Oldie Sunday - Spring Cleanse Recipe

It's almost Spring!

Cleansing is often prescribed at the change of every season.

Here is a recipe for Ayurvedic Dahl perfect to support intestinal cleansing:

http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/11/dahl.html

Vega Vibrancy Bars - Cleanse result

Finished my ten day Vega Whole Food Health Optimizer and Vibrancy Bar meal plan. To see what I ate, click here: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-year-diet-plan.html

I feel great! As a bonus, I lost one percent body fat, dropped one pound and reduced my waist by 3/4 of an inch. See pics and stats here: http://bodyspace.bodybuilding.com/lookdamngood/profilecp.php?module=progress

I am a huge proponent of eating whole foods, but sometimes life gets hectic and we need convenience foods to make good nutrition possible.

Vega products are more than that compromise for me to supplement my whole food diet.

Made from whole foods and a slew of good for you supplements, the products are my go to in a pinch and for times like my New Year meal plan when I want support eating healthy.

The dose of Maca in the Whole Food Health Optimizer (more on Maca another day ...) really made a noticeable difference in my energy and mood. For more on Vega, click here: http://damn-ilookgood.blogspot.com/2009/11/vega.html

Vega is the only protein powder and the only "bar" product I've ever consumed and actually felt full afterwards. I attribute this to the wonderfully massive dose of fiber and the Vega EFA oil blend in both products.

I had never tried the Vibrancy Bars before. Described on the wrapper as "A Sumptuous celebration of plant-based super foods," they are not kidding! These are a vegan, raw, sprouted party of flavor and satisfaction.

Sequel Naturals sent me each flavor to try. With 200 calories, 10 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber, the bars are very filling and extremely tasty. I only ate a half a bar at a time. The bars have a wonderful, hearty texture and a bright, "green" taste. You really feel like you are consuming a product that is good for you - not an imitation candy bar. Yet ,their subtle sweetness make you feel like you are having a treat. My favorite was actually the Wholesome Original flavor. But, if you are a chocolate lover, be sure to try to the Chocolate Decadence made with 70% dark chocolate. Or, if Green is your thing ... the Green Energy is infused with Vega's Green Food blend. These were "hella delish" as well.

These will definitely be my on my list for a convenient meal replacement or snack.

To purchase Sequel Naturals Vega Products click here:
http://shop.sequelnaturals.com/

(picture from: sequelnaturals.com)

Make Up Removal

If you are like me, you have a full face beat down to scrape off at the end of the day.
Make up removal is especially important for problematic skin and it is vital to use products that won't contribute to clogging pores, but are effective at emulsifying today's long wearing and water proof make up formulations.
I've tried every make up removal technique and I'd like to share my favorite method.

1. Use JoJoba Oil to emulsify eye make up. JoJoba Oil is very close to our skin's own natural sebum (oil), so it is non comedogenic - it won't clog your pores!! Squeeze a dime size amount onto fingertips and gently work onto eyelids. I like Desert Essence 100% pure JoJoba Oil. You can find this product at Vitacost.com for $4.26.
A 4 oz. bottle should last you three to six months. JoJoba Oil is also great as a moisturizer for extremely dry skin, as a deep conditioner for hair and as a cuticle hydrator.

2. Use a disposable baby wipe such as Target's Up and Up Brand for sensitive skin to wipe away emulsified eye make up and to clean off the rest of the face.

3. Follow with a gentle creme cleanser such as Cetaphil or a generic version (both Target and Walmart make great versions) no matter what your skin type. YES - that means YOU oily/acne prone people!! As a fellow greaseball I understand the urge to strip your skin squeaky clean with a gel cleanser, but washing away the skin's natural protective barrier can leave it even more vulnerable to bacteria that causes break outs.

4. Finish with your nightly moisturizing regime.

(photo from: desertessence.com)