Who doesn’t love a great tan? As a woman I enjoy that bronzed, sun-kissed look but I’ve chosen to avoid the harmful UV rays of the sun and use natural mineral powders to give my skin that healthy, caramel glow.

For beautiful make up that can stand up to the dog days of summer choose a product that is long- wearing. Skin should look sun-kissed  with a soft natural bronzer yet still be protected from harmful UV rays with an SPF.

Get The Look:

Try Jane Iredale’s  Pure Pressed Base with SPF 20 It’s  a concealer, foundation, powder and sunscreen all in one. Voted Best Makeup with SPF by EWG.org

Bronzers:

• So-Bronze 1 is a terra-cotta with tiny specks of gold that define the words “healthy glow.”
• So-Bronze 2 is a duo bronzer – a deep terra-cotta alongside a moon of a shimmery gold packed full of  shimmer
• Use the golden-bronze tones in Moonglow and the pink-copper shades in Sunbeam on eyes, lips and cheeks or as an all-over highlighter.

Cheeks:

• Create the perfect sun kissed glow with InTouch Cream Blush. This is a beautiful alternative to powder for a flush that is soft, dewy and natural.

Eyes:

• For a dramatic look that holds up-start with Liquid Eyeliner along the lash line or the Eye Highlighter, when you apply the pink side inside the ledge of eye it gives a soft, radiant effect.
• Finally brush on the PureLash Mascara for lung lush lashes. The formula thickens and lengthens with sea minerals that condition lashes all day long.

Until next time

Claudia~

Nowadays, skin lightning is just another common way of keeping that youthful glow and reducing the look of dark spots and freckles that can plague an otherwise clear complexion. This summer protect from UV over exposure and prevent these brown spots from developing or worsening. If you are battling this condition now your first steps in combating hyper-pigmentation (brown spots) is curbing the activity of the hyperactive melanocytes -your pigment producing cells in the skin. Topical skin brighteners that inhibit the melanin-stimulating enzyme tyrosinase can effectively limit over production and keep the condition from worsening. Reconsider skin lightning ingredient Hydroquinone (HQ) The industries most popular brightener has many adverse side effects including rebound pigmentation, liver, renal, and bone marrow toxicity has been reported and poses a cancer risk in high doses. Other problems that can occur is permanent staining to the skin a condition known as ochronosis, where bluish-black pigment is formed. In August of 2006 the FDA- proposed a ban on over-the-counter sales of this skin lightener. HQ has been banned in almost every country but the United States.

With all the products on the market targeted to “brighten” the skin consumers are misinformed. They don’t understand product lines containing hydroquinone  should be used for a short period of time then stopped or not used at all. It will only help to eliminate symptoms, but not resolve the prolonged condition. With all the adverse reactions and side effects natural ingredients often make the best and more sensible skin lightning agents. They pose little risk of irritation safe to use and will treat this condition effectively for the long term.

Getting To The Source of Hyper-Pigmentation

• Post-Inflammatory: Easiest to treat.

• Photo-damage: Ultra Violet Radiation =Free Radicals=Melanin Protection Response. Bunching in areas of recurrent trauma. (can be treated)

• Hormone Association: Due to Pregnancy or birth control related needs chronic tyrosinase inhibition. Most “masks of pregnancy” go away within three months of delivery.

• Melasma: Can be difficult to treat.

After the source is determined and pigment production is under control, resurfacing can begin to speed fading of pigmented areas and return the skin to it’s original tone. The next step is to draw the pigment up and out. Non-Traumatic Corrective Peels & Vitamin A resurfacing treatments can accelerate cell turnover and renewal to “lift” away discoloration over time “pushing” affected skin cells to the surface where they are eventually shed. The result is smoother, denser and more hydrated even skin.

Finally, staying sun safe is just as important. Hyper-pigmented skin is extremely vulnerable and sun-sensitive and can easily be exacerbated by UV exposure. Antioxidants can also assist and reduce the free radical load and melanocyte activity. Stay away from anything that reduces anti-oxidant activity such as steroids. (Retina-A for example is in a steroidal base)

Until next time cheers to beautiful healthy skin that goes beyond skin deep!

Claudia

Although sun safety is never out of season-Summer is a reminder to be extra careful and serious about sun protection. Celebrate  sun drenched days with sweet cheeks not red cheeks and be smart, don’t forget to  protect your skin from the potential dangers of UV  rays before they happen. Nothing threatens your skin’s appearance like UV damage and over-exposure. Shielding the  skin from aging is prevention which is much easier than correction!!

VISIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS OF UV OVER-EXPOSURE:

• Skin Pigmentation – UV rays induce melanin production, stimulating hyperpigmentation, otherwise known as sun or brown spots and discolorations.
• Formation of deep lines and wrinkles – caused by loss of collagen production – Solar radiation injures fibroblasts, the connective tissues that secrete skin-rejuvenating collagen and elastin.
• Dehydration- The skin’s barrier function is impaired and moisture levels drop leading to dehydration and a leathery appearance.
• Cellular Damage – Excessive and repeated sun exposure can permanently damage skin cell DNA, resulting in skin cancer.

A FEW TIPS TO STAY PROTECTED:

• Use products  with a “sun protection” factor (SPF) of 15 or more daily.
• Reduce your time in the sun- the sun’s rays are strongest between 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. so stay alert.
• Wear clothing that protects your body and cover vulnerable skin. A wide brimmed hat, sunglasses and sit under an umbrella for extra shade.
• Allow about 15 to 30 minutes after application before sun exposure.
• Reapply, Reapply, Reapply at least every two hours.

Learn more here about the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens and to make sure you are getting the most out your sun protection! While there’s no denying that sunscreen is essential for maintaining safe and healthy skin, the debate over a chemical vs. physical active ingredients remains a source of conflict between skin care professionals and product developers. Manufacturers continue to produce cheaper ingredients, such as oxybenzone, found widely in supermarkets and OTC drugstores despite safety concerns.  Learn the facts when it comes to chemical based sun care.

Shop here for chemical-free sunblock! View here for EWG’s  2010 Sunscreen Makeup Guide

Jane Iredale’s Pressed Base Mineral Makeup  get’s high marks but remember makeup alone isn’t sufficient protection!

Until next time,

Claudia ~

This spring I’ve been seeing a lot of clients suffering from seasonal nasal allergies, early in the season. Not only watery and itchy eyes but manifesting into breakouts around the face too. This is triggered by pollen in the air. Newly blooming trees, grasses, and weeds are the culprits now in the spring and summer. Though many of you find relief in physician-prescribed medications and anti-histamines you may want to consider yoga. Practicing yoga  may help to alleviate allergy symptoms, including runny noses and inflamed sinuses,  in particular some of the breathing exercises can be helpful.

Skull Shining Breath – Kapalabhati Pranayama: cleansing, invigorating, warming, prevents illness and allergies.

Kapalabhati breath consists of a series of rapid, forceful exhalations and passive inhalations. This has long been believed to clear out the nasal passages where allergens lurk, and thus offer some relief from irritation. This is a heat-generating breath, however, so limit yourself to a single round at the start of your practice. I recommend learning this breath from an experienced teacher, as you may become lightheaded if you do it incorrectly.  It is best done at the beginning of a yoga session or before a meditation practice. In Kundalini practice, Kapalabhati breath is sometimes done while holding poses.

1. Come to sit in a comfortable crosslegged position.

2. Take two or three deep inhales and exhales through the nose to prepare.

3. Inhale to a comfortable level, and then exhale sharply and forcefully through the nose, drawing the belly in as you exhale.

4. Let the inhale happen passively, and continue this cycle of forceful exhales and passive inhales at a fast pace, so that the belly is pumping continuously.

5. Do three rounds of thirty breaths each, coming back to deep inhales and exhales between each round.

6. Come back to normal breathing if you feel lightheaded at any time.

Alternate Nostril Breathing – Nadi Sodhana: balancing, relaxing, and calming

1. Sit in a comfortable crosslegged position.

2. Using your right hand, fold your pointer and middle fingers into your palm, leaving your thumb, ring finger, and pinky sticking up (Vishnu Mudra).

3. Bring your thumb to the right side of your nose and your ring finger to the left side.

4. Close off your right nostril with your thumb.

5. Inhale through your left nostril.

6. Close off your left nostril with your ring finger.

7. Open and exhale through your right nostril.

8. Inhale through your right nostril.

9. Close off your right nostril with your thumb.

10. Open and exhale through your left nostril.

11. Inhale through your left nostril.

12. Continue alternating 5 to 10 times.

Why a detoxification and cleanse program is an integral part of a healthy skin regimen:

Last week, I conducted a new patient interview, and with palpable frustration my patient said “ I don’t understand, I eat so well, but still feel like crap. I am always tired, feel like I am dragging my feet, and no matter what the hell I do, I CANNOT lose weight”. I can’t even count the number of times a patient has uttered these words. This patient, like most people, assumes that if you have a clean and healthy diet, it is a guarantee that you will feel good and have energy to get through the day. I believe that it is very important to eat well, but unfortunately in the world we live in that is often not enough.

We live in a toxic environment and our bodies are overwhelmed and bombarded by toxins everyday. Toxins enter the body through the digestive tract, by food additives, contaminated soil (heavy metals; especially cadmium), and soft drinks etc.. The average American consumes 15 lbs. of additives and 200 lbs. of sugar per year. The U.S. allows over 10,000 chemical additives to our food supply. Another way that toxins enter the body is through the skin. Skin penetration is achieved through everyday groomng products, like perfumes, hairsprays etc.. The lungs is also a route that toxins can find their way into the body( exhaust, toxic fumes , second hand smoke etc.). If you live and work in New York City like I do, you can imagine what our bodies have to manage, day in and day out. The body has three options when dealing with toxins: It buries them in body fat, deposits them in tissues, or removes them. Our organs of detoxification( LIVER, blood, skin, kidneys, colon, AND LUNGS )are working 24/7 to clear the body of toxins. Unfortunately, our bodies weren’t designed to handle the exponential amount of toxic elements that modern day life has gifted us. Many people are in a state of toxic overload. Our bodies can only handle so much before inflammation and disease appear.

A cleanse is the perfect way to safely detoxify the body. Not all cleanses achieve this goal safely, gently, and effectively. A cleanse that claims to detoxify the body in under three weeks is usually too good to be true. The key factor in an effective and safe cleanse is that it supports phase 2 Liver detoxification. Phase 2 liver detoxification is essential for the actual removal of toxins from the body. Many cleanses only support Phase 1 Liver detoxification, which is when toxins are packaged and moved to other parts of the body. The problem with simply having phase 1 liver detoxification is that toxins are moved to other parts of the body, but not eliminated from the body. It is like redecorating with the same old furniture. Things may appear different or feel different, but they are simply rearranged. Toxins or xenobiotics are generally fat soluble, meaning they are stored in fat cells of the body. Phase 2 liver detoxification allows for the conversion of the most harmful toxins into a water soluble form, so they can be eliminated effectively.

The skin is the largest organ of the body and is a mirror into what is going on internally. We have all had the dreaded hangover and seen first hand how our skin reacts. If the body is functioning sub-optimally, the skin will reveal this with inflammation and problematic skin conditions. The right cleanse will stop the chronic inflammatory process. This is why most people look fresher, younger, and less inflamed during and after they complete a detoxification/cleanse protocol. I have done my share of research and have found the Standard Process Purification Program meets the goals to safely, gently, and effectively detoxify the body. What I like about this program is that it lasts for three weeks ( this time frame is great for changing habits), is not based on deprivation( you are given parameters on eating certain foods and are still eating a good amount), is a phytonutrient, whole food based program with nothing synthetic or processed, and IT SUPPORTS BOTH PHASES OF DETOXIFICATION. It has been peer reviewed in a journal, and the conclusive results showed an average weight loss of 9-15 lbs. for men, 6-9 lbs. for women and a significant reduction in cholesterol lipid profiles.

If you decide to do a cleanse/ detoxification program it is a great idea to use it as an opportunity to get rid of all things in your life that do not serve you anymore. As you clear away the old, toxic energy, you are making room for healthy, positive, and bright new energies to take their place. Some of the practices I do when going through a detox is get body work (acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, facials- as this helps support the detoxification process), do yoga, meditate, journal, and use it as a time for reflection. The connection between the mind, body, and spirit is so apparent as you go through this process. Many people experience emotional releases during a detox, which can be challenging, but aid the person in moving them to a more grounded space. I have had many epiphanies while going through the detox process. As you clear the body of toxins, the mind, and spirit develop a greater sense of clarity.

If you would like to find out more information about the Standard Process Purification Program , I will be hosting a free lecture on April 12, 2010 at 7 P.M.. It will be in my office at 1133 Broadway (at 26th st), Suite 1023.

Happy Spring cleaning and cleansing!!!!

Dr. Lou~

Dr. Lou Granirer is a Nutrition Response testing practitioner, Chiropractor, and Energy healer. You can visit his website at www.drlouchiro.com for more information.

This winter  was a difficult one that left many feeling exhausted, overwhelmed  and blue (common symptoms of  the “Winter Blues.”) Clearing your skin, mind and body with a cleansing  for the change of the season is a great way to regroup. One of the best ways to feel lighter and put a little spring in your step…and your life is by ridding the body of toxins. Abstaining from some food, drink or fasting for a short period of time is important to regain energy and uplift your mood. Many of you have expressed feeling lethargic, bloated and tired all the time. Spring is the best time to re-energize your diet and never feel tired again. Let’s get your body in training for the season ahead!

I’m not suggesting deprivation or starvation. Every time I make the suggestion to do a cleanse or detox I see the look of panic in the eyes -don’t worry you will  see food again! Purging toxins and awakening from the sluggishness that winter brings is a good idea. During the season our bodies will crave serotonin, so it’s easy to reach for refined carbs and sugars that give you that good feeling. But those foods will only set you on a cycle of ups and downs with a negative effect on both your mood and your weight. It also creates unhealthy food cravings, fatigue and reduced mental clarity. These dietary habits also create  acid waste that is then deposited in our organs and tissues, leading to inflammation, disease and a thinning skin. (see my post “The Sweet Truth” which discusses Acid/Alkaline/Inflammation Diet.)

Most people today are over acidic, including most vegetarians, but especially those following (SAD) Standard American Diet or whose health is challenged. Cleansing and fasting release toxins and can be stressful. That’s why people often feel wiped out at the end of a fast or during a cleanse. You want to make sure during any cleansing/detox to set some time aside as part of your total body renewal. For example take time for reflection, maybe a walk in the park, do some form of exercise like yoga, get a massage and facial. Think of it as your time to renew mind, body and spirit!

There are many cleansing programs and in the age of information overload all you have to do is use Google and you will find something. It doesn’t mean you are getting the correct information for your body type. One thing I dislike is when people say to  my friend told me this product, cleanse, etc  is great. Are they a professional? Do they know your  skin or body? Most of these programs are poorly designed and ineffective-containing many laxatives that make you think something is happening. You don’t want to waste your time or money  on a program  that has no impact and even worse can weaken your immune system.

Get advice and support from those getting the results you seek. Make sure you go with a company that will support you by phone if you have questions or concerns. If consulting a holistic practitioner, find out if they: follow a healthy diet; do their own cleanse often; rarely get sick themselves; and are vibrant, enthusiastic, compassionate, and energetic. You want help from people who are living examples of the benefits of the program they are offering.

I always do some form of fasting/detoxing this time of the year and this April  I will be engaging in  a total spring renewal purification. I will first start by taking a much needed respite to the Bahamas, where I will be taking a truly holistic revitalizing break- recharging physically, mentally and spiritually! You can learn more about my yoga vacation in my April Posting. Upon my return with my mind and body ready to go I  will start “The Purification Program” guided and supervised by my friend Dr Lou Granirer. The 21-day purification program is a very effective way to detox, lose weight, reduce cholesterol levels, improve lipid profiles, and support all of your organ systems that play a role in purification. The purification program is more than just a diet. It encourages you to adopt a healthier lifestyle, which, in turn, helps you look and feel better. The program emphasizes whole, organic, and unprocessed foods; whole food supplements; and water. Vegetables and fruit are eaten from days 1-10, with select proteins  added at day 11.

If you aren’t willing to do a 3 week cleanse I suggest following some of my “Body In Balance” tips to get you on the right track and you should definitely be incorporating raw foods and juices to your diet. A ” juice fast” can be another good way to jump start a healthier routine and purge some toxins. I believe adding juicing to your regular diet all year round. However, even taking a few days of just ingesting raw juices(see some of my juice recipes here) can aid in this process!

Taking some  initiative between the urge to get outdoors again and the desire to clean out winter’s gloom, it’s a great time to promote the idea of spring renewal — outside and inside.

Until next time

Claudia~

Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, and keeping yourself as healthy and attractive as possible – all which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and incorporating them in a way that works for you. You may be reluctant to add new foods if you are not sure of the taste but besides avoiding processed foods, anyone who is interested in improving their health, quality of their skin and preventing disease should consider the benefits of adding raw foods to their diets and expanding  healthy choices to include SuperFoods.

What Are SuperFoods?

Superfood is a term sometimes used to describe food with high phytonutrient content. Raw plant foods are simple and contain thousands of health-giving nutrients, and conform to the biological design of the human digestive system. In ancient times, primitive people were more prone to eating algae,marine plankton and seeds. However, that practice became dormant but our generation  has re-discovered and re-named it as a superfood or raw food movement. There is solid evidence that a living plant food diet eases digestion, boosts energy, and eliminates carcinogens. Eating a balanced mix of raw plant foods can restore health on a molecular level by building strong cells, raising alkalinity, and detoxifying and re-mineralizing the body, therefore reducing the aging process.

Mainstream media and food industries make the SuperFood claim only to foods available in local commercial supermarkets. According to WebMD and Dr Nicholas Perricone these include berries, broccoli, salmon, spinach, nuts, pomegranate, beans, soy, tomatoes. While  these foods are healthy they are not even in the same league when it comes to the most nutritious and highest quality form of foods that are available from around our world.

My Favorites

Goji Berries:

The most nutrient-dense fruit on the planet and the #1 Anti-Aging Superfood! As we age, we produce less and less Human Growth Hormone (HGH). The decreasing levels of HGH have been linked to symptoms of aging. Goji Berries are the only food known to help stimulate the human body to produce more HGH naturally.

• Contain high levels of  antioxidant 2-4 times the amount  found in blueberries.
• A complete protein source.
• Contain 18 different amino acids  and  all 8 essential amino acids (such as isoleucine and tryptophan).
• Contain up to 21 trace minerals (the main ones being zinc, iron, copper, calcium, germanium, selenium, and phosphorus).
• Contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, and Vitamin E.

Raw Maca Powder:

As an adaptogen, Maca can provide more energy if it is needed, but will not overstimulate the body.This Superfood of the Incas is a nutrient-dense ancient medicine that has been prescribed for centuries by holistic Native American healers.

• As an adaptogen it restores the body’s homeostasis when undergoing stress, which means it has the ability to balance and stabilize the body’s systems (cardiovascular system, nervous system, endocrine system, musculature, lymphatic system, etc.)
• In women and men a powerful strength and stamina enhancer, as well as a libido-enhancing food-herb. Increasing  sexual desire and fertility. Check out Cordyceps (the chinese longevity mushroom too!)
• In women and men, Maca assists in creating hormonal balance while not having a direct affect on serum hormone levels.
• Improves mental clarity, focus and eyesight sharpness.

Today’s Most Sought After Superfoods:Blue Green Algae, Spirulina, Marine PhytoPlankton, Aloe Vera, Hemp Seed and Raw Cacoa Powder/Cacao Nibs, Goji Berries, Incan Berries, Maca, Gold Rush Collodial Gold, Sacha Inchi Oil, Cordyceps.

Resources/Learn More

fabulalife.com (Greens Supplement & Probiotics)
livesuperfoods.com
naturesfirstlaw.com
superfoodliving.com

Until next time here’s to good health!

Claudia~

I have always had sweet memories of Valentine’s Day. I can remember waiting anxiously at the door for my father to arrive, much the same way a puppy waits for his treat! I knew as soon Dad walked in, there would be flowers for my mom and chocolates for each of us: the kind in the heart shaped box with a variety of all the different fillings, and a surprise in every bite.

I’ve always had a sweet tooth and to this day dessert is my favorite part of any meal and always difficult to pass up! With some amount of self-control, I allow myself to enjoy sweet dessert occasionally, mostly because I know if I over do it I will run the risk of feeling lousy for days. This lousy feeling manifests itself in getting nervous, anxious, and dizzy resulting in a migraine that lasts for days. If I want to enjoy chocolate I now reach for “Real” chocolate in the form of raw cocoa or dark chocolate. Dark chocolate at 70% or higher is recommended to receive antioxidant benefits.

For most people reducing or giving up sweets and sugar can be very challenging. Especially these days with all the hidden sugars in foods it is no wonder everyone is addicted. Food manufacturers know if they add sugar to their foods you will most likely come back for more. It’s no different than being addicted to a drug.

I certainly don’t want to suggest giving sugar up completely, but I do recommend limiting refined sugars and to try and give healthier alternatives a chance as substitutes. I won’t go into too much detail on the endless deleterious effects sugar has on the body in this post but I would like to address how it affects the skin and why it’s considered a major culprit of skin aging.

If you would like to learn more about the negative effects of sugar and to find healthy sugar alternatives check out these resources: “Sweet Deception”, “Sugar Shock”,  “Glutton for Life” and “The White-Out Diet.”

Inflammation Overload:

I constantly discuss acidity and alkalinity in the body in my practice and see a lot more common skin conditions related to inflammation- acne, rosacea, dermatitis, and hypersensitivity. Sugar assists the uncontrolled growth of Candida Albicans (yeast infections), which is represented on the skin (usually around the mouth) in clustery blackheads and cystic whiteheads.

I want you to understand that we have a delicate balancing act occurring in our bodies at all times known as our PH Balance. If our PH balance gets too acidic, we are much more prone to illness. This acidity prompts the immune system to respond negatively creating more of a workload for our body to protect itself. Highly acidic food, smoking, hormonal imbalance, and a high-glycemic diet are the biggest offenders. These stressors cause a free radical cascade fueling inflammation internally and depleting our mineral reserve to neutralize the acid. Very briefly, in Chinese medicine, too much heat is one of the fundamental imbalances that seriously undermines the body’s ability to self-repair. When our internal balance is tipped toward fire, one of the clarion signs is itchy skin, and a flushing or an outbreak of pimples (internal inflammation literally erupts on the surface). Not surprisingly, one way to support clear skin is to drink plenty of water, which helps maintain internal balance.

Too much sugar or high glycemic food, ultimately leads to a metabolic process called glycation (or glycosylation) in which sugar molecules in the blood bond to proteins and DNA, that over time become chemically modified. These new bonded proteins are called AGE’s, or advanced glycation end-products. AGE’s create unnatural crosslinks with collagen proteins and change their structure-shape, flexibility, elasticity and function. Sugar molecules attach to and thereby damage proteins in the body. The result is premature aging. What’s more, the presence of AGE’s generates additional inflammation.

Inflammation and glycation are two related reactions that impact the body’s natural state of balance. These processes manifest themselves as aging throughout the body’s organ systems, but most apparently in the skin.

The damage to the skin occurs when sugar levels go up drastically and frequently. Remember this fact when you are having a sugar binge! Those wrinkles didn’t appear overnight!

Antioxidants to the Rescue:

One severely under-considered idea is the value of antioxidants in the fight for age-management. To counteract free radicals, our immune system relies on certain nutrients that defend the cells from free radicals. These free radical scavengers are called antioxidants, most of which are plant derived. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and quench minor inflammation by sacrificing their own life as a replacement for missing electrons around the cells. Antioxidants also stop the cascade of destructive damage.

Since free radicals are inescapable, we must have a constant supply of antioxidant nutrients to keep our skin cells healthy. In addition, antioxidants may actually encourage our cells’ “fix-it” enzymes to repair damage. Our cells have a wonderful ability to heal themselves, but this mechanism works less efficiently as we get older. They also provide histamine regulation.

The following are the major antioxidants to consider ingesting and using topically. You can also include them in your regime and will add a volume of antioxidant support.

• L-Ascorbic Acid – (Vitamin C). The most effective form is in pure crystals. It increases new collagen and increases the skin’s ability to heal. This can be found in Pure C from CosMedix.

• L-Superoxide Dismutase- One of four major skin antioxidants, crucial for disarming the most dangerous free-radical and superoxide radical. This can be found in products: Affirm, Radiance, and Pure Enzymes from CosMedix.

• Coenzyme Q-10 (found naturally in our cells but decreases after age 20). This can be found in a variety of Eminence Products.

• Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA; found in plant and animal sources). This can be found in Eye Believe, Radiance  from CosMedix.

• Dimethylaminoethanol (DMAE; found in fish)

• Carotenoids (phytonutrients found in the red, yellow and orange flesh of plant leaves, flowers and fruit)

To make significant improvements in the tone and texture of your skin, you need to soothe inflammation on two fronts: neutralizing free radicals (both inside and out), and by boosting immune function through good nutrition, supplements, hormonal balance, detoxification, and topical support.

Until next time.. Love & Light

Claudia

Hardy Leafy Green Juice

Ingredients:
4 carrots
2 sticks of celery
handful of parsley (chopped)
handful of spinach
3 leafs of Romaine lettuce

Directions:

Process above vegetables in the juicer.

During this past Christmas and holiday season, I did my best to maintain an active schedule that included yoga, cardio and weight training. Despite my best efforts, I over-indulged and neither my waistline nor my body was too forgiving. However, now that I am back to a busy schedule and with a lot of self control, following my own advice and back to my daily rituals I am finally getting back to a balanced lifestyle.

Do you also find yourself running into road blocks on the way toward treating your body right? Do you feel a bit lost as you try to find a new outlook on healthy living?

There are a number of viable options and choices you can make. In developing some of the routines described below you can eventually eliminate some of the more harmful habits.

We all want to start the New Year on a healthful note. The number one resolution on most people’s list is weight loss. One way to jump start this process and to make a fresh start is by maintaining a healthy body from the inside out. We can do this by paying strict attention to our digestive system. If you have been over-indulging, I suggest letting the organs rest a bit in order to rid the body of all the toxins that have built up from the over-processed foods, the alcohol, caffeine, and sugar.

One of the first steps in making healthy changes is to cleanse the palate. If you have been consuming caffeine, alcohol, lots of sugar, and rich foods you will likely experience discomfort or cravings. These cravings can be severe and if you dive right into a rigid diet plan it could send you right back to the same eating patterns – which in effect will make you feel as if you have failed.

However if you go more slowly eventually your body’s load will feel lighter. Once you feel that you are maintaining a more regular routine, I urge you to find the proper exercise plan, diet and eating habits that suit your lifestyle and keep you motivated to complete your goal. Keeping both body and mind in balance is all about daily rituals. Below are some suggestions to jump start your fitness and experience the benefits of increased energy, an enhanced mood, stress reduction, and the enjoyment of a sound night’s sleep. Clean plumbing such as proper digestion and regular bowel movements will ultimately lead to weight loss, clearer skin and mental clarity.

For the best results, all of us can truly benefit from a unique and specifically laid out diet, an exercise program that specifically fits our needs and guidance on lifestyle and health issues. The path to an individual tailored regime is to schedule an appointment with me or any holistic health professional.

Suggested Daily Rituals:

• 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.

• For breakfast try a smoothie or protein shake (I use Syntha -6) blended with almond or rice milk. Add a banana and a handful of fresh or frozen blueberries/ raspberries.

• Drink water throughout the day.

• Reach for Herbal Tea or Drink. My favorite is Kombucha Synergy Drink. I usually drink this tea 3-4 times per week in the late morning or early afternoon for a natural boost of energy. Forget the RED BULL and grab a Kombucha which is loaded with probitiocs, live active enzymes, tons of antioxidant benefits and a RAW food. By “raw” I refer to unprocessed, uncooked, and un-pasteurized. It is the closest state any food comes to the way nature intended.

• 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 by detoxifying 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. 
  

Pressed for time? All the aforementioned recipes take only minutes to prepare. However if you are still trying to figure it all out  but still want to get all your fruits and veggies in try using “Greens Balance” from CosMedix: This energizing drink  serves up a blend of 44 fruit and vegetable extracts and 67 trace minerals in one wholesome option. Loaded with powerful antioxidants, this
pH-balancing “super greens” formula helps to neutralize oxidative stress and acid imbalance for better digestion and radiant skin.

“Restore,” another CosMedix product, is an essential fiber colon cleanse that detoxifies and literally “restores” the good bacteria in the colon.Promotes regularity and encourages a healthy inner environment. “Restore” is an invigorating blend of herbs and probiotics that work to improve immunity and nutrient absorption, which results in increased energy and healthy glowing skin.

Work it out:

There is no getting around the fact that exercise is an essential part of shaping up. Exercise stimulates the neural peptides in the brain, which help the brain make changes, such as growing new memory cells.

As we all know, the greatest challenge is sticking with an exercise plan. The key to staying motivated is having fun and making sure to mix things up. Try a variety of physical activities. Group classes always seem to get me motivated. Try yoga a few times per week while at the same time fitting in some cardiovascular type of exercise: running, hiking, cycling or dancing. More is better, but even as little as 30 minutes of exercise a week can make a difference! So get moving, and remember that a sedentary lifestyle will age you faster than those who are active!

Lower that white flag of surrender and up the flag that says “take action!” With so many reasons to stay healthy and the benefit of looking great as the years go by should be quite motivating. Remember to exercise, eat right, avoid too much sugar, consume quality whole foods, lighten up, spend time with others, and laugh. All these suggestions will work to diminish anxiety and depression, encourage sleep, and improve happiness. A perfect recipe for a healthy mind, body and spirit!

Love & Light,

Claudia