While we still have the month of August to enjoy a relaxed summertime schedule, soon it will be time to start prepping for school and getting back into the daily grind, so we've got ideas to help you prepare for the busy days ahead. This month's Nutritious Life tips will bring you new ways to get into perfect post-summer shape, revive your hair from summer heat, help you manage your stress and keep your memory sharp, so no task is forgotten! Enjoy your August Nutritious Life tips!

Pamper: Is your hair feeling damaged after spending hours in the sun and pool? We've got a delicious and easy remedy for you! Next time you reach for crudité and hummus, try a delicious bean dip instead! Beans are loaded iron, zinc, biotin and protein which will help promote hair growth, protect it from future damage, and replenish dried out hair follicles. It will help revive your hair and reverse the signs of sun damage! Not only is it yummy, it's hair-friendly! Enjoy!

• INGREDIENTS:
  • 3 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 large onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 ¾ cups kidney beans, reserving the liquid in the can
  • 1 Tbsp. tomato paste
  • ½ tsp. ground cumin
  • ½ tsp. ground coriander
  • ¼ tsp. ground cinnamon
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
• DIRECTIONS:
  • Heat the oil and cook the onion and garlic until soft and golden.
  • Add the kidney beans and their liquid and stir in the tomato paste and spices and cook for a few minutes.
  • Add the lime juice to the kidney bean mixture.
  • Take the pan off the heat and when it has cooled a little, use a food processor to process the mixture until it is a bumpy puree.
  • When it is cool, arrange in small bowls and sprinkle over the reserved lime zest.

Sleep: No matter what your age, lines and wrinkles are always something we would like to make disappear. You've tried to rid yourself of them all kinds of lotions and treatments, why not try something a little easier, and a lot less pricey? Change your sleeping position and start sleeping on your back! By sleeping on your back, (rather then your side or stomach,) you may be able to reduce the appearance and formation of fine lines and wrinkles. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, "Sleeping on your side increases wrinkles on cheeks and chin, while sleeping face-down gives you a furrowed brow. To reduce wrinkle formation, sleep on your back." Who knew it could be so simple?

Stress: Are you in need of a break from work? Can't seem to find a full hour to recharge? Next time you plan on leaving the office for a quick coffee break, swap it for a 10 to 15 minute massage at your nearest manicurist, spa or salon. Studies show that relaxation methods such as massage elicit a relaxation response that stabilizes the blood pressure of healthy individuals, and significantly decreases the blood pressure in those with hypertension. Research suggests that the more often relaxation techniques like massage are practiced, the better the outcome will be. So, step out of the office and treat yourself! The time that you spend caring for yourself physically will reap huge mental rewards.

Fluids: Can't seem to get rid of exercise-induced muscle cramping? Try some coconut water and say goodbye to the pain of muscle stress. We love Zico Coconut Water; this all natural coconut water is loaded with potassium and essential electrolytes to keep you healthy, feeling energized, and tension-free! Ideal for before or after workouts, Zico Coconut Water is a healthy and refreshing new aid to your pre or post workout routine. Enjoy!

Diet:  Reinvigorate your taste buds by eating ethnic inspired meals this month! Try Indian this week and Thai food next. Aside from learning great new ethnic recipes, you'll find that many Indian and Thai recipes includes spices such as turmeric and cinnamon which are both packed with antioxidants that are proven to improve memory and cognition, prevent cancer, reverse heart disease, lower stress, and protect your joints. Have a simpler palette? No worries, just add a small dash of either spice to your fish, chicken or veggies and you'll still reap the rewards!

Exercise: Lifting weights makes you feel great, but with all of the bench-pressing and iron-pumping at the gym, making your way to that section can be intimidating. You could use a Wii Fit at home, but somehow it doesn't seem demanding enough.... Problem solved! Nintendo is now introducing the Wii Fit Riiflex. The Riiflex is sold as a set of dumbbells that are designed to attach to your Wii remote. They allow the user to track their movements, while adding a source of resistance to each exercise routine or Wii fit game.

Personal Time: Do you feel like you're always forgetting something? Or is there just too much to remember? Either way, as the years add up you may feel like your working memory is decreasing. Try mind games, they are a great way to sharpen your mind and avoid certain types of memory loss. Next time you have a few extra minutes to yourself, play a quick game of Soduko. You'll have fun, while keeping your brain young and stimulated.

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