Drink To Your Health – Don’t Sip Sugar

     Many of us, myself included, enjoy beverages that have hidden calories which can add to our waist lines and our list of health concerns.  Diet drinks are not an alternative.  Read my blog dated July 19^th to find out how they really end up hurting your health and actually contribute to the growth of your waistline. Everyone needs to stay hydrated for beautiful skin and a healthy body.  I recently designed some alternatives and I would like to share them with you.

Iced Tea with a sprig of fresh mint, raspberries, blueberries, an orange slice, a lemon or lime wedge can be quite refreshing.  For sweet tea add Stevia or honey to taste.

Homemade Lemonade made with a fraction of the amount of sugar.  If you need more sweetness add a packet or two of Stevia or maybe some honey.

Spa Water can be made ahead in a pitcher like iced tea and lemonade.  Add to tap water any of these in any combination to fit you taste:

slices of cucumber, lemon, lime, strawberries, raspberries, mint

This water keeps you hydrated, delivers antioxidants for anti-aging and health benefits and can reduce water retention.

Sparkling Water with a twist of lemon or lime is great in the late afternoon.

Cocktail time can include wine since a 6oz glass or ¾ of a cup is only 150 calories.  Wine contains antioxidants so they contribute to good health but don’t have too many glasses.  The tough part is only having (1) glass!  That’s when your spa water or sparkling water comes in handy.

Avoid sodas and the ever popular coffee drinks!  They are full of sugar and nothing nutritious for your body so they are aging you and can contribute to health concerns.  Don’t get me wrong, coffee has its health benefits but when you add lots of sugary flavorings and chocolate it can get out of control sugar-wise in a hurry.  Coffee also tends to be dehydrating which isn’t good for your skin.  You want to have moist supple skin for that youthful glow.

Health Tip:  Mystery Ingredients

Always read the labels of pre-made drinks to see what you are putting in your body.  Think about it,  if you CANNOT pronounce an ingredient, do you really want to drink it?

Updates: Weightloss and Antioxidant Challengers

Weight Loss Challengers

Wendy is doing great! She attained her goal weight and had so much more energy that she was able to increase her exercise from running 2 - 3 miles 5 days a week to a Cross-Fit class 4-5 times per week. Wendy has continued to take her Lifepak Nano to maintain her energy levels as she has also gone back to work, part time. Wendy looks great! Way to go Wendy!


If you would like to learn more about my Weightloss program and coaching options please let me know! Click here for information on the weightloss products I use in my program. See where Wendy started here.

Antioxidant Challengers

I never introduced you to Jill. In March, she had her antioxidant score read and she was at a lowly, sickly 12,000. As a mother of 4, ages 2-20, a full time student, and a part time job, Jill counted on having good health. She began taking the Lifepak Nano once a day. Also, we had many discussions where I suggested eating more fresh fruits and vegetables to help her health and increase her score. This summer Jill began juicing fresh, local fruits and vegetables to increase her intake.  The result?  Two weeks ago her anti-oxidant score jumped to 36,000!!! That's a 24,000 increase in 5 months. Jill feels better and her skin looks noticeably better. Most importantly she is able to keep up with all her children, especially her toddler, and maintain her grades during the strenuous last semester to become a Respiratory Therapist. Go Jill!

Want to look and feel better? Call me to get your antioxidant score tested and get you started to a healthier you!

Employee Wellness

I am still working with a company interested in helping their employees enjoy better health so they don't miss work or are less productive when they are at work. That costs both sides $$....

In addition to taking the Lifepak Nano I have introduced bringing bowls of apples, oranges, and walnuts to the office weekly to ensure the candy stays away and the energy stays up!

Do you know a Sacramento based business looking for greater wellness for their employees? Give me a call and I will discuss a personalized plan to get the health goals you and your employees are looking for!

Finally, an Acne System to Treat, Prevent, AND Reverse Your Skin Damage

Acne is something almost everyone has to deal with at some time in their life.  For me, my big battle was in college.  I was horrified to have terrible breakouts just when my social life took off!  It was so bad on my cheeks that it left scars and I’m sure I’m not the only person to have faced adult acne.  Adult acne is actually more common than acne as a teenager.  However, acne as a teenager –or younger- can really affect your self-esteem at a time when your self-esteem is teetering on the edge of okay or not okay. 

In my day we had little to combat the acne so we lived through it the best we could.  When my daughters were battling acne in middle school and high school all we had was Proactive.  Proactive works at first because of the high alcohol content but eventually it contributes to future breakouts, makes the skin red and sensitive and can prematurely age the skin.  By severely drying the skin out it contributes to wrinkles and future breakouts!  It has no moisturizers and no ingredients to help fade dark spots or minimize and eliminate any scarring.  Eventually, the skin on my girls faces was dry, sensitive and breaking out again.  One of my daughters suffered from cystic acne, which is very painful.  The Proactive didn’t help with that at all.  Also, when you make your first order, you are automatically placed on an auto ship program so you end up with too much product, which you cannot return.

Understanding acne is the first step to combating it so here is a helpful map of acne and its causes on the different areas of the face:

 Face Mapping is a good way to show you some easy things you can do to decrease your acne using diet and hydration. The forehead focus on eating less junk food. The chin is more about those pesky hormones as a teenager. Click here to see what your acne is all about.

In college, my daughters have had to face adult acne, which has been worse than the previous acne.  Thankfully, I found a product that works.  It worked when my youngest was in high school and has helped while in college. 

What has worked for us?  The NuSkin Clear Action System is what has taken care of present acne, has prevented future acne and has eliminated any discoloration or scarring.  Here’s why, it contains the following ingredients that other acne skin care products don’t have or don’t have enough of them to get rid of acne and improve your skin:

5.0% Salicylic acid—OTC anti-acne agent that exfoliates and keeps pores clear

Dipotassium glycyrrhizate—Reduces redness and soothes skin

DL-Pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid (Zinc PCA)—A 5 alpha reductase inhibitor that reduces sebum flow, diminishes redness, and soothes the skin

Potassium ascorbyl—Tocopheryl phosphate—Water and lipid-soluble antioxidant

Camellia sinensis leaf extract (White tea)—Polyphenolic antioxidant

Lactic acid—Exfoliates to keep pores clear and reduces discoloration of acne scars

Phytosphingosine—Reduces redness

Hexapeptide-2—Reduces discoloration and hyperpigmentation

Thioctic acid (Alpha lipoic acid)—Patented agent for reducing redness, pore size, and scarring

Retinol—Accelerates skin renewal, thickens skin, evens texture, and lightens dark spots

What you don’t see is a lot of alcohol to dry, irritate and prematurely wrinkle the skin.  These products can be used on sensitive skin because ingredients soothe the skin.  And, the addition of antioxidants adds nutrients to the skin so it doesn’t prematurely age.  This is the only product like this on the market.  I know I looked high and low so my daughters wouldn’t have to suffer like I did!

I always like to read product reviews so I’ve included them as well for acne skin care solutions as close to NuSkin Clear Action as possible…none of them can really prevent and repair though. (Adults: have old scarring? Using this system will REVERSE that past damage leaving a younger, healthier face!)  Notice the percentage of alcohol and/or salicylic acid, as that is very important in the fight against acne.  Never use a product containing alcohol and be sure the percentage of salicylic acid is at least 5%.

Reviews:

NuSkin Clear Action - click to read additional reviews

Age: 18 & Under Skin: Combination, Other, Not Sure Hair: Brunette, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown

I LOVE this system! It's the only system that works for me and it clears up acne scarring and dark spots as well! I have never broken out on my forehead, cheeks, or chin before until now. And by breakout I mean get one or two pimples in these areas. My forehead had subsurface bumps and they were basically zits waiting to appear. And on top of that, I had blackheads all over my nose and a little bit right on the sides my nose. This system made a hugeee difference after only two weeks of use! The subsurface bumps disappeared and blackheads have greatly diminished and so has my occasional zit or two. I recently ran out of the foaming cleanser so I stopped using the system all together. My acne started coming back and I tried to use Neutrogena to hold me over, but it didn't work. At $92 for the whole system, it's worth it. Big results in such a little amount of time and it lasts a looong time - a good two or three months for me!

Murad Anti-Aging Acne Treatment - click to read reviews

Dermalogica - click to read reviews

Health Tip:  Drink Plenty of Water or Green Tea for Clear Skin

Dermatologists will all tell you that getting enough water every day will help to keep you skin acne free. The best guideline for water consumption is 8 8-ounce glasses per day.  Drink more if you exercise or spend time outside in the heat.  Green Tea is excellent to drink because it contains catechins, which provide potent antioxidants to defend against the bacteria behind acne.

To learn more about the Clear Action System or to buy, click here. 

7 Tips on Running A Home Based Business

1. Set up a scheduled time to work.
    By setting a scheduled time for work on your business, friends and family understand you are unable to chat or answer questions that could wait for another time. This keeps you focused on the tasks you need to complete to ensure your business's success.

2. Designate a work space.
     It is best if you can occupy space in a room with doors that you can close when you need to make an important, uninterrupted phone call or creative thinking time. When doors are closed, family members are more likely to respect your work time and save their questions during family time.

3. Set Periodic Goals
     -Daily Goals
     -Weekly Goals
     -Monthly Goals
     -Yearly Goals
These all feed into the BIG Goals at the end of the year. Review your goals monthly, quarterly...whatever works for you because let's face it, life happens and your business is a living entity so it needs to adjust accordingly.

4. Attack your most difficult task at the very beginning of your work day.
     When we promise to return a call or follow up with a customer or potential customer sometimes the thought of that can create anxiety so we put it off until the end of the day. At the end of the day we are busy tying up loose ends so that phone call never gets made. Do it first and set up your entire day for success.

5. Distractions happen!
     The home/work balance is a delicate one that can be difficult to manage. Every morning or afternoon give yourself one hour to complete or at least begin the "housework" so you can spend the rest of your available time really focused on your business with a "clean" conscience.

6. Get Help aka Idea Bouncer
     Even if you are not in the position to hire an assistant or coach, you can elicit help from a trusted friend or find a mentor. Meeting weekly or monthly and setting goals together helps keep you accountable to yourself and your business. The input you receive will help keep you on track to reaching your goals.

7. Have Fun!!!
     If you aren't having fun, then why are you doing what you are doing? With so many choices in today's world, choose products and/or services you like, use.....and believe in. Their products and/or services will lead you to working with people you enjoy.

Overall Tip: 
     Do your research so you know your competition's business or the business of complimentary companies so you can work together.  Know when to say you don't know something a potential customer asks you, but that you find out and get back to them by a determined time and date.  This will actually impress upon your customer how genuine you are.  You don't want to be thought of as a fake!

For example: I am a NuSkin Distributor so I have done a lot of research to know skin care, anti-aging skin care, and nutrition leading to anti-aging. Sometimes I am faced with questions and have to get back to people with the answer on how to help them. When I do what and when I said I would, my customers are very appreciative and very loyal which makes my work very satisfying. 

America’s Detrimental Addiction: Processed Sugar

Who doesn’t know candy; cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, soda, sugary drinks and other sweet treats were bad for the waistline when over enjoyed?  However, how many of us know just how detrimental and addictive processed sugar can be?  And, do you know where it lurks in our foods, including “healthy” foods?  I just recently became aware of how bad processed sugar is for the human body and all the sneaky places it can be found in our diets…even healthy diets.

You think you are being “healthy” by eating “reduced fat” and “fat free” products.  Well, sadly, any food product that is either “reduced fat” or “fat free” is loaded with sugar to compensate for the lack of fat.  Calories are calories my friends and in order to perform our bodies need some healthy fats so replacing them with sugar is not a good idea.  As a matter of fact, a recent study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found we are consuming more than three times the six- teaspoons –per-day maximum of sugar recommended by the American Heart Association.  All that sugar adds up to about 300-plus calories each day.  To gain or lose one pound of body weight takes 3,600 calories.  This means if you are downing 300 extra calories just in sugar you will gain one pound in 12 days…just over 30 pounds in a year.

Natural sugar, which our bodies processes easily, can be found in fruit and vegetables like beets, corn, and potatoes so before you enjoy your chocolate chip cookie, you’ve probably already consumed all the sugar your body needs.  Don’t cut back on your produce!  Simply be aware of how much processed sugar is in all the pre-packaged foods you eat.  It is hidden in things that don’t even taste sweet such as bread and salad dressing.

Now you are wondering, “What is so toxic about sugar?”  Basically, sugar is made of both fructose and glucose molecules, which are metabolized differently by your body.  When consumed in excess, fructose triggers your liver to convert it to fat, while glucose triggers a blood-sugar spike and the release of insulin, a fat storing hormone, to counter-act the spike.  This means that eating too much sugar may stimulate your appetite rather than satisfy it, leading to craving more food after eating sugar.  How sneaky!!!  The worst of it all is that in addition to sugar’s association with obesity, excess sugar consumption has been linked to serious conditions like insulin resistance, high triglycerides, fatty liver, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes.

Be sure to just say, “no” to sugary drinks as well.  Researchers speculate that the human body didn’t evolve to register liquid calories the same way it does solid food.  By eliminating sugary drinks, you can slash 350 – 500 calories a day from your diet.

Whether you are either trying to lose weight, or stay healthy it’s a good idea to reduce the amount of processed sugar in your diet.  I still have an occasional sweet treat, after all, I’m human, but by taking processed sugar out of my diet I feel lighter, happier and more energized.

Credit:  Women'sHealth, women'shealthmag.com "Weight Loss Guide", Summer 2012, Bonus: How Sweet It Isn't

Health Tip:  Super Easy-Gift Quality DIY Sugar Scrub for the Shower

Don’t throw out your processed sugar!  Use it to make an exfoliating treat for your hands, feet and entire body.  This also makes a lovely gift at the holidays in a canning jar with pretty ribbon and a cute label.

Ingredients:

Brown Sugar

White sugar

Olive Oil (great antioxidant for your skin)

Lemon juice or any high quality essential oil for scent and extra antioxidant benefits

Using a whisk, mix equal amounts of the brown and white sugar in a bowl.  Slowly pour in enough olive oil to the sugar mixture until crumbly.  Add drops of the essential oil of your choices and whisk thoroughly.  If using lemon juice, add about one tablespoon and a bit more oil until creamy.  Place contents in canning jar and decorate, as you like.  Voila!  Summertime, wintertime, anytime skin treat without the calories.

How To Repair Cracked Heels and Soothe Dry Feet

I don't know about you, but the summer sandal craze really makes me want to keep my feet sandal ready. I came up with a great (and pampering) way to get those pretty feet. We do this technique at our Spa Parties, so please let me know if you would like to have a spa party for a pampering night with your friends.  

How To Repair Cracked Heels and Soothe Dry Feet

What You Will Need:

 Epsom Salts, Polishing Bar, Foot Pumice Foot Stone or Foot File, & Sole Solutions

This may be done anytime of day or before bed.

            1.      Place ½ cup to 1 cup Epsom salts in tub of water, as warm as you like. (The ones I sent you are   infused with lemongrass oil that isn’t necessary just smell nice).  The Epsom salts are made of magnesium sulfate, which will help soften and heal the skin of your feet.

            2.      Soak feet at least 10 minutes but may soak as long as you wish.

3.  One foot at a time, rub all over with polishing bar.  The polishing bar polishes your skin while you cleanse. Containing Glacial Marine Mud and sisku’pas (ground bark)—used by Native Americans of the Pacific Northwest to smooth the skin—this soap-free, allover deep cleanser effectively cleanses while helping slough off dead skin cells for a smooth, clean feeling.  The Glacial Marine Mud contains more than 50 skin beneficial minerals and trace elements for deep skin conditioning.

4.  Before rinsing polishing bar off of foot, use pumice foot stone or foot file with as much pressure as is comfortable.

5. Rinse foot, place back in tub with Epsom salts.  Repeat with other foot.

6.  Soak feet for 5 more minutes in Epsom salts.

7.  Rinse and dry feet completely.

8.  On each foot, using about the size of a quarter, rub Sole Solution, concentrating on driest spots, which is usually the heels.  May apply more to heels if cracked.

9.  Put on a pair of socks for at least 30 minutes or if before bed wait until Sole Solution has dried, 5 minutes before sliding feet between the sheets to protect your sheets.

*If this procedure was done during the day, wash feet before bed with Polishing Bar and then apply Sole Solution as in #9.

I had to show a few pictures from the 4th of July celebrations we had with family and friends yesterday. 

yummy festive desserts (at least the berries are full of antioxidants! ;))

 Joy's very appropriate and cute toes for the party!