We're Eating Crap and Feeling Like It Too

I would say in the past few years or so I've been more interested in health, wellness and healthy living. In my spare time, I love looking up information on clean eating and living a healthy life.

Growing up, I never really thought about or realized all the nasty chemicals that go into the foods we eat or how it correlates to our health. Obviously we learn that junk food can make you fat, but we don't really learn about how it can make you so sick. We never learn about all the chemicals, additives and generally nasty things they put into food. It may be good for your pantry and your wallet to buy foods that last forever (I specifically recall my mom saying certain foods never go bad) how can that be good for your gut? If a food never decomposes on its own, how am I supposed to digest it?

Recently I was reading an article from 100 Days of Real Food and Food Babe on food laws in the UK vs here in the US. Did you know overseas they ban certain chemicals added to foods that are still allowed here? I also always thought that the FDA is on our side, keeping us safe from things in foods that would make us sick. Definitely not true. The FDA helps big food corporations more than it helps us. 100 Days of Real Food also periodically posts food labels. For example, recently she posted a Lunchable PB&J sandwich. A regular PB&J sandwich contains bread, peanut butter and jelly. And that's it. Look at the label:

Over 85 ingredients? Really?

I will be the first to admit I am lazy when it comes to cooking and often choose a pre-packaged meal over one I'd have to put together. I have to stop this! Is the extra 2 minutes worth filling my body with all these chemicals over spending a little time to make a healthy version?

I've also been looking at my sugar intake. I also admit I LOVE sugar. Don't we all? Don't most of us search high and low for dessert after every meal? I sure do. It is sickening to realize how much added sugar is put in foods that you wouldn't even think had sugar. I was doing some research yesterday as I had a Starbucks Peppermint Green Tea Frappucino and a Pumpkin Scone. I realized that I was eating/drinking over 16 teaspoons of sugar just in one meal. Guess what the American Heart Association recommends for women per day? 5 teaspoons! Yuck! A few weeks ago I was eating a sucker I won from Dave & Busters. I happened to look at the ingredients. It had such weird and unrecognizable ingredients I actually threw it out.

It is tough when most people around you think you are kind of nuts when you talk about eating healthier and cutting out sugar and processed foods. But I want to do my best to start eating better and eating cleaner. That means more vegetables, more fruit, more organic and lean meats, only whole wheat breads and snacks, no junk food, no processed foods or sugary foods, no dairy (it upsets my stomach anyways), etc.

Any advice or tips for me? I just need to stop being lazy and eat better!

Weekly Workouts 3/4-3/10

Monday 3/4: Did Zumba toning with 2 lb. weights for 30 minutes then yoga for 20 minutes.

Tuesday 3/5: Tried my "Skinny Bitch" Workout DVD (got it for really cheap at Best Buy a while back). I did Abs and Butt for a total 40 minute workout. I liked it! Only bad thing about DVDs like that is I can't really track them on Fitocracy...

Wednesday 3/6: Rest day.

Thursday 3/7: I did the "Skinny Bitch" Workout DVD Arms section for 20 minutes and then did 30 minutes of Just Dance Just Sweat.

Friday 3/8: Zumba toning with 2 lb. weights.

Saturday 3/9: Ran/walked outside for 1.65 miles then did 15 minutes of yoga.

Sunday 3/10: Rest day.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Weekly Workouts 2/25-3/3

Old pic but me bundled up for an outside run looking goofy!

Monday 2/25: I did Zumba toning for 30 minutes with 2 lb weights.

Tuesday 2/26: I alternated between running and walking on the treadmill for 20 minutes then did 5 minutes on the Elliptical. I did some arm exercises with 3 lb. weights while walking. I also did some ab workouts.

Wednesday 2/27: Day off.

Thursday 2/28: I did Zumba toning again for 30 minutes with 2 lb weights.

Friday 3/1: Went on the Recumbent bike for a mile then walked on the treadmill for a mile while using some 3 lb. weights.

Saturday 3/2: Ran/walked on the treadmill for a little over 20 minutes. Used the 3 lb weights for arm exercises while walking. Also used my mom's Ab Slide which was equal to 30 sit ups I believe. Also danced my heart out at night for a few hours! :)

Sunday 3/3: Day off.

How did you do this week? Share your workouts with me!

Join me on Fitocracy! On Fitocracy you can see my full workouts - I'd love to see yours too!

Gotta Drink More H2O...

I've already shared some of my 2013 resolutions. I'm working on making them into more specific goals. One of my goals for this year is to drink more water. I know there are days when I definitely don't drink enough and I know I need to. I don't need to ramble on about the benefits of drinking lots of H2O since I'm sure you know! I also have a history of kidney stones in my family and I definitely do not want to get those - I hear staying super hydrated helps ward them off.

So I finally bought this awesome water bottle I've been eyeing for months - HydraCoach! It tracks your water intake based on how much you should drink per day. They base this on your weight. On my first day of using it, it definitely reiterated how much I need more water! At 4:30 pm, I only drank 26% of what I was supposed to be drinking! I'm guessing it should be closer to 50%. So here's to more hydration and I hope this handy water bottle helps...

Another resolution I didn't write much on is expanding this crazy little blog right here. I love blogging, writing and sharing thoughts with other bloggers! I am hoping to reach more people, connect with more bloggers, write more, use more of my own photos instead of googled ones, etc. If I could make some money from it, that'd be the icing on the cake!

Keep posted for more specific goals in 2013... I plan to track my goal of training and running a 5K, eating healthier, finding my passions, etc.

What are your goals/resolutions? Tell me about it! Let's chat on Twitter too!

P.S. Thanks Melissa Rose Design for the awesome new signature for my blog!

The No Junk Food Challenge: Week and a Half Down

In case you missed it, I started doing a "No Junk Food Challenge" on November 4th. It has been really difficult! I have to really watch what I am eating because pretty much after every meal I crave some type of dessert. I realized that even though I was going to let myself have Starbucks and frozen yogurt, I tried to avoid it because I knew it was a big temptation as well. If I go to Starbucks, I am only ordering drinks like smoothies, green tea, etc. because of the insane amount of sugar in their chocolatey beverages.

I've been eating a lot of peanut butter which I am allowing myself. I find that it helps my sweet tooth to eat some peanut butter on an apple or bread.

I did have Sonic the other day because my boyfriend really wanted to go there so I did cheat on junk food. But my biggest cravings are always chocolate, cookies, candy and other sweets and I have stayed away from them!

How are you doing with the challenge? Here's a reminder of what it is all about....

The No Junk Food Challenge

Anyone else have a enormous sweet tooth? I sure do! It has been especially active since Halloween when there are goodies and treats everywhere, not to mention I've been baking a ton for various occasions. So I decided I need to give myself a challenge!

I found this on Pinterest (of course) and though it was interesting and very challenging. The only adjustments I will make is using peanut butter. I don't eat it very often, but I don't think it is that unhealthy especially since I eat it with apples or whole wheat bread. Also, if I start today this challenge won't be over on Thanksgiving and I plan to let myself indulge on that day. Lastly, I will probably allow myself sugar free frozen yogurt or Starbucks as a treat if I don't go overboard. If I find myself getting both too much, I will stop for the rest of the challenge. 

November 4-November 26 (excluding Thanksgiving)

What will be the hardest? Definitely chocolate and cookies!

The easiest? I don't normally eat fast food, chips, white bread, pastries, donuts or ice cream.

Who is joining me?!

Changing Your Ways is HARD!

I don't know about you, but I grew up with the mantra, "If you eat your vegetables, you get dessert!" I often feel as if I deserve a dessert after every meal. It is a funny thing... thinking you deserve all of that sweet sugary sabotage after you eat a healthy (or even worse, unhealthy) meal. You know what you really deserve? Health!

I definitely have developed a sweet tooth over the years. Sugar is one of the most addicting substances on the planet. For most people, this is our crack. When we allow ourselves to eat tons of sugar, our bodies crave it. We just want that cupcake or cookie or heck, just give me plain sugar to guzzle!

Lately, I have been journeying into the world of wellness and learning a lot. I never really gave much thought into what I eat, especially since I am a fairly picky eater and tend to eat the same things over and over. I've been diving into books on what nutrition really means and why lots of foods that claim they are healthy are just advertising rouses.

I have a lot of ideas floating around in my head. I eventually want to cut out most sugar, junk foods, processed foods, dairy and most meat. The hardest part is starting though. That involves trying new foods, actually cooking and planning out meals, dealing with all those sugar and junk food cravings, being mindful of what I am eating, shopping for better foods, avoiding all the junk I know I will be exposed to at home/with friends/at restaurants, explaining to others how I am eating healthier (don't we tend to mock change and think those people who eat right are "health nuts"?), etc. It won't be easy and I have definitely been procrastinating on figuring out a new healthy diet (I hate the word diet... I am skinny and don't want to DIET...so a new healthy way of eating sounds better!).

It is especially hard when they're are so many opinions out there! Some "experts" say vegetarianism is the only way to go, some say sugar isn't the devil but only in moderation, some say soy is horrible and others say it is healthy, etc. With so much information, it is definitely hard to dive right in to any type of new healthy eating lifestyle!

What advice and inspiration do you have for me? Any books or recipes or websites I should check out? Much appreciated!!!

Organic Skin Care

Did you know that your skin absorbs 64% of what you put on it? *According to Juice Beauty

Scary to think about it absorbing all the chemicals in makeup, lotions, face wash, shower gel, shave cream, etc. How many products do you use in a day? I'm guessing if you're a girly girl like me... A LOT.

Lately, I've been getting more interested in eating healthier, exercising more and getting rid of chemicals that we put in and on our bodies every day. Some people argue that it isn't enough to get us sick, but I don't think it can hurt to try to limit the "bad stuff" we put on our skin.

So I've been looking into organic products. You have to be extra careful because some products claim to be natural and organic, but in reality, aren't. So likely you're paying more for these so-called organic products and they are just as bad as what you were already buying!

When looking for organic products, make sure it has a "certified organic" seal. If the product only uses words like "natural" or is called "Organix", check the labels. Chances are it still has lots of chemicals in it.

Google or surf Pinterest for DIY beauty recipes. For example, you can make a great scrub using only a few ingredients from your pantry!

For now I have switched to Juicy Beauty, a certified organic brand, for my facial routine and shampoo/conditioner. I hope to eventually find a great organic soap, lotion, makeup and even deodorant brand. Deodorant seems to be the hardest since I do not want to be all sweaty and smelly! I've tried some of Bubble and Bee's organic products before, even one of their deodorants, but I decided to take the plunge and try their sample pack of their new cream deodorants.

I previously tried their "Pit Putty" which I did not like because it was crumbly and hard to apply. The cream deodorants come in little jars and you simply spread them on and let them dry a bit under your arms. I've been using them for a few days and I do actually like them. I've found that they smell amazing and I don't get BO. However, since you can't find organic antiperspirants because the bad chemicals are what stop you from sweating, I did feel a bit sweaty throughout the day. I think I will still keep an antiperspirant around for times when I will have a tendency to sweat more and don't want sweat stains.

Still working on organic makeup and other personal care items such as lotion, but I hope one day to use all organic products to keep my skin and health safe. Don't think it will cost a fortune either! The new shampoo and condition I bought was only $9 each... a little pricier than a cheap brand but cheaper than a fancy brand. The bottles were quite large too and should last a while.

What do you think about organic skin care and makeup?

Running On and On

For me, motivation comes and goes. Pinterest has been helping lately actually to get me motivated to run and work out. I love browsing the Health and Fitness Boards on Pinterest. Check mine out! ;) I've been working towards running a 5k, although I haven't signed up for any yet, I hope to soon!

Here are some ah-ha moments I've had about running and fitness:

1. I get a lot of tension in my neck and back working at a computer all day. I've found that running can help release that.
2. Exercise helps you feel better and is a motivator to eat healthier as well!
3. Running can be very difficult but it is a great stress reliever for me and I enjoy working towards running faster and longer. Even those hard runs help me feel like I accomplished something.
4. Exercise is great, but don't push too hard. I like to take days off from running where I do yoga or simply rest if I feel that I am too sore.

What are your ah-ha moments on motivation and exercise? 

Cancer Prevention Starts Today!

First of all, check out my new weekly column on ASKinyourface.com! Like them on Facebook so you get updates with great articles every day. :) Here's my second article (the first was similar to the goals for 2012 I posted on here but you can find it on ASKinyourface.com here.)

Okay, I will admit it. I’ve always been a bit of a scaredy-cat. I still close my eyes during scary movie previews and get paranoid driving home late. There are so many scary things out there in the world, but I do try to focus on the positive and happy parts of life. Even if you spend your days with the most positive and optimistic outlook, sometimes things happen that make you take a second look.


This month on ASKinyourface.com we are focusing on cancer prevention. I think everyone knows someone who has cancer or has lost someone to cancer. I am in both camps.

Cancer is probably one of the scariest things life can throw at someone and I definitely always have that fear in the back of my head. We can’t always completely prevent ourselves from getting an illness or prevent something horrible from happening in life, but you can take positive steps to keep yourself healthy and safe.

Thankfully working here at ASKinyourface.com has definitely made me more aware of my health. I still do not have a perfect nutritional diet or work out every day, but I am more aware of my health and my body thanks to ASK. Here are some steps I take or work on taking to hopefully keep myself cancer-free:

1. Eat a healthy diet. I’ve been reading articles on how sugar is so bad for your health. Sure, I always knew this but I didn’t really know how much it played into cancer and that if you have cancer, you shouldn’t eat any sugar. Unfortunately, I have a big sweet tooth. I want dessert after lunch and dinner. This month I’ve been working on a goal of no shopping and I think next month I may tackle no sweets to see how it affects my health.

2. Exercise has so many benefits. The more I read, the more benefits I find for exercise! My goal has been to go to yoga at least once a week and I try to take advantage of the treadmill or elliptical in my basement a few other times a week. It can be hard in the winter months to exercise inside but if you make it fun, work out with a friend, or schedule workouts in your planner; you can do it! In a few months it will be spring again and you can bike, run, walk and enjoy the weather again!

3. Use organic products. Since working for ASK and reading articles on organic products, I try to incorporate more of these into my life. It is crazy to think how many dangerous chemicals can be lurking in your makeup, beauty and hygiene products! I have been slowly but surely working towards using all organic or natural beauty/hygiene products. I may never totally go organic, but I figure the less chemicals I put on or in my body the better!

4. Be kind and believe in karma. This may sound crazy to some people but if you believe in karma, you believe that the more good you give the more good you get back and vice versa. Be loving, gracious, kind and helpful and live your life happily. This will increase your mood, the mood of people around you and even keep you healthier. Sure, this philosophy doesn’t ensure you don’t get ill someday, but it certainly can’t hurt you.

Please join the conversation: Do you ever think about cancer prevention? What steps do you take to keep yourself healthy?

How To Stay Healthy in Cold Weather Months

Fall is here and winter is soon to follow. You know what that means...colds, flu, and infections galore! What can you do to avoid these dreaded illnesses this year? Here are some tips on staying healthy and happy even when everyone else is sick.

1. Wash your hands! Wash your hands with warm water and soap for about thirty seconds especially after using the bathroom, before eating or preparing food, touching someone or their belongings (such as using someone else's phone), after being outside or out running errands, etc.

2. While you keep your hands clean, do the same with your belongings. Regularly wipe your phone, computer and mouse, purse, and other things you touch on a regular basis with anti-bacterial wipes.

3. Stay hydrated! Drinking lots of water is one of the best health decisions you can make. Drinking at least eight glasses of water a day keeps your immune system working properly, gives your skin a glow, and helps you maintain a healthy weight.

4. Get plenty of sleep. We all have busy schedules but making time for sleep is very important. Schedule your sleep like you schedule your appointments. Make sure you get at least seven hours a night and be honest if you need more! If you feel yourself getting sick, make sure to get more sleep.

5. Take your vitamins. Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin Bs, Vitamin D and Vitamin E are great for your immune system. Take a multivitamin every day and add other vitamins based on your needs. You Are What You Eat by Gillian McKeith is a great resource that tells you which vitamins you are lacking with certain health woes. Take a supplement with tons of good stuff such as Emergen-C weekly or when you are feeling under the weather for a boost!

6. Exercise! Every day I learn about more and more reasons to exercise. It boosts your immune system, keeps your weight in check, gives you happiness inducing endorphins, and much more. Even a quick walk can make you feel better.

7. Keep your choppers sparkly clean! Lots of germs and other yucky stuff comes in to infect us through your mouth. Brushing and flossing regularly and properly can fight off germs.

8. Be social! I don't know why but I keep reading on how having good social ties and hanging with friends boosts your immune system and keeps you healthy. Don't make excuses to miss out on fun - it is good for you!

9. If you are feeling sick, treat yourself with great care. Make extra time for sleep, take time off work to rest, drink tea and something like Emergen-C, eat healthy food, take a gentle walk if you're up for it, and don't stress out! I've read that stress is related to about 99% of illness! Keep yourself calm by making to-do lists, meditating, doing yoga, or whatever else keeps you stress-free.

10. Lastly, try to keep away from people who are sick! In your home, change towels and clean regularly. Encourage people at work to stay home if they are ill and offer to help with their work in exchange to keeping their germs away. Be conscious about coughing and sneezing...you don't want someone hacking on you, so don't do it to them!


Share with me your tips on staying healthy in cold weather months!

Health & Wellness Book Review: Breakthrough by Shea Vaughn

When I got a chance to review a book called Breakthrough: The 5 Living Principles to Defeat Stress, Look Great & Find Total Well-Being by Shea Vaughn, I jumped at it. Not only do I love learning more about health and wellness...this book is by actor Vince Vaughn's mom! How cool is that? I had no idea this funny man had a mom prominent in the wellness world.

Vaughn is a fitness expert, personal trainer and wellness coach and has been for over 25 years. She is also the founder of SheaNetics and often focuses on the holistic side of health and wellness.

This book focuses on Vaughn's Five Living Principles: Commitment, Perseverance, Self-Control, Integrity and Love. She gives you advice on how to handle stress and even shares workouts and food plans to help you start, focusing on her Five Living Principles.

I love books that contain stories from real people and this book is no different. Vaughn shares stories of real women with real problems and real solutions and how they took charge of their health.

If you're interested in all things health and wellness, taking control of your well-being, getting rid of stress, or simply love books from celebs...this one is for you! I have found it very helpful in my wellness journey and it really is just an easy and enjoyable read.

To read more or buy the book, check it out on Amazon.com.

Ever Tried BORBA?

A while ago, I discovered BORBA products and decided to order some of their items. If you've never heard of BORBA, it is a company that focuses on skin-care products and vitamins, all made in a unique way. Many celebrities endorse these products, so I thought I'd give them a try.

Here's what I ordered:

Age Defying 4-in-1 Cleansing Treatment - After doing some research on their website, this face cleanser seemed to be the biggest hit and was designed for twenty somethings. The 4-in-1 claims to moisturize, exfoliate, remove all makeup, and give you some age defying goodness. After using this for a while, I like it. I use a toner after my cleanser to remove all makeup and I've found it doesn't really remove everything, it still makes my face feel really smooth and not tight at all.
Mighty Energy Gummi Mice - I actually got a sample pack of these along with the box I ordered. Apparently six gummy mice equals an energy drink with no crash. I was really curious to try these because they have the same effect as coffee but with actual nutrients. Some people reviewed saying they tasted awful, so I was nervous to try them. I finally did yesterday and I must say they were gross. I could only get two of them down, so I don't really know how well they worked. I am not sure if I will even keep them because of the taste.
Smart & Sexy Omega-3 Bursts - I take these occasionally now, not every day since it only comes with 30 chews in a box. They have a decent taste, not at all fishy, which is what I was trying to avoid. I have been told that Omega-3 helps with anxiety, so I may take one of these next time I feel worried or anxious to see if it helps.
PMS Rescue Beverage Crystals - I haven't tried these yet but I sure hope they help with cramps and other PMS symptoms!
Age Defying Daily Hydrator SPF 30+ - This is the moisturizer that goes along with the cleanser. I would say it works pretty well, but I am curious to see how it holds up in the winter months as my skin tends to be extremely dry. It is a bit oily and separated when it comes out of the tube, but when you rub your hands together it solves this problem. I try to shake it a bit before use too.
Nutraceutical Lip Kix - My lips have been extremely dry lately and even cracking in the corners, so I decided to try their lip balm which comes out more like a gloss. The instructions say that you can only use twice in 12 hours (not sure why), so I only use this occasionally. It seems to help keep lips moisturized though.
Healthy Glow Immunity Drink Mix - I got this for free with my order but I haven't tried it yet. I hope it comes in handy in the winter months when everyone is getting sick.
All in all, I'm not 100% convinced with their products, but I think they are pretty good. They have drinks and other gummies and many products for skin care and health. I think I will definitely keep trying BORBA products. Please tell me, have you tried BORBA products? What did you try and what did you think of it? I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback!

I Want to be Fit For my Future!

I always talk about goals I want to make to be healthier but never seem to get around to them. I always marvel at blogs of healthy and fit girls that just seem to glow with happiness. I start to eat healthier or work out more for a few days then always end up getting too busy, getting too lazy, or whatever excuses we all use to opt into watching TV and mindless snacking instead.

If you feel the same as me or are interested in being accountable for your health, comment here! I want to get some other wonderful blog friends to keep me going on my quest for healthier living. :)

Here are my goals:

1. I want to eat healthier. While I did learn I have a faster than normal metabolism and can eat whatever and not really gain weight as of right now, I know mindless snacking and unhealthy treats all the time aren't good for me. I know eating healthier would make me feel better.

-I want to eat at least one fruit and one vegetable a day, hopefully more
-I want to eat yogurt every day (I don't really like other dairy and yogurt helps digestion)
-Keep the intake of salty and sweet snacks down (I tend to crave a lot of sweets and salty snacks, not all bad but I eat way too much of it when I am not even hungry)
-In general, I am not looking to be super strict with what I eat and count calories or anything, but I would like to be more mindful of what I am eating and go for healthier options instead of junk food

2. Do some kind of exercise every day. Often I opt for watching TV when I am bored when I could be doing something more active. I use the excuse that I don't want to shower and get ready again, or I just ate, or I am too lazy but there are plenty of things to do that aren't that strenuous.

My favorite ways to exercise (Do something each day!):
-Play tennis
-Bike ride
-Run
-Walk
-Play Wii (Just Dance, Cardio Boxing, Wii Sports, etc.)
-Yoga

Trying to think of more...

3. Stretch! I have back problems that aren't helped by the amount of time I need to spend on my computer because of work. I know doing stretches will help, along with exercise. I am hoping to stretch each morning.

Now I would like to hear from YOU! Would you be interested in hearing a recap of my day as far as my goals go in addition to my regular posts? Or would that be too much posting from me? I would love to hear your opinions and if anyone would like to join me in my quest for better health! :)

The Mysterious Metabolic Test

Remember when I won a metabolic test at my first wine tasting? When I won this prize, I had no idea what a metabolic test even was. Now I've experienced one!

For most twenty somethings that read my blog, you've probably never heard of this mysterious metabolic test either. It sounds like a science experiment, but if you think about it, you can probably connect the dots to thinking about your metabolism.

Metabolism is a crazy thing. We don't often think about it, but it affects the way we live. If your metabolism is fast, you're lucky. You can pretty much eat what you want and not gain any weight. This isn't a great plan for staying healthy, but it works out when you're young. Unfortunately, some people have a slow metabolism which makes weight a tricky issue.

I found out that your metabolism has a few different rates: when you're at rest, when you're doing general things like walking, sitting, shopping, and when you're full on exercising.

During a metabolic test, you must not eat at least five hours beforehand, no exercise, no caffeine, basically no stimulants. The test is pretty fast: ten minutes plus results. You must sit or lay in a relaxed position while you have your nose plugged and breathe into a tube connected to a machine for ten minutes. An interesting task. Luckily I was able to relax and control my breathing and not, um, hyperventilate due to the weird flow of oxygen.

My results were much like I anticipated: my metabolism is in the normal range, but faster than normal. If I were lying in bed all day, I have to eat 1,512 calories to maintain my weight and of course eat more if I do normal tasks or exercise. Unfortunately, I don't really keep track of my calorie intake or how much I burn when I exercise. It got me thinking about eating healthier calories than just eating whatever is in the house.

But I think if you're interested in gaining or losing weight, the metabolism is a factor we often forget about. A metabolic test is a very cool way to take a peek at how your amazing body runs and can give you a unique look into your health goals.

If you live in the Michigan area like me, check out Gail Posner Healthy Ways Nutrition Counseling, where I got my metabolic test done. It was free for me because I won it but it is normally $90. Gail is extremely nice and is also involved with ASKinyourface.com.

You Are What You Eat

Lately I have been really interested in changing my eating habits, but haven't done much about it yet. All my life, I've been very thin and can eat whatever I want without gaining weight. But we all know that being thin doesn't always equal health.

I've also been a very picky eater and don't eat a ton, but like most people, the foods I mostly crave are sweets and desserts. The other day I went to two different Subways with my friend just to get chocolate chip cookies I didn't really need! I have problems with anxiety, digestion, and get a lot of colds/allergies and I am starting to realize all of this has to do with my eating habits.

So I decided to buy a book called "You Are What You Eat" to find some tips on eating healthier. I chose this book because it wasn't a typical "diet" book, it gave tips on foods to eat for different ailments and stories of real people.

The first things on my list to buy are as follows: a water filter pitcher (I try to drink a lot of water and I don't even want to know what junk is in the tap water I drink.), sunflower seeds, more organic fruits and veggies, whole grain cereal, different snack foods with less sodium and sugar, lemon for water, ingredients for salads, soy milk, and maybe flaxseed oil.

I'm going to try to eat better throughout the day and I will keep you posted on my progress! Anyone else going on this journey to better health? Tell me your thoughts!

I Love Lush!

I've become completely obsessed with Lush cosmetics! I want to try everything! I recently went to their store for the first time after looking at their website all the time. I got a bath bomb (unfortunately, I found out the drain in our bathtub was broken so it went down the drain, boo!), an emotibomb (you put it in the bottom of your shower and it releases an amazing scent), and shower jelly. They have so many fun cosmetics and bath/shower products and it is all organic, natural, and not tested on animals.

Check out their website & let me know what you buy! The button is a link for a free bath bomb - hopefully it works, please let me know!

Importance of Organic Skincare + GIVEAWAY!!!

Right now, go look at all the products in your bathroom. Check the first ingredient in your face wash, shampoo, shower gel, etc. I bet you that it is WATER. That's right, water. Next there are probably a bunch of ingredients that you can't even pronounce. Most of the time this means chemicals. Some shower gels and other products can be up to 80% water - it just doesn't seem right to pay these prices for a product that is made of mostly water, a free material. Not to mention harmful chemicals that won't really do anything fabulous for your skin or your health. While most of the time we don't use enough to really make us sick, do you really want to slather chemicals on your face and all over your body?

Lately, I've been trying to find organic products that will do wonders for my skin and make me feel better about what I'm using. Even though some of these products are more expensive (some not by much more or even cheaper if you buy expensive products already), I can feel better that it is not made of mostly water (in fact, no water is added!) so it will go a long way. When there is water in your shower gel you tend to need a lot more.

I have also been trying to get more organic makeup to use. Organic makeup is about the same price as other versions you already buy and contains all natural ingredients. I like that it is better for the environment and my skin.

So I wanted to do a GIVEAWAY for all my wonderful readers to give you a taste of a great organic skincare product I love!!!

If you win, I will give you a organic lip balm in any flavor you like (you can choose any of the individual lip balms on Bumble & Bee. There is Coconut & Lime (I bought this one and love it!), Unscented, Root Beer, Orange, Pomegranate Kiss, Karma Apple, Peppermint Cocoa, or "Rude" Raspberry!)

To enter to win:

1 entry: Comment on this post and tell me what you think of organic products.

Another entry: Follow me on Twitter! @lrstewar. Leave a comment here saying you follow me now and I will check it out.

Another entry: Follow me on Facebook! Again leave a comment and I will check to see if you're a new fan.

Yet another entry: If you don't already follow me, follow me on RSS or Blogger and let me know. If you are already a follower and want another entry - have a friend follow me and have them comment and say YOU sent them! Every new friend gets you another entry!!!

Depending on how many enter this contest, I will end this in a week or two. I promise you will love this lip balm - smells amazing, great for you and the environment, and stays on way longer than others I've used!

Now...Here are the products I've decided to try. What do you think?

Should You Be Using Organic Deodorant?

We all use deodorant (or at least, we should be). But are the ingredients in your favorite, tried and true deodorant hurting you? What is organic deodorant anyway and how is it any different than Secret or Dove brand? There are a few differences in organic versus regular deodorant. Organic deodorant sold at local organic markets such as Plum Markets, Whole Food Markets, and Trader Joe’s target bacteria that causes odor instead of using aluminum to stop sweat in it’s tracks.

The reason that aluminum is concerning in your deodorant is that aluminum is a neurotoxin and has been linked to DNA damage, harmful effects to the blood brain barrier, and may cause Alzheimer’s disease.

We took a look at a popular organic brand, Tom’s to see just what is in their “natural and long-lasting” deodorant roll-on. No aluminum to be found. Yet one ingredient, called propylene glycol, doesn’t seem any better. It has also been shown to seep into your skin and cause nasty side effects like skin, liver, and kidney damage.

Another problem with using organic deodorant is that unlike your regular antiperspirant, it does nothing to stop sweating. Don’t get us wrong, sweating is good – it is your body’s way of ridding yourself of toxins and you need to sweat. But you probably don’t want constant sweat stains on your shirt or to feel uncomfortable, especially in the sweltering summer heat. Organic deodorants only work to fight odor from bacteria, so you will smell fresh but you might be pretty sweaty.

Yet there are some organic deodorants out there that do not contain propylene glycol or any ingredients that may be chemically harmful. So perhaps this battle of organic vs. chemical deodorants needs to be left to the individual. If you find you don’t sweat much and just want something for odor and are worried about chemical intake in your body, try an organic version. You may have to try a few before you find one that you really like that works for you. If you find you sweat more than normal or simply love your deodorant, keep it. Check out the ingredients and compare versions to find the healthiest possible brand.

Yet if you’re still dying for a chemical free alternative that fights odor AND wetness, we found a brand that claims to fight all three. Bumble & Bee Organics has organic deodorant that using natural ingredients to stop odor, but also has arrowroot powder to stop perspiration naturally. For around $9.85 a stick, it runs a bit pricier, but it may be worth a try if you’re very passionate about organic products!

Let me know – do you swear by organic deodorant or stick by your old Secret brand?

See the original post I wrote on ASKinyourface.com!