5 Organic Beauty & Self-Care Products You Should Be Using

January 21, 2020 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

Being the largest organ in our body, our skin absorbs everything we apply onto it, and it can easily become a passageway for harmful and toxic ingredients to make their way into our system, largely affecting our whole body and well-being. As the last thing many of us want to do is ingest harsh and damaging chemicals through our personal care products, the best way to stay safe and maintain our overall health is to opt for beauty and self-care products that steer clear of synthetic ingredients, and focus on completely natural, plant-derived alternatives. If you want to clean up your beauty routine as well, here are some organic products you should be using on a daily basis:

1. Skincare products

From dyes and strong fragrances to parabens and silicones, commercial skincare products tend to be filled with synthetic ingredients that could have a potentially damaging effect on both the health and the beauty of your skin, causing anything from clogged pores and breakouts to irritation and certain skin conditions. That is why it might be best to opt for clean and non-toxic skincare products that only focus on natural and organic ingredients, in order to maintain the health of your skin, while achieving a more flawless and radiant complexion. You might also want to try using natural products as much as possible, and switch out traditional skincare items for healthier alternatives, such as using jojoba oil as a moisturizer or witch hazel as a toner.

2. Oral care products

Even though it’s something we do several times a day throughout our whole life, our oral care often goes overlooked when it comes to making the best choices for our dental and overall health. From harmful alcohol and BPA to the high amounts of fluoride we ingest during our regular oral care routine, the chemicals that are often found in traditional dental care products can be seriously damaging to the look and health of our gums and teeth. That is why it might be a good idea to switch to an organic toothpaste that is not only free from toxic and harmful chemicals, but also made from completely natural ingredients, such as aloe vera and coconut oil, which will ensure your pearly whites are as dazzling as they are healthy and strong.

3. Hair care products

Made with harsh and oftentimes toxic ingredients, such as synthetic perfumes, sulfates, parabens and certain foaming agents, traditional hair care products tend to strip your scalp from its natural oils and moisture, leaving it dry and irritated, which can be especially damaging to people suffering from a flaky and itchy scalp. Instead of worsening your condition by using such strong mainstream products, it might be best to choose a great organic anti dandruff shampoo and conditioner, in order to replenish that lost moisture and balance out your scalp with ample nourishment. Not only will you be able to reverse the damage and maintain the health of your scalp by using natural hair care products, but you might also improve the strength and the beauty of your hair, giving it a healthy shine and a voluminous bounce.

4. Deodorants

Although not necessarily a harmful ingredient, the aluminum found in traditional antiperspirants has been known to clog pores and prevent your body from producing sweat, ultimately not allowing the good bacteria on your body to flourish. That is why an increasing number of people are making the switch and opting for natural, organic deodorants made with safer and gentler ingredients, such as shea butter, eucalyptus, coconut oil and charcoal. Apart from preventing irritation and certain skin diseases, natural deodorants will also allow your skin to breathe, ultimately leading to healthier and balanced armpits. And while it might take some trial and error in order to find an organic deodorant that works best for you, it’s undoubtedly a conscientious decision worth making.

5. Feminine hygiene products

Many commercial tampons and pads contain certain materials and chemicals that can be harmful to your skin and your body, especially when it comes to such a sensitive area, which is why it’s essential to pay close attention to the types of products you are choosing. There are many natural and organic products on the market, such as chemical-free pads, tampons and intimate wipes, which will ensure your safety and help you nurture your feminine health. However, if you want to go the extra mile, you might even want to opt for period underwear or menstrual cups, which will not only be beneficial for your health, but will also help you reduce the waste you are making on a monthly basis, aiding you in becoming more eco-friendly and sustainable.

Whether it’s your skin, hair or even your dental hygiene, ensure you’re making a conscious choice when constructing your beauty routine by opting for safe and healthy products that will truly make you glow from within.

7 Healthy Gift Ideas

December 11, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

As the jolliest time of the year is approaching, many people have started wrapping their heads around what gifts to choose for their loved ones. The worry can be even greater if you have a family member, a friend, or some special person who takes meticulous care about their health. Luckily, nowadays you have a wide range of products to choose from for your health-conscious friends. What’s more, by giving them a healthy gift for the upcoming holidays will show that you truly care for them. Here is a thorough list that will help you narrow down your holiday shopping list for your loved ones.

1. Gifts for an Impeccable Smile

If your loved ones tend to take proper care of their pearly whites, then one of the most useful gifts would be healthy toothpaste. Not just any, but an organic one. Dental hygiene is the foundation of our overall health, and switching to organic toothpaste will upgrade their regular tooth brushing routine. By getting them Organic Toothpaste that doesn’t contain fluoride, glycerin, sugar, or sodium lauryl sulfate – you will be ensured that they are safe from numerous diseases and will have fresh breath at all times.

2. Gifts for a Fit Body

Staying healthy doesn’t only include paying attention to your food choices; on the contrary, it is a full immersion of your whole body, which also includes exercising. If your loved ones keep an eye on their health by exercising regularly, then another useful healthy gift would be gym equipment. Kettlebells, a skipping rope, a body-fat monitoring scale, a compact sports bag, or even a two-month paid gym membership. New gear will help them stay on the right track. To stay fit, they would also need more effort and motivation; so you can get them a book or DVD with guided exercises, dietary rules, and advice on how to have and maintain a healthy and fit body.

3. Gifts Giving Uplifted Energy

Many of us have a tendency to feel drained, overwhelmed and mentally exhausted. If you are in search of a gift that will help your loved one get on the right mental track, improve their mindfulness, restore physical and emotional health, then an acupressure mat gift is a great choice. Not only does it assist with head and muscle aches, but these mats offer an invasive treatment and act as a massager that helps release tension from the body. Scented candles, pillow mist perfumes, and aromatherapy are also good gift choices for reviving their mental energy. You can also give them a gift voucher for a spa weekend, that will ease them thoroughly.

4. Revitalizing Spirit

With a healthy gift search in mind, you need to consider that physiological wellbeing is amongst the top health concerns. Improve their spirit by getting a gift that will re-energize their stamina and uplift their mood. Sleep deprivation causes many mental discomforts, so you can get a sound machine or diffuser along with lavender oil essential that guarantees relaxation and de-stress treatment.

5. Gifts for Food Lovers

To stay in good and healthy physical condition, looking after healthy food intake is probably one of the most essential things. Even though during holidays your loved ones may not pay close attention to what they’re eating, give them a present that will enable them to keep a watchful eye on their food choices throughout the whole year. A cookbook from Jessica Koslow, one of LA’s finest chefs, which features delicious and health-conscious recipes. Then, a RawBox filled with delightful vegan delights and superfoods that will keep their healthy snacking in order. Or, why not just get a cool apron that will trigger them to start eating natural food cooked at home.

6. Exquisite Skin

Some of the most popular holiday gifts are beauty products. For all your loved ones who take special care of their skin health, there are a few sophisticated and quality gift ideas to choose from. For all-natural beauty regime, consider getting organic homemade lip gloss, exfoliating face mask, or aloe moisturizing creams. If you aim to get the most out of your money, you can get them a Kopari coconut product travel set which is free from parabens, sulfates, petroleum, and other bad ingredients.

7. Gifts For a Sharp & Eloquent Brain

Again, mental health plays a crucial role in general health, so give your loved ones something that will improve their brains. A meditative and relaxing coloring book is an interesting choice, a “Health” magazine subscription, or a set of fancy and useful felt tip pens. Since New Year always encourages us to make new and healthier resolutions, get them a “goals” diary or planner to keep track of their weekly healthy goals.
The holiday season should not be the only time to give healthy gifts to your loved ones. Looking after your health is an everyday struggle, so from time to time give them a new gift from this list, and you will ensure a care-free and healthy lifestyle.

5 Healthy & Eco-Conscious Updates For Your Home

October 31, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post ~ Claire Hastings

In the pursuit of lifelong peace, health, and happiness, there is a need for each and every one of us to break free from the shackles of consumerism and the wasteful modern way of life, and embrace a more eco-conscious lifestyle. Among the most rewarding changes you can make in your routine that will allow you to build a healthier home while safeguarding the future of Mother Earth are recycling and re-purposing, growing your own foods, and minimizing waste production in your home.

After all, if there are people who can fit one year’s worth of trash into a single mason jar, then you too can significantly contribute to the preservation of the environment. That said, there are still some interesting and reward solutions you can consider, so let’s take a look at the five eco-conscious changes you need to bring into your household.

Start by eliminating everything that’s unhealthy

The first step towards a healthier home and a healthier environment is to make a conscious decision to eliminate all unhealthy products from your home. This goes for food, makeup and oral care products, cleaning products, and everything in between. Yes, it can seem like a cumbersome task at first, but there’s no need to rush. Rather, take the time to organize this project according to each room in your household.

You can start with the kitchen, and eliminate all unhealthy foods. Next, you can move on to the bathroom, and throw out all of those toxic cleaning supplies that not only harm your long-term health but the health of the environment as well. And finally, you can start replacing non-organic materials with sustainable and eco-friendly décor.

Opt for handmade, eco-friendly décor

Over time, you can choose to slowly replace the décor elements in your home that are difficult to clean, or have been obtained through non-sustainable means with organics and hand-made materials that support the local artisans at no cost to the long-term well-being of the natural world. Take your time, and look for the décor pieces that not only work with the theme of each room, but boast certain health benefits as well.

For example, a beautiful jute rug in the living room or beneath the kitchen island can serve as the perfect standing spot that won’t irritate the soles of your feet, because it was made from all-natural materials. Likewise, organic linens and pillowcases are perfect if you’re looking to protect your skin from synthetics.

Choose organic and sustainable clothing

While we’re on the topic of organic materials, it’s important to pay special attention to the clothes you wear on a daily basis, and the materials they’re made of. The most sensitive areas of the body that are always in contact with some form of synthetic material are the feet, the nether regions, and the breasts, and these are the areas that are most prone to irritation.

This is why switching to bamboo women’s socks, for example, can make a big difference in the long run and help you avoid irritation while providing that lovely comfy feeling. Likewise, consider switching to organic bamboo panties and bras to prevent irritation and ensure comfort, while at the same time doing your part to safeguard Mother Earth by knowing that you’re buying sustainable items.

Clean your home the natural way

One of the most important elements of a healthy and eco-conscious household is the way you clean your home. If you’re used to proprietary, big brand cleaners, then it’s time to make a change and switch to all-natural cleaning products such as Essential Oxygen’s Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide that you can use for a variety of cleaning needs, all the while preserving the environment and ensuring that your home is toxin-free.

Bring health and sustainability into the kitchen

On a final note, let’s address the need to bring health and sustainability into the busiest room in every household – the kitchen. Not only should you stop buying unhealthy foods, but you should also make sure that you’re cooking with healthy cookware, that you’re storing your food in glass instead of plastic containers, and that you’re consuming locally-sourced, low-pesticide foods on a daily basis. This will allow you to lower your environmental impact, support the local economy and small businesses, and build a healthier home for you and your family.

In closing

There are many wonderful ways you can make your home more sustainable and eco-friendlier in the long run, but the best thing you can do is to combine some healthy personal habits with eco-conscious solutions to safeguard your home, your family, and the natural world. Be sure to use these tips to build a healthier future for all.

How to Make Yourself Feel Happy and Healthy this Summer

June 25, 2019 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

Summer is a time to spend outdoors, in the sunlight and living your best life. Coming from the raininess of spring though, it can be hard to get into the summer-time mood. When you’re feeling in a slump, there’s no better time to amp up your self-care routine. Here are some sure-fire ways to kick those blues aside and start feeling the summer sun!

Find Fun Activities

Summer gives you plenty of choices when it comes to things to do. Whether you’re a mini-golf fanatic or lounging by the pool is more you’re cup of tea, there’s no better time of year to get out and do something fun. Gather a group of your favorite people together once a week and let each person take a turn deciding what they want to do. Who knows, you might find something new you love.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Regardless of the season, this is an important thing to always keep in mind. Sleep is essential to staying healthy and feeling happy; all you need to do is create the right environment and use the right tools to help you get your best sleep possible. If you’re having trouble sleeping and you find yourself tossing and turning, it’s time to replace your mattress. During summer months, if you tend to get too warm when sleeping, it’s a good idea to invest in cooling sheets and pillows as well to bring your comfort level to a maximum.

Go Outside

Those grey months where the sun rarely shines make you feel “blah” and gloomy for a reason. Exposure to sunlight is your body’s best way of produce vitamin d, which has been linked to improvement in your mood. So take advantage of those sunny days and head outside. Whether you go for a walk, participate in a sport or lay out to tan, enjoy soaking up those rays. Just be sure to apply (and re-apply) sunscreen!

Maintain Your Smile

Let’s face it, when we look good, we feel good too. One trait that people care about is their smile, and consequently their teeth. Taking care of those pearly whites will not only make you feel better about yourself, but in turn it will make you appear more confident to others. Make your teeth truly shine with a three-step cleaning system. Then for your lips, be sure to regularly apply chapstick, with some SPF, so your lips don’t get dried out or burnt while you’re enjoying the season.

Take a Trip

Summer means there’s great weather all over the place, so take advantage of it and head out of town. Whether you’re going on a weekend getaway with your significant other or headed on a week-long family vacation, nothing will make you happier than experiencing new sights and sounds with the people you’re closest to. Plus, taking the mental step away from work and your everyday stressors will help you relax and recoup.

The practices you start this season, can be evolved when the weather eventually turns colder. Make sure to take advantage of the summer months and weather to make the happiest and healthiest version of yourself possible!

What Natural Skincare Ingredients Are the Most Effective?

December 12, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post By: Brigitte Evans

With so many new products on the market, sometimes we just don’t know where to turn. They all promise results, they all sound great, but which one of them can actually deliver? Luckily, the straightforward natural ingredients seem to be the most promising ones, which is really no surprise to anyone who knows even a little bit about old-fashioned botanical extracts. Are you eager to find out which of these nature’s gifts can benefit your skin the most? Well, we’re here to teach you. Check out some of the best ingredients to look for in your next skincare purchase!

Salicylic acid

Anyone who was ever plagued by blemishes has probably heard of salicylic acid. Found in willow bark, this oil soluble extract can penetrate deeply into your skin and rid it of excess sebum. It unclogs your pores and soothes away irritations, so if you’re looking for a clear, fresh complexion this is what you want to find on the label.

Tea tree oil

Source

Another great soldier in the never-ending war on acne, tea tree is the one thing most people swear by when it comes to dealing with breakouts. It’s a face oil that, surprisingly enough, won’t make your skin oily at all. It’s quite potent and can be drying if applied in excess, so it’s recommended that you dilute it a bit before use, especially if your skin isn’t used to it. You can do this by mixing it in with a little jojoba oil, and then dabbing tiny amounts of that on areas of your skin where you’re experiencing a breakout.

Rosehip oil

Rosehip oil is practically Mother Nature’s gift for any sort of skin pigmentation. It’s packed with fatty acids and vitamins C and E, and it’s actually one of the more effective oils when it comes to treating wrinkles. When it comes to skincare, it’s recommended over coconut and olive oil because it’s less likely to clog your pores, and you only need a few drops of it every night to make your skin soft.

Coconut and olive oil

Source

Now, we mentioned these might clog your pores, but we wish to clear it up a bit. When it comes to skincare, this general rule applies: each person is different. Your friend might get a break out from using a certain ingredient, while your own skin responds to it beautifully. Coconut and olive oil are incredibly nourishing and are still pretty great to be used on your body, hair, and nails, but they might work to moisturize your face as well. That’s why trial and error and simple patch tests are the best way to figure out whether an ingredient is good for you or not.

Hyaluronic acid

Hands down one of the best ingredients for pretty much any skin type. It can be found in your own skin and connective tissues, so it’s highly unlikely you’d ever get an allergic reaction to it or find it irritating. It’s supremely good at hydration, and if you find a good natural anti ageing skincare with hyaluronic acid to apply in the evening, your complexion will be plump, soft, and radiant. Look for light, gentle formulas because they’ll be able to penetrate your skin better, and don’t worry about using it even if your skin is oily – it’s non-comedogenic.

Green tea

You already know that drinking it is really good for your health, but did you know that green tea extract is really great in skincare as well? One of the fitness and beauty gurus’ favorite superfoods, it’s full of antioxidants that reduce inflammation and strengthen skin barrier, and it’s a welcome addition to anyone’s routine.

Acai berries

Another superfood on our list! This anti-aging powerhouse is full of nutrients, vitamins, and fatty acids that are great at keeping wrinkles away. Find a good eye cream with acai berries to smooth your complexion and you’ll be surprised at the results.

Clay

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If you need a deep, thorough cleanse, clay is the ingredient to turn to. One applied, it can pull out dirt and sebum from your pores and get rid of all the nasty stuff, leaving your skin clean, fresh, and ready to soak up other products. Bentonite clay is the most commonly used one if beauty products, but you can also benefit from rhassoul clay, kaolin clay, and French green clay.

It’s not a bad idea to do a skin detox at least occasionally. With the use of natural ingredients, you won’t have to use a ton of heavy products, and you can let these extracts simply rejuvenate you without weighing down your skin.

How To Keep Fit & Healthy When Travelling

October 1, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post By: Stuart Cooke, blog writer at UniBaggage.com

When on your travels, keeping fit and healthy can often be the furthest thing from your mind. Even when you are at home and working with your usual schedule, putting the effort and time into maintaining your exercise routine and eating healthily can be a grind. So, when you are travelling it can be all too easy to go easy on yourself and allow yourself to slack off. If you are on a 1 or 2 week holiday then that isn’t a problem, in fact it can be good to take a little break and recharge, but when you are travelling for a longer period of time then it becomes essential that you don’t allow your health and fitness to suffer. Let’s take a look at how you can keep your fitness levels up and eat well without taking the enjoyment out of your trip.

Mix It Up By Eating In As Well

The biggest culprit of unhealthy living when travelling is eating out. It’s a given that you will eat out sometimes when travelling, it’s often more convenient, it’s a great way to socialize and it’s good to try the local cuisine and culture. We’re not saying that you shouldn’t eat out when on your travels, but if you are travelling for longer than a week or so then you should really balance meals out with eating in. This can save you some money and allow you to get some healthy food in on the days that you don’t eat out. When you are out in restaurants you can also consider healthier options instead of always going to the usual tourist favorites of burgers, chips, pizzas etc. You might even experience some healthy local delicacies that you weren’t aware of before.

Hydration Is Key

Be sure to always have a bottle of water with you, especially if you are travelling in a hot climate. Staying hydrated is vital for maintaining a healthy body and mind. Carry a refillable bottle to make it easier. Remember that you will probably be walking more while travelling and if you are in a hotter country you are likely to be sweating more as well so take that into account and drink more than you would at home. Often when you feel hungry you are really just dehydrated so by keeping your water intake up you will reduce your cravings for junk food.

Do Quick, High Energy Workouts

When travelling you want your workouts to take up as little time as possible, so you can spend more time exploring. Try to do your workout first thing in the morning as if you leave it you will end up putting it off all day and never getting around to it. If your hotel as a gym then get to it right after you wake up and choose a high intensity workout that will help you get the best results in as short a space of time as possible. If you don’t have a gym then don’t worry, you can always go for a run, but again keep the intensity high. Run at a faster pace than you normally would and try to include a 20 second sprint every few minutes. The hotter weather should also help you get the most of a shorter but more intensive run.

Forget The Taxis

Exploring is an important part of travelling and you can make the most of this by walking or renting a bike which will help you see more while also keeping your fitness levels up. Not only will this help you burn some calories, but it will most likely save you quite a bit on taxi charges. Don’t forget to pack some comfortable trainers that will allow you to walk or cycle in comfort, otherwise it may be too tempting to just jump on a bus or get a taxi instead of walking.

Reasons to Choose Yoga Over The Gym

August 7, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post By: Ayushi Bhatnagar from Sharda Hospital

Getting healthier and fitter in life calls for lifestyle changes and continued efforts. Joining a gym to stay healthy is a common decision people make, but what if you cannot spare 2 hours every day to go to the gym?

That’s where yoga brings a great opportunity. Not only it does it help in developing a strong and flexible physique, but also offers calm and tranquility.

Although all forms of exercise help in keeping you fit, there are several reasons why yoga over the gym would be a YES for you. From increased focus to flexibility to health, we give you 9 clues for why you should be rolling out the yoga mat.

Why Yoga over Gym?

Here’s a roundup of interesting arguments about why to choose yoga over the gym.

A Bucket Full of Choices

You must be thinking that the gym also offers a variety of exercises including squats, lunges, crunches, etc. How is yoga any different?

To your answer, ‘Yoga can be different every single day.’ Want a challenge? Add pincha mayurasana or bakasana into your practice. Need to focus? Try natarajasana or vrksasana. Or if you’re seeking relaxation, practice savasana or balasana.

There’s always something new to learn in yoga.

Lesss Injuries

Unless you’re trying any intensive yoga aasans, you can be sure to ward off injuries. As in yoga, you learn to connect your body and mind. There are no rigorous workout sessions or pushing yourself to limits until your body gives up.

You are not pulling up heavy equipment that could you injury or muscle soreness. It’s just you and your whole self.

Flexibility of Place

Whether you’re on a vacation, caught up in work, or simply busy, you can practice yoga anywhere. It doesn’t require a formal setting, machinery, or any other equipment.

All you need is your body and a place where you can be free. On the other hand, gyms turn out to be restrictive in terms of time and space. If your work hours do not match the gym hours, you end up missing it most of the time.

Easy on Your Pocket

Again, no formal set-up is required, just you and your mat. On the other hand, when you register for a membership in the gym, you pay a huge amount. And, that is not it, if you are a beginner, you will ideally need the assistance of a personal gym trainer. Therefore, big bucks flowing out of your pocket.

In yoga, no critical training is necessary. If you need some guidance, there are plenty of great, yoga guru online videos available. Besides, you can wear any type of clothes that allow you to move freely.

No Competition!

Once you enter the gym, you can possibly feel the streak of competition running around. Be it the woman running on the treadmill next to you or the man lifting weight against you.

In fact, people often do not hesitate in trying risky workouts for the same reason which might even hurt them badly. On the yoga mat, it’s just you with yourself. Competitiveness does not exist in yoga studios either. Everyone focuses on their own poses and try to feel the peace yoga brings to them.

Concentration Booster

While practicing yoga, you focus on the posture, breath, and the gaze. Distractions automatically tune out. If you try concentrating at the gym, the focus and silence are not exactly the same. Besides, yoga teaches how to control your negative thoughts and embrace who you are.

Gives Balance and Peace

Yoga chitta vritti nirodha which means yoga quells the fluctuations of the mind. It drains out the emotional clutter and helps you concentrate better. Simply put, it melts down the loops of regret, frustration, anger, fear, and desire that cause stress.

As a result, you experience peace and serenity in your surroundings. In other words, yoga brings mindfulness. You start to live in present, appreciate little things around you and enjoy life at its best.

Benefits from Head-to-Toe

Yoga is a full body workout. Unlike gym workouts, which works on particular body parts at a time, yoga bestows its benefits to every nook and corner of your body.

Where a gym workout is focused on strengthening muscles and cardio, yoga detoxes the body and improves the cardiovascular system. It also helps in keeping the mood calm. Practising yoga brings a sense of composure in oneself, further leading to get through any situation without feeling pressured and stressed.

Still looking for reasons to choose yoga over gym?

No Withdrawal Effects

The best perk of practicing yoga is – its discontinuance doesn’t cause any major effects to the body. On the other hand, quitting gym may result in losing the body tone. Moreover, there might be body pain and soreness of muscles.

Other withdrawal symptoms include restlessness, anxiety, depression, guilt, tension, and discomfort, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and headaches.

Are you up for yoga now? If yes, then, you’re ready to love your curves and edges, your mind and soul. You’re ready to work on yourself in calmness and tranquility regardless of worrying what others are doing or thinking. It’s you and the benefits yoga will bestow on your body.

Contributor Bio – The blog is presented by Sharda Hospital and intends to spread awareness about better health through yoga. Sharda Hospital is one of the largest super speciality hospitals in Delhi National Capital Region (NCR).

7 Healthy Ways to Lose Weight Sustainably

May 3, 2018 By Essential Oxygen

Guest Post

By: Luna Regina

Are you still asking yourself why your body has stopped burning fat and you can’t lose weight no matter how hard you try? Then I guess you might be performing your weight-loss scheme the wrong way. On the other hand, restricting yourself within rules while dieting can stress you out at certain points. I know, it’s tiresome in every way.

Well, now you can just say hello to dolce vita! By adapting these 7 tips below, your excess fat can’t keep you up at night anymore.

Make sure you have a healthy breakfast everyday

It’s understandable as to many of you, morning time is literally the time where your appetite drops to the lowest. For others, they simply have to skip breakfast to rush off to meet the morning conference.

Some people experience morning nausea, but rest easy, you’re not alone. According to some studies, this sick feeling happens mostly because our metabolism need some time to hit the ‘start’ button every morning.

As said, breakfast is the most important meal of the day because it helps rev up your metabolism. Metabolism being slowed down will result in striking your insulin level unexpectedly with any bite you’ll have later. This is known as the culprit of binge-eating, which lets mid-day snacking and junk foods join the game.

There is no use starving yourself right at the beginning of the day. Not only breakfast provides you with enough energy for whatever activities coming up next, but also prevents you from getting more hungry throughout the day.

There’s also the possibility that you’ve lost your interest for breakfast due to being served the same dishes days after days. How about rock your taste buds with some variants?

The good news is, you don’t have to throw a feast for nutrients need. It is actually more than easy to have a well-balanced breakfast, especially for busy ones.

Including protein and fiber in your breakfast is highly recommended. Some lean suggestions can be listed: beans, nuts, Greek yogurt, tofu or salad.

The easiest way is to start any breakfast is starting with eggs. Even a small frittata or omelette is enough. Just simply poach, fry, scramble or boil some eggs, and serve them alongside with whole-grain cereals such as barley, brown rice, buckwheat or oatmeal.

Additionally, you can also toast some slices of rye bread. Consider using healthy fats like olive oil and nuts, some avocado slices with boiled eggs and top it with honey or nut butter.

Smoothies with fruit or veggie bases are good choices too. If you’re in a rush, just grab a mix of dried fruits, honey, milk and yogurt then give them a pulse and there you go, some more flavor to wipe off a lethargic morning. Took just 10 minutes on average for preparation!

Don’t forget to drink water

Keeping the habit of drinking water frequently before, after, and during meals is always essential. It is best to consume a reasonable amount of water everyday – corresponding to your weight and height – and keep it regular throughout weeks.

Benefits of water are definitely innumerable. Drinking water will help promote proper digestion and detoxify your body big-time. It can also simulate fullness which leads to less eating.

According to scientists, you should neither leave yourself dehydrated for too long, nor push your body to devour liters of water by all cost. This will easily cause disorders for you kidney’s function and may result in toxicicity.

Always stock high-fiber veggies and fruits in your fridge

Apparently, greenery is what will come up most in people’s mind regarding the topic of dieting. This is because of the fact that fruit and veggies are popular for being remarkably low in calories and fat.

You can totally grab a variety of non-starchy veggies and your calories intake goal still hasn’t been reached yet. Vegetables are also high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients truly give big push for a successful weight loss plan as they’ll help ease your hunger.

It is advised that salad and vegetable dishes should be added prior to you meals. That way, they can fill you up fast and you’ll more likely to eat less on the entrée. Veggies also show beneficial effects in desserts too. Consuming fiber-rich fruits will make you feel full longer post-meal, and you’ll no more crave for sweets.

Veggies can also be a perfectly healthy replacement for high-calorie bags of potato chips. Just have them stocked ready in your house so that you can easily grab them every time you’re having an appetite. Sometimes, try to create some weight-loss effective juice recipes on your own too.

Stay away from junk foods to cut down on sugar and refined carbs

Needless to say, chocolate, pretzels, biscuits, and chips are the forefront enemies to your fitness program. Want to reduce fat drastically? Drop refined carbs from your courses immediately, and no more puff-up awaits.

Whenever your body absorbs a whopping amount of carbohydrates, insulin is released. Since insulin only burns carbs, this leads to current fat cells being stored, whilst more new fat cells are created to store everything left that hasn’t been burned besides of the carbs.

This is pretty much similar to a vicious endless cycle of carbs consuming. You’ll just keep continue to gain weight and crave for more carbs at the same time. Definitely not a cute picture!

The good news is, these fatty snacks can totally be replaced. Why potato chips when you can have avocado slices or roasted carrots instead?

Unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, popcorn, nuts, seeds, and fruit juice are the names worth opting for casually. Remember to only allow yourself to enjoy treats once in a while. Don’t get drowned by your sweet tooth!

Read food labels to restrict your calorie intake

Setting your calorie goal is a must-do. You’ll get used to measuring the size of each course and even each bite that you take.

Additionally, not everything containing the same amount of calories will bring about the same effect. For example, how can 100 calories of cookies be compared to 100 calories of broccoli?

So here’s the deal: Your mission is to find those foods which can easily fill you up with just a small portion. That way, you can’t be loaded with calories and still be hungry anymore.

Keep your daily meals at regular times

First and foremost, having your meals scheduled at exact hours will reduce your temptation to fast food and unhealthy snacks. Once your digestive system gets used to being organized properly, you won’t feel like filling up your boredom by tossing things into your mouth anymore.

Big reminder here: Get up, grab the pans and cook your meals on your own anytime it’s possible. Trust me, that’ll be the last thing you’ll ever regret in your whole dieting itinerary.

That way, you’ll get your chance to dig it deeper to every dish’s content – how nutritious, or unhealthy, or fat, or lean they are. You’ll get full control on assessing portion size and what to have first or last.

Small tips:

Instead of ladling out food directly from pots or pans, try to divide your courses into containers that look larger but are actually smaller in amount. Plates, small bowls or cups will do well here.
Also, don’t forget to chew slower. Yeah, be calm. Whatever the reason is, never scarf down your food. It takes time for your brain to receive the ‘We’re fed full!’ message from the stomach. So basically, you’re actually full before you feel full. It’s unnecessary to push yourself to clean every plate.

You might have heard of an old Russian saying that states, “Eat your breakfast alone, eat your lunch with your friend, give your dinner to your enemy.” Wise words, indeed. Consuming more at breakfast and less at dinner actually aids weight loss effectively. Your body needs time to burn off the calories; that’s why you always have to finish everything a bit earlier.

Put yourself on a regular workout routine

Yeah yeah, this should be the one of the most underlying facts that they always hang on the wall, whenever you’re caught struggling with the hopelessness from fat and cellulite.

I get that you’re already sweating like a pig, trying to force yourself into strict dieting rules. You might find it bothersome this and that, thinking about actually having to sweat yourself daily.

But still, it’s undeniable that being active is the requisite to every fat-shredding scheme, especially if you want to keep it off for good.

It’s true that physical exercises help burn off excess calories, but they actually go beyond just that. Sweating yourself is proved to be the fastest way to boost metabolism and help switch you to the energetic mode all day long. Who doesn’t want to look cheery and gleeful anyway?

Here’s some information you may need for now: Working out is not simply doing some crunches, a dozen of squats or planks and cross finger for a toned-shape body with six packs. No way, dear friends. You have to actually get it on a regular basis to see real changes.

I believe that no one is too busy for at least a 30-minute walk per day. Don’t push yourself too hard, just give it small amounts at first. Find one single thing that you’ll be happy to do the most, and put it on that particular time of the day when you’re most likely in the accurate mood for it.

Try to maintain that exact schedule of several sessions for weeks, and the next thing you know is your health being improved distinctively. Just take your first step and strike a blow against your obesity by jogging, hiking, stretching, cycling. Anything will do.

You know what they say, sweat it like you mean it. You just have to kick it a start, anything is better than nothing.

Bottom line

Mindless eating or poor snacking habits are no longer an issue if you keep track carefully of what to eat and what to do everyday. Hope you’ll be encouraged to keep the healthy lifestyle off. Sweet day to you all!

Top 10 Finds at Expo West 2017

April 20, 2017 By Essential Oxygen

By: Jasmine Asadi

Picture this: over 3,000 companies in the natural product industry all coming together under one roof (well, 3 roofs right next to each other), debuting their new and best products and giving away fun samples. Welcome to Expo West, the largest event in this industry that comes around every March in Anaheim, California. To give you an idea of how amazing it is, I’ll just call it my own little healthy version of Disneyland! From different food companies to beauty, to cleaning, health, everyone in this industry made sure to be there.

Here’s the top 10 favorite product finds from Expo West:

1. Yes Cacao, Botanical Chocolate

(Source: www.YesCacao.com)

Yes Cacao has crafted flavorful blends of chocolate and botanical ingredients like Tulsi (a stress adaptogen), Reishi (a medicinal mushroom that strengthens the immune system), Maca (a superfood root that balances hormones and sustains energy), and Turmeric (a spice that lowers inflammation). I can never get enough of chocolate, so the fact that they’ve added in these ingredients that are great for my body is a double win in my book! Check them out online or in your local health store.

2. Jasmine’s Organics, SuperNatural Deodorant Creme

(Source: www.jasminesorganics.com)

From Emmi Buck, Essential Oxygen Director of Communications: “My top find at Expo West 2017 was an amazing new organic deodorant called SuperNatural Deodorant Creme by Jasmine Organics. It contains no toxic ingredients like standard deodorants do, and it’s crazy effective! The coconut smell brings a smile to my face, it’s super creamy and easy to apply, and a little goes a long way. Did I mention how well it works?”

3. Bonafide Provisions, Drinkable Veggies

(Source: www.BonafideProvisions.com)

With one of the best tasting organic bone broths, Bonafide Provisions debuted their newest product, Drinkable Veggies. Not only that, they also won an award for the “Best New Drink” overall at the expo. All of their products hold the awesome benefits of bone broth, including collagen protein, gut health support and amino acids. Their Drinkable Veggies are a great on-the-go snack to get in 11 grams of protein and a good amount of veggies of course!

4. Essential Oxygen, Organic Toothpaste + Tooth Polish

Expo West was the perfect opportunity for Essential Oxygen to debut the new products they have up their sleeves. Their certified organic Toothpaste and Tooth Polish was finally revealed and I can’t get enough of it! The toothpaste utilizes natural ingredients to gently clean the teeth while the tooth polish gets them to their pearly whitest. Stay tuned for the big release soon!

*From Essential Oxygen: Our Tooth Powder will be available in May 2017, and Organic Toothpaste is coming July 2017!

5. Vital Proteins, Collagen Beauty Water

(Source: www.vitalproteins.com)

Speaking of collagen, welcome this new, popular company to the party! Vital Proteins produces grass-fed, pasture-raised collagen. Collagen is the building block of our hair, skin, nails, bones, and tendons. It’s a great supplement to any diet, whether it be for the health benefits or injury prevention for athletes. Vital Proteins introduced their new line of Beauty Waters, which combines their Marine Collagen Peptides with hyaluronic acid and 2 billion CFU probiotics. This nourishing combination makes great for glowing skin and beauty, both inside and out.

6. Oregon Wild Harvest, CountToZen Biodynamic Herbal Tonic

(Source: www.oregonswildharvest.com)

Expo’s winner for Best Herbal Supplement, Oregon Wild Harvest makes some of the best herbal tonics for a multitude of needs. They also offer herbal capsules, extracts, and tonics for kids too! My favorite was their CountToZen biodynamic herbal tonic, hosting herbs like Ashwagandha, Astragalus and Holy Basil. This particular elixir aids in finding adrenal balance by helping the body adapt to stress and supplying adrenal support.

7. Lesser Evil, Oh Em Ghee Organic Popcorn

(Source: www.LesserEvil.com)

In addition to the amount of fun, healthy snacks they already have, Lesser Evil shared their newest product with the crowds: Oh Em Ghee Organic Popcorn. Ghee is the newest trend to hit the natural food industry because of it’s health benefits and dark buttery taste not to mention its nickname, “liquid gold”. This popcorn is perfect for any movie night!

8. Kite Hill, Ricotta Cheese

(Source: www.kite-hill.com)

Kite Hill boasts a wide variety of almond milk based cheeses to satisfy any ex-dairy lover’s taste buds. My favorites from them are their yogurts, cream cheese, Expo West’s award winning ricotta cheese and their ravioli. Kite Hill has saved anyone looking to adopt more of a plant-based diet with their artisanal products. Tip: try using their ricotta cheese for a dairy-free lasagna and prepare to be amazed!

9. Curoxen, First Aid Ointment

(Source: www.curoxen.com)

Brand new to the market, Curoxen brings their organic, all-natural first aid ointment with clinical evidence to back up their effectiveness. I love finding new health-related alternatives that haven’t been introduced yet so I was ecstatic when I heard about Curoxen! It’s comprised of organic oxygenated olive oil, calendula, and lavender essential oil. These ingredients all promote healing and have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They tested it among the biggest drug store competitors and won!

10. Four Sigmatic, Mushroom Elixer Mixes

(Souce: www.foursigmatic.com)

Another trend to hit this year has been the all of the medicinal mushrooms, the “world’s most scientifically studied superfood”. Four Sigmatic has innovated these powerful, unusual superfoods in an eye-catching and helpful way. They perhaps are one of the key companies to bring awareness to these ingredients in a manner that helps educate us on the phenomenal properties of these mushrooms. Check out their website for a brief e-course on the health benefits of these products!

13 Non-Candy Options To Give Out On Halloween

October 25, 2016 By Essential Oxygen

halloween trick or treat non candy Essential Oxygen

By: Emmi Buck

We don’t need to tell you that candy (especially a LOT of candy, like on Halloween) can be bad news for your oral health. Trick-or-treat doesn’t need to mean a sweet, cavity-causing treat; you can give out other kinds of treats, or even tricks!

Don’t forget the first option in trick-or-treat 😉 … after all, it is a night for mischief and fun, right?!

Another bonus of avoiding chocolate candy is that many kids have allergies and dietary restrictions that make Halloween a bummer for them since most houses give out low-quality, GMO-sugar chocolate treats. The below options are far more suitable, sustainable, and healthy for all trick-or-treaters!

Fruit Snacks / Fruit Leather – As sweet as candy, but much healthier and in fun shapes. Top picks are Annie’s Organic Bunny Fruit Snacks, YumEarth Organic Gummy Bears, and Stretch Island All-Natural Fruit Strips.
Mini Trail Mix Packs – Most kids don’t see trail mix as ‘healthy’, but rather a fun treat with lots of choices! Trader Joe’s has good options, and so does Trophy Farm’s All Natural Snack Mixes.
Spooky School Supplies – A ghost eraser or vampire pencil would make any kid excited for class after Halloween!
Glow Sticks – Not only will trick-or-treaters light up with excitement, giving out glow sticks will literally light them up, and help them to be easily seen by cars while walking around the neighborhood.
Magic Tricks – The first part of trick-or-treat is tricks, and kids LOVE magic tricks. Look some up online to learn or buy. If you don’t want to leave kids empty handed, do a trick that involves a gift too, like finding a nickel or yo-yo in their witches’ hat.
Essential Oxygen Organic Brushing Rinse – Growing up, I lived on a street with 2 dentists. On Halloween, one gave out toothbrushes and the other gifted mini toothpastes, and to be honest… even as a kid I thought it was cool! Be the yin to Halloween candy yang, and give out our 3 ounce travel sized BRs to help combat cavities the coolest, foamiest, whole-mouth-healthiest way possible!
Non-Toxic Crafts – Steer clear of paints and play dough’s with ingredients you can’t pronounce, but check out Eco-Kids Eco-Dough and Natural Earth Natural Face Paint.
Bubbles!!! – What kid (or adult) doesn’t love bubbles? Some eco-friendly options include Fubbles Bubbles and Pustefix Bubbles, or easily make your own with 2 cups of warm water, 3 Tablespoons of Honest Co. Dish Soap, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
Temporary Tattoos – Many brands make Halloween themed tats, but really any temporary tattoo will do! We found some cool non-toxic options including biNK’ed vegetable based tattoo sheets and Spestyle nontoxic temporary tattoos.
Apple Cider Single Serve Packs – Like fruit snacks, this is another sweet treat option that doesn’t pack quite the cavity-causing punch! You can even find sugar free options nowadays.
Popcorn – While making your own is the healthiest option, many parents won’t allow their kids to eat home-made treats. Try pre-popped and packaged options like non-GMO BoomChickaPop or popcorn look-alike Pirate’s Booty.
Bouncy Balls – Toys are great non-candy treats, and bouncy balls are always favorite toy. Look for bouncy balls that use natural plastic.
Granola / Snack Bars – There are SO many healthy options these days and even Halloween ones! Get Clif Kid Organic Z-Bars in Full Moon Brownie flavor or Nature’s Path Bars in Chococonut or Pumpkin-N-Spice.