You already know that weight gain can be caused by eating more calories than you burn. But what you might not know is that following an unusual eating schedule may also be a reason for weight gain. One study separated two groups of mice and fed them the same amount of calories per day, except one group was fed around the clock, while the other group was fed according to a pre-planned schedule. Lo and behold, the mice fed on a schedule did not gain as much weight as those who ate in unusual patterns. Following a dietary schedule provides stability and allows us remain on track with our diets. So what are you waiting for? Time to get planning!

NLT: I have teamed up with Spa Week to offer you the chance to win a personalized nutritional counseling program designed by… me! You also have the chance to win other goodies like a three-day supply of Nutritious Life meals and a signed copy of my latest book, The New You and Improved Diet. And even if you’re not a winner? Make this November your time to get your diet on track and start planning your meals!

You already know that weight gain can be caused by eating more calories than you burn. But what you might not know is that following an unusual eating schedule may also be a reason for weight gain. One study separated two groups of mice and fed them the same amount of calories per day, except one group was fed around the clock, while the other group was fed according to a pre-planned schedule. Lo and behold, the mice fed on a schedule did not gain as much weight as those who ate in unusual patterns. Following a dietary schedule provides stability and allows us remain on track with our diets. So what are you waiting for? Time to get planning!

NLT: I have teamed up with Spa Week to offer you the chance to win a personalized nutritional counseling program designed by… me! You also have the chance to win other goodies like a three-day supply of Nutritious Life meals and a signed copy of my latest book, The New You and Improved Diet. And even if you’re not a winner? Make this November your time to get your diet on track and start planning your meals!

Boo! Scary things are going to happen if you eat a pillow-case bag filled with Halloween candy, like you did when you were a kid. The kid-version of you may have been able to handle a ton of candy without paying the price on the scale, but the adult version of you will not be so forgiving. This year I’m reminding you to have one delicious mini treat to celebrate the holiday, but after that I want you to focus on celebrating without the candy. I’m not being a witch, I’m being your angel, and looking out for you with these ideas:

Plan a sensational trick: break out your sinister self and create an amazing prank on someone. Remember to be good natured about it, and clever in your devising. Fake cockroaches in someone’s food can be hysterical. A little superglue to a quarter on the sidewalk can keep you in stitches. Put red Kool Aid in the shower head. . . that one freaks ‘em out every time.  And, Kool Aid certainly should go anywhere near our insides! Of course, you cannot go wrong with a little whoopee cushion action. Laughter is really healthy. It makes good sense to me. I feel great when I have a good laugh, but research actually has been done. Benefits of a good chuckle include:

• Laughter makes you relax – it relieves tension held in your bod and it relieves stress. After a bout of good humor, your muscles will show relaxation responses for 45 minutes!
• Laughing is good for your immune system – it raises immune cells and improves resistance to disease.
• Laughing releases endorphins – those are the “feel good” chemicals that create a sense of well being and can even relieve feelings of pain.
• Laughing is good for the heart – it improves blood flow, which can help prevent heart attacks and problems related to the heart.

Plan a scary movie marathon: the obvious choice is to watch Halloween movies, of which there are many. Choose an oldie but goodie or try something new and prepare to scream in fright! I’m a retro girl, with a particular love of old horror – Psycho, Motel Hell and The Shining are on the top of my list. Grab a friend, love or pet and snuggle down. I want you to get your love in and maximize the benefits of snuggling. What are they? Glad you asked:

• Snuggling boosts your immunity – similar to laughing, kissing, hugging and hand holding raise immune cells and fights disease.
• Kissing is good for your face – it actually has been proven that sharing saliva can prevent tooth decay and giving your face a workout burns calories and reduces stress.
• Oxytocin is released – release your oxytocin, friends. It is the hormone associated with orgasm in women, but is also released when snuggling – the amazing benefit is stress reduction and lowering of blood pressure. Get the love in!

Haunt the house: re-invent your home or work space to celebrate the fall and season of Halloween. Light pumpkin spice candles. Accessorize your home with hand carved pumpkins. Use holiday festive linens and tableware. While you are at it, why not re-season your wardrobe? Pack away the summer items you still have taking up space in your entryway. Make the rooms you spend the most time in every day geared towards the fall season. There are important benefits to feeling happy and clean in your environment. You should love the space you spend most of the time in. It will help you be happier and more productive.

• Uncluttered environments = uncluttered mind – it is true that if your space is full of stuff, your brain will be too. It is more relaxing to be in a clean space than a cluttered one. Studies prove this, but even if they didn’t, it is true for me!
• Clean homes are healthier – dusty or unclean homes can contribute to asthma, colds and the spreading of bacteria. Who wants that?
• Social benefits – if you have a clean house, you are more likely to share it with friends and family. Put up some skeletons and pumpkins to accessorize and show off your gorgeous space!

There you have it, friends. Halloween with your health first . . . a very mature way to celebrate . . . I doubt you’ll even miss the candy! Who needs it when you are tricking, cuddling and beautifying your digs? Happy Halloween.

Fall air is slipping into the hip streets of NYC. The mornings are just a little chillier and the evenings require a little shoulder coverage. Fashion week activities are still buzzing. I’m noticing the hottest colors (sorbet shades), cuts (silhouettes are the rage) and prints (yeehaw, long live the color blocks!). No matter what is parading down the runway, I’ve been noticing everyone’s hair! Your mane can be your best accessory, or it can be a true fashion faux pas. Coifed short, or in long tresses, nothing is more gorgeous than healthy hair to really compliment your look. Feeling like I’m sometimes guilty of rockin’ the frizz, and after several conversations with clients dealing with hair loss and brittle tresses, I’ve researched what to do to power up your locks. I’m sharing it with you today. 

Foods: The healthier you are inside, the healthier you’ll look on the outside. Your mane is no exception. Make sure you’re getting enough of these nutrients:

• B Vitamins: Eat your whole grains, quinoa, oatmeal, brown rice, strawberries, green leafy vegetables, chicken and salmon. They contain the B vitamins niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, B6 and B12, which are responsible for increasing circulation to the skin – they work to stimulate hair follicles to grow healthy hair. The complex of B vitamins is important because all of these vitamins work together; researchers have shown the role of B vitamins in: a reduction in loss of hair, a decrease in gray hair as well as longer, shinier hair.
• Biotin: You won’t often find me telling you to eat liver, but it is a very good source of biotin, which is also a B vitamin. Biotin gets special attention for its role in stimulating new cells and re-growing lost hair. It is still up in the air as to whether or not biotin supplementation, shampoo and hair products can do the same work as biotin in the diet, so chow down on other great sources of biotin, including: nuts, eggs, Swiss chard, whole grains and halibut.
• Zinc & Selenium: You’ll find zinc in oysters, red meat, shellfish and legumes. Selenium is abundant in butter (yes, a little organic butter is OK!), garlic, whole grains and fish. Both of these minerals are antioxidants and assist the body in repairing damaged hair and strengthening hair follicles. You need every strand you have, so eat foods rich in these minerals to keep your stylist in business.

Topicals: If your hair is more on the dry side, do not wash it daily – 3 or 4 times a week may be sufficient. The oils on your scalp can revitalize shine to your hair, so don’t remove them with shampoo every day. Steer clear from the ingredient alcohol. Also, limit heat based styling tools, such as blow driers and straightening irons, which can rob the hair of moisture. If you need an immediate shine and repair for your otherwise lackluster mane, use one of these ingredients to add instant shine. You can apply them to just the dry parts of your hair, or your whole head.

•    Avocado
•    Argan oil
•    Beer
•    Moroccan oil
•    Olive oil

Drugs and supplements: The market is overflowing with hair loss remedies. Most of the common prescription drugs, such as Propecia, Rogaine or Minoxidil come in a topical or pill form. They can be helpful for both men and women. There is strong evidence that they work (though better for some than others). Hair loss treatments can maintain existing hair, promote growth of new hair and stimulate the scalp to produce thicker, stronger and fuller strands. They do require lifetime use though . . . once you stop taking them, the loss can be dramatic, so keep that in mind.

Nutrient deficiency shows in your hair. If your diet is somewhat lacking, a multivitamin may not be a bad choice to help make the most of your pony. The well (celebrity) endorsed supplement Viviscal is a dietary supplement that you can find at the drug store or salon. It prevents hair loss and promotes growth; it comes in a pill form and takes up to 6 months to show full benefits, but the ingredients are not manmade and may be more comfortable to take for the long term than a pharmaceutical drug. It may be a good choice for people who have lost hair as a side effect of pregnancy or use of a medication.

Now, nothing beats a great cut and style, so spend the little extra to set yourself up with a sexy and sassy fall (hair-) do.  Trim off the dead ends, condition to a brilliant shine and strut your stuff down the catwalk of your life.

Some people are really into the New Year’s resolution thing, but I’m not a huge believer in the once a year promises – I try to make small goals for myself and work at them often. While I try to start each year fresh, Labor Day really inspires me to reevaluate what I want from my year. I’m not going to chat you up with back-to-school rallying. I will not stress you out with talk of changing your wardrobe and breaking out the boots. I really want to speak to your (and my) personal goals on this Labor Day holiday.

I want to ask you to be a partner with me as I lay the foundation for the upcoming academic year. I like to look at the mission of my private practice and make sure that I’m practicing what I preach. I need to keep my work fresh, so sitting down to do this is super important to me.

There are 8 key elements to my philosophy – I call them the “pillars” of Nutritious Life. I’m going to lay them out for you. There is a bullet with MY goal to correspond with each pillar and I have left one bullet for you in each category to add your goals. Remember to keep your goals simple and attainable. You have reached your goal if it has become a habit; at that point, set a new goal for yourself.

Eat empowered — Feel empowered putting the most nutrient rich food in your body. It’s not “I can’t eat the dessert” – it IS – “I can eat the blueberries!”  When we focus on how good we feel fueling ourselves with the best foods you will continue to be motivated to eat these foods.

• This year I’m going to do a great job stocking my purse, desk and travel bag with healthful snacks (I’m usually pretty good at this) AND I’m going to make sure that I have a stockpile of ready to eat veggies to grab and go in my refrigerator each week. I’m going to chop my celery, trim my green beans and julienne my jicima on Sunday nights when I’m catching up on my favorite shows.
• Your Eat Empowered goal:

Exercise steady  – Aside from burning calories exercise is important because when we exercise our bodies releases endorphins which make us feel good and motivate us to eat well, do our jobs well and simply be happy!

• On days when getting to the gym or a class stresses me out because I have so much to do, I am going to walk up the 7 flights of stairs to my office and I’m going to bang out push-ups, planks  and wall sits while I’m on the phone.
• Your Exercise Steady goal:

Drink up — Our bodies are 50-75% water. The most common reason people are sluggish in the afternoon is due to dehydration. If we don’t drink enough water our bodies do not function properly, we become tired and do not metabolize food properly.

• I am really solid in the fluid department and get my water in every day. Still, I’d like to get more lemon in (it is great at detoxifying the liver), so I plan to slice up some lemon (or cucumber or whatever inspires me that week) for my water; I’ll do this the same time I am cutting up my veggies on Sunday nights.
• I have a second goal: I’d like to have a pitcher of homemade unsweetened iced tea in the house at all times and plan to make a pitcher for me and the family in interesting flavors. It is a great alternative to plain water and is full of antioxidants.
• Your Drink up goal:

Pamper thyself — Treating ourselves to something special can have emotional and physical benefits. Simple small indulgences, like a manicure, massage, bubble bath can make us look and feel great.

• I love a little pampering, but it can be a feast or famine thing for me. Sometimes I have a good run of making it to get a manicure, haircut, movie or leisurely cup of coffee over the Sunday paper. Sometimes weeks go by without my stopping for air. My goal is to meet a girlfriend for a walk once a week for an hour, manicure or cup of tea.
•  Your Pamper Thyself goal:

Sleep deep — When we are well rested we make better food choices, have more energy to go the gym, walk to work or take time for our favorite activities.

• Honestly, this is the pillar I struggle with the most. I know I function best with 7 hours of sleep per night, so I’m going to schedule my sleep like a doctor’s visit and write into my calendar what time I’ll get to bed and wake each day so that I can stick to it.
• Your Sleep Deep goal:

Sex ed — Oxytocin – a hormone released after orgasm in men and women, through cuddling, and even by simply holding hands – acts as a soothing antioxidant and may make it easier for people to stick to their healthy eating style.

• I’m not letting you into my bedroom goals this time . . . a girl needs a little privacy. But I will share this…My kids are still little. I plan to snuggle them as long as they’ll let me. I’ll get my oxytocin dose while I cuddle them and read chapters of The Little Prince.
• Your Sex Ed goal:

Stress less — Stress increases the level of the hormone cortisol in our bodies, which in turn makes our bodies crave carbohydrates, specifically high sugar carbohydrates, and store fat around the mid-section. So, even if we don’t eat more due to stress we can still gain weight due to stress!

• I’m going to write down the 3 or 4 things that have me most stressed out at the beginning of each day. Having them on paper will help me acknowledge them fully and make them seem less intimidating. I’ll give myself extra points if I write an action plan as to how I am going to manage them before they happen.
• Your Stress Less goal:

Your world — The environment that surrounds us can impact our heath, both our mental and physical health.

• This one is easy. I am going to make a clutter free entry way to my home by setting my family up with labeled hooks, bins and customized areas for their ‘junk.’ I’ve been dying to make that project a reality and will conquer it by the first day of school.
• Your Your World goal:

OK, friends. Get cracking. Of course you can share them with me or a good friend . . . remember to reevaluate often. Happy Labor Day. Enjoy!

I’m not sure about everyone else, but my summer sparkle is starting to dull a little. My hair is slightly crispy and my skin a little lackluster. These are true signs that I have been playing too hard at the pool, on the beach and in the sun, and need to take a moment to replete myself. In effort to pamper myself without a trip to the spa, I’m opening up my kitchen to see what miracle cures there are hiding among my grocery items. I am hopeful that my sense of humor will kick in as I concoct away, and I come out of this pantry-beauty-party hydrated and repaired.

To best energize my skin, I’m going for an avocado mask. Avocado oil really boosts the moisture content and collagen in the skin, so it can be used everywhere on the body – sun exposed areas will benefit the most, as they have been especially robbed of their hydration. The salt is a great exfoliant, so rub this on, and let it sit for 20 minutes before rinsing it off. If someone calls you guacamole face, that’s just part of the fun.

Go Green Face Scrub

Time: Under 2 minutes

Serves: one application

INGREDIENTS

• ¼ cup avocado
• 1 teaspoon parsley
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt

DIRECTIONS

1. Blend in a food processor for 20 seconds.

I love the look of a clean and sparkling smile, but the products and services to get them can really take away from my time that I’d rather be outside. They can be full of artificial chemicals which don’t thrill me. Strawberries contain malic acid which is a safe and easy way to remove surface stains. As a matter of fact, lots of the commercial products out there contain malic acid as teeth whiteners. Make it yourself and look forward to sparkling results. Brush with this recipe once or twice a week and you can skip the long treatments and the cost!

Strawberry Tooth Sparkler

Time: Under 2 minutes

Serves: one application

INGREDIENTS

• One strawberry
• ¼ teaspoon Baking soda

DIRECTIONS

1. Mash the strawberry until it is entirely broken down and then mix in the baking soda.

I know beer is for drinking, and eggs are for eating, but they also make an amazing deep conditioner. Make sure the beer is non-carbonated by leaving it out for at least a couple of hours before using. If you are off to the beach, toss this recipe together when you get back and apply it to your tresses as you empty the car, hose off the kids, shake out the sand and empty the cooler. If you leave it on for 20 – 30 minutes, and then wash and condition as usual, you’ll have shiny, shiny and healthy hair that shows no sign of time in the sun.

Go Deep Homemade Conditioner

Time: Under 2 minutes

Serves: One application

INGREDIENTS

• 2 egg yolks
• 8 oz flat beer

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix the eggs and beer to smooth texture.

Have fun, my fellow beauty scientists. Pamper yourself with your pantry. Don’t forget to take before and after photos, and coast through the rest of the summer restored and rehydrated!

When you’re relaxing at the beach, the last thing you you want to worry about is embarrassing body hair. Studies confirm that removing unwanted body hair is a true pre-beach routine for many.  In fact, women and an increasing number of men spend millions on this ritual each year.  In an effort to save a few bucks, more and more people are now turning to at-home solutions like shaving, depilatories (creams that remove hair), and waxing– all of which can cause unsightly bumps and bad reactions!  That’s why, according to Consumer Reports, many hair-removal products are going more natural by eliminating scary chemicals that can cause breakouts.

NLT: So the next time you’re in a hairy situation, get in on some natural action with Moon Organic Hair Removal Kit.  This USDA-certified organic product was founded on the premise that the skin is a receptive organ that absorbs what you put on it, so they’ve taken out all the harsh ingredients and replaced them with nourishing goodies.  That way, you can can go “au natural”, the natural way!

I know I am not alone in my love and passion for the beach. A lake is fine. A river is nice. There is nothing like the ocean, though, to really get me rejuvenated. I take a very whole person approach to health and wellness – in my practice, I have pillars of my philosophy devoted to balancing the nutrition (for nutrition is only one part!) within the context of a person’s life. I speak to my clients on the following points: stress less, your world, sleep deep, pamper thyself. There is nothing like a day at the beach to zero in on keeping my personal pillars intact. Today I’m sharing 10 reasons why the beach is healthy for you. It is worth the sand in your suit and full body sun-block. Read on!

1. Salt water: there is nothing more therapeutic for your joints and muscles than a soak in salt water. The ocean heals little nicks, cuts and scrapes and if you take a minute to exfoliate with a little sand, you’re skin will be grateful for days. (Just remember to reapply sunscreen after time in the salt water and sand – it can eat away your suntan lotion).
2. Sense of stimulation: Go ahead and try to name one of your senses that isn’t stimulated by a day at the beach. Take a minute to see the gorgeous surf, sand and sky combination – it is glorious any time of day. Smell the salty air that can do wonders for pulling stress out of you with every exhale. Of course you don’t eat the beach, but taste how much more delicious your food is with a little salty happiness stuck to your lips and smile. There is not a more relaxing and rejuvenating sound than the ocean. Hear waves hit the shore but do more than that – listen to the sounds of the beach; it’s like a healthy orchestra of restoration for your soul. Finally, there is nothing you cannot touch that isn’t spectacular – from the sand to the sea to the pages in your book, the feel of a day on the beach cannot be replicated.
3. Recreate. I find there is nothing more cathartic than a long walk on the beach. It doesn’t have to be fast – my favorite ones are the ones I take leisurely holding hands with my kids and looking for seashells. There is no goal, no rush, no place to be. My walk is most treasured. Of course, it is hard to resist being active. I love it all: football, Frisbee, volleyball, building castles, boogie boarding and body surfing are my top choices.
4. Body check. Once a year, around my birthday in January I look my body over for new moles, skin changes and anything unusual. I do the same before I go to the beach. As I put on my sun block, I start with my face and work my way down my body – taking time to pay attention to my skin and looking for anything I might not otherwise notice. It’s a good practice to get in the habit of. I always ask the hunk rubbing lotion on my back to take a peek too, but double check in the mirror as well.
5. Unplugged. Honestly my colleagues in my office would never believe me, but I really love it that the beach is entirely destructive to technology. It feels good to organize myself to be without my computer, phone and tablet for a few hours. Some of my most creative moments have come when I’m undistracted and left alone with uninterrupted thoughts. I’m able to focus entirely in the moment without worrying that a ding, blip or ring will pull me from my escape.
6. Pampering 101. It feels pretty to feel pretty on the beach. Polished fingers and toes are a great reward for me, and taking the time to care for myself and all of my digits reminds me that it is important to take time to do things just for pleasure and pleasure has a purpose in my health and wellness. If I’m really, really engaged, I throw in a 10 minute massage, an exfoliation, or skin treatment just to really practice what I preach.
7. Sleep. Whenever I look around at the beach, I notice dozers everywhere. Rarely do I get more than a twilight and dreamy sleep while actually on the beach, but when I go home, I find that I am rested, relaxed and ready to have the best night of sleep – it is truly therapeutic.
8. Turn on. You can argue until you are blue in the face that there are things sexier than the beach, and I will not believe it. Once my ‘senses’ are stimulated (see #2), and I am relaxed, pampered and have unplugged, I look to keep the good feelings going between the sheets.
9. Bare feet. Having bare feet means freedom. It is nearly impossible to be formal without shoes on. If I am shoeless, I laugh more. I trip less. Bare feet mean comfort, and I love being comfortable. My shoes are always off underneath my desk. When I walk into my house, the first thing I do is kick off my heels, sneakers and flip flops. When I am barefoot, I am the most free version of me.
10. Humanity. There is a lack of humanity in many aspects of my daily life. I’m usually racing about with all of New York racing about around me. There is no patience, solitude or connecting over the truly important things in life. At the beach I find people pull out more civility. Families connect. Friends play. Lovers relate and there is a different community for the day – one made up of people who are all out for a nice time. It is noticeable to me when I am on vacation or at a local beach for the day. I look forward to that.

Reconstruct your pillars. Dig out your umbrella. Add to my list. See you on the sand, friends!

Wondering what to get Dad for Father’s Day? It’s that time of year again, so we went straight to an expert to school us on the best gifts of 2012 for Dads, DaDas, and Daddies. Melissa Meyers, Founder of PageDaily, compiled her faves, and there is something for every type of Dad from sporty to techie to everyone in between…make this the year to WOW him!

Sporty:  Timex Ironman Global Trainer GPS, $300

This watch monitors Dad’s pace, speed and distance for various sports including running, swimming and biking in real-time. It’s waterproof and super durable for even the toughest of workouts, and comes with software to help him analyze his data.

Adventurous: Give an experience by Great American Days, prices vary

For the dad who has everything, you can treat him to an unforgettable experience of his dreams.  From hot air ballooning to racecar driving, Dad can book his “Great American Day” at his convenience and on your dime.  This is also a great way to plan to spend some quality time with Dad.

Wine Connoisseur: Tasting Room samplers, $19.99 and up

Bring the wine tasting home with a sample from TastingRoom.com. Each sampler contains six mini bottles to try, and you can purchase full-size bottles and wines by the glass as well.  The “Super Flights” package includes samples and a gift certificate for two bottles of Dad’s favorites.  You can also get him a membership for monthly samplers to try and enjoy.

Fashion: Jack Robie Shirts, $95 and up

Whether your Dad is into style or could use a little sartorial help, he will love the great fit and feel of Jack Robie shirts.  These classic oxfords are made in the US and come in amazing prints and colors Dad is sure to love.

Pampered: Otter Creek Real Tree Set (for Grooming), $54

Otter Creek makes grooming products for the man who doesn’t admit he likes to be pampered (but you know he really does)!  The natural ingredients like green tea and chamomile are great for his skin, and the manly names like “Grit Happens” Body Wash and “Hair of the Dog” shampoo are clever and cool.

Foodie: Cutting Board by Bobby Flay, $55-140

Celebrity Chef and grilling guru Bobby Flay handpicks his favorite kitchen essentials for OpenSky, the fabulous commerce website featuring top product curators in every lifestyle category.  When Dad tells you how much he loves his gorgeous new imported cutting boards from Italy, just tell him Bobby helped you pick it out.

Techie: Wireless speaker from Brookstone, $99.99

The gadget guy in your life will love this wireless portable speaker.  The Bluetooth technology works with his smart phone, MP3 player, laptop or tablet, and can also be used to take calls on speaker.  The amazing sound quality and sleek design amplifies his favorite music, movies and games without any extra cords or software.

Melissa is the go-to girl for all things fashion, beauty and living. As the Founder and Chief Creative Officer of PageDaily, she shares celebrity and expert tips, tricks and product picks and offers great advice on what to try and buy. She is a tastemaker who curates the best new gift ideas, beauty products, styles and trends for the website and shares her hand-picked discoveries through emails, articles, blogs, videos, social media and television.  Melissa has appeared on TV as a lifestyle contributor for NBC’s Today Show and Weekend Today in New York, New York Live, Better.TV, Fox’s Good Day New York among others.  Melissa is also a curator for OpenSky, an expert for TheGift.com and has contributed and been featured several publications including People Style Watch and Hamptons Magazine. 

We are in the thick of wedding season, which means lots of ladies are off to get manicures!  Many have been opting for gel manicures lately for a bright, shiny, no-chip finish.  A gel manicure involves  four coats of polish and after each coat, you put your hands under a UV light.  Some professionals estimate this adds up to over 5 minutes of UV-A exposure, which is similar but not as strong as the tanning bed.  We all know tanning beds can cause skin cancer and increase the aging process of our skin.  Yikes! Be sure to wear broad-spectrum sunscreen on your hands if you’re getting a gel manicure or cover your hands with a cloth under the light, exposing just your nails.

NLT:  If you’d rather opt for a do-it-yourself manicure to avoid these possible health risks, give Priti NYC nail polish a try. Find all the trendy new shades, like Day Flower or Red Maple or check out the beautiful shades in the bridal collection.  These non-toxic nail polishes do not contain formaldehyde or toluene like many other nail polishes do.  Priti NYC also offers a non-toxic soy nail polish remover and uses recyclable glass bottles.  For $12.50 and under you can feel good about your health, the environment, and your wallet.

One of the perks of having your own business is that you get to choose (to some extent) the people who you surround yourself with on a daily basis.  I am continually inspired by spending time with my colleagues, who I am lucky to also call friends.  I have asked some of these great women who work with me at Nutritious Life to take a moment to reflect on Mother’s Day.  Their answers speak to some of the pillars that are the foundation of a Nutritious Life. I hope these words inspire you as you recognize and honor the women and mothers in your life, this Mother’s Day.

Tiffany: Eat Empowered

As a mom of a preschooler, people ask me if my daughter eats healthy because I’m a nutritionist.  The truth is, she’s a typical kid who loves her sweets and struggles to get in green vegetables.  When I was in grad school studying nutrition I had very strong ideas about how I would feed my child when I became a mother…and then I actually had a child.  She is her own person and has her own likes and dislikes.  She does like a lot of healthy foods, but it is a daily, ongoing attempt to get her to try new foods.  I just try to expose her to these wonderfully healthy foods as much as possible, so at the very least she recognizes them (she can identify kale and avocado even if she hasn’t quite yet learned to like them).  She helps me assemble my salads, we go to the farmers’ market together, and she knows all about vitamins A, B and C and how they make her body healthy.  I keep telling myself that I was picky as a kid and grew up to love vegetables, so there’s hope for her, too. So, on Mother’s Day we will enjoy one of our favorite weekend activities together…cooking whole wheat pancakes.  She gets on the step stool and helps me measure and mix the batter, and we occasionally add some fruit to bump up the nutrition.  But let’s be honest, for my daughter it’s not about the whole grain goodness; it’s really all about the syrup.

 Amanda: Stress Less

Growing up, my mom always taught me to STRESS LESS. I’ve always had a tendency to stress about things that were out of my control or that really weren’t worth stressing about. My mom has a saying: “Is this tragic or merely inconvenient?” Putting the problem into perspective and knowing that I can deal with the “inconvenient”, and helping me come up with a plan always helped me stress less, and is a phrase I often repeat to myself today when something arises. To return the favor, my mom and I spend Mother’s Day indulging in a relaxing spa day each year.

Lara: Sleep Deep

As the mother of two little girls, almost 4 and 20 months, sleeping in doesn’t happen often. Since our eldest child was born, my husband makes Mother’s Day a special day for me beginning with a lazy morning in bed. It’s amazing what a little extra sleep can do for my overall mood and energy. It sets me up for an amazing day with my family. In fact, just the idea of knowing I can stay in bed is enough for me. On Mother’s Day, like most days, I just want snuggle with my girls and get lots of hugs and kisses. Being a mother is the greatest gift in the world. And a little extra sleep doesn’t hurt!

Michelle: Pamper Thyself

Mother’s day is a traditional day in my family where for as long as I can remember, the day is all about embracing, valuing, and pampering my mom, grandmothers, aunts, and all mothers in the family alike. For brunch, my dad’s side of the family would gather around my grandmother over an abundance of middle eastern Persian cuisine and tell jokes, past time stories, and sing happy mother’s day songs in Persian, Hebrew, and English. My cousins and I would create small gifts of hearts and poems to distribute to our mothers, giving them hugs, kisses, and unforgettable keepsakes. Then for dinner, we would do the same exact thing with my mother’s side of the family. As I grew older, my gifts became more sophisticated from a scribble of love to a spa date. It is a big day of appreciation and acknowledgement for all mothers do – so do a little something extra to pamper all the mothers out there, including yourself! No matter how old you get mom still loves the hand written heart shaped poems – a keepsake that she can always turn to for happiness and smiles. This Mother’s Day pamper mom with written love whether that is a beautiful poem, note, engraved poetry art, or a handmade scrapbook/collage, it will be sure to keep her smiling and feel loved and appreciated for more than just one day!

Stacia: Sex Ed

I don’t really like to be the center of attention. It makes me nervous. I have tried repeatedly to make Mother’s Day about my mother or mother in law – pampering others is much more my style. But, with 3 amazing kids, I have no choice but to succumb to their doting. Really, it is like bizzaro day. Instead of making 5 breakfasts, lunches and dinners, cleaning up and managing the household, my family takes charge. Behind it all is my husband, who plans, orchestrates and organizes breakfast, my kiddie “rock concert” and barbecue or picnic. There is nothing sexier to me than watching the man I adore (after 12 years 6 moves, more than 10 jobs between us, sickness and health) make super-daddy-egg-sandwiches, and actually clean up. On Mother’s Day, it is not lost on me that the honor of being called mumma is really because of the man I love.

Cheers to another year of parenting! I hope you are honored, pampered and rested in celebration of all your hard work.