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How to Get Healthy Hair In 5 Simple Steps

August 24, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

If you’re wondering how to get healthy hair, you’ve come to the right place. Because today, I’m going to show you how to get healthy hair in 5 simple steps.

It’s a question we’ve all asked before. “How can I get healthier hair?” As women, hair is a huge part of our appearance. It can determine whether you feel like a homeless person or a Hollywood star. Our hair is important. If you don’t believe me just take a stroll down the hair care isle at your local supermarket or drug store. Better yet… pay a visit to Ulta or Sally’s Beauty Supply. Choosing the right products can be overwhelming. What do you really need? Which brand should you choose? There’s no lack of products promising beautiful, silky hair. However, while there may be more to hair care than shampoo and conditioner, you don’t need to spend a fortune or invest in fancy products. Today I’m showing you how to get healthy hair in 5 simple steps.

1. Don’t Wash Your Hair

Wait. What? Don’t wash my hair? Isn’t that disgusting? All these questions might be rolling around in your mind, but don’t fret- we have a great explanation! Washing your hair every day strips you hair of the natural oils that your hair needs to grow longer and stay healthy. Try washing your hair every other day or 3-4 times a week. If you have naturally oily hair or are way too grossed out by the idea of “skipping” a day, try a dry shampoo. This is a great way to keep your hair looking fresh and non-oily. One of our favorites is the Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Dry Shampoo.

2. Stop Using Heat

Let’s be honest. At one time or another, we’ve all heard that we shouldn’t use heat on our hair. From blow-drying to curling or straightening – the fact is that using heat tools on our hair is damaging. It causes split ends, dry hair, and can even lead to hair loss. Whenever possible, style your hair naturally. Allow it to air dry or use a cool setting on your blow-dryer. If you want curls, try these heatless curls. They’re beautiful and won’t damage your hair. Don’t use heat every day. A couple times a week is okay, but be sure to use a heat protectant to keep your hair safe from any damage. I’ve heard great things about the Alterna Bamboo Spray.

3. Avoid Chemicals

This one’s a no-brainer. Obviously chemicals aren’t good for hair. Although many hair products promise you beautiful hair, they’re full of chemicals that do more damage than good. Look for natural ways to treat your hair and your body will thank you. Instead of a frizz-tamer, or hair straightening spray, try using natural oils that will nourish your scalp. Remember, the health of your hair is the health of your scalp. If you’re covering your head with harsh chemicals, don’t expect gorgeous hair.

Coconut oil is amazing for so many things. It’s the fat that fights fat, and the oil that prevents gross, oily hair. Start implementing coconut oil into your hair routine – you’ll be shocked at the rapid change in your hair. It works wonders because it penetrates your hair, rather than just coating the outside. Besides all that, it is a super cheap fix and works better than buying expensive hair products. Coconut oil makes your hair smooth, strong, and silky. If you’ve been suffering with dry hair and split-ends, I highly recommend a coconut oil treatment. The results are amazing! Castor oil and Argan oil are also great for promoting healthy hair. Castor oil stimulates hair growth, so you will have thick, luscious tresses, and Argan protects from heat styling, calms frizz, repairs split ends, and nourishes your hair as well. So ditch those harmful chemicals and use natural oils that will give your hair the love it needs.

4. Clean Up Your Diet

Your diet affects much more than your waistline. The foods you eat determine your energy levels, heart health, and… your hair. Yup. If you want healthy hair you’ve got to eat healthy food. Fill up on fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. A healthy and balanced diet is the key to hair that is long and strong. If you’re experiencing hair loss and split ends, you probably need to clean up your diet. Be sure you’re getting adequate protein for your body. Protein is what makes your hair strong and thick. Personally, I love the Perfect Fit protein powder. It’s so delicious and great for adding to smoothies, pancakes, and baked goods. The best part is that it’s completely clean. Remember… we don’t want chemicals on our head or in our body.

5. Let Your Hair Down

Don’t keep your hair so tight. If you’re constantly wearing high ponytails and tight buns, you’re probably damaging your hair. Let your hair down. If you’re pulling on your hair all the time you will weaken it. The strain of tight hairstyles will break hair follicles and result in hair loss and split ends. If you want to keep your hair out of your face, try a loose side ponytail, or soft braid. If you think ponytails and braids are too boring and want more hairstyle ideas I’ve got one word for you – Pinterest.

So there you have it. Now you know how to get healthy hair in 5 simple steps. If you start applying these tips to your hair care routine you will see results. Please be sure to comment below and let me know how these tips work for you. Also, if you have any tips for healthier hair, we’d love to hear them! Share your favorite hair treatment recipe, heatless style trick, or any other advice you have. Thanks!

How to Drink More Water

August 21, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Drinking water is essential, but not everyone loves to drink water. Now worries though. I’m going to show you how to drink more water and enjoy it. These tips are great for anyone trying to establish a healthy habit, or just looking for some more creative ways to get their H2O.

1. The Right Bottle

Yup. Something as simple as a bottle can determine how much water you intake each day. Having a good bottle is the first step to becoming a well-hydrated person. We LOVE the Contigo water bottles because they are so durable and hold a good amount of water. A key factor to consider when buying a bottle is if it’s see-through. This is something that has always proven to work when you are trying to drink more water. If you can’t see how much water you have left, then it can be so hard to find the motivation to drink more. When you see your water, it’s more likely that you’ll want to drink it. This is another reason why we love the Contigo bottles. Not to mention they come in some pretty snazzy colors too! I love my 24 oz. Contigo bottle. No matter where I go, I’ve always got my bottle with me.

2. Keep Track of Time

Keeping track of time is so important when we are trying to drink more water. This is super simple to do, especially if you have a phone or a watch nearby all the time. Set limits for yourself to drink a certain amount of water before a certain time, and if you don’t want to always be watching the clock then just set a timer so you’ll always know when you should be chugging. There’s a bunch of free apps that you can download to keep track of your water. It also helps to have a timer bottle. These fun bottles are not only motivational, but they also give you a timeline of when to drink and how much. Perfect!

3. Infuse Your Water

I’ve found this simple technique to work wonders. Infusing your water with lemon, cucumber, mint, or any other flavors you like, makes you want to drink. So many times people say they don’t enjoy drinking water because it’s so “boring.” It has no taste, so why would I want to drink it? In our house, we looove adding lemon or lime slices to our water and then letting it chill in the fridge for a couple hours. Besides tasting amazing, lemons are also a natural detoxifier and promote clear skin. I’ve mentioned this before, but an infuser water bottle is a great way to enjoy your flavored water. It’s really convenient for when you’re on the go. You can take it to the office or gym, and bring it along on road trips.

4. Drink Before Meals

Want to know how to drink more water? Well… we all eat more than once a day – in fact, we eat numerous times throughout the day. Let’s face it, we don’t have to remind ourselves to eat. However, we do have to remind ourselves to drink water. Make it a habit to drink water before every meal. This is a great way to stay hydrated and helps reduce your appetite.

5. Use A Straw

This literally might be the simplest method for drinking more water. Try using a straw! Usually, this is all you need to do to stay hydrated and make water drinking a habit. I don’t know if it triggers something in the brain, but whatever it is – it works! I’ve gone through periods where I feel like I just can’t drink water. Whenever this is the case, I try using a straw. It almost always works. If you’re struggling with staying hydrating, switch out your regular bottle for a mason jar with a straw. I love this mason jar from OGorgeous, it holds a lot of water and is super cute!

So there you have it! I hope these tips help you stay hydrated and actually enjoy drinking water. If you’re anything like me, and water bottles inspire you to start drinking and just make the whole experience more enjoyable, then be sure to check out the bottles I’ve mentioned. Also, if you have any tips on how to drink more water, please comment and share them with us!

How to Get a Clear Complexion

August 17, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

I’ve struggled with pimples and blackheads before, and always wondered how to get a clear complexion. Bad hairs days are nothing compared to bad face days. (Is that even a thing…?) You can hide your hair under a hat, but you can’t hide your face. Have you ever woken up the day before a special event and were shocked to see a huge pimple on your face? Isn’t that the worst?
It seems that breakouts occur when you least expect or want them. (Not that you ever want them, but you know what I mean…)

Well if you’re reading this, then you’ve just found the easiest and quickest way to get a clear complexion and prevent breakouts. Beautiful skin is all about prevention. We don’t want to deal with pimples, so let’s keep them away. Here’s how to get a clear complexion for good.

1. Wash Your Face

Washing your face isn’t always the most fun thing to do when the day is over, but it’s extremely important. Even though you’re tired, do your best to always get off any makeup or excess oil that has collected throughout the day. If you don’t wash your face enough, it results in a build up of dirt and oil, which then clogs your face and results in pimples. Different skin types require specific face washes, but so far the Biore Pore Unclogging Scrub is my favorite. I have normal skin (it can be a bit oily/dry) and this face wash has been the best for me. Although I haven’t tried this yet, I’ve also heard amazing things about Yes to Cucumbers.

2. Drink More Water

Don’t we all know that we should drink more water? By now you’re probably realizing that water is the answer to almost every problem. Okay, so all the doctors and health gurus always say this, but it really is so important. Throughout the day your body may be absorbing toxins which can result in acne or minor breakouts. Water is the absolutely essential to getting a clear complexion. It’s also one of the fastest ways to get clear skin. Also, if you like a hint of flavor in your water and want even better results, add lemon. Lemon water is especially good for ridding you body of toxins and giving you radiant skin.

3. Move Your Body

Exercise is crucial. Whatever is happening on the inside is reflected on your skin. If you want to know how to get a clear complexion, the answer is – exercise. When we exercise, it stimulates circulation to the body which increases the oxygen content. Once this happens, your body is able to “detox” your skin much quicker. So… if you want clear skin, make sure you are moving. Whether you walk or run, bike or swim, just be sure to move your body every day.

4. Get Some Sleep

Sleep, sleep, sleep. I don’t think we can stress this enough. Sleep is what helps your body recover. If you are running on only a few hours of sleep each day, then you are increasing your chances of breakouts. It has been proven that there is such a thing as beauty sleep. Nope, it’s not a myth! Instead of staying up late, try to get between 7-10 hours of sleep each night and you’ll be amazed at the quick results!

5. Eat Your Veggies

Don’t push your peas to the side of the plate – you need them veggies! Eating “clean” is one of the very best way to get a clear complexion for good. Try to keep a balanced diet by eating enough protein, carbohydrates, veggies, and healthy fats. Have you ever noticed that after a weekend of indulgence your skin is a mess? Just in case you didn’t know… pizza, soda, and ice cream are not beautifying foods. The occasional treat is perfectly fine, but don’t make these foods staples in your diet. Now I don’t want you to think you have to live a life of restriction. You can still enjoy cookies and cake, but try making a healthier version. The Chocolate-Covered Katie cookbook is my favorite source for healthy and delicious treats. Have your cake and eat it too!

Remember that beautiful skin starts from within. You’ve got to fill yourself with foods that will nourish, hydrate, and detoxify your body if you want clear skin.

Discover the Amazing Benefits of Green Foods

August 6, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Are you ready to discover the amazing benefits of green foods? We hear a lot about “going green” in today’s society – a change of lifestyle that causes us to develop an eco-friendly life. But have you ever thought about “going green” in your diet – eating foods that are actually green? The types of food I am referring to are green vegetables and fruits, such as lettuce, cabbage, kiwis, avocados, and so forth. Changing your diet to be focused on green foods can transform your overall health into something you’ve only dreamed of.

But Green Food is Gross…

This lie has been fed to us from the moment we first toddled around on our little feet until this very day. We always knew we were expected to grimace at the prospect of a pile of spinach on our plates at dinner. No one was surprised if we turned up our noses at broccoli or brussels sprouts. Doesn’t everybody know that green vegetables are just plain gross? Well, I will happily be the first to say that you have been completely and utterly deceived. Yup, you fell for that one. Green vegetables are actually amazingly delicious. They are extremely flavorful, full of nutrients, and so diverse! Veggies don’t all taste the same. It’s amazing how every one of them is unique. Besides, there are so many ways to cook and eat them – or even enjoy them raw. So now, let’s take a quick look at several different green foods and see just how amazing they are.

Green Superstars

Kale – Kale has been in the spotlight for quite some time now. These leafy green has gotten major attention for it’s nutrients. Loaded with antioxidants, vitamin C, magnesium, beta carotene, manganese, potassium, and need I go on? Kale is an amazing green that helps prevent cancer, keeps your eyes healthy, and cleanses your body of toxins. Kale is high in fiber but low in calories, so you can fill up without filling out. Next time you need a bite to eat, try a kale salad. It’s also great in smoothies, dips, dressings, and sauces. And have you tried kale chips yet? Yum!

Spinach – We all know how good spinach is, right? Besides being loaded with essential vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients, spinach is so delicious! Have you ever had a Greek salad? This is one of my favorite ways to eat spinach. It is just soooo good. Honestly, spinach is amazing practically any way you serve it. It’s one of the most versatile veggies to cook with. I love throwing a handful of spinach in my shakes because it doesn’t have a strong taste. Adding spinach to any of your meals will not only increase the flavor, but give you a boost in essential nutrients. Did you know that spinach contains nitrates that increase levels of two naturally occurring protein in the body to help tone muscles? Yup. So start adding some spinach into your smoothies, eggs, salads, and whatever else you cook up. Your body will thank you. 😉

Arugula – If you haven’t tried arugula yet, you are missing out. This leafy green has a distinct taste that separates it from other lettuces. It’s a delicious green that your taste buds and body will love. Arugula cleanses your system, detoxifies your body, and gives you a boost of energy. This alkaline veggies also helps balance your pH. If you’re mixing up a salad, be sure to toss in some arugula.

Asparagus – Full of nutrients and vitamins, asparagus is an anti-aging vegetable. It aids in clearing the body of excessive salts, and it’s rich in antioxidants. Asparagus is a great dinner option since it’s naturally de-bloating and will have you feeling slim and lean in the morning. You can enjoy it grilled, roasted, steamed, or any other way you want. You’ll see this one in the grocery store in the spring, so be sure to pick some up and enjoy this tasty veggie.

Avocados – These fruits are full of fat… but don’t worry. This is the right kind of fat that helps keep your body healthy rather than pile on the pounds. Healthy mono-saturated fats in the food help reduce hunger and prevent blood sugar spikes that signal you body to store fat. It’s the fat that fights fat! Pretty amazing, huh? Avocados are full of vitamins C, K, and B6. The essential fatty acids in avocados keep your hair silky and your skin radiant. They also aid in strengthening your eyes. Did I mention they are silky smooth and delicious? Don’t need to do any persuading with this one, we all know how good guacamole is. 😉 You can eat avocado in so many different ways! You can use an avocado slicer and enjoy it in a sandwich or on toast with eggs. This amazing superfood may be a fat, but in the right portion has awesome benefits.

One More Thing

If you are the type of person who is always on the go, and you don’t have time to be cooking up some greens everyday, there is another alternative. You can make green shakes using one (or both) of these amazing products which are specifically designed to give you the greens you need. So if you don’t have time to break out the knife and cutting board, add a scoop of Green Gold or King of Greens into your shake.

What’s your favorite leafy green? Are you ready to “go green”? Comment below if you’ll join the challenge to add more veggies to your diet.

Slim for Summer

August 4, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Is it just me, or does it seem like everyone is trying to get slim for summer? Summer is here and everybody is looking for ways to slim down. Since summertime usually means beach days and bikinis, fitness gets a lot of focus during this season. However, a healthy body is for every season, so whether your sun tanning or snow boarding, here are my tips for feeling lean and toned.

1. Drink more water

Hydration is key for a healthy body, so drink up!

Water naturally cleanses your body of impurities and flushes out toxins. Forget soft drinks and juices – start chugging some H2O. By drinking more water you can eliminate empty calories from your diet and boost your metabolism. Also, by staying hydrated throughout the day, you’ll be more in tune with your body’s hunger signals. Hunger is often mistaken for thirst, so be sure to drink water before your snack.

2. Swap long hours at the gym for interval training.

Running, pilates, yoga, and strength training are all great forms of exercise, but they might not be the most efficient. If you’ve been jogging for miles, and strength training for hours and still aren’t seeing results, you might need to bump it up a notch.

The best way to burn fat is with High Intensity Interval Training.

If you want the biggest bang for your buck, give HIIT workouts a try. In just 15 minutes you can boost your metabolism and get your body in the fat burning zone. It’s not recommended that you do HIIT workouts every day, but three times a week, try switching up your regular routine with a quick but intense circuit.

3. Eat breakfast.

It’s the most important meal of the day for a reason.

Eating a healthy breakfast is so important for weight loss. We need to start our day with nourishing foods that will rev up our metabolism and set the tone for our day. You might think skipping breakfast will get you slim for summer, but you would be mistaken. You need to eat breakfast, but be sure to choose good foods. Don’t start your day with donuts or pop tarts. These will leave you feeling sluggish and slow down your metabolism.

So be sure to choose healthy foods and always eat your breakfast. Studies show that when you skip a meal, you blood sugar drops exceedingly low, and your metabolic rate slows down. This results in hunger and lack of energy which will lead to over-eating later on in the day.

4. Go to bed.

Sleep is absolutely essential for a healthy body.

If you’re eating clean and exercising but still not seeing results, you might need to get more sleep. Your body needs adequate rest to function properly. Staying up late increases your chances of late-night snacking and making unhealthy choices. Also, lack of sleep can lead to many health problems, such as weight gain, impaired thinking, and even heart attacks. The American Sleep Academy of Sleep Medicine suggests that adults get at least 7 hours of sleep each night.

5 Reasons to Start Stretching

August 3, 2015 By Nutrisimo Leave a Comment

Think stretching is just for yogis? Think again. Today I’m sharing with you the 5 Reasons to Start Stretching today.

Studies have shown that incorporating a few minutes of stretching into your morning routine can have lasting benefits. Many times, we don’t get to go to the gym, or do a home workout because we either have to go to work, or to school, or take care of kids. But how about a quick stretch? Try stretching for at least five minutes a day for one week and see how you feel. You’ll be amazed at how invigorating it is. Besides increasing flexibility, here are 5 reasons to start stretching.

1. Ever get those morning aches and pains and don’t know why? When you go to sleep each night, you are at rest for a period of time long enough for fluid to build up in your joints and spinal discs. Each morning do some stretching for a few minutes and it will relieve those morning pains.

2. Work a desk job? Stretching is highly beneficial for those of us that sit most of the day. Because your back muscles and chest muscles are overstretched from your seated position, poor posture is usually the result. Thankfully, stretching is the perfect cure for stiff necks and hunched backs.

3. Stretching increases blood flow to all parts of your body, but especially to the brain. It helps get that blood pumping which allows you to be more alert, concentrated, and have optimal performance.

4. Stretch your way to being stress-free! If you’ve been feeling depressed, overwhelmed, and stressed-out, chances are you need to start stretching more. Stretching has proven to be one of the best ways to relieve stress. Take time to slow down and get a good stretch in. It only takes a few minutes, but you’ll be shocked at how good you feel.

5. Are you the type of person that can’t function without their morning coffee? Although there’s nothing like a cup of joe, morning stretches can help stimulate your brain and give you that morning boost. Stretching increases energy levels, so get in a good stretch while your coffee is brewing.