Soda Stream Machine• Great alternative to soda, even Diet Coke is making American’s fat• Soda Stream Machine is a great alternative to sodas. Sprouted Wheat Toast• Sprouted Wheat Toast for 2 slices is 120 cals. vs. 1 Bagel = 380 cals. Granola/Protein/Energy Bars• Granola bars can be packed with sugars• Protein bars (Why Whey/Hemp instead of Soy, talks dangers of Soy Protein)• Energy Bars are extremely high in calories Snack Alternative: Roasted Flavored Almonds Vs. Chips• Talk about benefits of raw nuts over pre-roasted/seasoned nuts.• Season raw Almonds with Braggs Amino Acids for a savory healthy flavoring.
I've had so many comments recently asking me about Essential Oils, so I thought I'd give you a quick "101" on why I'm obsessed with them, and how they work. I a big "smell" person - just as some people are "visual learners" and others are "auditory learners," I am a "smell-learner"! I think my daughter is too, because I've noticed that from a really early age one of the first things she does when encountering a new product, is to sniff it. It can be anything from a new book/pencil to a new dress - it's scent has got to be checked out! Our olafactory response is way more powerful than most of us realize. The smells we take in from our environment can cave a profound effect on many of our bodily systems, most notably our nervous system.
Natural remedies really, truly work. Oatmeal: Oatmeal is so soothing for burned, irritated and itchy skin. Simply toss 1 cup of old-fashioned oatmeal in your blender or processor. Process into a fine powder. Either add ½ a cup to a bath of tepid water, or empty 1 cup into a large square of cheesecloth or muslin – tie into a little bundle by making 2 knots, and run under warm water. You can then use this as a compress on painful areas of sunburn. Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple Cider Vinegar is also soothing and healing for badly sunburned skin: Just add 1 cup of Apple Cider Vinegar to a bath of tepid water. Soak for as long as you can. Baking Soda: Baking Soda is a wonderful remedy because it helps to restore the acid/alkaline balance of your skin. Add 1 cup of baking soda to your bath, and when you get out, instead of toweling off, let the baking soda dry on your skin dressing in loosely-fitting clothes. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is the go-to plant for burns. If you are using it from the actual plant, cut the leaf as close to its base as you can, and then slice the leaf open horizontally before squeezing out the fresh gel, which you can apply directly to your skin. You can also pour Aloe Vera juice into an ice cube try, and when your skin has healed from the initial burn (never put ice cubes on a fresh burn or broken skin), you can gently smooth the cubes over the affected area). Do not apply ice directly ever! Ice is a Sunburn Don’t!
