10 Tips To Avoid Packing On The Pounds This Festive Season

By Catrell Cooney (NaturalNews)

It's that time of year again. The time between Thanksgiving and the New Year is associated not only with "Deck the Halls" and "Trim the Tree," but also with over-eating and over-indulging.

During the six weeks of back-to-back holidays that includes Thanksgiving, Kwanza, Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Year's, it's easy to pack on the pounds with all the parties, celebrations, and events if you don't have a plan.

Perhaps you won't lose any weight during the holiday season, but with these tips you'll at least have fun maintaining your current weight and not add anymore around the middle.

1. Be Realistic

This is not the time to begin a new diet. Think about maintaining your weight, not about losing weight during the holiday season. Staying rigid can lead to over-eating. Forget about the idea of being "perfect," it is impossible to be perfect during the most ideal circumstances; much less during a time of endless buffets and parties.

2. Eat Before The Party

Never arrive at a party or event hungry. Eating a light, healthy snack such as raw vegetables with salsa, an apple, or small green smoothie before an event or party will leave you better equipped to make better food choices.

3. Rethink Baking

Love the idea of getting out the rolling pins, cookie cutters, and holiday apron? This year, replace your traditional fat and sugar laden recipes with healthy new ones.

4. Don't Make It All About The Food

Spend more time "Decking the halls" and "Trimming the Tree" instead of making candy and cookies. Try to encourage family and friends to join you in games, nature walks, or crafts to take the focus off food.

5. Always Bring A Healthy Dish To The Party

At least you know you'll have one thing to eat if everything else is off limits. Plus others will probably be thankful for the healthy option.

6. Don't Drink Your Calories

Whether it's in the form of alcohol or sugary drinks, most beverages have way too many calories and unnecessary sugar. Try this low calorie spritzer instead: mix two ounces of wine, four ounces club soda, a splash of cranberry juice, and a hint of lime.

7. Be The Last In Line For Buffets

When you are the first in line then you are usually finished by the time the last person starts and you will be more inclined to go back for seconds. Once others have picked through the buffet, it usually doesn't look as appetizing. By the time you finish and have thoughts of going back for seconds, there is often nothing left.

8. Avoid Seconds

Avoiding second helpings can be a challenge, especially when there is an abundance of delicious foods. To avoid going back for seconds, firstly make sure that you start off with a reasonable plate of food. Keep serving dishes off the table to decrease the temptation of that extra helping (out of sight, out of mind). Chew your food slowly, and you will not only savor the taste and be more satisfied but your salivary juices will start breaking down the food, making it easier for your digestive system. Chances are you will be full by the time you've finished eating.

9. Enjoy Your Favorites

Pick two or three of your favorite foods of the season and enjoy those in moderation.
No skipping meals - Even if you overeat at one meal, go light on the next. Have a small plate of raw vegetables with hummus, a simple salad, or a small bowl of soup. Skipping meals has been linked to increased glucose levels and even weight gain.

10. Don't Skip Out On Exercise

Between all the celebrations and everyday schedules, life can get extra hectic during the holiday season. Maintaining an exercise routine this time of year is very important. Exercise can not only help burn some of those extra calories you may be consuming, but it's also great for stress release.

How Do You Manage Your Weight During The Silly Season?

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com...

Have a Healthy and Successful Christmas!

6 Tips To Soothe Dry Skin

By Josephine Beck (NaturalNews)

Cold weather, low humidity levels and wind are factors that can really dry out and damage your skin, especially when central heaters are used at home. How can one alleviate dryness and help skin stay moist and healthy through the coldest months of the year?

1. Moisturize More!

Find an "ointment" moisturizer that is oil-based, rather than water-based. The oil will create a protective layer on the skin that retains more moisture than a cream or lotion.

When choosing a moisturizer, it is best to opt for natural organic skincare products or nourish skin with pure oils, such as almond, avocado, coconut or jojoba oil.

You can also look for lotions containing humectants, a class of substances that attract moisture to your skin, such as glycerine.

Always read the ingredient label; preservatives and fragrances can dry and irritate sensitive skin. Preservatives that seem to cause problems for many people include propylene glycol, quaternium-15 and imidazolidinyl urea.

In addition, stop using deodorant bars, antibacterial soaps, perfumed soaps and skin care products containing alcohol, like hand sanitizers. They can strip oils from the skin.

2. Protect Your Skin When Going Outside

It is important to protect your skin even on a cloudy or snowy day. Snow is an even better reflector than water! Use a natural sunscreen and lip balm (lips don't have oil glands, and they can dry out easily, causing chapped lips) and wear a scarf and gloves to help prevent chapped lips and hands.

3. Avoid Super-Hot Showers Or Baths

Hot water removes the skin's natural oils more quickly than warm or cold water. This is why showers should be limited to five minutes, using warm water rather than hot. A lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda can help relieve skin that is so dry that it has become itchy. After washing, moisturizing skin immediately with oil helps trap water in the skin.

4. Drink More Water Or Herbal Tea To Prevent Dehydration

The skin is often the outer reflection of the inner being. To keep the body hydrated, drinking water is paramount. Alcohol, caffeine and all kinds of diuretics should be avoided. Drinking herbal tea and eating fluid-rich foods, such as fruit, vegetables and soup, can also help.

5. Eat Foods Rich In Omega-3s And Vitamin D

Essential fatty acids (omega-3s and omega-6s) are most important. These healthy fats help retain natural oils in your cells and keep skin well hydrated. Omega-3 can be found in cold-water fish as well as in poly-unsatured and unrefined vegetable oils such as flax oil.

Because of unsafe levels of mercury and toxicity in some kinds of fish (especially the big ones such as salmon), it is advisable to supplement diet with good vegetable oils or seeds instead (like chia or hemp seeds).

Also, one study by the Johnson & Johnson Skin Research Center found a link between low vitamin D levels and drier skin. Individuals with lower levels of vitamin D had lower average skin moisture. The skin consists of a special layer designed to convert ultraviolet B radiation from the sun into vitamin D; a lack of sun in the winter can have a substantial impact on the dryness of your skin.

Few foods contain significant amounts of vitamin D naturally. The best sources are wild-caught salmon and mackerel. Indeed, it may be worth supplementing your diet with vitamin D in the winter.

6. Don't Overheat Your Home And Office

Central heating systems and space heaters draw moisture out of the air and out of your skin. It is recommended to keep indoor temperature below 72° F. Using a humidifier is a good option, especially in the bedroom, to keep skin well hydrated while sleeping.
These skincare tips should help with dry skin. However, some cases of dry skin should be seen by a doctor, especially if symptoms get worse. There are internal factors that can cause dry skin, including overall health, genetics and medical conditions like asthma, allergies, dermatitis, eczema or psoriasis.

Source: http://www.naturalnews.com…

Have a Healthy and Successful Day!
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