Saturday, 27 April 2013
7 Fabulous Foods to Cure Acne...
I’ve dealt with acne at different points in my life, and finally learned to turn to foods to cure acne, instead of messy, costly, and often ineffective creams and gels. During last couple of years, I had no idea how bad I was literally “feeding” my acne. I ate a good bit of sugar, refined bread and grains, processed foods and fast food. I suffered terrible acne that made me extremely self-conscious. Now, I became a little upset that I had never been told the answer to my problems was through my food choices, not another container of Clean and Clear or Proactive Solutions. I learned how my foods were controlling my hormones. I made drastic changes to clear up my face. I got rid of all sugars, dairy, processed foods, fruit juices, and refined carbs. I also learned what foods actually heal acne. Here are my top foods to cure acne, all used from experience and with success. If you suffer from acne, consider eating these foods and dumping the aforementioned ones. You’ll not only have great skin, but feel better, look better and be healthier.
If you’re having a hard time giving up starches, turn to sweet potatoes! Who doesn’t love these little gems? They are so tasty and actually lower your blood sugar, which is key to preventing acne. When your blood sugar spikes after eating high glycemic carbs, your body’s hormones get out of whack, which leads to acne. Sweet potatoes lower blood sugar levels, stabilize your insulin secretion, and also contain tons of Vitamin A. If you eat one per day, you’ll even get a natural little glow that appears as if you have a tan! Sweet potatoes are also rich in B vitamins, which are great for the skin.
1. LEAFY GREENS
These are my top beauty foods to cure acne, ladies. You don’t have to go overboard, but incorporate sweeter tasting greens like romaine and spinach wherever you can, which are more pleasant to the palate. Later you can adjust to the more heartier ones like kale, chard and collards. I started out slow using these in salads, folded into omelets and eaten with some fish at dinner. Later I progressed to making green smoothies, which is now my favorite way to get my greens. Why are greens a great beauty food? First of all, they’re a top source of Vitamin A in the form of beta carotene. Beta carotene is acne’s worst nightmare. It is a powerful antioxidant directly linked to curing acne and giving skin a natural glow. You may be interested to know that the acne prescription Accutane so many people have success with is actually a chemical version of Vitamin A. Why not save your money and save your face from those harsh chemicals by eating your Vitamin A from greens? In 1 cup, many have your entire supply of Vitamin A requirements. I recommend 2-3 cups daily if you’re new to eating greens and up to 5 cups daily if you already enjoy greens. Greens are also rich in Vitamin K, which enhances healthy blood flow, a key to creating healthy looking skin. (And I'm so glad I payed attention in bio class)2. SWEET POTATOES
3. CARROTS
4. SALMON
Salmon is such a great beauty food! Not only is it loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids which clear acne almost overnight, but it is also rich in protein. Good sources of protein, such as salmon, are key to healthy skin. Protein helps produce collagen in the skin, which keeps your face from aging, and promotes cellular turnover. Salmon is also rich in magnesium and B12. Both calm your nerves, which in response levels out your hormones. Again, hormones are key to preventing acne here! Be sure you purchase or order Wild Alaskan Salmon. All Atlantic salmon is farmed and filled with toxins, mercury and pollution from polluted water. Always buy your fish from a trusted source.5. PAPAYA
Oh, papaya is one of my favorite foods for the skin. Not only is it great for your digestion due to a special enzyme, but it is also rich in beta carotene, which clears the skin. Don’t throw away the seeds in papayas either. They are rich in antioxidants that aid in skin repair, cellular regeneration, and digestion. The seeds are easiest to eat when tossed in a smoothie, but you can enjoy sliced papayas with just about anything you want. Papayas are also lower in sugar than some other fruits, easily tolerated by most people, and best of all, you can buy them year round.6. EGGS
If you’re not vegan, you need to be eating eggs, preferably organic, if you want to clear your acne. Why, you ask? Well, for starters, eggs are a top source of nutrients that fight acne, including biotin, a B vitamin directly linked to hair, nail and skin health, along with B12, choline, protein, Vitamin E and Vitamin D. All of these nutrients help fight acne. Always be sure to buy eggs from a local farm you trust or buy organic ones to ensure no pesticides, hormones or other toxins were given to chickens that may have leached into the eggs.7. AVOCADO
If you’re not a fan of avocados, I understand. I didn’t use to be either, until I knew how to eat them. The key to eating avocados is to slowly progress to learn to like them if you don’t. Oh, and please, do NOT fear their fat! The fat in avocados is your skin’s best friend, and your waistline’s best friend too. Avocados are filled with Vitamin E, which is a key ingredient in fighting acne. Once eaten, they are also very lubricating to the skin from within. Next, avocados are high in fiber which means they keep your blood sugar stable, positively lift your mood, and help balance your hormones. Eat them on a regular basis. Be sure to buy avocados that are slightly soft, but not mushy to the touch. I learned to adjust to them through using them in a smoothie. You can’t taste them at all this way, but they make your smoothie taste like a thick, creamy milkshake. I add ½ or ¼ to some of my smoothies in place of banana for the creamy texture. I also like avocados chopped into salads and use them to top omelets with sometimes.
Thursday, 18 April 2013
Saturday, 13 April 2013
Fun Nail Polish Combinations To Try This Spring...
With the Spring season coming around, it's time to change out those dark, gloomy nails for some fun nail polish combinations! Personally, I never have matching finger and toe polish because with all the pretty shades out there, it's hard to narrow it down to just one. I am always experimenting with different polish shades and trying to find ones that go well with each other. So here are 10 of my favorite nail polish combinations that I have found so far.
(shown above: Essie in "Lapis of Luxury" and "Ballet Slippers")
This is on my list of nail polish combinations to try because I love the softness of the lapis and cream. I usually use the darkest color of the combo on my toes and the lighter one on my fingers if i'm just doing solid colored nails. But don't be afraid to mix it up sometimes. Although it is nothing too vibrant or extreme, this color combo is still cute, simple, and perfect for ringing in Spring.
(shown above: Essie in "Olé Caliente" and "Theres No Place like Chrome")
(shown above: Essie in "Geranium" and "Meet Me At Sunset")
May I point out that both of these colors happen to be on the Pantene Spring 2013 Color Collection, so you KNOW they are going to be everywhere. I like the fact that they are both in the same warm tone family and together they definitely give a huge pop of color. These are also great to wear right into the lovely Summer season that we're all definitely looking forward to.
(shown above: Essie in "Turquoise & Caicos" and "Tart Deco")
I love this combo because it is sweet and delicate, much like Spring. Because they are both lighter colors, you can mix it up! Use more soft, pastel versions for Spring, and switch to vibrant, bold versions for Summer! These two colors complement each other very well and are still very popular. If you haven't tried this one yet, what are you waiting for?
(shown above: Essie in "Lilacism" and "Cocktail Bling")This is a color combo that is more on the softer side. For those who may not be the type to wear bolder colors, this combo is perfect for you. It is soft and delicate, and wonderful for Spring. I find the combo of lilac and grey to be super soothing and calming.
(shown above: Essie in "Poppy Art Pink" and "A Cut Above")This is one of my favorite combos because I love how cute it looks during the Spring. The soft pink combined with a the fun glitter gives off a care-free, easy going vibe, and is always a compliment magnet. There is no denying that these two combined look adorable and scream girly glitz.
(shown above: Essie in "Wheres My Chauffeur?" and "Mojito Madness")
When I see this combo, I think Caribbean vacation, or island tropics. The blue makes me think of crystal clear ocean waters, and the green makes me think of everything Spring! Relaxing on the beach, watching plants and flowers coming into bloom, laying out on some nice green grass. It's like a little escape right on your nails!
(shown above: Essie in "Bahama Mama" and "Sand Tropez")
Again, for those who prefer a more subtle and calm look, try this one. The rich plum is deep and elegant, while the beige lightens things up a bit. Its a perfect balance, and it's great if you just wanna keep your nails on the simple side.
1. LAPIS AND CREAM
This is on my list of nail polish combinations to try because I love the softness of the lapis and cream. I usually use the darkest color of the combo on my toes and the lighter one on my fingers if i'm just doing solid colored nails. But don't be afraid to mix it up sometimes. Although it is nothing too vibrant or extreme, this color combo is still cute, simple, and perfect for ringing in Spring.
2. ELECTRIC PINK AND SILVER
3. POPPY RED AND NECTARINE
May I point out that both of these colors happen to be on the Pantene Spring 2013 Color Collection, so you KNOW they are going to be everywhere. I like the fact that they are both in the same warm tone family and together they definitely give a huge pop of color. These are also great to wear right into the lovely Summer season that we're all definitely looking forward to.
4. MINT AND CORAL
I love this combo because it is sweet and delicate, much like Spring. Because they are both lighter colors, you can mix it up! Use more soft, pastel versions for Spring, and switch to vibrant, bold versions for Summer! These two colors complement each other very well and are still very popular. If you haven't tried this one yet, what are you waiting for?
5. EMERALD AND GOLD
6. LILAC AND GREY
7. PASTEL PINK AND GLITTER
8. AQUA BLUE AND GREEN
When I see this combo, I think Caribbean vacation, or island tropics. The blue makes me think of crystal clear ocean waters, and the green makes me think of everything Spring! Relaxing on the beach, watching plants and flowers coming into bloom, laying out on some nice green grass. It's like a little escape right on your nails!
9. PLUM AND BEIGE
Again, for those who prefer a more subtle and calm look, try this one. The rich plum is deep and elegant, while the beige lightens things up a bit. Its a perfect balance, and it's great if you just wanna keep your nails on the simple side.
10. ELECTRIC BLUE AND SOFT LAVENDER
(shown above: Essie in "Butler Please" and "Pilates Hottie")
And last, but most certainly not least. we have electric blue and soft lavender. This is another one that puts two amazing, contrasting colors together to give you one awesome combo. The electric blue excites the eye, while the soft lavender maintains the right balance. Both are in the cool color family, so it is not too clashing, but still fun to look at and cute!
And last, but most certainly not least. we have electric blue and soft lavender. This is another one that puts two amazing, contrasting colors together to give you one awesome combo. The electric blue excites the eye, while the soft lavender maintains the right balance. Both are in the cool color family, so it is not too clashing, but still fun to look at and cute!
So those are 10 hot nail polish combos to try this season. Keep in mind, you don't have to stick to plain jane solid nails. Play with some designs! Of the combos I shared, which ones did you like? Do you have combos that you have tried and loved? Please share!
Sunday, 7 April 2013
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