Benefits of Cleansing and Detoxing

Cleansing and Detoxing: Do you know that without Villi in the intestines your food would not be digested fully and Villi are what take the nutrients from the food we cat and pass it through to the blood.  If the food is not masticated in chewing the intestines via Villi will hold onto it as long as it can to get the nutrients out that are needed for the body.  This is why it is advised to chew each mouthful counting to 100, so we masticate the food fully to almost a puree because that is the best way to introduce food into the body for maximum digestion and nutrients. 

Cleansing and detoxing periodically is a great way to cleanse the Villi in the intestines as well as cleanse organs in the body that are all part of the digestive system.  We should do this and there are many ways to do it.  Juicing is one, but there are actually Detoxing packages you can purchase that take you through a full process to completion.  For instance (not selling here just informing) Beachbody Ultimate Reset has a 21 days Cleanse that is amazing for this purpose.  Lyndsi, our daughter and a couple of her friends were struggling with infertility issues and after doing the 21 day cleanse on UR were able to finally get pregnant after long months of trying...NOT that the program did this but it is curious that they all had the same results, proving to me that for our bodies to be a working mean machine we must cleanse, no matter what system you use.

In a video I watched as I prepared for this 30 day journey I'm on, the presenter mentioned that due to the Villi passing large food out of your system undigested, we don't get all the nutrients we need for our body if we are not food masticaters and that is why juicing is so good for our body and nutrition.  In fact, he said, the Juicer itself is mimicking the body digestion, passing puree and nutrition to one spout and out and the undigested food to the other side and out is exactly how the body extracts waste.

The food we eat is either Fresh or Processed.  Always remember to when possible eat the food which is grown, green and colorful, and if you eat meat, eat that which is grass fed whenever possible.  Eating Organic foods helps in eliminating pesticides and antibiotic traces that were used in the growth process, all of which contribute to illness.

The body will take fresh grown veggies and fruits especially in juice and digest all of it's nutrients through the Villi of the intestines but savor the flavor of fast foods, starches, and anything that is processed into something other than fresh and the body really has no use for it, it's just filler food that causes flatulation, the presence of excessive gas, as well as contributing to illness if not extracted from the body as it lays as waste.  This is why it is so important for us to take care in what we eat.  Moderation is always a good plan but when our diet is 90% processed and 10% Fresh then "Houston we have a problem!"

And of course always always always try to drink 1/2 your weight in H2O daily.

Have a great day and Eat Clean!

It's Just Me Val, Ciao'

Change Your Thoughts - Change Your World

Are you tired of short lived decisions?  Have you made that resolution year after year only to fail yourself?  Are you fearful of making resolutions because you fear others notice that you break them?  Well you're not alone.  The good news is you can make a breakthrough this time. How?
Well I'm glad you asked...

Do you know that our mind is programmed to do what our thoughts tell it?
Our thoughts are very powerful, so what is a thought?
"A Thought": An idea or mental picture, imagined and contemplated
The bible tells us to take every thought captive

Whether you believe in the bible or not that is great advice and here's why:

In the words of ― Mahatma Gandhi

"Your beliefs become your thoughts,

  Your thoughts become your words, 

  Your words become your actions, 

  Your actions become your habits,
  Your habits become your values,
  Your values become your destiny.”

What you believe become your thoughts...Do you see how powerful that statement is?

Gandhi also said: "A man is but the product of his thoughts - what he thinks, he becomes"

So I guess the Bible's wisdom along with Gandhi's is 'Spot ON!'  

What you will to think, you do become 

Notice I added the action word "will" to that statement

You have a 'will' and you have to 'will' to do anything in life

Your 'will' is changeable, which means you can choose to will anything

That's Powerful!  You have the POWER to WILL what you think and believe

I once heard someone share that when it comes to thoughts and the mind a great way to take your thoughts captive is to image a receptionist in your mind.  Their job is to check every thought before it enters.  They have the power to reject a thought prior to changing our mind.

You deserve to achieve your goals and dreams.  The only thing holding you back is your will and the first and following thought.  So why not will to change the way you think! 

This year when you make that resolution, resolve to use your inner receptionist to check ALL thoughts at the door!  Reject all negative thoughts that will fail you before they gain entry to your mind.  Just put a big STOP sign in your mind and make sure that the only thoughts you allow in are those that will further your goals, ultimately making your dreams come true.  You can have it all...just do it!

It's Just Me, Val  Ciao'

WRINKLES AND LINES

 Causes of Wrinkles and Lines

By Mayo Clinic staff Wrinkles are caused by a combination of factors — some you can control, others you can't:

• Age. As you get older, your skin naturally becomes less elastic and more fragile. Decreased production of natural oils makes your skin drier and appear more wrinkled. Fat in the deeper layers of your skin, which gives the skin a plump appearance, starts to diminish. This causes loose, saggy skin and more-pronounced lines and crevices.
• Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. Ultraviolet radiation markedly speeds up the natural aging process and is the primary cause of early wrinkling. Exposure to UV light breaks down your skin's connective tissue — collagen and elastin fibers, which lie in the deeper layer of skin (dermis). Without the supportive connective tissue, your skin loses its strength and flexibility. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.
• Smoking. Smoking can accelerate the normal aging process of your skin, contributing to wrinkles. This may be due to changes in the blood supply to your skin.
• Repeated facial expressions. Facial movements and expressions, such as squinting or smiling, lead to fine lines and wrinkles. Each time you use a facial muscle, a groove forms beneath the surface of the skin. And as skin ages, it loses its flexibility and is no longer able to spring back in place. These grooves then become permanent features on your face.
• Gender. Women tend to develop more wrinkles around their mouths (perioral) than men do. That may be because women have fewer sweat glands and glands that secrete an oily matter known as sebum (sebaceous glands) to lubricate the skin and fewer blood vessels in this area.
• Poor nutrition. Nutritional deficiencies are believed to contribute to skin aging.

My dad, with 7 lines in his before shot (left), and only 3 lines after (right) a 15 minute Seacret RECOVER Treatment

  At 58 my skin, though I'm blessed with great skin, is now marred with age spots and my eyes are seeing the onset of crows feet.  Two creases also grace my forehead, from a lifetime of squinting, I'm certain!  I've thought botox and Lifeline Solutions but in the end it was always the $$$'s vs the need.  $$$'s always won out.  Then BOOM!  I found Seacret!  The products are amazing and have worked wonders on my skin!  Take a look at this product line, the age defying (green cap) products ROCK on all of the above.  All products are made with healing and restorative minerals for the Dead Sea, you know where Cleopatra went to keep her youthful look?  Yeah there.  Well you take a look, I don't need to say anymore and definitely ask me any questions you might have.

Seacret Products truly returning your skin back to it's youth!
www.seacretdirect.com/valstayskal

It's Just Me, Val  Ciao'

SEACRET SKIN AND SPA PRODUCTS BENEFITS

SKIN AND SPA PRODUCT BENEFITS BRIEF

BODY SOLUTIONS

Salt and Oil Scrub

Exfoilliates and accelerates Cell Renewal

Moisturizes whole body

Skin Type: All

Body Butter

Relieves dry skin, restores healthy appearance

Skin Type: All

Salt Scrub

Exfolliates dead skin czlls

Skin Type: All

Body Lotion

Protects and hydrates the skin all day

Skin Type: All

Mineral Rich Body Mud

Strong Cleansing capacity for absorbing pollutions, fat and secretions

Candidate for healing Rheumatic pains, relieving symptoms of chronic

inflammation, increased dryness of the skin, Seborrhea, Psoriasis and Eczema

Mineral Rich Hydrating Mud Shampoo

Loaded with mud protein to Hydrate, nourish and replenish hair

Hand Cream

Regenerates skin cells and provides long lasting daily moisture

Skin Type: All

Foot Cream

Gently moisturizes and moistens skin while helping to restore and protect feet

Skin Type: All

Mineral Soap

Cleans and Restores the healthy Glow of your skin

Skin Type: All

Nail Care Collection

A natural way to care for your nails with custom design buffing block

leaving a glow that gives the appearance of nail polish without polishing

FACIAL SOLUTIONS

Cleansing Milk

Surrounds loosens and easily removes dirt debris germs excess oils and

left over products applied to the skin

Skin Type: All

Mineral Rich Refining Toner

Removes excess oil soothes and exfoliates the skin

Skin Type: All

Deep Cleansing Facial Wash

Hydrates and conditions your skin as it cleans away dirt and makeup

leaving your skin clean, hydrated and silky smooth

Mud Soap

Cleans and restores the healthy glow of your skin

Aids and improves Acne, Eczema, Psoriasis, oily skin etc.

Balancing Facial Serum

Delivers additional hydration and nutrients into the deepest layers of the skin

Skin Type: All

Central Nutrition Eye Gel

Made to sooth nourish and replenish stressed skin from environmental conditions

Can aid dark and puffy eye conditions

Skin Type: All

Essential Moisture Face Cream

Rich with natural elements, helps return natural glow

Skin Type: All

Intensive Moisture Day and Night Cream

Reduces Wrinkles

Skin  Type: Day for normal and dry skin

Mineral Rich Peeling Gel

Brightens skin by removing dead skin cells

Purifying Peeling Milk

Nourishes the skin, removes dead skin cells

After Shave Balm

Soothes and nourishes by restoring the balancing moisture

AGE DEFYING PRODUCTS

Restore Age Defying Face Serum

Reduces the appearance of fine lines and evens out skin tone, nourishes the skin

Replenishes moisture

Refresh Vitamin Rich Moisturizer

Deposits moisture and hydrates the skin

Revive Age Defying Eye Serum

Strengthens the skin and returns it to natural flexibility and firmness

Regain Age Defying Eye Cream

Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and

wrinkles around the eyes, helps reduce the appearance of puffiness,

swelling and dark circles around the eyes

Revitalize Thermal-Moisture Mask

This heating mask offers gentle exfoliation and moisture,

heats and opens pours for a thorough cleanse,

reduces the appearance of lines and wrinkles

Skin Type: Normal to Dry

Renew Mineral Rich Scrubbing Mask

Results in a deeper facial cleanse for all skin types

Mask Products

M4, Mineral Rich Magnetic Mud Mask

Using bio magnetism the iron powder creates micro-currents

that gently relax the skin. Helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Mineral Rich Mud Mask

Clarifies while absorbing excess oils, deeply cleans and

tightens pores making skin younger looking.  Exfoliates and nourishes skin. 

Skin Type: For normal to combination skin

Recover Mask

Patented Nano-Technology, no active ingredients.

Cleanses and removes dead cells, toxins, impurities and black heads

Comes in a Day and Night Formula

I Care About My Skin - How About You?

I Care About My Skin - How About You?

Healthy glowing skin with youthful tone and texture is so important

After a summer season full of sun, dry days, chlorine from pools and just the wear and tare this has on my face it's time for me to take a look at caring for the skin.  I always felt that alittle Oil of Olay goes along way and for the skin is Okay! (Ha! a poet at heart!)

 

I've been gifted with those awful unsightly age marks appearing on my skin, including my face.  This gift is due in part to my proud heritage, that being Italian.  What is a human to do?  Well after researching skin care and finding some very interesting facts, advice and a premium product line that has successfully helped, I'm embracing these producxts because they are actually erasing my age spots, YES!  I said erasing them and bringing that youthful healthy look back to my skin.  This is my first of many blogs to help you learn too, how to care for your skin from the best!  I hope you benefit from all of this as I did.  If you have any questions, or just curious on my product of choice come over and visit my website: www.seacretdirect.com/valstayskal

 Regaining and Preserving your Skin Health

5 Tips for Healthy Skin  by Mayo Clinic Staff - http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/skin-care

"Good skin care...Including sun protection and gentle cleansing can keep your skin healthy and glowing for years to come."

Don't have time for intensive skin care? Pamper yourself with the basics. Good skin care and healthy lifestyle choices can help delay the natural aging process and prevent various skin problems. Get started with these five no-nonsense tips.

1. Protect yourself from the sun
One of the most important ways to take care of your skin is to protect it from the sun. A lifetime of sun exposure can cause wrinkles, age spots and other skin problems — as well as increase the risk of skin cancer.
For the most complete sun protection:

• Use sunscreen. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. When you're outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or perspiring.
• Seek shade. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
• Wear protective clothing. Cover your skin with tightly woven long-sleeved shirts, long pants and wide-brimmed hats. Also consider laundry additives, which give clothing an additional layer of ultraviolet protection for a certain number of washings, or special sun-protective clothing — which is specifically designed to block ultraviolet rays.

2. Don't smoke
Smoking makes your skin look older and contributes to wrinkles. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow. This depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — the fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. In addition, the repetitive facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — can contribute to wrinkles.

If you smoke, the best way to protect your skin is to quit. Ask your doctor for tips or treatments to help you stop smoking.

3. Treat your skin gently
Daily cleansing and shaving can take a toll on your skin. To keep it gentle:

• Limit bath time. Hot water and long showers or baths remove oils from your skin. Limit your bath or shower time, and use warm — rather than hot — water.
• Avoid strong soaps. Strong soaps and detergents can strip oil from your skin. Instead, choose mild cleansers.
• Shave carefully. To protect and lubricate your skin, apply shaving cream, lotion or gel before shaving. For the closest shave, use a clean, sharp razor. Shave in the direction the hair grows, not against it.
• Pat dry. After washing or bathing, gently pat or blot your skin dry with a towel so that some moisture remains on your skin.
• Moisturize dry skin. If your skin is dry, use a moisturizer that fits your skin type. For daily use, consider a moisturizer that contains SPF.

4. Eat a healthy diet
A healthy diet can help you look and feel your best. Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. The association between diet and acne isn't clear — but some research suggests that a diet rich in vitamin C and low in unhealthy fats and processed or refined carbohydrates might promote younger looking skin.

5. Manage stress

Uncontrolled stress can make your skin more sensitive and trigger acne breakouts and other skin problems. To encourage healthy skin — and a healthy state of mind — take steps to manage your stress. Set reasonable limits, scale back your to-do list and make time to do the things you enjoy. The results might be more dramatic than you expect. 

IT'S JUST ME VAL, CIAO'

Visit my website: www.seacretdirect.com/valstayskal

PLAN AHEAD AND EAT!

 OVERCOME FAILURE BY PLANNING TO FORGIVE YOURSELF

How many times have you set a plan, committed to stick with it and within a short window of time an event, any event as simple as getting together with a friend, draws you to a moment of weakness?  For me it can be a simple as talking to yourself and saying... "oh what the heck, "I'll just have a short drink", or "Hmmm this menu doesn't offer any clean eating items.."  "I'll just have the burger tonight and start over again in the morning".   But in the morning you feel awful for going off plan and wish you had just stuck with it, right?  Come on, we all go through this horrible feeling of failure.

Yep it happens to all of us, don't let anyone fool you.  And you know what?  
It's OK!  

Our mind plays tricks on us and beats us up with those awful thoughts..."You shouldn't have eaten or drunk that!"   Instead of just picking up our bootstraps and getting back on the horse, we sulk and feel awful about ourselves and what do we do...
YES!  We Eat and Drink More!

It's time we learn to plan ahead by making this part of our plan.   
I call it 'Plan F' - F is for FORGIVENESS.

FORGIVING myself BEFORE I go out by planning to eat and drink whatever I want for an event, has helped me to overcome the feeling of failure and remorse because I no longer am falling off my plan, instead it's part of my plan.  

When I don't plan ahead to give myself the freedom to eat what I want for an event, my mind instead views it as cheating.  The thought that I've cheated brings on the negative feeling of remorse.  That remorse has a 90% chance of causing me to make an excuse to stay off plan for longer, until I heal and start over.  It's all a mind game.  In any game you need strategy.  This strategy has helped me overcome the idea that I keep failing.  Instead I now look at it as 'I stayed on plan and I'm succeeding!"  See how that works?

It works for me, hope you try it and let me know if it works for you!

It's Just Me Val, Ciao'!

Overcoming the Obstacles that Hinder Progress

 






My mind races daily with options such as, speed, easy, hard, never steady and slow - I'm speaking of getting this weight off of course. 

I am so challenged with what has worked for me in the past and what will work for me over 50. 
Fasting has worked great to take off the same 15 pounds
Eating clean has worked great if I take the time to do strength and conditioning

There are two, well maybe 3 things that are my absolute enemy to conquer: 
1.Drinking my water (1/2 your weight minimally a day) and 
2. Night snacking. 
3. Stress is another killer for me as I reach for comfort food moments to procrastinate dealing with the stress. 

My mind is my biggest challenge and obstacle in moving forward on my journey to eating and training myself healthy. Let me give you a picture: 
Picture a gerbil, I know they're kind of cute but kind of not to others, but go with me on this for a moment. 
A gerbil in his exercise cage ring! Got that visual? Yes running the ring round and round and going nowhere. That is what it is like in my mind often. 

I do know the answer, I do!  BUT... to get my mind to shut down long enough to follow in that direction is like trying to catch a fish with your hand "slippery lil sucker" I think for me it has to start with some quiet time and get into a 'zone' that I begin to train my mind to quiet down too. Once I arrive there, I can make the right choices for my health. 

What is your challenge?