walnuts have tons of Omega-3’s and alpha linolenic acid.  Here are just some of the benefits of this amazing little nut; helps improve heart function, protects against cancer, it looks like a brain because it helps brain function, reduces depression, helps you sleep better, minimizes bone loss and is a great antioxidant.  What more could you want from a little nut?

The path to a more beautiful you is laden with super foods.  Incorporate these glorious foods into your life and I guarantee you will be energetic and gorgeous.  These anti-aging foods might will work miracles!

Fountain of Youth Breakfast

With breakfast being so important I wanted to share with you one of my favorite recipes.  Start the day off with beauty foods/superfoods.  This breakfast is truly in the fountain of youth category.  In fact let’s talk fountain of youth…try not to start the day off with coffee.  Immediately upon waking, have some water and then my friends; squeeze the juice of one lemon into a cup of warm water.  Have that before your coffee.  I can say this because I’m the kind of girl who likes a cup of java.  Oh, and by the way, in that cup of java, try sweetening it with organic honey and cinnamon.

Without further ado, let’s talk about breakfast specifically.  Oatmeal, lots and lots of oatmeal!  I am going to suggest that you use steel-cut oats for the sheer simple reason that mushy oatmeal is just frankly, unappealing.  I actually like to undercook my steel-cut oats so that they remain crunchy, but that is a personal preference.

Fountain of Youth Tropical Oatmeal

Ingredients (measurements are entirely up to you):

•  Steel cut oats cooked in water (per package directions)
• Coconut oil
• Cinnamon
• Maple syrup or organic honey
• Chia seeds
• Chopped apple
• Sliced banana
• Chopped mango
• Blueberries
• Raw walnuts
• Raw sunflower seeds

I specifically did not give you measurements since I basically make a bucket load for myself.  I love oatmeal and I eat an enormous amount every day.  In fact, I have found with this recipe that I get a lot of key superfoods in one meal.  I recommend people eat a teaspoon of coconut oil every day and guess what folks, I put it into my oatmeal and it actually imparts coconut flavor into the oatmeal.  At the same time it provides me with the incredible benefits of coconut oil.

So here’s what I do and it is just a suggestion, you can of course make up your own.  I cook the oatmeal and while it is cooking I gather all of my fruit; slice it, chop it and put it into a large bowl.  I add the nuts and sunflower seeds and set it aside.  When the oatmeal is finished cooking I remove it from the heat and immediately add organic maple syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon and chia seeds.  That gets poured over my fruit and nuts and I toss it all together.  Some people thinks this serves four, alas it serves only me.   Try it. It is sure to please you too.

Spa day in your kitchen!

What I’m going to tell you might very well surprise you. I have more food in my bathroom than I do in my kitchen! Well, that might be an exaggeration, but I must say that many of my beauty tips look like you could find them in a cook book. I won’t say that beauty products don’t have their place, but I will say what I say about almost everything. You can fix almost problem anything with your food. Below are some tips and tricks to use what’s in your kitchen or grocery store to get salon and spa results!

• Hair Damage? How about some bone marrow? Are you shocked? So are most people when I recommend asking the butcher in the grocery store for bones and then cooking the marrows until they liquefy. When they’re cool enough to handle apply to your hair like conditioner and wrap the whole mess up in plastic. Leave it in for as long as you can stand it. Over night is best. Believe me this does wonders for colored or heat treated hair.
• Brown Spots? I’ve been asked a lot lately for a chemical free brown spot corrector. Here it is and yes, it starts in the kitchen again. Soak white rice in a pot of water for 24-48 hrs. Drain and use the liquid to wash any areas with dark spots. Keep the rice water in the fridge in a container with a lid and use daily for a week or two. This tip I’ve never used
• I don’t drink milk, but I buy it. Why? Lactade has amazing rejuvenative properties that can keep your skin looking beautiful! Use milk to wash your face a couple days a week.
• Coconut oil is not only great for you, but it’s fantastic for your skin. People are often afraid to put oil on their face, but the reason our faces produce excess oil is actually from being dried out. Give your skin what it wants and it won’t produce excess oils!
• Olive oil is another great all over moisturizer for face and body! Better and cheaper than expensive creams. Also is a great makeup remover.
• Vitamin E is fantastic for your skin, hair and nails. I pop vitamin E capsules and use the oil on my nails and cuticles! It Try it and see for yourself. It works better than the stuff in the nail salon.
• Get egg on your face. No, seriously! Egg white applied with a pastry brush (preferably one that’s strictly for beauty purposes) is great for tightening skin and shrinking pores! The yolk is great protein for your hair too!
• Puffy eyes? Head to the kitchen and grab two spoons. Put them in the fridge for a few minutes then place them over your eyes. The cold of the metal reduces swelling, plus it gives you a few extra minutes with your eyes closed.
• Morning or coffee breath? Chew on some parsley or mint for fresh breath that’s great for you!
• Botox. Surely, you’ll say, I won’t suggest doing that in the kitchen. Well you’re right but I do have a temporary lip booster that’s made from mixing a SMALL amount of cayenne pepper with non petroleum jelly. Notice I emphasized the word small. The first time I tried this I used too much pepper and had plump, burning lips all night. Trust me. A little goes a long way!

So treat yourself to a spa day in the comfort of your own kitchen!

Foods to Avoid When You Have Cellulite

Cellulite varies from person to person.  As I stated in yesterday’s blog, it does not discriminate against thin people.  It does seem to have quite a bit to do with skin, hormone levels and age.  Research has turned up many foods to avoid when one suffers with cellulite.  I have decided to provide you with that list, although I am not so sure that I agree with it completely.  Some of the items to avoid make sense, some do not; but I am not going to argue with what research has turned up.  I will however share my personal opinion for you to consider.  It is my own personal belief that one of the most harmful foods relating to cellulite are fried foods.  For that reason alone it probably helps me to stay away from fried foods.  I look at fried food, immediately think of cellulite and say no thank you.  Below are the foods that several studies have determined cause or worsen cellulite.

• Fish, salted and preserved, caviar, anchovies, sardines, cod, tuna, haddock
• Oily fish such as eel, mackerel, herring
• Some meats such as foie gras; duck, goose, fatty pork, stew, guinea-fowl, game, tripe
• Shellfish:  lobsters, crabs, crayfish, prawns, mussels, scallops
• Certain vegetables such as broad beans, split peas, soya
• Dried fruit
• Strong cheeses
• Fermented cheeses
• Cooked butter
• Confections
• Fried foods
• Condiments:  mustard, pickles, garlic, salt, pepper
• Drinks like coffee, tea and all alcoholic drinks
• Tobacco

Now folks as I stated, I am certainly not in total agreement with the above list.  I in fact I consume many of the items on the list and do not have an issue with cellulite.  But I will share with you that I vehemently refuse fried food and it is certainly not because they are not tasty.  I simply decided many, many years ago that fried food and smooth, soft skin cannot coexist.

Better Than Ever Side Dishes

Many people ask about where my inspiration for the blogs comes from.  My answer is usually friends, clients, meetings; basically every day life for me.  Recently I have been doing an enormous amount of health counseling which is probably one of my most favorite things about my job.  The reason I mention this is because one of the issues that I walk away with at the end of the day after spending time with so many people is that we are all lacking in some of the same ways.  Whole grains!  They are more important than you realize folks and I am wondering if the fear of carbohydrates is behind why people are neglecting to eat the ever so important complex carbohydrate.  Listen, it is OK to ignore carbs for a little while (tomorrow I will blog about a diet some of you might like to try and it avoids carbs…but not for long) but most of the time you have to remember to eat your whole grains.  Ignoring whole  grains will certainly negatively affect cholesterol, diabetes and a whole slew of other issues.  Remember, I am not asking you to eat a large quantity of carbohydrates, but a little bit at every meal will go so far.

There are far too many of us that turn to potatoes and white rice as part of their meals.  This is a reminder from me to you, there is a plethora of side dishes that are simply incredible.  I would like to share these with you since they are interesting, healthy, unique and might I add anti-aging.

• Brown rice
• Jasmine brown rice
• Basmati rice
• Quinoa, red quinoa, black quinoa
• Barley
• Wheat bulgur
• Whole wheat cous cous
• Ferro
• Steel cut oats
• Sweet potatoes

Whole grains are extraordinary and ever so healthful.  Listen, it’s not all about potatoes and white rice.  In fact, I would venture to say they ain’t so healthful.  Take a look at the above list and keep it in mind when thinking of side dishes, and by the way, from the entire list quinoa and sweet potatoes are numero uno when it comes to anti-aging foods.  Please try to add something from the above list to each one of your meals.  So dump the wrinkle cream and splurge on quinoa.

Guys and Gals, Say Bye-Bye to Wrinkles

Allow me to share a secret with you.  And this is for men and women alike.  It is not what you put on your skin but the method by which you apply it.  Let me say that again, with all due respect to the cosmetic industry, it really does not matter much what you apply but how you apply it to your skin.

In the US $40 billion is spent annually on cosmetics.  Around the world $1.5 billion is spent on botox.  What do these numbers say to us?  Well, it demonstrates to me how desperate we are to rid ourselves of wrinkles.  I know this is surprising to some but you need not spend enormous amounts of money.  I’m going to give you a very simple trick that I personally use every day of my life without fail.  Are you ready?  Now, men I think you should follow this regimen as well as women.  Why should you not greet the day with great supple skin as well?

Just follow these basic simple steps:

• Immediately upon waking I rinse my face with cool water, I barely dab at it with a towel and then I immediately add moisturizer.
• I always drink warm water with the juice of one lemon.  I happen to think that lemons do great things for the skin (sometimes I use lemons as a tonic for my skin).
• I jump into the shower (well, perhaps I step into it).  In the shower I always use an exfoliate on my skin (now listen, it does not have to be an expensive exfoliate; most of the time mine are home made, a little honey and sugar works great).
• Please pay careful attention here, this is the most important step I will share with you and this is where you bid adieu to wrinkles.  When you are done with your shower, do not towel dry completely and that goes for your whole body; but most especially your face.  While your face is still wet apply your moisturizer.  Then of course apply lotion to your whole body.  Wait a few moments, begin the process of getting dressed, come back and apply more moisturizer to your face.  Continue to get dressed, come back and apply more moisturizer to your face.  You will do this three or four, maybe even five times.  You will apply so much moisturizer that you will than take a white face cloth and dab at your face.  Then rub your face very softly to ensure that the moisturizer has set in.
• Guys, at this point you should be ready to walk out the door; and gals, at this point you are ready to apply your makeup.  But here’s another tip; if you follow this process you should really need very little makeup.

I know this seems like quite a lengthy process, but it isn’t!  It takes me all of five or 10 minutes.  But I guarantee it will take years off of your face.  I am often asked about the products that I use on my skin so I thought it was important to share this little secret with you.  Additionally I must tell you so many creams and moisturizers promise hydration.  Hydration is not to be placed on your skin, it must come from within.  That means hydrate your skin by drinking lots of H2O and eating the right beauty foods.

There you have it my friends, from 20 to 90 you can say good riddance to wrinkles and hello to a healthy glow!

Oh Mirror, Mirror On The Wall, Who’s The Fairest of Them All?

What percentage of us is vain?  How many of us try to look younger instead of older?  How many out there are looking for the fountain of youth?  It seems to me the answer to these questions would be…a large number of us, in fact millions.  I can say this simply as a matter of fact, based on the millions of dollars that is spent around the world on anti-aging products.  So than why are millions of us sabotaging the very thing that we’re spending millions of dollars fighting against?

Visualize this for a moment if you will, a woman enters a room, you notice her because she has beautiful glowing skin, pearly white teeth, shiny and sweet smelling hair and somehow she smells of fresh laundry detergent, not even quite perfume.  Is she a smoker or non-smoker?

Why start an article on smoking like this?  It seems somehow almost cruel.  Allow me to clarify.  The affects of smoking ravage our bodies, commercials and advertisements demonstrate the extent of the affects on our bodies.  It does not seem as if the commercials and advertising are as effective as they should be.  To that point, viewing a commercial whereby an individual’s lungs are obviously black, and you can hear that individual hacking away, does not seem to be as effective as say, for instance, showing us a commercial whereby two people are the same age and yet one obviously looks 10 to 20 years older.

Let’s discuss vanity for a moment; our vanity perpetuates millions of dollars at makeup counters and drug stores.  Our vanity is the reason why we spend a ton of money whitening our teeth.  Our vanity is the reason why we combat wrinkles with Juvederm and Botox.  We carry around perfume to mask the smell of smoke; we sprits spray in our hair to freshen it.

So now let’s consider what a smoker looks like.  A smoker may have wrinkled, yellowy skin, yellow stained teeth, hair and nails that are not so shiny and bright, putrid clothes and rancid smelling hair.

This all seems a bit harsh but let me point out that I grew up in Europe where we all thought social smoking was cool!  So believe me folks, without a doubt, I can empathize with you and the difficulties regarding giving up this (not so cool) habit.  This is a difficult article to write since I know my words seem unsympathetic, but I really believe that most of us feel as if we are invincible.  And every smoker believes that they will not be affected by smoking.  Maybe if you smoke, you won’t be affected; maybe your organs will remain clear and strong and you will live to the ripe old age of 100.  But here is one thing that I can certainly guarantee, and this is a 100% certainty, you can rest assured that if you smoke you will not smell, look and feel as beautiful as you can be.  It is highly likely that in addition you will probably look 10 to 15 years older than your chronological age.

Why raise this issue?  Well, quite frankly we can’t look in the mirror and see our lungs and heart.  We can certainly look in the mirror and the signs of smoking are obvious.  My challenge to you is decide today that you will give up smoking, not only for your health but for your skin, hair and smell.  Please allow me to point out this article is not intended to vilify smokers; but rather to challenge you to give up smoking and instead introduce methods whereby you will look younger and more beautiful than ever.

Have I captured your interest by now?  Instead of appearing 10 years older, let me demonstrate to you, how to look 10 years younger.

 Ways to Look More Beautiful and Younger Than You Ever Have

 1.    Eat a diet rich in, what I like to call, beauty foods.

• Wild Alaskan salmon;
• Sweet potatoes;
• Chia seeds;
• Kale;
• Lobster;
• Raw walnuts;
• Quinoa;
• Blueberries;
• Brussels sprouts;
• Good quality extra virgin olive oil;
• Water, lots and lots of water!

2.    Exercise is one of the best ways to give up smoking and look younger at the same time.

• Walk your dog or walk alone, it does not matter, four to five times a week;
• Try to strength train three times a week.

3.    Exfoliate your skin (I can’t emphasize enough how important this is).

• Exfoliates need not be expensive, they can even be oatmeal or sea salt;
• Exfoliate every other day, moisturize like crazy and hydrate your skin by drinking tons of H₂O.

4.    Reduce your stress.

• Exercise is obviously one of the best ways to reduce stress;
• Give up smoking, when you look older you are more stressed;
• Try yoga, deep breathing and relaxation techniques.

5.    Let me share a little secret with you.  Want to look your very, very best and look younger for that evening function?  For exactly three days try the following:

• No alcohol, caffeine, sugar, dairy or preservatives and additives;
• Breakfast, lunch and dinner will consist of salmon, blueberries, kale, Brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes;
• Do cardio everyday for three days;
• Drink tons and tons of water

Keep to this plan for three days, I guarantee you will be impressed when you look in the mirror and you will certainly hear about it when you get to that function.  Oh, and by the way, this is not intended only for women.  To all the men out there who have taken the time to read this article, I suggest you try this.  Don’t you want to look younger too?