Summer Heat = Oily Skin
Avoid cleansers that contain alcohol or pH-altering substances during summer and instead, use cleansers that are gentle exfoliaters. You don't want to "scrub" your face because the skin is kept protected by a very thin layer of oil and sweat excreted by those pimple-causing sebaceous glands we sometimes wish we didn't have. However, we need those fluids because they help regulate body temperature and hydrate the skin so we can bend and move without the skin cracking open and bleeding.
Natural exfoliaters make excellent skin cleansers because they contain unprocessed ingredients which will neither dry out nor damage your skin like certain OTC cleansers can do. Examples of natural exfoliaters are:
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oatmeal paste and warm water
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sea salt mixed with honey
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baking soda and water
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sugar and olive oil
Grab That Bikini and Show Off Your Abs!
Crunch exercises not only strengthen your abdomen but also target your abs. Basic crunches are done by lying down on your back, putting your hands on your chest and pulling in your abdomen muscles to raise your upper body. When you reach a partial sitting position, exhale, hold the position for a few seconds then lower yourself back down while you inhale. Try performing as many crunches as you can before resting, but do not over do it. When you are tired, you won't receive the full benefit of the exercise.
Get Super Healthy by Snacking On Raisins
Raisins contain vitamin C, all B vitamins except B12, calcium, iron and small amounts of manganese, potassium and sodium. Also supplied with good amounts of polyphenol antioxidants, raisins are instrumental in reducing oxidative stress, a condition known to produce cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases. Raisins, apricots and prunes are all fruits possessing the highest concentration of antioxidants.
Begone Bugs!
Repel biting mosquitoes and avoid suffering from those ugly, red, itchy lumps by applying rubbing alcohol to your skin. Clove oil is also an effective mosquito repellent but be careful as it might irritate sensitive skin. Other effective insect repellents are lavender, eucalyptus, rose geranium and peppermint. Flying insects such as flies and gnats can be repelled by rubbing almond oil or citronella that has been diluted in oil into your skin.
5 Ways to Break Your Sugar Addiction
1. Stop using refined sugar and start using these sugar substitutes:
- agave nectar
- aspartame (Nutrisweet, Equal)
- honey
- saccharin
- sucralose
2. Don't skip breakfast--make sure to include complex carbohydrates in your first meal (oats, whole wheat bread, cereals high in fiber)
3. Resist the urge to eat a candy bar or doughnut when your stomach growls and eat apple slices dipped in yogurt or a piece of bran bread spread with sugar-free jam.
4. Make your main meal of the day sugar-free by compiling a list of recipes you think you would enjoy. An example of a sugar-free main dish can be found at http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Oven-Roasted Teriyaki-Chicken/Detail.aspx?evt19=1.
5. Drink water!
Cultivate Your Inner Artist
Relax and regroup after a long day sitting outside in the evening and writing poetry, sketching, painting the setting sun or reading a good book. Remember that summer only lasts about four months before those long, dark days of winter descend on you so get the most out of every minute of summer by staying healthy and enjoying it!