Tag: diet

Sakara x Tata Harper Eat Pretty Week

Back in March, I got hooked on Sakara, a popular meal delivery service out of New York that happened to whip my diet in shape. I love the ultra-healthy meals and included Beauty Elixir, a drink designed for a healthy glow and gorgeous skin. I haven’t ordered a week of meals in a while, but tempted to pick up August 29th’s menu. One of my favorite skin care gurus, Tata Harper, had selected the meals that are specifically beautifying. And as a bonus, the package includes skin care product samples to use throughout the week.

Samples of the following products are included in this week’s Sakara meals: Hydrating Floral Essence, Repairative Moisturizer, Regenerating Cleanser, Rejuvenating Serum.

And here is a peek at the menu:

Botanical Bar: Strawberry-juniper filling with antioxidants and skin-rejuvenating, anti-inflammatory botanical herbs. Rolled oats with prebiotic fiber to nourish the microbiome (one of my favorites)
Earth Bowl: Hydrating heirloom greens with anti-inflammatory ginger-mustard-sesame dressing. Avocado for healthy fats to nourish the cell membrane and balance hormones to control breakouts. Quinoa and lentils for cleansing fiber
Toasted Coconut Granola w/ Green Goddess Mylk: Coconut for healthy fats and healing, antimicrobial lauric acid. Almond mylk with spirulina to lower inflammation and nourish skin with healthy fats and B vitamins
Summer Sun Salad: Zucchini noodles for healthy fats. Citrus for collagen-supporting, brightening Vit C. Dried cherries for anthocyanins (antioxidants)
Balancing Macro Plate: Broccoli, kale and cabbage (i.e. cruciferous vegetables) for sulfur, required for keratin and collagen production. Mineral-rich seaweed. Carrots for beta-carotene. Brown rice for cleansing fiber. Avocado dressing for healthy fats
Beauty Elixir: Hibiscus tea, camu camu, schizandra berry, MSM

Make sure to swing over to Sakara to check it out!

Clear Skin Detox Diet

I’ve been a big believer in beauty from the inside out over the last year and a half. Even more so lately, I’ve been paying more attention to how foods affect the way my skin looks (not to mention the way they make me feel). That’s not to say I am giving up my beloved wine, cheese and bread any time soon. But on yesterday’s trip to Whole Foods, I loaded up on papaya, berries, greens, basil, yogurt and honey. And I have Clear Skin Detox Diet to thank for the inspiration.

This straightforward, well-written book is actually a joy to read. Clear Skin Detox Diet covers nutrition plans, recipes and recommendations of foods for specific skin issues. I was thrilled to get advice for skin ailments like acne, premature aging, eczema, and more. Needless to say, I will be shooting for half an avocado a day from now on. And when that nasty pimple appears… garlic to the rescue with its powerful antibacterial properties. Just alone, author Lauren Talbot’s “Build a Better Salad” page is now one of my kitchen staples.

Also, I have to mention this shopping list was also amazingly influential in changing the way I shop for groceries.

Now for the good news! I have one extra copy to give away to one lucky reader. Enter using the widget below. Open to US readers.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Wednesdays On The Web

I have really been embracing the idea of looking forward – not back – lately. Naturally breeding a more positive attitude, I think I become more motivated and creative. Instead of beating myself up for a missed workout or putting my foot in my mouth, I just know that tomorrow is the opportunity for a bigger and better day.

Speaking of workouts, I am striving to step up my game. Pool time is serious with my group of friends and I’d like to get in better shape. While I do frequent cardio, I know I could add runs and weight bearing exercises. I’m also working on my diet. Those who have read this blog know I lost 40 pounds on Nutrisystem last year. While I am still at my all time low weight, I know I need to introduce more whole foods, veggies and fruits. Not to mention, when I eat this foods my skin also looks better than ever! So, that’s where my head is these days. And of course playing and testing so many skin care and makeup goodies.

Some finds from around the web:

Speaking of diet, this is fascinating: what 100 calories really look like

Love this series by Kara – battle of drugstore mascaras – first up is Lengthening

Tempted to invest in this updated classic

Love this how-to, adorable video featuring Estee Lauder products

Earn double InCircle points on beauty online and in stores through Sunday at Neiman Marcus

One of my favorites, Perricone MD, is having their Friends & Family Event. Save 20% on all purchases with code FF2014 through 4/15.

Get 25% off at J.Crew on dressed-up styles with code SPRINGISHERE through 11:59 p.m. PDT tonight

Sale for insiders is happening at Sephora: Beauty Insiders can use code TICKET online through tomorrow and VIB and VIB Rouge members can use code VIBTICKET and ROUGETICKET online through 4/11

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Beauty From The Inside Out on FOX23’s Great Day Green Country

This week on Great Day Green Country, I am talking about something a little different. Here on Belle Belle there is lots of discussion of creams and serums we slather on to keep us looking young. Today, I am discussing some things we can do from the inside out to keep skin radiant, young and clear.

Supplementing our diet with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants is one of the most obvious ways we can improve our skin from the inside out. One of my favorite skin care brands offers supplements specifically targeted to skin. And bonus points that it is backed by one of the most recognizable names in dermatology, Dr. Perricone. Perricone MD Nutriceuticals Skin & Total Body Dietary Supplements is three-tier daily program of nutrients to boost immune system and encourage beautiful skin. While joint and bone function is boosted, antioxidants fights free radicals. Fine lines and wrinkles are replaced with radiant skin. And supplements also offer protection against future damage.

Second up, the always important water. Water is the most basic way we can make our skin radiant and healthy. I notice that when I skip my morning guzzling of water, my skin looks dull and splotchy. But if I keep that bottle at my desk, filled all day long, I get a supple glow. While I try to use a recyclable water bottle, I full admit to splurging on Glaceau Smart Water Electrolyte Enhanced Water. I used to love FIJI but now (if water can really have a flavor) I prefer Smart Water.

I’m on my third month of Viviscal Hair Growth Supplements for Women (you can find my amazing round 1 results from 2012 here). My hair grew 3.5 inches in three months last time and I am seeing the same results this time around. This supplement, adored by models (like Karlie Kloss) and actresses (like Reese Witherspoon), promotes hair growth and nourishes thinning hair. 100% natural ingredients and drug-free, the formula works for men and women, all ages and all ethnicities. Fish proteins, horsetail extract and Vitamin C help ramp up production of keratin (which also boosts nail growth!). My lashes and brows are fuller and longer. My hair seems healthier despite an increase in heat styling lately. And my scalp health is even improved. My body hair did grow a little faster, but the trade off was worth it.

Last but not least, pick up some of the trendy Organic Cold-Pressed Coconut Oil. You won’t regret swaping this kitchen staple and get a second jar to keep in your bathroom. The past week, oil pulling has been all over the internet. This practice of swishing coconut oil in your mouth for 20 minutes daily is said to improve tooth and gum health. While I haven’t made it longer than three minutes, I can say my gum line does appear soothed and my teeth feel cleaner than usual after a couple nights of trying it. If this practice is just too gross for you (I don’t blame you), don’t worry – there are lots of other ways coconut oil can be used to improve skin health. Replace butter and other oils with coconut in your cooking. Coconut oil’s medium-chain-length fatty acids is an antiviral, antifungal and antibacterial agent which can help with shiny hair and clearer skin. Bonus points that it boosts metabolism. And don’t forget to slather it on as a cuticle cream, moisturizer, eye makeup remover and hair conditioner.

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Nutrisystem Week 12

This week, I lost 0.6 pounds for a total weight loss of 21.6 pounds. While it is a little bit of a slower week, I welcome any loss with open arms, obviously! This week, I’ve been having quite the sweet tooth. Funny because I usually don’t go wild for desserts. The wonderful news about Nutrisystem is many meals are actually a tasty little treat. The French Toast, Double Chocolate Muffin and Chocolate Peanut Butter Bar have come in handy. Can you believe I’m losing weight eating this stuff? No, me either. And that isn’t even mentioning the daily desserts (um… Ice Cream Sandwich, hello!).

I’ve also changed things up on the exercise front. That week a while back when I didn’t lose any weight? Yeah, after that I really started going after it with the cardio. The past two weeks, I was feeling a little sluggish, so I tempered my cardio a bit for a little yoga and more strength work. I can see the transformation more in my abs and upper arms. So, even with it comes to exercise, it all really is about balance, isn’t it?

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

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Disclosure: As part of the Nutrisystem Nation Blogger Program, Nutrisystem has provided me with complementary meals in exchange for my honest thoughts on the Nutrisystem plan. The opinions expressed in my posts are strictly my own. No other compensation is being given.

Nutrisystem Week 11

This week, I lost 1.6 pounds for a total weight loss of 21.0 pounds. Each week, I post these updates with amazement. Part of me wants to say “how did this happen?” Making changes is never ridiculously easy, but for me, Nutrisystem has been just that. Wake up, drink water, exercise and eat the food. I don’t mean to be blase about the commitment it requires, but it just isn’t much of a sacrifice. Especially when each week I get to look at a smaller number on the scale. Everything is portioned for you and easily prepared. Not to mention, tastes pretty darn good.

One thing I’d like to add is my update on dining out. I have had many meals out since I’ve been on Nutrisystem. Mostly dinners since that is how my friends and I usually celebrate the weekends. When ordering, I focus on fish, lean meats and veggies. I skip bread, cheese and desserts. I also try to split entrees or order appetizers as often as I can. Favorites are sashimi, shrimp cocktail, chopped salad (dressing on the side), carpaccio, caprese salad (well, this has a little cheese) and scallops. And for a cocktail, I lean towards low calorie martinis and champagne (80 and 90 calories a serving, respectively!).

Perhaps my best takeaway so far is that Nutrisystem has taught me a new attitude and way of life. I like this way of doing things. It is a heck of a lot more fun. So that makes it a cake walk!

Check out last week’s Nutrisystem post here.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

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