The Natural Beauty & Health Blog

We've all heard that breakfast  is the most important meal of the day.  Do you ever just wake up and want a yummy smoothie instead of having to make a full breakfast half asleep?  I know I do!  Making sure you get a quality breakfast is a must.    Studies show that eating breakfast helps you concentrate and focus better, eat less and can prevent overeating throughout the day.    When you eat  breakfast , you activate the thermogenesis process and thus stimulate your metabolism.   Plus, studies have shown that eating a meal in the morning boosts your metabolism more than eating the same meal in the evening.   Regularly  eating breakfast  can help  you  lose weight, improve your mood, and even help ward off disease. Here are  10 healthy breakfast smoothies that will kick off your day and successfully help you achieve weight loss.  Peach and Oatmeal Smoothie This shake is fill...

Detox teas are all the rage right now but what about good old fashioned water?  Water infused with healthy detox veggies, fruits and herbs work just as good or better than a detox tea plus you get the benefits of these powerful ingredients in their pure, whole form to help detox your body, give you better digestion and soothe stomach cramping, ect.  And it's cheaper to buy the ingredients then a detox tea. Detox water helps flatten your belly by removing toxins and improving digestion.  It also helps to clear up acne, improve your immunity and so much more.  Recently, I made a detox water and I loved it.  If you like one ingredient more than something else it's great to switch up the ingredients with what you like.   For example, in this recipe I've replaced ginger with orange.  Add a little amount of each ingredient until you get the flavor you want for your water.  Sample it and add more if you like.  Try to finish off the wate...

Detoxing with healthy fruits and superfood greens is amazing for overall health, boosting immunity and energy levels, weight loss, clearing up acne, giving you that natural "glow" from within. But if you're scared of making green smoothies / juices drinks because of the taste or you just don't have the time to make fresh green juices or smoothies, ALOHA Daily Good Greens is for you! ALOHA has been featured in Shape, O Magazine, Well + Good, Vogue, Forbes, Mens Fitness, Rebook and more!  The individual packets are perfect for on the go too.  You can add them to water, smoothies, juice, tea and even in your morning oatmeal! :)  Their available in three delicious flavors: Chocolate, Berry and Original.  Here are some benefits to drinking your Daily Good Greens from ALOHA. In every packet you get 2 servings of fruits and vegetables . Patented infrared drying process maintains nutrients, High quality whole food ingredients and fiber, Stay-pure pouch keeps ...

I've been experimenting with smoothies lately and I found a great one from Prevention Magazine that came out great!  Green smoothies may look or sound weird but they can be amazing if you find the right fruit / veggie combination. This smoothie tastes like delicious fruit, only we're hiding the healthy greens to get plenty of healthy antioxidants, vitamins and minerals you need to get through the day.  This one's great for the entire family, as a meal replacement or just a healthy pick me up! Green smoothies benefit skin, hair and nails as well as our internal health, cleaning your cells at the cellular level.  Green smoothies also cleanse your body of toxins and can help you loose weight, clear up your skin and make you feel so much better. Alkalizing foods, such as fruits, vegetables are not only nutrient packed and inherently healthful, but alkaline-promoting foods which are thought to help prevent kidney stones, keep bones and muscles strong, improve heart hea...

Miranda Kerr is a top supermodel and former Victoria Secret model but she's also a natural beauty maven and certified nutritionist, which is why I love her even more! Miranda says she likes balance in her life, so she eats 80% healthy and organic and 20% indulgent.  I found this delicious Vital Chocolate Fudge Recipe on her chef's website and thought I would give it a try.  It came out great so I'm sharing with all of you! This recipe makes guilt-free fudge that's good for you too.  It’s full of protein, healthy fats and antioxidants.  If you use a chocolate protein powder with healthy greens like I did, it's super healthy for you too.  And you'll never taste anything gross, only the sweet chocolate goodness that will leave you wanting more. Get creative and have fun making your own signature treats.  I used my healthy Spiru-tein Chocolate Protein powder in this recipe but you can use any healthy vanilla or chocolate other protein powder as part of...

Interested in a simple easy way to improve your health and nutrition?  Juicing and making smoothies are a great way to get your daily nutrition in and create a healthy, delicious drink at the same time.  It's also an awesome way to get the kids to try new things and get their daily intake of healthy fruits and / or veggies.  Here's a great guest post and mango banana smoothie recipe from Chris Wimmer from HealthSmartLiving.com . Benefits of Mango Sometimes when something tastes so good you think it can’t possibly healthy. A good example of this is the Mango. They are a delicious rich fruit but don’t let the decedent taste fool you. Mangoes have been linked to several major health benefits.  They prevent cancer by supplying you antioxidants (quercetin, isoquercitrin, astragalin, fisetin, and gallic acid), lowers cholesterol because its rich in pectin, fiber, and vitamin C and boost your immune system with mega doses of vitamin A, C, and carotenoids. Benefits to Sm...

Looking for some healthy snack ideas?  Healthy snacks can be hard to come by with so many processed foods and bad options at the grocery store these days.  Here are some ideas you can refer to create a few healthy snacks when you're pushed for time or just need a new snack idea to try. Healthy snacks help keep blood sugar levels steady during the day between meals, keep you full and help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.  You can substitute any of these ideas for a meal as well.  Just put your own spin on it. Lets start with organic fruit and vegetables.  Organic produce is the best way to get your daily intake of vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants your body needs to function properly, naturally detox and remove toxins out of the body to maintain proper health.  They have everything your body needs to get through the day and their super cheap compared to stopping by for fast food, which is full of toxic chemicals your body does not process and has a...

I love having some natural granola on hand for a healthy breakfast cereal or as a snack on the go.  The mix of textures and flavors is so good I've always wondered how to make it myself.  So I found this yummy recipe on Gorgeously Green  by Sohpie so thought I would share.  You can pair it with a milk alternative like almond milk or organic soy milk as a cereal and top with creamy Greek yogurt and fruit to make it a delicious fruit parfait as well.   Ingredients: 2  cups rolled (gluten-free) oats 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped 1/2 cup raw sunflower seeds 1/2 cup raw almonds, chopped 1/2 cup of pecans, halved 1/2 cup chia seeds (soaked overnight) 1 tsp cinnamon 1/2 tsp sea salt 3 tbsp raw coconut oil 1/2 cup maple syrup 1/2 cup brown rice syrup 2 tbsp water 1tbsp vanilla extract 1/2 cup goji* berries 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped. Directions: Pre-heat the oven to 300 degrees F Mix all the dry ingredients together in a large bowl. Melt the coconut...

Are you looking for a healthier egg salad sandwich recipe?  I was searching for one too, and then I came across The Yummy Life   and found this great recipe.  Traditionally, egg salad has alot of mayonnaise so it's high in fat and calories.  This recipe will substitute the mayo with Greek yogurt; and honestly, it's better! The healthier version of this recipe has all of the protein and nutrition of eggs combined with high protein and low fat yogurt. It's hard to believe something this creamy is really good for you!  Fresh dill gives it great flavor, too.  Pair it with whole wheat bread toasted and spread on a little natural mayo and lettuce, and you have a delicious, easy lunch. Servings: 4-6 servings Ingredients 8 large eggs, boiled and peeled 1/3 cup low-fat Greek yogurt 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill (may substitute 1 teaspoon dried dill) 3/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Step by Step Directions Step 1....

In addition to all the health benefits of honey, it has natural antibacterial and anti-oxidant properties and can be used topically and in beauty treatments.  It has a natural ability to attract and retain water, so it helps keeps skin very moisturized.   Here are some natural beauty recipes you can create at home using honey and a few other items you may already have on hand.  So jot down or print out these beautiful honey DIY recipes and beauty treatments to keep your skin and hair glowing, healthy and beautiful - naturally! Facial Cleanser For clean, healthy, glowing skin:   Mix 1 tablespoon honey with 2 tablespoons finely ground almonds and ½ teaspoon of lemon juice. Gently rub onto face and rinse with warm water. Hair Conditioner For glowing, shiny, soft hair: Mix ½ cup honey and ¼ cup olive oil (use less for normal to oily hair). Work small amounts through hair until fully coated. Cover hair with a shower cap or plastic bag and leave on for 30 minute...

Recently I found some natural recipes from The Green Beauty Guide  I thought I would share.  I love the homemade baby wipes and diaper rash solution.  Check out these five basic recipes that you can use to prepare wonderfully effective and totally green beauty products at home saving time, money, and planet.  Each recipe can be prepared in 3 minutes or less and costs only a few cents per application. 1. Cucumber Lifting Face Mask Chop 1/2 cucumber and blend in a food processor with 3 mint leaves and a pinch of sea salt. This mask de-puffs and tightens sallow, dull skin. 2. Homemade Baby Wipes Combine 1 cup witch hazel, 1 tablespoon glycerin, 1/2 cup strong green tea, and 1/2 cup rosewater. Shake well until blended. Pour the mix into a container with a lid. Fill the container with squares of clean muslin cloth or cheese cloth, so that they are fully soaked with the herbal solution. Keep in cool place and use the wipes during 10 days. Then prepar...

Glowing skin and hair starts from within.  Nutritionist and beauty expert  Kimberly Snyder   is famous for transforming some of hollywood's hottest celebrities by following her Beauty Detox Diet and incorporating her Glowing Green Smoothies for beautiful glowing skin, hair and weightloss.   Drinking the Glowing Green Smoothie, or (GGS), as Kimberly calls it, is a great way to incorporate a tremendous amount of greens into your diet and cleanse your system of toxic sludge which causes early  ageing , weight gain and a  myriad  of health problems she discusses in her book, The Beauty Detox Solution .   The Glowing Green Smoothie  is the drink Kimberly Snyder drinks everyday and shares with all of her clients  which includes some of the top celebrities, to look and feel their best!  Her clients swear by this smoothie for glowing skin, hair and helping them to loose and keep off those unwanted pounds.  S he usually...

Bored with your daily breakfast routine?  Tired of the same boring, oatmeal day after day?  Try something new and start your day off with a hearty, healthy breakfast!  This recipe can also be used anytime for a wholesome filling snack as well.  Recipe from  Skinny Bitch: Ultimate Everyday Cookbook . Makes 6 Servings 1 cup (85 g) rolled oats 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped almonds 1/2 cup (55 g) chopped pecans 3 tablespoons flaxseed 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened coconut 1/2 cup (45 g) dried apples, chopped 2/3 cup (165 ml) apple juice 1/3 cup (75 ml) unsweetened applesauce 1/2 cup (120 ml) brown rice syrup 1 tablespoon coconut oil 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (180 degrees C). In a large bowl, combine the oats, almonds, pecans, flaxseed, and coconut. Mix together and then spoon onto a cookie sheet. Bake 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool. Decrease the oven temperature to 250 degrees...

Proper nutrition can decrease aging and increase beauty!  Here is a delicious smoothie recipe to get you started on your way to good health and cool down on those hot summer days.  Leave me a comment with your favorite smoothie recipes! Makes 2 Servings Ingredients: 1/2 cup pomegranate juice 1/4 cup açai or mangosteen juice 1 cup frozen cherries 1 cup frozen blueberries 1 cup low-fat or fat-free vanilla yogurt 1 tablespoon honey 1 scoop vanilla-flavored whey protein Tip: Add a few tbsp. Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil to help detox.  Garnish: whole blueberries and a sprig of fresh mint.  Add all the ingredients to blender and blend until smooth :) Nutrition information per serving: Calories 319 Protein 16 g Carbohydrates 61.5 g Total Fat 2.1 g Saturated Fat 1.1 g Cholesterol 22.5 mg Sodium 96 mg Fiber 3.6 g Recipe from Natural Solutions Magazine Bookmark or share