Fight Against Cellulite

Being in your 20s has a lot of perks but one downfall that you may have noticed is…cellulite.  But don’t think that you are the only one with a few dimples because 85% of women have cellulite somewhere on their body.  And just because you have cellulite it does NOT mean you are overweight or fat.  While there is no known cure for cellulite there are a few tips and tricks that can help decrease its appearance.  Remember, everyone is different so one approach that works for someone else may not work for you.

TOMATO PASTE & KETCHUP

Tomato paste and ketchup both contain high amounts of lycopene (even more than you would get from eating a garden-fresh tomato!).  Lycopene helps prevent the breakdown of collagen and when you preserve collagen, you are keeping a healthy top layer of skin overlying your fat layer (everyone has a fat layer), which then reduces the appearance of cellulite.


BROMELAIN
Bromelain is a complex mixture of enzymes that is found in pineapple and other fruits and is an anti-inflammatory.  In addition to bromelain being an anti-inflammatory it also promotes fat cell metabolism!  You can purchase bromelain extract at health food stores.

HYDRATION
Here’s one more reason to drink water and eat your fruits and veggies; hydrated skin reduces the appearance of cellulite! Fresh fruits and veggies that are high in water content like leafy greens, cucumbers, and melons are low in calories which aid in controlling your weight and fighting against cellulite.

SCAMS
There isn’t a proven cure for banishing cellulite, so do NOT waste your money on expensive lotions, devices, and treatments.  The best way to fight against your cellulite is through a healthy diet, exercise, and proper hydration.

CAFFEINE

Not only will an extra cup of coffee or tea help give you an energy boost it will also perk up your skin cells.  In other words, caffeine also helps reduce the visibility of cellulite.  Please note that if you are adding sugar, cream, and milk into your coffee or tea you are reducing the cellulite-fighting benefits.

 

Credit: http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/combating-cellulite-with-food?page=2#copy

Holiday Slim Down

It’s that time of year again when you are feeling plain BLAHHH from an overdose of sugar cookies, fudge, and a few too many cocktails.  Instead of waiting until New Year’s to get back on track start TODAY.  Over the years I have picked up various slim-down tips and techniques from numerous health related magazines and Websites but after trying anything and everything (seriously) I found that there are really only three ways to get REAL results fast and here they are.

DRINK WATER!  Drinking water helps beat bloat and flattens your midsection by flushing away the excess sodium, especially from alcohol.  Add a little bit of fresh lemon for flavor and to kick-start your metabolism. 

AVOID BARCODES.  In other words, eat more fruits and veggies and less processed and packaged foods.

WALK.  Take a few extra mini-walks throughout the day; try to get outdoors if you can.  Even if it’s only a 10 minute walk you are engaging in physical activity and nothing beats the clarity you experience when walking outdoors.

Now let’s be clear, I am not promising that you will lose 15 pounds in a week or anything crazy.  However, if you do follow these tips without consuming mass amounts of leftover holiday goodies you will lose a puffy tummy and regain your lost energy.  So if you want to look and feel healthier today without starving to death or yo-yo dieting then these tips are for you!

First Post!!

Hooray! This is my first official blog post (hold tight)! The purpose for this entire blog is motivate, inspire, and believe in women in their twenties.  Why twenties?  Because when you're in your twenties in this day and age, older generations think you are rude, lazy, and feel that everyone "owes" you something. 

Well, NOT TRUE.  Being in your twenties in this day and age means extreme student loans, an unstable economy that makes getting your dream job nearly impossible, hosting a party with unique appetizers and drinks that nobody has ever heard of, and the beat goes on.  All in all, being in your twenties right now means exceeding everyones expectations and looking fabulous while doing it.

So this blog is going to be filled with the following:

• Tips on saving and making money
• Recipes for quick dinners, fancy (but super easy) appetizers, & delicious cocktails that will please them all
• Suggestions for living a fulfilling and satisfying life every single day
• Tips for acing your job interview (despite the economy)
• Fashion, humor, new products, home remedies, DIY projects, & whatever else comes to my mind :)