Archive for the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ Category

Another Excuse to Eat Chocolate!

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

Like I needed one? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again…I love chocolate! Chocolate is better than…well let’s just say I really love Chocolate!;) I recently read that there has been research that suggests that dark chocolate is actually healthy to boot, here’s why…

Chocolate is made from plants, which means it contains many of the health benefits of dark vegetables. These benefits are from flavonoids, which act as antioxidants. Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can cause damage that leads to heart disease. Dark chocolate contains a large number of antioxidants. Flavonoids also help relax blood pressure through the production of nitric oxide, and balance certain hormones in the body.

Dark chocolate is good for your heart. A small bar of it everyday can help keep your heart and cardiovascular system running well. Two heart health benefits of dark chocolate are:

*Lower Blood Pressure: Studies have shown that consuming a small bar of dark chocolate everyday can reduce blood pressure in individuals with high blood pressure.

*Lower Cholesterol: Dark chocolate has also been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) by up to 10 percent.

Chocolate also holds benefits apart from protecting your heart:

*it tastes good

*it stimulates endorphin production, which gives a feeling of pleasure

*it contains serotonin, which acts as an anti-depressant

*it contains theobromine, caffeine and other substances which are stimulants

*Did I mention it tastes good? LOL

In celebration of Chocolate and all of it’s health benefits, Scandle is featuring a new gift set for Valentine’s Day, Scandle’s Chocolate Spa Therapy, featuring this heavenly treat. The gift set includes

*1 Scandle Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Shimmering Lotion Candle in reusable ceramic container

*1 Scandle Chocolate Dipped Strawberry Dead Sea Salt Soak and Scrub

*1oz Chocolate Prescription chocolate bars so you can get your daily dose of healthy yumminess!

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,
Posted in Anti-Aging Treatments & Products, Antioxidants, Brain Health, Chocolate Body Treatments, Healthy Lifestyle, Natural Health, Scandle Candle, Soy Candles, Stress-Reducing Treatments, Valentine's Day, emotional well-being | 5 Comments »

Eating Healthy for Under $1

Friday, January 13th, 2012

Sounds impossible doesn’t it? As I get ready to hit the roads to travel to Houston for The Houston Salsa Congress, I’m thinking about the fast-food mecca that awaits me on the road. Which sounds good but not so good on the waist line!

The good news is that eating healthy on the run doesn’t have to ruin your diet or your budget! Here are some of the top 20 Healthiest Foods Under $1…

1. Oats
High in fiber and complex carbohydrates, oats have also been shown to lower cholesterol.

2. Eggs
You can get about a half dozen of eggs for a dollar, making them one of the cheapest and most versatile sources of protein. They are also a good source of the antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin, which may ward off age-related eye problems.

3. Kale
This dark, leafy green is loaded with vitamin C, carotenoids, and calcium.

4. Potatoes
Because we often see potatoes at their unhealthiest-as fries or chips-we don’t think of them as nutritious, but they definitely are. Eaten with the skin on, potatoes contain almost half a day’s worth of Vitamin C, and are a good source of potassium. If you opt for sweet potatoes or yams, you’ll also get a good wallop of beta carotene. Plus, they’re dirt cheap and have almost endless culinary possibilities.

5. Apples
They are a good source of pectin-a fiber that may help reduce cholesterol-and they have the antioxidant Vitamin C, which keeps your blood vessels healthy.

6. Nuts
Though nuts have a high fat content, they’re packed with the good-for-you fats-unsaturated and monounsaturated. They’re also good sources of essential fatty acids, Vitamin E, and protein.

7. Bananas
High in potassium and fiber!

8. Garbanzo Beans
Not only are they a great source of protein and fiber, but these beans are also high in fiber, iron, folate, and manganese, and may help reduce cholesterol levels.

9. Broccoli
Broccoli contains tons of nice nutrients-calcium, vitamins A and C, potassium, folate, and fiber. As if that isn’t enough, broccoli is also packed with phytonutrients, compounds that may help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

10. Watermelon
This summertime fruit is over 90 percent water, making it an easy way to hydrate, and gives a healthy does of Vitamin C, potassium, and lycopene, an antioxidant that may ward off cancer.

11. Wild Rice
Low in fat and high in protein and fiber, this gluten-free rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates. It packs a powerful potassium punch and is loaded with B vitamins.

12. Beets
They’re powerhouses of folate, iron, and antioxidants.

13. Butternut Squash
Fiber and chunks and chunks of Vitamin A and C.

14. Whole Grain Pasta
Complex carbohydrate source that is high in protein and B vitamins.

15. Sardines
Little fish come with big benefits: calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins. And, because they’re low on the food chain, they don’t accumulate mercury.

16. Spinach
Lots of Vitamin C, iron, and trace minerals.

17. Tofu
Inexpensive protein source high in B vitamins and iron, but low in fat and sodium.

18. Lowfat Milk
Milk is rich in protein, vitamins A and D, potassium, and niacin, and is one of the easiest ways to get bone-strengthening calcium.

19. Pumpkin Seeds
Goldmine of magnesium, protein, and trace minerals.

20. Coffee
Contains beneficial antioxidants that protect against free radicals and may actually help thwart heart disease and cancer. I know I’ll be drinking lots of this just to stay awake after all the dancing! lol

Bon Appetit! Got any other healthy foods not mentioned here that are good for us cheapos? Let us know!

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Scandle Candle, weight loss | No Comments »

Holiday Cooking with Carcinogens…Yum!

Friday, December 23rd, 2011

Tangine pots can be excellent alternative to teflon pots and pans

As I get ready for the family gatherings this weekend for Christmas, I pay hommage to the “Teflon Gods” for creating non-stick cookware!:) How did we ever manage without it?

Unfortunately, with the good comes the bad.:( I was reading somewhere that when Teflon pans are heated to 360 degrees C, they release perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a potential carcinogen. Furthermore, if your pans are scratched at all, you should replace them immediately. The scratches create more of a risk as the surface and materials that make up the pan are even more compromised and exposed.

Before you trade them out for aluminum pans, consider that consuming aluminum is associated with a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. So, what’s a busy cook who obviously can’t hear the kitchen timer when it’s been buzzing for 15 minutes to do?

1.) Opt for ceramic cookware. It costs a little more, but won’t flake into your food or leach any heavy metals, either. Plus the surface is a breeze to clean!

2.) Consider pre-seasoned cast iron pans

3.) Skip using oil for cooking (use it for a Scandle Body Candle massage instead)! Steam your food in a stovetop steamer. Steam baskets work well, but if you really want to take it a step further, try a bamboo steamer, which also allows you to lay the food flat (like fish fillets). Bamboo steamers come in several tiers, enabling you to cook fish, veggies, etc. all at once.

4.) Try a clay tagine pot. Tagines can go safely from the stovetop to the oven (up to 400?F) and enable you to cook everything from fish to lamb to veggie dishes.

Got some carcinogen free holiday receipe tips to share? Post them in the comments section below. Have a Happy and Healthy Christmas!:)

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Green Living, Healthy Lifestyle, Scandle Candle | No Comments »

Are you getting enough Vitamin D?

Monday, May 9th, 2011

According to the most recent Dietary Guidelines Committee Advisory report (say that 5 times fast), 7 out of 10 Americans are failing to get the recommended amount of vitamin D in their diets. Why do we need vitamin D? It keeps our bones strong, reduces inflammation, and moderates our immune system. If you always work indoors, live where there is little sunlight, or don’t take a daily supplement, you may be vitamin D deficient. So you ask, how can we get the amount we need?

Here are 3 natural ways:

*Have fun in the sun- If you live in a climate with strong sunlight, take a walk or sit outside for at least 15 minutes, 3 times a week.

*Milk It - Have a serving of low-fat or skim milk daily. Milk is the leading source of Vitamin D in our diets.

*Change up your diet- Incorporate fish such as salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, and Sardines. Vitamin D can also be found in egg yolks and cheese.

Have any recipes that deliver your daily dose of Vitamin D? Share with us!

Posted in Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Vitamin D, Vitamins | No Comments »

Take a Hike!

Tuesday, March 29th, 2011

As the weather gets warmer, let’s commit to spending more of our free time outdoors! I love hiking trails but being new to the area I hadn’t really ventured outside of taking a brisk walk around the apartment complex. It was definitely time to change up my routine. After some quick researching online, I was able to find a great trail that was just around the corner!

Here are some tips for finding a trail in your area:

* Locate a hiking website for your state- Visit the national site www.americanhikingsociety.org

* Search trails by your specific location.

* Narrow your search by rating the level of difficulty, enjoyability, solitude, distance, and elevation.

* Learn restrictions concerning hiking with pets.

*View photos and maps of the location.

The many benefits of hiking include losing excess pounds, preventing heart disease, decreasing high blood pressure, and relieving back pain. Its time to get outside and get active! Happy Hiking!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Scandle Candle | No Comments »

The Magic of Green Tea

Monday, February 28th, 2011

More than ever before, we are overly stressed physically, financially and mentally and living in a toxic environment. So it is important that we take the time to create a chain reaction of profound wellness.

Green tea, a simple, inexpensive plant can help promote profound healing and well-being.

One type of Japanese green tea is kyoto karigane. Because of how this particular type of tea is grown and processed in Japan, it is has the highest stress-relieving amino acid L-theanine.

Drinking Kyoto Karigane will help you experience a higher alpha state, resulting in a mind that is clear and focused, your body will feel relaxed, and your creativity enhanced. In addition, the tea will boost your immune system as it is packed full of free-radical scavengers.

Using kyoto karigane on your body will help clean and nourish the skin.

What other “magical” and inexpensive natural remedies do you use to nourish yourself on the inside and out?

Tags: , , , , , ,
Posted in Antioxidants, Brain Health, Green Tea, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Natural Health, Natural Remedies, Scandle Candle, Stress-Reducing Treatments, Tea Treatments | No Comments »

Healthy Homes for Happy Living

Monday, February 7th, 2011

With a family or not, we could all do to live in a healthier environment. There’s a lot we can do to try and save the world, but it’s good to go in baby steps. Clean up your home, and then you can try to make the world a better and healthier place for the rest of us.

Your home may look clean to you, but you need to make sure the air your breathe is clean, the water is pure and you’re not surrounding yourself with toxic chemicals, regardless of how fancy that brand name sounds. With this, you can find some simple rules to keep your home, as well as you and your family, healthy.

  • Change Your Lightbulbs
    It seems like such a simple concept that it wouldn’t make that much of a difference. You also may not think that switching to compact fluorescents aren’t worth the price, but when you think about the efficiency of fluorescents, it makes a significant difference. If everyone switched to fluorescents, the number of light bulbs used per year would be reduced by the thousands.
  • Say Goodbye to Dust
    It seems like an obvious thing. However, dust needs to be kept under more control. Be sure to sweep out all the places you can’t see and can’t reach. Pollen and dust build up can lead to respiratory problems, and can stimulate asthma attacks. Be sure to change your air filter monthly, quit smoking and take off your shoes. This reduces dust, pollen and pesticides, and it also helps out with the vacuuming. Clean air mean healthy lungs.
  • Cut the Power
    You don’t have to change your way of life, but adjusting your habits can greatly reduce your electricity bill. Unplug things if you don’t use it for a few days. Get a programmable thermostat and set it to your schedule. Choose appliances with Energy Star ratings, which are proven to help save on your bills. Insulate your water heater, which in turn will let you set your thermostat lower. Seal all the air leaks around your doors and windows.
  • Test and Check
    Get your home tested for all toxins. Radon, lead and carbon monoxide can all potentially be fatal. Avoid pesticides in your lawn and try to switch to all natural cleaning products.

Following these tips will increase your quality of life and all those around you. None of these things will change your lifestyle, but can change your life dramatically. It pays to pay attention to these small details. Little by little, you can save yourself and help save the world.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Green Living, Healthy Lifestyle, Healthy Living, Scandle Candle | No Comments »

Eucalyptus Oil and Its Many Uses

Thursday, January 27th, 2011

Eucalyptus is a flowering tree, native to Australia. This tree amazes us not only in appearance, but also by the many uses we receive from its oils. The rainbow eucalyptus is found in Southeast Asia, and is the only source of natural eucalyptus in the northern hemisphere.

Eucalyptus has a strong medicinal smell that is admired by some and dreaded by others. It is a fast growing source of wood, and its oils are often used as a cleaning agent or a natural insecticide. The oil is often steam that is distilled from the leaves of certain species.

Eucalyptus oil has many healing properties to it, which make it a very popular item for the household. It is used in many over-the-counter drugs. It is great for rashes and skin irritations, so it is often used in rubs, inhalers and creams. It is also an antiseptic, and can often be found in mouthwashes and used to treat wounds. Eucalyptus oil is often used to treat respiratory problems. The oil is anti-inflammatory and analgesic in nature, and is recommended for muscle and joint pain such as arthritis and fibrosis.

Eucalyptus oil, or eucalyptol, clearly has many uses. People who use it love the immediate cooling and refreshing effect that it provides. On top of all of the medicinal purposes, eucalyptus oil is also supposed to help with exhaustion, mentally and physically. Eucalyptus is also great for aromatherapy, if you do like the smell. If you need those sinuses cleared, just put some in the bathroom while you take a hot and steamy shower and wake up with a refreshing and invigorating smell. For many people, this oil is essential.

Tags:
Posted in Aromatherapy, Arthritis Treatments and Causes, Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments, Cold Prevention, Essential Oils, Healthy Lifestyle, Home Treatments, Massage, Natural Health, Natural Treatments & Products, Sensitive skin, Skin Damage, Spa, Stress-Reducing Treatments | No Comments »

Man Spa

Friday, January 14th, 2011

Spas aren’t just for women anymore. It’s a guy thing now. Men get stressed, overwhelmed and worn out as well. They need “me” time as much as women do, and sometimes a man cave just doesn’t cut it. Men deserved to get pampered, too.

Well, Men, you can do just that. The International Spa Association says that over one-third of spa-goers are men. It makes sense now why spas all over the United States are opening male-specialized treatments, and many places are offering male-only spas, or a “man spa” if you will. Men no longer need to worry about strolling into a spa full of women or feeling less masculine for getting a mani/pedi.

Big cities like Chicago, Cincinnati and New York offer a selection of man spas, while other places offer treatments tailored to men. These places offer things such as a hand or foot repair, not to be confused with manicures and pedicures. Many of these places offers things that a barbershop would have like a haircut or a straight-edge razor shave with a refreshing hot towel. You don’t need to worry about any aches or woes since most of these places offer massages, and even go as far as sport massages and a golf massage! If you’re tired of razor burn, then they have facials with anti-oxidants to open up your pores and leave your skin feeling smooth and without the tenderness. If you need a little extra help relaxing, then look for aromatherapy options that feature the essential oils you need to set a relaxing mood.

Men no longer have an excuse to be stressed out with so much opportunity to treat themselves. When spas offer MVP rooms with widescreen TVs, newspapers and business magazines, who is to say that can’t spare a little time for that? Guys, take this opportunity to pamper yourselves. You might as well buy your lady a day at the spa as well. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner after all.

Tags: , , , , , , ,
Posted in Antioxidants, Aromatherapy, Beauty Care & Treatments, Essential Oils, Hair Treatments, Healthy Lifestyle, Massage, Stress-Reducing Treatments | No Comments »

Hair Dye or Hair Die

Wednesday, January 5th, 2011

Whether you can tell it’s a natural color or not, plenty of people (men, women, and children) dye their hair. Some people do it every two weeks, some once a month, and some people do it just once and instantly regret it. There’s actually a good chance that you dye your hair, but do you actually know what you put into your hair?

It seems like such a common thing to do that people don’t even think about it. If you do it too much, it damages your hair, everyone knows that, but have you read the fine print that recommends you to do a patch test first? Or do you just ignore it and jump into the good stuff? Artificial hair dye has been known to cause severe allergic reactions, respiratory disorders and has even been linked to cancer.

It’s a scary thought, so you want to avoid it if you can. If you absolutely must dye your hair, do it as a little as possible. Try to avoid chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, ammonia, resorcinol or p-Phenylenediamine.

You can also opt for more natural dyes. You don’t get as dramatic of a color, nor can you control the shade as easily, however you also aren’t pouring cancer-causing chemicals onto your scalp. You heard about it on Glee, Sam uses lemon juice to get those golden locks of his. It may be a myth to get rid of freckles, but lemon juice can be rubbed into your hair to regulate blood flow to help your hair grow, help with dandruff or lighten your hair.

You can also try tea. It tastes great hot or cold, and does wonders for your hair. Just brew a pot overnight (black tea for those with darker hair and wish for a nice finish) and rinse it through your hair. It may take a while, but can lighten your hair. Just make sure you hold the sugar and honey for this pot of tea.

The natural method of hair dye is a bit more tedious and unpredictable, but it is better to dye your hair rather die your hair. Just remember that it does take time and embrace the result!

Tags: , ,
Posted in Beauty Care & Treatments, Beauty Treatments, Beauty/Health Myths, Budget Friendly Beauty Treatments, Green Living, Hair Treatments, Healthy Lifestyle, Home Treatments, Natural Health, Natural Treatments & Products, Natural/Fruit infused treatments, Tea Treatments, cosmetics | No Comments »

« Older Entries