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Pro Tips to Stay Hydrated This Summer

Though the summer has barely started, the temperatures here in New York City have been sweltering the past few days. It’s been great to final feel some warm weather, but the heat had the side effect of leaving my body feeling dehydrated and exhausted.

summer_hydrationRegardless of where you live, you’re likely experiencing a similar shift to higher temperatures. For many, the change between spring and summer is a shock for the body, which suddenly needs more hydration and electrolytes than it does in any other season. It’s all because of sweat. Heat and humidity cause bodies to cool themselves through perspiration, leading to the loss of water, salt, and other minerals key to bodily processes.

While the easiest way to avoid dehydration in the summer is to stay inside a climate-controlled room, that’s no way to enjoy this beautiful season. With so many outdoor activities to enjoy in the warmer months, who doesn’t want to be out enjoying the weather? Luckily, it’s easy (and tasty) to stay hydrated all summer long, whether you’re at the beach, on a hike, or picnicking in the park. The next time you find yourself outside in the hot and humid weather, try some of these tips to keep yourself healthy and hydrated:

Drink enough water, and don’t forget your electrolytes! Replacing the water lost through sweat is key to keeping yourself feeling your best, but be sure to also include electrolytes into the mix. This combination of sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium is also lost in sweat, and if not replaced, can cause serious health problems. One solution is to mix sports drinks or electrolyte powders with water, which replaces both liquids and electrolytes in one fell swoop. Coconut water is another great way to replenish your electrolytes, as the drink naturally contains potassium and magnesium.

Eat foods with high water and vitamin content. This is one of the most effective ways to feel hydrated. Foods such as watermelon, cucumbers, bell peppers, strawberries, and grapefruit are all fantastic sources of water, vitamins, and minerals that can help you stay hydrated.

Add chia seeds to your diet. Chia seeds are also a great addition to your diet, as they can absorb up to 30 times their weight in water, creating a gel-like substance. Because it is difficult for the digestive system to break this substance down, it allows the body to absorb the fluid slowly throughout the process, keeping the body at an even level of hydration for a longer period of time. This also helps regulate the level of fluid in the body, only absorbing fluids as the body needs.

Don’t Wait Until You’re Thirsty. Often, you’re already dehydrated by the time you begin to feel thirsty. It’s better to continually sip on water throughout the day instead of drinking a giant glass when you begin to feel thirsty.

What’s your trick to staying hydrated in the summer? Leave your favorite tips in the comments below.

About the author

Ashley Warwa received her training as a Health Coach from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition’s cutting-edge Health Coach Training Program. Her education was equipped with extensive knowledge in holistic nutrition, health coaching, and preventive health. Drawing on these skills and her knowledge on different dietary theories, she is working with clients to help them make lifestyle changes that produce real and lasting results.

BW-PHOTO Asholutely Fabulous is an online destination for natural health information, healthy recipes, health products, healthy lifestyle tips, interviews, videos and articles. AshFab will show people that being healthy is ALL about having fun, adding new healthy habits and positive, uplifting energy to your life, NOT about deprivation, rigid structure, or boring meal.. and the results- feeling fab & looking fab.

Ashley Warwa is the soon to be author of Feed Your Self Fabulous and is the founder of Six Months to Sexy which is a one to one health coaching program designed for women, to help them achieve the ultimate health, wellness & beauty. Clients receive a personally tailored diet & manageable steps to help them lose weight, look great and get to optimum health.


        							

					

			
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If there’s one drink that nutrition and health experts swear by, it’s lemon water. Sounds simple, sure, but it is actually a powerhouse of a drink, and the perfect way to get your body ready for the day ahead. Lemons are packed with vital nutrients, like calcium, magnesium, fiber, potassium, iron, vitamin C, and B-complex vitamins. They pretty much are little yellow balls of healthy goodness! Combined with the hydrating H20, you’ve got yourself the ultimate morning drink. Here are ten more benefits of lemon water: 1) Helps Digestion. In Ayurvedic traditions, it is believed that toxins build up in our stomachs and can cause disease if not cleansed. Lemon helps your digestive system by stimulating your liver to produce more bile. It also helps it by adding more acid that helps break down food and flush out toxins. 2) Freshens Your Breath. Lemon helps get rid of gingivitis and relieves toothaches. Just be sure to hold off on brushing your teeth for at least a couple of hours after drinking lemon water as the citric acid in lemon can erode tooth enamel. 3) Relieves Constipation. Lemon water is a natural way to relieve constipation quickly. Lemon stimulates the bowels, and it helps your intestines produce mucus, which your intestines need to function optimally. It also hydrates the colon and adds moisture to dry stools. 4) Helps Give You Clear Skin. Lemons are full of antioxidants that your skin needs in order to be blemish-free. These antioxidants also help decrease wrinkles. Fun fact: when used topically, lemons can help diminish scars and dark spots! 5) Cleanses the Lymphatic System. Some practices of medicine believe that a dehydrated lymphatic system is a major cause of illness. Drinking lemon water helps hydrate your lymphatic system. When it’s not properly hydrated, it can make you feel tired, constipated, and just plain sickly. Lemon water can help cure you of all these symptoms and also improve your immunity, which helps prevent them in the first place. 6) Reduces Bloating. Lemon water helps relieve constipation, which in turn causes you to lose water weight. Lemons also contain pectin fiber, which helps fight hunger cravings. 7) Reduces Inflammation. Drinking lemon water regularly decreases the acidity in your body. In particular, it reduces uric acid in your joints, which helps ease joint inflammation. 8) Gives You Energy. Drinking lemon water on a regular basis helps your body become healthy, which means that the energy that it was spending fighting off toxins and illnesses will be free to spend as you want! 9) Boosts Your Mood. Lemons have a lot of potassium, which is an essential nutrient for proper nerve and muscle function. Potassium is key in helping your nervous system produce and deliver the neurotransmitters that boost your mood. Low potassium levels have been linked with anxiety and depression. 10) Helps You Cut out Caffeine and Energy Drinks. With all the healing and energy your body will receive from drinking lemon water, caffeine and energy drinks will be things of the past! Plus, having this as your first drink of the morning—rather than a coffee—might diminish your desire to grab a latte afterward. Have you incorporated lemon water into your diet? Share your experience in the comment section below! – See more at: http://www.ashfab.net/http%3A//www.wellnesstoday.com/nutrition/10-things-you-didn-t-know-about-the-benefits-of-lemon-water#sthash.7haBioJb.dpuf

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My Best Beauty Foods this Spring

instant-fairness

Sprouts: Full of enzymes, and easily digestable sources of anti-ageing nutritents.  From broccoli sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, to bean sprouts these all boost nutrient absorption contributing to overall beauty health.

Strawberries: These anti-imflammatory berries increase the anti-oxidant capacity of your blood, defending from stress and signs of ageing as well as boosting collagan production.

Spinach: Is packed of Vitamin A which helps with skin cell-turn over and give you a natural glow.  Also supports cell renewal and repair which is essential for a youthful complexion.

Coconut: Cosumed by eating or drinking this fruit, it is bursitng with beauty benefits. It supports a healthy electrolyte balance which contributes to gorgeous hair, skin and nails.

Asparagus: A powerful anti-oxidant that is full of iron, B, & folate which is important for cell repair.  The more you eat the higher your glutathionen leves increase which can help you feel and look amazing.

 

 

 

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Pretty Peel off Polishes

PEELOFF

What they say: Little BU® is a water-based, wash-off nail polish that is safe for kids. The trendy shades have been created with a non-toxic formula for girls who like to express their creativity and accessorize with a touch of colour.

What I say: I love these four fresh new shades from Little BU®. The polishes are perfect for lil fashionistas but also great for pregnant women, as they are odourless, non-toxic, not tested on animals and vegan.  After applying 2 coats of the polish ( AVA) and blowdrying for 30 seconds,  I was left with gorgeous bright blue finish.   Once I was ready to try another shade (Georgina), I simply scrubed it off with soap and water and couldn’t believe how quick and easy it was.  These mini polishes make the perfect gift for my nieces and friends with little girls.

 

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MY Favourite Fabulous Heathy Snacks

1) Hummus and Carrot Sticks: Hummus is a great source of plant protein and inflammation-busting phytonutrients which also improves digestion, and reduces blood cholesterol levels.  Carrots are immune boosting and great for your vision.

2) Greek Yogurt with Honey and Walnuts: The yogurt provides plenty of protein, calcium, and live active cultures, while the walnuts adds a dose of vitamin A.

3) Chopped Apple and Organic Peanut Butter: So simple but satisfying this is quick and easy and is also a great balance of protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

4) Chia Seed Pudding: Chia seeds contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are filling and improve the digestion. This will give you loads of energy and also curb cravings for sweet things.

5) Avocado Matcha Smoothie: The matcha provides an antioxidant and metabolic boost.  Avocado is a great source of protein and healthy fat that actually contributes to weight loss.

 

 

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Get your Glow on

CREME DE LA MER SELF TAN

What they say: The Gradual Tan Face and Body absorbs quickly for an even, perfectly natural-looking glow with no streaks for a year-round radiance.

What I say: OMG I love this stuff!  Its like Bahamas in a bottle! The gradual tan is absolutely fantastic, giving an even tan of good natural colour, my skin was glowing and looked healthier after only a couple of uses.  It glides on easily, smells divine and is super hydrating! Hands down my favourite go-to self tan product. Infused with the miracle broth, which is anti-ageing , you definitely get what you pay for and a little goes a long way.

 

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7 Fabulous Things about Mangosteen

Blog post thumbnailYou may have heard of it on Dr. Oz, or seen it as a juice in vitamin stores, or maybe you’ve never heard the word “mangosteen” before in your life. Either way, if you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a real treat.

Mangosteen is a fruit native to Southeast Asia that looks like a cartoonish plum with a leafy green cap, which reveals a creamy white pulp when cut open. The pulp is full of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and a plethora of antioxidants, including xanthones, which are presently being studied for their ability to halt cancer cell growth.

While this fruit makes it onto many superfood lists, its nutritional value isn’t the only interesting things about it! I bet you didn’t know these 7 facts about mangosteen:

  1. Mangosteen needs lots of TLC: Originating in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia and Malaysia, the mangosteen is a sensitive fruit that only flourishes in highly tropical, humid climates. Other tropical countries have since begun cultivating it, but the plants are very high-maintenance. For example, young mangosteen trees have incredibly weak roots, and the seed takes anywhere from 8 to 10 years to mature into a fruit-bearing tree! All the more reason to give thanks when you finally get your hands on one.
  2. Mangosteen is called the Unicorn of Fruit: With a rich, purple peel and gleaming white pulp, the mangosteen looks like it was drawn as part of a mythical fairy tale. Despite its appearance, what gives the fruit its moniker is the fact that it’s nearly impossible to find due to its persnickety growth requirements as well as a USDA ban on Asian imports due to concern over tropical pests being transported with the fruit.
  3. It can be tough to find Forbidden Fruit: The strict growing requirements and USDA ban make mangosteen tough to get your hands on, so in the US, you’ll likely only find fresh mangosteen in Asian markets, particularly your city’s Chinatown. This may be changing soon, though, as the USDA recently decided it will allow imports of Asian fruit, as long as they’re irradiated. I personally still haven’t seen it in stores, but be on the lookout! So for now, your best bet is to head to Chinatown, where you’ll likely find mangosteen grown in Canada, which doesn’t pose a threat of tropical pests (and doesn’t have to be irradiated). However, you’ll hear many mangosteen enthusiasts, who have tasted the “real thing” in Southeast Asia, complain about the inferior quality of Chinatown mangosteens. It makes sense, since Canada doesn’t exactly have the ideal growing conditions for the fickle plant. You may be lucky, and find some grown in Puerto Rico or Florida. If you do get your hands on a fresh one, here are some great tips for picking and opening them!
  4. Mangosteen comes in many forms: If you don’t have a ticket to Thailand or live near a Chinatown, you can still get a dose of mangosteen. You will often find it in health food stores as powder, or in vitamin stores as juice. I highly recommend the powder over the juice, as powders are made from the dried and ground fruit, which typically retain more nutrients than the highly processed and pasteurized juices which can have additives, be higher in sugar, and sit on store shelves for ages.
  5. Mangosteen can be eaten whole: Despite a firm encasing protecting the white segmented fruit, the whole mangosteen, including the rind, can be consumed for its beneficial nutrients. Traditionally, the rind was used to make a healing tea, and is now often used in juices. Note that if you do make a juice from the rind, you will likely want to add other ingredients, like carrots or sweet fruit, as the taste can be quite sour and astringent.
  6. Mangosteen may solve your skin woes: When used topically, studies show that mangosteen is effective in treating acne. The nutritional composition of mangosteen inhibits the growth of certain bacteria, particularly those associated with acne. Additionally, folk healers have traditionally made a salve of mangosteen to treat eczema or cuts.
  7. Mangosteen may be part of an effective future cancer treatment: While there are not enough studies done on mangosteen to provide conclusive results, there are a few promising trials that suggest mangosteen can slow or stop the growth of certain cancer cells, in particular  colon cancer and breast cancer. The fruit’s high antioxidant profile, which delay the growth of free radicals, give some scientists hope that it could one day be used to effectively stop the spread of cancer cells.

Have you ever tried mangosteen? Tell us how you liked it in the comments below!

- See more at: http://www.ashfab.net/http%3A//www.wellnesstoday.com/nutrition/7-things-you-didn-t-know-about-mangosteen#sthash.aTXRoKWt.dpuf

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How to get a healthy glow on your big day…or for that important event

flawless

Beautiful, glowing skin is always your best beauty accessory, especially on you’re wedding day.  Every bride wants to have a gorgeous glow walking down the aisle and look healthy and happy.  Good skin starts within; so for at least 8 weeks before your big day, I encourage you to stock up on colourful, whole and plant based foods and exercise to bring out your bridal beauty.

1) Drink 1 Large green juice a day : Packed with beautifying properties, the green blend will make you glow from the inside out.  Try to have a blend consisting of at least 4-5 Green Veg and 1-2 Fruits or Try mine- Bridal Glow: Bridal Glow: Kale, Spinach, Parsley, Celery, Cucumber, Apple, Lemon, 1 Tbs of Spurilina

2)  Stock up on  Salmon, Walnuts, Coconut Oil, Fish Oils, Flax & Chia Seeds’. These seemingly unrelated foods all deliver essential fatty acids, and thus are key foods for healthy skin. Essential fatty acids are responsible for healthy cell membranes, which is not only what act as barriers to harmful things but also as the passageway for nutrients to cross in and out and for waste products to get in and out of the cell.  Because it is the cell membrane that also holds water in, the stronger that barrier is the better your cells can hold moisture. And that means plumper, younger looking skin.

3) Take or Add Chlorella to your smoothies:  This Super food should be names super skin food:  It is amazing for clear and radiant skin, renews cells,  & cleanses/supports the liver and digestion.  Clear gut means clear skin so stock up.

4)  Hydrate Hydrate Hydrate: Drink 8-9 Glasses of water a day.  It keeps skin soft, supple, and smooth.  I also love adding cucumbers or lemons to my water.

5) Book in for a Vitamin C facial 3-5 days before the big day:  Vitamin C is packed with  antioxidants, and your skin will feel and look healthier with a radiant firmer and more luminous complexion.

6) Choose an activity you enjoy: Weather it’s swimming, jogging, walking, biking or fitness classes in cardio or yoga, they will all get your heart rate up making your blood flow and face glow.

7) Exfoliate at least two times per week starting at least two months before you’re wedding day using an oil-based exfoliant. ( I love the Ginger Body Scrub by Orgins)  Exfoliation gets rid of dead skin cells that will make your tan look natural, even and fresh for the big day.

8) Invest in a good tinted moisturiser like the Illuminating Tint by Laura Mercier; which will make you look  youthful, radiant  and keep skin supple, adding to that incredible bridal glow.

9) Use a creme blush instead of a powder.  I love Nars Illuminator in Orgasm: The light-reflecting liquid glides on to refresh the skin, enhance the complexion and create a shimmering incandescence.

10) Book a spa day 2-3 days before the wedding: it will revitalise, refresh and recharge you for the big and beautiful day!!!

 

 

 

 

 

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The next best thing to Fruit & Vegetables

The Next Best Thing to Fruits and Vegetables

Health and well-being are the most precious things we own, and in order to promote and look after them, the body needs an abundance of vital substances.  Nature offers us everything we need already packaged as sweet fruit, crunchy vegetables or juicy berries.

Juice PLUS+® is whole food based nutrition, including juice powder concentrates from 27 different fruits, vegetables and berries.  Juice PLUS+® helps bridge the gap between what you should eat and what you do eat every day.

Fruit, Vegetables and berries contain the concentrated power of valuable nutrients.  But what exactly is under the velvety skin of a sweet peach? What riches do the deep green broccoli florets hold? and what great treasures do the small, bright red cranberries offer?

The answers lie in the complex composition of phytonutrients, vitamins, minerals, and micronutrients.  The interaction of this wide range of substances make fruit, vegetables and berries into valuable ingredients of a healthy diet.

I have been taking Juice PLUS+® Premium for over four years now and have not looked back.  I just turned 31 and feel and look better than I did at 21. Juice PLUS+®, Healthy eating, meditation, juicing, exercise and supplemenation keep me feeling fit, fab and full of life :-)

Try Juice PLUS+® today… you wont regret it.

http://www.juiceplus.co.uk/+aw41885

 

- See more at: http://www.ashfab.net/juice-plus#sthash.MFbrXcgh.dpuf

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7 things you didnt know about Chia Seeds.

Blog post thumbnailChia seeds are the superfood du jour. They’re not only popping up in every health food store and wellness blog, but are also making their way into just about every food category, from drinks to desserts and everything in between.

Whenever I talk about chia seeds, I can’t help but call them nutritional powerhouses. They’re jam-packed with fiber, omega 3’s, and minerals like calcium and manganese, they’re an excellent source of sustainable energy, they aid in weight loss by keeping you satiated longer, and they’ve been shown to support heart health. Yup, powerhouse.

But, I bet you already knew that, so here are 7 facts you may not have known about chia:

  1. Chia comes from the Mayan word for strength: Chia was an important part of the Mayan and Aztec civilizations, where  the warriors ate it to improve strength and endurance. It was also eaten by messengers, who would run all day long with chia gel as their main source of fuel. If you’re into any sort of long-distance or endurance sports, adding chia to your diet may help with performance.
  2. Chia is a food valuable enough for the gods: Not only did the Aztec warriors eat chia, they also used it in their rituals as an offering to the gods. The Aztec’s reverence for chia was so strong that when Spanish conquerors arrived in the early 16th century, they banned the use of chia, citing its ties to the Aztec religion. Prior to that, chia was a major crop in Mexico, with its first use dating as far back as 3500 BC. 
  3. You can trace commercial chia production to one man: After the Spanish banned chia, it was wiped off the continent for 500 years, save for a few small family farms that grew the plant. In the 1990’s, Dr. Wayne Coates and a team of scientists, nutritionists, and agriculturalists began collaborating on the commercial production of chia in Argentina, in hopes of rediscovering the lost nutritional plants of the Aztec tradition. The rest, as they say, is history. Chia is now commercially grown mainly in Argentina, Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru, and Australia.
  4. Chia Pets are indeed grown from chia seeds: Who would’ve known eating your chia pet could be so good for you? The popular potted plant of the 90’s, which would grow in the shape of Marge Simpson’s hair or a furry hedgehog, is indeed the same chia you’re mixing into your morning smoothie. While you could eat the leafy green sprouts of chia, the seed is traditionally consumed and revered for its benefits.
  5. You should always soak your chia before eating: They may be tiny, but chia seeds can absorb up to 10 times their weight in water. Soaking them in water before eating them takes advantage of this fact, making them  more satisfying, filling, and hydrating. Plus, this avoids the issue of having the seeds absorb liquid in your stomach after you’ve eaten them dry, which may cause minor gastro-intestinal issues. Luckily, chia gel (the substance you get after soaking your chia seeds) really doesn’t taste like anything but water. Simply add 1 tablespoon chia seeds to 1 cup water, and let it sit for at least 10 minutes. They’ll expand throughout the liquid, creating a beautiful speckled gel. You can drink as is, or flavor the water with a little bit of fresh fruit juice. You can also turn chia into a decadent and healthy dessert, like this coconut chia seed pudding, which calls for you to soak the seeds in coconut milk.
  6. Chia has an incredibly long shelf life: Without any added preservatives, chia seeds can last up to four to five years in a cool, dry place. While other nuts and seeds tend to go rancid more quickly, chia, with its high antioxidant content, is quite stable.
  7. Chia makes fruit juice healthier: Vegetable juice is great, but fruit juice is no longer considered a health food. That is, unless you add a little chia to it. Straight fruit juice is similar to sugar water with some added nutrients. Sure, it has vitamins, but without the fiber that is present in the whole fruit, the sugar is absorbed too quickly and can spike your blood sugar in the same way a sugary cookie would. Chia seeds add this fiber back in. This may very well be my favorite tip about chia seeds. Because they can slow the breakdown of carbohydrates into sugar, adding them to a sugary beverage, like fresh fruit juice, can help lessen the blood sugar spike, and the negative health consequences associated with it, without changing the flavor.

How do you use chia? Tell us in the comments below!

- See more at: http://www.ashfab.net/http%3A//www.wellnesstoday.com/nutrition/7-things-you-didnt-know-aboutchia-seeds#sthash.AmscQqmN.dpuf

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