This is our last of the Three Things Series (you can read one here and two here). If there is one suggestion out of all three this is probably the easiest for everyone because you (most likely) will not have to run out to the store to purchase a washcloth or small towel.
Hot Towel Scrub
Body scrubbing can be done before or after your bath or shower, or anytime during the day. All you need is a sink with hot water and a medium-sized cotton washcloth.
For the maximum effect, scrub your body twice a day: once in the morning and once again in the evening. Scrub for two minutes to 20 minutes, depending on how much time you have. The process of the hot towel scrub has a deeper physical, mental and emotional effect when done at the sink as opposed to in the shower.
Directions:
Turn on the hot water and fill the sink.
Hold the towel at both ends and place in the hot water.
Wring out the towel.
While the towel is still hot and steamy, begin to scrub the skin gently.
Do one section of the body at a time: for example, begin with the hands and fingers and work your way up the arms to the shoulders, neck and face, then down to the chest, upper back, abdomen, lower back, buttocks, legs, feet and toes.
Scrub until the skin becomes slightly pink or until each part becomes warm.
Reheat the towel often by dipping it in the sink of hot water after scrubbing each section, or as soon as the towel starts to cool.
Benefits:
Reduces muscle tension.
Reenergizes in the morning and deeply relaxes at night.
Opens the pores to release stored toxins.
Softens deposits of hard fat below the skin and prepares them for discharge.
Allows excess fat, mucus, cellulite and toxins to actively discharge to the surface rather than to accumulate around deeper vital organs.
Relieves stress through meditative action of rubbing the skin.
Calms the mind.
Promotes circulation.
Activates the lymphatic system, especially when scrubbing underarms and groin.
Easy massage and deep self-care.
Can be a sacred moment in your day, especially if done with candlelight and a drop or two of essential oil, such as lavender.
Creates a profound and loving relationship with the body, especially parts not often shown care, and especially for a person with body image problems.
I hope you are enjoying this series! The second item is a tongue cleaner which you can find at most pharmacies and super stores. I had always heard of brushing your tongue but I had never heard of or even seen a tongue scrapper until I started at IIN. Once I started using one I found that my cravings were reduced and yes it really does improve kissing!
Tongue Cleaner
The tongue cleaner, an inexpensive yet transformative utensil, is a simple, thin, u-shaped piece of stainless steel. It consists of a blunted edge that removes plaque and build-up from the surface of the tongue. Dentists in America are recommending the tongue cleaner more and more because it helps to fight cavities by removing bacteria from the mouth. The tongue cleaner also prevents bad breath, especially for people who eat a lot of dairy and build up mucus in the mouth, nose, and throat.
The tongue cleaner comes from the tradition of Ayurveda, which asserts that people who use one are better at public speaking, express themselves more thoughtfully, and speak more sincerely and authoritatively. Some people ask if the same effect can be gained by brushing the tongue with a stiff toothbrush. Brushing the tongue moves stuff around and is helpful, but a tongue cleaner is more effective as it clears out the deep deposits and generally keeps the area cleaner, stimulated and alive.
Cravings can be reduced by cleaning the tongue of leftover food. When the mouth can still taste the food, you may experience cravings for previously eaten foods. A tongue cleaner reverses the process of desensitizing your taste buds, which has happened to everyone to a greater or lesser extent. It allows you to taste more subtle flavors in food so that you can eat vegetables, fruits and whole grains with greater joy. When old residue is removed from the tongue, you will be better able to taste your food and won’t need to eat as much since you will have gained greater satisfaction from your meal.
And finally, a big advantage is that it enhances kissing because it makes the tongue more sweet, fresh and sensitive. If you are in a relationship, we invite you to check this out with your partner. Make an agreement to scrape twice a day for one week, and notice the difference.
Directions:
Apply a few quick strokes, 2-3 times a day, or after brushing your teeth
Use the rounded cleaning edge to scrape gently down the tongue several times, while applying slight pressure
Rinse under running water and gently scrape again until no white residue is left
There should be no pain or gagging involved whatsoever—if you feel any discomfort, you are probably scraping too hard or starting too far back on the tongue. And if you are wondering what those bumps are at the back of your tongue, they are your salivary glands and they are supposed to be there. If you found them you’ve gone too far.
Over the next three posts I am going to reveal three wonderful (inexpensive) things that are great for your health. When I first heard about these three things during my program at IIN I was skeptical and couldn’t really understand how three simple things could really change your life and improve your health, but they really DO work. It is amazing how small changes can have such a large impact on us.
The first of these three things is a hot water bottle. Yes you know those big oddly shaped bags that you fill with hot water that you have probably seen in old movies and cartoons. It sounded a little crazy to me too at first but the benefits are really wonderful and they are inexpensive too.
Fill it with hot water from the sink. The water bottle will stay warm for up to 2 hours.
Use it to:
Relax particular muscles or use for the entire body
Deliver nurturing comfort to enable a deep state of relaxation
Try using the hot water bottle on:
The feet for warmth
The back for strain
The lower abdomen for cramps
The abdomen for digestion and relaxation of body and mind
Additional Uses:
To combat illness: use as a warm, soothing companion to help you through flu, chills, and aches.
To ease menstrual cramps: a hot water bottle on the abdomen brings pain relief and soothing comfort.
As a bed warmer: a warm hot water bottle placed in your bed makes for a cozy sleep, especially on cold winter nights.
To ease arthritic pain: a natural, moist heat therapy for arthritic pain relief, especially great for hands.
To calm children: a warm cuddly companion to provide a calm secure feeling when children are ill or upset.
As a traveling companion: take it with you on trips to comfort you – no electricity needed.
To calm your pet: placed under a blanket, a warm hot water bottle soothes puppies in new surroundings — it provides warmth and security and calms them down.
To encourage restful sleep: to help you sleep after a high-stress day, lie down with a hot water bottle on your stomach, close your eyes and breathe deeply, so the bottle rises and falls. Many people carry a lot of tension there and the weighted heat releases it. Try it!
Over the past few months I have had a number of requests for me to post more of my daily eats and life. I have been really hesitant because honestly I am not sure that I can commit 100% to doing it due to how busy I am, however I’m going to give it a shot. For one week I am going to post daily eats and happenings. After the week I’ll see how I am feeling about it and whether it is something that really interest you and go from there. Now I won’t be doing three posts a day (unless I’m bored or suddenly my life gets really exciting.) Most of the time you can expect at least one daily wrap up and if I have time I will post late morning and then evening. Of course all of this posting will be in addition to Weekly Recipes, Healthy Living and Fitness Friday Posts. Okay so lets get started!
Last night the Hubz and I decided to take a tour of our local YMCA and got ourselves a 3 day pass to try it out. We have really been debating joining a gym for years but when we were living in Montpelier I had a mini gym at work and the Hubz work (still) has a really nice gym at his work as well as workout classes and a tennis court (lucky, I know), so we never really needed to. Before we moved last year we purchased an elliptical and it is great but honestly I want to run, swim and have access to group classes. Finally we looked into the Y and the prices for a couple are good especially with yoga, BodyPump, zumba and other classes and a really nice lap pool. The gym overall is pretty basic with cardio equipment squeezed in next to each other; it also has free weights and weight machines but it fits both of our needs. This morning we used our trial pass and the Hubz swam and I did C25k on the treadmill. Overall I loved it. It felt great to be working out at a gym and not at home, alone. I think that for me a gym is a place you go to workout and there is a certain energy about it that motivates me, along with being able to workout with the Hubz.
Burlington Vermont Community YMCA, circa 1940. Postcard.
After our workout we both really wanted Friday Bagels but since we are on a soy/gluten/wheat/alcohol/caffeine free cleanse it was a no go. Instead we decided to go to Magnolia Bistro where they have tons of options that are still inline with our cleanse. I was really feeling something hearty and starchy so I went with three sides: steamed kale, chipotle black beans and homefries, the Hubz was also feeling the starch so he went with kale, polenta and homefries. We also got a cup of decaf fair trade organic coffee and big glasses of water.
Now I’m off to work and then heading out to find a Mother’s Day Gift and then it’s shoe shopping with the Hubz. What are you doing for Mother’s Day?
The Hubz and I love to travel however one of the biggest challenges when traveling is eating. Here are my tips for eating well on vacation:
The Hubz & I in DC- November 2010
Planes, Trains & Buses
Plan where you/what are going to en route
Avoid fast foods
Bring a picnic with you; pack sandwiches, fruit and a vegetables.
Pack healthy snacks
Who food energy bars, whole grain crackers with nut butter, homemade trail mix, hummus and veggies
Avoid becoming dehydrated on flights by avoiding soda, alcohol, juice and coffee; instead sip club soda or water.
Healthy Eats at Jet Blue Terminal at JFK Airport
Road Trip
Pack a cooler with healthy foods
Fruit
Vegetables & Hummus
Bean Salads
Nuts & Seeds
Whole Grain Bread & Crackers
Fruit Spreads & Nut Butters
Stop at markets along the way and restock your cooler with healthy foods
If your only option is fast food look for the healthiest options
Order off the kids menu
Look for places with salad bars, vegetable sides, wraps or sandwiches.
Healthier Fast Food Options:
Panera- try the great selection of salads, soups and sandwiches
Au Bon Pain- try their great selection of vegan soups and salads
Chipotle- stick to the veggie burrito bowls or salads, however avoid the dairy, chips and tortillas.
Boloco- they offer brown rice, whole wheat wraps, organic tofu and a great selection of veggies, however avoid sugar and high calorie sauces, instead top yours with a fresh salsa and tons of veggies.
Scope out grocery store and health food stores prepared foods and salad bars.
Road Trips Snacks - Girls Weekend 2010
Room Service & Restaurants
Enjoy a soup or salad with and appetizer or share an entree- this will help in controlling portions; you can still enjoy delicious food but you will be saving your wallet and waistline.
Avoid the mini bar; Stock your hotel room with healthy snacks so you won’t be tempted to eat the high calorie (and high priced) snacks that the hotel stocks in your room.
Do research; if you take nothing else away from this post it should be this. Take the time to research restaurants, cafes, coffee shops, natural food stores and markets before you travel. You will be able to make more conscious choices if you already know your options. You will also be able to scope out the best places to eat so you can enjoy your experience to it’s fullest.
Hotel Room Breakfast- Oats w/nut butter & figs
Cruising
Stick to your regular eating schedule; I know I already said this above and it applies to any vacations but while cruising (and visiting all inclusive resorts) this is when it is most important to stick to your schedule. You will have food available to you 24 hours a day and for many this means over indulging. Additionally remember to only eat when you’re hungry!
Load up on fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains.
Limit your desserts
Avoid too may sugary drinks, stick to light beers, wine and clear drinks. If you want something fruity try seltzer with your choice of clear alcohol and a splash of fruit juice. Also don’t forget to make sure you stay hydrated! Drink your water!
Hubz and I crusing- i kept dried fruit snacks in my bag (you can see them popping out if you look hard)
Top Healthy Eating Travel Tips:
Stick to your regular eating schedule
Stock up on healthy snacks
Make conscious decisions when choosing to enjoy a poolside drink or that special indulgence dessert
Do you research! Find restaurants and health food markets at your destination that have healthy options.
There’s no denying that everyone, at one time or another, has had a snack attack. Views on snacking differ.
Some feel that snacking is bad and that eating between meals leads to weight gain. Others believe that eating
many small meals and snacks throughout the day is healthy for maintaining energy levels and optimal weight. If there were one way of snacking that was right for everyone, we would all be doing it!
To alleviate snack attack guilt, try to understand why you are snacking and what snacks work best for your body. Perhaps you snack because your daily diet is missing nutrition, or because you are eating too little at meals. You might be snacking to soothe jangled nerves when you are emotional, or to entertain yourself when you are bored. Whatever your reason, acknowledge it and start thinking about how to create a life that is nourishing and truly satisfying.
Although snacks are no substitute for loving your life, they can be great energy boosters. Many convenient snack foods are highly processed and full of chemicals, additives, damaging fats and refined sugars. When a snack attack hits you, try foods that are filling and satisfying, but also nutritious. Here are some tips:
Snack on things that don’t come in a plastic wrapper or a box, like fresh fruit, leftover vegetables or rice
cakes with almond butter and fruit spread.
Make your own signature trail mix, organic hot chocolate made with almond milk sweetened with agave nectar, or blue corn chips with hummus.
You can also try “upgrading”:
If you are craving something crunchy, upgrade from potato chips to raw carrots, apples or whole grain
crackers.
If you are craving a candy bar, upgrade to a handful of nuts and dried fruit.
Instead of a cup of coffee, upgrade to green tea.
Instead of ice cream, upgrade to applesauce with cinnamon.
Upgraded snacks are high in nutrition and give you a greater sense of satiety and satisfaction; you won’t feel
physically or psychologically deprived, and you’ll have plenty of energy to sustain your activities for hours.
Snacking is enjoyable and there is a wide variety of healthful goodies for whatever you’re craving, be it sweet,
crunchy, salty, creamy or spicy. Dive in, be creative and enjoy your snack attack.
I hope everyone had a great Earth Day. I was super busy yesterday and didn’t get to posting my intended Earth Day post however I think Earth Day should be everyday! What are you doing to better the planet?
Caress Voile featuring Repreve® Recycled Fibers! Saving an average of 7 plastic bottles from a landfill per panel, the new Caress Voile curtains are made with fabric created from recycled plastic bottles to provide an eco-friendly and fashion forward option for window treatments.
Around the Home:
1. Choose linens and curtains made from eco-friendly materials whenever possible. Over the past few years the Hubz and I have been working to make our home a greener place. Part of that process is being mindful of the products that we purchase and use in our home. We have a few sets of sheets made of organic cotton and just changed out our curtains for these Caress Voile which are made from recycled fibers and are super inexpensive (only $10 per pack).
2. Swap out your chemical cleaners for natural cleaners. I am all over the place with natural cleaners right now. I am testing out a number of different brands to find my favorite. Currently we have Simple Green Naturals, Seventh Generation and Ecover products. Currently my overall favorite is Seventh Gen however the other brands are also good.
3. Clean yourself without the chemicals. Choose natural body products including toothpaste, body wash, lotions, shampoo and conditioner. Just like what you put in your body you should be mindful of what you put on your body. I have had my ups and downs with natural products and there are some that I love and think work really well and others that are just awful. Here is a peak at a few of my favorite products.
Kiss My Face Toothpaste- this is my absolute favorite natural toothpaste it is made with aloe and works so well. Also Kiss my Face body wash, shampoo and deodorant- I really love all these but I do purchase other products such as Jason and even the natural Whole Foods and Trader Joes brands are pretty good. Lastly is a new deodorant for the Hubz it's a manly scented Tom's which he actually hasn't tried yet.
4. Choose recycled paper and plastic products. There are a number of options out there for toilet paper, paper towels, garbage bags and food storage products (sandwich bags, aluminum foil, parchment paper,ect). My favorite for toilet paper, paper towels and garbage bags are Seventh Generation. I have tried out a number of other brands and there aren’t any (that I have tried) that really hold up as well as Seventh Generation. My absolute favorite environmentally friendly products that I use in the kitchen are If You Care. They make a number of products including coffee filters, parchment paper, sandwiches bags, and aluminum foil. I use the coffee filters daily and they are wonderful. The parchment paper is my favorite to use when I am baking it helps reduce the amount of oil I use in my cooking and it also means less dishes to wash. If You Care also makes household gloves, fire starters, cheesecloth, baking cups and twine; I have not tried any of these products yet but hope to soon. (p.s. keep reading to win your own box of If You Care goodies).
Travel
1. Drive less. I know that driving is a necessity for some people, myself included, however being mindful of how often you drive is important. When you do drive places pick the most direct route to your destination and make sure to plan well so you only have to make one trip. When possible take advantage of public transportation. The Hubz works downtown and has a bus stop right outside of his work; when he can he takes the bus to work and in the summer he bikes a few days per week.
2. Walk or Bike. Whenever possible walk or bike to your destination. Not only will you be reducing your carbon footprint but you will be improving your health.
Food
1. Dining out. Choose locally owned restaurants and/or restaurants that focus on local and organic products. When you travel do your research and find places that fit these standards. You’ll find that food that is produced locally and/or organically taste better and provides more energy.
2. Shop locally. Whenever possible purchase your food at local co-ops, health food stores and farmers markets before visiting larger stores. Not only will you be purchasing higher quality food, food that you know where it came from but you will be helping local companies and the local economy.
3. Grow your own food. Take the time to grow your own food; this does not mean you have to create a garden or get alocal garden plot (although both great ideas). you could simple have a pot on your steps or balcony with herbs, greens or tomatoes. Knowing where you food comes from and the accomplishment of growing your own food really makes your food taste better.
4. Eat more plants. Studies show that eating a plant based diet is better for the environment and the world around us.A plant based diet can lead to extra years of healthy living than one that is focused on meats and dairy. Additionally, it also reduces environmental damage and farm animal suffering
Giveaway Time!!
If You Care recently sent me a variety of products to try and to giveaway. For the giveaway I am giving one lucky winner a t-shirt, household gloves, 2 sizes of coffee filters, jumbo baking cups and wax paper. In addition two people will win an If You Care t-shirt. This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only.
The giveaway is open until April 25, 2011 at 8pm EST. You must leave a separate comment for each entry for it to qualify.
Required Entry: 1. Visit the If You Care website and tell me something new that you learned.
Tongue Cleaner
