Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Questions from Men

Q: How can I remove yellow armpit stains from my shirts?

A: No matter how cool you are, these stains are practically unavoidable. But that doesn't mean they're indestructible. The Soap and Detergent Association recommends soaking the new stains in ammonia. Stains that have been there a while, use vinegar. After 20-30 minutes, rinse. Next, blot the stains with a laundry detergent that contains either stain-fighting enzymes or oxygen bleach. Toss the shirt into the washer and use the hottest water the fabric will allow. Dry the shirt on a line, not the dryer.

Q: Is there any point to detox diets?

A: You can put down the wheat grass shot. Detox diets require you to complete a 3 to 21 day fast during which you consume only juice, water and other fluids. By doing this, proponents of the diet claim you cleanse your GI tract of chemicals and toxins such as sugar, nicotine, and alcohol that are stored in the intestines and colon. That theory is false. Christine M. Palumbo, R.D., an adjunct faculty member at Benedictine University in Naperville, IL says "There is no scientifically proven reason to put yourself on a detox diet. Mother Nature provides her own detoxification methods, and they work very well." Ordinary fiber rids your body of whatever waste you  you do accumulate, and these so-called toxins do not accumulate in our GI tracts.

Detox diets can also lead to a vitamin deficiency. Stay away from herbal laxatives and colonics. "Both can be downright dangerous. Colonics can lead to an infection or perforation of the bowel, while herbal laxatives can cause sever dehydration or a dependency on them for normal bowel functioning," says Palumbo.

Q: Eating breakfast makes me queasy. How can I fight this?

A: Try reducing your fatty foods before you go to bed. Eating a fat-laden dinner or evening snack may cause problems in the morning, because that fat can make you feel bloated and otherwise uncomfortable. Starting the day with acidic foods such as oranges and mangoes may also be to blame. So, if you want fruit for breakfast, try a banana instead. Another possibility is lactose in milk and other dairy products. Try a lactose-free milk for your cereal.

Sometimes solid food is harder to handle in the morning, so a low-fat liquid breakfast, like Stonyfield Farm's Light Smoothies may be in order. For men, choose a multivitamin without iron. Men don't need to supplement their diets with it and it could be an irritant.


Source: Men's Health

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Alpha-Hydroxy Acid (AHA)


Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA)
When considering using glycolic acid on your skin it’s essential to understand what alpha hydroxy acids are and how they work.


What are Alpha Hydroxy Acids?
Alpha hydroxy acids (or AHAs) essentially originate from milk and fruit sugars. The most common alpha hydroxyl acids are lactic acid and glycolic acid. These two acids in particular penetrate the skin very well and are often used in skin care products. As well, there is a good deal of scientific data on both acids, both on their effectiveness (how well they actually penetrate the skin to give the desired result) and their relevant side effects.

While you have likely heard of lactic acid and glycolic acid, there are three others: Malic acid, citric acid and tartaric acid.

How Do They Work?
The main benefit of an alpha hydroxy acid is its ability to exfoliate the skin. They essentially remove the “glue” from the upper layer of skin that holds onto the old, dead skin cells. By effectively removing that top layer of skin, the alpha hydroxy acids serve to help new skin grow.

Alpha hydroxy acids reduce the look of wrinkles, help to reduce the likelihood that winkles will develop, make skin smoother and (with months of daily use) can help skin that’s uneven and hyper pigmented become smoother and more even.

It’s also believed that in addition to helping new (younger looking and fresh) skin to grow, alpha hydroxy acids also stimulate the growth of elastin and collagen, both of which become depleted with age.

Though some people with very sensitive skin might have a hard time using alpha hydroxy acids with any regularity, most people can use them once they discover what the right concentration is for their particular skin. Alpha hydroxy acids seem to work best for most people in a concentration of 5% to 7%, and that’s the concentration found in most products that contain the AHAs.

Guidelines
Though AHAs are safe to use on skin, there are some guidelines set forth by the Food and Drug Administration for its use. They include the stipulation that the product containing AHAs contain a concentration of 10% or less of the AHA.

When you use an alpha hydroxy acid product, you make your skin more vulnerable to damage from the sun. It’s recommended that if you use an AHA product, you also use a high-quality sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun. To that end, the FDA also recommends that products containing AHAs either contain sunscreen, or a warning telling users to use sunscreen while using the product.

What Are the Side Effects?
There are two major side effects to using AHA products: sun sensitivity and irritation.

Though we have already discussed sun sensitivity, it’s important to reiterate that point. AHA products can increase your sensitivity to the sun by as much as 50%, so it’s essential that a good sunscreen is used.

Irritation is another possible side effect of Alpha Hydroxy Acid use. Some of these symptoms might include redness, burning and itching. If the symptoms continue after you have used the product for some time and your skin has had a chance to adapt, try using a product that contains less of the AHA concentration.

Products that contain glycolic acid include products made by "Murad" usually found in Ulta and Sephora stores. You can also try Overnight OxyComplex by Credentials. It combines AHA and BHA to combat oil and bacteria overnight.

Source: Glycolicacid.com

Monday, February 27, 2012

Mineral Oil: Friend or Foe?


For years, the French, who are the leaders in skincare have used mineral oil - fine grade mineral oil in their skincare products. There is no evidence that mineral oil clogs pores. A study was done years ago by a Dermatologist who used pure, not refined, mineral oil on the ears of rabbits and it clogged their pores. The study was flawed and he admits it - but unfortunately, the word about mineral oil being clogging got around.

Mineral Oil Myths

1. Mineral oil is contaminated with carcinogens. While it’s true that some petroleum derivatives contain carcinogenic materials (like some polycyclic aromatic compounds) the mineral oil that is used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry is highly refined and purified. It’s purity is even regulated by the US FDA and other international regulatory agencies. There is absolutely no evidence that cosmetic grade mineral oil causes cancer. And there has been plenty of testing done to ensure that fact. We could find no published reports in any of the dermatological or medical journals indicating a link between mineral oil and any forms of cancer.

2. Mineral oil dries the skin and causes premature aging. Mineral oil works as a barrier between the skin and the air. It acts as an occlusive agent which prevents water from naturally leaving your body through your skin. It will not dry out your skin or cause premature aging. Quite the contrary. It will provide moisturization.

3. Mineral oil robs the skin of vitamins. Since many vitamins are oil based, people assume that mineral oil will pull them out of your skin. There is no legitimate scientific evidence that this is true. Mineral oil has no effect on the vitamin levels in your skin.

4. Mineral oil prevents absorption of collagen from collagen moisturizers. Collagen in your skin lotions and moisturizers is too big to actually penetrate your skin. Therefore, mineral oil will have no effect on whether the collagen gets absorbed or not.

5. Mineral oil causes acne. In some people, mineral oil can exacerbate acne problems. However, most people will not experience any problems.

Source: Thebeautybrains.com

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Eat...More Chicken!

These calories have been counted for you. Which would you choose?

You can have this...

Stouffer's 10oz Chicken Pot Pie
Total Calories: 660 calories and 37 g of fat.


Or you can have...

Roasted Chicken Dinner



4 oz. roast chicken breast with skin, 11/2 cups broccoli with 1 oz. shredded cheddar cheese, a buttermilk biscuit with 2 tsp. butter, and a light beer
Total Calories: 620 calories, 28 grams fat



Source: Glamour

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Get Ready To Show Some Skin

Whatever your birth date, look even more amazing naked with these tips for showing off smooth, luminous skin all over.

Glow head to toe - The skin on your body ages the same way the skin on your face does. Cell turnover slows and collagen breaks down, causing scaliness and sagging. Keep skin supple with a body cream that contains exfoliating acids to remove dry layers. Look on the label for H2O-attracting hyaluronic acid and collagen-building peptides to soften and firm. Try Fresh Seaberry Restorative Body Cream, $29.

Make Veins Vanish - Spider veins. Most of us get them because as we age, valves in leg veins wear out. As a result, blood pools and veins become visible through skin. To erase them, ask your doctor about Asclera injections, which use a local anesthetic to damage nonworking blood vessels. Afterward, the vessels break down and the body absorbs them. It's about $400 a session, two or more are typical.

Diminish Dimples - The number of fat cells you have is determined by your DNA, but your diet and lifestyle can make them grow. When they plump up, they can press against skin's top layers, creating the rippling effect. There are many creams that might help, but most dermatologists still say the holy grail ingredient is caffeine, which draws water from cells, temporarily giving skin a tighter look. Use coffee grinds as a kind of 'scrub' for problem areas in the shower.

Nurture your neck - Your neck gets major sun, and lots of us don't use SPF on our necks. Lighten sun spots by apply a hydroquinone cream at night and a sunscreen every A.M. Try $5.50 for Ambi Skin Discoloration Fade Cream, with 2 percent hydroquinone. There aren't many sebaceous glands in the neck (Or eyelids), so skin can get extra dry, saggy and creased. To fight wrinkles, apply an anti-aging face cream or neck-specific treatment packed with mega moisturizers. For example, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Rebuild Collagen Naturally - Sleep deprivation doesn't only wreck your mood; it can also hamper the production and quality of collagen, a building block of healthy skin. Six to eight hours of sleep a night.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Retinoids


1. Retinoid. The term describes vitamin A derivatives that unclog pores, boost collagen to reduce fine lines, and speed cell turnover to even out discoloration and smooth the skin—sometimes in as little as four weeks. The first retinoid—tretinoin—was FDA approved (under the brand name Retin-A) almost 40 years ago as a prescription acne treatment. Dermatologists soon noticed that patients on Retin-A experienced not just clearer but softer, brighter, less-lined skin. Today there are three prescription-strength retinoids: tretinoin (brands include Atralin, Avita, Retin-A, Retin-A Micro, Renova), tazarotene (Avage, Tazorac), and adapalene (Differin). Many dermatologists find tazarotene stronger (and potentially more irritating) than tretinoin; adapalene is the gentlest but may be less effective.

2. You don't want to go to the dermatologist. While prescription formulas yield the most impressive results, an over-the-counter retinoid, called retinol, can also improve lines and discoloration. Because retinol is gradually converted into retinoic acid (the active ingredient in the prescription creams) it is less potent. Count on 12 weeks before seeing results.

3. You think a retinoid will make your skin sun-sensitive. "This is one of the biggest retinoid myths," says Doris Day, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center (and a Tazorac user herself). "The ingredient itself is sensitive to sunlight, which is why you should apply it before bed at night." A retinoid shouldn't make your skin any more vulnerable to UV rays than it would be after buffing away dead skin with a face scrub. Summer is actually a good time to start a retinoid: Humidity makes your skin less likely to dry out as it adjusts. Of course, apply sunscreen (SPF 30, at least) as diligently as you always do.

4. You're afraid your skin will look worse before it gets better. Retinoids can cause dryness, redness, and flaking—but if you ease in, you can avoid a rough transition. For the first two weeks, apply a retinoid every third night, says Leslie Baumann, MD, director of the Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute at the University of Miami (who uses Atralin). If your skin isn't irritated, ramp up to every other night for two weeks. Not dry or flaky? Go for it every night. A few other irritation-mitigating guidelines: Wait 15 minutes after washing your face before you apply a retinoid, and use one pea-size dab to cover your whole face. After a few minutes, apply a basic moisturizer to prevent dryness.

5. You think you can't afford it. Insurance coverage of a prescription retinoid, like Retin-A, varies by plan, and a 20-gram tube will cost about $75. But generic tretinoin costs about $40—not bad for a product guaranteed (by decades of science) to work. (For now, only tretinoin is available in a generic version.) Some drugstore retinol products are even less expensive. Look for ones with 0.1 percent retinol packaged in aluminum tubes (to protect the formula from air and light); I suggest trying RoC Retinol Correxion Deep WrinkleNight Cream ($22).


Don't use a retinoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Benzoyl peroxide and alpha hydroxy acids may deactivate retinoids, so don't layer them.
Waxing can cause excess redness on retinoid-treated skin; don't use a retinoid for several days before a treatment.
A small percentage of people with ultrasensitive skin can never tolerate a retinoid; if you're one of them, use a gentle physical exfoliator twice a week to soften your skin, and be extra-conscientious about sunscreen to prevent collagen loss in the first place.





Source: Oprah.com, Prevention.com/retinoids

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Win The War On Fat: Eat Less Sugar

Eat Less Sugar


This commandment is both obvious and tricky.

The Obvious: Avoid soda, juice, sweetened teas and coffees, sugary cereals, and candy.
The Tricky: Sugar lurks in many processed foods, like crackers and flavored yogurt

The Advice: For one month, avoid any sugar unless it naturally occurs in food (like milk or fruit). When scientists at Cornell University examined the eating patterns of more than 14,000 people, they observed that those who ate the most baked confections and candy also ate the most fruit; so try satisfying your sweet tooth with the natural sugar in a peach or melon instead of a candy bar. Also, start substituting protein-rich snacks (string cheese, hard-boiled eggs) for seemingly harmless fare like bagels, popcorn and pretzels. The latter are primarily composed of starch, which your body quickly breaks down into sugar. So technically, you're still feeding your body high amounts sugar.


Source: Men's Health

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Win The War On Fat: Eat More Fiber

Eat More Fiber


Fiber can rev your fat burn by as much as 30%. People who eat the most fiber gain the least amount of weight over time, reports a review in the journal Nutrition. Review author Joanne Slavin, Ph.D., R.D., says that fiber requires extra chewing and slows the absorption of nutrients in your stomach, so you feel full even though you haven't stuffed yourself. You'll also stay satisfied on fewer calories. Aim for about 25g a day--the amount in about three servings each of fruits and vegetables. Here are easy ways to add fiber to your diet:

1. Read the box - Pick a cereal that contains more than 10g of fiber per serving.

2. Snack on Berries - One cup of raspberries or blackberries contains 8g of fiber. Fill a bowl with a cup of each to top with yogurt or milk for a sweet alternative to cereal.

3. Bulk Up Your Smoothies - Mix 1/4 cup of flaxseed into any blended beverage to add 12 g of fiber.

4. Make Everything Mexican - One whole avocado contains 13g of fiber, along with loads of healthy monounsaturated fats. Slice one on top of a salad, sandwich or eggs.

Source: Men's Health

Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Win The War On Fat: Conquer Your Cravings

Eat Smaller Portions
There is a conspiracy to trick you into eating more. Everything form efficient busboys that clear the table so you forget how much you've eaten to "family-sized" bags of chips that enable us to stuff our faces.

Use Small bowls and spoons - You will serve yourself less food and eat less. Cornell researchers found that graduate students scarfed down 59% more of a salty snack from large bowls than those who served themselves from smaller bowls.

Drink from a tall glass - Given drinking glasses with the same capacity, we tend to pour more into a short glass than a tall one.

Always skip the value size - People who are given large boxes of pasta cook and eat more of it than people given smaller boxes, says Brian Wansink, Ph.D., author of Mindless Eating.

Conquer Your Cravings And Stop Bingeing

Healthy eating isn't about deprivation -- It's about simple planning and smart decisions. So eat real food that satisfies your hunger and your body's nutritional needs. Here's your four-step game plan.

1. Outsmart Your Cravings - People tend to eat around their cravings, snacking and nibbling until they've taken in 500 calories and still aren't satisfied. Instead of fighting the urge, find a healthier way to satisfy it. You curb the craving, and you get solid nutrition.

2. Eat Well On the Road - Avoid the airport food court by packing mixed nuts, energy bars, and granola bars. Make your own trail mix by combining 1/2 cup each low-sugar cereal, dried cranberries, sunflower seeds, unsalted cashews, and raisins. Bag a few small servings and go.

3. Snack Smarter - It's not snacking when you're elbow deep in a chips bag. That, my friend, is gorging. Control the quantity. Buy prepackaged portions of snacks like chips, pretzels, and jerky. Or create your own by measuring out individual portions and stashing a few bags in your desk, car, or gym bag. Even ice cream comes in small cups. The carton can become a trough, ladies!

4. Control Late-Night Bingeing - Use the 'set snack' trick. People who ate the same snack 90 minutes after dinner for one month dropped 4 pounds in a Wayne State University study. They ate cereal. And beware hunger spurred by bored or TV ads. Take the dog for a walk, shop on ebay, anything to buy some time for your brain to tell you you're not really hungry. Or, brush your teeth and gargle. Nothing tastes good after that!

Source: Men's Health

Monday, February 20, 2012

Win The War On Fat: Seize The Day

Eat Breakfast Every Day


Begin by proving that you have the time for it. This weekend, time how long it takes you to nuke a bowl of instant oatmeal and eat it. We're betting less than 5 minutes, which isn't long enough to make you late for work. Then remind yourself why it's so crucial. "Not eating breakfast may reduce your metabolic rate by 10 percent," says Leslie Bonci, R.D., M.P.H., director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh medical center. This in turn increases your risk of obesity, high cholesterol, and diabetes. "Keep a breakfast bar by your bed, or pour dry oatmeal or cereal in a bowl the night before," Bonci suggests. Leave a bowl of fruit or bags of trail mix near your front door so you can grab them in a hurry.

Seize The Day


You want to drop weight? Forget about it. Really - that's the crucial tip. Put the end goal out of the picture and narrow your focus to the day at hand. Ask yourself, "Did I get my workout in today? Did I make the right food choices?" Then go through it again tomorrow, always with an eye on improving. Here are Bob Harper's (Biggest Loser trainer) five real-world solutions for seizing the day.

1. Get over Gym Intimidation - The muscle heads at the squat rack aren't judging you. If they see someone out of shape trying to change, they'll do what they can to help you. Ask for a spot, or even some guidance. Just because those guys are ripped doesn't mean they don't struggle with diets and exercise plans.

2. Fight Through the Pain - Your neglected body won't be able to do what it once could. Start slowly and remember that post exercise soreness means you're making progress. Use this as motivation to put the past into your present. You'll see just how far you've let yourself go, but you'll know what you're eventually capable of.

3. Get Help From Friends - Support groups work. Websites like biggestloserclub.com are huge inspirations for weight loss. Share your story with peers and read how they overcame struggles similar to yours.

4. Forget Plateaus - Whether you lose weight every week or not, remember that your efforts are improving your overall health-from lowering cholesterol to cutting visceral (the most stubborn) body fat. And don't weigh yourself more than once a week. You'll just make yourself nuts.

5. Keep Getting Up - The wagon will leave you behind if you fall off. It's your job to keep chasing it down.

Source: Men's Health

Win The War On Fat: Boost Your Metabolism

Boost Your Metabolism


A British study found that participants who increased the percentage of protein-based calories in their diets burned 71 more calories a day (that's 7.4 pounds a year) than those on low-protein diets. Protein burns hotter than other foods sources. Jumpstart your metabolism early with two scrambled eggs or a few slices of lean turkey bacon for breakfast, then keep it up throughout the day with at least one protein-packed snack, such as almonds or cheese, and lunch and dinner built around legumes, lean meats, tuna or salmon.


Eat More Often - Skipping meals allows your body's calorie-burning furnace to go cold. Spread out your calories with min meals and snacks throughout the day. Try a cup of yogurt with fresh fruit or almonds (I'm getting sick of almonds, dammit) at 10:30am and a hard-boiled egg around 3:00pm.


Burn Fat Faster - Kick your metabolism into overdrive by performing this body-weight routine 12 hours before or after your regular weight workout. Move from one exercise to the next without resting. Do a total of up to four circuits.


Prisoner Squat - 20 reps. Squat until your thighs are parallel to the floor.
Pushup - 15 reps. Just like gym class
Lunge - 10 reps per side. Take a big step forward with your left food and lower your body until your front knee is bent 90 degrees. Pause, and then push back up to a standing position. Repeat with your right foot forward.
Decline Pushup - 10 reps per side. Put your feet on a box or bench as you perform a pushup. This will force you to lift more weight.

Go Green - Catechins, the powerful antioxidants found in green tea, are known to increase metabolism. In a 12-week double-blind study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, participants who consumed 690mg of catechins from green tea daily had lower body mass indexes and smaller waist measurements than those in the control group. Forgo instant or powdered varieties and instead steep 1 teaspoon of loose green tea leaves in hot water for 4 minutes.

Source: Men's Health

Sunday, February 19, 2012

4 New Reasons To See Your Dermatologist

New tools in your doctor's arsenal aim to eradicate wrinkles with less pain.

Hot Ingredient: Lipo-Hydroxy Acid


The less irritating cousin of salicylic acid is a serious multitasker: LHA exfoliates, penetrates oily pores to dissolve blackheads, and prevents bacteria from clinging to the walls of pores and follicles where they can multiply. One study found 5-10% of LHA is as effective as 20-50% of glycolic acid. Expect to see it in more products. Two current ones to find it is 'La Roche-Posay Effaclar Duo Acne Treatment' and 'Vichy Normaderm Anti-Acne Hydrating Lotion'.

1. LaViv - The latest wrinkle filler is made form your own collagen-producing cells, harvested from skin taken from behind the ear and grown in a lab. LaViv's plumping effects only become visible after the new cells are injected and begin to produce collagen, in two to three months (Says Fredric Brandt of the Dermatology Research Institute in Miami). The results may outlast other injectables.

2. Xeomin - Coming Soon. Joining the ranks of wrinkle relaxing Botox and Dysport, Xeomin is botulinum toxin that's missing some of the proteins in its rivals. Without them, the theory goes, the body is less likely to build up resistance, allowing Xeomin to work longer. There's another reason its arrival is causing smiles. Prices are starting to reflect that there are competitors to Botox.

3. Topical Botox - Should be here in 2-3 years. This gel form is applied by a dermatologist for thirty minutes and then wiped off. With the same staying power as injectables, it gives a natural-looking result. In tests on crow's-feet, 44% of patients reported significant improvement for four months.  Not a great percentage, but it means no needles.

4. Solid Hyaluronic Acid - Several years away. As a gel, the wrinkle filler can form lumps when injected under the skin. A new solid type resembles a thread that a doctor, using a needle, pulls directly below a wrinkle to immediately buttress it. Once in place, the thread swells to the size of spaghetti. It is expected to gain approval in Europe next year, and in the U.S. in 2013.

Source: Allure

Eat... More Starbucks!

The calories have been counted for you. Which would you choose?


You can have this...

Raspberry scone from Starbucks
500 calories, 26 grams fat

Or you can have this...

Starbucks Oatmeal and Coffee

8-oz. Starbucks oatmeal with 1 tbsp. dried cranberries and 1 tbsp. brown sugar topping, a banana and a 12-oz. skim caramel macchiato
434 calories, 3.5 grams fat

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Stop Blaming Genetics

Q: I eat well and exercise and still have high cholesterol, could it be genetics?


A: Probably not, and you can also stop blaming you being overweight on genetics. Lifestyle is passed down from parent to child, which can result in overweight families. Being obese is not an uncontrollable feature. Put down the chips. Look at your lifestyle

Q: So how do I lower my cholesterol?


A: To get your LDL (Bad Cholesterol) levels to below 100 mg/dL and triglycerides under 140 mg/dL, eat fewer refined carbs, sugars, processed foods, whole fat dairy products, and red meat. Eat more whole grains, fruits, veggies, fish and lean protein. Limit alcohol and smoking. To raise your HDL (Good cholesterol) levels to 50 mg/dL or higher, add exercise. If you're already doing 30 minutes a day, do 45 minutes. Good luck!

-B

Friday, February 17, 2012

What Do The Stars Eat For Breakfast?

Poppy Montgomery 


Chocolate-Cherry Shake

1 Cup cold water
1 Cup frozen pitted cherries
1 Small banana
1 Acai berry frozen smoothie pack
3 Tbsp chocolate protein powder
2 Tbsp raw cacao powder

Blend all together. 276 Calories. Serves two!



Tiffani Thiessen

OatCakes with Applesauce

2 Cups rolled oats
4 Egg whites
1 Tsp Cinnamon
Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray
1/2 Cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 Cup sliced strawberries

Combine first 3 ingredients. Spread evenly into a skillet coated with cooking spray and cook on medium for ten minutes, flipping once. Top with applesauce and berries. 454 Calories. Serves two!


Piper Perabo

Salmon and Pickled Vegetables
"It's a traditional breakfast in Japan". A morning meal high in healthy fat will rev your metabolism to digest food more efficiently all day. Three ounces of salmon has 1.9 grams of omeg-3 fatty acids. Way better than bacon!

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Supplements That Actually Work

So you want to lose weight, boost your sexual stamina, and add muscle. The supplements below have been vetted by scientific research as well as happy customers. If you seek help in pill form, start here.

Green Tea Extract - If diet and exercise aren't helping you shed pounds fast enough, green tea may give you the boost you're after. A 2009 analysis of 11 studies showed that the combination of caffeine and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea led to a small but significant weight loss. www.now-2-u.com

Red Ginseng - A Korean review concluded that red ginseng is more than twice as effective as a placebo for treating Erectile Dysfunction. Red ginseng contains ginsenosides, which are compounds that are though to increase nitric oxide synthesis, a process that can result in improved erections. You'll have to take it for several days or weeks to see results. First ask your doctor if other health conditions could be affecting your sexual performance. www.gonsi.com

Creatine Monohydrate - It's the most effective supplement for building muscle size and strength. It delivers maximum blood levels of active ingredients. www.atlargenutrition.com 

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Wendy's Nutritional Information in ERROR!

This morning I had no time for breakfast at home, and decided to stop at Wendy's for a quick bite. They have fresher options compared to most places with fried chicken and biscuits for breakfast. (Although they do have one option like that..ugh) Any who, I decided to check the nutritional information when I got to work on the item I purchased. The way the Wendy's website is set up, is that they have a side menu to choose specific items, and they also have shortcuts to information on the most popular items shown with photos on the homepage. You can see what I mean at www.wendysbreakfast.com

So I click on the item from the shortcut on the homepage, as well as on the side bar. The nutritional information for the exact same item was NOT THE SAME. It was almost completely different! It was the Artisan Egg Sandwich with Applewood Smoked Bacon. One page said it was 370 calories with 32 g of fat. The other grid of information for the same item said 400 calories with 19 g of fat. It turns out that several breakfast items had this problem, so I immediately called the nutrition department to see what was the actual information. The woman was baffled and could not explain why the information was so different. She told me she would call someone higher up and give me a call back. Well, the sandwich is actually 400 calories, she didn't tell me the fat content. Lesson here, pay attention. Don't take a multi billion dollar company's word for it. Link to photos below...

Artisan Egg Sandwich


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bg11int/wendys1.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bg11int/wendys2.jpg


Mornin' Melt Panini 


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bg11int/wendys3.jpg

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bg11int/wendys4.jpg

Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit (Fat, anyone?)


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bg11int/wendys5.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bg11int/wendys6.jpg

Bacon Fire Roasted Burrtio


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bg11int/wendys8.jpg


http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b358/bg11int/wendys7.jpg


-B

Monday, February 13, 2012

Feel Better in Two Minutes

If You're Seriously Stressed - The best fix is breathing. Close your eyes and inhale deeply through your nose. Hold for five counts; exhale through your nose for ten counts. Repeat for two minutes. This can deactivate your fight-or-flight response and help you relax.

If Your Shoulders are Tense - Stand with your back against a wall, heels together, arms by sides. Slowly roll upper body down, head toward floor until you're hanging upside down, arms loose and swinging freely. Do eight small uncontrolled circles with your arms, releasing the tension in your shoulders. Reverse the circles for eight reps; slowly roll back up the wall.

If Your Lower Back is Killing You - Try the Supine Crossover. Lie on your back with legs extended, arms at sides. Gently pull right knee to your chest while holding the back of your thigh. Release and stretch right knee across body to the left as far as you can, keeping both shoulders on the floor, your arms in a T-shape. Hold for thirty seconds and release. Switch legs and repeat. Do two times on each side.

If You Have A Tension Headache - The cause is often neck tension. With your right arm at your side, tilt head toward shoulder, pulling head gently with left hand to deepen stretch. Hold for thirty seconds; repeat two times on each side.

If You Have No Energy - Try the bridge pose. It allows the lungs to fully expand so more oxygen circulates to your brain and muscles. Lie on your back, knees bent, heels directly under knees. Lift hips, clasping hands underneath your back. Hold for thirty seconds, breathing slowly.


Sunday, February 12, 2012

Eat... More Brunch!

These calories have been counted for you. Which would you choose?


You can have this....

A side of breakfast sausage (4 links) 
370 calories, 34 grams fat













Or You can have this...


Delicious Brunch



4 bacon strips, 1 poached egg, 1/2 cup cubed melon and a piece of whole wheat toast with 1 tsp. jam 
370 calories, 19 grams fat


Sausage is a huge source of fat and calories. I don't know anyone who would pass up this meal, especially when bacon is the substitute!

Saturday, February 11, 2012

Lancome Genefique Youth Activating Serum


So one day at the Lancome counter in Macy's, the representative introduced to me to Lancome Genefique. I took home some of the serum samples and loved it, it didn't make me break out and made my skin so soft and refined. When I went online to see how much an ounce of this stuff was, it was $80. I went back and told her there was no way I would buy an eighty dollar serum, so she said to try L'Oreal Paris products. Although the Youth Code products make me break out, the Serum Intense by Youth Code didn't react that way. I looked up the ingredients and it's almost the exact same product as Lancome Genefique Youth Serum, only $60 less! Check it out. (L'Oreal Paris Youth Code Serum Intense was found at Target for $20 in the same size)

L’OREAL YOUTH CODE SERUM INTENSE INGREDIENTS: Aqua/Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimenthicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquisterate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Adenosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide, Disodium Edta, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, N-Hydroxysuccinimide, Chrysin, Octyldodecanol, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, and Parfum.

LANCOME GÉNEFIQUE YOUTH ACTIVATING CONCENTRATE INGREDIENTS: Aqua/Water/Eau, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimethicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate,Phenoxyethanol, PEG-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquistearate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Amonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide/Amonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Limonene, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Octyldodecanol, Citric Acid, Citronellol, Parfum/Fragrance.

Ingredients in Common
Aqua/Water, Bifida Ferment Lysate, Glycerin, Alcohol Denat., Dimenthicone, Hydroxyethylpiperazine Ethane Sulfonic Acid, Peg-20 Methyl Glucose Sesquisterate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Salicyloyl Phytosphingosine, Ammonium Polyacryldimethyltauramide, Disodium Edta, Caprylyl Glycol, Citric Acid, Xanthan Gum, Octyldodecanol, Phenoxyethanol, Limonene, and Parfum.


Aveeno Positively Ageless

To remind everyone, I'm 24 years old. I have very oily skin, and am trying to find products that can keep my skin youthful and healthy for as long as I can. I decided to buy the Aveeno Active Naturals Positively Ageless Complete Starter Regimen. This stuff made my skin break out like no other. I did it for another week to make sure it wasn't my skin just detoxing, and then went back to my Body Shop Tea Tree line, and my face cleared in two days. I went back to Aveeno just to make sure, and sure enough two days later I was broken out. Maybe I shouldn't have purchased something for aging skin since I'm so oily! LOL. But for those of you out there who were thinking of it and have oily skin, stay away. I am planning on trying other Aveeno products, and will review them when I do. Check often.



-B
<3 = :-)


Friday, February 10, 2012

Eye Opener

Want to look younger and more awake? Try these tips for pampering tired eyes.

Intensify - If you love smoky, sultry eyes but don't have the patience to apply layers of dark shadow, here's a low-effort way to smolder. Arm yourself with two soft eye pencils in shimmery, complementary tones like copper and cocoa. Ones that are soft enough to draw smoothly on the back of your hand. 
Starting directly above your pupil, gently but firmly drag the flat side of the lighter pencil - not the tip - along the lash line toward the outer corner of the eye. Return to the middle and do the same thing going toward your nose. Then, with an angled shadow brush (MAC 266 $20) blur the stripe in both directions to create a hazy look. 
                To turn it up a notch for a night out, wiggle the darker pencil into the roots of upper and lower lashes to give the illusion of fuller fringe. Then swipe the lighter liner along lower lashes and blink firmly three to five times. You'll end up with a subtle bottom-lid smudge, not raccoon eyes. Try Maybelline NY Line Express ($6) for intentional smudging.
Volumize - It's tempting to ignore tiny lower lashes, but giving them some extra attention adds instant impact. Now it's easy too, thanks to new mascaras designed to make the most of the paltry bottom fringe - without producing the dreaded spider effect. The smaller brushes are great for touching up any fine hairs your go-to wand misses. Try Clinique Bottom Lash Mascara ($10).




Source: Glamour

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Conquer Your Inner Cookie Monster

Anyone trying the 'Snob Diet' yet? I can't rave enough about it. I'm never hungry anymore and my pants get looser every week! I got my boyfriend on it and its motivated him to lay off the Diet Coke and drink way more water since all his flavor is coming from the rich, high quality foods I've been cooking.

Here are some easy rules to follow when trying to stave off your junk food cravings:

Avoid Your Triggers - Spend your day thinking about where you are and what you're doing when a craving hits. Does it hit when you drive past the Mcdonald's or Starbucks? Take an alternate route through a residential area instead of commercial. Try to change one trigger at a time, though.

Take Control -  Develop strategies for the triggers you can't avoid. For example, if someone brings cupcakes to work,  resolve this issue by splitting one with a co worker or just taking a few bites.

Stick to a Schedule - Aim to eat only at set meal and snack times, about every four hours to help prevent mindless grazing.

Get Some Satisfaction - If you bring a salad for lunch every day, it's no wonder you're likely to ditch it for pizza. Include indulgences a few times a week, but keep portions reasonable. Packing a few cookies to satisfy your need for something sweet is a better strategy than depriving yourself until you rebel and eat a huge sundae.



Wednesday, February 8, 2012

A Small Guide To Britney Spears

Britney's Body

Derek Degrazio toured with Britney Spears to keep her in-shape during the Femme Fatale tour. Britney is a southern girl at heart that is known for her guilty pleasure snacking from Cheetos to Starbucks Frappuccinos. This guy Derek is gold. He doesn't make you guess on things to do, he tells you exactly what to do to get your life back on track. Below is an interview he does and gives the absolute basics on things to keep you motivated and some workouts to get you started that he put Britney on for the past year. For Britney's Circus Tour, it was a low carb diet and no fuit or juices. Berries and melons allowed. Four to five small meals a day, and combining fats, proteins and complex carbs together to keep metabolism strong and fast. You can find him on facebook at  https://www.facebook.com/ddegrazio.

 Oatmeal and Eggs - Ultimate fat fighter.
  Almond butter, cottage cheese and cinnamon spread onto rice cakes. 
Metabolism bumper, fat dumper.

 Dinner.




Call it natural plastic surgery: The new, super-effective moves that celeb trainers are using to precision-sculpt star's bodies. What's better, cheaper and far less painful than plastic surgery? Exercise, duh. Celebrity trainers believe results can be as effective as a tummy tuck or even liposuction. Below are a few moves you can do in your living room.

For Your Butt
      Bridge Series - Lie on back, knees bent and pressed together. Feet on floor, arms by sides. Lift hips off the floor as high as you can, pause, and then lower slowly. Do this 20 times. Repeat again with your knees at shoulder length apart. Do three sets a week.
      Booty-Lifting Trinity - While standing, lower into a squat. As you come back up, take a giant step right and bend the knee you're stepping with and keep your left leg straight. Push off right heel and return to start. Step right foot forward and lunge, bending both knees about 90 degrees and return to start. Switch sides and repeat with left leg. Do two sets of ten reps three days a week.

For Your Tummy
      Double Leg Raise - Lie on back with hands under butt. Lift legs straight up toward ceiling with your knees slightly bent. Pull belly button toward spine and slowly lower legs to six inches off the ground. Keep your lower back on the ground at all times. Do this fifteen times without taking a break, and repeat that set again.
     Hip Thrust - Lie on back with legs raised straight up to the ceiling, arms by sides, palms down. Push belly button in, and lift hips several inches off the floor, aiming toes toward ceiling. Get hips as high off ground as you can without pressing hands into floor to help you. Lower butt to ground; do two sets of fifteen reps.

For Your Muffin Top
      Windmill - Stand with feet shoulder width apart. Extend right arm overhead and left arm by side; while looking up at right hand, bend left hand toward floor. Pause, rise back up and repeat ten times. Do the same for the opposite side. Do three sets a day, three days a week.
     Waist Rotation - Stand with feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent. Extend arms in front of chest, press palms together. Twist torso left, then right as quickly as you can while keeping your lower body and hips still. Continue twisting thirty times on each side. Do three sets a day, three times a week.

These simple moves were given by trainers who work with Britney Spears, Gisele Bundchen, Jessica Alba and Halle Berry.

*Britney was caught many years ago using a diet pill known as Zantrex-3.*

Here is a sample of what Derek and Britney did on the Femme Fatale tour.



Bobby Strom used to be Britney's trainer back in the early days of her career. This is his ab workout that was used with Britney to prepare her for awards shows and photo shoots.


Britney Spears shares her situp routine with Ellen. Skip to 4:25 to jump to the details.



Spray tan, Spray tan, Spray tan!

Britney's Face

Britney has picked many products as her fave over the years. After some research, here are three I found.


Britney likes using Christian Dior and MAC makeup.


Britney's Smokey Eye

There is no "one way" to do the smokey eye. There are many versions of it, and in my opinion, when done right are all beautiful. The look I'm going to help you achieve in this article is the smokey eye of Britney Spears, in the photo to the right. All the products used are from MAC Cosmetics. Please do your eyes before applying foundation. Working with dark shadows causes fall out that you often have to clean up, causing you to have to fix your foundation. If it seems that there are a lot of steps, it is because I'm trying to be as thorough as possible.

1. If you are going to use an eye cream, make sure it is a light eye cream formulated for under eye makeup. Use sparingly so that it doesn't interfere with the blending and longevity of your makeup application. MAC's Fast Response Eye Cream is a good choice.

2. Now let's start with a good base so that your eyes will stay smoldering all day and night! Use Prep n Prime Eye in a choice that suits your skin tone. Apply it sparingly from lashline up to your brows with either your finger, or a synthetic brush such, you want to apply either a paint or paint pot. With lighter to medium skintones such as Britney's, I like to use Bare Canvas in the paint or Bare Study in the paint pot. With darker skintones Bamboom in the paint and Groundwork in the paint pot are good choices. You want to apply a small amount of either of these shades all over lid from lash line to brows in quick strokes so that it doesn't dry before you've finished! Next, take a tad of the product and apply just under the bottom lash lines. This step is CRUCIAL in keeping your eyeshadow on and helping you to blend!

3. With your finger search for your crease by feeling for your eye socket. using the 217 brush and a warm brown eyeshadow (try corduroy), apply eyeshadow in a "windshield wiping" motion, back and forth into your crease and above staying away from the area just under your browbone. I like to switch from the "wind shield wipe" motion to little circles to make sure it's nice and blended. Use a lighter brown such as Soft brown or Malt to soften the line of your darker brown shadow by softly blending right on top of the edge of your darker brown. This is to ensure that you don't have any harsh lines.

4. Take a light creme colour base such as Pearl and with your finger, or once again the 242 brush, apply a tad (and I mean a tad!) of it on the inner half of your eyelid. Do not go into the crease with this, doing so can cause creasing. Take a nice silvery color such as Silver Pigment or Electra, and using the 242 brush, pat the shadow on top of the creme colour base going just up to the crease. The creme colour base underneath the shadow will not only help the shadow to stick but will also help to create that beautiful bright shade as seen on the inner corner of Britney's eye!

5. Okay, next is the trickier part. Take a short yet full bristled brush that is stiff, such as the 213 brush, and pick up some product from a black shadow (Carbon). On the outer part of your eye between your crease and the end of your upper lash line, create a "sideways v" with the point of the v pointing outward using the tip of your brush (as seen in the photo). Don't brush this on, pat in on. This will help deposit the color. Now take your 217 brush and, just barely tapping into the black shadow, place the brush on the v and start blending a bit in a circular motion right over the v. Without picking up any more product take your brush in the crease all the way to the inner part of your eye in the "windshield wiping" motion . Repeat this entire step as needed to obtain the amount of darkness that Britney has, or that you feel comfortable with. Try not to over blend the outer v though, you want that to be more defined. I always like to start with a little and keep adding until I get my desired affect because it actually looks more blended and pretty this way! After blending is done, pick up some more of your silvery color that you used and pat on the same area as in step four to brighten anything that may have been erased by blending your black shadow. Take a clean brush and dust a tad of a highlight color under the brow, try Naked Lunch. Apply liquid liner (Boot Black) on top of your upper lash line and in your upper water line (makes lashes look fuller!).

6. Take a deep black kohl eyeliner such as smolder or feline. Draw a line on your bottom lash line. It doesn't have to be perfect. Take a pencil brush (219), dip it in black shadow, and making little "erasing" motions buff that black eyeliner out with the black shadow. Repeat as needed to get the desired affect. Take your 217 brush and, without picking up any more product go over what you just did in fast sweeping motions to help buffer it downward a bit. This will create a very pretty smokey affect. If you pay close attention to the photo, you'll see that it goes from being very dark at the lash line and progressively buffs out to a lighter, almost greyish shade. Doing the process above with the right brushes with help create this look.

7. Wipe off our pencil brush, dip into a white shimmery shade such as White Frost and pat it close to your tear duct. Pick up more product and place in the "inner v" of your eye (closest to your nose). Apply a few coats of mascara top and bottom (try Prep n Prime Lash followed by Plush Lash in black). Apply natural looking lashes such as number 4's or 7's with Duo Adhesive. Allow to dry. Apply liquid liner on top of the strip part of the lashes to hide any glue that may be showing.

8. The photo above doesn't include this. But if you want even more drama you can add black liner to the inner water line on the bottom!! And don't forget to do your brows!! You're done!! Enjoy!




8 Foods That Keep You Full

If you've ever had Chinese food, you know that shortly after you're done eating, you seem to be more hungry after stuffing yourself. Chinese-American food is full of salt, sugar and refined carbohydrates. We all know refined sugar and carbs are called ' empty calories ' that give you a small boost, but does not give you any real energy to get you through the day. The three things to eat together in every meal to stay full and energetic all day are protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Let's discuss 8 super foods that are high in nutrients and energy.

1. Eggs - One egg is around 70 calories and 6 grams of protein. The average-sized adult needs 50-60 grams of protein in a day, so just one egg in the morning is around 10% of your daily value of protein. One study showed that women who ate eggs for breakfast lost more weight than those who had bagels with the same number of calories.

2. Soup - Foods that contain a lot of water can keep you feeling full. When you start meals with soup, you activate brains signals that begin to tell you that you're starting to get full. So, by the time you eat half of your sandwich, you might want to save the other half for later. One note, stay away from those creamy soups like clam chowder. They pack on twice the amount of fat.

3. Avocados - This super food is packed with healthy monounsaturated fats that can help slow down the speed at which your stomach empties. They also have folate, potassium and vitamin E, which are all linked to satiety.

4. Low-Fat Greek Yogurt - Seventeen grams of protein in a 6oz container is great for hunger control. That's more than 25% of your daily protein!

5. Oatmeal - 4 grams of fiber and 4-7 grams of protein in just half a cup helps keep you full for hours. Toss in blueberries for even more fiber and flavor. Couple it with eggs and you have a very effective fat-fighting meal.

6. Apples - One medium apple is around 80 calories. It also has 4 grams of fiber and lots of the water I mentioned that is also crucial for feeling full.

7. Beans/Lentils - Beans are very high in protein (About 7 grams of it per cup) and complex carbs. Complex carbs take a lot longer to burn and don't give you a sugar crash after eating them. This is also a great way to get your protein without adding cholesterol.

8. Nuts - These have the perfect combination of fiber, protein and fat. Don't eat too much, more than 2 ounces can contain an unhealthy amount of fat for one sitting.



Tuesday, February 7, 2012

4 Foods That Make You Hungry

Cookies, Crackers, Croissants - Processed carbs tend to cause hunger to rebound. Whole-grain snacks like air popped popcorn is a great choice.



Alcohol - Booze actually spikes your appetite!







Cereal - Lucky Charms and Fruit Loops are high in sugar and little else. Look for fiber and protein in something like Kashi Go Lean





"Diet" Foods - Some of those Healthy Choice or Lean Cuisine meals don't have enough calories for one meal and definitely not enough fruits or vegetables. I do however like to use these meals for dinner, since lunch should be the biggest meal of your day anyways. Metabolism slows down after about 4pm, and a low calorie dinner is best.







-B

Monday, February 6, 2012

Jillian Michaels in "Self" Magazine

Self Magazine's interview with Jillian Michaels brought up some interesting tips I wanted to share.

Q: When I work on my abs, I never feel it in the lower portion, where I need it most. What am I doing wrong?
A: You are probably relying on exercises, like a traditional sit-up or crunch, that targets mostly the upper part of your abs. Keep in mind that there's really no such thing as 'upper' or 'lower' ab muscles. Each muscle group runs more or less vertically along the length of the abdomen. But you can work the upper or lower portion of a muscle group. To tone the lower part of your abs, try leg raises, reverse crunches or the tried and true tummy toner Hollowman pose: Lie flat on your back, raise your legs and shoulder blades several inches off the floor and 'hollow' out your entire torso, holding the pose for about 30 seconds.

Q: How can I tone my arms without adding to much bulky muscle?
A: It's very difficult for women to gain muscle mass because we don't have the same amount of testosterone as men do. This hormone is needed to bulk up. Additionally, you have to eat a lot of calories to build muscle mass. So feel free to train your way to chiseled perfection. Try tricep dips and push-ups.

Q: I've been cutting calories and exercising daily, but I'm losing only one pound a week. How can I speed it up?
A: A pound a week is great. You can lose up to 2 pounds a week if you make additional changes: Cut back or totally eliminate processed foods. The benefit is multifold. Most processed food has excess calories in the form of saturated and trans fats, refined grains (White bread), sugar and high-fructose corn syrup. The last three in particular aren't filling, have no nutritional value and raise insulin levels, which can make you hungry. Remember the phrase ' empty calories ' ? Studies show that alcohol also promote fat storage, so cutting back on that helps as well. Finally, get eight hours of sleep. People who clock a full night's rest produce more of the fullness hormone leptin and less of the hunger hormone ghrelin. Besides, it's much easier to stick to a healthy diet and workout schedule when you're well-rested.

Sunday, February 5, 2012

What Do I Use for Pain?

Be careful what you take for that ache, not all over the counter (OTC) pain meds should be treated the same.

There are two basic choices: Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which include ibuprofen and naproxen (Advil, Motrin, Aleve) and aspirin. Acetaminophen is best for a fever. NSAIDs are best for pain due to inflammation like joint and muscle aches, headaches and cramps.

On occasion it may be ok to take two pills at once, but try to follow the label's directions. High doses of NSAIDs can cause ulcers and kidney damage and raise blood pressure. Acetaminophen is toxic to the liver. Do not take more than 4,000 mg a day. Taking 3-4 aspirin will not make your pain go away quicker or easier, and if it is, it's all in your mind. That extra pill is causing you liver damage.

-B

Glamour's "Best of 2011"

Glamour magazine readers vote every year on their favorite products they consider the best in its category. Here they are below.

The Best Body Products - From Drugstores: St. Ives Fresh Skin Invigorating Apricot scrub ($4). This is a three-time winner. A reader says, "Stimulates and de-stresses while delivering smooth skin. And it's budget-friendly." From department stores: Bath & Body Works Signature Collection Body Lotion in Japanese Cherry Blossom ($11). This is also a three-time winner that a user says "Flowery and seductive. It also gets the job done. Even keeps elbows soft."

The Best Self-Tanners - From Drugstores: Jergens Natural Glow Firming Daily Moisturizer ($9). This is a four-time winner. "Get this sun-kissed glow with this moisturizing formula. It's hard to mess up!" From Department Stores: Clarins Self Tanning Instant Gel ($33, clarins.com): Four-time winner. "Perfect for getting a summer tan during fall months. This streak-free stuff has a faithful following."

The Best Eye Creams - From Drugstores: Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum ($19). Five-time winner. "This hides the fact that I never get enough sleep. It definitely helps with puffiness but feels weightless." From Department Stores: Clinique All About Eyes ($47 clinique.com). Five-time winner. "Attacks dark circles, leaving under-eyes refreshed. I got my husband to use it."

The Best Facial Moisturizers - From Drugstores: Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 ($14). Two-time winner "The super light skin saver evens skin tone with no trace of greasiness. Plus, it has sun protection." From Department Stores: Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion ($24 clinique.com). Six-time winner. "I would take this on a deserted island."

The Best Wrinkle Fighters - From Drugstores: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($25).  First-time winner. "This miracle cream makes small wrinkles disappear. At age 33, I'm usually mistaken for 24." From Department Stores: Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex ($48 esteelauder.com). First-time winner. "In less than a week, this smooths wrinkles. I wake up to glowing skin."

 The Best Glosses/Lipsticks - From Drugstores: L'Oreal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour ($9). First-time winner. "This is one impressive lipstick. So hydrating, you don't need to put on a lip balm first." From Department Stores: MAC Tinted Lipglass ($14, macccosmetics.com). Four-time winner. "The glamorous and kissable shine stays put even through a meal. A perfect compliment to your smile."

The Best Mascaras - From Drugstores: Maybelline New York Great Lash Mascara ($6.50). Six-time winner. "Lengthens and plumps skimpy lashes without being clumpy. This classic never fails to deliver." From Department Stores: Dior Diorshow Mascara ($24 sephora.com). First-time winner. "The brush gives you mile long lashes and great volume. This is well worth the price. Two coats is enough for a night out."

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Eat...More Lunch!

One of my favorite books is "Eat This...Not That!" It takes two very similar products (When you're eating out) and compares fat, sodium, calories, etc. and gives you the better option without cutting back on flavor. Here is an example of calorie counting and making the most of what you eat when it comes to portions, taste and quality.

You can have...


A Turkey Club sandwich, restaurant style. It has three slices of white bread, turkey, bacon, mayo, lettuce and tomato. 640 calories, 33 grams of fat.

Or You can have...


Turkey BLT. It has two slices of whole wheat bread, three slices of roast turkey, two strips of bacon, one half tsp of mayo, lettuce and tomato. An apple and an oatmeal raisin cookie. 640 calories, 20 grams of fat.


Wait... I can get more flavor from whole wheat bread, keep my bacon and my mayo? Plus I get a tangy apple and a cookie for desert and it's less fat and the exact same number of calories?!

I'm Sold.

-B




Source: Glamour

Great Skincare Tool from Olay!

So I just discovered this amazing tool that Oil of Olay has released... Go to http://www.olayforyou.com

This is a USA site, but there are many sites just like it for those of you in different countries.

www.rightolayforyou.com.au/
www.olayforyou.ru/





This site asks you about 20 questions about your age, type of skin you have, preferences on skincare, what your biggest problems are, and it creates a personalized regimen for you! I am posting my answers and the products it recommended.


You want to Get long-term results
You're Constantly pursuing better results
You're in your 20s
Not enough “me” time may be affecting your skin
Your facial skin type is Oily
Your skin color is Light
You want to improve Acne
More specifically, you want to improve Breakouts or blemishes
You use Your hands to wash your face
You like your face to feel Squeaky tight and clean after washing
In the morning, you use a Moisturizer with SPF
In the morning, you use a Serum
In the morning, you use Makeup with SPF
In the morning, you use an Eye treatment
At night, you use an Eye treatment
At night, you use an Exfoliator
At night, you use a Moisturizer (different one than in the morning)
At night, you use a Serum
Younger Looking Skin is important to you in a body lotion
Younger Looking Skin is important to you in a body cleanser
You prefer to wash your body with Liquid Body Wash

It recommended the following...

Olay Acne Control Face Wash ($6.99 Walgreens)
Olay Regenerist Detoxifying Pore Scrub ($8.29 Target)
Olay Regenerist Eye Derma-pod Anti-aging Triple response system ($26.00 Walmart)
Olay Regenerist Eye Lifting Serum ($22.99 Walgreens)
Olay Complete Night Fortifying Moisture Cream ($12.29 Walmart)
Olay Regenerist UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 15 ($22.99 Walgreens)
Olay Total Effects Body Lotion and/or Wash ($5-9 Walmart)

For those of you out of the USA, Amazon.com has most of these products and at a nice discount.


Olay products are very affordable and right now I use the 'Olay Day cream spf 15' and the 'Night of Olay Firming cream'. I have very oily skin and I've never had a problem with these two products clogging my pores. I haven't heard of half the products they suggested to me, so I will definitely be open to trying them out. Good luck!

-B

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