Welcome To Pampering4life Lifestyle

Thank you for following me and learning more on how you can live your "Best Life" each and everyday just by doing exciting things to awaken and pamper what is most important in your life. Pampering4life is a lifestyle of pampering all aspect of one's life. It is the ultimate indulgence of pampering your mind, body, and freedom. Please make sure to take time for yourself at least 10 minutes a day. Relax and feel your desire to live the life God has given you after all "Pampering4life" is a celebration of you....

About Me

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New Jersey, United States
Just some information about me. I'm a wife, board certified integrative health counselor, and amateur ballroom dancer. I enjoy life by living each day like it is my last. One of my favorite hobbies is to travel, travel, travel, and to learn different cultures of all kinds. After a recent lay off..I realized my passion and purpose in life is to inspire people by showing them how to enjoy their life and to pamper all aspects of it. This includes your health, your wealth, and most important your mind by making the connection to what living is really about. Pampering4life is about making small changes and reaping BIG RESULTS! I look forward to opening up a new world for you so you to can live your BEST LIFE

Monday, July 25, 2011

Wellness Remedies To Fight Cellulite

It’s hard not to notice it when you step out of the shower or put on a swimsuit: the characteristic dimpling of cellulite. However, you might take some consolation in knowing that cellulite adorns the buttocks, hips, and thighs of most women. The cause? Fat deposits that push up against the web of fibrous connective tissues beneath the skin. This web stays taut, allowing fat to bulge through.
While some men have cellulite, it’s much more common in women because the area where women tend to store body fat — around the hips — is the area where cellulite appears. Contrary to what you may think, it doesn’t show up only on curvy bodies. Thin people can have it, too, though carrying extra pounds makes it more noticeable. Other contributing factors include a family history of cellulite, the thickness of your skin, and hormonal changes. And as skin becomes less elastic with age, cellulite becomes more obvious.
Cellulite Remedies
There are numerous products and therapies on the market for cellulite, but only a few have actually been found to help. If you’re bothered by your cellulite, consider the following treatments:
  • Massage therapy. Special machines gather areas of skin with cellulite and massage them. A technique called Endermologie, which squeezes and suctions this skin, has been approved by the FDA to temporarily reduce the appearance of cellulite. Ten to 12 treatments are usually required before you notice a change, and you’ll need regular follow-up therapy to maintain the look. Treatment is expensive.
  • Laser therapy and radiofrequency systems. The FDA has approved two of these systems to treat cellulite. One combines suction or massage with infrared light and radiofrequency energy. The other combines massage with laser energy. Both require multiple treatments but can reduce the appearance of cellulite for up to six months. Because so many sessions are involved, this therapy is expensive.
  • Aim for a healthy weight and get regular exercise. While this approach won’t eliminate cellulite, keeping your body as firm and fit as possible can improve the appearance of dimpled skin. Start by making sure you eat a diet low in saturated fat, trans fats, and sugar but rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat sources of protein and dairy products. Then try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week.
  • Quit smoking. Smoking damages connective tissue, and this affects the appearance of the skin.
Cellulite Myths
Just as important as what works is what doesn’t. Cellulite creams, dietary supplements, and special salon wraps may be advertised as cures for cellulite, but there’s no scientific evidence to back this up. Drinking lots of water won’t help either, unless you’re dehydrated to begin with.
Some people try to get rid of cellulite with liposuction, a procedure in which a surgeon inserts a narrow tube under the skin and suctions out fat cells. While this can recontour the body, liposuction doesn’t remove cellulite and can actually make it look worse.
Most women can’t avoid getting cellulite, but you can minimize its appearance by maintaining the right weight for you and working out regularly — and doing both of those things will also be a boon to your health.

Six Natural Steps To Treat Cellulite
    • CONVENTIONAL MEDICINE:
      Cellulite may improve by taking regular exercise and shedding excess weight, although it tends to worsen in pregnancy. There is no evidence to suggest that rubbing in expensive moisturizers and oils has any positive effect.
    • 2
      NUTRITION:
      Weight loss is the first step toward the reduction of cellulite, but do take care - lose weight too quickly and the condition can get worse. So no crash diets, no ridiculous regimes of meal replacements and pills, just sensible eating together with a reduction of refined carbohydrates - from sugars, biscuits, cakes, candies, and soft drinks.
      Eat plenty of brown rice, oats, beans, whole wheat bread, and pasta for their soluble fiber content, plenty of bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, and sweet potatoes for their beta-carotene. Reduce your intake of salt and cut down on alcohol.
    • 3
      HERBAL REMEDIES:
      Popular demand has created a variety of "over-the-counter" herbal products claiming to reduce cellulite. Most are based on metabolic stimulants, such as kelp, to encourage weight loss and should not be used for more than 2 to 3 weeks. Avoid over-the-counter cellulite remedies based on powerful laxatives (for example, senna, cascara sagrada, rhubarb root), which are designed to cause sudden weight loss. Patent skin rubs are often based on rubefacient oils, such as juniper or pepper, which increase surface blood flow in an attempt to revive tired tissues.
    • 4
      REFLEXOLOGY:
      A brisk reflexology treatment every three to four days over the entire feet can help to boost circulation. Try out yoga - circulation in the thighs will be generally helped by postures like the Dance, Cobbler Locust, and Bow, as well as by all the standing postures.
    • 5
      AROMATHERAPY:
      The following oils help with cellulite:
      Juniper
      Fennel
      Rosemary
      Use these oils as a massage and in baths (including foot baths). You are looking for long-term benefits, as there is not short-term relief for cellulite. The skin will feel better before it looks better. Remember that stress can be a factor.
    • 6
      PREVENTING CELLULITE:
      Keep your weight down, keep active, and avoid high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods.
      Skin Care
      Stimulate circulation to the skin by vigorous brushing with a loofah or soft brush in the bath or shower. Massaging the areas of cellulite briskly - always in the direction of the heart - stimulates the lymph flow, although it will not rub away the cellulite. Using gels containing extracts of horse chestnut has been shown to increase the effectiveness of skin-brushing.


Sunday, July 17, 2011

Pampering4life Healthy Eating Series: Chicken with Grilled Peach and Chipotle Salsa

A great way to get your daily servings of your fruits and vegetables is to get creative with your meals. This recipe is fresh and light with an easy way to enjoy eating a delicious fruit like peaches.You will be amazed at just how much eating healthy is fun. Enjoy!

Juicy peaches are grilled and then tossed with smoky chipotles in adobo in this delicious summery salsa, which is also perfect with pork chops or grilled fish.

Ingredients

5 ripe peaches, pitted and quartered
Salt and pepper to taste
1 chipotle pepper in adobo plus 1 to 2 teaspoons adobo sauce
2 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 bunch cilantro, chopped
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

Method

Preheat grill. Season peaches with salt and pepper, transfer to grill and cook, turning occasionally, until just blackened, 6 to 8 minutes total. Transfer to a plate, set aside to let cool then roughly chop and transfer to a bowl. Add chipotle pepper, adobo sauce, green onions, cilantro, salt and pepper and toss gently to combine. Set salsa aside.

Toss chicken with oil, cumin, salt and pepper and transfer to grill. Cook, flipping once, until just cooked through, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a platter, spoon salsa over the top and serve.

Nutrition

Per serving (about 9oz/267g-wt.): 230 calories (50 from fat), 6g total fat, 1g saturated fat, 29g protein, 15g total carbohydrate (3g dietary fiber, 1g sugar), 70mg cholesterol, 610mg sodium

Sunday, July 10, 2011

High Sodium Health Dangers

Too Much Sodium =Hypertension
If you are ready to live better and to eat more healthy it is time for you to look into cutting some of the sodium out of your diet. There are many people who know that they should cut the salt and fat, but because it is so common in their diets, it just never hits the radar. However, to eat better and to make sure that you can maintain an ideal level of health, looking at your salt intake is essential.
The first thing that you should be aware of is the fact that sodium is necessary for a healthy person. It serves to keep the fluids balanced correctly in the body and they will also influence the way that the muscles in your body relax and contract. It will work towards transmitting nerve impulses and it can be an important part of the way that we can regulate our moods and our cravings. However, it is necessary to keep in mind the fact that the recommended amount of sodium in your diet per day ranges from 1,500 to 2,400 milligrams; this is much less than what people normally ingest.
There are many problems that are associated with a high sodium diet. The kidneys, for example, are meant to eliminate excess sodium from your body through urination. When the level is too high for this to be entirely effective, it results in the accumulating in the blood and increasing the volume of the blood itself. This in turn leads to more pressure in the veins and the heart is forced to work harder. This all contributes to the fact that with a high sodium diet you are more likely to risk developing heart disease or to have a stroke.
People who already have kidney problems or who already suffer from high blood pressure are going to be much more at risk from this than people who are not. The truth is that no matter who you are having too much salt in your diet is going to be a problem. When you are interested in reducing the amount of salt in your diet, you will find that the best way to start is through reading your food labels. Most food labels out there will tell you how much of it is in the product and it can be a real eye opener.
Limit Your Consumption Of Sodium
Even things that are sweet will have some sodium in them and you might realize that you have been consuming a lot more than you think you have. Condiments are another common hidden source of sodium. When you are looking to cut sodium out of your diet, look into adding foods that are rich in potassium, including fruits, whole grains and vegetables. This can help you reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease.

Dangers/Side Effects of Excess Sodium

Excess sodium intake is linked to: hypertension/high blood pressure and heart disease, fluid retention (edema) and kidney stones. A high-sodium diet increases the need for potassium.

Sodium Diet Advice - 10 Recommendations

To help reduce your sodium intake, follow these 10 low-sodium suggestions:
  • But "lower-sodium" foods in your diet, whenever possible.
  • Check sodium-content on food labels: choose lower sodium brands.
  • Don't add salt when cooking.
  • Go easy when adding salt at the table.
  • Reduce intake of salty snacks.
  • Reduce intake of fast food.
  • Buy fresh cold meats instead of processed varieties.
  • Buy lower-sodium breakfast cereals.
  • Check canned foods for sodium content. If using foods canned in water, rinse thoroughly before eating.
  • Switch from packet-soups to cans, or fresh varieties.

Sodium Diet Advice - Higher Sodium Foods to Avoid

If you need to reduce your sodium-intake, due (eg.) to high blood pressure, please reduce your consumption of these high-sodium foods.
  • Hogmaws, ribs, and chitterlings.
  • Smoked or cured meats like bacon, bologna, hot dogs, ham, corned beef, luncheon meats, and sausage.
  • Canned fish like tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel. (Rinse before eating).
  • Buttermilk - Although buttermilk is high in sodium, 1 percent or skim buttermilk can be used in cooking to replace whole milk or fat.
  • Most cheese spreads and cheeses.
  • Salty chips, nuts, pretzels, or pork rinds.
  • Some cold (ready to eat) cereals highest in sodium, instant hot cereals.
  • Quick cooking rice and instant noodles, boxed mixes like rice, scalloped potatoes, macaroni and cheese, and some frozen dinners, pot pies and pizza.
  • Regular canned vegetables.
  • Pickled foods like herring, pickles, relish, olives, or sauerkraut.
  • Regular canned soups, instant soups.
  • Butter, fatback, and salt pork.
  • Soy sauce, steak sauce, salad dressing, ketchup, barbecue sauce, garlic salt, onion salt, seasoned salts like lemon pepper, bouillon cubes, meat tenderizer, and monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Healthy Skin Healthy Diet

Healthy Skin Regimen
Skin conditions and diseases affect almost all of us at some point of time in our lives. Skin is the largest organ of human bodies in terms of length as well as weight. It weighs between 6 to 9 pounds and has a surface area of 2 square yards. It protects our internal organs from bacteria and viruses, helps in sensing touch, wetness, dryness etc and controls our body temperature. Skin disorders causes are certain conditions which can irritate, inflame or clog our skin giving rise to such skin diseases symptoms as swelling, itching, discoloration, burning or redness. Skin conditions and diseases are caused due to irritants, allergic reaction, genetic factors, immune system problems or certain diseases. There are more than hundred skin disorders. The common skin disorders are dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, acne, hives, leprosy, skin lesions, skin tags, vitiligo, chicken pox and shingles etc.

Although the different skin conditions and diseases cause a great deal of discomfort and irritation, most of them can be cured with herbal remedies and through other alternative therapies. Some of the skin diseases are symptoms of other disorders while some exist independently. It is difficult to hide the skin diseases so they become the source of embarrassment and mental agony while others which occur at hidden areas can be successfully covered. Systemic toxemia, digestive disorders like constipation, parasitic diseases, perspiration with acid odor, irregular menstruation, allergy to soaps, cosmetics or drugs, other uterine problems or lack of cleanliness may cause skin conditions. Skin eruptions are important for the protection of our vital internal organisms. Skin diseases occur as a defense mechanism and are not unnatural.

Eating Fresh Veggies & Fruit
Eating lots of fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water and maintaining hygiene are effective ways of skin conditions treatment. Avoiding excessive consumption of tea, coffee or alcohol, smoking, fats, oily foods, pickles and sweets will also help in keeping the skin unblemished. Regular exercise and healthy lifestyle are required for preventing the development of skin conditions and diseases


Skin suffers from a variety of issues throughout life, but there will always be something to battle. Besides topical treatments, a healthy diet caters to healthy skin just as much as products and dermatologists. Consuming the right antioxidants, vitamins and minerals is imperative for clear skin that is resistant to premature aging and skin disorders.

  1. Acne

    • Acne is often associated with adolescence, but this is a problem that can strike people at any age. It is important to know that when fighting acne, eliminate fast food and refined foods from your diet. These foods cause the overproduction of sebum that cause breakouts.
      Eat more fibrous foods to help your body eliminate harmful toxins. Eat foods rich in vitamin A--such as carrots, sweet potatoes and eggs--to control sebum production in the skin. Vitamin E and folic acid found in spinach also help clear skin. A B-Complex vitamin is helpful to take when suffering from acne because it evens skin tone and helps manage stress levels.

    Psoriasis and Eczema

    • Psoriasis and eczema are both chronic skin conditions that cannot be cured, but the outbreaks can be controlled and the symptoms lessened with proper nutrition.
      Beta carotene and zinc are the two main nutrients that heal and prevent psoriasis and eczema outbreaks. Beta carotene is a powerful antioxidant that turns to vitamin A in the system. Zinc is often lost with skin shedding from these conditions and is beneficial in preventing flare-ups.
      Eat a diet high in cold water fish that contains omega-3 fatty acids. This helps to prevent psoriasis and eczema outbreaks.
      Avoid alcohol, which can cause outbreaks. Eat carrots, parsley and potatoes because they are full of beta carotene and zinc.

    Age Spots

    • Age spots are a result of built up waste in the body and prolonged free radical damage. These spots are characterized as rough, dark, circular spots on the face and body that are yellowish or brown. The best vitamins for age spots are vitamin E and vitamin C.
      Vitamin E is an antioxidant that repairs skin damage and slows the aging process. Vitamin C is another antioxidant that repairs skin tissue and prevents damage.
      Spinach, green peppers and carrots are excellent sources of both vitamin E and C. It is best to eat raw vegetables when trying to treat age spots.


      Living Healthy
      Super healthy skin come through healthy eating and taking care of your skin.  With new research, new products and new skin protection advice popping up all the time, it is hard to figure out the best things to do to improve and protect your skin. A skin care program is the combination of skin care products and a routine that will be most beneficial to the skin. You will first need to consider your diet and type of life-style since these two factors play an important role in the health of a person’s skin.
      These days we seem to be living in the fast-food age and the condition of your skin is often neglected. You still can’t beat the old fruit and vegetable diet when it comes to good health and a good complexion.
      Remember to feed and nourish your skin by eating the proper foods. Give your skin a drink too. Those eight glasses of water a day your mom always told you to be sure to drink are essential to maintaining your skin’s elasticity and suppleness, say experts. And don’t count coffee or any of the caffeinated sodas as part of the eight glasses because caffeine is dehydrating. The water you choose can be sparkling water, mineral or straight from the tap. Another suggestion is that you keep a liter-size bottle close at hand, or simply drink a glass or two with your meals, and a few in between.

The bottom line you are what you eat. Having a proper regimen of eating the right foods and skincare you will surely have beautiful skin. If you are not sure about the right foods to eat for that glowing skin. Maybe its time to hire your own personal nutrition counselor to service all your needs. Contact HEALTHYSKINNOW