One of the things I dislike most about winter is the cold dry air. When the humidity drops, I tend to notice a definite dryness to my skin that is due to the winter air.  That is why I am so excited to share a new discovery that I am using this winter (and actually I am using Emu Oil Year-Round now) that really combats my dryness!

It is called EMU OIL and as the name implies, it comes from the EMU bird, which is closely related to the ostrich.  I came across this wonderful oil during my research.

I started using the oil on top of my night creams and serums before bedtime, and I really noticed a soft moisturized complexion in the morning. I love that it is very inexpensive, and I decided to research a little more about why the EMU oil is so fantastic for the skin and this what I learned:

1.  Emu Oil has been used for thousands of years by the Aborigines people of Australia to combat skin issues of the dry desert climate.

2. Emu Oil has high levels of Essential Fatty Acids, such as Linoleic Acid, which are very healing to the skin.  It is anti-inflammatory and aids with a wide variety of skin disorders, such as Eczema.

3.  It fights aging and wrinkles in three ways.  First, it is extremely moisturizing and keeps the skin supple when applied. Secondly, it fights aging because it has trans-dermal qualities. This means that it is able to penetrate to the deep layer of the dermis where collagen and elastin are found.  Even more exciting is the fact that if it is put on top of creams and serums, it helps to push those ingredients down to the dermis where real changes can happen in the skin.  Finally, it has been proven to help thicken the skin when used regularly (aging skin is thin skin)!

4.  It can be used in the hair as a softening and smoothing agent.

5.  It is great for rubbing into sore muscles and arthritic joints to relieve pain.

6.  It helps with acne, scars, stretch marks, burns and scrapes!

I am in love with Emu Oil, and love the fact that it is considered VERY safe to use by the Skin Deep website!  After using the Emu Oil for over a year now, I have really noticed great things happen to my skin, such as less fine lines and better texture! 

I am really excited about a new (inexpensive) supplement that my husband and I recently started taking for our health.  It is called Chlorophyll, and it is made from the green pigment in plants.  Many green veggies that we should all eat contain Chlorophyll (spinach, kale, broccoli, lettuce, etc.).

As my husband and I sometimes struggle to eat enough of the daily greens, we really love drinking the liquid Chlorophyll with water or adding it to our "green" drinks.  The brand we purchased has a mint flavor from Now. 

The list of health benefits is almost endless with Chlorophyll to include the following:

1.  It works as a detox for heavy metals in the blood.  Chlorophyll cleanses the blood and supports a healthy digestion for toxin removal.

2.  It deodorizes the body internally alleviating bad breath or body odor!

3.  It is loaded with antioxidants that fight cancers.

4.  It aids the liver in a purifying mode.

5.  It helps to clear skin problems because it balances the alkalinity in our bodies.  Most of us are heavy on the acidic side due to our diets of red meat, heavy sugar and processed foods. The Chlorophyll helps to balance this problem because of the high alkalinity in it bringing our bodies back into the proper PH.

6.  It helps to eliminate parasites and candida yeast which is due to heavy sugar diets.  It also helps to curb "sweet tooth" cravings thus encouraging weight loss.

7.  Chlorophyll removes carcinogens from unhealthy food that has been eaten when taken before or after eating.

8.  It oxygenates the blood to give us more energy! This one is huge for me as I have struggled with fatigue in the past due to thyroid problems.

I could go on and on with many other health benefits, but basically this is one POWERHOUSE supplement for the whole family. 

Because Chlorophyll Liquid is VERY green, you must be careful not to spill it on clothes.  Also, swish your mouth out after drinking it, or you may temporarily look like the "Green Goblin":)

This week my daughter told me that she had already lost over 24 pounds since giving birth to my grand-baby last week.  She said she was drinking a ton of water and that was really helping her!

Something as simple as "drinking water" doesn't phase most of us.  We are all fortunate enough to have plenty of drinking water and it is easy to take for granted.  But, the gift of WATER benefits so much of our lives!

I was just recently watching a You-Tube video on skin care and the topic was Drinking Water.  The model said that she attributes much of her flawless skin to drinking over a Liter of water right when she gets up in the morning! Then, she continues to drink lots throughout the day.

I always try to drink water throughout the day, but now I am really trying to monitor the amount, especially in the morning.

Approximately 2/3 of the human body is water and 90% of the brain is comprised of water.  The skin is largely supported by water and this is why being dehydrated will age a person by creating dry, wrinkled skin.  I have noticed increased moisture in my skin since increasing my water intake.  This is especially important to me now during the winter when I tend to dry out more with the low humidity(water) in the air.

The success of weight loss or management also largely depends on water intake.  Water helps a person feel full so that they don't eat as much.  It also revs up the metabolism which is critical for weight management!

A tip for drinking more water is to set a timer for a glass every hour, or keep a glass near you to remind you to drink up!

I LOVE eating foods that are tasty and nutritious and filling at the same time!  That is why I eat NUTS and SEEDS everyday!  

Even though nuts are high in fat, they do NOT make me fat!  In fact, this is the first time in my life that my weight has been kept under control easily!  And, I attribute much of that to the nuts and seeds that I consume daily!

One of the biggest reasons that they help to control weight is that they are filling.  The amount of fat and fiber and protein in them is what keeps me full longer and that helps to prevent blood sugar highs and cravings (more ammunition to help ward off the dreaded Diabetes)!

On the skin and beauty side, nuts have tons of vitamin and minerals and antioxidants that keep skin supple and wrinkle-free. The healthy fat that they contain also contribute to skin health!

Here are a few of the ones I eat most often and some of their health benefits:

WALNUTS:  Loaded with Omega 3 fatty acids that are very beneficial to brain and heart health (Have you ever noticed that a walnut kind of looks like a brain :)

ALMONDS:  Loaded with Fiber and the antioxidant Vitamin E for fighting cancer.

BRAZILIAN NUTS:  Lots of Selenium which is a powerful antioxidant!

CASHEWS:  Full of Iron and Zinc which help immunity!

PECANS:  Lots of Oleic Acid which studies have found fight Breast Cancer.

PUMPKIN SEEDS:  Loads of Magnesium and Plant Phytosterols known to fight Prostate Cancer.

So, next time you feel like reaching for the chip bag, why not grab a handful of nuts and seeds instead and be a little "nutty" for the day :)?