Tuesday, January 10, 2012

Reasons to Get More (Beauty) Sleep

Don't Forget "Beauty Sleep" in your Beauty Regimen!

  • Beauty Sleep is not a myth: 
    • The Huffington Post reported that researchers  found evidence that  sleep deprivation does in fact change your facial appearance. “Sleep-deprived people appear less healthy, less attractive and more tired compared with when they are well rested” (Read the full story here)
  • The effects of chronic sleep deprivation has shown to mimic the ageing process.
    • Studies have shown that with sleep deprivation there are alterations in metabolic and endocrine function including elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol, impaired immune and thyroid function, and early signs of diabetes- aka all of the things that happen when you get old, start to happen when you are chronically sleep deprived. (Read more about this at WebMd
  • Dull Skin- 
    •  If you don't get enough sleep your skin will look dull because it has not had the time to heal from all of daily stresses: harmful sun rays, pollution, bacteria, and chemicals. While you sleep, your body rejuvenates and heals itself. Beauty sleep will restore and rejuvenate your skin because sleep aids with cell regeneration. 
  • Weight Gain
    • People who get at least seven hours of sleep per night tend to have less body fat than people who don't. (1)
    • When you don't get enough sleep, you body releases more of the hormone cortisol into your blood stream. These elevated levels impairs digestion and metabolism and can cause weight gain.  On the other hand, if you don't get enough sleep your body will not release enough Leptin- the hormone that tells your brain when you are full. Due to these lower levels of leptin, you will have food cravings, eat more, and gain weight. 
Theses are just a few of the negative effects of sleep deprivation- If you want feel better & LOOK better start at the basics and get a full eight hours of sleep consistently. 

 Links:

1- http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/sleep/basics/sleep-obesity.htm

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Detox & Cleanse Juice

My Recovery Juice:
Detox & Cleanse  
Made with all natural ingredients
Sometimes, we over indulge on the things we know we shouldn't such as alcohol, fatty foods, sweets and so on. My recovery juice is a healthy mix of fruits and vegetables that will help stimulate your liver, cleanse your digestive track, and is loaded with antioxidants to fight free radicals.

Ingredients: (1 Serving)
  • 1 beet chopped into small cubes
  • 1 pear chopped into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup of fresh spinach 
  • Handful of blueberries
  • A few ice cubs
  • 1/4 cup of water
Combine & blend all ingredients in a blender or food processor. Serve and enjoy!

This juice may seem like a weird mixture but its actually pretty tasty! The healthiness of this juice makes it totally worth it!

Why is this juice a healthy detox? 

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Quick, Healthy & Easy 15-Minute Salmon Recipe

Lemon Garlic Salmon over Steamed Spinach

Why it's good for you:
  • Salmon is rich in Omega-3's, which is said to protect against heart disease, periodontitis, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Omega-3 essential fatty acid's are also immune boosters, which is something important especially during the winter when it seems much easier to get sick. These fatty acids will help protect you against all those germs floating around.
  • Spinach is a great source of Vitamin A, which also helps support your immune system. (One serving of spinach contains 60% of your daily recommended Vitamin A intake.)
 With that being said here is my QUICK and super EASY recipe- only takes about 15 minutes!