Good choices

What does the term "Holistic Medicine" mean

to you? Consider the word comes from

"wholistic".

Yin/Yang

Knowing your body type can help you to prevent future health problems. Where do you fit on the Yin-Yang quadrant graph?

Mushrooms

Strike a Balance, Freak

Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily

There's no doubt about it: healthy bitches are hardcore.

But the truth is, an all-or-nothing approach isn't always the answer. Sure, it's worthwhile to kick your own booty at the gym and hit the books in order to ace a test, but it's also OK to dig on a little R&R every now and then.

Perfectionista Problems

Prior to my diagnosis with celiac disease in 2010, I spent a large portion of my life subscribing to a balls-to-the-wall approach. The same characteristics that
made me driven and motivated had also often left me unable to relax the rules. There was never room for a happy medium or “sweet spot” in my world. Exercise didn’t count unless it was done for at least an hour. If I was trying to minimize sweets, then they had to be completely wiped out of the kitchen—not a single granule in sight.

This, of course, led to a constant up-and-down effect throughout my way of life. Unable to maintain the harsh parameters I had set for myself, I would eventually fail at my master plan, caving an entire chocolate cake instead of taking the one or two bites I had wanted earlier in the week.

It was a recipe for disaster and I was the fuel to the so-called fire.

It wasn’t until I was able to admit to these patterns that I realized I was the root of my inability to maintain a healthy path. By setting these strict standards, I
was like a semi-trailer truck careening around a rather curvaceous road—it just wasn’t going to end pretty, sweethearts.

So, how did I find a lil' balance? I had to stand in front of the damn mirror and give myself a wake-up call, starting with: "Relax bitch."

Then, I got to work on these steps:

Stop approaching workouts like an audition for the Olympics. Yeah, we like to sweat it out like the guys at the gym, but it's OK if every workout is not a marathon sesh. Sometimes, all you have is 15 minutes. Do some squats, crunches and push ups, mix in some jumping jacks, and call it a day.

Seek a little bit of Zen in your life. If you're a full-throttle, grade-A busy bitch like me, then chances are you don't often grant yourself serenity. I learned the hard way that, yes, peace, harmony and all that shit are actually necessary in order to keep my life running at an even keel. Yoga, deep breathing and even essential oils, like lavender and chamomile, have helped me to chill out.

Don't go A-wall on a food group just for the heck of it. Sure, we're down with veganism and other dietary choices that are mandatory in order to be healthy—like food allergies and intolerances—but abandoning an entire food group without good reason is cray cray. For example, all carbs are not bad. Quinoa, brown rice, millet and buckwheat (don't be fooled by the name) are all gluten-free, delicious and packed with fiber and healthy nutrients. If you are seeking to make changes (i.e. reduce sugar intake), then make the swaps in small doses and don't nix it completely. Want to see a bitch go nuts? Take away all of her chocolate.

Much like the age-old saying that it’s important to “never say never,” my way of healthy living stems from the idea that there is not a one-size-fits-all prescription for achieving total wellness.

I wholeheartedly believe that it's important to subscribe to a way of life, not a temporary fix. This is the place where a bitch will find healthful bliss. The spot
where she can enjoy vibrant green juice and have her gluten-free cake too.

So, go ahead and take a chill pill, you freak. We'll all be here to cheer you on.

Image courtesy of Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Like this article? Share in the comments below.
Caroline Shannon-Karasik, Resident Gluten-Free ExpertCaroline Shannon-Karasik is the founder of The G-Spot Revolution , a gluten-free, healthy living blog built upon the premise that there is not a one-size-fits-all prescription for total wellness. Whether you call it your personal health "spot", or ooo-la-la recipe, that serendipitous life balance is yours to define –– and The G-Spot was created to help you do just that. Standing behind her mission to share health information through her writing, Caroline is a freelance writer for several publications, including REDBOOK and Breathe magazines. Follow her on Twitter @TheGSpotRev or read more at www.carolineshannon.com.

Daily Aha! w/ Dr. Oz

The signs of a heart attack are different in men and women. 

The classic tell-tale sign of a heart attack (the   one most of us probably learned from the   movies) is pain or numbness in the left arm.   While that is a common symptom in men,   women need to be on the lookout for other   warnings. Women are more likely to feel   generally unwell if they have are having a   heart attack. That can include indigestion,   bloating, nausea and vomiting.

Heart disease is the #1 killer of women. But

you can lower your risk—now. It takes regular

exercise (30 minutes a day), not smoking,

managing your stress and watching your diet.

That doesn't have to go down like

medicine: Just eating more berries can give

you heart-healthy antioxidant and anti-

inflammatory effects.

Happy Heart Month!

Daily Aha! W/ Dr. Oz

Your metabolism doesn’t slow down in the winter—it speeds up!

Gaining weight in the winter is not inevitable. Keeping warm in cold weather uses up a lot of energy, which burns more calories, which means a higher metabolic rate. So if you stick to your regular exercise routine and eat right all year round, you should actually lose weight in winter, especially if you spend time outside. 

Ginger: The Super Root

 

Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily 

9

Using ginger as a method of healing is nothing new.

It's been used by Chinese healers for over two-thousand years. And while I know you ladies fancy yourselves trendsetters, if you haven’t been eating ginger, your ass is seriously behind the times.

Aromatic, pungent and spicy, ginger adds flavor and zest to food and drinks alike. Although it's not the prettiest little herb (I bet you thought it was a spice—look at all you're learning today!), its health benefits are numerous. Hey, didn’t your mother teach you not to judge on looks alone? Read on to learn a little more…

Tummy Tamer

If bumpy flights, or long car trips make your stomach churn, try a piece of pickled ginger. This is one of the original medicinal uses of ginger. Despite its spicy-hot flavor, it is a powerful anti-nausea remedy. Study after study has shown its value in reducing nausea caused by motion sickness and chemo. For those of you who are preggers, brew up some ginger tea to combat morning sickness without worrying about what chemicals your little pea in the pod is ingesting. (Editor's note: It also works wonders on hangovers. Seriously, try it.)

Immunity Booster

With a particularly potent strain of flu going around this season, your immune system needs all the help it can get. Protect yourself from all those crappy germs by incorporating some ginger into your diet. Whether you are trying to ward off a cold or flu, or shorten the duration of one you’ve already caught, treat yourself with ginger.

Anti-inflammatory

Ginger contains very potent anti-inflammatory compounds called gingerols. They have been shown to halt migraines, ease the aches of arthritis, and relieve those nasty monthly cramps. If your workout left you with sore muscles, add some fresh ginger to your bathwater to soothe those aches and pains.

Cancer Fighter

Ginger’s benefits exceed the relief of temporary illnesses and discomfort. Research is showing that it is also effective in the treatment of certain cancers, including ovarian cancer. It has been used to shrink and even eliminate cancer as effectively as chemotherapy. It seems Dr. Gerson was on to something when he prescribed his cancer patients with juice rather than drugs.

My Favorite Ways to Enjoy Ginger

Ginger is so concentrated with active substances, a little goes a long way:

Salad dressing. Combine grated ginger, soy sauce, olive oil and garlic
Drink up. Steep a ½ inch slice of ginger into a cup of hot water
Spice up your veggies. Add minced ginger to your veggie stir fry

Keep some crystallized ginger in your purse to cure what ails you, or toss some ground ginger into your morning smoothie.
Got an interesting way to use ginger? Tell us in the comments below!
Image courtesy of africa/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net


Lori Kenyon, Certified Nutrition CoachFormer corporate attorney and master of the loop-hole, in 2010, Lori co-founded the kick-ass raw organic juice company, Ritual Wellness. Lori now spends her time producing a healthy alternative to chemical ridden, nutrient void drinks in the market, and writing  to help educate people about healthy food choices.

YOGA

TIGHTEN

QUINOA

5 Workouts to Gain a Better Bottom

❤Happy Workout Wednesday! ❤

Low Squat	x6
Step-Up	x10
Lateral Step-Up	x10
Glute Bridge	x15
Squat Jump	30 Seconds

 

~sOFIA bOUTELLA

EXERCISES

MAKE IT HAPPEN!

SCULPT

CAUTION

AFFIRM IT!

LISTEN

FOCUS

Are You Paying Attention...

to your deep, inner pulse?

The one that lives inside your sacred temple (yes, I mean your genitals).

Can you feel her?

Do you notice when she throbs with delight and excitement? Or when she is barely noticeable?

Pay attention and move towards the people and experiences that keep your Yoni-Pulse strong.

JUMP YOUR HEART OUT

ReBirth

Get Rid of Muffin Top—For Good

 You're not alone: Women everywhere are plagued by muffin top. But by tweaking your eating habits, incorporating some simple toning exercises and dressing in a way that flatters your figure, you'll be able to get rid of that stubborn belly bulge.

Spicy Shirataki Noodles

Serves 4

This supper dish is based on Thai drunken noodles.

4 Tbs. gluten-free, reduced-sodium tamari
2½ Tbs. lime juice
1 Tbs. light brown sugar
2 tsp. sriracha sauce
1 Tbs. grapeseed oil
2 Tbs. chopped jalapeño chile
3 cloves garlic, minced (1 Tbs.)
1 onion, sliced (1 cup)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
2 8-oz. pkg. tofu shirataki fettuccine, prepared
   according to package directions
½ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

1. Whisk together tamari, lime juice, brown sugar, and sriracha in bowl. Set aside.
2. Heat oil in wok over medium-high heat. Add jalapeño and garlic, and cook 1 minute. Add onion and bell peppers, and stir-fry 5 minutes. Add tamari mixture and shirataki, and simmer 3 to 5 minutes, then toss with basil.

nutritional information

Per 1 1/2-cup serving:

• Calories: 130
• Protein: 5 g
• Total Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: <1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 770 mg
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 8 g

Vegan Gluten-Free

FLAVLICIOUS.COM

http://www.flaviliciousfitness.com/blog/2013/02/18/3-most-effective-triceps-moves/

Get Hip to 2013 Fitness Trends

Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily on Feb 18, 2013

0

OK girls.

It's February, and if you aren’t panicking now, you will be soon.

Spring is just around the corner, and so is that horrifying first time you try on a two-piece—which inevitably ends with you hitting the bottle during a "Housewives" marathon, sniffling about your size 8.

But before you spend your rent money to laser off that goddamn cellulite that won't stop spreading, we're here to help. We've found some super-fun ways to get in shape, work off the calories and stay motivated. So instead of scrambling to the gym without a clue of what to do, read up and then get your butt moving. Like the saying goes: “New year, new you." Make it happen this time, buttercup.

1. Express Yourself

In this day and age, everyone is on the go—no matter who you are, you feel like you have no time for anything, especially exercise (and sex). Well, for all of you excuse makers, you're fucking screwed, because now there is the express workout specifically designed to do everything you need in a fraction of the time. And these workouts can be done right at home, which saves even more time. Here are a few:

10-Minute Trainer: Five DVDs with 10-minute exercises guaranteed to make you love admiring your fine ass. In the time it takes for you to stare at
yourself in the mirror and hate what you see, you could be doing these workouts. NO EXCUSES.

The Firm Express: The latest in The Firm series, these workouts get it done in less time than those retarded soaps you can’t stop watching. If you have time to sit on the phone and bitch about how much you hate your body, you have time for this.

Many gyms now offer express classes, too. Do some research before you run out and join the nearest or cheapest thing.  If you really don’t want to spend money on DVDs or take any free classes at the gym, you can study up on express workouts and do them yourself, either at a gym or at home. There are dozens of exercises just waiting to help you look and feel better.

2. All Work, No Play?

Bullshit. Sorry ladies, but you can’t blame the office anymore. Chances are, your company either has a gym or will pay for your gym membership. If you don’t take advantage of it, you have no one to blame but yourself. And if there is a gym right on your company's campus, then you really have no excuses. Plan your day properly and you will waste no time fitting in a workout. And now that you know how easy express workouts are, you really have no excuses.

3. Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot

Hot yoga and Bikram yoga have been around for a long time but are finally getting the attention they deserve. Why aren’t they getting it from you? Here’s the hot skinny: Hot yoga is usually done in the Vinyasa style, and is usually done at about 90-100 degrees, while Bikram yoga is a very strict set of 26 poses done at a cool 105 degrees. These forms of yoga are amazing for body, mind and spirit, (can you say "sweating out the booze"?) but do your research first. This is serious shit, so know what you're getting yourself into. There is also Moksha yoga, which also follows a specific set of poses, and Corepower yoga. These two are relatively new and offer more options when looking for hot yoga.

4. Excuse Me, I Burpeed

You are not excused! No excuses! Now drop and give me twenty. Burpees, that is. Also known as the squat thrust, or as I like to call them, "reason #1 I hate my trainer." But the truth is, these babies are just about the best thing you can do for your body. They will simultaneously tone you and whittle away the calories. And the cardio—holy hell. This is one of the best workouts ever. They will make you hate the entire world for a few minutes, but when you are done you will rule the world. I’m not kidding. There are tons of variations, but the basic premise is very simple. I even found a video of Mike Rowe (from "Dirty Jobs") demonstrating them. And if you don’t want to do them because I tell you to do them, perhaps one of the sexiest men on the planet will motivate you.

5. Old School

Spinning and Zumba, you’re outta here. There is a new sheriff in town. Well, actually an old one. It’s called your body. Yep, that’s all you need. See, one of the great trends of 2013 is going to be good old-fashioned exercise. Like sit ups and push ups. When was the last time you jumped rope? Probably while doing that bizarre Presidential Fitness Test in seventh grade, right? Here’s a tip: Body weight training exercises are one of the best cardio workouts you could possibly get. Anything else is just a helpful prop. Do them at the gym (my gym offers an intense 15-minute ab class every Saturday morning--simple and fast). Or do them at home. There are new variations to keep them interesting and crazy effective (think toning and burning like with burpees). You really don’t need fancy schmancy equipment to be in shape. All you need is you.

Now that you’ve got some ideas, get off the computer and get moving.

What new fitness trend have you tried recently? Tell us in the comments section below!

Image courtesy of photostock/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Emily Harrison, Guest Blogger
Emily Harrison holds a B.A. in English Literature from Roger Williams University, and is currently working towards her Master’s degree in Holistic Nutrition with the University of Natural Health. Originally from Rhode Island, Emily currently calls St. Louis home where she spends her time playing with her three rescue dogs and writing screenplays. She is, however, making her way to Austin, Texas where she will start her business as a holistic sports nutrition consultant, continue writing screenplays and of course, write for HBD. 

Daily Aha! w/ Dr. Oz

A cold shower before bed helps you fall asleep

It seems counterintuitive, but this tip really helps some people slip quicker into beauty rest. A drop in body temperature is a natural cue to your body that it's time to go to sleep. You can start that reaction by chilling under a cold spray. A hot shower works, too: You're all warm when you get out, and as your body cools off, the sleepy feeling sets in

Caribbean Grilled Lamb Skewers With Long Beans

By The Food Gal
WebMD Recipe from Foodily.com

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup
  extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/3 cup
  lime juice, fresh
• 2 tablespoons
  lemon zest, grated
• 6 cloves
  garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon
  cumin seed
• 1 tablespoon
  chili powder
• 1 tablespoon
  curry powder
• 1 teaspoon
  cayenne pepper
• 2 
  jalapeno peppers, minced
• 3 pounds
  boneless lamb loin, or well-trimmed leg, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 pound
  long beans, tips removed, left long or cut into 3-inch segments; or substitute green beans
• 2 teaspoons
  unsalted butter
• 12 
  wooden skewers, soak in a pan of water for at least 20 minutes
•  
  Kosher salt
•  
  freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. To prepare the lamb marinade, whisk together ½ cup of olive oil, lime juice, lemon zest, garlic, cumin, chili powder, curry powder, 2 teaspoons salt, cayenne, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and jalapenos in a medium bowl. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, cayenne, and lime juice.
2. Put lamb cubes and marinade into a large glass baking dish and toss, rubbing marinade all over lamb. Thread 4 to 5 pieces of lamb onto each skewer. Place skewers into baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 1 and up to 4 hours. 
3. While lamb marinates, preheat a grill or broiler to medium-hot and prepare beans. Sauté beans in remaining ¼ cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until they are tender and begin to blister. Stir in butter, 1 teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. When butter just begins to brown, transfer beans to a warm serving platter and drape with foil. 
4. Grill lamb, turning skewers every few minutes, until medium rare (internal temperature of 130 degrees), about 6 minutes. (Alternately, skewers can be broiled until medium rare.) Transfer skewers to a plate and let stand for 5 minutes. 
5. To serve, place long beans to the side, and lay skewers across them. 

Nutritional Information

---

Makes: 12 servings

• Calories359
• Carbohydrates5.1g
  • Dietary fiber2.0g
• Cholesterol99mg
• Fat22.9g
  • Saturated fat5.3g
• Sodium174mg
• Protein33.0g

* Nutritional Guidelines based on the USDA's MyPlate Standards.

Motivation Monday: Your Attitude

Banana-Flax Breakfast Muffins

Makes 12 muffins

These morning treats are a lot more healthful than they taste. Ground flaxseed gives them a slightly nutty flavor while providing a dose of omega-3s. If you can't find flaxseed meal, grind whole flaxseeds in a coffee grinder until powdered.

1 cup low-fat buttermilk
2 cups bran cereal, such as Nature's Path SmartBran or
   Kellogg's Original All-Bran
¼ cup flaxseed meal or ground flaxseed
4 bananas, divided
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
¼ cup canola oil
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
¼ tsp. ground nutmeg
¼ tsp. salt

1. Place cereal, buttermilk, and flaxseed in bowl of food processor, and pulse to combine. Let stand 30 minutes, or until cereal is soft. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat 12-cup muffin pan with cooking spray.

2. Add 3 bananas to cereal mixture, and process until smooth. Add sugar, egg, and oil, and process until smooth.

3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in bowl. Add to cereal mixture in food processor, and pulse until smooth.

4. Fill each muffin cup with &frac12; cup batter. Slice remaining banana into &frac12;-inch-thick rounds, and place on tops of muffins. Bake 20 to 25 minutes, or until muffin tops are browned and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire racks

nutritional information

Per Muffin:

• Calories: 252
• Protein: 5 g
• Total Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: <1 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 18 mg
• Sodium: 201 mg
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 24 g

Happy Tasty Thursday The Valentine's Edition!

Belly Fat Burning Brownies

 

Servings: 8

Ingredients

1 cup canned and cooked black beans, rinsed and drained

(I used Eden Organic canned black beans)

1 ½ large eggs

1 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil

2 tbsp cocoa powder

1/2 cup (about 12-14) dates, soaked for 1 hr, then chopped

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

1/8 tsp sea salt

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

2-3 tbsp dark chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350F

2. Rinse and drain the black beans well

3. Add all ingredients except for chocolate chips in blender and blend until very smooth

4. Stir in chocolate chips

5. Pour batter into rectangular loaf pan that has been brushed with butter or olive oil and lined with parchment paper

6. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes, do not overcook

7. Brownies are ready when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean

8. Cool and then cut into squares

NUTRITION INFO

(per serving)

Calories - 155

Protein – 6.7

Carbs – 23.1

Fiber – 4.8

Sugar – 6.7

Fat – 4.9

Chocolate, je t’aime

Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily on Feb 14, 2013

An ode to your one true love
Happy Valentine’s Day, bitches.

Whether you've been shot by Cupid or are planning a romantic date with your DVR, we applaud you. But the only saints we’re interested in today, melt in your mouth. Let’s take a look at why we love chocolate and how we can get the most health benefits out of the mighty cocoa bean.

Food of the Gods

Contrary to popular belief, cacao (or cocoa) beans are technically not beans or legumes, but rather the seeds of the fruit of the Theobroma cacao tree. The Aztecs of Central Mexico believed that wisdom, power, nutrition and aphrodisiac benefits came from eating these seeds. Even famous loverboy Casanova was said to drink chocolate before his romantic escapades.

Natural High

We’ve all experienced the natural high from eating a chocolate bar. This euphoric feeling is caused by phenylethylamine and serotonin—mood-boosting chemicals found in the gastrointestinal tract, platelets and the central nervous system. Bonus: the sensual pleasure of chocolate melting in your mouth is an aphrodisiac. If it worked for Casanova, it can work for you.

Health by Chocolate

Cocoa powder and dark chocolate contain relatively high concentrations of epicatechin—a group of heart-healthy compounds known as flavanols, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

New research shows that compared to other fruits, dark chocolate and natural cocoa powder contain more antioxidants than blueberry, cranberry, and pomegranate juice. Damn, Gina.

Other studies have shown that flavanols have a cardio-protective benefit for heart disease patients by lowering blood pressure, and researchers at Johns Hopkins have discovered that a compound in dark chocolate may protect the brain after a stroke. In addition, Sally Scroggs, M.S., R.D., L.D., health education manager at The University of Texas' Cancer Prevention Center, says “moderate amounts of dark chocolate may play a role in cancer prevention." The high concentration of antioxidants in dark chocolate is thought to help combat cell damage that can lead to tumor growth.

Bitter Is Better

Flavanols are what give cocoa its strong, pungent taste. Because people prefer their chocolates on the sweeter side, the bitter taste of cocoa is frequently reduced through processes such as fermentation, alkalizing and roasting. Therefore, less processed, or darker chocolates will tend to have higher levels of flavonoids. Your best choice in terms of healthiness is to go with natural, unsweetened cocoa powder followed by bittersweet and semisweet chocolate.

Everything In Moderation

One shouldn’t forget that chocolate also contains fat, sugar and is high in calories. The fat in chocolate comes from cocoa butter, and is made up of equal amounts of oleic acid—a heart-healthy monounsaturated fat also found in olive oil—and two forms of saturated fat, one of which can adversely affect cholesterol levels.

Buy This, Not That

If you plan on giving chocolates for Valentine’s Day, make sure you stick with dark chocolate varieties that are also organic and fair trade. Some good options include:

Theo Chocolate Confection Connection. Organic and fair trade specialty chocolate made in the US of A. Visit Theochocolate.com.

Equal Exchange Organic Mint Chocolate with a Delicate Crunch. Made with cocoa from the farmer co-operatives in the Dominican Republic and Peru. Visit Equalexchange.coop/chocolatebars.

Endangered Species Organic Dark Chocolate with Goji Berry, Pecans and Maca. Antioxidant and fiber-rich bar that also boosts energy. Visit Chocolatebar.com.

Nicobella Organics. Vegan Organic Dark Chocolates. Munch on the organic truffles made with a creamy ganache center that is infused with high antioxidant ingredients such as green tea, blueberries and pumpkin. Deelish. Visit Nicobellaorganics.com.

No matter what your plans are for tonight, soothe your sweet tooth by indulging in a moderate amount of dark chocolate. Just don’t forget to add other flavonoid-rich foods like apples, cherries, grapes, red wine and tea to your daily diet.

How are you celebrating today?? Let us know in the comments below.

Susan Emmer, FOOD Feature Editor
Susan is a certified whole health educator and coach treading on both wellness and green terrain. Earning an environmental studies degree before green was the new black, Susan is the co-owner of the boutique sustainability marketing and PR firm, Farmacy Agency. Follow her on Twitter at @wellnewsnetwork.

Fruit pick of the day:

Raspberry:

The raspberry is the edible fruit of a multitude of plant species in the genus Rubus of the rose family, most of which are in the subgenus Idaeobatus; the name also applies to these plants themselves. Raspberries are perennial with woody stems

❤ Happy Workout Wednesday! ❤

PushUp	Until Failure
Resistance Band Row	40 Seconds
Resistance Band Bicep Curl	40 Seconds
Triceps Kickback	40 Seconds

PushUp	Until Failure
Resistance Band Row	40 Seconds
Resistance Band Bicep Curl	40 Seconds
Triceps Kickback	40 Seconds

Daily Aha! w/ Dr. Oz

Two percent of women have a rare gene that prevents underarm odor. 

If you're like 98 out of 100 women, you have B.O. (Not right now! We mean in general.) Stinky pits are normal. Underarm sweat mixes with bacteria and the result is that familiar straight-from-the-gym smell. But some people—the remaining two out of a hundred—carry a form of a gene that stops the stink-inducing reaction before it starts. Lucky ducks, right? Interestingly, a group of researchers found that most of them wear deodorant anyway.

Slowly Getting Slimmer:

7 DETOX SMOOTHIES

Face Your Acne

Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily on Feb 13, 2013

Natural Ways to Combat Acne
There’s nothing quite worse than waking up with a red zit on your face, especially before a monumental event like say your wedding day. 

We'd prefer a tax audit, a visit from the in-laws or an extra three days from Aunt Flow before dealing with acne. What exactly causes acne post prom?

The Cause. A skin condition caused by the overproduction of oil by the skin’s oil glands (AKA sebaceous glands), acne has the superpowers to sprout up on prone areas like your forehead, face, chest, shoulders and back - areas of skin that contain the largest number of oil glands.

A vicious circle of overactive oil glands, blockage of skin pores, activity of normal skin bacteria and inflammation. Basically, the oil that was designed to lubricate your skin and hair follicles, thereby keeping your skin healthy and moisturized, gets trapped in blocked oil ducts. This triggers bacteria that normally protects the skin from harmful bacteria, normal skin bacteria, to grow in the closed pore.

The bacteria then produces chemicals that alter the composition of the oil, irritating the skin and causing inflammation as the body’s immune system attempts to rid itself of a foreign substance. The ‘foreigner’ at hand being the bacteria or irritating compounds they have produced.

What Is Your Body Telling You? Acne can be a slight indication that your body is begging for an internal spring cleaning. Or, you’re eating, drinking or ingesting way too much or too little of something (see below).
What Are Some Natural Treatments? There are plenty to try before resorting to antibiotics or medical treatments.
Does milk do a complexion good? Researchers claim to have found a correlation between milk intake and acne. It appears that milk drinkers develop more severe acne than well, say, non-milk drinkers. Milk also contains hormones that can cause breakouts.
Reduce intake of saturated fats and trans fats. A no-brainer, these icky additives can contribute to oily skin.
Reduce sodium intake. Ditch the excess sugar and carbonated drinks. It’s all about control, ladies.
Load up on zinc. Zinc boosts the immune system, reduces inflammation and heals damaged skin. Load up on zinc-rich foods like almonds and nuts, wheat bran cereal and chickpeas (or supplements).
Fall in love with omega-3 fatty acids. They promote healthy skin and prevent acne. Foods high in omega-3s include flax seed, walnuts, cereals, oregano, grape leaves, broccoli, etc.

Stimulate the liver.
Incorporate some garlic into your diet, sip on a glass of hot water with lemon in the morning, juice some beets, and munch on cruciferous veggies (Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli). All help detox and stimulate the liver.
Drink water. Water flushes out toxins. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and keep refilling throughout the day.
Avoid chemical-based cosmetics. Yet another reason to check the ingredients on the back of the box. Chemicals are harsh on the skin and can contribute to inflammation.
Cleanse the skin. Here are some savvy ideas:

• Tea tree and carrier oil. Mix two drops of tea tree oil with 30 ml of a carrier oil (i.e. vegetable oil). It acts as a natural antiseptic, is gentle on the skin and speeds the healing of blemishes.

• Baking soda paste. Create a scrub of 1 tbs. of baking soda with enough water to form a paste. Gently massage into skin with a soft bristle brush to remove dirt from the pores before infection sets in.

• Jojoba oil. Rub some jojoba oil into the skin, which will help to unclog pores and eliminate dirt.

• Steam facial. Take a load off with a steam facial. Heat up a large bowl of clean water, drape a towel over your head and the hot water to envoke a steamy environment. Make sure not to lean too close to avoid risk of scalding and leave an opening to breathe properly. Steam for five minutes.

Acne my ass.