When and How to Exercise for Optimal Brain Health

Does it ever feel like your brain and your body are hopelessly disconnected? How about when your body wants to indulge on sweets but your brain tells you that you shouldn’t? Or when you know you need to sleep but your brain insists on keeping you awake at night? I’m intimately familiar with both of those scenarios!

But despite their differences, your brain and body are actually more connected than you probably realize. In fact, your brain health is very much dependent on regular physical activity. If you are a sedentary person, chances are that your brain will eventually be negatively affected by your lifestyle.

Research shows that regular exercise can boost blood flow to the brain and improve memory. But too much exercise can actually contribute to chronic inflammation, which can harm the brain. That’s why a good balance is important. So, how can you know if you’re doing it right? Here are some of my favorite tips for when and how to exercise for optimal brain health.

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When To Exercise

If you like to hop into your Yoga pants and work up a sweat at midnight, I have some bad news for you. It’s possible that you could be negatively affecting your brain’s natural cycle that’s referred to as its circadian rhythm. Though it sounds super mysterious, your circadian rhythm is just your internal clock. It regulates your sleep-wake cycle and is controlled by your brain. If you consistently rev up your body at midnight, your brain will start thinking that midnight is the time to be awake instead of to sleep. How confusing is that?

To obtain optimal brain health and ensure that your circadian rhythm functions properly, most health gurus, sleep experts and regular Joes will tell you that morning is the best time to hit the trail or the gym. When you work out in the morning, your pumping blood and increased physical movements signal to your brain that it’s time to wake up and greet the day! Here are some of the top benefits a morning workout can provide:

Fewer distractions
Better focus
Increased alertness
More energy throughout the day
Better mood
Easier weight maintenance
Improved sleep

Of course, morning workouts may not be possible for everyone. If you are unable to exercise soon after you wake up, don’t worry too much. No matter what time of day you exercise, your brain will still benefit from the increased blood flow and release of feel-good hormones that exercise provides. Just try not to work out at or right before bedtime, since doing so can make it difficult to sleep.

How To Exercise

Now that you know when to exercise for optimal brain health, let’s talk about how to exercise. Aerobic activity is especially good for brain health, but it doesn’t have to be super strenuous. When some people think of aerobics, they envision painful, high-intensity workouts that leave you dripping in sweat. But the word “aerobic” simply means “with oxygen”. It refers to any type of activity that provides cardiovascular conditioning.

An aerobic workout can be as simple as a brisk 20-minute walk or as complicated as a fun and energetic gym class. The key is to find an intensity that works for you and that provides you with the greatest benefit both physically and mentally.

When you first begin an aerobic exercise, start slow and steady. Trust me, if you don’t, you’ll probably end up with very sore muscles and achy joints. If you want to join a marathon one day, you can work up to that over time. Take care of your body, and your body will do its best to take care of you!

November 16, 2020

Do Calming Teas Really Work?

If your doctor ever tells you to drink calming tea to deal with stress or help you fall asleep, he or she is a genius. First, let’s talk science. Then I’ll tell you about my personal experiences (spoiler alert: some herbs are AMAZING).

Scientists have discovered that many types of herbal tea are effective at reducing anxiety. Plenty of studies prove it. For example, green tea leaves lower levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. This benefit comes from special plant nutrients called catechins, tiny stress fighters. They’re like your own personal Secret Service, keeping anxiety far away from you.

Valerian Root Tea at Night

First, I tried a cup of valerian root tea in the evening. I wanted something to help me unwind after a particularly stressful day trying to get my kids to apologize to each other over a broken toy.

I took a few sips and … the effects were unbelievable. I’ve never felt so genuinely relaxed and sleepy in my life. It was like that feeling you get from curling up in front of a warm fire. I slept like a baby all night long. In the morning, I woke up feeling completely refreshed.

Green Tea at Breakfast

Next, I decided to try drinking some green tea during the day. I’ve read studies saying that green tea helps you stay alert but also less stressed at work. For breakfast, I made myself whole-grain toast with plain cream cheese and a few sliced strawberries. As I read the news, I sipped on my green tea.

How did my work-from-home day go? First, I felt WAY less stress than normal. I even felt energized enough to throw a load of clothes in the washer while I was working. Usually, thinking of everything I have to do stresses me out in the morning, but green tea changed that. It empowered me, like I was checking things off my list one by one. My attitude and outlook were more positive, as if the whole world was brighter.

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Turmeric Tea for Avoiding a Meltdown

I love my sisters, I really do. But family members know exactly which buttons to push sometimes. Long story short, we had a smallish argument (we smoothed everything out later on Zoom and now we’re best friends again). I was crying and angry and … well, you know the drill.

That’s when I decided to try brewing an exotic turmeric tea I’d read about. It uses fresh turmeric, ginger, honey, cinnamon and peppercorns, together with some coconut milk and coconut oil. The whole kitchen smelled heavenly, and the tea tasted spicy, creamy and delicious.

It turns out that turmeric has the ability to release “happy hormones” in your brain: dopamine and serotonin. They help to fight sadness and alleviate stress. As I sat there, sipping my turmeric and honey tea, smelling the spices and feeling the warmth of the mug, my heart started beating more slowly. I felt … much better.

Other Great Herbs and Spices for Fighting Stress

Calming herbs can help you get rid of anxiety and feel happier. They’re an amazing way of treating yourself to a moment for relaxation.

Now it’s your turn. What calming teas work best for you? Are you a believer in lavender, chamomile, ashwagandha root, passionflower, lemon balm or another popular soothing variety? Share your experiences below!

November 16, 2020

5 Tips on Eating Mindfully When Doing Everything from Home

If you're like most people, you spend most of your time at home these days. While you surely don't miss your morning commute and cherish spending more time with your family, it's likely your diet has taken a turn for the worse.

Let's face it, it's tough to eat mindfully when you're constantly surrounded by snacks and goodies. It's also natural to turn to food for comfort when life gets stressful, which is a common experience for many. Fortunately, it is possible to eat mindfully these days, especially when you use the following tips.

Make an Eating Plan Each Day

Meal plans eliminate the stress of deciding what to eat each day. When you have your food prepared and ready to go, you won't fall victim to ordering bad-for-you junk food just because it's quick and easy. When grocery shopping, consider your meals for the rest of the week. Prep your breakfast, lunch, and dinner the night before, so they're ready to go the next day. When meal time rolls around, just pop your prepped food out of the fridge and re-heat. It's as simple as that.

Know When You're Hungry

It's easy to mistake boredom for hunger, especially when you're working on a tedious task. Your chance of mindless snacking is highest during times of boredom, so pay attention to what your stomach is telling you. If you've recently eaten lunch or breakfast and aren't really feeling hunger pangs, look for another outlet that isn't food related. If you can, take a brief walk around the block. If you're stuck at home, take a ten-minute mediation break. You can also try moving to another task for a brief period to keep your mind engaged.

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Eat Smaller Portions

If the urge to snack is just too strong, consider reducing portion sizes. Try eating a light breakfast of yogurt and a slice of toast, followed up by a banana or other type of fruit. For lunch, have a lettuce wrap or healthy salad, followed up by a snack of kale chips or veggies with hummus. When you eat smaller meals consistently throughout the day, your metabolism will experience a much-needed boost. This helps you maintain a healthy weight, while also fighting back against any cravings you might experience.

Drink More Water and Other Fluids

Water is your best friend during a long and tedious day. It keeps you hydrated and refreshed, while also eliminating food cravings by creating a feeling of fullness. There are lots of other healthy beverages you can add into the mix for variety. Instead of coffee, try green tea. Green tea offers a boost thanks to caffeine and is also brimming with antioxidants. If you're trying to reduce your caffeine intake, try drinking a chamomile or ginger tea instead. You can also jazz up your water by adding a splash of lemon or picking up some flavored sparkling water.

Don't Bring Food to Your Work Area

When there are delicious snacks right there on your desk, it's even harder to resist temptation. Consider your desk off limits for eating, even when it comes to healthy snacks. This will benefit you in a couple of ways. First, it will stop you from mindlessly snacking throughout the day. It will also help you achieve a good work/life balance. Taking time to enjoy meals is important for your health, both mentally and physically.

Try implementing the above tips during the day for a more enlightened attitude towards meals and snacking. It may be tough at first, especially if you're used to eating a lot during the day, but over time you'll feel better about yourself and your diet, which is much more gratifying.

November 16, 2020

What’s the Deal With Healthy Ice Cream “Alternatives”?

Lately, I’ve noticed when strolling happily through the frozen desserts section of the store that there are TONS of different ice cream “alternatives.” Are they worth the hype? I conducted a bunch of … um, “scientific” research to find the answers. Here’s what I discovered.

Are Nondairy Desserts or Alternative Ice Creams Right for You?

First, let’s talk about the different options available for frozen treats. There are vegan alternatives, high-protein “keto” versions, Italian gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, frozen kefir and shaved ice. Here’s what you need to know:

Vegan desserts: These are nondairy desserts, meaning they don’t have any kind of cow’s milk, goat’s milk, etc. Instead, they use tasty coconut, almond, cashew or soy milk. If you’re lactose intolerant, these alternatives can be amazing. However, they also tend to be high in sugar and saturated fat.
Sorbet: This is whipped and frozen fruit puree. On the upside, it has zero saturated fat. On the downside, many varieties are packed with sugar.
Gelato: This is Italian ice cream. It’s thicker than traditional ice cream, and it has a heavenly texture (you can trust me on this). Ounce for ounce, gelato has significantly less calories, sugar and fat than ice cream. There’s a catch, however: One serving of gelato is quite a bit smaller than a serving of ice cream.
Frozen yogurt: This is a joke when it comes to losing weight. Frozen yogurt (and kefir) is tasty, and includes probiotics, but it usually has as much sugar and fat as regular ice cream.
Shaved ice: Bao bing, kakigori, Italian lemon ice — these are all types of shaved ice. Low in calories, gluten free and fat free, shaved ice sounds like the perfect alternative to ice cream. And, if you choose options with actual fruit juice and zero added sugar, it can be.

What about flavor? All of the healthy ice cream options I tried tasted great, though not quite as creamy as full-fat ice cream.

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Is Your Favorite Healthy Ice Cream Really Low in Fat?

At around 300–400 calories per pint compared to 1,200 calories in traditional ice cream, there’s no doubt that some varieties of healthy ice cream can help you skip the fat. To really benefit, however, you need to read the label. Some low-calorie desserts are full of added sugar (even more than full-fat ice cream) that adds to your waistline.

Are Ice Cream Alternatives Actually Healthy?

Can you benefit from choosing low-calorie alternatives to regular ice cream? Yes … and no. It honestly depends a lot on the specific ingredients. Some brands of healthy ice cream focus on natural ingredients (mint, dark chocolate, real fruit puree). Others use fillers, emulsifiers, sugar alcohols and a bunch of other things I can’t even pronounce.
After trying them over many weeks (purely out of scientific curiosity), my opinion is this: Choose healthy or vegan ice cream if you like it or need it, not as a weight-loss help. Many of these alternatives simply aren’t filling enough, which makes you want to eat more than you should.

Don’t fall for the “go for it!” trap. Even ice cream alternatives that are genuinely healthy can quickly add pounds if you eat the entire pint. Look at the serving size and compare it with what you normally eat. For some people, it’s better to indulge in a few scoops of normal ice cream on special occasions instead of demolishing an entire container of healthy ice cream regularly.

November 5, 2020

Top 5 Recent Skin Care Technology Revolutions

We all know it’s impossible to stay young forever. But what I’ve discovered is that it is possible to keep your skin looking youthful longer than you ever thought possible. From laser technology to lymphatic draining that reduces facial puffiness, here are the top five recent skin care technology revolutions I can’t wait to share with you.

1. Laser Skin Therapy

Lasers and skin don’t sound like they go together, right? That’s exactly what I thought until I decided to give laser skin therapy a try. Though it sounds painful, it’s much gentler than you’re probably thinking. Laser skin resurfacing is a growing trend in the beauty industry because it’s so effective. It helps get rid of skin irregularities, acne scars and facial wrinkles.

The practice uses intense pulses of laser light to remove everything from age spots to unwanted skin textures. It takes anywhere between five and 21 days to completely heal from the procedure, but trust me when I say the recovery time is worth the transformation you’ll experience.

2. Pore Suction Devices

My kids gifted me one of those magnifying mirrors one year. While I appreciated the thoughtfulness, I was a little frightened when I saw the pores on my nose and cheeks for the first time up close. I decided to invest in a pore suction device, and it’s one of the best decisions I have made for my skin health.

Pore suction devices use gentle suction to remove hardened oil, impurities and debris from your pores. Give yourself time to find the ideal setting for your skin. If you set the suction up too high too soon, you may end up with embarrassing red marks on your face that resemble hickies.

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3. LED Therapy Masks

The first time you see an LED therapy mask, you might mistakenly think it’s Halloween. The mask looks like something you’d see in a horror movie. But though its appearance is a little scary, it’s an amazing device that uses LED light to stimulate collagen production. With regular use, this mask can reduce inflammation in your face and promote circulation. The blue light also helps reduce bacteria that can lead to acne.

4. Lymphatic Drainage Devices

Lymphatic drainage devices, or face rollers as they are often called, can help reduce puffiness in your face and may also tone and soothe your skin. They are designed to kick your lymph system into gear and reduce the inflammation that can often occur around the eyes, jawline and cheeks when your lymphatic system doesn’t flow optimally.

One of the things I like most about facial roller devices is that they are affordable and don’t require any power to use. You just roll them gently across your face in a downward motion for best results. I like to chill my rollers before use because they seem to be more effective that way, but you don’t have to chill yours if you don’t want to.

5. Facial Toning Devices

Facial toning devices use microcurrent technology to stimulate the muscles around your brows, cheeks and jawline. As a result of this stimulation, you’ll look like you’ve just had a facelift. This is the perfect solution if you have droopy brows or if the skin around your jawline or cheeks tends to sag. Results can last up to 24 hours after each session. Don’t worry, this device feels nothing like an electric fence. The electrical current it uses is quite mild.

Now that you know about some of my favorite skin care technology revolutions, give them a try. Let me know which methods you prefer to use on your face, and why. Make sure you give each method at least a couple of weeks to work, since it takes time for these beauty tools to work their magic.

November 5, 2020November 5, 2020

5 Hacks To Get Rid of Belly Bloat Quickly

I HATE trying to slip on that amazing pair of jeans I bought for girls’ nights out (the ones that make my butt look AWESOME) and not be able to close the zipper because of bloat. I know those jeans fit, but my tummy won’t cooperate! Sound familiar? If so, try these 5 secrets to getting rid of a bloated belly quickly.

1. Shake Your Booty

I know that going for a jog doesn’t sound very appetizing when your stomach feels bloated, but physical activity is one of the best ways to help get things moving inside. Even light exercise is fine, such as talking a walk, stretching or dancing for 5–10 minutes.

2. Massage Your Tummy

A fun way to calm a bloated belly and encourage your bowels to do their thing is with a gentle abdominal massage. It’s really easy.

Start by placing one of your hands on the right side of your belly, near your hip bone. Slowly move upwards, rubbing softly using a circular motion. Once you reach the top of your tummy, follow this movement straight across to the other side. Then move your hand down the left side of your stomach.

In other words, you’re massaging your tummy in a square pattern while making little circles with your hands. Repeat this several times. You don’t need to press hard for it to work.

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3. Enjoy a Warm Bubble Bath

Believe it or not, bloating is often caused by stress. Anxiety can mess with your hormones and cause digestive problems that lead to a bloated tummy. My favorite solution? Pampering myself with a warm bath and some scented oils (or Epsom salt).

This is great for relieving bloating for several reasons. The warm water soothes sore muscles and helps with abdominal pain. It’s also incredibly relaxing, especially with aromatic oils or candles. If bloating is a regular occurrence, try to schedule some private bubble bath “you” time once a week.

4. Drink Some Tea

Several herbal teas are wonderful for alleviating gas, bloating and abdominal pain. Here are a few of my favorite teas for times when you have a bloating emergency:

Star anise
Peppermint
Ginger
Lemon balm
Chamomile
Fennel

Peppermint tea may even help people who have irritable bowel syndrome to feel better. Studies show that peppermint oil helps to relax the gut in IBS patients.

5. Get More Fiber

“Fiber?! But I’m too young!” you say. Actually, all of need to get plenty of fiber in our diets. Bloating can happen to 18-year-old women with perfect curves as well as working moms with two kids and … slightly less perfect curves.

Most people don’t need fiber capsules; you can get what you need from a healthy diet. Add these fiber superstars to your meals or enjoy them as healthy snacks:

Whole grains: Oatmeal, quinoa and popcorn
Fresh fruits: Pears, strawberries, apples, raspberries and bananas
Veggies: Carrots, spinach, beets, kale and artichokes
Legumes: Lentils, black beans, chickpeas and kidney beans
Nuts and seeds: Chia seeds, almonds

Your body depends on plant fiber to keep its digestive system working properly. Smooth, regular trips to the bathroom are one of the best ways to enjoy a flat tummy and prevent bloating. Great nutrition is, not surprisingly, the key to fitting into those jeans every time.

October 28, 2020

5 of the Best Dance Classes for Weight Loss

For me, what makes dancing amazing for exercise is the way it keeps you motivated. A great beat keeps you energized and helps you push through the burn for even better results. Here are five of my favorite dance classes:

1. Hip-Hop

Do you love to bounce and sway when your favorite songs come on the radio? I do. If you're like me, a hip-hop dance class is perfect for you. It involves a range of motion for your entire body, including arm punches, shoulder moves, high steps, hip slides, spins and jumps. These classes are a blast, and they’re amazing for slimming your waistline. You can easily reach 400–500 calories burned per hour or more.

2. Freestyle

Freestyle classes are a great choice for people who love to dance but don’t like having to remember steps. Whether you’re into hip-hop rhythms, Latin music, electronic vibes or even classical music, freestyle lets you do your own thing. The important thing is to stay active the whole time, but you can move your feet, arms, hips and tummy however you feel like.

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3. Belly Dancing and Bollywood

If your goal is to specifically target stubborn tummy fat, then belly dancing is hard to beat. This exotic dance comes from places such as Morocco and Egypt. It involves precise movements of the hips, belly and buttocks, from slow gyrations and twists to sexy slides and vibrations. All of these movements are heaven for your midsection, burning fat while toning abdominal muscles and glutes like no tomorrow.

Bollywood dances use some of these motions while including whole-body moves and unique hand and arm flairs. Think hip-hop with a touch of gracefulness. These are some of the best feel-good dance activities out there. Trust me, you will have a huge smile afterwards.

4. Tango

Ballroom dances such as tango may burn less calories than intense aerobic activities, but they’re also gentler on your body. It takes some practice to learn the steps, but showing off your tango prowess is kind of the point. Other options include foxtrot and waltzes.

5. Salsa or Merengue

Latin dance rhythms can help you burn TONS of calories. You only need to learn six simple steps and the rest is up to your mood! Salsa is a high-energy, fast-tempo dance that gets your feet moving. It’s excellent for cardio and moves your lower body and hips a lot.

Merengue has a slower tempo than salsa and is lower impact for people with tender joints, but it still gives you a great workout. Salsa and merengue exercise your legs, glutes, hips and abdomen. Add in some arm movements and you’ve got a great whole-body workout that keeps you pumped.

All the Benefits of Dancing

One hour of dancing can help you burn 400 calories or more, which is what you get from riding a bicycle, jogging or swimming. That makes it great for weight loss. In addition, you get tons of other benefits:

Better flexibility
Stronger bones
Higher energy levels
Happier mood
Less stress
Lower blood pressure
Improved cardiovascular health
Lower risk of memory problems

Want some extra fun? You can do most dances with a partner for excitement (or some romance). Burning calories as a team is a great idea. No matter what dance class you’re interested in, my advice is just try it! You won’t believe how awesome you feel and how many calories you sweat.

October 19, 2020

5 Tips for Fuller, Smoother and Shinier Hair

In a recent study, a whopping 98% of women said that gorgeous hair makes them feel more confident. I feel that way, too, but using 1,000 different treatments isn’t easy as a busy mom. Fortunately, according to science, you can keep your hair shiny, healthy and breathtaking with these five hair secrets:

1. Brush Your Hair

Brushing hair isn’t just something teen girls do at slumber parties. This relaxing activity should be a regular part of your beauty routine (or as close to one as a mom with kids can get). The action of brushing is vital for hydrating hair strands since it spreads natural oils from your follicles all the way to your tips.

2. Make a Nourishing Hair Mask

What’s not to love about treating your hair to completely natural ingredients? Here is my favorite DIY hair mask recipe:

The SoCal Hair Mask Extraordinaire:

This is ideal for damaged or dull hair. It combines energizing omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidant-rich olive oil. For extra shine, replace avocado with 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

1 egg
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 avocado, mashed
1 tablespoon honey

First, get your hair wet. Take some of the mixture in your fingertips and gently apply to your hair from bottom to top. Let the hair mask do its magic for 30 minutes before showering.

3. Treat Wet Hair With Care

Whenever you apply haircare products, do it gently, even if you’re in a hurry. Start with your roots and work outward. Let your fingertips glide effortlessly through the strands without tugging. Also, be gentle when toweling off. Don’t tie your hair tightly with towels.

4. Look for Naturally Healthy Haircare Ingredients

What you put on your hair makes a big difference for how brilliant, strong and full it looks. Here are my faves:

Honey extract: Honey can soothe irritated hair follicles, flakiness and itchiness. It’s a great ingredient for natural dandruff care.
Coconut oil: This luxurious oil penetrates deep into the scalp and hair strands, hydrating your hair and protecting it from sun damage.
Avocado oil: Like whole avocado, this rich oil is a wonderful conditioner for shine, giving your hair plenty of vitamins B and E.
Seaweed extracts: These exotic stars control oiliness and stimulate healthy hair growth.

Avoid hair products that use dangerous chemicals such as parabens and sodium lauryl sulfate. Trust me, it’s completely possible to stick to your budget and still focus on good, natural shampoo ingredients.

5. Make Time for Your Scalp

You need to pamper your scalp! The hair follicles in your scalp are the moms of your hair strands. And when mom is happy, everybody is happy. At least once a month, make time for yourself. Draw up a bubble bath and start with a relaxing scalp massage using natural oils.

I prefer using olive oil (I like to close my eyes and imagine I’m in Italy), but you can also choose jojoba oil, coconut oil, aloe vera gel or shea butter. These ingredients replenish your scalp’s natural oils, repair damage and hydrate your hair.

Those are my five hair hacks to give busy moms vivacious and vibrant hair. Do you have other tips? I would love to hear about them. Leave your secrets in a comment below!

October 19, 2020October 27, 2020

The Best All-Natural Face Masks Made From Things You Already Have in Your Pantry

There’s no question that a good face mask can do wonders for rejuvenating tired skin and making you look more youthful. But purchasing commercial face masks can get expensive, which is why many people reserve them for special occasions. The great news is that you can enjoy a luxurious face mask whenever you want, without breaking the bank. Here are some of the best all-natural face mask options you can make with things you already have in your pantry!

Egg White Mask

Egg whites are so versatile and are good for much more than making cookies. In fact, the humble egg white is highly nourishing for your face and makes a great face mask. They are high in protein, which your skin needs to stay tight and firm. You can add some oatmeal to your egg white mask to restore moisture to your pores and help the egg whites stick.

This mask is exceptionally easy to make. All you do is separate an egg white from the yolk. You can reserve the yolk for a recipe or throw it away. Whisk the egg white until it is nice and bubbly, then add enough oats to the mixture to help make it a little stickier. Then, slather the mixture onto your face and leave it there for 20 minutes. Rinse off with warm water and add a quality facial moisturizer as needed.

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Coffee Face Mask

Coffee can help you feel awake and enlivened in the morning, and that’s exactly what a coffee face mask will do for you, too. It has wonderful benefits for the skin and can help combat redness and inflammation. To create a face mask with this energizing substance, mix about a quarter-cup of ground beans with a dash of milk and lemon juice until it forms a thick paste.

Smooth the paste onto your face and leave it there for between 10 and 15 minutes. Make sure you avoid your eyes, since the lemon juice will sting them. Rinse the mixture off with warm water and pay attention to how much better your skin feels!

Banana Face Mask

The thought of smearing mashed bananas onto your face might make you cringe, but don’t knock it until you try it! Bananas are rich in potassium, and they are also a good source of manganese, vitamin C and biotin. These are all great nutrients for the health of your skin.

To create this mask, mash up one banana and add in a teaspoon or so of honey and a dash of lemon juice. Once the mixture is thick enough to stick to your face, apply as you would a regular mask. Leave it on for 10 minutes before rinsing off with warm water.

Avocado Face Mask

Avocados contain healthy fats that can help make your skin more supple and soft. They also contain plenty of skin-friendly vitamins. To create a mask using this impressive fruit, mash up half an avocado and add a pit of honey and hot water to the mixture until a soft paste forms. Smooth the paste onto your face and leave it there for 10 minutes before washing away. Use this mask a few times a week for maximum skin-tightening and moisturizing benefits.

Brown Sugar and Honey Scrub

This exceptional face mask functions as a scrub as well and will leave your lips and face baby-soft. To make it, mix ½ tbsp. honey with 1 tsp. of lemon and ½ tbsp. of brown sugar in a bowl. Gently rub onto the lips and skin using your middle and ring fingers in a circular motion. Allow to sit on your skin for 5-10 minutes before rinsing off with cool water.

These masks are so simple and easy to make. And the best part is that you don’t need to purchase any expensive ingredients, because you already have what you need right there in your kitchen!

October 15, 2020October 17, 2020

10 Days and 70 Ounces of Water — This Is What Happened To My Body

For the past 10 days, this brave work-at-home mom with nerves of steel made sure she got exactly 70 ounces of water a day. Over this time, I learned why doctors insist people drink more water. Here’s what you can expect:

1. I Peed … a Lot

The first thing I discovered is that if your body isn’t used to drinking so much water, you’re going to use the bathroom at least a couple of times a morning. One interesting side note is that my pee was much clearer than usual. After a quick Google search, I learned that this meant my kidneys were working great. So, thanks water for protecting my kidneys!

2. The Munchies Disappeared

This is one of the things that surprised me the most. During my 10 day experiment, I gradually noticed that my cravings for chocolate started to disappear. I wouldn’t turn down a few scoops of chocolate ice-cream if you offered, but I don’t feel the same pull for chocolate or snacks as before. It turns out this is real science. The munchies are often caused by dehydration, not because you’re hungry. Yeah, the brain is pretty weird sometimes.

3. I Have More Energy

As someone who LOVES coffee with her heart and soul, I was pleasantly surprised to see that drinking more water meant I didn’t need to brew a pot for the afternoon. I wasn’t sleepy, depressed or dragging my feet. My mind is more alert. I rely less on pick-me-ups during the day. Dehydration is one of the main causes of fatigue, so it’s no surprise that staying hydrated feels SO FREAKING INCREDIBLE for your muscles, your brain and your mood.

4. My Skin Looks Phenomenal

I’m not the kind of person who spends tons of time with makeup. I tend to focus on my “natural beauty,” AKA pray that my hair doesn’t get tangled as I toss on my pajamas for working from home. However, I made a surprising discovery after upping my water intake: My skin is shockingly lustrous and smooth! Apparently, staying hydrated on the inside directly leads to the amount of moisture your skin gets. In fact, drinking plenty of water can be more effective than applying moisturizer to dry skin. Who knew?!

The Secret To Staying Hydrated

I’m not normally forgetful, but remembering to get those eight glasses of water was more of a challenge than I expected. Here are a few ways to stay on track:

Set a BUNCH of water alarms on your smartphone: After a while, you’ll start to remember.
Use a squeeze bottle and keep it with you: No idea why, but squeeze bottles made it more exciting to drink water.
Drink water BEFORE you eat: This helps you remember and helps you lose weight, too.
Eat more fruit: Fresh fruit has water, keeping you hydrated. It also comes with tons of nutrients for your body.
Make it fun with an infuser: I started infusing my water with grapefruit, peaches, cucumbers and kiwi. It was so tasty that I actually looked forward to it.

In case you’re wondering, 70 ounces of water is basically half a gallon a day. It’s about eight glasses, but eight of those tiny plastic cups, not eight huge drinking glasses. I definitely recommend taking on your own 70-oz. water challenge!