Blog

Holiday Stress

Dec 8, 2012

UN-WIND, DE-STRESS, AND RE-ENERGIZE
Stress is very much part of our everyday lives. You must learn the best ways for you to de-stress so you can re-energize your life. There are many factors contributing when we have low energy levels like the lack of exercise, processed foods, and sugar. When your body’s supply of vitamins and minerals are depleted, your energy suffers. There are many ways to adjust small things in our lives that will have a large impact over time.

STRESS MANAGEMENT
When you experience stress, your body releases adrenaline which affects your heart rate and causes your blood pressure to rise. Ultimately this may cause dizziness, weakness, and a lack of overall energy. Symptoms of stress are inability to concentrate, anxiety, and irritability. Making simple changes to your lifestyle will have a noticeable affect on your energy levels and play a vital role in your stress management. Healthy habits are the key to a positive life cycle. You will notice significant improvements in the way you look and feel by infusing some of the following into your daily life.

EXERCISE
Any form of aerobic exercise that you enjoy is the key to giving you sustained energy levels and improves your overall health. Endorphins released during exercise give you that feel good boost. To sustain a healthy mind and body, exercise at least three times a week. If you eat more food than your body burns in energy, the extra is converted and stored as fat. Regular exercise keeps your shape under control and fat deposits at a minimum.

EATING FOR ENERGY
Steer clear of caffeine enriched drinks and energy booster products that are a quick fix and more caffeine than the body should sustain naturally. Energy shots and drinks are not alternatives to rest or sleep. Don’t skip breakfast, this meal is important and will provide your body with the fuel it needs to make it through the day. To sustain energy levels when you’re stressed, increase your intake of raw vegetables. They will provide more energy to help manage the stress. For an instant boost of energy, snack on dried fruits, bananas, or wholegrain cereals. For a longer lasting energy supply eat your favorite complex carbohydrates (beans, lentils, pasta, potatoes, apples, oatmeal).

RELAXATION METHODS
Stress tolerance levels differ among individuals, but with good nutrition, regular exercise, massage, and different relaxation techniques, you can maintain effective stress management. Your five senses influence your behavior. Combining your favorite ways to de-stress will soothe your body and ease your mind.

AROMATHERAPY is an ancient tradition using plant and flower oils to treat the mind, body, and spirit. Aromatherapy can be incorporated into your daily life with aromatic baths, vaporizing oils, and inhilations. Essential oils can help de-stress. Vanilla, nutmeg and orange have been said to calm the nerves.

SOOTHING SOUNDS can have a powerful effect on health. Sound therapy will reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and put you in a calmed state of mind. To reduce tension, relax and tune into your favorite soothing sounds (waves, birds, Gregorian Chants, whales, symphonies).

MEDITATION & YOGA can be done at home or with a professional to ensure you’re practicing correctly to get the most benefit from the simple techniques. Yoga restores the natural equilibrium of your body.

MASSAGE is integral to alleviate stress. Get a professional shiatsu massage and the firm pressure will ease the tension that has collected. Shiatsu massages also create positive energy pathways.

SLEEPING Difficulty sleeping is a key indicator you’re suffering from stress. You shouldn’t go to bed with a full stomach; however, there are certain foods that will help you sleep. Drink a glass of warm milk before going to bed, as it naturally contains tryptophan, one of the brains calming chemicals. If you decide to take sleeping aides, opt for a natural version. Passionflower, hops, and valerian root are all plant remedies that instill a sense of calm without any adverse side effects commonly associated with chemical tranquilizers. These are available at your local health food store, or already blended together in our tasty Nightly Beauty blend.

TIPS
Smelling peppermint oil energizes the mind and body.

Peace of Mind, Relaxing massage oil from Origins is a great way to hit the sensory zones with peppermint and eucalyptus.

Avoid stressful situations whenever possible, they deplete your energy reserves.

Raw juices cleanse the body, try a blend of carrot and soy milk to help get your energy restored.

Vitamin B is required for the production of energy. You can get this by eating fruits and vegetables, whole grains, fish and dairy or in supplement form.

When stressed, try simple long deep breathing into your abdomen holding for 3-5 seconds with your eyes closed will release tension and increase energy

Soaking in a tub can be a therapeutic experience. Warm water eases tension and muscle fatigue. Try a salt bath once a month for a body-cleansing regime that will help you sleep deeply.

Flawless Skin

Oct 15, 2012

FLAWLESS SKIN
Skin should be a prized asset, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, regular exercise and a comprehensive beauty regime are all essential to maintain flawless skin.

SKINCARE
Like hair, you must first determine the kind of skin you have and then treat it accordingly. To make skincare simple, identify your skin type and then address the needs as follows:

Normal – A basic regime will work to maintain it’s natural balance of even tone, smooth texture, no visible pores or blemishes, and no greasy or flaky areas. Use chamomile water to refresh and tone skin after cleansing.

Dry – Can be prone to sensitivity. Use moisture rich products such as a cream or oil based cleansers. For a toner that will help dry skin the best, use rose water. Dryness can also be aggravated by environmental conditions like wind, air-conditioning and extreme temperatures, so avoid these whenever possible. Use a humidifier or place a bowl of water on your desk, either will increase the moisture in the air.

Oily – Generally results in spots and blemishes. Avoid harsh products that will strip your skin of your natural oils to excess. To cleanse oily skin use oil based products as they work with the oil in your skin effectively. Use oil-fee moisturizes to maintain a shine free complexion. If you like to use a toner, witch hazel is ideal for this type of skin. This skin type has a small bonus, it ages at a slower rate than other skin types.

Sensitive – Commonly delicate, dry and prone to allergic reactions. Alcohol, detergents, cosmetics, creams can all cause irritation, leaving the skin red and blotchy. Choose fragrance free products that do not contain allergens. Use dermatologist recommended products that are free of irritants. Simple cleansing routine using Cetaphil products is always doctor recommended for problem skin.

EXFOLIATING
Exfoliate your skin every few days. Your skin is constantly producing new skin cells and shedding old ones. The process slows down with age and can cause a dull and lifeless complexion. Exfoliating stimulates the skin and helps circulation. How to easily select the right exfoliator for you – match the granule size in the scrub to the size of your pores. A chunky exfoliator is good for large pores and small fine grains work on smaller pores.

FACE MASKS
Use a mask once a week. To best determine what type of mask is best for you, keep in mind the following – mud or clay based masks are ideal for deep cleansing. Gel based masks will remove dead cells and dirt. Cream masks are beneficial for dry and aging skin. Oily and problem skins should use sulpher based masks. When you are pushed for time you can find a mask that is 10 minutes or less. When you have a weekend devoted to beauty, you can make your own masks and pumpkin is a great ingredient to incorporate into your home mask recipe.

AGING “GRACEFULLY”
Your skin changes as you age. In your 20’s your skin is at it’s best (usually after those dreadful teenage years). In your 30’s cell turnover decreases and lines and wrinkles become more obvious. In your 40’s the protective barrier on the skin surface becomes less effective at retaining moisture. In your 50’s cell turnover decreases by nearly 50% and the skin’s outer layer becomes less resilient.

TIME MANAGEMENT
There are two types of skin ageing intrinsic (natural and beyond our control) and extrinsic (environmental and within our grasp to change). There are currently some simple procedures which give results similar to a facelift. The following can help get that flawless complexion.

MASSAGE, MUSCLE TONING, & THE ACUPUNCTURE FACELIFT – All great ways to rebalance your body’s energy flow and improve the appearance of the skin, tone the facial muscles and help with circulation.

LINE FILLERS, CHEMICAL PEELS, & LASER RESURFACING – All work for specific needs. While line fillers are temporary, to maintain the effects, continued treatments are essential. Chemical peels administered by dermatologists or doctor’s use high concentrates of alpha hydroxy acids and is for damaged or mature skins. It can be painful, but does result in younger, smoother skin. Laser resurfacing is a great alternative to surgery. It is non-invasive and removes the outer damaged layers of skin and also treats age spots and uneven skin tone. Within six weeks it will have healed completely.

ANTIOXIDANTS – Free radicals are constantly attacking your skin and are accelerating premature ageing. Vitamins E & C and beta-carotene are anti-oxidants that help put a stop to free radical activity. The role of anti-oxidants is to diminish free radicals as they form, preventing them from doing damage within the body. Topical anti-oxidants will help protect the skin from environmental factors, while anti-oxidants taken orally via supplement or from foods help to neutralize the oxidation process. Anti-oxidants are an integral part of any anti-ageing regime.

SWEET NIGHTS, BEAUTIUFUL DAYS
Get sufficient sleep as the skin’s cellular repair activity is at its most optimum during this resting phase. Get the most out of your beauty sleep with our special blend of Alpha Calming Waves - L-Theanine, chamomile flower, lemon balm leaf, passion flower, hops, valerian root and collagen. Clinical research proves significant and enduring improvement of skin conditions when ingested orally vs. temporary improvement from topical applications.

TIPS
Keep your lips hydrated with lip balms that nourish the skin (beeswax, vitamin E, cocoa butter), only use lip protectants (those waxy balms that leave residue on your lips) when going out into harsh environmental conditions.

Remember to incorporate sunscreen into your moisturizing routine. Although we need to protect our skin from the damaging UV sun rays, we also need to make sure we’re getting our daily dose of vitamin D, an essential nutrient to optimal overall health.

If you have puffy eyes, use moistened refrigerated green tea bags on each eye for about 10 minutes.

If you have dark patches on your elbows or knees, sprinkle sugar onto a half of a lemon and rub onto the area to exfoliate and lighten the skin

Wake up with smoother skin on your face. Add a teaspoon of alpha hydroxy acid exfoliator to your usual nighttime moisturizer. It will work on those dead skin cells while you’re getting your beauty sleep.

Healthy Hair

Oct 15, 2012

HEALTHY HAIR
Hair is a barometer of your inner health, the secret to lustrous locks lies in the cut, condition, and color. Banish bad hair days and make your hair a beauty priority.

OUTERCARE
First determine the kind of hair you have and then create an effective maintenance regime that works for you.

Normal – A basic regime will work, and for the best hair stay out of the sun, avoid harsh chemicals, and all of those hot styling tools that we can’t live without. Try on occasion to let your hair dry naturally and it will thank you for it.

Dry – Can be the result of poor nutrition, chemical treatments, over-exposure to the sun. Try leave in conditioners, these are designed to help retain moisture and add shine. You can also use a hydrating hair mask or treatment once a week. Hair masks have superior conditioning properties above and beyond normal conditioners.

Greasy – Can be the result of harsh hair care products and stress. Coloring can be beneficial as the process changes the porousness of the hair and drinks up the oil. Experts say the trick is to add oil as your scalp will correct the imbalance – massage 10 drops of jojoba oil into your scalp, leave in for 15 minutes and follow with good shampoo.

CLEANING
Use a mild PH balanced shampoo as they will not strip your hair of its natural essential oils. Not all hair types require conditioner, but for most conditioner is needed just as cream is applied to the skin, hair needs the moisture to keep your locks cuticles in shape and well maintained. If you’re hair is color treated, use a color treated conditioner to help lock in the color pigments once or twice a week.

BRUSHES
Take care of your precious hair with natural bristle brushes that are the least damaging for normal hair types. If you have a thick head of hair, be grateful – but use a natural and synthetic combination brush. If you have curly hair, you really shouldn't "brush" it. Brushes break up the curl families and make it frizzy. Katherine Williams, Professional Stylist recommends using your fingers as a comb in the shower while conditioner is in the hair, eliminating any tangles. When out of the shower wring out any excess water and instead of using a terrycloth towel (which acts like velcro on curly hair and raises the cuticle up) use jersey material like a t-shirt to eliminate excess water.

Flat brushes and round brushes are the best styling tools. Vent brushes allow the air to circulate faster and will help you if you’re short on time in the drying department.
Regularly wash brushes and combs with hot soapy water and let them air-dry naturally.

STYLE
Investing in a good haircut is worth every penny! Talk to your professional hairdresser about the shape of your face and skin tone to determine the best cut styles and color options to compliment your personal style. For the best results, let the professionals do the work for you. Salons make you feel glamorous and it’s a relaxing, transforming experience that is good for the soul.

INNERCARE
The condition of your hair, just like that of your skin, is determined by your inner health. The stresses and strains of life take their toll and lackluster tresses probably mean that you are missing key nutrients to support a healthy mane. You can achieve healthy looking hair with a diet rich in key vitamins as well as taking a multi-vitamin daily will maintain hair health.

Hair issues can be attributed to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Lack of B vitamins can contribute to dandruff and balding, and the missing iron in your diet can make your hair dull and brittle.

Our “Beauty Cocktail” of vitamins inside Nightly Beauty was designed to work strictly on the hair, skin, nails, and bone health. Biotin, Magnesium, and Vitamin E all work together to help give you healthy, strong hair.

TIPS
Wash hair every third day to ensure a good balance of natural oils (washing too often can result in greasy hair)

Never wash your hair in bath water

If your brushes or combs have broken teeth or bristles, you should replace them as prolonged use will tear your hair shaft

Over-brushing can tear and weaken the hair shaft

Massage your scalp in the shower to help boost circulation, improve hair health, and reduce stress

Use cold water to rinse your hair, this will close the cuticles, ensuring all over hair shine

Never towel dry as it removes the moisture and destroys the elasticity of your hair. Gently squeeze out excess water with your fingertips and then blot the hair with a towel.

Wet hair is susceptible to damage, so instead of using a brush – always use a wide toothed comb to work through tangles. If you have fine hair and the tangles are treacherous, use any detangler spray prior to combing out.

If your hair is dull and lifeless, try changing your shampoo and conditioner. Prolonged use of the same products can cause a residue build up on the hair shaft

Do you wake up with bed head every morning?
Use a silk or satin pillowcase, it helps to keep hair in place. Hair moves smoothly over those soft luxurious fabrics, whereas cotton causes friction and frizz. We want you to wake up beautiful!

Katherine Williams - Professional Stylist

Expert Fitness Advice from Chris Freytag

August 31, 2012

Exercise regularly to improve your physique and to sustain your health. Incorporate physical activity into your lifestyle so that you can enjoy it's many benefits. Find a sport you love and get in 30 minutes of aerobic exercise three times a week and it won't feel like exercise. Play tennis, swim, yoga, dancing, tai chi, karate are all great outlets for getting a workout in, plus if you're learning something new, that keeps the mind active and alleviates the reason many people stop exercising and that's from boredom. We want everyone to have an edge to establishing their own personal training schedule that works for your individual needs, so we partnered with Chris Freytag, nationally recognized health and wellness expert with more than 20 years experience and chairman of the board for the American Council on Exercise, to provide expert advice on fitness training.

Trainer Tricks To Get Fit

When it comes to fitness, nutrition is key. It can be difficult to find a balance of eating healthy and indulging in unhealthy snacks. Chris not only suggest sticking to the 80/20 rule (80% of the time stick to healthy eating habits, 20% of the time eating other kinds of food) but she also recommends the following nutrition tips:

• Drink a green smoothy for breakfast. A smoothie with vitamins A and C, calcium, fiber, folic acid, magnesium and other nutrients will load you up with energy!

• Substitute sweet foods with Greek yogurt sweetened with Truvia and add dark chocolate chips, berries and walnuts.

• Drink A LOT of water. Keep a refillable water bottle with you so you can easily fill it up no matter where you are (and it is better for the environment)

• Be prepared. It’s always good to keep healthy snacks on you—especially if your schedule is crazy.

Read more Trainer Tricks To Get Fit here. (http://chrisfreytag.com/blog/posts/trainer-tricks-to-get-fit/#.UD1-m2hWqGO)

Invest in Strength Training and Increase Your Metabolism

Chris compares weight management to finances; even when you are at rest you want your money making money for you. You want burn calories even when your body is at rest. This is called RMR (resting metabolic rate). This is best done through strength training because muscle burns three to five times more calories than fat does. So the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn—even when you're staying perfectly still.

Chris suggests:

• Using hand weights at home in between commercials of your favorite TV show. Do your strength training routine with hand weights, kettlebells, or resistance bands.

• Using your own body weight to do push-ups, sit-ups, squats, lunges wall sits and calf raises.

• Trying a strength training DVD and workout in the comfort of your own home on your schedule.

Read more about Invest in Strength Training and Increase Your Metabolism here. (http://chrisfreytag.com/blog/posts/invest-in-strength-training-and-increase-your-metabolism/#.UD2DyWhWqGO)

Being Busy is Not the Same As Being Active

Chris likes to say ““You won’t get the butt you want by sitting on it.” Just because you work out regularly doesn’t give you a free pass to sit around the rest of the day, especially since for most of us being “busy” involves sitting in front of a desk all day.

Get moving throughout your day with these simple suggestions:

• Do more than just excerise at one time each day. A lot of people think that working out every day gives them a free pass for the rest of the day. Take a walk around the office building, take the stairs or go for a walk on your lunch break. Keep moving throughout your day.

• Be creative with when and where you sneak in workouts. Chris recommends that you read through 100 Ways to Lose Weight, No Sweat.

• Wear a body monitor. If you really want an accurate gauge of your movement in a day, wear a body monitor. You can track calories burned, steps taken and your personal bests. If weight loss is you goal, once you have a gauge of how many calories you typically burn in a day, you can aim to increase that number by 500 more calories per day to lose one pound a week.
  

Read more about Busy vs Active: Which Are You? here (http://chrisfreytag.com/blog/posts/active-vs-busy-which-are-you/#.UD2FsmhWqGN)

Try High Intensity Interval Training

Chris teaches a class called High Intensity Interval Training or HIIT. It’s a form of exercise to improve your cardiovascular fitness level and burn more calories while spending less time in the gym. Sounds good right? Well, the key words to focus on are high intensity. Don’t be fooled by thinking that shorter workouts mean easier. HIIT training is not for the faint of heart. It’s intense, sweaty and doesn’t last long—but it works. HIIT consists of body weight exercises, strength exercises, calisthenics and plyometrics.

HIIT is very difficult but it gets results and can get you a great workout in a short period of time.

Read more about Trying High Intensity Interval Training here (http://chrisfreytag.com/blog/posts/want-results-try-high-intensity-interval-training/#.UD2IomhWqGM)

Chris Freytag is a fitness expert, public speaker, contributing editor to Prevention magazine and an author of several books, including her latest, a healthy cookbook titled, CHOOSE THIS! She appears regularly on QVC, and her latest workout DVD is called the 10lb Slimdown Xtreme, including 13 comprehensive circuit training workouts. Chris Freytag has been training, teaching, and educating in the health and fitness industry for more than 22 years. She is passionate about helping people take better care of themselves and their families.

Top Fitness Expert Chris Freytag Motivates and Empowers You to Lose Weight and Live Healthy: Find out more about Chris Freytag or contact her at http://www.chrisfreytag.comhttp://www.Facebook.com/ChrisFreytagpage , on Twitter @ChrisFreytag or on Faebook at www.facebook.com/chrisfreytagpage

Home Spa Treatments

August 10, 2012

A nourished body and healthy mind are reflected in a glowing appearance, and nothing brings out your inner radiance better than a soothing day at the spa. Spa treatments are one of the best ways to pamper and nourish the body and soul, striking a healthy and harmonious balance between our inner and outer selves. Wellness expert Dr. Susan Biali, MD believes that “taking care of yourself in this way is truly essential to your health and success,” due to a range of mood-boosting benefits that contribute to overall well-being.
Perhaps the most well known side effect of spa treatments like massages or facials is a reduction in stress hormones, which, according to Biali, also helps to slow your heart rate and brings down blood pressure. This decrease in stress can also help bolster the immune system. “By reducing stress and stress hormones, massage boosts the levels of ‘natural killer cells’ in your body, which are your first defense against invaders,” she says. “Imagine how much happier a place this world would be, if all women were treated to a spa visit a minimum of once a month?”

While regular spa visits may not be within reach for all of us, recreating that relaxing and rejuvenating environment at home is something anyone can do. Creating a home spa doesn’t require a costly master bath overhaul, but rather is about making some simple switches to create a peaceful haven you can enjoy as often as you like. Use the following tips when planning your home spa makeover, and take pampering your mind and body from splurge to necessity.

Lighting
Soft, low lighting is key to bringing a soothing and peaceful feeling to your spa. The harsh fluorescent lighting or bare bulb light bars found in many bathrooms can easily be toned down with low wattage or rosy incandescent bulbs, or consider installing a dimmer switch for maximum versatility. Candlelight is another great option that imparts an extra sense of luxury and tranquility.

Aromatherapy
One thing that may draw you to your favorite spa or salon is the way it smells. Aromatherapy is a great way to unwind, and it’s easy to customize the scents to your mood. Tea tree and eucalyptus are revitalizing and refreshing, while ylang ylang and neroli are perfect for bedtime. Try adding a few drops of these essential oils to an Epsom salt bath for a soothing mineral bath that also stimulates the senses. Lavender is a favorite for relaxation, so opt for a vase of this fresh cut herb instead of artificially scented candles.

Sound
Perhaps you prefer to listen to quiet classical music or the sounds of nature such as rain or ocean waves while you indulge in your spa ritual. Whatever your preference, keep a selection of your favorites and a small CD player within easy reach, attractively stored in a teak box or a basket.

Touch
For a sense of ultimate luxury, switch out your everyday bath towels for thick, fluffy, oversized bath sheets. These are especially pampering when warmed on a towel rack or in the dryer so that you can wrap yourself in head-to-toe warmth and softness when you emerge from the bath. Also, keep a richly textured cotton robe within easy reach, and a plush bath mat at your feet.

Indulge
To top off a night of ultimate relaxation, don’t forget the chocolate! In addition to being delicious, chocolate has health and mood boosting benefits, too. According to Prevention, the phenethylamine contained within chocolate triggers the release of endorphins to leave you feeling happy and content while the compound anandamine acts to alleviate stress. We recommend a delicious drink of Nightly Beauty; the calming blend of L-Theanine, chamomile flower, and valerian root extract promote the same relaxing benefits. With flavors including Chocolate Bliss and Chocolate Chai Renewal, a cup of Nightly Beauty is the perfect end to a perfect home spa experience.

Body Know How

July 4, 2012

Confidence and a positive self image starts in the mind, but ensuring a total and complete beauty package, you must also maintian your body. Make your body beauty ritual important and add some key treatments that will keep you glowing from head to toe. Some simple body maintenance rituals can help you feel more beautiful and radiant for better self confidence.

Exfoliating & Hydrating:
Dead skin cells build up, making your skin look dull and rough. Dehydrated skin causes our skin tissue to become less resilient and it's seen in the form of skin that may appear to be dry and depleted. There are some great home remedies for making your own body scrub, but there are also some terrific products like Mama Mio’s Fit Skin For Life and you always should consider going for a professional body treatment at your favorite spa for some unique applications using seaweed, mineral baths, mud or milk baths that will soften and hydrate your skin and also make you feel like a million bucks.

Here are GREAT recipes for making your own exfoliating scrub from things you already have in your kitchen.

Beautiful skin on the outside begins with hydrated cells. A new approach suggests that all water intake doesn’t have to be the old fashioned 10 glasses a day. Your healthy foods i.e. fruits and vegetables are loaded with nutrients and structured water, the kind that nourishes and hydrates your cells from within. A terrific source on the subject is The Water Secret: The Cellular Breakthrough to Look and Feel 10 Years Younger by Howard, Murad, M.D.

Clean, exfoliated and hydrated skin will give you a healthy glow and keep your skin resilient, fresh and youthful.

Read more...

Sleep Sound, Sound Mind

June 14, 2012

There is no denying between work, family, text message pings, technology and countless other things that bombard our everyday lives, that our bodies and mind crave a good night of sleep. Leading medical experts all agree that the number one cause of stress and lack of daily energy comes from a lack of restful sleep, which can lead to depression, diminished mental performance and an overall negative impact on your body.

Beauty Foods Nightly Beauty Drink is focused on making sure you have a natural and soothing sleep solution that enables you to have a healthier existence.

Organic Bedding: We spend 1/3 of our life in our beds; make sure that what you are sleeping on is the best for you and your specific sleep needs. Regular sheets use dangerous chemicals such as fire retardants, dyeing chemicals, and solvents to produce a product that may look ok, but there are better options out there. Additionally, if you are having allergic reactions or skin issues only at night when you sleep, these can be directly related to the bedding you’re using. The truth is, using organic sheets provides more comfort, less allergens, and they last a lot longer, saving you more money to be used on other important items.

We suggest bedding from Cerene Lines, West Elm, Gaiam, and Allergy Buyers Club.

Aromatherapy: An essential to restful sleep is relaxation. Aromatherapy has the ability to use essential oil to improve your physical and emotional well-being. Lavender is the most popular aroma, helping with digestion and depression, and is especially good for calming the nervous system, relaxing the body and enabling blissful sleep. Additional suggested aromas are chamomile (for insomnia), bergamot (relieves stress), sandalwood (relieves nervous tension), and mandarin (rivals lavender as a sleep aid, but gentle enough for children).

Yoga: Yoga has proven to be an excellent way to relieve stress and offer relaxation, especially through sleeping. Gentle yoga or stretching, with focus on your breathing 5-10 minutes before bed can provide your body and mind a much needed mental and physical release of toxins and tension. Adding this 8-minute nightly yoga routine will give you better sleep and ease you into a relaxing, dreamful sleep.

Glass of warm milk: Milk contains the amino acid called tryptophan that your body converts to melatonin and serotonin. Melatonin is the hormone in your body that tells you to sleep, and serotonin is the hormone that keeps you relaxed and happy. Other foods that have tryptophan are oats, bananas and peanuts (for those who are unable to consume dairy). We also encourage you to add your favorite Beauty Foods flavor to your warm milk for a deeper, more relaxed sleep

Natural Summer Beauty

May 10, 2012

As we head into the summer months, makeup has gone all natural. This summer seasons trends combines both natural and light colors as wells natural makeup products, making your makeup routine easy to do and great for your skin. Beauty Foods’ all-natural, gluten free beauty drink has a few prefered products, tips and tricks to guide you through this seasons sun kissed looks.

Nude Face with Skin Botanica: ($45): With temperatures rising, Skin Botanica’s Colorescience Pro Sheer Foundations protects and nourishes your skin while evening out your complexion and provides an accurate color match. With eight shades to choose from, your face will feel light and moisturized.

Tip: After washing and moisturizing your face, use a foundation brush to apply your foundation. Lightly put a small amount of the foundation on the back of your hand and dab the foundation brush into the foundation. Starting with the center of your face and work outward making sure to evenly distribute the foundation to all parts of your face.

Sun Kissed Cheeks with Vapour Multi-Use Blush: ($28) After a dry, sunless winter it is time to put some color in those cheeks. Vapour’s Multi-Blush created from natural mineral pigments with certified organic ingredients, this blush is easy to use and is as easy to apply as lip gloss. Their Courtesan, Crush and Torch colors will provide your skin with the sun kissed look so popular this season.

Tip: Apply from the laugh line all the way to apple of the cheek and blend with your fingers. To pull the look further together, apply along the hairline up onto the temple and to the chin making sure to use your fingers to blend.

High Shine Lips with Lite N Glossy: ($24) The sun does its biggest damage to your lips in the summer, but with Lite N Glossy, the only lip gloss that naturally heals, hydrates and protects with vitamin e, sweet almond oil, natural jojoba and medical grade lanoli your lips will stay beautiful and hydrated through the dry months. Additionally, Lite N Glossy features a built in mirror and LED application light so you can apply flawlessly no matter what time of day.

Tip: When picking a lip gloss color, you never can go wrong with a natural pink. If you are feeling bold, go for bright colors like a Party Girl Pink or a Bright Orange.

Pastel Eyes with Jane Iredale: ($52) Colorful eyes bring a look together, but this seasons trend doesn’t call for more than a dash of color. With Jane Iredale’s PurePressed Eye Shadow Kit there are five soft, shimmer pastel colors that look beautiful for any eye color.

Tip: Using your eyeshadow brush, apply your pastel eye shadow up to and along the eyebrow. For a real natural look, don’t use eyeliner, just a dark mascara.

Your Nightly Beauty Ritual

April 10, 2012

A woman’s nightly beauty routine is a ritual that is extremely important. Simple adjustments to your nightly beauty rituals can make huge improvements for your skin, hair, nails and quality of sleep. At Beauty Foods we are all about your quality of life. Life should be full of health and happiness. Your nightly routine should be no exception.

Natural Beauty is at the core of what Beauty Foods is all about. Drinking something as pure and healthy as Beauty Foods is good for your mind and your body. If you want to start incorporating natural and organic products into your nightly beauty ritual, Beauty Foods is here to help!

While drinking your favorite flavor of Beauty Foods it’s easy to do your nightly beauty ritual. Start by taking off your make-up.You never want to sleep in your make-up. Clogged pores lead to break outs and even wrinkles later in life. There are several great organic options for make-up removal. Our favorite make-up removal option is made by Vapour Beauty - Clarity Makeup Removing Cleansing Oil. This organic make-up remover is safe and effective and helps you maintain perfectly beautiful skin, organically! After you’ve removed your make-up you should wash your face. One of our favorite cleansers is made by 100% Pure - JASMINE GREEN TEA FACIAL CLEANSING FOAM. This one-hundred percent vegan cleanser smells amazing and leaves your skin feeling clean and soft. Follow up with your favorite moisturizer. Both Vapour Beauty and 100% Pure make remarkable moisturizers but if you’re looking for something you can purchase from your local drug store or Target. Also, anything from Burt’s Bee’s or Yes To Carrots are great options. If you’re looking for a great body lotion we have a little secret, go to Whole Foods and buy Coconut Oil. Coconut Oil works better than any moisturizer out there.

After you’ve consumed your Beauty Foods, cleansed and moisturized from head to toe, slip on a sleep mask (like this Holly GoNightly sleep mask) and drift into a tranquil slumber.