New Natural: Crystal Deodorant

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I must admit I was a bit skeptical to try a “natural” form of deodorant. I am very loyal to my chemically-enhanced version and admit to a slight phobia of body odor. However, after testing Crystal Body Deodorant, my feelings have changed.

Crystal is the world’s leading natural mineral salt deodorant. Made from natural mineral salts, these deodorants form an invisible layer on the skin that creates an unfriendly environment for bacteria. While most deodorants mask odor with heavy scents or fragrances, Crystal deodorants neutralize the bacteria that causes the odor.

I have been using these deodorants for a couple weeks and am shocked by their effectivness. My first thought was to use the Crystal deodorants at night and use my regular deodorant when I am more active. However, I found it worked just as well as my regular deodorant.

The original Crystal Body Deodorant is unscented and available in a stick, roll-on, spray, original Rock, and Towelette. Now available in a variety of scents like Lavender & White Tea and Pomegranate that smell lovely and clean, there is no reason not to try it out.

Tell me what you think!

Superfood Election: Amazing Grass

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Change the way you eat your greens with Amazing Grass. Green SuperFood is a full spectrum of alkalizing green superfoods, antioxidant rich fruits and Acai and Maca to provide a powerful dose of whole food nutrition. Here is the kicker… they are delicious.

Amazing Grass has created three new tantalizing flavors that will make you crave your greens rather than dread them. One serving delivers more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than five servings of fresh fruits and vegetables. The three new flavors include: Pineapple Lemongrass, Citrus Ginger and Cucumber Watermelon. My favorite is Pineapple Lemongrass.

Amazing Grass Green Superfood are formulated with the highest quality of organic ingredients.

Greens: wheat grass, barley grass, alfalfa grass, spirulina, chlorella, spinach, broccoli

Berries: acai, maca, carrot, beet, raspberry, rose hips, pineapple, green tea, acerola cherry

Fibers: flax seed, apple pectin

Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics: F.O.S.(a prebiotic), L. acidophilus, protease, amylase, lipase, lactase, cellulase

With the presidential elections over, the last thing we want to do right now is vote. However, by simply voting for your favorite flavor you will automatically be entered to win a year’s supply of the winning flavor.

To enter, text the number of your favorite flavor to 95323, or visit www.amazinggrass.com/vote and select your favorite flavor.

Enjoy your greens everyday with Amazing Grass Green Superfood.

Boost Your Immune System: SunWarrior Immune Shield

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Boosting your immunity is important for coping with the cold and flu season. When your immune system is strong and operating at it’s peak efficiency, your body is better able to battle illness. Making smart lifestyle choices and taking the proper supplements can keep you strong and healthy this season.

Your immune system is a balanced network of cells and organs working together to protect you from disease and sickness. These defensive cells are found in various parts of the body, such as your tonsils, spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow and thymus gland. Your immune system is working to create antibodies that find and destroy “foreign invaders,” which cause illness. If your immune system is not working properly, you may be left defenseless.

Block these “foreign invaders” with SunWarrior Immune Shield. This revolutionary product uses gold & silver ions delivered by a carrier molecule to penetrate all fluids, cells and tissues of the body. Immune Shield enables the cells to better combat viruses, and provides for total body immune system support and protection.

By simply taking half a teaspoon daily, Immune Shield enables all nutrients to be more absorbable in the body, which means you will get a greater benefit from all your nutrients – whatever the source. Check out some amazing Immune Shield testimonials: HERE.

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According to SunWarrior, in addition to taking Immune Shield, here are even more ways to protect yourself this season:

* Elderberry for Cures: Elderberry extracts or syrups have been clinically proven to help get over colds and flu. It’s not a drug. So it’s cheaper and without the side effects.

* Protective Supplements: Elderberry is curative. Echinacea herbs are protective. They’re usually sold in tinctures or extracts. Vitamin C is protective and, in large quantities, curative. Zinc is a helpful mineral for protecting against colds. Increase them with the right foods or supplements.

* Minimize Sugar: Ease up on sodas, pastries and such. A few grams of sugar can destroy your white blood cells’ ability to resist infections for several hours.

* Eat More Garlic and Onion: Besides being rich in antioxidants and selenium, garlic is antibacterial and antiviral. Both garlic and onions are part of the Allium family, which is rich in sulfur-containing compounds responsible for many of their health-promoting effects.

* Exercise:Moderate exercise, even walking a mile or two at least three times a week, helps your lymph system cleanse impurities to boost your immune system.

* Stress Less: This should be an all year practice. Many consider stress or anxiety as the leading cause for decreased immunity. Lighten up. Try meditation or yoga. Laugh more. Be less critical. Worry less.

* Sleep: Not necessarily more, but better. Make sure where you sleep is totally dark so your melatonin production will be sufficient. There are melatonin supplements if you feel the need. The different phases of sleep contain two cycles that are deep enough to refurbish your immune system. You need to sleep through them.

* Probiotics: Your body contains ten times more bacteria than cells. Most of them have to be friendly. Friendly bacteria not only attack pathogenic bacteria and fungi, but also they trigger appropriate white cell reactions to invaders and they influence your mental/emotional state. It’s estimated that eighty percent of your 100 trillion bacteria are located in the gut.

Friendly bacteria are usually depleted, especially by GMOs. We all need probiotic foods and supplements. Commercial yogurt is insufficient. Raw milk and raw cheese, fermented foods, and water kefir or milk kefir should be staples. There are probiotic supplements as well. If you’re forced into taking antibiotics, double up with probiotic supplements.

* Vitamin D3: If you live in a year round warm sunny area, you’ll need to make sure you get plenty of sun to skin exposure. If your regional climate restricts sun exposure, take your Vitamin D3 supplements. You can check your Vitamin D3 blood levels, but many experts recommend five to ten thousand units daily.

Learn more at SunWarrior Natural News: HERE

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ABOUT SUNWARRIOR:

Sunwarrior was born on a warm Arizona evening during the Sedona Raw Spirit Festival. Three different men with three different dreams met with one desire, to create a company and a product that benefit mankind and the planet mankind occupies.

Nick Stern began juicing in his teens, earning him the nickname “NatureBoy” early on. In his twenties he competed as a body builder and played semi-pro sports. At the time, being an athlete meant consuming massive amounts of animal products and by-products. After his competitive career ended, his body felt toxic, racked with aches and pain. He turned back to a plant-based diet, the pain bled away, and Nick felt a renewed sense of wellness.

Denley Fowlke received his first true call to action when he became a father of twin girls just beginning their lives with serious, life-threatening conditions. He and his wife, Jan, embarked on a quest for the knowledge to save their children. Denley learned that many answers to health issues could be found in nutrition and nature. His daughters recovered, but his quest never ended.

The two men combined their dreams, their savvy business personalities, and their environmental consciousness to create Sunwarrior, a company committed to making the best plant-based products while elevating humanity and preserving the planet.

Salubrious Subscription: KLUTCHclub

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With so many subscription boxes out there to choose from, how do you decipher the best? From beauty, fashion and food to boxes specifically made for moms, men even dogs, it is hard not to form a “subscription box addiction”.

KLUTCHclub is a new monthly subscription service (launched April 2012) that sends a curated box of health, fitness and wellness products right to your doorstep. You will learn about new, niche brands and products that suit your lifestyle and also get access to exclusive deals and offers from companies that share your values. Perfect for woman-on-the-go who need help with healthy eating options and staying in shape in this busy, demanding world.

Confused by all the options out there (hemp? chia? omegas?), not knowing which brands to trust – and unwilling to invest hundreds of dollars on products that she could not distinguish from the latest gimmicks vs. something that is truly hollistically healthy – founder of KLUTCHclub, Julie Bashkin, wanted an expert to just curate a collection of healthy products and then magically deliver them to her door. Because the idealized option did not exist, she created KLUTCHclub.

“I founded KLUTCHclub to find a solution to my own struggles with maintaining a healthy lifestyle while working demanding 75 hour-weeks and managing a heavy travel schedule” says KLUTCHclub founder and former McKinsey and Company Engagement Manager, Julie Bashkin. “I was on a perpetual quest to find products that would make eating nutritious food and exercising on-the-go more convenient.”

KLUTCHclub subscription service is a great way to sample new product, try new foods, wellness items and activities that you might never purchase yourself. One of the first subscription companies to give you pricing options – KLUTCHclub is extremely affordable at – $16 per month, if you sign up for a year subscription, $17 per month for a 3 month subscription and $18 per month for 1 month subscription.

KLUTCHclub currently has a monthly subscription box for KLUTCHwomen and KLUTCHmen. In the future the company plans on adding KLUTCHmom, celebrity curated boxes and boxes that donate to charities. KLUTCHclub is a wonderful option for those of us that want to improve our health without doing the research. Let KLUTCHclub do the work for you.

The Beauty Berry: Sea Buckthorn

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Known as the “beauty berry” across Europe and Asia, sea buckthorn contains over 190 bioactive compounds that restore, revitalize, and protect youthful beauty – inside and out. Available in skincare products, haircare products and healthcare products this bountiful berry has been used topically and internally for centuries.

Topically, these hardy berries help nourish skin, hair, and nails with powerful antioxidants and essential fatty acids, including the rare Omega 7. Sea buckthorn contains the highest Omega-7 content in the industry. Today scientists are touting Omega 7 primarily for it’s anti-aging benefits. It helps control free radicals, is vital for healthy collagen production and contains dozens of skin-nourishing phyto-nutrients including full spectrum Vitamin E, well known for healing and repairing skin tissue.

Internally, sea buckthorn can protect against heart disease, cancer, natural aging symptoms, liver damage, sun damage, memory loss, ulcers, menopause symptoms and more. Over 120 specific studies on sea buckthorn have shown that this little berry promotes health and vitality. Even Dr.Oz featured the sea buckthorn berry on his show as a vehicle for healthy weight loss and maintenance. From sea buckthorn’s rare abundance of some of the most powerful antioxidants to being the only plant in the world known to contain essential fatty acids 3, 6, 7 and 9 – sea buckthorn has earned it’s title as a “superfruit”.

Traditional health-related uses for the sea buckthorn berry include:

• Sustained energy levels
• Improved cellular health
• Cardiovascular support
• Healthy inflammation response
• Joint support
• Moisturizing dry and damaged skin and hair
• Improved immune health
• Decrease in wrinkles and fine lines
• Addressing exzema and rosacea symptoms

Fact: It takes approximately 10 pounds of sea buckthorn berries to product 1 pound of oil.

Here are four wonderful companies that incorporate sea buckthorn into their products:

Sibu Beauty has developed an entire system of premium health and beauty products made from wild, hand-harvested, fair-trade sea buckthorn. Products include luxurious cleansers, moisturizes, and other topical treatments as well as dietary supplements that beautify and protect from the inside-out. Each product is packed with the maximum levels of Omega 7 and the 190 other bio-active nutrients from the sea buckthorn berry to revitalize, renew, and replenish the body.

Shown: Sibu Repair & Protect All Natural Facial Cream and Sibu Sea Buckthorn Cellular Support

Weleda, named after the Celtic god of wisdom and healing, develops it’s products based on a passion for beauty, wellness and environmental respect. Weleda uses sea buckthorn in products targeted at dry, dehydrated skin. The essential fatty acids replenish vital moisture, while pro-vitamin A and vitamin E soften and protect the skin. Weleda adds sea buckthorn to it’s products to provide thirsty skin with nutrient-rich moisture and added antioxidants and vitamins.

Shown: Weleda Sea Buckthorn Body Oil

Naked Organix offers concentrated, plant-based formulas to protect, repair and moisturize the face and body. Featuring some of the most effective botanical ingredients on the market, their skincare line is hand-crafted in small batches and contain only the finest quality organic, wild-crafted ingredients. Naked Organix uses sea buckthorn for it’s renowned ability to protect and revitalize dehydrated skin and help any skin type appear more youthful and radiant.

Shown: Naked Organix Sea Buckthorn Cleansing Bar and Naked Organix Sea Buckthorn Body Butter

Amika dedicates an entire line of haircare products to sea buckthorn (also known as Obliphica). The range provide deep conditioning and manageability utilizing pure obliphica oil or sea buckthorn oil. The concentrated formula feeds hair, restoring natural moisture and balance and imparting vitality and health to the follicle. The natural oil won’t weigh the hair down so dull hair becomes enriched and replenished with the it’s natural moisture.

Shown: Amika Obliphica Oil Treatment

Super Seed: The Chia Seed

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Ch…Ch…Ch…CHIA! The first thing that comes to mind when thinking about the super seed. The many Chia Pet commercials watched on how to grow chia seeds from your very own terra-cotta Chia Frog. Gaining popularity in the United States, Chia seeds are making a big comeback. They offer a wonderful source of nutrients that can easily be incorporated into your diet and can easily be purchased from any health food store.

Chia seeds are a small seed that comes from the salvia plant, which is a part of the mint family. Originally grown in South America, Chia seeds were first used as food as early as 3500 BC and were one of the main dietary components of the Aztecs and the Mayans.

Chia seeds are perhaps best known for their high omega-3 fatty acids content. In fact, chia seeds have the highest omega-3s of any vegetarian food. Just one tablespoon of chia seeds contains 2406 mg of omega-3s, and also contains approx. 792 mg omega-6s and 294 mg of omega-9 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, are important for brain function and work as an anti-inflammatory in the body.

Another advantage of chia seeds is their ability to help maintain steady blood sugar levels. Chia seeds form a gel in the stomach that slows the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar. Carbohydrates that quickly break down into sugar stimulate a surge of insulin to be released into the blood, causing blood sugar problems. Eating foods such as chia seeds that break down slowly helps blood sugar to rise and fall steadily throughout the day.

Chia seeds also contain a substantial amount of fiber, protein, essential amino acids, calcium and minerals. Available in white and black seeds, some manufacturers state that the white chia seed is superior. However, there is no research to back up this claim and as of now no significant difference.

Incorporating chia seeds into your diet is easy. Simply add to smoothies, yogurt, salads, dressings, cereal, water… anything. They can be eaten both raw or cooked, though cooking them may damage their fragile omega fatty acids. I like to add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds to coconut water and drink first thing in the morning. When adding to liquid, drink fast, as chia will develop into a gel-like consistency. Enjoy!

Drink Your Vitamins: Vital Earth Minerals

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The best vitamin for you is the vitamin that you will take every single day on a consistent basis. Weather in tablet or liquid form, it really does not matter which brand or type is the best – if you are not taking them.

I am a big believer of drinking my vitamins. I find I am much more consistent with a daily regime when my vitamins are in liquid form. Also, liquid vitamins are more effective because they can be assimilated immediately into the blood stream. The liquid form can also be three to five times more concentrated than vitamin pills. This more concentrated form can lead to higher therapeutic benefits and a healthier outcome.

My favorite liquid vitamins and minerals are Vital Earth Minerals. The three major advantages to all Vital Earth liquid products are high potency ingredients, 98% absorption (due to liquid form) and the addition of a unique component – Fulvic Minerals.

Fulvic, the “miracle molecule,” is rapidly becoming one of the key elements in many health and scientific breakthroughs of the 21st century. Fulvic Minerals have occurred naturally in organic plants and soils since the beginning of man-kind. It is created by microbial activity at the roots of plants. Its function is to dissolve and convert the metallic and clay based mineral molecules that are in soils into a form that is usable by plants animals and people. Once the minerals are dissolved, plants uptake, through their root system, the powerful fulvic substance that is loaded with dissolved minerals and trace elements.

Benefits of Fulvic Minerals:

• Makes all nutrients more absorbable which means you get greater benefit from all your nutrients – whatever the source.
• Transports nutrients right into the cells.
• Increases absorption of oxygen and decreases acidity.
• Changes the pattern of metabolism of carbohydrates.
• Helps rebuild and stimulate the immune system.
• Extends the time nutrients remain active.
• Increases energy.
• Is a powerful de-toxer.
• Is the most powerful natural free-radical and antioxidant known to science at this time.

Realizing that Fulvic enhances all the nutrients it comes in contact with, Vital-Earth uses it as the base for all their products.

The Super-Multi is a high-potency formula packed with a combination of vitamins, amino acids, anti-oxidants with a fulvic mineral base. Just one capful per day provides the body with over 100 nutrients. It has a passion fruit flavor that tastes great and is easy to take.

The Fulvic Mineral Complex contains the highest concentration of fulvic found on the retail market. It should be added to almost everyone’s supplement regime, especially if you are facing a health challenge, are recreational athletes (sweating minerals out of the body) or want to take extra preventive measures. It has absolutely no taste and a balanced alkaline pH of 7.0 to 7.8.

Vital-Earth has a wonderful selection of liquid vitamins and minerals. They are of the highest quality and potency. At the end of the day, it is still a matter of, hand-to-mouth, the act of taking a vitamin every day. If you are like me and tend to get lazy with capsule-form vitamins, try a liquid form – I guarantee you will stay consistent.

The Master List: SPACE.NK Event

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Last night I had the privilege of attending a wonderful event at SPACE.NK Costa Mesa hosted by local blogger and friend, Sarah Ollenberger of Juggling in Heels.

SPACE.NK is a luxury beauty retail (located inside Bloomingdales and stand-alone) filled with a well-edited selection of hard-to-find beauty products. Nicky Kinnaird, founder and the initials behind SPACE.NK, taught a master class revealing her must-have beauty products for summer. A weath of knowledge and experience, Nicky Kinnaird travels the world searching for the latest and greatest in beauty. The Master List is compiled of Nicky’s go-to products for protecting, enhancing and beautifying this summer.

THE MASTER LIST:

Eve Lom Treatment Cleanser: This cult favorite is your makeup remover, cleanser, toner, mild exfoliant, skin re-texturizer and brightener in a jar. (One of my favorites: review here)

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Treatment Pads: A one-step exfoliator that evens out skin tone and minimizes pores.

Cane + Austin Retexturizing Body Pads: Glycolic treatment pads reveal a brighter, smoother body complexion while helping to rebuild collagen and firm the skin.

Ren Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate: Retinol-like results without the irritation.

Bakel P-Lipic Serum: Deeply hydrating, skin strengthening serum that protects against free radical-damage.

Zelens Triple-Action Eye Cream: Hydrates, smoothes, lifts and minimized the appearance of dark circles.

37 Extreme Actives: The cream that does it all – eyes, face, neck… morning and evening.

Zelens 31 Complex Essential Anti-Aging Cream: Deeply hydrating antioxidant-loaded formula helps to minimize visible signs of aging.

By Terry Baume de Rose SPF15: Cult lip treatment that doubles as a cuticle cream.

NIA 24 Rapid Repigmentation Serum: Best to even out skin tone, addresses sun damage, freckles and age spots.

NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention 100% Mineral Sunscreen: SPF 30, this oil-free formula contains 5%Pro-Niacin to strengthen skin and help repair sun damage. (One of my favorites-review here)

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer: Keeps makeup fresh all day long.

By Terry Hyaluronic Eye Primer: Keeps eye makeup color true and fresh without caking or creasing all day.

By Terry Touche Veloutee: The perfect highlighting concealer brush. It instantly sweeps away any signs of fatigue, redness and minor imperfections. (One of my favorites: review here)

By Terry Terrybly Mascara: Lash growth boosting mascara.

Kevyn Aucoin Eyelash Curler: The best one out there.

Kevyn Aucoin Volumizing Mascara: Never smudges, never flakes, sweat-proof yet washes off with water.

Kevyn Aucoin Lip Glosses: On trend colors with a unique chubby applicator that mimics a makeup artist’s pinky.

Rococo Nail Apparel: Fashion-forward colors for the season: Lady Lavender (on trend lavender), T-Cup (vintage baby blue), VIP Red (the perfect red), Wild Roses (hot fuchsia pink).

Oribe Apres Beach Spray: Texturizing spray for tousled, touchable waves and sun-kissed shine.

Oribe Maximista: Maximum volume with thermal protection, gives enduring lify and hold.

Oribe Impermeable Anti-Humidity Spray: Conceived and tested in Miami.

Institut Esthederm Bronz Repair Anti-Wrinkle Tanning Cream: Cult French anti-aging sunscreen for face.

Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Sea & Tropics Tanning Body Lotion: For safe tanning under extreme sun.

Life NK Japanese Wash Cloth: Unique textured cloth makes all-over body exfolliation simple.

Beautannia Brighton Bath & Shower Gel: Addictively scented paraben-free hydrating body cleanser scented with grapefruit, orris, sea moss and vetiver.

Beautannia Brighton Body Lotion: Moisturize, soften and protect the skin while polypeptides encourage firmness.

Sai-Sei Mineral Revive Body Veil: Super lightweight hydrating body veil with essential minerals from Japan’s Toyama hot springs.

David Kirsch Thermo Bubbles: Thermogenic blend of vitamins, minerals and herbs to help boost metabolism, curb your appetite and promote lean muscle mass.

David Kirsch Ultimate Detox Diet: Comprehensive detox and nutrition system that helps to jumpstart your wellness routine.

Sunday Riley Liquid Diet: Helps relieve swelling, bloating and puffiness, and smooth the appearance of cellulite.

In Peace eau de parfum: A sophisticated yet serence white floral perfume that blends freesia and pimento flower blossom with French iris and mimosa in a sunsual base of sandalwood and tonka bean. Created in partner ship with Women for Women International, 10% of proceeds benefits their sponsorship program for women survivors of war to enable them to rebuild their lives.

Drink More Water!

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Drinking water is essential to health, beauty and longevity. The simple act of drinking water is extremely important in helping our bodies stay functioning at their optimum capacity.

The average body is made up of 55 to 65 percent water. The brain consists of almost 70 percent water. Water is essential for hydrating your organs, digestion, circulation, maintenance of body temperature, lubricating your joints and carrying oxygen and nutrients throughout your bloodstream. Just to name a few…

Water assists in the flushing or removal of harmful toxins from the body. Toxins come from a variety of sources and must be flushed out of the body to avoid hurtful build-up. Drinking plenty of water helps to cleanse the body systems of these toxins. Overall, your body will look and feel better.

Skin is an organ, and just like any other part of the body your skin is made up of cells. And skin cells, like any other cell in the body, are made up of water. Without water, the organs will certainly not function properly or at their best. Think of a plant that you may have forgotten to water once, the way it wilted and shriveled. By staying properly hydrated you allow your body enough extra moisture to produce healthy skin cells. Your skin will thank you for the extra moisture by looking and feeling healthier, firmer and brighter.

When you’re low on fluids, the brain triggers the body’s thirst mechanism. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. For those who struggle with drinking plain water there are alternative options. Herbal, black and green teas can make the experience more pleasurable, plus you boost your antioxidant intakes. There are a wide variety of water flavorings, just make sure you get a low-sugar option. You can also add a spritz of lemon, lime, or other fruit to your water for some extra flavor.

My #1 tip for how to drink more water is the Camelbak Groove. Filters as you sip, so you can hydrate on-the-go. I swear by this thing and I am not even sure why. 32oz of water disappears in seconds.

Healthy Skin from Within: Nordic Naturals Complete Omega – 3.6.9

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There are a million reasons to take an omega-3 supplement everyday. One of the many is that EFAs or essential fatty acids control a large number of cellular processes in the body that directly relate to the health of your skin, hair and nails. Before I get to that, let’s look at the numerous benefits of fish oil.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are considered “essential fats” because they are required for optimal health but cannot be produced by the body. EFAs can be found in fish, flaxseeds, walnuts and canola. Fish oil supplies the most beneficial omega-3s, which are: EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Eating actual fish (mostly oily, cold water fish like salmon, tuna, herring and sardines) is the best food source of EPA and DHA, but due to concerns about toxins such as mercury, a fish oil supplement is the safest source.

OMEGA-3:  EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid)

*Healthy heart and body*

• Maintains a healthy heart and circulatory system
• Enhances joint flexibility and movement
• Promotes healthy immune function
• Supports optimal metabolism and body composition
• Promotes balanced blood sugar levels
• Supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory response

OMEGA-3:  DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid)

*Healthy mood, mind and memory*

• Supports learning and memory
• Promotes positive mood and well-being
• Supports and protects the brain, eyes, nervous and immune systems
• Essential for the proper development of infants and children
• Recommended by physicians for pregnant and lactating women

OMEGA-6:  GLA (Gamma-Linolenic Acid)

*Healthy skin, hair and hormones*

• Nourishes hair and skin
• Supports healthy joints
• Enhances Hormonal Balance
• Maintains optimal body fat metabolism
• Supports positive mood
• Supports a regular menstrual cycle

OMEGA-9:  OA (Oleic Acid)

*Healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels*

• Naturally occurs in fish oil
• A “good for you: omega-9 monounsaturated fatty acid
• Supports healthy blood vessel function
• Promotes healthy cell membrane structure

Healthy Skin from Within:

Our skin cells need plenty of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and healthy fats. Without these, our skin can become dry, dull, prone to premature aging and even inflamed. There are two key essential fatty acids that your skin and hair will love. Since your body doesn’t manufacture them, they must be sourced through food and/or supplements.

Omega-3s in fish oil have been shown to:

• Keep the skin hydrated thus helping to prevent dry skin and other skin conditions
• Help soothe scaly, rough skin by reducing unnecessary inflammation
• Improve blood flow and support the elasticity of red blood cells thereby providing more oxygen to nourish the skin
• Encourage the production of strong collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis making skin look younger by reducing wrinkling and sagging

GLA is an Omega-6 fatty acid that occurs naturally in evening primrose and borage oils and has shown to:

• Relieve dry skin
• Reduce hair loss
• Provide relief for eczema, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and allows approximately 60% of “what goes on it, to go inside it”. Anything that increases the body’s ability to maintain integrity in our highly polluted world is a plus for your beauty routine.

Nordic Naturals is the leading manufacturer of fish oil in the United States. They are committed to delivering the world’s safest, most effective omega oils. The Complete Omega – 3.6.9 is an omega-rich blend that contains all the needed ingredients to support heart health, brain function, positive mood, healthy joints, as well as healthy hair, skin and nails. It has a fresh lemon taste that ensures no fishy smell, taste or aftertaste and all research is based on third-party test results – resulting in an honest and pure product. You will not find a better fish oil than Nordic Naturals.

Bikini-Ready & Healthy: Vega One

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Start your day off right with Vega One. This all-in-one nutritional shake provides the body with everything it needs to support a healthy and active lifestyle. Free from preservatives, added sugar, artificial flavors or colors, Vega One is dairy, gluten and soy free.

One serving of Vega One contains all this:

• 15g of protein (plant-based protein) / equivalent to eating 2.7 eggs.

• 1 billion CFU dairy-free probiotics / same as eating 100g of yogurt.

• 1.5g Omega 3 / providing the same per serving as 6 oz of wild salmon.

• 6g of fiber / equivalent to eating 3.2 slices of whole wheat bread.

• 3 servings of greens / same as three servings of nutrient-rich vegetables.

• 2.7 cups of antioxidants / equivalent to eating 2.7 cups of blueberries.

Additionally, one serving of Vega One delivers half of your daily intake of vital vitamins and minerals, and 1000mg of maca (rich in amino acids) and 500mg of chlorella (helps immune function).

With summer on the horizon, Vega One shakes are a great way to get bikini-ready. They are great for on-the-go meal replacements and will provide energy, metabolize fats, proteins and carbohydrates and facilitate in proper muscle function and repair. Also, daily protein shakes can help to provide a lasting feeling of fullness and limit total calorie consumption, resulting in weight-loss.

In my experience, it is quite difficult to find a protein/nutritional powder that is low in sugar and low glycemic level (measure of the effects of food on blood sugar levels). Vega One is sweetened with stevia extract and has no sugar, maltodextrin or sugar-derivitives added. On the Glycemic index it is impressively low at 19.2 – compared to popular brands that are between 30 and 45.

Available in Berry, Chocolate, Vanilla Chai (my favorite) and Natural, Vega One tastes great simply shaken with water or blended with ice. Or add a non-dairy beverage of your choice (favorite: almond milk), and all the veggies and fruits you can handle for a healthy, delicious and nutritious meal.

Favorite Shake Recipe:

• 1 serving Vega One

• 6 large strawberries

• 1 sliced banana

• 1 cup blueberries

• 2-4 kale leaves

• 1/2 cup almond milk

• 1/2 cup water

• ice

Blend & Go!