Happy New Year, Everyone!
Well, we made it through the Millennium without a problem, and we're now ready to tackle the New Year and get healthier than ever! In this issue, you'll find answers to all your questions on getting fit and losing those holiday pounds, something we are all thinking about this time of year!
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JANUARY BEAUTY
BYE BYE, CHAPPED LIPS!
This is the time of year when many of us experience dry, cracked lips and can't seem to find relief anywhere! Well, help is on the way!
To begin with, make sure you are hydrating yourself from the inside. This means drinking LOTS of pure water every day, as well as incorporating flax oil into your diet. (Great for skin and hair.) Flax is a wonderful oil found at any health food store, and I've found taking a tablespoon or more a day really does the trick. (Try making salad dressing with it or adding a little to steamed vegetables.)
Next, use the lip balm like no other! Royal Botanica makes a lip balm that is just amazing...Check out the ingredients: Mango butter, coconut milk, avocado oil, honey, pineapple extract, just to name a few! Most lip balms are petroleum based and really don't replenish lost moisture. Not only does it smell and taste wonderful, it works to heal and soften lips miraculously. I even use it on my cuticles as a super-softener, and under eyes when I'm going to be out in the sun - with it's s.p.f. protection it's a great outdoor moisturizer! The balm comes in a 3 pack and sells for $15. Make sure you have one in your purse, in the car, and by your night stand!
JANUARY HEALTH
Lose Weight, The RIGHT Way!
While the Holidays are often a time when we all put on a few pounds, it doesn't have to be misery to take them off. Here are my simple suggestions for getting in shape (in January or any time of the year) in no time flat!
1. Do something active every single day. Even if it's just for 20 minutes, aerobic activity boosts our metabolism and keeps fat burning for the rest of the day. (I like to walk or hike.)
2. Put on your exercise clothes first thing in the morning, right when you get out of bed. The clothes you wear really put you in the right frame of mind to exercise! By getting it over and done with, you'll feel you've accomplished something and will start the day off right.
3. Try incorporating yoga into your weekly routine. Yoga is wonderful for lengthening muscles and keeping your body supple and flexible. If it's new to you, explore one of the videos or books on the subject.
4. Pay attention to what you are putting in your body. By consuming more healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and proteins, you will lose weight naturally.
5. Drink plenty of water! We've all heard this before, but water flushes the body of toxins, and helps to regulate your entire system. If you don't like water, try adding some lemon or drinking herb tea throughout the day.
By making basic lifestyle changes, weight loss will never be an issue. Of course, don't forget to indulge in the occasional treat - life is too short not to! :)
EAT WELL, FEEL WELL
While we all know that "eating well" helps us to lose weight, we don't all consider the true effect of how what we put into our bodies affects our state of mind. For instance, did you know that eating protein will actually boost our energy and increase brain power, while eating a slice of bread or bowl of pasta will relax us? (It's due to the serotonin increase carbohydrates release.)
And sugar, while it may give us an initial "boost" by increasing our blood sugar, will give you a huge "crash" shortly after. Best way to feel great all day? Eat a variety of slow burning carbs (vegetables, potatoes, brown rice) combined with protein (fish, chicken, tofu, beans) for energy that lasts and lasts!
Also, I constantly get questions about under eye circles. Again, caffeine and alcohol, as well as sugar intake, can really be culprits. Try eliminating (or greatly reducing) these substances from your diet and see circles vanish!
TOFU...THE PERFECT PROTEIN?
Soy beans have been found to reduce the risk of heart disease, among other things. New studies show that the soy pills and powders just aren't as beneficial or absorbed by the body as easily as is soybeans or tofu. I know many people can't stand the idea of consuming bean curd, but here's one of my favorite recipes that I guarantee will change your opinion!
1 banana
1 cup orange or apple juice
½ half cup frozen strawberries
½ cup firm tofu
1 tablespoon honey
Blend together in a blender until smooth. Makes a great, quick, breakfast!
WORKOUTS MADE EASY...AND AFFORDABLE!
In need of workout wear? You don't have to spend a fortune to get clothing that is functional and comfortable. The outfit I'm wearing below is from "ProSpirit" and can be purchased at Target for $39.
This warm up stretch gets the blood flowing and loosens up the sides. Hold for at least 10 seconds on each side.
This pose really strengthens the legs and tones the whole body. Hold for up to one minute each side.
This stretch is great for the whole back! Wonderful for those who suffer from tension back aches. Hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds on each side.
Stretch! Start your workout by warming up your body...You won't be sore the next day!By incorporating some yoga into your routine, you'll keep your muscles limber and healthy.
Don't forget to check the site regularly - beginning next week, we will be updating the site weekly instead of monthly! Take care.
Wendy
