By Melissa Hutsell
Good health and behavior typically follow the time-honored rules that are set for our society. But, like all rules, some are meant to be broken. So go ahead, be rebellious! Re-evaluate old routines and guidelines by challenging stigmas that tell you ‘you can’t.’ Here are some of our recommendations:
Eat often: Evidence shows that eating often throughout the day helps to maintain energy levels and weight. It’s no secret that skipping meals negatively affects our metabolism. Whether you eat three or six meals per day – keep it consistent! When eating at regular intervals, we send signals throughout our body that tell us when to store calories and to when not. Though there is a correlation between lower calorie intake and weight loss, instead of withholding calories, space out meals (and therefore nutrients) throughout the day with healthy snacks. “Regardless of how or when you eat, portion control is always important even if you aren’t making the best quality food choices. Spacing [and balancing] your meals out makes a big difference,” says owner and Personal Trainer, Ben Mackie of Ben Mackie Fitness.
Stay away from oily products if you have a breakout: For those with oily or combination skin, we tend to avoid products that could add to the vicious greasy cycle. What most may not know, Coconut Oil can be used to combat several types of skins conditions. Yes, you heard right, you can fight oil with oil! Coconut oil is packed with nutrients that keep our skin moisturized, and fight off bacteria from ‘bad oil’ including toxins and grime that clog pores. Among many beneficial properties, coconut oil contains anti-oxidants like Lauric and Caprylic acid, which have powerful antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antimicrobial properties that naturally combat acne. Kayla Elsholz, Aesthetician Department Manager at Perfect Balance Day Spa in Lodi, says, “Coconut oil is very hydrating and soothing to the skin. It can also be used as a carrier oil for essential oils when applying them directly to the skin.”
Wash your hair everyday: Though there’s no single answer to fit everyone’s individual hair type, the fact is we don’t need to wash all that often. With the exception of those with extremely fine hair and oily scalps, or those who sweat a lot, shampooing is becoming less of a daily necessity. Both shampoo and conditioner contain chemicals that leave hair dry. Washing less means using fewer chemicals, less water and saving time, which ultimately improves the overall health of your scalp, and the environment! In addition, your scalp oil, or sebum, is a great natural remedy for your hair – especially your ends (so make sure to brush your hair in order to distribute the sebum all over). Lisa Martinez, Salon Director and Master Stylist at JC Salon in Stockton, recommends that her clients wait between washes for two reasons. “When we wash often, sometimes we lose too much of our natural oils, which dries out our hair and scalp,” she adds, “frequent washing can have a reverse effect, as our body tries to make up for the lack of oil by over-producing oil,” and in turn, becomes more oily.
Set your expectations high: How we manage our expectations directly impacts our lives, from dating to our jobs – it’s critical when it comes to how we view our own experiences and pursue our own goals. Having expectations (whether high or low) encourages us to aim for the extraordinary, and take satisfaction in our achievements. Aiming high might mean we have harder to fall, but the power of setting standards increases our chance for achievement. With high expectations comes knowledge, and the ability to discern between when you have control over something, and when you don’t.