More than ten years have passed since I decided I no longer wanted to live as a slave to food or the number on the scale. When I initially sought treatment for my struggle with anorexia and bulimia, a well-meaning doctor advised me to keep everything a secret. He said he didn't want me to be unfairly treated or gossiped about...and, now, I realize he probably also feared that other girls might interfere with my recovery by pulling me into the horrific "Pro-ana/Pro-mia" subculture (if you don't know what that is...ignorance is bliss. Trust me.) However, I chose not to take his advice because 1) I wanted to seek accountability from trusted friends and 2) I wanted to expose as much truth as I could about eating disorders to the rest of the world.
Looking back on the long months of recovery, I am so thankful for the support of my friends, teachers, and church leaders. Today, I continue to be open about my past for the same reasons. An eating disorder is not something that you are ever magically "cured" from, and I appreciate the ongoing accountability and support from my friends and family, as well as the opportunity to get out the truth about eating disorders- unlike the message portrayed by the media, there is nothing glamorous about them. Overall, people are supportive when they find out about my past- but, I have also taken a lot of remarks from well-meaning people that actually leave me feeling hurt and frustrated. As I look at societal trends regarding body image and eating habits, I know I'm not alone, so I wanted to share some of what I'm hearing and explain why it does more harm than good:
"You're too skinny! You need to gain weight!"
I want to respond to this statement with, "Too skinny for what? Too skinny to look good?" I have always been a small framed, naturally thin person. Since recovering from my eating disorder, my small size has never caused me any health issues, and I have not had any time periods where I have deliberately starved myself.
Telling someone they are too skinny is hardly any different from telling them they are too chubby! Both statements carry the same underlying message: "I don't like the way your body looks. I think you should change it."
"Have you lost weight?"
From a standpoint of etiquette, it is never appropriate to ask someone if they have lost weight unless you know they have been trying to loose it (in a healthy manner!). You might think you are offering a compliment, but, you might involuntarily be commenting on weight loss caused by illness or other serious health issues.
For someone who is recovered from an eating disorder, however, this is a no-win situation. If you say it critically (or in a too-sweet, passive-aggressive tone) it sounds as if you are accusing us of something. If you saw someone who was a recovered alcoholic laughing and having a good time, would you go over and ask them if they had been drinking? If someone had been addicted to gambling, would you casually ask if they had hit up any casinos lately? I would hope not! Why is it okay to casually go up to someone who is recovered from an eating disorder and ask if they've lost weight?
On the other hand, if you say it in a complimentary manner ("Have you lost a few pounds? You look great!"), again, you are sending us the message that you are looking at and critiquing our bodies. NOT what we need to hear!!
"You need to eat more!"
There have been a few people in my life who always felt the need to look at my plate and criticize me for not eating enough. It wasn't as if I were constantly avoiding food or eating a few pieces of lettuce every time they saw me- it was just that a normal meal for me wasn't enough by their standards. My absolute pet-peeve is when people come down on me for eating "too healthy." Eating healthy is a vital step in overcoming disordered eating- we need to recognize that food's primary purpose is to fuel our bodies, and is something to be enjoyed but not used as therapy.
If you aren't a dietitian or an extremely close friend, you probably don't know how much we need to eat to feel satisfied. Again, you are telling us that something about us (in this case, our food choices) is not good enough to meet your standards.
"I'm so fat, I look disgusting. I need to just stop eating."
If you know you are overweight and are striving to change to be healthier, that's fantastic! But, please remember, it was the lie that being fat is "disgusting" that probably triggered our disordered eating in the first place. Tell us how you're working on being healthier and how great it feels, or how you're setting a goal to get in shape, but don't carry on about how gross you are or how food is your worst enemy.
"I used to be thin like you, when I was your age."
In my ten years of recovery, there have been two 48ish-hour periods where my fear of calories have come back with a vengeance, and I have found myself struggling to eat full meals. Both of these times, it was triggered by a person who was overweight telling me they used to be my size and "enjoy being skinny while it lasts."
Newsflash: there are rare health issues that can cause a person to loose control of their weight, but, chances are we are not "destined" to become overweight someday. To those of you who are struggling with being overweight: I'm sorry, I'm sure it's frustrating and embarrassing, but, PLEASE, know that I'm not judging you, I don't think I'm better than you because I'm thin, and it is NOT fair for you to try to push your insecurity on me by making me think I have to either stop eating or end up having the same problems some day!
If you are genuinely concerned that we might be slipping, either into self-starvation, binge-and-purge cycles, or even compulsive overeating, take us aside and gently express your concern. Watch for ongoing patterns, not one-time incidents. If we are seriously struggling, know that you are NOT going to fix the problem; we need a health-care professional and/or licensed counselor. Most of all, please remember that when someone is struggling with/recovering from an eating disorder or any other addiction, we need people who will support us through authenticity, and through speaking truth in love!
Sunday, June 1, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
The Vegan Experiment
Doing a one-month vegan challenge had always been a bucket-list item for me; I was curious to know if I could handle it and how my body would respond to it. I decided to take this challenge from Feb 10th to March 10th of 2014. After spending a month with my parents over Christmas break, I realized I was showing signs of some food allergies, especially to dairy, so veganism seemed like a good way to detox and try to reset my body a bit.
I wasn't sure how I could plan a vegan menu as a broke graduate student with limited time, money, kitchen space and cooking utensils, but it turned out to be easier than I expected. In the Twin Cities we are blessed to have many options for grocery shopping, including organic stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's (I strongly prefer Trader Joe's, which is much more budget-friendly!!), but I also found good options at stores like Rainbow Foods or Target Grocery. A few of my favorite options:
Breakfast:
Green Smoothie: Spinach, pineapple and/or frozen blueberries, a banana, almond milk, and protein powder all tossed into a blender. It's packed with nutrients, and it was easy to pour into a to-go cup and drink it as I was driving to student teaching or walking to class!
Oatmeal: I bought some instant packets of organic oatmeal from Trader Joe's- I usually add a handful of raisins to add some sweetness.
Lunch:
Salad: I usually use spinach as the main element of salads and throw in whatever raw veggies I can find- carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, etc- and add a handful of nuts (cashews are my fave!) for protein. I experimented with some dressings (I normally looooove ranch dressing, but that's not a vegan option!) but didn't really find any that I liked, so I normally just ate the salad plain.
Peanut butter and honey sandwich (honey technically isn't vegan, but seeings how it's perfectly healthy and can be obtained without hurting the bees, I decided it was worth cheating!), a piece of fruit and an organic fruit bar from Trader Joe's.
Supper:
This was the hard part for me- as I mentioned, I'm in graduate school and have very limited space in my kitchen, so storing tons of ingredients or cooking utensils isn't an option. I ended up going with mostly frozen meals for dinner- the good news was, there were a TON of vegan options in the frozen food sections of every grocery store I looked at. They are usually in a section marked with some sort of label. Also, check the ethnic frozen foods- a lot of Asian-inspired frozen meals are vegan-friendly.
Some guidelines that I followed:
My priority was HEALTH above all else, not just sticking to veganism for the sake of sticking to it. That meant if my body was telling me it needed a certain nutrient or if I hadn't gotten enough calories and there were no vegan options available, I had to eat/drink something else! I noticed about halfway through the month that I was experiencing a lot of muscle weakness and I knew it meant I wasn't getting enough protein. I started adding protein powder to my breakfast smoothies even though it wasn't "vegan" (there are vegan protein powders available, but there wasn't time for me to search all over the Cities for one or wait for an online order to be filled).
I did allow myself 1-2 "cheat days" per week. These days didn't mean "pig out on junk while I have the chance!!" but they were a chance to enjoy foods I might be craving during the week. I tried to time these days if I knew I would be going out to eat or eating at a friend's house, so I wouldn't have to ask them to prepare a special meal for me or get stuck eating a side-salad.
Some results that I saw:
I did loose a little bit of weight, maybe three pounds max. I feel like it was probably my body getting rid of excess water and toxins. Of course, weight loss wasn't my goal- this was just nature running its course. I did see some of my acne clearing up (I'm turning 28 in a month, and my skin still behaves like I'm 13 sometimes!), however, it still flared up pretty badly a few times. This was actually more or less a good thing, though- if I was still breaking out after a month of veganism, I knew a poor diet wasn't the cause of my breakouts. I was able to sit down with a doctor and dig a little deeper on this one and start looking for a better treatment regime.
The main thing, though, was that my body just felt better. I felt more focused on my teaching and my classes, was able to shake the grogginess faster in the mornings, had less stomach discomfort and joint pain. I definitely had some junk-food cravings, but they wore off with time. Even after the month was up, I noticed really crummy foods were far less appealing to me.
In addition, veganism forced me to remember the real purpose of food: to fuel my body and give me energy, not for therapy or a cure for boredom. This past January marked ten years since, by God's grace, I was healed from an eating disorder, and I have not had any episodes of actual disordered eating since then. However, it is a daily battle to remember the purpose of food- I still have days when I find myself using it as an escape and feeling guilty, and other days when I have to force myself to eat because I'm scared of calories. Of course, it is only by Christ who gives me strength that I am able to fight this battle, but following a healthy diet is something He uses to keep me focused!!
I admit, I couldn't wait to have a cheeseburger and french fries as soon as the month was up, but I'm excited about the new recipes I learned and the foods I learned to like, and about the new perspectives I have. I don't ever expect to commit to strict veganism for life, but I do hope to maintain many of the healthy habits I developed during this past month!!
I wasn't sure how I could plan a vegan menu as a broke graduate student with limited time, money, kitchen space and cooking utensils, but it turned out to be easier than I expected. In the Twin Cities we are blessed to have many options for grocery shopping, including organic stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's (I strongly prefer Trader Joe's, which is much more budget-friendly!!), but I also found good options at stores like Rainbow Foods or Target Grocery. A few of my favorite options:
Breakfast:
Green Smoothie: Spinach, pineapple and/or frozen blueberries, a banana, almond milk, and protein powder all tossed into a blender. It's packed with nutrients, and it was easy to pour into a to-go cup and drink it as I was driving to student teaching or walking to class!
Oatmeal: I bought some instant packets of organic oatmeal from Trader Joe's- I usually add a handful of raisins to add some sweetness.
Lunch:
Salad: I usually use spinach as the main element of salads and throw in whatever raw veggies I can find- carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, etc- and add a handful of nuts (cashews are my fave!) for protein. I experimented with some dressings (I normally looooove ranch dressing, but that's not a vegan option!) but didn't really find any that I liked, so I normally just ate the salad plain.
Peanut butter and honey sandwich (honey technically isn't vegan, but seeings how it's perfectly healthy and can be obtained without hurting the bees, I decided it was worth cheating!), a piece of fruit and an organic fruit bar from Trader Joe's.
Supper:
This was the hard part for me- as I mentioned, I'm in graduate school and have very limited space in my kitchen, so storing tons of ingredients or cooking utensils isn't an option. I ended up going with mostly frozen meals for dinner- the good news was, there were a TON of vegan options in the frozen food sections of every grocery store I looked at. They are usually in a section marked with some sort of label. Also, check the ethnic frozen foods- a lot of Asian-inspired frozen meals are vegan-friendly.
Some guidelines that I followed:
My priority was HEALTH above all else, not just sticking to veganism for the sake of sticking to it. That meant if my body was telling me it needed a certain nutrient or if I hadn't gotten enough calories and there were no vegan options available, I had to eat/drink something else! I noticed about halfway through the month that I was experiencing a lot of muscle weakness and I knew it meant I wasn't getting enough protein. I started adding protein powder to my breakfast smoothies even though it wasn't "vegan" (there are vegan protein powders available, but there wasn't time for me to search all over the Cities for one or wait for an online order to be filled).
I did allow myself 1-2 "cheat days" per week. These days didn't mean "pig out on junk while I have the chance!!" but they were a chance to enjoy foods I might be craving during the week. I tried to time these days if I knew I would be going out to eat or eating at a friend's house, so I wouldn't have to ask them to prepare a special meal for me or get stuck eating a side-salad.
Some results that I saw:
I did loose a little bit of weight, maybe three pounds max. I feel like it was probably my body getting rid of excess water and toxins. Of course, weight loss wasn't my goal- this was just nature running its course. I did see some of my acne clearing up (I'm turning 28 in a month, and my skin still behaves like I'm 13 sometimes!), however, it still flared up pretty badly a few times. This was actually more or less a good thing, though- if I was still breaking out after a month of veganism, I knew a poor diet wasn't the cause of my breakouts. I was able to sit down with a doctor and dig a little deeper on this one and start looking for a better treatment regime.
The main thing, though, was that my body just felt better. I felt more focused on my teaching and my classes, was able to shake the grogginess faster in the mornings, had less stomach discomfort and joint pain. I definitely had some junk-food cravings, but they wore off with time. Even after the month was up, I noticed really crummy foods were far less appealing to me.
In addition, veganism forced me to remember the real purpose of food: to fuel my body and give me energy, not for therapy or a cure for boredom. This past January marked ten years since, by God's grace, I was healed from an eating disorder, and I have not had any episodes of actual disordered eating since then. However, it is a daily battle to remember the purpose of food- I still have days when I find myself using it as an escape and feeling guilty, and other days when I have to force myself to eat because I'm scared of calories. Of course, it is only by Christ who gives me strength that I am able to fight this battle, but following a healthy diet is something He uses to keep me focused!!
I admit, I couldn't wait to have a cheeseburger and french fries as soon as the month was up, but I'm excited about the new recipes I learned and the foods I learned to like, and about the new perspectives I have. I don't ever expect to commit to strict veganism for life, but I do hope to maintain many of the healthy habits I developed during this past month!!
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Five Favorite Uses for Olive Oil
I really discovered all the uses for olive oil last year while living in Spain (where olive trees are EVERYWHERE!!). It is believed that the use of olive oil for health and beauty goes back to Bible times; many scholars believe that when Queen Esther underwent six months of intensive beauty treatments, olive oil would have been a main ingredient in the whole process. Personally, if it was good enough for the people of the Bible, it's good enough for me! I love that olive oil is all natural- no harsh chemicals, fragrances, animal cruelty, and it's usually a pretty safe item for fair-trade shopping. Here are some of my favorite ways to integrate olive oil into my beauty regime:
1. As a moisturizer! I have mentioned in several previous blogs that I suffer from dry skin, but even some oily-skin users have testified to the benefits of olive oil. My personal preference is to mix some olive oil with just a few drops of tea-tree oil before applying it like I would any other lotion. The catch is that your skin will be a bit oily afterwards- I usually like to wait until just before bed to apply it so it doesn't stain my clothes, and so it has time to soak into my skin overnight while I'm in bed under a warm blanket!
2. As a scar/stretch mark fader! It's a slow process, but olive oil has a great track record of fading old and new scars and stretch marks. I've definitely noticed an improvement since I started using it- it's like a moisturizer and a fader all mixed into one! The best part is that olive oil is FAR less expensive than fancy storebought faders (or surgeries!!) AND it doesn't cause further breakouts or rashes which could result in more scarring.
3. As a hair masque! I usually do this treatment every other week or so during the winter months, when my hair and scalp are parched! I take about two teaspoons and apply it right to my scalp, and then massage it for about ten minutes straight (yes, your arms get tired!) and then wrap my hair in a towel for another 10-20 minutes before washing it in hot water (sometimes it takes two shampoos to get all the oil out). Some other women have told me they cover all their hair, from root to tip, in oil, but with my thick hair it's just too much of a pain to work it all in and then try to wash it out! But it really soothes my scalp and brings the frizzies and split ends under control!
4. As a styling serum! This is one that I personally haven't tried, but some women with coarser or curlier hair might enjoy it. Just rub a few drops of olive oil between your palms and then work your hands through your hair to smooth it and eliminate static build up!
5. As a primer! I normally use Arbonne makeup primer and love it, but on days when my face feels dry and I don't plan to do a full makeover, I like to apply just a bit of olive oil to my face and lightly blot it with a tissue before I apply my foundation- it moisturizes, helps my acne scars fade, and it sets the makeup and gives it a more even tone! This might not be a good idea for those who deal with oily skin, but if you deal with dry skin it works great!!
As a fair warning, olive oil can be messy and it STAINS- be careful not to use it when you already have your best dress on or you're standing on a nice carpet. That being said, experiment a bit on your own with olive oil and see what it does for you!
1. As a moisturizer! I have mentioned in several previous blogs that I suffer from dry skin, but even some oily-skin users have testified to the benefits of olive oil. My personal preference is to mix some olive oil with just a few drops of tea-tree oil before applying it like I would any other lotion. The catch is that your skin will be a bit oily afterwards- I usually like to wait until just before bed to apply it so it doesn't stain my clothes, and so it has time to soak into my skin overnight while I'm in bed under a warm blanket!
2. As a scar/stretch mark fader! It's a slow process, but olive oil has a great track record of fading old and new scars and stretch marks. I've definitely noticed an improvement since I started using it- it's like a moisturizer and a fader all mixed into one! The best part is that olive oil is FAR less expensive than fancy storebought faders (or surgeries!!) AND it doesn't cause further breakouts or rashes which could result in more scarring.
3. As a hair masque! I usually do this treatment every other week or so during the winter months, when my hair and scalp are parched! I take about two teaspoons and apply it right to my scalp, and then massage it for about ten minutes straight (yes, your arms get tired!) and then wrap my hair in a towel for another 10-20 minutes before washing it in hot water (sometimes it takes two shampoos to get all the oil out). Some other women have told me they cover all their hair, from root to tip, in oil, but with my thick hair it's just too much of a pain to work it all in and then try to wash it out! But it really soothes my scalp and brings the frizzies and split ends under control!
4. As a styling serum! This is one that I personally haven't tried, but some women with coarser or curlier hair might enjoy it. Just rub a few drops of olive oil between your palms and then work your hands through your hair to smooth it and eliminate static build up!
5. As a primer! I normally use Arbonne makeup primer and love it, but on days when my face feels dry and I don't plan to do a full makeover, I like to apply just a bit of olive oil to my face and lightly blot it with a tissue before I apply my foundation- it moisturizes, helps my acne scars fade, and it sets the makeup and gives it a more even tone! This might not be a good idea for those who deal with oily skin, but if you deal with dry skin it works great!!
As a fair warning, olive oil can be messy and it STAINS- be careful not to use it when you already have your best dress on or you're standing on a nice carpet. That being said, experiment a bit on your own with olive oil and see what it does for you!
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Caring for Dry Skin
When I was about 13, I started dealing with cystic acne- large, lumpy blemishes that could be the size of a quarter and take weeks to heal. My mom told me that this was part of being a teenager and it would probably clear once I reached adulthood. However, I graduated high school and then college, and my skin only seemed to get worse. No remedy -storebought, homemade, or purchased from a fancy infomercial- seemed to help.
Finally, when I was 23, my Amway upline, Erin, performed an Artistry Skincare Analysis on me and informed me that my skin was dry- like, really, really dry. I was shocked- I had dry skin as a child, but wasn't all acne caused by excessive oil in the skin? No, explained Erin, dry skin could be just as much of a culprit as oily skin when it came to acne, and could be the cause of other issues as well: itchiness and stretch marks to name a few. Erin helped me switch to the Artistry Essentials Hydrating skin care system, and also encouraged me to use the Artistry Moisturizing Masque once a week. This isn't the only step I've taken towards treating my acne (more blogs on that to follow, I promise!) but it was a major step! For the first time in ten years, I knew what it felt like to NOT have huge, painful lumps on my face and body!
On top of my face-cleansing routine, there have been multiple steps I have taken to help deal with my dry skin. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, which means I must make a 20-minute one-way walk to my classes each day with icy winds blowing over me and sucking the moisture right out of my skin, and then sit in my classrooms or on-campus apartment with old-school heating systems that pump hot, dry air into the room. Here are the steps I take to minimize the effects of dry skin:
1. HYDRATION!!! Drinking enough fluids is vital to maintaining healthy skin. Fitness experts will tell you that the important thing is to drink 64 oz. of SOME TYPE OF FLUID, and this is true- if you can't stand the taste of water or for some reason can't drink it, drink some other fluid- milk, juice, soda, coffee, wine. Even if the fluid is a diuretic, it will still hydrate you far better than going without any fluids! That being said, WATER raises your metabolism and flushes out toxins, and is probably much easier on your budget! Add a few drops of lemon juice or a slice of cucumber if the flavor really bothers you.
2. Dry Brushing: Purchase a natural-fiber brush from a drugstore or health/beauty store and rub it over your skin in a circular motion to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve circulation. Start at your feet or hands and work inwards towards your heart. Just do it lightly- your skin shouldn't turn red or start to burn!
3. Go easy on showering: Go ahead and call me disgusting, but you do NOT need to shower everyday, especially if you have dry skin! Every other day (or even every three days, if your skin is really dry) is fine- no one will notice! If you find you absolutely need to rinse off after sweating or being in a stinky atmosphere, just rinse off using water and skip the soap! Your skin and hair may go through a bit of an adjustment period if you're used to showering daily, but they will thank you in the end! When you do shower, keep it quick and avoid overly-hot water, which will send your natural skin-oils right down the drain!
4. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers: Soaps designed for oily skin, soaps with lots of fragrances or other chemicals, and even cheap or overly-scented moisturizers are all bad news for dry skin. The chemicals will strip your skin of precious natural oils. Cheap mosturizers will leave your skin feeling moist for a few minutes, but will eventually pull more natural oils out of your skin and leave it drier. Gentle soaps and moisturizers, such as Dove, Burts Bee's, or Aveeno are better fit for dry skin- or, if your dry skin is extreme, your doctor may be able to recommend something stronger. I actually started using olive oil as a moisturizer just recently and love it- my skin soaks it right up and it doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts!
5. Moisturize Immediately! After showering, before toweling off, apply moisturizer to your wet skin and rub it in well. Your pores will be open from the shower and the lotion will seal in extra water, making your skin extra-hydrated!
Finally, when I was 23, my Amway upline, Erin, performed an Artistry Skincare Analysis on me and informed me that my skin was dry- like, really, really dry. I was shocked- I had dry skin as a child, but wasn't all acne caused by excessive oil in the skin? No, explained Erin, dry skin could be just as much of a culprit as oily skin when it came to acne, and could be the cause of other issues as well: itchiness and stretch marks to name a few. Erin helped me switch to the Artistry Essentials Hydrating skin care system, and also encouraged me to use the Artistry Moisturizing Masque once a week. This isn't the only step I've taken towards treating my acne (more blogs on that to follow, I promise!) but it was a major step! For the first time in ten years, I knew what it felt like to NOT have huge, painful lumps on my face and body!
On top of my face-cleansing routine, there have been multiple steps I have taken to help deal with my dry skin. I am currently a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, which means I must make a 20-minute one-way walk to my classes each day with icy winds blowing over me and sucking the moisture right out of my skin, and then sit in my classrooms or on-campus apartment with old-school heating systems that pump hot, dry air into the room. Here are the steps I take to minimize the effects of dry skin:
1. HYDRATION!!! Drinking enough fluids is vital to maintaining healthy skin. Fitness experts will tell you that the important thing is to drink 64 oz. of SOME TYPE OF FLUID, and this is true- if you can't stand the taste of water or for some reason can't drink it, drink some other fluid- milk, juice, soda, coffee, wine. Even if the fluid is a diuretic, it will still hydrate you far better than going without any fluids! That being said, WATER raises your metabolism and flushes out toxins, and is probably much easier on your budget! Add a few drops of lemon juice or a slice of cucumber if the flavor really bothers you.
2. Dry Brushing: Purchase a natural-fiber brush from a drugstore or health/beauty store and rub it over your skin in a circular motion to exfoliate dead skin cells and improve circulation. Start at your feet or hands and work inwards towards your heart. Just do it lightly- your skin shouldn't turn red or start to burn!
3. Go easy on showering: Go ahead and call me disgusting, but you do NOT need to shower everyday, especially if you have dry skin! Every other day (or even every three days, if your skin is really dry) is fine- no one will notice! If you find you absolutely need to rinse off after sweating or being in a stinky atmosphere, just rinse off using water and skip the soap! Your skin and hair may go through a bit of an adjustment period if you're used to showering daily, but they will thank you in the end! When you do shower, keep it quick and avoid overly-hot water, which will send your natural skin-oils right down the drain!
4. Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers: Soaps designed for oily skin, soaps with lots of fragrances or other chemicals, and even cheap or overly-scented moisturizers are all bad news for dry skin. The chemicals will strip your skin of precious natural oils. Cheap mosturizers will leave your skin feeling moist for a few minutes, but will eventually pull more natural oils out of your skin and leave it drier. Gentle soaps and moisturizers, such as Dove, Burts Bee's, or Aveeno are better fit for dry skin- or, if your dry skin is extreme, your doctor may be able to recommend something stronger. I actually started using olive oil as a moisturizer just recently and love it- my skin soaks it right up and it doesn't clog pores or cause breakouts!
5. Moisturize Immediately! After showering, before toweling off, apply moisturizer to your wet skin and rub it in well. Your pores will be open from the shower and the lotion will seal in extra water, making your skin extra-hydrated!
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Easy Nail Polish Trend: Mismatched Manicure
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Beauty Tip: Winter Hair Care
Winter Hair Care (Taken from my writing.com account)
If you live in an area where the winters are long and cold, you are probably familiar with the bad hair days that come with the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Many men and women complain of flaky scalps, split ends, and enough static electricity to light up New York City in their hair!
Many factors play into dry winter hair. People who naturally experience dry skin are vulnerable to begin with. Freezing temperatures cause the amount natural moisture in the air to drop, and we often combat the cold with old-school heating systems that pump out dry, dusty air! Our bodies might think we are on a frozen tundra, but it’s no wonder our hair acts like we are living in a desert!
In the battle of elements vs. hair, moisture is our greatest defense. Here are some important steps we can take to make sure we are giving our hair the moisture and TLC it needs during the harsh winter months:
1. Cut back on shampooing!
Unless you have extremely oily hair (the roots look greasy and hair feels slimy 12-24 hours after shampooing), hair should NEVER be shampooed daily! Shampoo gets your hair clean, but it will also strip your hair and scalp of nature’s best moisturizer: your own natural oils! Only shampoo if your hair and scalp are starting to look oily, or if your hair has been exposed to something that needs to be washed out right away (such as excessive hairspray or cigarette smoke). Some people may need to shampoo every 48 hours, others might only need to wash once or twice a week. You may be able to hold off shampooing an extra day by applying translucent face powder to your roots if they look just a touch oily.
2. Crank up the conditioning!
Condition your hair every time you shower, even if you don’t shampoo! For an extra-deep conditioning, rinse hair with warm water, apply conditioner from roots to tips, and then wrap a towel around your head for 30 minutes. The warm water will open your scalp pores, and the towel will hold in your body heat so the conditioner can really sink in! When time is up, remove the towel and rinse your hair in water as cold as you can stand it to close up your pores and lock in the conditioning treatment!
*Extra tip: if you are a swimmer, shampoo your hair and apply conditioner before swimming and cover it with a swim cap. Rinse the conditioner out after your workout to avoid washing away your natural oils and protect your tresses from pool chemicals.
3. Give your hair a monthly protein treatment!
You can shop around your local salons to have this done professionally, or you can do it yourself! Just blend three eggs with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and apply after washing your hair from root to tip. Wrap hair in a towel for 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Wash the towel IMMEDIATELY and disinfect any surfaces that raw eggs have touched.
4. Choose low-maintenance hairstyles!
Hairdryers and heated styling tools can accelerate dryness, and buildup of hairspray and other products can make frequent shampooing more necessary. Try to stick with hairstyles that require a minimum amount of effort, and when you do use heat on your hair, make sure to spray it with a heat-protectant, first!
5. Carry the dryer sheet!
The old classic “rub your comb over a dryer sheet and comb your hair with it” really makes a huge difference! Use the dryer sheet to fend off static in your hair.
Above all else, remember that everyone has bad hair days, especially in the winter months! Use these tips to help minimize those periods, and, when all else fails, throw on a cute hat to stay warm!
*This is from my own personal writing.com account- I AM the author and have all the rights to this article!
If you live in an area where the winters are long and cold, you are probably familiar with the bad hair days that come with the snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. Many men and women complain of flaky scalps, split ends, and enough static electricity to light up New York City in their hair!
Many factors play into dry winter hair. People who naturally experience dry skin are vulnerable to begin with. Freezing temperatures cause the amount natural moisture in the air to drop, and we often combat the cold with old-school heating systems that pump out dry, dusty air! Our bodies might think we are on a frozen tundra, but it’s no wonder our hair acts like we are living in a desert!
In the battle of elements vs. hair, moisture is our greatest defense. Here are some important steps we can take to make sure we are giving our hair the moisture and TLC it needs during the harsh winter months:
1. Cut back on shampooing!
Unless you have extremely oily hair (the roots look greasy and hair feels slimy 12-24 hours after shampooing), hair should NEVER be shampooed daily! Shampoo gets your hair clean, but it will also strip your hair and scalp of nature’s best moisturizer: your own natural oils! Only shampoo if your hair and scalp are starting to look oily, or if your hair has been exposed to something that needs to be washed out right away (such as excessive hairspray or cigarette smoke). Some people may need to shampoo every 48 hours, others might only need to wash once or twice a week. You may be able to hold off shampooing an extra day by applying translucent face powder to your roots if they look just a touch oily.
2. Crank up the conditioning!
Condition your hair every time you shower, even if you don’t shampoo! For an extra-deep conditioning, rinse hair with warm water, apply conditioner from roots to tips, and then wrap a towel around your head for 30 minutes. The warm water will open your scalp pores, and the towel will hold in your body heat so the conditioner can really sink in! When time is up, remove the towel and rinse your hair in water as cold as you can stand it to close up your pores and lock in the conditioning treatment!
*Extra tip: if you are a swimmer, shampoo your hair and apply conditioner before swimming and cover it with a swim cap. Rinse the conditioner out after your workout to avoid washing away your natural oils and protect your tresses from pool chemicals.
3. Give your hair a monthly protein treatment!
You can shop around your local salons to have this done professionally, or you can do it yourself! Just blend three eggs with a teaspoon of lemon juice, and apply after washing your hair from root to tip. Wrap hair in a towel for 15-30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Wash the towel IMMEDIATELY and disinfect any surfaces that raw eggs have touched.
4. Choose low-maintenance hairstyles!
Hairdryers and heated styling tools can accelerate dryness, and buildup of hairspray and other products can make frequent shampooing more necessary. Try to stick with hairstyles that require a minimum amount of effort, and when you do use heat on your hair, make sure to spray it with a heat-protectant, first!
5. Carry the dryer sheet!
The old classic “rub your comb over a dryer sheet and comb your hair with it” really makes a huge difference! Use the dryer sheet to fend off static in your hair.
Above all else, remember that everyone has bad hair days, especially in the winter months! Use these tips to help minimize those periods, and, when all else fails, throw on a cute hat to stay warm!
*This is from my own personal writing.com account- I AM the author and have all the rights to this article!
Thursday, August 25, 2011
The Secret to Confidence...?
Recently, I read an interview with a popular actress in a magazine. The cover of the mag advertised the interview under the headline: "Steal the secret to her confidence!" Of course, the interview went on to yammer about what she was wearing, who she was dating, and all the stuff that we feel the need to know about celebrities. Then, finally the promised secret: "It's her I-don't-give-a-[expletive]-what-anyone-thinks-of-me attitude," the mag proclaimed.
Uh.......okaaaay....
Yeah, I know, people who are all hung up on what others think usually wind up with pretty low-self esteems. We all know that you can't please everybody. You can be as genuine as possible or you can wear a thousand masks, but there's always that someone who can't find anything better to do than hate on you. No, you can't become consumed with what others think of you.
But, then, have you ever met someone who decided they didn't care what others think...and just stopped there? I mean, people who REALLY don't care what others think- they don't care if their waitress, cashier, or customer service representative think that they are the rudest customer they've ever had. They don't care if their teachers or classmates think they are distracting or obnoxious. They don't care if their friends and families are embarrassed by them. You can't discuss anything with unless you want to feel belittled or attacked. Confident? Maybe...but "cocky," or even just plain "rude" might be a better word.
So, there has to be more to confidence than just not caring what people think of you. Think about some of the most "confident" people you know- the ones that you wish you were like. I'm picturing a few people, most of whom I know from church or work. These are the people who, when I walk into a room, come rushing over to me to ask how I am. Sometimes, if they have a detailed-enough memory, they ask me about some important-to-me event that took place recently (like a job interview or going to visit a cousin). They aren't trying to get something from me; they just want to make me feel valued. Their concern isn't what I think of them; their concern is what I think of myself!
It really is more blessed to give than to receive, and this is the perfect example- when you focus on giving confidence to others, you'll naturally find yourself becoming more confident, because you will like who you are and other people will like having you around!
Two examples:
A few years ago when I was in school, I walked over to the girl who I claimed as my best friend at the time, and greeted her, "Hey, what's up?"
She turned to me and replied, "Those jeans are ugly."
Well, excuse me, this was school, not the Miss USA pageant! I was looking for comfort that day, not a fashion statement. "I don't care," I told her.
"Well, I do!" she told me. (I walked away at that point. She and I aren't really friends anymore...in fact, I don't think she has many friends anymore.)
Obviously, this acquaintance of mine didn't care what other people thought...even if it meant no one was going to like her. Maybe she insinuated confidence at the time, but I'd like to know how she felt after she realized no one wanted to be around her and listen to her thoughtless put-downs.
Example two: I was visiting a church (I now attend there regularly) for the second time- my first time there had been six months ago when I was home from college for Christmas. As I seated myself, I made eye-contact with a woman who I had met the last time I'd visited- and, much to my surprise, she waved enthusiastically to me, then rushed over to give me a hug and ask how school was, how long I was home for, etc. She was taking a risk- some people don't know how to accept friendliness, and I could have acted awkward or given her a cold shoulder. But she wasn't worried about what I thought of her (if I had been rude, it was my problem, not hers!), she was concerned about what I thought of myself- she wanted to make sure I felt welcomed in the church and valued by her!
So, maybe there's something to be said about "I don't care what others think of me,"....but, only if it's followed by, "I care what others think of themselves!"
Uh.......okaaaay....
Yeah, I know, people who are all hung up on what others think usually wind up with pretty low-self esteems. We all know that you can't please everybody. You can be as genuine as possible or you can wear a thousand masks, but there's always that someone who can't find anything better to do than hate on you. No, you can't become consumed with what others think of you.
But, then, have you ever met someone who decided they didn't care what others think...and just stopped there? I mean, people who REALLY don't care what others think- they don't care if their waitress, cashier, or customer service representative think that they are the rudest customer they've ever had. They don't care if their teachers or classmates think they are distracting or obnoxious. They don't care if their friends and families are embarrassed by them. You can't discuss anything with unless you want to feel belittled or attacked. Confident? Maybe...but "cocky," or even just plain "rude" might be a better word.
So, there has to be more to confidence than just not caring what people think of you. Think about some of the most "confident" people you know- the ones that you wish you were like. I'm picturing a few people, most of whom I know from church or work. These are the people who, when I walk into a room, come rushing over to me to ask how I am. Sometimes, if they have a detailed-enough memory, they ask me about some important-to-me event that took place recently (like a job interview or going to visit a cousin). They aren't trying to get something from me; they just want to make me feel valued. Their concern isn't what I think of them; their concern is what I think of myself!
It really is more blessed to give than to receive, and this is the perfect example- when you focus on giving confidence to others, you'll naturally find yourself becoming more confident, because you will like who you are and other people will like having you around!
Two examples:
A few years ago when I was in school, I walked over to the girl who I claimed as my best friend at the time, and greeted her, "Hey, what's up?"
She turned to me and replied, "Those jeans are ugly."
Well, excuse me, this was school, not the Miss USA pageant! I was looking for comfort that day, not a fashion statement. "I don't care," I told her.
"Well, I do!" she told me. (I walked away at that point. She and I aren't really friends anymore...in fact, I don't think she has many friends anymore.)
Obviously, this acquaintance of mine didn't care what other people thought...even if it meant no one was going to like her. Maybe she insinuated confidence at the time, but I'd like to know how she felt after she realized no one wanted to be around her and listen to her thoughtless put-downs.
Example two: I was visiting a church (I now attend there regularly) for the second time- my first time there had been six months ago when I was home from college for Christmas. As I seated myself, I made eye-contact with a woman who I had met the last time I'd visited- and, much to my surprise, she waved enthusiastically to me, then rushed over to give me a hug and ask how school was, how long I was home for, etc. She was taking a risk- some people don't know how to accept friendliness, and I could have acted awkward or given her a cold shoulder. But she wasn't worried about what I thought of her (if I had been rude, it was my problem, not hers!), she was concerned about what I thought of myself- she wanted to make sure I felt welcomed in the church and valued by her!
So, maybe there's something to be said about "I don't care what others think of me,"....but, only if it's followed by, "I care what others think of themselves!"
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