The Importance of Food and The Health of Your Hair

It has become second nature that women especially are obsessed with their beauty products that make their hair shine and look beautiful. What many tend to forget though is that it is the food choices that they make that reflect the shininess and healthiness of their hair. That is not to say that the importance of hair products should be discounted but the addition of what people eat should also be considered.  

There are several kinds of food sources that are high in protein, antioxidants, essential omega 3 fatty acids, and several kinds of vitamins such as, vitamin C and E that will keep your hair healthy, grow faster and make it fuller and preventing hair loss. Hair loss, in my personal opinion is detrimental to any women out there. As women our hair is like an accessory therefore we must consider what we can do to keep it beautiful and healthy.

Sources of food that will help in keeping your hair healthy and beautiful are fruits. They are rich in Vitamin C that prevents hair loss as well as premature graying, dryness, and brittle hair. Examples of fruits that will help keep your hair healthy and gorgeous looking are peaches, strawberries, mango, kiwi, and tomatoes. Fruits are also a great source of antioxidants that will help your hair deal with the hormonal changes during various stages of life particularly with aging.

Another great food source that is essential in keeping your hair healthy is salmon. Salmon is rich in various vitamins and minerals such as omega 3 fatty acids. The benefits that it provides your hair with is that it will help make your hair grow, keep your scalp hydrated with the necessary natural oils in your hair, and prevents hair loss. Click here for some great recipes for salmon.

If fish doesn’t happen to be your cup of tea, some substitutes that may be incorporated into your diet are pumpkin seeds or walnuts, as they also encompass similar nutrients that salmon offers. An additional benefit to eating walnuts would be it protects the DNA of your hair, as well as, keeping your natural hair colour rich and radiant.

Additionally, all dark green vegetables are highly beneficial to your hair. Foods like spinach, and broccoli will help in the production of sebum, which helps to avoid the hair from becoming overly dry, and a protector from sun-rays.

What we eat therefore gives us another reason to have a healthy diet integrated in our daily lives, as it does not only affects what occurs insides of our bodies but the outside as well.

Overall, there are many sources of food that will be valuable in keeping your hair looking beautiful and healthy. If you feel though that you may not be receiving enough of these nutrients in your daily diet, supplements are great to ensure that you're getting enough. 

-Ifigenia Giannoutsos

No date for Valentines? No problem!

We've got 8 Dateless-Valentines-Day-Goodies and you won't need anybody but yourself. 

1 Gluten-Free Chocolate Avocado Pudding (See recipe below!)

• Eating chocolate is almost like falling in love. We came across a wicked healthy chocolate pudding recipe and it takes 10 minutes to make! See the recipe after the jump -------

2 Lush bath bombs

• A nice relaxing bath with Lush's bath bombs is sure to make you feel smooth and revitalized. If you're still feeling a little bitter about the whole "alone on V-DAY" thing, pick up the "Ex-Factor" bath bomb (here) for $4.95 and watch your worries go down the drain.

3 Four Tet, Patti Smith and Death Grips

• For your listening pleasure, we have chosen a unique combination of records that are created by inspiring, independent artists. Each group has their own obscure and out-of-the box sound. Take some time to find the creative person within yourself and do something great like these three groups. 

4 Bear Flag White Wine 

• Initially, we picked up this bottle of white wine because of it's catchy label full of indie inspired drawings. It wasn't until we started drinking that we realized it has these cool little arrows on the side telling you at which point of drinking you turn from a pessimist to an optimist. If you enjoy a full, fruity wine pick up the Soft White blend - if you're looking for a dryer white, I'd go for the Bright White Blend. 

5 Chocolate and Macaroons

• So cliche, but everybody wants chocolate on V-Day. Why don't you go ahead and spring for a box of sweets from the prettiest bakery in the city, I recommend Nadege Patisserie on Queen W in Toronto where they have cute Valentines inspired treats for you and ... yourself!

6 St Ives Facial Scrub

• Whatever, we all need a good scrubbin' now and then. Wash away your troubles and your tiny flaws to make your face feel smooth and rejuvenated. Pick up this simple facial scrub and a cleansing mask at your local drugstore.

7 Auroshikha Incense

• Candles are the obvious choice, but we really only burn incense in this house. Auroshikha's natural incense comes in a ton of different scents (I like the eucalyptus and lemongrass the best) and are "pure light and inspiring". If you're living downtown Toronto, check out Shanti Baba on Queen W for these. Light one, grab a glass of wine and have a nice Lush bath.

8 Victoria's Secret

• Who said you can't be sexy for yourself? We all want to feel good about ourselves and there's no time you'll look better than half naked in your sexiest lingerie sprawled out on your silk sheets surrounded by candles, incense, a tall glass of wine and a good record.

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Gluten-Free Chocolate Avocado Pudding (See recipe below!)

Ingredients:

     • 3 avocados (skinned and chopped finely)

     • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

     •1/3 cup natural cocoa

     • 1/2 tsp salt

     • 1/2 cup sugar 

     • 1/2 - 3/4 cup almond milk

     • 1-2 tbsp cultured coconut milk

     • 2 tbsp honey

     • Optional (to taste): cinnamon, coconut flakes, peanut butter, agave etc...

     • Use a hand blender and a big bowl if you have one, if not use a blender but add the    ingredients slowly

VEGAN: For this recipe, you can substitute the honey and sugar for agave, however use less almond milk in the process to make sure it still keeps the pudding texture. Add a little bit at a time to your preferred taste and texture.

Instructions:

•  Cut avocados in half, scoop out the pit and throw away, remove skin. Chop the avocados into fine pieces and set aside.

•  Add 1/2 cup of almond milk to bowl or blender. Add dry ingredients (sugar, cinnamon, salt, coconut) and blend. 

•  In a bowl, melt the chocolate chips and honey and pour into mixture. Blend right away.

•  Slowly add chunks of avocado and blend into mixture. 

•  If needed, blend in more milk during this process.

•  Scoop into bowl, chill and serve pudding in a number of different ways. You can stuff strawberries as found here on the Damy Health website, you can use pudding as fondue with cut up fruit (as we did), or you can use as a light frosting when baking. If you guys find any other uses let us know! :) 

Enjoy & go get sexy ;)

Love,
LeahBradley

LOOK GOOD NAKED

Posted by Carmella Miller, CYEd

A person’s inner health is just as important as their outer beauty. Looking good naked is all encompassing; hydrated skin, a sharp mind, and a natural glow are all part of a person’s manifestation. Whether you are heading on vacation soon or still working on your new year’s resolution, here are 8 easy tips to get you started
on the road to fabulous:

1. SLEEP EASY – at least 7.5-9 solid hours a night to restore the body’s cellular levels and reach REM is recommended. About an hour before bedtime, shut the blinds in your bedroom, turn off your iPad, pick up a book, and allow the body and mind to slowly release into a deep slumber.

2. BODY MOVEMENT – studies show 30-60 minutes of activity (walking, running, dancing,
swimming, weights, yoga, whatever!) 3-5 days a week will help maintain weight or lose it depending on calories burned during your session. This does not have to be inconvenient or expensive – try to stretch, strengthen, and incorporate some cardio for a well-rounded regime. Plus, sweating helps renew the skin, releases toxins, and may help fight sickness by building immunity. Remember to rehydrate afterwards.

3. VISUAL MEDITATION – an intentional practice of stillness is important to quiet the mind and relax the body. A sharp mind translates into a better memory and increased patience and concentration. Plus, it’s believed that stress causes over-eating and disrupted sleep (see#1). From a comfortable seated position: visualize a white light at the crown of the head moving through the body softening each place it lands and ending at the base of the spine. Make it work for you – visualize what you can or simply focus on the breath flow.

4. CHEW LONGER – it’s suggested that chewing each bite of food 32 times before swallowing is highly beneficial: tones the jaw, eases digestion, regulates bowels, helps to avoid over-eating, and increases intimacy with your food. Also, by incorporating more vegetarian friendly foods like nuts, legumes, and vegetables, the jaw and stomach work less at breaking down the food and diseases like bowel cancer, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are dramatically reduced.

5. SEXUAL RELEASE – whether it’s intercourse with a partner or an orgasm on your own, finding sexual liberation is essential for good health. Not only wonderful for stress release, an orgasm helps you sleep better, increases circulation, improves blood pressure, and releases endorphins for natural pain management.

6. COCOA BUTTER – for its toning properties and to enhance a natural glow, slather your body in 100% pure cocoa butter daily (usually found in stick form to be applied after a hot shower). Cocoa butter is known for reducing the look of scars and stretch marks, especially recommended for pregnant women.

7. LAUGH HARD – you burn about 1.5-2 calories every minute you laugh. If that’s not motivating enough, laughter and smiling are known to reduce blood pressure, relieve anxiety, strengthen the diaphragm and lungs, and can improve memory, alertness, and creativity. I bet you’re smiling now!

8. SELF-LOVE – everyday stand in front of the mirror, being non-judgemental and totally loving, and tell yourself you are beautiful, you are smart, and you are blissful. Self-talk is highly beneficial for the psyche by building confidence and happiness. Love yourself first, the rest will follow.

FIVE FASHIONABLE FOODS

Posted by: Carmella Miller, CYT

Food can be sexy – fun, fresh, fashionable food is all around us. Adopting and sustaining an active, healthy lifestyle in addition to eating right for your body starts with knowledge of and interest in nutritional foods.

For their health benefits and versatile usages, here are the top five hottest foods right now at your local market or health food store including delicious recipes. Being beautiful starts with an inner glow!

1. The antioxidant queen: POMEGRANATE
DEFINED: Sold as a juice (POM Wonderful is, in fact, wonderful) or fruit, this Asian delicacy is full of antioxidants and bold colour; choose organic pomegranates for the best quality

BENEFITS: Increases oxygen to the heart promoting a healthy one and might even aid in erectile dysfunction when eaten regularly

USAGE: Drink the juice as is or add to a smoothie, sprinkle the jewel-like seeds in any regular salad to liven it up, or use as base for marinades

2. The wonder grain: QUINOA
DEFINED: Pronounced keen-wah, this sacred seed of Inca civilization holds amazing nutritional value and is a popular choice even for NASA, recently adding it to its astronaut menu

BENEFITS: It’s a protein powerhouse (one cup has more protein than an egg), internal cleanser (complex carbs that ease digestion), and a brain food – boosts energy via high iron and vitamin B to keep the mind sharp
USAGE: Tasty as a breakfast or dinner food, quinoa is easy to cook (about 20 minutes with water or fruit juice) and can virtually absorb any flavour you add to it; try this stir-fry for dinner tonight - use red or white or combo of both colours for interest

3. The metabolism booster: MATCHA GREEN TEA
DEFINED: From Japan and China, this powdered tea is best whipped in soy or almond milk for a tart, powerful flavour; matcha is fairly low in caffeine compared to black tea and coffee making it a great alternative

BENEFITS: It’s a proven natural weight loss remedy – matcha increases metabolism by up to 40% and potent antioxidants actually forestall the aging process

USAGE: Other than a cup of tea (1 tbsp per 1 cup), try adding matcha to dough, smoothies, and muffin recipes for a bold colour; my favourite cup of tea is from Starbucks - tall, 6 scoop matcha, half sweet, no foam, green tea soy latte

4. The natural sweetener: AGAVE NECTAR
DEFINED: From the same lily plant in Mexico that brings us tequila, agave nectar comes in syrup form and is a great alternative to honey or refined sugar

BENEFITS: The syrup is a low-glycemic sweetener which means it won’t cause a sharp rise or fall in blood sugar levels, perfect for diabetics

USAGE: As a sugar substitute (coffee, baking) – just remember to use only a small amount as it’s far sweeter than the average sugar; whip it into dressings and marinades to balance acidic foods

5. The superspice: TURMERIC

DEFINED: Known as one of the world’s healthiest spices, turmeric has been used in Chinese and Indian cooking for centuries; comes from a perennial plant of the ginger family and has a subtle yet distinct flavour

BENEFITS: Aids in indigestion and inflammation, it also has cancer-fighting properties

USAGE: As a base for pretty much all curries, this yellowy-orange coloured spice can also be used in western cooking like pasta, rice, and lentil dishes. Click here for a basic rice pilaf recipe

CFDA Model Weight Requirements

Year after year we see stick-thin, skeletal models walking down the runway. And it seems that as the seasons go on the girls just get smaller and smaller. Ever since the "fashion parades"(fashion shows) of the 1800's it seems that the motto was the skinnier the better. Well this season someone has finally put a stop to this ridiculousness (anorexia in disguise). Recently, the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) have presented the idea of a "health initiative". No this is not a permanent fix, but it is a step in the right direction. It also creates buzz and makes people aware of the epidemic that is the "model".

Back in 2007, the CFDA created a "health initiative" to raise more awareness of eating disorders within the fashion industry and among models. They wanted to change the entire aesthetic of runways, and how models were shown within campaigns and on runways. In the beginning some designers changed their belief system and their sample size, however this concept has faded into the background. And in the most recent years the sizes of models have been worse than ever. Which brings us to 2012, the CFDA most recent initiative plans to promote, create awareness, and educate people of the dangers of under eating and being underweight. This makes us pose the question, will the world of fashion as we know it become a place of normality or will it remain the harsh, brutal, cold, place of anti-eating?

Let me know what you think what the answer will be,

Arabella

Optimize Your Workout

When it comes to working out, I am a HUGE procrastinator! Sure, there will be days that I'll exercise, for like 10 minutes. Other than that, I have absolutely no motivation. My thing is, that I want to get that most out of my workouts and not have to go to the gym. I've watched and looked at dozens of workout videos and articles and found that they all have the same thing in common.

The WAY you should workout. What is this WAY? Glad you asked.

The way to optimize your workout it to work more muscle groups at once. By doing that you not only burn more calories but you burn more fat as well. So finding those particular exercises that work more that one muscle group are the best. Just be careful not to make it a routine. Once your body gets use to an exercise, anything more than 3 weeks, you no longer get results. So be sure to rotate your moves.

Also, be better that me and find the right motivation

Dani Joseph

Eat Your Way To a Healthy Tan

By, Sharan Garcha

Who would've thought that indulging in food could actually give you a tan without stepping foot in the tanning salon or laying in the sun. The best ways improve your looks comes from a source that is not only more economical than most of the beauty aids out there, but it is also good for you: fruits and vegetables. Eating lots of fruits and vegetables can give you the same golden glow without the risk of skin cancer! Consuming five serving of green or orange produce a day will provide you with a tan in just a month, thanks to nutrients called carotenoids.

Researchers have found that a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, especially ones high in carotenoids (carrots, tomatoes) can give your skin a healthier glow than even time spent in sun getting bronzed.

Carotenoids are the substances that give fruits and vegetables their bright and golden skin color. They are in fact antioxidants that are thought to help clear the body of free radicals (molecules created by oxidative stress). Free radicals are believed to play role in the formation of cancer cells. Carotenoids are also believed to help boost our immune and reproductive systems.

So the next time you want to lay out in the sun and work on your tan, consider the healthy eating option, instead. Your body just may thank you in the long run!