Natural Beauty on a Budget Part 1 - Beauty Outside Starts Inside - Nutrition and Attitude

Ok ladies, listen up. If there is *anything* that most women have in common, it is the following:

1) we want to look the best we can - for ourselves, for our mates, just because
2) we're suckers for a slick marketing/advertising campaign
3) we're too busy caring for and worrying about everyone else to pamper ourselves properly

Now....I don't know about the rest of ya'll but I can neither AFFORD all the crap that is advertised nowdays as the next 'miraculous' beauty treatment nor do I have the time to apply/use them all.

So, where is the common sense approach in all of this? And just so everyone knows, every single thing I suggest here I started doing and managed to KEEP doing. I'm as bad as the next working/busy mom - I do and do and do and fall into bed remembering all I didn't get done - and doing for myself rarely makes the 'done' list.

Let's take it step by step....

Ok, let's start with the basics - Health and Nutrition!

1) Water - well, this is simple - drink plenty of it. This is a challenge for me because I'd MUCH rather be drinking a cup of strong coffee! But, my goal every day is to drink a minimum of 4 16 oz bottles of water.

2) This may seem like it's ridiculous, but it's not. Laughter. Laughter is the best medicine, right? Research has shown health benefits of laughter ranging from strengthening the Immune System to reducing food cravings to increasing one's threshold for pain. There's even an emerging therapeutic field known as humor therapy to help people heal more quickly, among other things. Humor also has several important stress relieving benefits.

a) Laughter actually gives our bodies a good workout. Laughter can be a terrific workout for your diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg, and back muscles. It massages abdominal organs, tones intestinal functioning, and strengthens muscles that hold the abdominal organs in place. Not only does laughter give your midsection a workout, it can benefit digestion and absorption functioning as well. It is estimated that hearty laughter can burn calories equivalent to several minutes on the rowing machine or the exercise bike.

b) Laughter lowers blood pressure. People who laugh heartily on a regular basis have lower standing blood pressure than the average person. When people have a good laugh, initially the blood pressure increases, but then it decreases to levels below normal. Breathing then becomes deeper which sends oxygen enriched blood and nutrients throughout the body.

c) Laughter protects the heart. Laughter, along with an active sense of humor, may help protect you against a Heart Attack, according to the study at the University of Maryland Medical Center (cited above). The study, which is the first to indicate that laughter may help prevent Heart Disease, found that people with Heart Disease were 40 percent less likely to laugh in a variety of situations compared to people of the same age without Heart Disease.

If you can't find anything to laugh about, well, just stop a minute to think of a world where women went on strike and men had to assume our roles/duties! Now THAT would be tragically hilarious!

2) Ease up on caffeinated beverages. This is another toughie for me because of the love of coffee I mentioned above, but also because my #2 favorite drink is Coca-Cola (hey, at least I'm honest about it!). So, what I'm doing is replacing 3 cups of coffee or 3 glasses of coke (or combination of) with 3 cups of Green Tea sweetened with honey. I do love Green Tea - and the benefits of Green Tea are impressive. Want to read about those?

3) Eat breakfast. Now, I HATE eating breakfast - I'm never hungry and if I eat a large breakfast I become nauseated. But, when I eat nothing, I end up going hours on ONLY coffee and then binge eat like a starving, rabid person. The way I've solved this? I bought generic Ensure (chocolate flavor, of course) and drink one of those each morning. It gives me something substantial AND gives me some protein. I've actually lost weight doing this, even without changing any other part of my lifestyle.

4) Eat brightly colored fruits and vegetables. Substitute snacks of cookies or chips with an apple, fresh broccoli sprinkled with Olive Oil and Lemon, a spinach salad, etc. You get the idea.

5) Cut down on anything with high Saturated Fat (fried foods!) and refined flours and eat more fish (especially Alaskan Salmon), turkey and chicken. Diet IS linked to Acne - no matter what the 'experts' may say.

6) Take your Vitamins. Of course, we could make a list 3 miles long of so-called 'amazing' Supplements, right? Well, I have three goals with my supplements: 1) general good health 2) heart health (Heart Disease runs in my family) and 3) beauty.

Here's what I take:

1) A solid Multi-Vitamin will help you get all of the nutrients, Vitamins and Minerals you may need. Although, remember, the best way to get what your body needs is by eating right!

2) Alpha Lipoic Acid - Alpha Lipoic Acid, also known as lipoic acid is a powerful, natural antioxidant slowly becoming recognized as having some unique properties in the therapy and prevention of a broad range of diseases. We have all heard the term "free radicals" in connection with youth and aging. Antioxidants are what help battle these free radicals and keep us healthier and younger looking.

3) Hair, Skin and Nails by Rexall (great Multi-Vitamin specifically for hair, skin and nails that includes Biotin!)

4) Fish Oil - 2000 mg a day - great for heart and for soft skin and terrific source of Omega-3s

5) Flax Oil - 1000 mg a day

6) Vitamin B-Complex - Over 60 different bodily enzymes require vitamin B6 to perform properly. In addition, vitamin B12 relies upon its B cousin for assistance in adequate absorption into our bodies. Vitamin B6 promotes healthy skin and hair; therefore, it is not surprising that a B6 deficiency could easily lead to a skin disorder. I personally love No Shot B-12 and B-6 by Superior Source.

7) DMAE - DMAE can lift ones mood level to a more positive side, counter depression and bad moods, and raise and improve cognitive functions (such as memory and Concentration), DMAE can even increase intelligence. Physician's closely watching patients on DMAE have reported that such people are more. upbeat, and have greater positive mental acuity. Also, people taking it often, have reported sleeping deeper and having much more energy when awake. Finally, one of the most promising DMAE benefits is that it promotes healthy skin, by stopping the process of arachidonic acid being manufactured, which is a substance that can lead to Wrinkles and aging of the skin. Because of these purposes, the nutrient can be taken internally as nutritional supplement or applied orally through certain creams.

8) Cod Liver Oil - Healthy skin, Strong bones and teeth, Healthy joints, A healthy Cardiovascular system, A healthy nervous system and prevention of depression and other mood disorders, A healthy lining for your digestive tract

In Part 2 of Natural Beauty on a Budget - Dry Skin Brushing and Body Detox for Beautiful Skin!

Dee Braun, a single mom of 6 kids, is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Dr. of Reflexology and a natural health practitioner. You can visit her at NaturallyBeautiful.Me - http://www.naturallybeautiful.me/ - where you can find helpful information on natural and effective skincare treatments to help battle the ravages of time, toxins and stress as well as address many common skincare problems.

** You are free to use/reprint this article as long as the Author information/bio AND the link within the article stay active and in tact!

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By Dee Braun

Be a Natural Beauty - Tips For Staying Beautiful Inside and Out

Society has one opinion of beauty, but that doesn't necessarily have to be yours. Products are made to hide your beauty but don't let that happen. Learn how to be beautiful inside and out using the features you were born with.

Natural beauty uses the products of the earth to take care of your body. This extends to more than just your face. A long time ago, many civilizations used extracts from plants and fruits to enhance their features. The same thing they put into their bodies they also put onto their bodies.

What was true then is also true today. You can maintain your body naturally by watching what you do to it and for it. Take a look at the following tips to help you accomplish that task.

1. You are what you eat. Instead of hitting the fast food joint, have a meal made with fresh ingredients in your own home. Fresh foods contain more of the minerals and vitamins the body needs to repair itself on a daily basis. Your digestive and other body systems will function more efficiently when given the proper fuel.

2. Enhance your features with mineral makeup. Mineral makeup uses natural earth minerals to bring color to your face without looking made up. Choose mineral makeup without talc, clay or bismuth oxychloride to avoid clogged pores and skin irritations. Mineral makeup provides foundations, blushes, bronzers and eye colors in a variety of shades to fit all skin tones. Because these are naturally occurring minerals, their properties work to improve skin health.

3. Play to your strengths. Concentrating on improving your weaknesses is not a good idea. You have been endowed with natural talents and your time is better spent practicing in those areas. Through your strengths you can bring something new to the world that will benefit your life and that of others.

4. Love your body. Part of looking beautiful is to believe that you are beautiful. You are the only you that has ever been created or ever will be. As a unique being, you have something to offer others around you. Your inner beauty comes from gaining confidence in who you are inside and out. Don't let society dictate how you should feel.

5. Exercise. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. Exercise brings certain strength to your life. As your body gets stronger your mind and spirit will follow. Also, physical activity releases endorphins which improve mood and concentration. You will be ready to face any situation with confidence.

6. Find your faith. Why do you go on each day despite setbacks and problems? Finding a higher power to believe in gives you a purpose in life and shapes your character. When you have a set of principles to follow you have something to shore you up and keep you joyful and thankful each day.

7. Live boldly. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do something. If you have your mind set on a task, there is a way to achieve it. Even if you don't succeed in your quest, you have discovered something about yourself that will help you in the future.

What makes a person truly beautiful? You have the confidence and the self-knowledge to respect your body and give back to life more than it has given to you.

Looking for more natural beauty tips? If you're looking for that smoky eyes make up look and want to avoid "raccoon eyes", sign up for your free guide now. Then visit the http://www.Beauty-Talk.com website for more.

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By Marilyn M Etzel

Natural Beauty: What Is It Really?

By Lori Stryker

Natural beauty is the ideal many people strive to achieve when they purchase make-up, creams, shampoos and other forms of cosmetics. But what really constitutes natural beauty, and how can it be achieved?

Many consumers, in an attempt to cleanse, tone, moisturize, mattify, shine, colour, enhance and so on, have overloaded their skin and their cabinets with too many needless products. Experts have found that 63 percent of all women complain of having developed 'sensitive skin', and many of these complaints can be traced back to an overcomplicated skin care regimen (Fairley, 2001). In contrast, the needs of human skin are simple. They are cleansing, moisture, nourishment and protection. Skin which suffers from burning, reddening, pimples, rashes and other symptoms similar to these may be caused by or made worse from adverse reactions to the cosmetic products overloading many women's cabinets. Often many of these products claim to alleviate or eliminate the very symptoms they are causing (Begoun, 1991).

When selecting skin care, it is best to choose a product formulated for your skin type. Everyone's skin is individual and varied, but to assist in product selection, and in understanding what your own skin needs, the following skin types have been generalized.

- Balanced, which is neither oily nor dry, and similar to the skin type of children.

- Oily

- Dry

- Sensitive, which is a condition involving reddening, burning or rashes when a cosmetic is applied.

- Problem, which is prone to acne and breakouts.

- Combination, which is most skin, containing oily and dry patches.

Beautiful skin can be obtained by making good choices for your skin, such as using cosmetic products and make-up which are truly natural. Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruit, water and healthy oils (such as polyunsaturated fats, essential fatty acids found in flax seed oil, olive oil, etc.) all assist in achieving and maintaining healthy skin. Lastly, adequate rest, sleep and exercise also contribute significantly to beautiful skin.

Simple Skin Care Steps:

- Gentle cleansing - depending on your skin type or preference, choose a natural soap.

- Toning - use a toner which is alcohol-free, infused with essential oils

- Daytime moisturizing - light or rich skin moisturizer

- Nighttime moisturizing - use facial oils formulated with essential oils

Make-up:

Choose make-up which is made with all natural ingredients and colours, regardless of one's age. All faces look fresh and naturally beautiful when colours which reflect the earth's vibrant range of hues are applied. Rainbow-like colours, or deep, dramatic shades cannot be obtained naturally in make-up without synthetically derived colours. These colours rarely look natural, are often trendy and go out of style quickly.

Great looking skin does not mean flawless, masked skin. Rather, lets reconstruct our notions of what constitutes 'beautiful skin' and 'beautiful faces', because perfection does not exist in the natural world, nor does it exist in human beings. Computers, cameras, lighting and other sophisticated technologies create "flawlessness", to create an ideal image no one can attain. Instead, beautiful skin and natural beauty is skin that is free from harmful chemicals, hydrated from within and on the surface, fed with balanced nutrition and wise food choices, and regulated with reasonable exercise. A positive outlook on life and an optimistic perspective also contribute to natural beauty, inside and out.

How The Organic Make-up Company Can Help You Achieve Your Own Natural Beauty

Our products are made fresh for you once we receive your order. We do not stock inventory, so our cosmetics do not require powerful shelf life lengtheners or potent synthetic preservatives. The preservatives we use are natural, such as wheatgerm oil, grapeseed oil, d-alpha tocopherol (vitamin E) and/or ascorbic acid (vitamin C).
While our products do not need refrigeration, our creams, as they contain water, are best stored in a cool, dark place, away from steam, light or unnecessary exposure to the air.

Our packaging is simple, without fancy and unnecessary labels, boxes or inserts. We believe very strongly that the purchasing power of your money should be directed towards a natural, high quality product, rather than wasted on packaging.

We invite you to give our natural products a try. We do not make any unrealistic or unscientific claims, such as anti-aging or wrinkle elimination, which are impossible in any cosmetic. We develop our products based on sound scientific principles and the physiology of the skin. Our products will convince you on their own merit, since they are natural, vegan and an excellent alternative to conventional cosmetics and make-up.

If you have any questions, please contact us at http://www.organicmakeup.ca.

Interested in selling our products? Contact us to discuss how we can assist each other to bring our safe, natural cosmetics and make-up to interested consumers.

References:

- Begoun, Paula (1991). Don't Go To The Cosmetics Counter Without Me, Beginning Press, Seattle.

- Fairley, Josephine (2001). Organic Beauty, DK Publishing, London.

- http://www.naturalcosmetics.ca

Lori Stryker has been researching and developing all natural skin care and make-up for the purpose of offering men and women safe, natural cosmetics for everyday use. She brings to her research a specialist in human biology from the University of Toronto, coupled with a professional home economics degree and an education degree from the University of British Columbia, fusing chemical and biological knowledge with food, family and textile sciences.

You may use this article but any modification or publication of this article for fiancial gain must be approved of by the author. The author's name, Lori Stryker and her company's name, The Organic Make-up Company, needs to by noted when used.

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8 Steps to Natural Beauty from the Inside Out

By Chanelle Washington

Have you ever noticed people that possess a "radiant glow" about them? It is the type of beauty that goes beyond the surface. If you would like to reflect your best without pricey "miracle" products, risky procedures or fad diets read on:

1. Follow a natural detoxification program for 3 days once per month. drink plenty of purified water, meditate, drink herbal cleansing teas, fiber rich foods and eliminate processed foods, dairy, alcohol,tobacco, etc.

2. Perform skin brushing to improve circulation and maintain a youthful appearance.

3. Bathe in in relaxing herbs and soothing essential oils. Try dried rose petals, lavender buds, clary sage or patchouli.

4. Moisturize skin with plant based ingredients. (avoid mineral oil) * Beautiful skin is the secret to aging gracefully* Weekly home spa treatments with Indigofera's Body Polishing Scrub and Silken Body Butter reveal smooth glowing skin.

5.Create positive affirmations and repeat them throughout the day.
"I am light, I attract health, wisdom and beauty"

6. Wear authentic gemstone jewelry like, amber, amethyst, citrine, & garnet.

7. Pay special attention to the colors you where, try to avoid dark colors. Study the Seven Chakras and learn about the energy of color.

8. Smile and laugh more often! Unmanaged stress contributed to premature signs of aging.

Chanelle Washington, RN, BSN is a Certified Holistic Practitioner and founder of Indigofera. She is an honors graduate of Temple University and member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor society for nurses. She is an informative speaker, author. She facilitates " Optimal Wellness Workshops." To book her as a speaker call 215-525-3594 or e-mail wellness@indigofera.com http://www.indigofera.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chanelle_Washington

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