Fabula Skincare & Wellness Blog

2012

Mar

Springtime Liver Cleanse Juice Recipe

This is an excellent liver cleanse recipe for springtime to keep the liver in optimal health! It’s supercharged with potent cleansing and antioxidant benefit/ ingredients. The main ones are in bold to highlight the essentials. I would recommend doing this over a weekend, and in the mornings. It is particularly effective if you have undertaken some light exercise such as gentle yoga,walking or jogging prior to the liver cleanse as this helps to get the toxins moving out of the body and invigorates the lymph system. After the juice I would also recommend some breathing exercises to help the lymph flow on its way!

Serves 2

2 large grapefruits

4 lemons

300ml of distilled water (or filtered)

2 tablespoons of cold pressed flax oil

1 teaspoon of acidophilus

1-2 cloves of fresh garlic

2 inches of fresh root ginger

Optional: a dash of cayenne pepper!

Directions

Squeeze the juice of the grapefruit and lemon into a blender

Next, grate the garlic and the ginger, and then using a garlic press, squeeze this into the juice

Now add the water, flax oil and acidophilus powder and blend for 30 seconds

Add more ginger/garlic to taste

This juice contains all of the most potent liver cleansing ingredients, and gives your liver a gentle flush and the opportunity to heal itself. There are no side effects to this drink, apart from a bit of garlic-breath for a while. However, the grapefruit removes most of the odor.

Happy Cleansing,

Claudia ~

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2012

Mar

Spring On: Tips & Guidelines To Transition Into The Season

Ah, spring, nature’s birthing season- a season of regeneration and renewal! For most it happily brings us out from the more introspective time of winter with a sense of new life and spark all around. However, for some may be feeling a bit more reluctant to come out of hibernation. Nature makes it look smooth and easy to transition but for us humans it’s not as easy to transition gracefully from one season to the next—especially from winter to spring. Introducing in more cleansing dietary and exercise suggestions into your life can help you weather this seasonal transition smoothly and emerge feeling transformed and ready to get your spring on.

Spring is the perfect time for cleansing and rejuvenation for overall health and well-being. According to the philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Spring is the time when your liver and its complimentary organ the gallbladder is particularly activated. This would be the perfect time to get Qi (energy) flowing and moving. The liver is responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, among a million other functions, throughout the body. The liver helps to detoxify the body and when detoxification in the body goes into high gear, it can lead to both physical symptoms (digestive issues, skin issues, fatigue) and emotional symptoms (anger & sadness). When the liver functions smoothly, physical and emotional activity throughout the body also runs smoothly. Essentially, it stores and distributes nourishment for the entire body. Here are some great ways to support your body and mind to release that which it needs to release and flourish with the season.

Springtime Renewal:

Cleansing is a great way to detoxify yourself and clear out toxins from your system and get Qi flowing! It can help with anything from your complexion to just losing a bit of excess weight. This is the perfect way to get in tune with your body and really get back to basics. It forces you to give up the vices that you take for granted, break your bad eating habits and start again from the beginning. A good cleanse gives you clarity on what your body really needs, not craves. This process normally induces changes in your shape, energy and attitude.

Cleansing- Cleansing the body means to get rid of excess waste. This is done via resting from foods and drinking juices of fruits and vegetables and/ or water only for a period of time. Springtime Liver Cleanse Recipe - a great one that is very simple to try. If this would be your first time embarking on a cleanse please consult a professional.
Fasting-Fasting has been used throughout history for many reasons. It’s actually an instinctive response to many illnesses, colds, the flu and intestinal problems. (Animals do this often) This has also been employed for greater religious and spiritual awareness.
Juice Fast: A juice fast is great way to nurture your body, rebuild your immune system and restore yourself to a healthy way of living.Raw fruit and vegetable juice contains many cleansing elements such as minerals, vitamins, enzymes and antioxidants to heal and detoxify the body safely. Little energy is used by your digestive system during the cleanse, allowing the body to focus on rebuilding, renewing and healing. You might be surprised by how much energy you have.
Colon Hydrotherapy- Colonics are performed to remove accumulated waste from the colon. Proponents of colon hydrotherapy believe that fecal matter can accumulate and harden in the colon. This buildup of fecal matter may prevent the absorption of water and nutrients, lead to constipation, allow harmful colon bacteria and yeast to grow. Lack of fiber, excess sugar, and a diet high in red meat are believed to contribute to the problem. Health professionals are divided over the use of colonics. The majority of conventional health practitioners do not feel colonics can improve overall health. I’ve listed this because I believe for some it can be useful.

Springtime Diet:

Your body’s most important energy source and fuel-FOOD. The way you eat is a significant part of a healthy diet. Eat with the seasons and eat more natural, or whole foods. If you eat properly and balance your intake with regular elimination and exercise, you will experience optimal health.

Eat Your Greens- Consider eating more greens including dandelion, parsley, kale and chard. Steaming beet greens is also detoxifying and great for digestion. Chlorophyll-rich leafy greens have the new, active, ascending nature of spring within them to help detoxify and de-stagnate our bodies in this season of renewal. On an emotional level, dark green leafy vegetables have both a grounding quality and a “releasing” property—calming an edgy-irritable system and helping us let go of sluggish, stuck, negative energy.* Avoid Dandelion if you suffer from Seasonal Allergies.

Greens for Liver-Gallbladder Stimulation and Health: Great Greens Recipe Book- Greens Glorious Greens by Jonathan Albi and Catherine Walthers

Arugula
Radicchio
Collards
Kale
Endive
Escarole
Spinach
Parsley
Watercress
Red or green mustard greens
Dandelion greens
Nettles

Eat Whole Foods-Eat simple, natural foods that are close to the source. The simpler, less processed food we eat, the better for us. Eat foods that are grown seasonally and locally.They have the most vital energy, nutrients and vitamins.

Juicing-is the key to radiant skin and health. Also referred to as cellular cleansing, juicing is preparing and drinking fruit and vegetable juices. The many health benefits of juicing far exceed those of eating solid fruits and vegetables. At the most basic level, juicing gives us the opportunity to add far more vegetables to our daily diet. Juicing allows us to up the amount of raw food we consume which gives the body energy and boosts the immune system and the body’s cleansing process. Green juices contain lots of chlorophyll which is significantly effective in detoxifying our bodies. Chlorophyll can help make our bodies strong bydetoxifying the liver. This detoxification will purify and help to rebuild our blood cells, remove mold, parasites and myco/exotoxins from the body. Many studies have shown that green juices containing chlorophyll can help prevent and remove cancer cells.
Herbs: Herbs are especially valuable for spring use. You can make wonderful spring tonics made from *Dandelion, Peppermint and Milk Thistle( helps to support and disinfect the liver) or take as a supplement or tinctures.
Water: Keeping fluids running through your system can flush away toxins. Try adding fresh lemon juice to the water to detoxify.
Foods for Seasonal Allergies:

Ginger: Ginger is a natural antihistamine and decongestant. It may provide some relief from allergy symptoms by dilating constricted bronchial tubes.
Apples: Some foods contain the flavonoid quercetin that can cross-react with tree pollen. Quercetin can reduce allergic reactions by having an antihistamine effect. It also decreases inflammation. Quercetin occurs naturally in certain foods, such as apples (with the skin on), berries, red grapes, red onions, capers, and black tea.
Carrots: Carotenoids are a family of plant pigments that include beta-carotene. A lack of carotenoids in the diet is thought to promote inflammation in your airways. Good sources of carotenoids include apricots, carrots, pumpkin, sweet potato, spinach, kale, butternut squash, and collard greens.
Omega-3: Omega-3 essential fatty acids can counter the formation of chemicals that cause inflammation of the air passages. Good natural sources include flaxseed oil and salmon and sardines.
Bee Pollen: Bee Pollen is rich in proteins, enzymes and many vitamins; it is known as one of the “Super Foods” because of its high nutritional content. Bee Pollen has been mentioned throughout history as a highly prized food. It is used for stress, allergies, fatigue, building the immune system and other conditions and has an antimicrobial effect in the body. *If you suspect an allergy to Bee Pollen, try a very small amount first and watch for any reactions.

Exercise:

Spring Clean your exercise routine and clear out your body and mind of toxins.

Exercise and sweat regularly to help with liver detoxification.
Yoga poses that combine twists literally “squeeze and soak” the abdominal organs. Yoga twists are the most important poses to aid the body in detoxification. Twists stimulate digestion and facilitate the elimination of impurities and waste products from the body. Circulation of blood and of lymph is also promoted. The abdominal organs are squeezed during twists, stimulating the kidneys and liver, and forcing out blood filled with metabolic by-products and toxins. When the twists are released, then fresh, clean blood enters these organs, bathing the cells in nutrients and oxygen. Twists have a cleansing, refreshing effect on the abdominal organs and the associated glands.

Skin - If you are experiencing rashes and unusual breakouts spring may be the culprit. All of these tips and guidelines will aid the skin is staying healthy with the changes in season. It may be time to transition your skincare regimen and get in for a seasonal facial!

SPRING IN-BALANCE

Beginnings, cleaning the body and home, elimination, exercise,garden,greens,sprouts,creativity,enthusiasm.

SPRING IMBLANCE

Excess, congestion,laziness,weeds,drugs,overeating, same old stuff.

Stay healthy and flourish with the change in season -this means keeping the liver and gallbladder happy. Pay attention to your nutrition and exercise habits and your skin will benefit too. Keep creating and enjoy the season of new growth and beginnings!

Until next time

Claudia

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2012

Jan

Enter The Dragon

Bruce Lee a famous baby dragon. His Chinese name literally translates to Li Little Dragon.

Happy Chinese New Year-The Year of the Dragon

Will this year be fierce, full of surprises, magnificent or menacing? Will it delight, bewilder or intimidate you-just like a dragon? It’s all in your eyes!

The Chinese are obsessed with the dragon and highly revered in their culture. It is the only figure in the Chinese zodiac, that is a fantasy creature. One legend about the twelve-year zodiac/New Year cycle holds that Buddha summoned the world’s animals to him, and the first twelve that heeded the call were given the honor of having a year dedicated to their species; the order of the zodiac signs corresponds to how quickly each respective creature arrived. In our Western culture dragons have come to connote evil, synonymous almost with the serpent in terms of their capacity for malice. Not so in Chinese mythology. There, the dragon is associated with vibrant health, luck, regal bearing and personal achievement, as well as increased opportunity, optimism, imperial power and intelligence. It swims into the ocean and flies above the clouds to spread its rain-making power to ensure a prosperous Year of the Dragon on earth.

Meaning of the legend:

The Chinese people from the beginning of time had shown a remarkable ability to understand the intricate working of nature. The relationship between rain and oceanic wind pattern. They know that water vapor were originated from the sea and endowed the dragon with rain making ability. Chinese dragon is benevolent in their spirit and benefit the people—contrasting to the western myth of a cold lecherous lizard-like dragon who captures virgin and hog treasure perhaps it is a religious backlash in the west toward the Older religious practice of the Serpent Power, as in Kundalini of the Hindu Yoga. It also reflected the difference attitude between East and West toward sexual energy and impulses—the dragon symbolizes fertility and life, just like the snake in the biblical story of Eden.

Chinese Medicine & Your Health:

This is the time to sweep away past resentments and bad luck, and to manifest good fortune and wellbeing for the year to come. Traditional Chinese Medicine with it’s beauty and simplicity can help us do the same for our bodies, by not only addressing injury and disease, but also preparing and protecting our bodies for long-term wellbeing.

Changes brought by each new season correlate with the Chinese Five Element theory. Each Element is important for specific body organs, which can become especially vulnerable with each new season. According the Chinese Five Element Theory, Winter is related to the element of water. In this season this element is the most dominant. Winter’s power is deep in *yin. It is a time to conserve energy and resources and not be wasteful with your active, outward *yang energy. You need special care in the form of nutrition, warmth and rest. The bladder and kidneys, which deal with the body’s water, are the organs associated with winter and it’s element, both of which process the most *yin element, Water.

To evaluate the health of the kidneys, examining the overall color, clarity and tone of the skin is helpful. Besides the kidneys and bladder the skin is our largest organ of elimination. When the kidneys are clearing toxins poorly or have too much to handle, the skin may have to work harder to help clear these wastes. This is when skin rashes and breakouts can occur. To strengthen the water energy and keep these organs and body in balance it’s important to keep warm. A great way to do this is with the proper winter diet.

Nutrition:

If one is on a high raw or 100% raw food diet, add spices such as garlic,ginger to juices and cinnamon to foods. Gently warm vegetable or miso soups and eat plenty of well-blended food, as blended meals are easier to digest. Fresh cranberries make a nice addition to juices or purees this time of year while protecting the bladder and kidneys from infection.
Eat more root vegetables during the winter such as parsnips, carrots, turnips, beets to fortify your immune system.These winter vegetables are naturally at their peak in this season. Not only do they help keep your body warm, but they are also rich in anti-oxidants.
Cooked Whole Grains make an excellent staple in the winter diet. These complex carbs burn well in the body as fuel and are good for the intestines and for elimination. Azuki beans and black beans are beneficial for the kidneys. Millet is also good choice for balancing water energy this time of year.

Ocean Food such as, ocean (salt water) fish, low in fats with high amounts of protein, minerals and vitamins, Ocean seaweeds like kelp, dulse, nori and hijiki are high protein vegetables, high in Vitamin E & A. Rich in calcium, potassium, iron, iodine, and other minerals. The nourish the endocrine system, especially the thyroid and adrenal glands.
Drinking plenty of liquids is key to blood and lymphatic circulation. It is also essential for cleansing the body through the kidneys and bladder.
Adding Herbs during the winter can be very cleansing for the body and blood as well as strengthening specific systems. Examples: Burdock root good for the lungs and mucous linings, marshmallow root soothing irritations or inflammations in the kidney and bladder. Ginger Root another good heater to help with circulation and increase the Fire Element. Flaxseed & Nettle to name a few more.

Wellness:

Acupuncture: Winter is a wonderful time of year to get acupuncture, especially if you notice any of symptoms or imbalance in the skin and body. I highly recommend my acupuncturist- Paulette Pettorino at www.spiritcenteracupuncture.com
Exercise : Get plenty of rest but exercising is still very important, perhaps trying Yoga or Tai Chi. Creating new habits will replace older ones. These disciplines will help you gain balance, strength, flexibility and a wonderful vitality.
Facial and Massage: Lymphatic Drainage and the use of essential oils can be helpful to support you during the winter.

Winter is a cold and contractive time, but with my help and recommendations you can bring light and balance back into the long dark season. After the excess of the holiday season, we relish a little down time to cleanse and support, nurture and nourish the kidneys this winter season. As we enter what is believed to be the most auspicious year in the twelve-year Chinese zodiac cycle, I look forward to it with joy and optimism, as I continue my path to personal and professional success. Hopefully, the soaring and awe-inspiring dragon and it’s rainmaking ability can disperse the shower of power unto you in the Year of the Dragon.

Winter: in-Balance

keep warm, stay quiet, sleep well, be at home, look within, preserving-giving

Winter: imbalance

overactive,late nights and parties,lack of rest and sleep, dissipation, frustration, hoarding

Love & Light,

Claudia

***Yin yang is widely known as the two opposites that complete the whole. Yin is the shady place (North) (Feminine energy) while yang is the sunny place (South) (Male energy). Each relies on the other. The theory of yin yang helps define the inner workings of nature. It gives us a concise explanation of why there is night and day, light and dark, good and evil, right and wrong, male and female, etc. In other words, it creates a framework so chaos has order. Without this concept, life would seem sporadic and it would be difficult to see the patterns and logic behind the functions of life.

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2011

Dec

Put A Spell On Me: 2012

I hope you have managed to enjoy the holiday season, staying in good spirits and in good health. Throughout the holidays we enter many layers of tradition and celebration full of parties, decorations, rituals, and connections. It’s wonderful to embrace the excitement of the season. However, with the fun things comes a bit more of stress and your overall health can take a serious hit during this physically and emotionally taxing season, with mounting pressures manifesting themselves in a variety of ways including anxiety, immune and digestive disorders and skin conditions flaring up.

What has helped me to stay balanced? I made a commitment to appreciate the holiday season and enjoy the whole experience this year – regardless of circumstances or any external pressure. Appreciating the holiday season, as with anything in life, will make it much more enjoyable and much less stressful. I’ve also taken the time to “unwind” and take time for myself and not feel guilty about it. Emphasizing this to my frazzled clients so they, too, can recover mentally and physically from the rigors of the stressful holiday season, highlighting my pampering treatments that combat stress and release tension. So find your escape to reconnect to your breath, your yoga practice, or favorite class at the gym, if just for a few moments let go of your holiday planning and enjoy the time for yourself as the most hectic time of the year comes to a close! Appreciate the holidays for what they are—a time to celebrate and enjoy the company of your loved ones and you will keep things real and in balance.

As the season turns to the dreamland of winter solstice and the magic of new creation I begin my intention for 2012. It’s hard to believe another year is coming to an end. As I reflect back on the year it was already filled with so much intention, focus, guidance and finding equanimity. 2011 had many celebrations and highlights to be grateful for -graduation from my teacher training and becoming a certified yoga instructor, making new friends, re-connecting with old ones, celebrating “the fierce forty,” adopting Duke, a 5-week old loveable, brendal pitbull -celebrating my seventh year in business. This year was about accepting and knowing that you have to take every experience, including the negative ones, as merely steps on the path, and to simply move on, proceed and allow it all to help us grow. Most importantly celebrating our brilliance, our true selves- not what anyone else wants for us. When we do what we love we spread goodness into the world and when we light that fire within ourselves other people see it and want it to turn up in them. It’s a contagious flame that ignites and that’s a beautiful thing!

Beauty Tricks & Kitchen Treats

A clear, glowing complexion is at the top of every woman’s beauty wishlist. Right now, you probably have some of the gentlest yet effective skin care ingredients sitting around the kitchen. Foods are often the source of skin care ingredients but have you ever considered just putting the raw version on? These inexpensive and natural beauty fixes straight from your kitchen will nourish and brighten the complexion. Want to here how to achieve this? Before I get to these special formulas a few tips and tricks to support for total radiance!

Beauty Tricks: First things first, if you want to have beautiful glowing skin you must have efficient digestion and elimination. Both are central to health and beauty; good looks will not be possible without optimal functioning.The mouth is the first organ of digestion, being the first place where food enters the body.

Upon waking in the morning, prepare a warm cup of water with the juice of half a lemon and a dash of cayenne pepper. Drinking lemon juice regularly will aid the bowels in eliminating waste more efficiently, control constipation thus creating a more alkaline state in the body and supplies nutrients that assist in detoxification and digestion.
Use a tongue cleaner/scraper to clean any bacteria from your tongue. The tongue is the mirror for the condition of the intestines. It’s important to get rid of all the bacteria in your mouth before you eat anything.
Chewing well and thoroughly to taste food is also essential to good digestion. Flossing and brush the teeth to keep them strong and clean. Avoid soft drinks, sucking candy or chewing sweet things that stick to your teeth . They not only erode the protective enamel of the teeth, but leech precious minerals out of the body.
Gargle each day to clear mucous and soothe a sore throat using a pinch of salt and turmeric in a cup of warm water.

Everything you eat becomes a part of not only your inner being, but the outer fabric of your body as well. The healthier the foods are that you consume, the better your skin will look. Read this Halloween Post from last year and follow these food rules to keep your body and skin beautiful. You can wake up your taste buds and spark up the skin with herbs and spices. Cooking with herbs and spices will enhance the flavor of healthy foods without adding fat, salt, sugar, or calories. Most of the ones I list have anti-inflammatory properties as well as benefiting the digestive system.

Ginger: Anti-inflammatory and great for digestion. Add fresh ginger to juices, teas, and pretty much any vegetable dish.
Cumin: Supports healthy blood sugar levels and is an anti-oxidant. It’s a great mild spice for curry dishes.
Cinnamon: An anti-oxidant and supports healthy blood sugar levels. Add to cooking and healthy sweet treats.
Turmeric: Contains curcumin, plus it boats anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidant properties. Great in curries, rice and veggie dishes.
Rosemary: Is an anti-oxidant and has anti-cancer properties. Add to veggie pizzas and tomato-based vegetable dishes.
Thyme: Is a natural antibacterial, rich source of polyphenols and flavonoids and improves digestion. Great added to any vegetarian meal.
Cayenne: Destroys bacteria and enhances your immune system, improves blood flow, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiseptic, diuretic, analgesic, expectorant, and diaphoretic properties. Add to soups, stir-fries, curries and rice veggie dishes.
Garlic: Helps to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, control triglycerides (fats) and thin the blood, reducing clotting in high-risk heart patients. It also supports general immune function, has a natural antibacterial and antifungal action, acts as an antiseptic, fights infection and contains chemicals that help to prevent cancer. Great in pretty much anything you cook!

Kitchen Treats: Face packs made of variety fruits and vegetables improve circulation, soften and cleanse the entire face. The juices of the fruits and veggies tone and provide enzymes that help balance and cleanse the skin. You can mash or pulp the fresh fruit and vegetables, then add fruit pectin, clay or oat flour to firm the mixture so it does not slide off the face.Remove with cool water and a clean wash cloth after 20-30 minutes.

Dry & Mature Skin Pack- try apple, avocado, banana, carrot, pear, grape.

Oily & Blemished Skin Pack-try cucumber,lemon, pear, strawberry or tomato.

Quick Preps To Treat:

A mixture of tomato juice and lemon juice and applied on the face regularly to get a soft, brightening and glowing skin. Or Tomato juice with garlic paste on a blemish works wonders!!
Applying mint juice and basil leaves can help in brightening stains from the skin .
Lemon juice, honey and olive oil or coconut oil mixed together can be used as a moisturizer for dry skin.
Turmeric powder mixed with coconut milk purifies the blood and gives a glow to the skin.
Aloe Vera juice gives skin a natural glow and gives it a youthful appearance.
A mixture of cucumber juice and milk works as a good cleanser.

This Halloween and beyond treat yourself to these tasty temptations! If these at home beauty tips and tricks are just not cutting it for you, maybe it’s time to seek out a professional treatment- Contact me to set up an appointment today! When you are ready to discover just how beautiful you truly are, do not be distracted by the latest fads or quick fixes that promise to reveal some magic secret. Instead, make an investment. Go beyond only watching, or listening. Talk with a professional and discover the only important beauty secret — yours.

Happy Halloween

Claudia ~

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2011

Oct

Baby Steps: Reclaiming Your Female Power

These days I can’t seem to stop thinking about babies. Sorry to disappoint some of you, but I’m not pregnant! However, it is a consistent topic in my practice. My clients share their stories of infertility, hormonal issues and their strong desire to conceive among other things. Their frustration and disappointment can overpower them and for some to the point of obsession and worry which turns to stress-undermining a good complexion and wreaking havoc on the nervous system.

I recently treated a client, we will call her Jessi. Jessi found me to help her clear up her acne. Sharing her story of infertility and stress, Jessi also expressed her interest in yoga. I suggested she should start practicing to help with a thyroid issue (which can directly effect infertility) and to aid in fertility and conception. In conjunction with the yoga, Jessi would see changes and improvement in her complexion with the aid of an all organic skincare regimen and nutritional guidance. I explained yoga would not only tone the body but it is an excellent stress reliever. It also targets specific areas of the body including organs, glandular and circulatory systems.

A practice specific for fertility will focus on stress relief, strengthening and toning muscles, and balancing the reproductive organs and hormones. Detoxifying the body while relaxing tight muscles and connective tissue. The specific areas in yoga for fertility of the low back (sacral plexus) hips, groins and pelvis begin to improve in blood flow and circulation-which can aid in healthier gynecological function. As the body relaxes, the mind calms and the nervous system is aided by the breath to help lower stress hormones like cortisol, which can impede reproductive hormone function. *If you start using a yoga practice for fertility your chances of overcoming infertility are three times greater than not using yoga at all.

Like most woman Jessi wants to be fit, staying active with a very rigorous exercise regimen. I suggested a different approach to help her achieve her goal of conception- a restorative yoga class. A class where the body, mind, and spirit learn the art of relaxation. Restorative yoga poses help us learn to relax and rest deeply and completely. The body and mind need to be free of stress and create the most favorable conditions for conception. To begin with it is important to understand that throughout pregnancy a woman must keep her adrenaline levels low. Yoga is the perfect answer. Throughout a woman’s pregnancy we release oxytocin which is a love hormone and gives us a sense of well-being. During pregnancy this hormone is released slowly and with fluctuations reaching a significant peak at about a thirty-nine weeks of gestation. Regularly practicing yoga can help to become more in-tune with your body. This new awareness leads you to take better care of your body throughout your entire pregnancy and beyond. Read more >

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2011

Jul

Blueberry-Raspberry-Mint Popsicles

It’s summer time and what better way to cool off than with homemade popsicles! Popsicles, are a deliciously refreshing treat on a hot summer day. They are lightly sweetened and made with fresh fruit which makes them a healthier alternative to popsicles with artificial colors, flavors and sweeteners. These fruity popsicles are a summertime favorite around my house. They remind me of my childhood- every summer my mom would make Paletas de Tamarindo- Popsicles made of Tamarind and we would experiment with other fruits. Below are my two favorite popsicle recipes and I’ve decided to share them both with you! Recipes Courtesy of Glutton for Life

Blueberry-Raspberry-Mint Popsicles

makes about 10

2 1/2 cups fresh raspberries
2 1/2 cups fresh blueberries, divided in half
1 1/2 cups water
2/3 cup sugar
generous pinch sea salt
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh mint, finely minced

Place the raspberries, half the blueberries, water, sugar and salt in a heavy saucepan over medium heat and cook until well broken down, about 10-15 minutes. Cool slightly then puree in a blender or food processor. Pour through a fine mesh strainer, pressing firmly against the solids. (This step is optional but it strains out the seeds which really makes for a more pleasant experience.)
Place liquid back into saucepan with remaining blueberries. Cook over medium heat, using a wooden spoon to break up the whole blueberries. When you have a slightly chunky consistency, remove from heat and cool. Stir in mint and lime juice.
Pour mixture into your popsicle molds, snap on the lid and freeze for about an hour. When the popsicles are slightly firm, slip in the popsicle sticks. I find this helps position them correctly and prevents slippage. Freeze until solid, at least 5 hours, and preferably overnight.

COCO LOCO POPSICLES

makes about 8

1 13.5-ounce can unsweetened organic coconut milk

1/2 cup agave nectar (you can start with less and add more as needed)

½ cup fresh lime juice

3-4 wild lime leaves

Combine the coconut milk and agave nectar in a saucepan and heat over medium-low until combined. Taste for sweetness, and add more agave as needed. Drop in lime leaves, cover and steep for an hour or two. Remove lime leaves and stir in lime juice. Pour into popsicle molds and freeze until solid.

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2011

Jun

Hot town, summer in the city

You know the song but when temperatures rise and the skin aint looking so pretty, what’s a girl or boy to do? Exfoliation, protection and good nutrition is the main mantra to keep the skin healthy. During summer months, the skin sweats more, so clean your face frequently using a gentle face wash. Avoid harsh soaps that can make the skin rough by removing the essential skin oils. Summer is often a difficult time for the skin; proper care is necessary not just to cleanse the pores that are purging but also protection from the ultra-violet light is imperative. The skin will form a natural protective layer and tends to thicken to protect it from the effects of the environment. This layer is made up of sebum, dead cells and perspiration which gradually dries out the skin and forms a coating on the skin clogging the pores more easily.

Summer Skincare Tips:

Exfoliation: Skin tends to become more oily as temperatures rise, this means normal to dry skin types will likely develop into normal to oily during the summer.If you have oily skin, keep it clean by washing every time you step out or do physical activities that cause you to sweat. Choose a moisturizer with a lighter texture during the summer months; the moisturizer should still contain important ingredients that will moisturize the skin effectively. These ingredients include vitamins, humectants and botanicals. As for cleansing, more oil can lead to more clogged pores and break outs, be sure cleanse the skin properly. At bedtime, remove all make up and lightly cleanse in the morning and after any sport or exercise. A cleanser that is effective and not drying is important! It is important to exfoliate regularly to avoid clogged pores and keep your complexion looking even. An at-home exfoliant, such as a facial scrub can be added to your beauty routine a few times a week to keep your skin at its best. However, I recommend for optimum results a professional facial treatment and with the proper care and guidelines a milder peel can be effective and safe in the summer months too.

Sun Protection: Avoid going out in the sun between 11 AM and 2 PM during the summer months, the intensity of the sun is more and apart from generating searing heat, the suns rays also radiate high amounts of ultra-violet radiation. UV rays are intense and damaging to the skin thus sun protection is necessary to avoid long term damage and sun protection no lower than SPF 30 should be applied to the face and body to avoid the damage caused by ultra-violet light. UVA rays are the rays that cause wrinkles and skin aging, while UVB rays produce tans and burns. Look for a sunblock that is dual-spectrum, meaning it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Zinc and/or Zinc Oxide are powerful sun protectors that naturally reflect the sun’s harmful rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays to prevent them from damaging the epidermal layer. Overexposure to the sun can also result in retinal damage to your eyes, highlighting the importance of sunglasses and hats to shield the eyes, the skin around the eyes is the most delicate and should have extra protection. Sunglasses/Hats that block sun rays are a great investment and they also reduce squinting as a result of sun glare which can cause crows feet or fine lines while the intense summer rays can cause pigmentation to the delicate skin.

For a more in depth look and to answer all your questions regarding sunblock- view my post: Are you getting the most from your Sun Protection? Read more >

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2011

May

Love Muscles

An often overlooked area of the body, the muscles of the pelvic floor play an essential role in providing support for the pelvic organs (bladder, intestines, the uterus in females), maintain urinary and bowel continence, facilitate childbirth, and contribute to the experience of sexual pleasure and ability to reach orgasm for women and men.

Just a few compelling reasons to want this part of your body performing optimally!

One of the most frequent symptoms of a weakened pelvic floor is stress urinary incontinence (SUI). Studies show that this is the most prevalent form of incontinence among women, affecting an estimated 15 million in the U.S. SUI occurs every time pressure is exerted on the bladder, when coughing, laughing, sneezing, or during physical activity. In women, physical changes resulting from pregnancy, childbirth and menopause can cause stress incontinence. In men, removal of the prostate gland can lead to this type of incontinence. In approximately 20% of men, some degree of SUI will continue to be a significant problem one year post-surgery.

The good news is that you don’t have to live with any of these awkward symptoms. As a kinesiologist, I have helped both men and women resolve the embarrassing situation of wetting themselves when they laugh, cough or exercise, as well as assisting them to experience more sexual pleasure and satisfaction (Yes, these muscles are responsible for the amount of pleasure you feel). The other piece of good news – these issues can be remedied with some simple kinesiology balancing techniques. Using muscle testing, meridian reflex points and other effective balancing techniques, you can once again feel confident with the performance of this region of your body. Whether you desire to relieve continence issues or enhance your sexual pleasure, this natural therapy can be of help.

Benefits Of The Kinesiology Pelvic Floor Balancing Process:

Resolving stress urinary incontinence
Increased sexual performance, sexual satisfaction and orgasmic response (men & women)
Assistance during pregnancy and birthing process
Confident bowel control

Article Written by Erin Davis: Erin Davis practices Kinesiology in NYC at several holistic medical centers. For more information you can view her website at www.KinesiolgoyWorks.com – Telephone: 646 641 8250 or contact her via email at erin@kinesiologyworks.com

Professional Kinesiology Practice is a holistic form of complementary health care that can be used to identify and correct imbalances in the person’s structural, chemical, mental, and emotional energy systems. By correcting these imbalances the kinesiologist is able to re-activate the body’s built-in healing ability to clear the blocks that prevent goal accomplishment.

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2011

May

Buddha Lesson

We can read, eat, text and listen at the same time simply because we want every free minute to count, but are we really present? I feel like an expert at multi-tasking but at what cost? The funny thing is that we think we are accomplishing so much but truth is it’s really bad for our health- actually slowing us down making us less efficient by causing stress, insomnia, short term memory loss because our attention is divided. I’ve been thinking of all the times that I’ve been racing through my life – cell phone in one hand and packages, travel mug in the other – when my inner Buddha whispered slow down, pace yourself, take a breath. The more balanced I am – the more I take time to listen to the still, small voice – the more impact I can have. It is easier to say than to do this. I’m finally admitting I am not a proud multitasking person, I often feel exhausted and overwhelmed when taking on many things at once. Racing against time is what we are so used to but learning to slow down, and minimize our multitasking is an accomplishment and one to be proud of.

I’ve developed a consistent home practice with meditation and exploring many relaxation techniques to help cope with my stress. I didn’t realize how much I was craving and needing solitude. Quieting the mind and recharging my battery, it’s like taking a deep breath of fresh Spring air! The idea behind meditation is to consciously relax your body and focus your thoughts on one thing for a sustained period. This occupies your mind, diverting it from the problems that are causing you stress. It gives your body time to relax and recuperate, and to clear away stress hormones that may have built up. I’m sure many of you are thinking this is hokey and a waste of time. Time that you don’t have-I agree time is short, exactly why we need to meditate because time is so short to waste on worrying, anxiety, doubts, cravings, and the compulsiveness of planning, remembering and making revisions all for the ego. There is nothing mystical about meditation, on the contrary, it is something that you can do quite easily it’s simply a matter of a little patience, and some regular periods of mediation practice. Over time, when practiced consistently, meditation can evoke real, lasting changes in the mind and body.

In my yoga training the focus this month was on mediation and deepening this practice. One that I’ve explored further is mindfulness meditation. With it’s roots in ancient Buddhist traditions, meditation that cultivates mindfulness is particularly effective and has gained ground as an antidote for reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions as well as chronic pain and even side effects of cancer treatments. Mindfulness is the quality of being fully engaged in the present moment, without analyzing or otherwise “over-thinking” the experience. Rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, mindfulness meditation switches the focus to what’s happening right now. Mindfulness meditation is not equal to zoning out. It takes effort to maintain your concentration and to bring it back to the present moment when your mind wanders or you start to drift off. But with regular practice, mindfulness meditation actually changes the brain – strengthening the areas associated with joy and relaxation, and weakening those involved in negativity and stress. Read more >

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