We’re always looking for great ways to foster self- improvement and bring out your natural radiance, whether that means going back to the basics, or learning something new. This month’s tips touch on ideas both old and new, with a creative twist for the fourth of July. You’ll learn some tasty Independence Day food and drink recipes, get a sneak peak into my upcoming book, find out how to make the most of your workout (from the bottom up,) and uncover secrets from stress relievers in sushi, to products that will improve your beauty sleep. 

Beauty: For those of you who may be getting too much sun this summer, try this sneak peak recipe from my upcoming book, The O₂ Diet.  It is a natural beauty scrub to rejuvenate your skin, made of avocados, tomato juice and salt. Avocados are high in sterolins which help soften and moisturize the skin, tomatoes are rich in lycopene which replenish skin cells, while the salt will exfoliate dead skin on the surface layer.

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup mashed Avocado
• 1 tsp Tomato Juice
• 1 tsp coarse salt 

Directions: 

• Combine ingredients and massage onto face
• Rinse with warm water and pat dry

Exercise: Sometimes the hardest part about getting started at the gym is choosing the appropriate gym gear! Make purchasing easier by using these tips on the right sneaker for your specific favorite activities: 

• Jogging and running- You’ll need your sneakers to have a flexible sole and cushioned arch.  The added flexibility helps you move faster, while the cushioned arch provides protection to your foot.  For outdoor running make sure the shoe has a sole that will grip the pavement.
• Cardio and Aerobics- Many of these exercises require side to side movement, so you should consider a pair of cross-trainers. The lighter weight will take some pressure off of your joints, and the lateral support will prevent you from twisting your ankles.
• Dance- You’ll need a lightweight shoe that has a lot of flexibility and an exaggerated arched sole.

Sleep: Ever dream of waking up with more radiant skin? Your dreams have now come true! Precision Fabrics has introduced the first FDA approved pillows that contain fibers to eliminate bacteria, moisture, and odor, improving eczema and acne while you sleep. Sleeping on a clean pillow case is an essential factor in improving your skin. Your skin comes into contact with your pillow for a prolonged period of time. Excess oils from your hair and face can gather and create bacteria that is harmful to your skin. Now you can sleep better, knowing that you are getting your "beauty zzz's.”  

Diet: Looking for a delicious way to enjoy the 4th of July while cutting back on calories? Stop by the grocery store and pick up yogurt, blueberries, pomegranate seeds and walnuts… It’s time to make a red, white and blue Independence Day parfait! Eat this antioxidant treat for breakfast or as a mid day snack; you’ll be doing your body good by protecting it from a vast number of diseases.

Ingredients:

• ½ cup fat-free plain yogurt
• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
• 1 Tbsp chopped walnuts 

Directions: 

• Combine blueberries and pomegranate seeds in bowl
• Spoon 1/3 of the yogurt into glass
• Add 1/3, blueberry and pomegranate mixture
• Add 1/3, chopped walnuts
• Repeat two times

Personal time: This may seem a bit out of the ordinary, but let’s take advantage of the beautiful weather and try something new outdoors! Find the nearest horse farm or stable and sign up for a riding class.  Not ready to walk, trot and gallop in the ring?  Sign up for a less-demanding trail ride. Research shows that horseback riding can provide a variety of therapeutic rewards. Not only will it improve your mental and emotional health, but it will also improve your balance and muscle strength.  For more information, check out your city’s department of parks and recreation.    

 

Fluids: Are you a believer in the antioxidant power of green tea? Try the antioxidant power of white tea for a change.  While black, green and white tea all come from the same plant, scientists believe that because white tea leaves are the least processed of the three, they may have even more antioxidants.  Studies show that white tea can help burn more fat and prevent the formation of new fat cells. Try this 4^th of July red and white tea recipe for a refreshing way to cool down: 

Ingredients: 

• 4 white tea bags
• 1 Tbsp. honey
• 4 cups H₂O 
• ½  cup ice cubes
• 1 large blood orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced

Directions:

• In large pitcher, combine tea bags and honey with 2 cups boiling H₂O
• Steep for 10 minutes
• Add 4 cups of cold H₂O
• Refrigerate until cold
• Add orange and lemon slices
• Serve with ice  

Stress: Sushi lovers, rejoice! Besides being delicious, sushi can actually help balance your mood. Studies show that the magnesium found in seaweed acts as a natural calming mineral, thereby helping you fight stress, and the “good” carbohydrates found in brown rice (rather than white) will help prevent a spike in blood sugar. Next time you go for sushi just remember to choose brown rice, high omega 3 fish like salmon, and don’t go overboard with the sake! 

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