Vegan for 30 Days (Pros & Cons)

In case you missed the memo, or perhaps I haven't expressed it enough on this here site, I have a vlog on YouTube under the name "AskHeatherG."  Well, I have started a challenge to go vegan for 30 days and I am chronicling it there and I would love for you to join me on this journey (click video below).  I am currently on Day 7 so there are somethings I can help you with to make your transition seamless.  Make sure you Subscribe to my YouTube to get all the info. 

In the meantime, here are some pros and cons I have experienced since letting go of meat, dairy, starch and sugar (yes I know, that's more than what's required of a vegan, but hey).  Let's get the bad stuff out of the way first.

Cons:
1. Fatigue- In Days 2 and 3, I was so sleepy I could barely make it home in the evenings.  I found myself nodding off at the red lights while driving home, so make sure you are able to get plenty of rest in the beginning. 
2. White Tongue- Gross, I know.  I have been experiencing some thrush on my tongue. This is normal since my body is ridding itself of candida/ toxins.  Still, not a pretty picture.  Tongue scraper maybe necessary.
3. Headaches- Well, I expected this one.  Since I am not taking in too much sugar, I have limited the amount of caffeine I drink since I like my coffee to be dessert-like.  Therefore, my body is going through withdrawals.  Only true remedy for this is more rest.

On the brighter side, I have been experiencing benefits too.

Pros:
1. More Energy-  Yes, I know I said I was fatigue, but that was in the first couple days.  I am starting to gain more energy now, which is huge for someone who usually needs a solid eight hour sleep.
2. Brighter Skin- It is a very slight change, but nonetheless, a good one.  I am feeling like my skin is smoother on my face and definitely more supple.
3. Clear Head-  I can think clearly without that brain fog we get mid-day.
4. Great Smelling Skin- So, I will do a video on this (promise), but I stopped using deodorant 2 months ago and I am telling the honest to goodness truth, my armpits actually are beginning to smell sweet... like "yum" sweet... and no, I am not in denial because I actually have randoms do a "sniff test" from time to time to verify my findings. LOL.. Weird? I know!

So there you have have it.  Make sure you check my YouTube for more updates and tips as we venture through this together.  I hope I have helped someone who may have been on the fence about starting this new lifestyle.  It is well worth a good go at it.

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15 Ways to Use Coconut Oil

So if you are a fan of my blog, you know by now that I am a huge fan of coconut oil.  I use it for everything, especially my beauty secrets.  In an earlier entry, I wrote about the benefits it posses which helped me to sooth and acne breakout I was having.  In another entry, Dry Skin Be Gone, I explained how to get beautiful hydrated skin (and scalp) with it. I absolutely love what it does for my skin, but I cannot get enough of how well it works in so may other areas.  Here are 15 additional ways you can use coconut oil.

1.  As a dietary supplement to help fight candida and boost hormone production
2. To kill yeast or yeast infections.  Coconut oil contains caprylic and lauric acid, which is excellent for combating yeast infections (fungi and bacteria) both internally and on the skin. You can take a teaspoon daily or apply it topically.  Be careful with ingesting, start with small doses to make sure it doesn't upset your stomach
3.  On feet to fight athlete’s foot or fungus
4.  There is some evidence that regular ingestion of coconut oil can help prevent or reverse Alzheimers
5.  A small amount can be rubbed into real leather to soften and condition (test a small area first)
6.  As a cuticle oil to soften dry skin around nail beds and promote nail growth
7.  Ingesting coconut oil daily can help with allergy symptoms
8.  As a luscious tropical massage oil that's not too greasy
9.  As an eye-makeup remover
10.  As a makeup brush cleanser.  The oil helps cut through the dir.  Just mix 1 part oil with 10 parts water and allow brushes to soak overnight. 
11.  As a pan greaser.  Use coconut oil in the place of other oils such as canola, vegetable or even olive oil because these oil can be hazardous to cool with past certain heating point.  Coconut oil is not affected and therefore a safe alternative.
12.  As a Thyroid Supporter - Regular coconut oil consumption has been shown to support healthy thyroid function.
13. As a lubricant.  Yes, no KY needed.  Coconut oil will get the job done and is all natural
14. Furniture polish. I know, how did I go from making love to oiling up the wood (well kind of the same, lol).  Use this in the place of your furniture polish for a deep condition.
15. To oil door hinges.  I actually tried this by chance and it worked wonders.  The molecular stucture of coconut oil is smaller than most other oils allowing it to "get in there." 

These things worked for me, saved me money and kept me green at the same time.  Enjoy!  How do you use coconut oil?

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On the Go: Four Easy Ways to Get Healthy

There are hundreds of fad diets, lotions, potions, and magic pills on the market; but they rarely work and if they do it is temporarily.  Why? Because these remedies are only a temporary change in your lifestyle and daily habits so naturally you are bound to go back to the way things were (i.e. your habits).  Remember it takes 21 days to break a habit so a diet or beauty trend is not a long term solution. 

I have been on a health kick (the simplest form of healthiness if there is such a thing) for a long time, but living in Cali has definitely made me even more conscience.  Everything in life is about balance. I eat some of the things I want, but I balance that by doing other things like the ones I will outline in this blog.  I am not a strong believer "going cold turkey" with anything, I believe in gradual steps.  For me, it is the only way to make a permanent change in your health/ beauty regimen.  So hear me out; here are some ways to help cleanse your body, rid it of nasty toxins, lose a little weight, and make your skin glow in the process:

1.  Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother (ACV)- There are so many uses for Apple Cider Vinegar.  I drink a lot of water everyday, but my first glass of water usually starts with a tablespoon of ACV.  If it is too bitter for you, add a tsp of raw honey and that will sweeten it up a bit.  What this does is curb your appetite, regulate the pH in your body so that you are not so acidic, and boosts your energy, which for some leads to weight loss.

I also use ACV as facial toner and sometimes use it in my hair as a clarifying agent when I feel I have too much buildup on my scalp.  To do the toner and clarifying agent for hair, simply pour equal parts ACV and distilled water in a spray bottle then use.  The smell is intense, but it clears after 10 mins.

P.S.  The mother in ACV are the brownish particles floating in the bottom of the bottle.  I suggest Bragg's or Whole Foods brand.

2.  Gradually Eliminate Sugar from your Diet-  Some of you are hooked on sugar and do not even know it.  Eliminating it is not as harsh as you may think.  Again, this is DEFINITELY something you should do gradually, otherwise you will experience withdrawals and they can be killer. 

Here is an example of how to cut back.  Say you drink coffee like I do;  try not adding sugar and only using the creamer as your sweetener.  If you use a lot of sugar in your coffee, first cut the dose in half and gradually ween off of it.  It will be something you are not used to at first, but give it a few days.  In my experience, it takes about 2-5 days to acquire the taste for less sweets.

3.  Coconut Oil- The changes you notice in your body will not only be internal, you can do things externally to change the appearance of your skin too.  I swear by Coconut Oil.  Read my previous entry The Miracle Oil to get full details on uses for Coconut Oil.

4.   Epsom Salt Baths- Epsom Salt is seriously inexpensive and an excellent way to clear toxins from your body.  We dump up to a pound, that's right, a whole pound of dead skin cells and other toxins through our skin on a daily bases.  Epsom Salt aka magnesium sulfate helps in purifying and detoxifying your body of heavy metals. 

Pour two cups of Epsom Salt in a bath and fill the tub with very warm water.  Relax for at least 20 mins and you will see the water begin to turn a murky color.  That is the metals and other junk being released from your skin and body.  I always soak for 30 mins and then shower to wash off any excess toxins that may be settled on my skin.

 I hope this helps and it is extremely easy to make these small changes.  We all have to start somewhere.

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Detox-ic (Essence of Vitality)

From time to time, we could all use a simple detox.  A detox is designed to help rid the body of toxins and pollutants.  I am a huge believer of cleansing... inside and out; for it not only clears physical space, it un-fogs mental space as well.  For the last 14 days I have been cleansing internally and I feel energized, vibrant and more awake... not to mention my skin glows (added bonus for us ladies).

The detox I am currently using is called Essence of Vitality.  Although there are many ways to detox including herbal tonics, juice fasting or changing your diet for a set period of time, I decided to try the Essence of Vitality.  I came across EOV after reading a post on Facebook which led me to Chef  Ahki's  page and ultimately to her website which entailed the benefits of the EOV detox. I wanted to give it a 'go' since I have had such success with other methods of detoxing in the past and I am glad I did.  I am so happy with my results so far!  The EOV has completely curbed my desire to indulge in unhealthy eating habits.  Before I started, I would drink coffee daily.  I literally stopped by Wawa's every morning to grab a cup of Joe, and head to the office.  If nothing else, I was going to get my steaming hot 16oz. cup of coffee, which I know some of you can relate to because coffee is addictive... right?! I have also noticed a more flat tummy, drastic boost in energy, glowing skin and focused mind.  I must say that although the tonic (Essence of Vitality) tastes bizarre, the benefits far outweighs the unforgettable taste.

Aside from the perks of this particular detox, in general, cleansing your system will help you feel more refreshed and surprisingly help you to make more healthful dietary choices in your day to day life.  Think of detoxing as a cycle.  Once you clear the fog and fuel your tank with premium octane, you are now set to drive the distance, get stuff done and be overall more focused.  Your visions become clear and how to obtain them seems obvious.  I know some of you can hardly believe a little detox can do all of that, but it can.  The things that go into our body are vitally important to our well being.  Most of us do not consider the lotions we put on or the perfumes we spray onto our skin, or the pre-packaged foods that have sat on the shelf for 7 months, but we still eat and ingest.  These things are not the best choices we can make, so how can we help ourselves "do better."  Detox. 

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The Overnight Bag

I totally believe that there are certain things that a single woman should have with her at all times. After all, you are S-I-N-G-L-E, meaning no check in times, no one to answer to, no nagging, nada… you’re free. With that being said, ladies, I present… (drum roll please) The Overnight Bag.

So what is The Overnight Bag? Let explain it to you. If you are like me, you may be a bit adventurous. At any given time you may pick up and go. On the other hand, I know some of us are structured and a bit more routine. Either way, the overnight bag is essential, a survival kit. Here’s why: Have you ever gone out with a group of friends and at the last min decided that spending the night would be much more convenient than driving all the way back to your place? Of course you have; hence, you’re going to need some things in the AM. Reason 2: Have you been on a date with someone you know (not a stranger… PLEASE girls) and decided to stay over, but “oh snap, I don’t have any eye liner, my toothbrush, hair moisturizer. Dang!” In your mind you’re thinking, “I’m going to look a hot mess in the morning,” and so you go home. Ladies, let’s avoid this! You are single! Have. An. Overnight. Bag.

Now that we have established why it is important, let me tell you what you should have IN your overnight bag. For starters, you should (at minimum) have the basics; a change of under garments, a toothbrush and some flat shoes. No one wants to take the walk of shame, aka “the hoe walk,” the next morning. If you want your overnight bag to be complete, add a change of clothes; something cute, but relaxed. Put your basic makeup in the bag, your eyeliner, blush, whatever it is that takes you from “Blah, to Ah!” Keep the bag in your trunk, I mean, what’s the point of having it if it is sitting in the corner of your bedroom. Last but not least, don’t be afraid to use it. This bag does not signify that you’re a loose woman, but that you are prepared, organized, and on top of your game. Ladies, no need to thank me now, but I’m confident that you will thank me later!

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