So You Think You're Eating Healthy... Hmmmmm???

Hi!

We're all taught that a salad is the healthiest thing to eat when trying to stay fit. Well, the fast food people have decided to play on that by taking what should be great for you and making it horrible for you.

So.. You're out shopping (I use shopping because I love it so much!) and you get hungry. You see your favorite on the go restaurant and say... I have to be good --- I'll have a salad! So you happily walk in feeling great in knowing that you are going to "be good"... Reality check... As soon as you add that packet of high calorie dressing and other accoutrement you may as well have had the burger WITH fries.

Men's Health Magazine gave a list of the worst fast food restaurant salads.. How many have you had?

Wendy's Chicken BLT Salad with Croutons and Honey
860 calories with 59 grams of fat --- A Whopper from Burger King is 670 calories and 40 Grams of fat...

Quizno's Regular Chicken Caesar Chopped Salad
920 Calories and 66.5 grams of fat

Applebees Regular Grilled Shrimp and Spinach Salad
1050 calorie and 72 grams of fat -- for some of us on more strict weight loss programs.. That's all your food for the day.

On The Borders Grande (that should be the first indication that this won't be good) Taco Salad with Ground Beef and Chipolte Honey Dressing
1690 Calories and 124 grams of fat

Great tips.... Always ask for the dressing to be served on the side (that way you control the calories).. Ask for half to be taken home automatically - Some of these salads are huge and really shouldn't be consumed entirely in one sitting.

And remember, health and nutrition professionals suggest that the average person really shouldn't consume more than 65 grams of fat in one day -- no more than that! Some of the salads up there have over that and one has almost 2 days worth of fat in one salad...

So... I hope this helps you be more conscious when you are thinking about that "healthy" meal on the go.

With Sweet Goodness,
Shermaine

Watermelon... Who knew?

Hey Everyone...

I can't think of anything better on a hot summer day than a bowl of cold watermelon cut in cubes (my body is tingling just thinking about it). I try to eat as much of it as possible because I just love the taste! But now... I have even more reasons to enjoy this sweet heavenly treat... For my health. When I read about this, I had to post it.

Watermelon is a member of the Cubcurbitaceae Family (pumpkin, squash and canteloupe belong to this family) and is rich in carotenoids including lycopene & beta carotene. Several medical researches have discovered an association between dietary lycopene consumption and lower incidences of colon and oral cancer. Lycopene also has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Beta Carotene is rich in Vitamin A and we know that Vitamin A is great for maintaining great eye health! And best of all, it's low in calories!!

Watermelon seeds are an excellent source of protein. They are also rich in magnesium, calcium and potassium. In the Arab world, these seeds are roasted and salted for a snack.

So... Besides being this amazing thirst quenching summertime treat. Watermelon is also great for maintaining optimum health. Although you can get it year round (at a premium in the winter), it's best in the summer.

Quick Tip: Wanna know how to pick a good watermelon? Pick it up, and knock on it with the palm of your hand in the middle. If it sounds full or it just sounds like you are smacking a watermelon -- put it back... But, if it sounds hollow inside (kind of like a hearing an african drum) -- put it in your cart, you've probably got a really good one.

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Avocado Butter - My personal choice

Ok... I've taken the hiatus... Gotten myself relatively healthy again... But now it's time to get back to business...

I know it's been a long time, but I know you haven't forgotten that I suffer from Eczema. It was my reason for starting my company The Body Patisserie (which look for changes from that very soon)... Well I wanted to let you in on what is my personal preference in skin moisturizing. Avocado Butter...

Avocado Butter comes from the flesh of the avocado fruit. It is is rich in vitamins E, A and D, unsaturated fatty acids and lecithin, all of which are beneficial to your general health and especially to that of your skin. Its a little heavy, but eczema suffers like myself generally have very dry skin so it works for us.

Want to see how great it is? Right before bed, rub pure avocado butter on your hands and then place them in cotton gloves. I guarantee in the morning, your hands will be "baby's bottom" smooth.

Give it a try.

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Have You Been Diagnosed With Depression?

I know it's been FOREVER since I posted. But I have had to revaluate what was going on in my world and work on making my life a little sweeter. Well actually.... A lot sweeter.


I'll share with you what's been going on. Remember a while back, I had a post about Vitamin D. I told you about how people had Vitamin D deficiencies and it it affected skin and hair and all that good stuff. Well... Vitamin D also affects your BRAIN. For about the past 8 years I haven't been feeling right. In the beginning, it was just that kind of "off" feeling we get from time to time. But then it got worse. Over the past 6 years I have been hospitalized for anxiety twice. Was told to spend a couple of days resting and they would release me. Now, they did blood work each and every time. I would go to the doctor and they would tell me I was depressed. Over the past 2 years I have felt like I was under water. I would go to the mall and would have to sit down frequently because the walls looked like they were closing in on me... Like the people around me looked like they were swelling. It was weird... And draining. I was constantly tired and somewhat suidical. I couldn't focus at work and couldn't remember anything. I had a nervous breakdown one evening and the EAP (Employee Assistance Program) at my job suggested to my husband that he take me to the Psychiatric Hospital here in Atlanta immediately. They wanted to admit me because they thought I was going crazy! I felt like I was going crazy!! I decided to make an emergency appointment with one of their psychiatrists and saw her the next morning.


She first listened to what I had to say and then stated, "Well... You are clinically depressed". She prescribed Cymbalta and sent me on my way. Well after 5 weeks of taking the meds, I was feeling ok, but was starting to go back to feeling bad again. I called the doctor and she said, I would like for you to come in and have your Vitamin D levels checked. So I did...


Doctors get concerned when you Vitamin D levels are below 40. My doctor gave me a frantic call and told me my Vitamin D Level was 6! Not 60.... 6. And she was calling in a prescription for me immediately. She has me on Vitamin D therapy. A prescription of 50,000 iu of D every week for 8 weeks.. She will check my blood again in 2 weeks (this is week 6). But let me tell you. I feel AMAZING. I feel better than I have in 15 years. I have tons of energy, I can focus and I'm even getting frisky with my husband (he says we're going to keep a truckload of it! LOL!) I am even able to stay controlled on my diet. I've lost 11 pounds since I started the therapy. And I haven't had one suicidal thought .


How strange it is that I had been to countless doctors, hospitalized twice and NO ONE thought to check my Vitamin D Levels. It's a test you have to ask your doctor for. I implore you all to ask your doctors to check your Vitamin D levels. I had NO idea that it could affect your mental wellbeing in such a drastic way. Now I am in no way saying that Vitamin D should replace mental health meds if you take them. Nor am I saying that Mental Health issues are not real, because they are VERY real. But, I am saying if you are feeling any of the symptoms that I have listed, get it checked. It can't hurt.


I'm telling everyone who will listen my story. I want to bring more awareness to this.


Please do not take it upon yourselves to diagnose yourselves or start on such an intense therapy alone. CONSULT WITH YOUR PHYSICIAN or mental health professional...



With Sweet Goodness,
Shermaine

THE BODY PATISSERIE IS GOING PLACES!!!

Thank you to all who have supported us! We've enjoyed bringing you amazing products in fabulous scents! However, we have decided to make some changes...

We will be temporarily closing down our site until July, 2010 as we move our headquarters to Henderson, Nevada!

Please stay tuned to see our fabulous new site with wonderful products that will not only appeal to pastry lovers... but to ALL!

Once again... Thank you for your support and we look forward to seeing you in July! In the interim, look for upcoming new posts on A Sweet Existence.

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Has Happiness become the Myth of the 21st Century?

A Sweet Existence means more than simply what we put into our bodies. I mean that's great, we should all eat healthier for our physical wellbeing, but what about our mental and emotional wellbeing?

I decided to make this particular post my last for 2009 because I wanted it to be one which we could think about as we enter the new year.

I read a survey last night that 70% of Americans are UNHAPPY with their jobs. 70%? That's an astounding number! And it made me think to my own upbringing. I don't know about you but I was told -- you get a good job, have great place to live, drive a great car. I can remember throwing out certain things that I wanted to be when I grew up only to be told... that's not going to make you any money. I would answer, but it's what makes me happy; only to receive the reply "Happiness has nothing to do with it -- making money is the way to go". How many of you have been told the same thing? But why does happiness have nothing to do with it? Could this be the reason that pharmaceutical companies are making trillions of dollars each year from the sale of Xanax, Cymbalta and the like? Because happiness has nothing to do with it?

I'm sorry to tell you... Happiness has EVERYTHING to do with it. I am a big biography person.. Particularly biographies about super successful people. And they all stated... Do what you love! If you do what you love to do, you will do it well. When you do it well, the money will come. The sad part about this is we have been so programmed to believe that money and happiness are synonymous, that we are so busy chasing the money doing something that we hate and wonder why we are not getting where we want to be. Why is my blood pressure out of control? Why am I 100 pounds overweight? Why am I underweight? Why am I depressed?

We have thrown happiness by the waistside so much, till we don't even know what we LOVE to do anymore! We don't dream anymore... We walk around in a perpetual state of unconscious routine. We are in Auto-Pilot. We've become drones..

What are we teaching our children? Are we raising the next generation of anti-depressant users because we are going to teach them that happiness doesn't matter? Now I'm not saying teach them to be lazy. But while we are preaching hard work, maybe we can throw happiness in that talk somewhere.

I realize that we all have responsibilities. Children to put through school and many bills to pay. But I'd like for you to do something as we go into the start of a new year... DREAM! I want you to ask yourself, if I could do anything in the world, what would that be? Then think of others that are successful doing that very thing. Why can't that be you? Trust me, it's not a waste of time (I've been told that one too). Every success begins with a thought (I wrote about thinking earlier this year).

We spend the majority of our day on our "job". That's way too much time to be unhappy.

Make a committment to yourself to strive for happiness. Don't worry about what others will say about your dream. Don't listen to those who say you can't do that because you're the wrong color, or wrong gender, or wrong weight. Those people are unhappy and want you stay in that dark place with them.

Happiness can be real.. Not a myth like Big Foot or the Lockness Monster.

Be blessed this holiday season and thank you for taking time to read my posts! See you next year!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

CYBER MONDAY SALE!!

Take 30% off your entire order TODAY! No minimum order required! Save on Gift Sets, Body Polishes, EVERYTHING...

Click here to start shopping NOW. Apply Code: CYBER at checkout

Happy Holidays!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

HAPPY HOLIDAY SHOPPING WITH THE BODY PATISSERIE!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

We all need to watch our pennies during this holiday season -- which is why we are offering 25% off your ENTIRE ORDER until December 1st. There is NO MINIMUM ORDER REQUIRED!

What a great way to treat yourself or someone special to skincare that is both pampering for your skin and scrumptiously scented!!! So click here to start shopping!
Apply Coupon Code HOLIDAY1 at checkout!!

Cod Liver Oil --- Tastes Bad, But Is Really Good.

Hey Everyone,

I can remember the very unpleasant childhood memory of a daily dose of a teaspoon of Cod Liver Oil. My mother would call me into the kitchen or bathroom with that spoonful of yucky stuff. It was horrible tasting and sometimes even made me gag! My mom even tried to get the oil in different flavors like Mint or Cherry. And what did it do to the taste? NOTHING! It tasted like Mint flavored yuckiness!! Anyway, she gave it to me in attempt to keep me cold free during the winter months and to keep my skin clear and hair healthy year long. You know what? It worked! Let's see why...

Cod Liver Oil has high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, and very high levels of vitamin A and vitamin D (remember my post on Vitamin D deficiency??). It is widely taken to ease the symptoms of arthritis as well as other health benefits. but has also been clinically proven to have a positive effect on heart, bone, and brain as well as helping to nourish skin, hair, and nails.

Cod liver oil is effective in treatment of household burns because of its high vitamin content, often leaving no burn-related blister.

Use of cod liver oil during pregnancy is associated with lower risk of Type I diabetes in the offspring.* This effect was found only in mothers taking cod liver oil, not in mothers taking multivitamin supplements. Cod liver oil taken by nursing mothers improves the breast milk by increasing the amount of fatty acids, which promotes brain development, and the amount of vitamin A, which helps prevent infections. However, pregnant women should always check with their doctors regarding the safe amount of Cod Liver Oil to take and should never take more than is recommended as excessive amounts of Vitamin A can be very detremental to the health of the child.

So you see... Even though it tastes really bad, Cod Liver Oil is beneficial to our health in so many ways. Although you can take this supplement in pill form, it works best when you take the oil directly. You can find it anywhere from the GNC to Walmart.

So.. hold your nose and grin and bear it (and have a lot of orange juice to wash it down with). You will see that in this case, the good definitely outweighs the bad! Protect your body, protect your skin!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

*Stene LC, Ulriksen J, Magnus P, et al. Use of cod liver oil during pregnancy associated with lower risk of Type I diabetes in the offspring. 2000. Diabetologia 43:1093-1098. DOI: 10.1007/s001250051499 PMID 11043854 full-text (free)

Spirulina -- What's That?

Hey Everyone!

I take Organic Spirulina every day. I do so because I have a tendency to run B Vitamin deficient and anemic. So this morning as I took my pill, I thought this would be a perfect topic for my blog as I told you I would be concentrating on strengthening the immune system so hopefully we don't have to ingest so many medicines this winter.

So here we go! Spirulina is a cyanobacteria (Blue Green Algae). Cyanobacteria are found in almost every conceivable environment, from oceans to fresh water to bare rock to soil. Aquatic cyanobacteria are probably best known for the extensive and highly visible blooms that can form in both freshwater and the marine environment and can have the appearance of blue-green paint or scum. Scum? Sounds appetizing, right? Keep reading... Spirulina is cultivated around the world, and is used as a human dietary supplement as well as a whole food and is available in tablet, flake, and powder form.

Spirulina contains an unusually high amount of protein, between 55% and 77% by dry weight, depending upon the source. It is a complete protein containing all essential amino acids, when compared to the proteins of meat, eggs, and milk. It is, however, superior to typical plant protein, such as that from legumes.

Spirulina provides docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is the most abundant omega 3 fatty acid (polyunsaturated fatty acids, PUFAs) in the brain and retina. It comprises 40% of the PUFAs in the brain and 60% of the PUFAs in the retina. 50% of the weight of the neuron's plasm membrane is composed of DHA.*

Spirulina contains vitamin B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, and vitamin E. It has also been shown that people who use Spirulina regularly have had their blood pressure and cholesterol levels improved.

So... I know you all have seen the green powder at your health food store and it doesn't look tasty. But, Spirulina is a great supplement for keeping our immune systems healthy. ...and in pill form, you don't even have to taste it (wink!)...

Protect your Body... Protect your skin!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

*Meharban Singh (March 2005). "Essential Fatty Acids, DHA and the Human Brain from the Indian Journal of Pediatrics, Volume 72" (PDF). http://medind.nic.in/icb/t05/i3/icbt05i3p239.pdf. Retrieved October 8 2007.

Echinacea -- Our Wintertime Friend

Hey Everyone,

For the past few months, we have been constantly hearing about the H1N1 virus and the flu. It has everyone in a panic and now people are lining up for this new vaccine. I realize that this is needed.. I too will be getting the shot as soon as it's available.

But I was thinking.. I haven't heard anyone talk about what can be done to strengthen our immune systems. Cold and flu viruses prey on weak immune systems. And although there are medicines to help get rid of these viruses, shouldn't we be trying to prevent getting them so there's no need for these medicines? For the next few posts, I'm going to concentrate on our immune systems... A Sweet Existence means living our best life... A Sweet Life.. And staying healthy is a part of this existence. So here we go...

Echinacea (shown in the picture above) is a genus of nine species of herbaceous plants in the family Asteraceae which are commonly called purple coneflowers. All are endemic to eastern and central North America, where they are found growing in moist to dry prairies and open wooded areas. It was widely used by the North American Plains Indians for its general medicinal qualities. Echinacea was one of the basic antimicrobial herbs of eclectic medicine from the mid 19th century through the early 20th century, and its use was documented for snakebite, anthrax, and for relief of pain. In the 1930s echinacea became popular in both Europe and America as a herbal medicine. According to Wallace Sampson, MD, its modern day use as a treatment for the common cold began when a Swiss herbal supplement maker was "erroneously told" that echinacea was used for cold prevention by Native American tribes who lived in the area of South Dakota.

A 2007 study by the University of Connecticut combined findings from 14 previously-reported trials examining Echinacea and concluded that Echinacea can cut the chances of catching a cold by more than half, and shorten the duration of a cold by an average of 1.4 days.

Echinacea can be found everywhere from WalMart to Whole Foods. So let's strengthen our immune systems and have a "Sweet" winter. You know what they say... An ounce of prevention..! Protect your body!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Jojoba Oil... How Fabulous!

Hey Everyone!

Jojoba Oil... We've seen it in cosmetic products for years. But all anyone has ever told us is that it's great for the skin.. But why? I think today's the day we shed some light on this fabulous oil...

Jojoba Oil is the liquid wax produced in the seed of the jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) plant, a shrub native to southern Arizona, southern California and northwestern Mexico. The oil makes up approximately 50% of the jojoba seed. One reason is it is favored by the cosmetics industry is its stability. Jojoba Oil is more shelf stable (You can keep it longer before it spoils) than several other commonly used oils including Sweet Almond Oil and Safflower Oil.

Another reason is that Jojoba Oil is a great moisturizer for our skin! This is because Jojoba Oil's chemical composition is similar to Sebum. Sebum is excreted from the sebaceous glands in our body which lubricates our skin; which explains why absorbs so quickly into the skin and is non-irritating (it mimics what our body's already produce -- therefore you are not introducing something completely foreign that your body may reject, thereby causing skin irritation)...

But did you know that Jojoba Oil is eco-friendly as well? Jojoba oil is also used as a replacement for whale oil and its derivatives, such as cetyl alcohol. The ban on importing whale oil to the US in 1971 led to the discovery that it is in many regards superior to sperm oil for applications in the cosmetics and other industries. That's great news for the whales who are very quickly reaching extinction...

Great for your skin and great for the environment... Why would you not include this amazing natural ingredient to your skin care "arsenal"?

The Body Patisserie features this fantastic ingredient in their Body Creme, Body Glace, Body Polish and Body Butter Souffle!!!

Protect your body.... Protect your skin!!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Calendula -- More Than Just A Pretty Flower

Hi Everyone...

When I was a child, my mother always had beautiful potted marigolds in the house during the spring and summer months. But I'm sure my mom didn't know that there was more to this plant than simply it's beauty. There is!!!

Calendula (Marigolds) are a member of the daisy family Asteraceae, native to the area from Macaronesia east through the Mediterranean region to Iran. They are "Pot Marigolds", not to be confused with Marsh Marigolds or Corn Marigolds. I'm talking about the ones that you buy each spring at the Home Depot or Lowes...

Anyway, besides being a pretty plant, the petals are used to make an extract which is fabulous for our skin! It's anti-inflammatory properties suggest that it is ideal for acne and eczema as it soothes irritated skin. More and more this tincture is being introduced by the cosmetics industry in their skin care products. It's even being used in stretch mark creams because of the soothing effects on a mommy's tender belly..

Calendula is also considered edible. It is often sprinkled on salads to add color and unique flavor.

So next spring when you see the marigolds for sale, I hope you'll remember that they're not only great to the eye, but great for your skin!

Protect your skin, Protect your body.

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Shea Butter - Did you know???

Hey Everyone....

Most of you should have already heard of (or used) Shea Butter. However, for those who haven't, let's go through a quick overview...

Shea butter or Shea nut butter is a slightly yellowish or ivory-colored natural fat extracted from fruit of the shea tree by crushing and boiling. Shea butter is widely used in cosmetics as a moisturizer and an emollient. The shea or karite tree, formerly Butyrospermum paradoxum, is now called Vitellaria paradoxa. It produces its first fruit (which resemble large plums) when it is about 20 years old and reaches its full production when the tree is about 45 years old. It produces nuts for up to 200 years after reaching maturity. The shea tree grows naturally in the wild in the dry savannah belt of West Africa from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, and onto the foothills of the Ethiopian highlands.

Shea butter is marketed as being effective at treating the following conditions: fading scars, severely dry skin, blemishes, dark spots, skin discolorations, chapped lips, and stretchmarks. I chose Shea Butter as one of the ingredients for The Body Patisserie's Body Butter Souffle because it was gentle for my eczema ridden skin. Shea butter provides natural ultraviolet sun protection, although the level of protection is extremely variable, ranging from nothing to approximately SPF 6

But there are a few things you may not have known about this wonderful ingredient.

Did you know that pure Shea Butter is edible? In West Africa, the ingredient is used as a cooking oil and also as a substitute for cocoa butter in the Chocolate industry.

Did you know that toilet paper manufacturer Andrex released a Shea Butter enriched toilet roll to the UK market in Summer 2009? (talk about gentle to the touch)

Did you know that in Nigeria, it is believed to be very effective in the management of sinusitis and relief of nasal congestion? This is due to its emollient properties which helps in relaxing the tension in the face skin thus easing respiration. All one needs do, if one has sinus problems or congestion, is rub a considerable amount of the butter in and around the nostrils.

Did you know Shea butter is used in some indigenous ceremonies? Followers of the Holy Spirit Movement rebel group of Uganda smeared their bodies with shea butter in the belief that it would stop bullets! (ok... this is where the disclaimer comes in! Please do not attempt to use shea butter as a means of repelling bullets -- there is no scientific evidence that supports this practice and is deemed fatal if attempted)... I just thought it was an interesting tidbit, but I have to protect myself, you know???

Anyway, Shea Butter is a great emollient and moisturizer to be used in soaps and skin care! Give it a try... You may like it too... Protect your body. Protect your skin.

With Sweet Goodness...

The Blueberry... Superfood???

Hey Everyone,

Ok.. You all know about my increasing search for those foods which will assist me in my quest for optimum health. So, here we go!

The blueberry... Ahhh... We are all familiar with this wonderful berry atop pancakes and in jams and jellies, but there's so much more to these spheres of sweetness!

Because we all know what a blueberry looks like, I'll save that part of the research portion of this. However, lowbush blueberries (better known as wild) are grown predominately in North America, specifically Quebec, Canada and the northeastern region of the United States. "Wild" has been adopted as a marketing term for harvests of managed native stands of low-bush blueberries. The bushes are not planted or genetically manipulated, but they are pruned or burned over every two years, and pests are "managed". Maine produces 25% of the supply of wild blueberries in the United States, while Quebec produces 40% of Canada's supply.

But did you know that researchers have shown that wild (lowbush) blueberries contain anthocyanins & resveratrol (best known for being found in red wine) which inhibit cancer cell prevention* and protect the cardiovascular system? And did you know that chemical isolated from blueberry leaves can block replication of the hepatitis C virus and might help to delay disease spread in infected individuals?** Numerous studies have shown blueberries to improve nighttime visual acuity and promote quicker adjustment to darkness and faster restoration of visual acuity after exposure to glare (Bilberries, a cousin to the blueberry, were ingested in the form of jam by British Pilots in WWII before night missions). And researchers have found that blueberries help protect the brain from oxidative stress and may reduce the effects of age-related conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Plus.. they taste scrumptious!!! So I ask again... The Blueberry... Superfood??? I say indeed.. Protect your body, protect your skin!

With Sweet Goodness,
Shermaine

*Yi W, Fischer J, Krewer G, Akoh CC (September 2005). "Phenolic compounds from blueberries can inhibit colon cancer cell proliferation and induce apoptosis". J Agric Food Chem. 53 (18): 7320–9. doi:10.1021/jf051333o. PMID 16131149.

**The hepatitis healing power of blueberry leaves

Can Salmon Really Save Your Skin?

Hi Everyone!

Ok... A girlfriend of mine was reading Dr. Perricone's book on healthy aging and she was excitedly telling me that I should be eating salmon. Ok.... As I listened with interest, I couldn't exactly match her enthusiasm because I didn't know if I could believe a man who says his $200 per ounce serum is the best because Oprah uses it. Hmmmm..... Oprah has a gazillion dollars to test any product she chooses and this man has about a gazillion dollars from selling $200 serum! Do I jump up and down? Not yet.

So as I always do, I did a little research... Seems as though, some of the good doctor's information is supported by American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In the Journal's April 2009 issue, researchers followed the eating habits of more than 1,100 Australian adults for approximately five years and found that those who ate a little more than 5 ounces of omega-3-rich fish—such as salmon and tuna—each week decreased the development of precancerous skin lesions by almost 30 percent. These lesions called actinic keratoses and are a common sign of chronic sun damage which could lead to skin cancer if left untreated.

Now... Is the post about Dr. Perricone? Not at all... I have no check coming in the mail for saying this, but he has been quite vocal regarding the amazing skin protecting properties of salmon. Now as far as the expensive serum? Ask Oprah.

Anyway... So the next time you plan that relaxing day in the sun, don't forget to pack your sunscreen and it couldn't hurt to finish the day with a great salmon dinner!

Can't eat salmon? Tuna works well; and if all else fails, you can buy omega 3 oils in pill form... Protect your body... Protect your skin!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Vitamin D -- Why are we suddenly deficient?

Hi Everyone,

You hear it all over the news... We have become a society of Vitamin D deficient people! I don't know how old you are, but I can't remember hearing Vitamin D deficiency called an epidemic! What?? I was always told that you drank milk and you got the stuff! But... I'm lactose intolerant. I can't drink milk. And I have never been told I was Vitamin D Deficient... until recently. So, on the console of the very computer I am writing this from sits a bottle of Vitamin D-3! And as I walk around my office -- I'm not alone! WTH??? What happened to us??

Well... you know I always start with an explanation/definition, so here it comes. Vitamin D (Calcitriol) plays the important role of increasing the flow of calcium to the bloodstream and promoting absorption of calcium from food in the intestines. It is important for bone growth and bone remodeling. We get Vitamin D from food sources like milk and some green leafy veggies, but we really get a big dose of it from the SUN.

Ok... now back to the original question... Why are we deficient? When I was a kid, there was no Playstation or X Box... My fun came from going OUTSIDE and playing in the sun. So even if I was lactose intolerant, I was fine because I played outside. That explains the children. What about the adults. Well with 2000 cable channels to entertain us and most of us taking our cars even the shortest distances, we don't get sun either. Long gone are the days of weekends in the park or barbeques at the with the family at the state park loaded with outside activities. We live the lives of MOLES. We only come out when necessary and it's to our detriment! And we won't even talk about our diets!!! How many of us really drink enough milk or eat enough dark green leafy veggies??? I bet not many of us.

We have to take care of ourselves! Eat better, go back to taking that walk after dinner, or even sitting in the park at lunch. All of which will help to satisfy our body's requirement of Vitamin D.

One last tidbit! Did you know that those with darker skin may actually need MORE sunlight than those who are have lighter complexions. The reason is because the melanin in darker skin acts as a sunscreen and therefore doesn't allow as much absorption to the skin in the same amount of time as the person with lighter skin. Melanin is great to fight against skin aging, but not so great because it fights against the absorption of Vitamin D.

I hope this helps! Protect your body! Protect Your Skin!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Parabens -- What are they and are they dangerous?

Hey Everyone!

Parabens? What the heck is that? Why is everyone freaking out about them? Well, I am going to let you know what they are, what to look for on your skin care labels and some of the effects. As always, I am going to let you come to your own conclusion at the end.

Ok... Parabens are preservatives used to keep products from spoiling; allowing it to stay on the shelf in your local drug store for what seems like forever. Many of your favorite skin care companies use these in their products. It can be found in everything from Shampoo & Bath Gel (remember... the skin absorbs everything...) to toothpaste. Most common forms of these are methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben or butylparaben. So what does that mean to you??

A study conducted by Dr. Phillipa Darbre and colleagues at the University of Reading, United Kingdom, published in 2004, showed that there was substantial amount of paraben compounds in breast cancer tumors (18 traces of parabens found out of 20 tumor samples). It was suggested that parabens found in underarm deodorants migrated to the breast cells and eventually caused the growth of tumors cells in the breast of both women & MEN (yes... men have breast tissue also!)

Many people were also found to develop allergic reactions due to use of products containing parabens. Parabens may trigger various types of dermatitis (eczema) and other skin conditions. When absorbed by the body, it is suggested that parabens cause estrogenic effects. They mimic and behave like estrogen, leading to various interferences with the endocrine system.

Admittedly, there are no hard scientific studies that categorically point out parabens as bad and harmful to the body. So far, studies, such as the 2004 University of Reading research conducted, only indicate correlation between paraben intake and certain diseases. In other words, there are no very conclusive report that is widely accepted in the scientific community. In fact, the American Cancer Society has concluded that there is no good scientific evidence to support a claim that use of cosmetics such as antiperspirants increase an individual's risk of developing breast cancer.

So... Are parabens bad??? Well, if we listen to the American Cancer Society, there is nothing to support these claims, but I haven't seen anything to completely discredit the claims either (and I've looked!) ... So, I feel, that if you are really serious about your health and well-being, you may want to eliminate placing any product on your body that is linked to studies which suggest it causes cancer. But as always... The choice is yours. Protect your skin... Protect your body...

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Organic... Does it matter with Skin Care?

Hey Everyone!

Ok... I was recently listening to the news and there was an "expert" who said there was no nutritional differences between fruits and vegetables grown organically and those grown conventionally. But when someone buys organically grown or produced products, it's not for what's in them... It's for what's NOT!..

Before I continue, let's do the quick organic overview - Organic fruits and vegetables mean that they were grown naturally without the use of pesticides, herbicides (for the record, anything ending in "cide" means to kill) and other toxic chemicals which are absorbed into the skin of the fruit or vegetable and therefore ending up a toxic mess inside our bodies. The farm has to have been organically sustained (natural fertilizers instead of chemicals and such) for a period of at least 3 years. Organic Meats come from animals who have been fed an organic diet and have not been injected with growth hormones and things like that which are used to make the animal bigger and fatter or antibiotics which are used to keep sickly animals healthy enough to get them to pass inspection to slaughter. We eat these animals and end up with all of these toxins in our systems. Want to know the result of this? Look at our children... Our girls and boys are developing much faster than ever before. Could it be growth hormones??? Hmmmmm... These toxins have been linked to depression, some forms of cancer, eczema and a host of other ailments.

So... the same holds true for skin care. The more organic ingredients in your skin care, the less of these toxins you will be putting on your skin. Our skin absorbs everything, so if you wouldn't eat pesticides, why would you put it on your skin? Skin care should aid your skin in healing itself, if these toxins are created to kill things, what is that skin product made with these toxins doing to your skin?

The point I'm trying to make is that be just as mindful of what you put on your skin as what you eat or drink... Technically, it's still going INSIDE your body. It may cost a little more, but aren't you worth it?? In the end, the choice is yours. Some people feel that organic living is a lot of hoopla.. All I ask, is that you become more informed and aware. Protect your body... Protect your skin!

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine

Acai - Miracle Berry... Really?

Hi Everyone!

Well... Let me begin by saying this post is super important to me. As I get older, I am definitely taking a more proactive approach in attaining optimum health. So, as I am beginning to change my diet to a more vegetarian and organic one, naturally the Acai Berry keeps coming up. Oprah has been linked to it and I can't tell you how many "business opportunity" functions I have been invited to regarding selling this fruit in various forms.

First of all... Let's pronounce it correctly (ah-sah-ee). Whew! Now we can move forward :)

The acai berry is an inch-long reddish, purple fruit. It comes from the acai palm tree (Euterpe oleracea), which is native to Central and South America. It is a relative of the blueberry, cranberry, and other dark purple fruits.
Research on the acai berry has focused on its possible antioxidant activity. Theoretically, that activity may help prevent diseases caused by oxidative stress such as heart disease and cancer.

Acai is claimed to have high levels of anthocyanin which are proven to defend the body against life's stressors and play a role in our cell's protection system. However according to WebMd, when comparing Acai Juice's antioxidant levels to other pure fruit juices , the levels were shown to be equal to that of cranberry juice but lower than that of blueberry juice, concord grape juice, red wine and pomegranate juice (which is really the star, but that's for another blog!).

Also, those who have pollen allergies may not even be able to consume Acai Berries. So... I've said all of that to say what???

Acai Berries, like any other berry is great as a part of any healthy diet. However, at this time, there is no scientific evidence to prove that it's any more beneficial than the berries we are currently consuming. The end result is your choice. Acai Berries taste great. I love them in my smoothie I get from Robek and Jamba Juice. But if you incorporate berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries) you are filling with your body with super, nutrient packed fruit --- without emptying your pocket in the process.

With Sweet Goodness,

Shermaine