Category: blog

Lunch Smoothie for a Mid-Day Boost!

If you’ve had a tough morning, it might be time to get a lunch smoothie for a mid-day boost!   I get it!  The daily grind can sometimes wear you down to the nub and you’re emotionally SPENT by noon!  🤯  It might be tempting to grab something calorically dense that will initially raise your serotonin levels.  But, what should you do?  Give up and go home?  Nope! Unless you work from home.  😃 If you do, take a break and head to the fridge/pantry and pull out those smoothie ingredients.  Like what?  Glad you asked!

Smoothie Staples to Have at Home!

Greens……Spinach, kale, bok choy, chard.  The powerhouses!  2 cups.

Protein/Multi Collagen…… Multi Collagens are best.  Make sure they have Type I, II, III, V, and X with MSM, Glucosamine & Chondroitin.  I use Alaya Multi Collagen.  You can buy it here.

Frozen Fruit…… Berries are best!  Blackberries, rasberries, blueberries, and strawberries.  Bananas have that extra natural sugar.  (easy on the bananas, though, a half banana is all you need)

Nut Milks…… Almond Milk (unsweetened), cashew milk (unsweetened) are rated the most nutrient dense. Plus, they are easy to store!

Spices and Flavorings…..If you want some extra zing try adding fresh or ground ginger and turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg. You could also add extracts, like a touch of vanilla, almond, or orange.

Here’s what I did after a Stressful morning today…video below!

Smoothie Recipes – Great for the Skin and Your Mood!

All those greens, berries, nut milks, proteins, collagens, and spices are chalked full of energizing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.  They rev the metabolism and boost your spirits.  And SUPER awesome for your skin!  Click here to find 9 green smoothie recipes you’ll actually enjoy!

Needing a Little Extra Boost?

Sometimes when life is EXTRA tough, I have my go-to healthy dessert option.  A mix of protein and natural “sugar” in a Fruity -licious dessert bowl!  The recipe can be found here.  It has never let me down yet!

It’s a great mood booster and satisfies that sugary craving all at the same time!  It’s a win-win combo!

So, make it a point to NOT let life’s stresses get the best of you.  There are lots of healthy, delicious and satisfying options out there that will boost your mood and lift your spirits! Let’s stock that fridge and pantry with those healthy options!  Your mood and your skin will Thank You!

Let’s Subtract the Years Together!

Feet on a scale

How Often Should I Weigh Myself?

There are lots of differing opinions out there about ‘how often should I weigh myself?’  Some “experts” say that once a week is all you need to keep you on track.  Unfortunately, I don’t agree with that.  I believe that accountability  should be daily.  Every day should be a renewed commitment to your goals.  Life can be soooooo distracting!  That’s why most people never STAY committed! The truth is, only 5% KEEP the weight off after “dieting”.  So, what’s the secret to KEEPING the weight off?  Glad you asked! 😃

(Disclaimer…If you have a history of disordered eating or any body image issues, please do whatever is safe for you.  This is what I have found to be successful for me)

Every Day Should Be a Renewed Commitment!

What does “renewed commitment” look like?  Well, here is my version of “renewed commitment”!  It’s daily tracking. Yep!  It sits on my kitchen table and I wrote every single day for 20 weeks straight what my weight was when I first get up in the morning! (and I’ve started my second 20 weeks)  It charts my daily ups and downs. I have learned to be okay with the down days.  They are just reminders for me to get back on track for the day.  I have weekly weight loss – highlighted in yellow.  Sometimes I’ve slid slightly backward but, I’ve forced myself to look at reality EVERY SINGLE DAY!  By looking at reality, when I’ve slid, I can right the boat again before it gets out of hand and I’m sunk!!! (Yes, pun intended!). 😆

For all you dedicated souls out there who actually want to check out what reality looks like on a daily and weekly basis, I’ve re-written it all out  on an excel spread sheet for easier viewing.  The red numbers are the days where the scale has gone up slightly but, the weekly losses are where it counts!  Every single solitary ounce lost is a WIN!  Reality Works!

Is Daily Weighing Extreme?

NOPE!  It’s been studied pretty thoroughly between “daily weighers”, “semi-weekly weighers”, and “not very often” weighers.  Over a six month study, those people who  were “daily weighers” lost more weight and had more energy than the other two groups.  That alone should motivate all of us to continue or start the habit of weighing daily.  It keeps our goals in the forefront each and everyday that we wake up. It helps motivate us to be the best version of ourself that we can be!

The Focal Point with Daily Weighing

A persons weight is just one way to gauge how our overall health is doing.  It is just one way we can be the best version of ourselves that we can be.  To keep that scale going down to reach our own personal ideal weight for optimum health and vitality, we also need to focus on a healthy eating regime and a healthy exercise regime.  When the numbers on the scale go up in the morning toward an unhealthy number for us, it’s just a loving reminder  to love ourselves TODAY!  That love means we RECOMMIT to taking better care of ourselves TODAY!  Say to yourself, “It’s a new day and it’s going to be a beautiful healthy day!  Because I’m worth the effort!”

WE CAN DO THIS!!! ❤️❤️❤️

 

 

 

Face Yoga to Tighten the Skin!

Are you losing weight, eating healthy foods, and STILL seeing your face age quicker than you’d like?  Your fat cells are shrinking, but your skin isn’t keeping up?  I hear ya!  After a little research, I’ve seen and read some Very promising results with face yoga.  It turns out that practicing Face Yoga to Tighten the Skin, in addition to losing weight, eating healthy foods, and exercise works wonders to stimulate healthy and glowing skin.

Sagging Skin Reversed!

It takes a little patience, motivation and consistency BUT, it pays off!  I exercise the rest of my body for toned muscles, so why not my face?  Over the years I’ve gradually had sneak up on me saggy jowls, saggy neck, and droopy eye lids…why can’t I exercise THESE muscles so that they look great, too?  It turns out that you CAN!

How Does It Work?

By massaging light essential oils and serums in the skin and exercising the muscles of the head, face and neck helps to relax, smooth, and firm them.  This results in less wrinkles or lines.  It promotes firmer, smoother skin and helps keep me calm throughout the day.  I’ve visited numerous websites for information on the best techniques and I’ve settled on Danielle Collins, the Face Yoga Expert.  She’s so knowledgeable, thorough, and calming.  Just 20 minutes a day seems to do the trick. I personally am going for 20 minutes a day 4 days a week with the full regimen of 40 minutes a day for 2 days a week.  I want fast results!

Is Face Yoga Scientifically Proven to Work?

Yes!  Face Yoga has been proven to make you look 3 years younger in 20 weeks in a study by dermatologists at Northwestern University. The lead author Dr. Murad Alam  said, “Now there is some evidence that facial exercises may improve facial appearance and reduce some visible signs of aging. The exercises enlarge and strengthen the facial muscles, so the face becomes firmer and more toned and shaped like a younger face.”

The study was published Jan. 3 in the journal JAMA Dermatology. Click on the link above to read the full report!  Very encouraging!

I will DEFINITELY be adding another post about Face Yoga with my own results in the next few months.  I’m excited and am looking forward to this continued journey!

 

To live my life now to the fullest extent possible is my passion!  To imagine a brighter and better future is my goal!  Let’s go together!

 

 

 

Motivation to Continue

Motivation to Continue

It’s a New Year. A time to rejuvenate my spirit, but where can I find the Motivation to Continue?  Have you fallen out of sync with your previous goals? How can you “get back on the wagon” with determination, incentive, and excitement? Let’s face it, 2020 was pretty tough for most of us.  2021, though, can and WILL be the rebirth of that spirit.  

There’s an old saying, “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.”

So, to find that motivation what we need to do is, sit down and start writing down what we’d like to accomplish this year.  Separate the areas in your life that matter most to you.  My areas are:

Spiritual

Health

Work

Hobby

What are your areas in life that matter most to you?  

Try writing down no more than three things for each category to keep it simple and easy to remember.  Once that is completed.  Write down under each goal what you need to do to accomplish your goals.  Example:

Health

1.  Goal weight is…….

a. lose 5 pounds per month

b. use the WW app to keep track of what I eat and to stay focused

c. focus on skin and joint foods

2.  Walk 10,000 steps 5 days a week

a. walk 500 steps around the house when I first get up

b. set my alarm on my phone to remind me to start walking schedule (one or two alarms as needed per day)

Just the act of writing out a plan, in itself, will be a great start and can help give you the Motivation to Continue!

What is another area that can help KEEP you motivated??

Motivational quotes (one or two of your favorites) either hand written out or in poster form in your home office, bathroom, kitchen, really wherever you hang out; can be just the gentle reminder you need to keep those goals in focus and active!

There are many other ways to help keep that motivation moving.  Next week I will be posting additional ways to keep that motivational spirit strong and unbreakable!  Until then, get a jump start on the two items just mentioned above!

The Sky’s the Limit!

It’s Not Whether You Get Knocked Down, It’s Whether You Get Up!

Inspirational Quote By Vince Lombardi

Best Oils for the Eye Area

Best Oils for the Eye Area

The eyes are the focal point of the body.  They are often referred to as “the windows to the soul”!  When we are communicating with other people, that’s where our focus is, the eyes. So, eye care is extremely important.  The skin around the eyes is so delicate and sensitive.  It requires special attention.  I’ve done considerable research in finding the Best Oils for the Eye Area.  There IS hope for revitalizing this “Oh So Important Focal Area”!

Best Oils for the Eye Area – Carrier Oils

Apricot Kernel Oil is a perfect carrier oil for the eye area. The skin around the eyes is very thin and delicate so you want an oil that is lightweight, gentle, and non irritating.  It also needs to be easily absorbable.   Apricot Kernel Oil fits all those criterias!  It is high in fatty acids which soften the skin and lessens the wrinkles and helps other ingredients penetrate the skin keeping it supple and youthful.  It is high in the nutrients Vitamin E and Vitamin A.

Argan Oil is another perfect carrier oil for the eye area.  It is well known to improve mature skin elasticity and helps tighten up loose or saggy skin areas….which, of course, would be the eye area!  It’s great to help seal in moisture so the thin tissue around the eyes stays plumped out.  “Argan oil is rich in oleic acid, which can improve skin permeability and assist with other ingredients penetrating the skin barrier,” says Susie Wang, expert skincare chemist and co-founder of 100 Percent Pure.

 Essential Oils and Other Oils

It is always important to add the finishing touches to the carrier oils.  The fragile and delicate skin around the eyes needs the perfect combination of carrier oils combined with the subtle hints of Rosehip, Vitamin E, and Lavender oils. These “subtle hints” turns this serum into an ideal blend for the eye area.  Their benefits are listed below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rosehip Seed Oil has linoleic acid and other fatty acids which are great for keeping the skin hydrated.  Since it is high in Vitamin C it helps repair UV damage and reduce wrinkles.  The carotenoids in Rosehip Seed Oil reduce hyper-pigmentation and brighten the skin.

Vitamin E Oil is high in antioxidants and promotes blood circulation.  It helps in firming delicate skin which helps prevent fine lines and even eliminate them.  Vitamin E Oil is very effective against hyperpigmentation when paired with Vitamin C.

Lavender Essential Oil is also high in antioxidants and other phytochemicals which helps fight against aging.  It’s known for it’s soothing and calming effects and is gentle even on sensitive skin which makes it great for the eye area.  It’s one of the most well rounded essential oils.

A Little Goes a Long Way!

When applying an eye serum, it is important to not put any oils on the actual eye lids.  Any oil can be harmful to the actual eye.  Just dab on a little directly under the eye and on the sides.

Eye Area Serum Recipe

  • 2 tsps Apricot Kernel Oil
  • 2 tsps. Argon Oil
  • 2 Vitamin E Capsules or 4 drops Vitamin E Oil
  • 3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 3 drops Rosehip Oil

Directions

  •  Pour Carrier oils (Apricot Kernel Oil and Argon Oil) into 1 oz. dropper bottle using a mini funnel.
  • Add the Vitamin E drops, Lavender Essential Oil drops, and the Rosehip Oil drops.
  • Use the label to help identify your new Eye Serum
  • Store in a cool dry place.
  • After washing skin apply 2 to 3 drops before bedtime.  Wait 20 minutes to absorb into skin before going to bed.
  • Use every evening

Watch the Video Below! Step by Step Directions on How to Make Your Own Evening Routine Eye Area Serum Recipe.

It’s amazing the benefits of all the different oils (Carrier Oils, Essential oils, and Seed Oils)  Each oil has a star quality or an ability that it excels in.  It’s been fun putting each oil  where it will do it’s utmost to help my skin rejuvenate to it’s greatest potential!  I’m loving all the research and knowledge I’ve been acquiring.

Combining healthy eating habits along with adding a revitalizing skin care regimen using organic oils is sure to help me along with my Subtract the Years journey!

Next post for skin care coming soon!  My Cleansing routine!

Life is a journey to enjoy and not just live…

Always take the time to smell the roses along the way!

 

Best Essential Oils for the Face

Okay, so once the face is clean and exfoliated you need to seal in the moisture and soften those wrinkles!  If you are anything like me, MY face feels cracked, wrinkled and saggy! Is there any help?  YES! That’s where the essential oils come in to play.  So, what are the BEST essential oils for the Face?  Fortunately, there are some DEFINITE heavy hitters on the essential oil list to help eliminate those issues!  (Happy face!)  My favorites are as follows:

  1. Frankincense Oil – This essential oil has amazing properties that help tighten the skin. It’s known to be an effective topical agent to soften facial lines and relax the skin.  It also has properties that lighten or even out skin tone!  It’s an AMAZING  essential oil!
  2. Rosehip Seed Oil –  Has properties that are known to regenerate cells and increase collagen production. It helps restore skin’s elasticity, fade age spots, and reduce broken capillaries.
  3. Sweet Almond Oil –  It has emollient properties which help smooth out skin tone.  The VItamin E properties helps reverse sun damage and heal scars.
  4. Geranium Essential Oil – Geranium is one of the best essential oils for the skin because it helps even out the distribution of melanin.  It helps the skin with that overall even tone of youth!
  5. Lavender Essential Oil – Probably one of the best known essential oils for the skin!  It is calming and helps control inflammation and redness.  It is a GREAT hydrator!
  6. Sea Buckthorn Oil – It is not one of the well-known oils, but it should be!  It contains over 190 nutrients and phytonutrients!   It is an incredible antioxidant which destroys free radicals by reversing and preventing the signs of aging.

Now that we have the Best Essential Oils for the Face….What do we do with them?

We make a DIY Facial Oil Recipe!  This recipe is going to be my favorite to use in my morning routine.  Gotta start my day out right! 😃

Morning Routine Facial Serum Recipe

I’m going to mix the first three carrier oils together to get a powerhouse blend! After that I will add the smaller amounts of ESSENTIAL oils to the mix.  EVERY ingredient is ESSENTIAL!  Recipe is as follows:

Recipe

  • 1 Tbsp. Rosehip Seed Oil
  • 2 tsp. Sweet Almond Oil
  • 1 teaspoon Sea Buckthorn Oil
  • 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
  • 4 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
  • 2 drops Geranium Essential Oil

Directions

  • Mix all the ingredients in a 1 oz. dropper bottle
  • Store in a cool dry place
  • After washing skin apply 4 to five drops on face and rub in with circular motion
  • Apply once every morning to a cleansed face

Watch the Video Below! Step by Step Directions on How to Make Your Own Morning Routine Facial Serum Recipe

Once I started making my own recipes, I can’t imagine buying a moisturizer with ingredients that I KNOW aren’t pure and authentic.  With recipes like this one, I just feel good about what I’m putting on my face.  Besides, Who DOESN’T want the Best Essential Oil for Their Face?

That’s my whole goal for my 18 month Subtract the Years Journey, putting together a skin healthy diet along with a skin healthy cleansing and moisturing routine.  Right now I’m trying not to think about the end result (subtracting 10 years off my body), I’m just trying to focus and enjoy the journey now.

Stay tuned next week for an eye serum formula.  Every area on your body is important and needs special attention!

 

Love Your Journey

2010 …. Here I Come!

 

 

 

 

The Best Essential Oils for Whitening

Best Essential Oils for Lightening

Ohhh, those pesky “age spots”!  They’re on my hands, they’re on my chest!  All that awesome sunbathing in my youth has come back to haunt me!  Can I eliminate them naturally?  Yes!!!  I’ve found some very cool recipes that have the best essential oils for lightening those spots!  But first, why these particular essentials oils?  Let’s start with papaya seed oil…

Papaya Seed Oil for Lightening those Spots

Papaya seeds are rich Vitamin C and carotene which fight free radicals that darken skin leaving it splotchy.  It has the natural exfoliating enzyme papain which breaks down dead skin cells and sebum in your pores so the new skin can surface.  It contains vitamins A, C and E which helps eliminate scars and other damaged skin areas.  All the combined properties of Papaya Seed Oil helps even out skin tone by decreasing inflammation and healing damaged skin.

Lemon Essential Oil

Lemon essential oil also has large amounts of Vitamin C which fight free radicals that can darken skin. It’s also strong in antioxidants that can prevent symptoms of oxidative stress on the skin.  It can’t be put on the skin full strength, but needs a carrier oil such as papaya seed oil.

Carrot Seed Essential Oil

Carrot seed oil is loaded in beta carotene and vitamins A and E.  Not only does it fight the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles but it has a natural SPF of 40!!  It has the ability of repairing the damage caused by the sun and other modern day hazards such as pollution and smoking.  Of course, if you do smoke, now’s the time to quit and try reversing that damage!  😃

Sandalwood Essential Oil

Sandalwood is very aromatic and the 2nd most expensive wood in the world!  It is one of the best oils for topical anti-aging effects.  It’s astringent properties activates the skin to repair itself from numerous skin irritations.  This essential oil inhibits free radicals because it is high in antioxidants and so reduces (even reverses!) skin aging dramatically.

Best Essential Oils for Lightening – Recipe!

  •  2 Tablespoons papaya seed oil
  • 4 drops lemon essential oil
  • 4 drops carrot seed essential oil
  • 5 drops sandalwood oil

 

  • Mix ingredients in a glass bottle with a dropper.
  • Store in a cool, dry place.
  • Use 2-3 drops before bedtime and massage gently into skin, focusing on dark spots.  Leave on overnight.
  • DO NOT USE DURING THE DAY, the ingredients are photo-sensitive which can cause your skin to burn.

Watch the Video Below! Step by Step Directions on How to Make Your Own Essential Oil Recipe for Lightening those Age Spots!

I can hardly wait to see what a month of daily use can do with my new Lightening Serum!  Next week I will share a Face Serum Recipe that’s great for daily use!

DIY skin care regimens are sooooo rewarding and I feel better not spending an astronomical amount of money on Heavily advertised skin care products!  Don’t you?  See you next week!  😃

 

 

Exfoliate Your Skin Naturally

How Often Should I Exfoliate?

Your eating regimen is SUPER important for skin care, but topical skin care is SUPER important too!  Exfoliating your skin should be at the top of the list for topical skin care.  Of course, the big question is…How often should I exfoliate and how?!  Each person has a different type of skin.  Some people are more oily and some people are more dry.  Others have combination skin.  But, In my humble opinion, ALL persons need some type of exfoliation.  Let’s start with “mature” skin.

Why Should I Exfoliate My Mature Skin?

As we all know as our skin “matures” it becomes more dry.  When that starts to happen, fine lines and larger lines “wrinkles” start forming.  This dry skin accentuates those wrinkles making them appear more pronounced.  Having more pronounced wrinkles is NOT what I’m after.  Exfoliating the skin removes the dry, dead skin making room for new skin cells to form.  It helps smooth out the skin giving it a more even and refreshing look.  The wrinkles become less noticeable and a more youthful, vibrant you surfaces!

How Should I Exfoliate My Mature Skin?

Let’s start with the face. Mature skin can tear easily so I’m using the following:

1 teaspoon baking soda mixed into my Facial Cleanser.  Rub into skin with gentle circular motions.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

 

I’m thinking of trying this recipe next month:

1/2 cup oatmeal (ground fine in a blender)  Take a pinch of the oatmeal and add Greek Non Fat Yogurt until the oatmeal becomes a paste.  Rub into skin with gentle circular motions.  Rinse thoroughly with warm water.

How Often Should I Exfoliate?

I’m exfoliating 3 times a week.  My skin is sensitive, though.  I want my pores unclogged, I want the dead skin cells sloughed away so new ones form.  Three times a week still helps stimulate collagen growth without irritating my skin.  It’s all about balance!

How Should I Exfoliate the Rest of My Skin?

Let’s talk about the rest of the body’s skin areas.  Well, I’m sold on the loofah for those tough areas such as feet, knees, and elbows.  Check out my loofah video below.  Last year’s garden harvest!  I like to cut them up into small 1.5″ slices and exfoliate away!  There’s nothing like using a natural product on your body and since I personally picked it from my garden, I KNOW it’s 100% loofah!  Plus, home grown Loofah’s are fun to make and give away as gifts!

 

Exfoliating my skin has so many benefits!  Just washing isn’t good enough.  Removing the dead skin cells (gently) helps to unclog those pores, remove the dead skin cells so new ones aren’t hindered from reproducing and exfoliation stimulates collagen production.  Sounds like a great addition to my skin care regimen!

Exfoliation DOES NOT replace a nutrient dense diet, though!  So, keep eating healthy and add exfoliation to the routine!

Stay tuned for my next post – skin care 101!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sweet Potatoes and Skin Health

Sweet Potatoes and Skin Health

Believe it or not, sweet potatoes and skin health go hand in hand!  So many people try and eliminate carbs in their diet (to lose weight), but what they don’t realize is that a BALANCED diet includes 45 – 65% carbohydrate intake in your daily food consumption routine.

Sweet Potatoes  – A Healthy Complex Carbohydrate

Your body LOVES a balanced diet.  When I eat a healthy complex carb like sweet potatoes, I’m full for a REALLY long time!  Since sweet potatoes aren’t a processed carb like most baked goods, i.e. breads, crackers, pastas, sodas, etc., they are so important to include in your eating regime!

 

Sweet Potatoes Have the Following Benefits

  1. Stabilizes Blood Sugar
  2. High in Antioxidants
  3. Boosts Brain Function
  4. Enhances Immunity
  5. Promotes Vision Health
  6. Aids in Weight Loss

Number 4 (enhances immunity) caught my attention. Because sweet potatoes are loaded in Vitamin A.  Vitamin A helps stimulate the production of immune cells that fight off disease and infection. (not bad, since we’re now living in a time where everyone is concerned about catching the dreaded COVID 19!)

Vitamin A is also key for maintaining healthy skin, vision, and organ function.

It helps breakdown free radicals that break down collagen which contribute to fine lines and saggy skin.  Vitamin A also provides some natural protection from redness and pigmentation irritation caused by sun exposure.  (Not a replacement for sunscreen, however!)

Groups of People Whose Diets are High in Sweet Potatoes and the Results of that Lifestyle!

  1.  The people of Okinawa, Japan are known for having one of the longest life expectancies in the world!  Besides eating minimal meat, dairy, eggs, and processed foods, guess what they eat a LOT of?  Yep, you guessed it, Sweet Potatoes!  They get a whopping 60% of their calories from sweet potatoes.  It’s not unusual for them to live to be 100 years or older!
  2. The Papua New Guinea Highlanders are known for almost never experiencing heart disease, strokes or other modern chronic diseases.  (Based on a study published in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 1994)

These are great examples of lifestyles that I want to emulate. Eating whole foods plus  a diet high in Sweet Potato carbs seems to have worked for them.  I’m going to give it a try too!  Now all I need is a few recipes for sweet potatoes!

Check out my Sweet Potato and Chicken Cashew Recipe video below!

 

There are so many whole foods that are incredibly delicious when cooked or prepared with other wholesome foods.  The combinations are endless!  This 18-month Journey to Subtract the Years has so far been  so amazing!  I’m learning a lot and I feet GREAT!  It’s definitely worth doing!

 

My next Subtract the Years post coming soon!

 

 

 

Sugar Choices

Regaining Youthful Skin by Eliminating Sugar …WHAT?

First off, I want to say that I LOVE sugar!  A Starbucks hot chocolate, a warmed sweet flaky butter croissant, or a square of gooey dark Rocky Road fudge.  Is your mouth watering yet?!?!  The temptations can be endless!  I’ve realized, though, that life is full of choices.  When I started this journey, I was going to have to start making BETTER choices!  I wrote out a list of “what I’m going to eat“, but the truth is that I also had to write out a list of “what I’m NOT going to eat”.  Regaining Youthful Skin by Eliminating Sugar (processed) needed to be at the top of my NOT TO DO list!  But why?  Why can’t I slide in some of those sugary delicacies here and there???  First off, let me tell you just how sugar consumption affects the skin.

Sugar Damages Collagen and Elastin

How?  By a natural process called glycation.  This is when the sugar in your bloodstream attaches to proteins to form harmful new molecules called advanced glycation end products (or, AGEs). The more sugar you eat, the more AGEs you develop.  The proteins that AGEs love to attach to are Collagen.  When that happens, the collagen weakens and the results are sagging skin, (around your jowls) fine lines (wrinkles around your mouth and eyes), and not so supple or soft skin tone (harder and more brittle).  Not to mention skin pigmentation deterioration.  How’s those sugary delicacies looking now?!?!  Hopefully, a little less enticing!

How About Sugary Delicacies Here and There???

To answer that question…Does anyone remember that Lay’s Potato Chip slogan way back when?  “betcha can’t eat just one”!  Yep!  I thought so.  Sugar can be VERY addictive!  Personally, I can’t eat just ONE potato chip or just ONE Rocky Road Fudge square or just ONE OF ANYTHING!!!   I’ve learned that I can eat just ONE apple, or just ONE banana.

So, what I’ve done is made a “go to list” for sugary cravings.

A couple of times a week when I’m home, (granted it took about 2 weeks to get there, but that really isn’t a long time!) I might snack on a half cup of Greek non-fat yogurt with either a half banana sliced in it or a half cup of blueberries/raspberries/strawberries.  Protein AND a little sugar from nutritious fruit is something I have come to LOVE!  It does the trick and I’m GUILT FREE!

The video below will show you one of my favorite “go to” desserts!  And YES, it’s delicious!

Sugar Choices
Print Pin

FRUITY - LICIOUS

GUILT-FREE DESSERT
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword Guilt-Free AND Delicious!!!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 1
Calories 262kcal
Author SARAH YOUNG
Cost $4.00

Ingredients

  • 2/3 Cup Greek non-fat Yogurt organic
  • 1/2 Banana organic
  • 8 pcs. Raspberries
  • 10 pcs. Blueberries
  • 1 tbsp Dried Cranberries
  • 1 nut Crushed Walnut
  • 1 tbsp honey heated

Instructions

  • Put Greek non fat yogurt in bowl.
  • Add chopped banana, raspberries, blueberries, and dried cranberries.
  • Add dab of yogurt on top.
  • Sprinkle with crushed walnuts.
  • Heat honey. Drizzle over fruit and yogurt.

Notes

Once the honey hits the cold yogurt and fruit, it caramelizes.  Your Fruity - Licious bowl is now laced with guilt-free, satisfying deliciousness!!!  Only 262 calories AND filling!  It's sure better than that 762 calorie slice of cake pictured on your local dessert box!  😉  😃

Regaining Youthful Skin by Eliminating Sugar is Easy When You Make Well Thought out Choices!

I’m making sure I keep up my breakfast routine and meal prep.  Since I’ve done that, I’ve found that my sugar cravings are minimal now.  So, it’s been so much easier to keep things under control.  But, every once in a while, I’ll splurge and whip up a Fruity-Licious treat!  My guilt-free collagen/elastin rejuvenator plan in action!

Next post coming soon! Skin care 101!