Keep It Simple. Health, Beauty, & Fitness.

On a daily basis we are bombarded by things, products, constant advertising, someone always telling you to buy more, do more, look better, younger, and thinner. No one ever says, do nothing, relax, buy less, and feel better :) Why? My guess is that as we simplify our lives we start educating ourselves and we stop supporting companies who's practices are unethical and who's products don't live up to the hype.

About 3 years ago I gave up skin care products. I use to look for anything that would promise me beautiful, acne free, wrinkle free, glowing skin. Drug stores offer so many products, I bet I had tried 80%, NONE lived up to the promises, most dried out my skin, or made it even more sensitive. I had been working at a local spa and had access to professional skin care products. So I bought them, not impressed either. These were expensive (even with my discount) and to get the "promised results" I would need a "system" of products to follow each day...wash with this, tone with this, moisturize with this. Really??? When did our skin become so complicated??? There had to be a simple way.

I had been using coconut oil in my kitchen for a few years, and after a little reading online, I decided to go for it! This became my moisturizer! At first I felt a little awkward going to my kitchen for my new beauty regimen, but after a little while it just felt right. Face wash??? I know, we need to wash our skin, with a product made in a lab, by people wearing gloves and masks? I don't think so. I began using a warm wash cloth to remove make-up and dirt, and sometimes Witch Hazel (on a cotton ball) just to freshen up during the day.  I then apply a thin layer of coconut oil, wait a few minutes and then do my makeup (which is kept very minimal). I found in the winter months I needed an oil which wasn't so "dry", so I did some research and discovered Grape Seed Oil was recommended by bunch of natural health forums for skin use! So I went to my kitchen and grabbed my oil (which I had been using to cook with) and put some on my face! I love it! I have been using it all winter and it works great!

I realized that nature got it right and science is messing with us! I understand science is important, but I don't want to be a science experiment! There are so many ways to keep your skin looking and feeling great with products made from natural resources and minimally processed! Try it, why not :)

Next on my keep it simple list- Food!! I have to say, if you keep your food simple, you will NOT have to struggle with cravings, upset stomachs, mood swings, or restrict calories. Just last week I was eating my 4th banana at work and someone said "are you really going to eat 4 bananas today"? I answered, "no, I am going to eat 6".  She thought the idea of eating so many bananas was crazy, even unhealthy. I wanted to ask so badly, "would you prefer I eat a sandwich, a protein bar, or some sort of packaged snack promising weight-loss, or digestive health"? No thanks! I really think there is something wrong in this world when eating food provided by nature, in the MOST natural state is weird, crazy, and unhealthy...and processed food with an easy to read nutriton labels is the better option! Nature got it RIGHT so don't fear food which is created for human consumption without any tampering in a lab! Again...no thank you! Keep it simple! Bananas, apples, melons, grapes, carrots, cucumbers, etc. make great snack or meal options! EAT UP!!

Fitness, it is SO IMPORTANT!!! It is part of being a human! We are designed to move. The body and mind respond to movement, endorphins (happy hormones) get released, mind gets clear, stress relieved, we feel good. Ever sat around too long and when you get up you feel awful. Instantly want to stretch, your back hurts, neck is stiff, and you're tired? Exactly...those are the negative side effects of NOT MOVING. You don't need to buy a bunch of work out DVDs or learn some insane workout to be fit. There are simple moves you can do and see amazing results...fitness doesn't have to be complicated or boring. If you need some assistance make an appointment with a trainer and have an "at home" workout designed for you! A personal trainer will show you the correct form, fun exercises, and make a program for you to follow on your own and at home! Another good place to start is walking, running, or dancing!! Once you start moving, you will crave it. A simple thing like dancing can really get you in awesome shape...and its FUN! Don't over-think it...just move!

Simplifying your life can open your eyes to a new world. It can bring good health and a sense of calm! Get rid of things that are complicated, and embrace the simple life.