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50 Ways to Stay Motivated to Lose Weight

Is your motivation starting to wane? Never fear! We asked some of the nation’s top experts – doctors, psychologists, fitness experts, life coaches – to give us 50 of their best inspirational tips for staying motivated to lose weight.

Here’s what to do when you start losing steam, not pounds:

#1: Think wellness not weight loss. Do you only make good food choices when you are trying to lose weight? This could lead to rebound weight gain if you go back to your old habits once you’ve reached your goal. “You have to eat every day, so why not eat better every day?” advises Rania Batayneh, MPH.

#2: Set reasonable goals. Ask yourself if what you are trying to accomplish is reasonable. “Trying to achieve too much in too little time can actually set you back” warns Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of Integrative Health and Healing at Miraval Resort & Spa. Losing 50 pounds in 2 months is unreasonable, but losing 10 pounds in 2 months is.

#3: LIMIT but do not ELIMINATE. “Eliminating your favorite foods will just make you want/crave them more,” says Rania Batayneh, MPH. Instead, Batayneh suggests allowing yourself those less healthy choices, but finding a way to limit your intake (in portion or frequency) to avoid feelings of deprivation.

#4: Pace yourself. Taking on too much at once is a recipe for disaster. Instead of taking on a bunch of new tasks you aren’t exactly looking forward to (a new exercise plan, new strict eating regime), why not take bite-sized action steps? “Work on a task you’ve been postponing for ten minutes and then decide whether or not to continue. If you discontinue the task, schedule another time to get it done” suggests Dr. Andrew Weil, Director of Integrative Health and Healing at Miraval Resort.

#5: Try tipping your scales with blue. Did you know that the color blue is a known appetite suppressant? Why not use a little color to help you stay on track? “Eat your dinner on a blue plate and you’ll discover that you need less to feel full,” advises color intuitive expert Elizabeth Harper.

#6: Take stock of any and all of the positive changes new eating habits have brought you. Instead of focusing only on the changes you aren’t seeing yet (i.e. a drop in your scale weight), focus on the benefits you are noticing, like saving money by not wasting it on junk food, or your increased energy level from exercising, advises Valerie Berkowitz, author of The Stubborn Fat Fix.

#7: Celebrate the small victories! “Remember that fitness is more like a marathon than a sprint,” advises certified trainer Stacy Berman. “By setting small weekly or monthly goals you will be able to track your progress which will keep you motivated to continue as you reach them and step by step” says Berman. And once you’ve achieved a goal, no matter how small, celebrate it! You don’t always want to feel like you are far away from the finish line – celebrate each milestone as you achieve it along the way.

#8: Wear red to get going! “If your energy is low and you feel lackluster about a project or event (or working out?) then wear red,” suggests color intuitive expert Elizabeth Harper. According to Harper, red energizes your system, boosts your confidence and empowers you to action.

#9: Trick out your tracksuit! “Buy yourself some stylish workout gear that makes you look good”, suggests Kate Brown, Community Director for Daily Burn. “When you look good, you’ll feel good,” says Brown. Plus, you’ll be much more likely to put on your new gym outfit on those rough days (when its cold out/you are tired/its that time of the month, etc).

#10: Drop the “perfect” mentality. Did you slip up? Have a moment of weakness? That’s OK, says Valerie Berkowitz, Director of Nutrition for The Center for Balanced Health. “Use any splurge as motivation to get yourself back on track,” recommends Berkowitz. Rather than using it as an excuse to have a donut for breakfast, as in I cheated last night, I might as well keep cheating, simply tell yourself that you will recommit, and make up for it.

#11: Be kind to yourself. Give yourself a hug once in awhile! Train hard, eat right, sleep well, but once a week, allow yourself an indulgence, says personal trainer Stephen Cooper. Enjoy your favorite dessert, get a massage, or simply take some time for yourself to relax.

#12: Nix the “all or nothing” approach. It’s critical that the changes you are making aren’t “all or nothing”, says Beth Campbell Duke of Duke Personal Branding. Use a calendar and gold stars to reward the efforts you are making. It may seem goofy, but it gives you a great snapshot of your efforts, so that next time you miss the gym or start to go back to old eating habits, you are less likely to feel like you failed at everything and give up.

#13: Have an accountability partner. Find a friend, trainer, or group (that’s what ourforums are for! that will keep you on track when you miss a workout, or feel like quitting suggests Stephen Cooper, certified personal trainer.

#14: Each day write down how your weight loss is making you feel healthier. Focus on the feelings of better health, and not on thinness, suggests exercise physiologist Dr. Michele Olson. You may find yourself more motivated to continue working towards your goal, especially on days when the scale isn’t budging.

#15: When you fall down, get right back up and try again. You can’t control everything, so why beat yourself up about a missed workout or diet slip up? It’s even OK to miss a workout once in a while says fitness expert Tony Horton. “It doesn’t erase all of the hard work you’ve accomplished up until now, or mean that you have to start over,” says Horton, “just pick up where you left off when you were able to.”

#16: Focus on what is going right. “Too often we become discouraged because we’ve missed a workout or two,” says Sport Psychology Professor Dr. Rob Bell. Instead of beating yourself up over the things you haven’t done (like eat perfectly or workout every single day), take a moment to acknowledge the actions you are taking towards your goals (such as cooking a healthy dinner, walking during your lunch break, etc) – while you are doing them.

#17: Stop focusing only on physical changes. Switch from vanity-based fitness or weight loss goals to those that are activity, time or frequency-based, recommends fitness instructorKelly Gray. For instance, instead of vowing to have a 6-pack in 6 weeks (which can be quite a feat to accomplish) aim to be able to run for 45 min 2-3 times a week. You won’t see results instantly from working out, but you can FEEL them instantly.

#18: Use your social network! Post it, tweet it, blog about it, whatever you like, but put it out there! “If you tell others that you are striving for a major goal, you will find support that keeps you accountable and makes your steps to success less overwhelming” says Shelagh Braley ofMy Life List. By sharing your goals online, you may find someone else who shares your goals and can add to your support system (just like we do here on JESSICASMITHTV!).

#19: Schedule all your workouts at least a month ahead of time. Creating workout “dates” on your calendar really gives your plan priority and structure says fitness expert Tony Horton, author of Bring It: The Revolutionary Fitness Plan for All Levels That Burns Fat, Builds Muscle, and Shreds Inches. Plug it into your iphone, Blackberry, or Outlook calendar or write them down on an old-fashioned wall calendar.

#20: Choose one or two new, healthy habits to take on – not 10 or 20. Small, simple changes can help you reap large results says aging and longevity specialist Sukie Baxter. Decide to do one or two small things each day, such as drinking a smoothie first thing in the morning or carrying a water bottle during the day to stay hydrated. A few small daily steps can help you stick with new changes, avoid overwhelm.

#21: Take a cue from your local coffee house and set the mood for your mind. Many of us visit these high end coffee chains daily and happily plunk down $4 for a cup of coffee (which if you think about it, is insane); but their job is to make you feel good in the store, so you don’t mind spending it. And that’s the key to making good nutrition and exercise a permanent part of your life says Kate Galliett, Personal Trainer for Barone Spinal Care. Get yourself pumped up for your new workout plan in as many ways as you can – just like the photos of the delicious drinks, upbeat music and tantalizing aromas that surround you in the coffee shop – so you don’t mind ‘spending’ the time and effort on it.

#22: Change the scenery around you. “Behavior is often shaped by our environment rather than pure willpower, says Catherine Kruppa, MS, RD of The Houstonian Club in Houston. For example, deciding to eat your favorite frozen yogurt only while you are at the yogurt shop, rather than taking it home and eat it out of the carton while watching TV. You’ll still enjoy your favorite treat, but will likely end up eating much less of it.

#23: Sleep on it. According to Feng Shui, everything has energy. “Write down your goal and sleep with it under your pillow” recommends Feng Shui expert Donna Stellhorn. Literally ‘sleeping on it’ (your goals) will help incorporate that energy into you, and may help you manifest them sooner.

#24: Turn off the negative self-talk. Choose to avoid negative thoughts. And when you do start to think negatively, have an “out” that will quickly take you away from the negative thoughts suggests personal trainer Kate Galliet, “I ask myself, “What’s the payoff?” If the pay-off of the brownie that I want to eat is not something that makes me leaner, fitter, happier in the long-run – I reconsider my decision.”

#25: Have a Plan B ready. Setbacks will happen, but its how you deal with them that matters most, says Catherine Kruppa, MS, RD. “Successful goal getters use setbacks as motivation to re-commit,” says Kruppa, “identify what caused your slip up and use it as a learning opportunity”. Have a few different options ready if your plan doesn’t work, and use obstacles as learning tools to try new things.

#26: Be Your Own Cheerleader. Place post-it notes all around your house with motivational reminders such as, “I feel great!” or “food is fuel, I eat when needed,” suggests certified personal trainer and chef Ursula Rafer.

#27: Keep your motivation (and goals) evolving. “I find my motivation around me – whether it is staying healthy to be around for my daughter, strong enough to carry her or fit enough to keep up with her,” says health and fitness blogger Maria Garofalo Mccauley. “When my motivation wanes after reaching a specific goal, it’s time to set a new one! Goals are evolving and dynamic I love always having something new to shoot for”.

#28: Cross train your habits. Mixing things up isn’t just good for your fitness plan, but it also works with your daily choices as well says personal trainer PJ Stahl. For example, instead of eating out on Friday night, and potentially consuming back all the calories you worked off all week in one sitting, why not have host a healthy potluck dinner for you and your friends? Trading one old not so healthy habit for another healthy habit that you’ll look forward to just as much can help you make lasting changes.

#29: 3-Step your goal. Having a large goal (such as losing 50 pounds) can be pretty overwhelming and easy to lose motivation with since it takes some time to achieve. Break down your goal into three, smaller, mini goals or steps suggests fitness expert PJ Stahl
. Creating a 3-step goal process can also help you gradually build healthy choices into your life, rather than trying to overhaul everything all at once.

#30: Evaluate your goal. How much do you really want to achieve it? If your goal isn’t valuable or important enough to you, you’ll lose interest fast says life coach Ronald Kaufman. Take a moment to re-evaluate what you are working towards – if its not something that is very important to you right now, this may not be the time to try to achieve it, or you may need to create a revised goal, one that does excite you and motivate you.

#31: List the painful consequences of not achieving your goal. Sure, it’s nice to think about all the great things you’ll have/feel once you’ve achieved your goal, but it can also be motivating to list all the possible negatives that may come about if you DON’T achieve it. “Write out all the negative consequences of not exercising (poor health, pain, limited abilities, medical costs, lack of socializing, low self-esteem)” recommends Ronald Kaufman, author ofAnatomy of Success. And with each negative consequence, asks yourself: “What’s the consequence of? and “What’s the consequence of …?” – writing down all of your answers until you’ve finished your full list, and then refer back to it anytime you need a dose of motivation.

#32: Use You Tube for Inspiration. Some of the best motivational speakers are all available right at your fingertips! Why not download a few of your favorite video clips from You Tube suggests
 Danielle Miller of One Smart Cookie LLC. Get started with Miller’s picks: Will Smith on Success and Richard St. John’s TED talk.

#33: Stay away from bad influences. Are there certain stores, foods or even friends that lead you to make unhealthy choices? Try to stay away from triggers that may tempt you back into the unhealthy habits you are trying to break suggests personal trainer Nicole Palacios. Instead, find people, places and things that will have a more positive influence on your lifestyle, and will help facilitate your goals.

#34: Keep a success journal. Documenting your successes in a journal can help build your confidence in your abilities to accomplish your goal suggests body image and success coachStephanie Mansour. Keep a success journal next to your bed and write down each day’s successes (which can be as seemingly insignificant as – fought through a sluggish day and still went to the gym).

#35: Name one reason why losing weight is bad for you. List as many reasons as you can about why losing weight is bad for you. Can you think of any? Now, write down all the reasons you can think about why losing weight is good for you, and make a nice long, positive list for reinforcement recommends Dr. Michele Olson, Exercise Physiologist at Auburn University Montgomery.

#36: Do some constructive venting. Research shows that “venting” actually helps us transition from “stuck mode” to “solution mode”. But instead of just complaining about why you can’t have what you want, list the three main things that are draining your energy from achieving your goal. “Take one of them and write down what you feel about that ‘drainer’ – what expectations aren’t being met? What are you tolerating as a result of the drainer? What values are being compromised? Are you beating yourself up with ‘shoulds’ or other guilt? Once you’ve finished unpacking your energy drained, ask yourself what you really want,” suggestsJulie Lynch Principal of Uncommon Consulting.

#37: Take it one ½ day at a time. Sometimes you just have to focus on one half day at a time, says life coach Diana Fletcher. Instead of focusing on the miles and miles ahead of you on your journey, simply focus on what is immediately in front of you, such as the first half of your day. You can do anything for a 1/2 day! Once you make it past the first half, focus on the next to stay motivated rather than overwhelmed.

#38: Share your weight loss goals with friends and loved ones. Create a support team – that will cheer you on and help keep you accountable along your weight loss journey, recommends Dr. Michele Olson.

#39: Get a taste of what you want. Sometimes losing just that first pound can be the biggest motivator, says fitness expert Cari Shoemate. If you haven’t lost anything yet, think back to a time when you have lost those first few pounds – and let that feeling carry you through that tough workout that you are struggling with.

#40: Recognize how far you’ve come. “I keep myself motivated by setting new goals when I’ve reached one,” says weight loss success story blogger Lindsey Warren Gambles, “I figure I can always add on a few more minutes of exercise, push myself just a little harder, do a few more crunches, pick up heavier dumbbells, eat a little healthier.” Gambles also likes to take a look at past achievements and acknowledge just how far she’s come – a strategy that has been proven successful for long term weight loss.

#41: Pick up on visual cues. We are visual creatures, so use that to your advantage! Flip through a new fitness magazine or scroll through a website, or watch some fitness shows on TV to get inspired. “Use the cute workout clothes you see, great bodies and also workouts all as new motivational tools” recommends Exercise TV trainer Cari Shoemate.

#42: Take note of your options and actions. Research shows that making specific movements forward, no matter how small, gives us more motivation to keep going. “Take 5 minutes to brainstorm all the options you have for breaking through what’s holding you back and for making progress toward your goal (write down every option you can think of – including things like changing or tossing out the goal)” recommends Julie Lynch Principal. Review the list and pick out one option and then turn it into an action: decide what will you do, with whom, and by when.

#43: Know Yourself. Understanding who you are as an individual, and why you make the choices you make, is so important. Don’t work against your natural tendencies- work with them! If you are a walker, don’t try to force yourself into becoming a marathon runner. If you are a social butterfly, take a new fitness class with a friend, or if you prefer solo exercise, try out a new Pilates DVD at home.

#44: Reward your Righteousness. When you know you have been good to your body, treat yourself! Find a reward that inspires you- a new pair of sneakers or workout outfit, a new music CD for your walk or pamper your feet with a pedicure for all of your efforts. You might be surprised – that gold-star, pat-on-the-back goes a long way towards helping you stay motivated.

#45: Bliss Out. We all need a boost now and then, and sometimes the best way to get it is by doing LESS, not MORE. Resist the urge to push yourself to your limits, and try going the other way. Try out a yoga class, treat yourself to a massage or simply sit still and just focus on your breath for 10 minutes today.

#46: Create a vision. If your goal is to lose weight, create a mental picture of yourself having already achieved it. What will you look like, feel like, and move like when you have accomplished that goal? Living as if you are already there makes realizing your vision something you focus on daily.

#47: Stay simple. Avoid the lure of quick fixes like cleanses, sweat suits or extreme diets. Instead of overhauling everything, keep it simple. Substitute half of your usual morning OJ with sparkling water or try your usual sandwich with one less slice of bread and more lettuce instead today. Swap out your favorite TV show for a half hour with a book that you have been waiting to read. Offer to take your friend’s kids for the afternoon so that she has a few hours of “me” time, and then she can return the favor. Over time, these tiny steps can produce major, lasting, easier to maintain, results.

#48: Get a theme song. Rocky had a theme song, so why shouldn’t you? It sounds corny, but playing it (even singing and dancing along to it) can really boost your spirits when you are feeling uninspired and help you check back in with your motivation. (One of our favs?Spaceman by The Killers – we love the line “It’s All in Your Mind”).

#49: Stay sane by cheating – once in awhile. “Planning a cheat, whether it’s a snack, a meal, a weekend or a week vacation, can make all the difference in the world, says Valerie Berkowitz, M.S., R.D., C.D.E. By allowing yourself a little “controlled” wiggle room, you can avoid falling off the wagon big time. And once your “cheat” is done, go right back to your plan.

#50: Donate your “fat” clothes. Instead of holding onto your ‘heavy’ clothes –visualize yourself in your new wardrobe, recommends fat loss boot camp Stephen Cooper. Better yet, picture how great you’ll feel in your new body and clothes and get rid of the possibility of going back to your unhealthy habits.




http://www.jessicasmithtv.com/50-ways-to-stay-motivated-to-lose-weight/

12 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN MAKEUP + SKINCARE PRODUCTS

The cosmetics, shampoos, lotions and other products we put on our bodies can be just as harmful as anything we put in them. Ingredients found in face washes, sunscreens and more have been linked to everything from hormonal disruptions to cancer, and what’s worse is that they go directly into your bloodstream when applied to the skin or hair. While there are certainly lots of studies with different perspectives on this topic, everyone can agree that using more natural products or—better yet, making your own—is the safest bet for you and the environment.

IMAGE:HTTP://I0.WP.COM/HELLONATURAL.CO/WP-CONTENT/UPLOADS/2015/05/12-INGREDIENTS-TO-AVOID-NATURAL-PRODUCTS.JPG?RESIZE=650%2C870

 12 INGREDIENTS TO AVOID IN MAKEUP + SKINCARE PRODUCTS

1. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE

Found in: shampoo, body wash, foundation, face wash, mouthwash and toothpaste

SLS has been shown to cause or contribute to: skin irritation, canker sores, disruptions of skin’s natural oil balance and eye damage. It is also widely believed to be a major contributor to acne (especially cystic acne) around the mouth and chin.

2. BHA

Found in: exfoliants, perfume

The National Toxicology Program classifies butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen.” It can cause skin depigmentation. In animal studies, BHA produces liver damage and causes stomach cancers such as papillomas and carcinomas and interferes with normal reproductive system development and thyroid hormone levels. The European Union considers it unsafe in fragrance.

3. TRICLOSAN AND TRICLOCARBAN

Found in: toothpaste, deodorant, antibacterial soap

Triclosan was all the rage as antibacterial products became ubiquitous in the 1990s. Even the FDA agrees that there is no health benefit to humans who use triclosan, and in 2013 ruled that manufacturers using it had to demonstrate that there were no long-term detrimental effects. Triclosan (in liquid products) and triclocarban (in bar soaps) have been linked to hormonal disruptions, bacterial resistance, impaired muscle function, impaired immune function and increased allergies. Instead, use naturally antibacterial and antiseptic agents like tea tree oil.

4. AMINOPHENOL, DIAMINOBENZENE, PHENYLENEDIAMINE (COAL TAR)

Found in: hair dye, shampoo

Coal tar, a byproduct of coal processing, is a known human carcinogen, according to the National Toxicology Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Hair stylists and other professionals are exposed to these chemicals in hair dye almost daily. Europe has banned many of these ingredients in hair dyes. While FDA sanctions coal tar in specialty products such as dandruff and psoriasis shampoos, the long-term safety of these products has not been demonstrated.

5. PARABENS

Found in: makeup, moisturizer, shaving gel, shampoo, personal lubricant and spray tan products

The FDA acknowledges several studies linking parabens, which mimic estrogen, to breast cancer, skin cancer and decreased sperm count, but has not ruled that it is harmful. According to the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products, longer chain parabens like propyl and butyl paraben and their branched counterparts, isopropyl and isobutylparabens, may disrupt the endocrine system and cause reproductive and developmental disorders. Look for ingredients with the suffix “-paraben” as well—paraben-free products will be labeled as such.

6. POLYETHYLENE/PEGS

Found in: scrubs, body wash, makeup, toothpaste

Those tiny plastic beads in face or lip scrubs and exfoliating washes are made from polyethylene (used because they’re gentler on the skin than natural exfoliators like walnut shells). These synthetic chemicals are frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, which the U.S. government considers a probable human carcinogen and which readily penetrates the skin. Polyethylene has been noted as a skin irritant and should never be used on broken skin. Polyethylene beads in scrubs and body washes also are not filtered by our sewage systems, meaning they can collect pollutants and travel into waterways, where they’re consumed by fish and marine animals.

7. RETINYL PALMITATE, RETINYL ACETATE, RETINOIC ACID AND RETINOL

Found in: moisturizer, lip products, sunscreen, anti-aging products

Retinol products (often found in anti-aging products) have the opposite intended effect and become carcinogenic in sunlight, making it extra important to only use them at night and to avoid any sunscreens containing retinol-derived ingredients.

8. PETROLEUM DISTILLATES

Found in: mascara

Petroleum-extracted cosmetics ingredients may cause contact dermatitis and are often contaminated with cancer-causing impurities. They are produced in oil refineries at the same time as automobile fuel, heating oil and chemical feedstocks.

9. “FRAGRANCE”

Found in: moisturizers, deodorant, lotion, face cream, shampoo, conditioner

Federal law doesn’t require companies to list on product labels any of the chemicals in their fragrance mixture. Recent research from Environmental Working Group and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics found an average of 14 chemicals in 17 name-brand fragrance products, none of them listed on the label. Fragrances can contain hormone disruptors and are among the top 5 allergens in the world. Our advice? Buy fragrance-free wherever possible.

10. OXYBENZONE

Found in: sunscreen

Oxybenzone is one of the highest-risk chemicals found in sunscreen. It acts like estrogen in the body, alters sperm production in animals and is associated with endometriosis in women. Studies on cells and laboratory animals indicate that oxybenzone and its metabolites may disrupt the hormone system. Opt for sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide or avobenzene instead.

11. DIBUTYL PHTHALATE, TOLUENE AND FORMALDEHYDE

Found in: nail polish and other nail products

These chemicals, known as the “toxic trio,” have been linked to birth defects, endocrine disruption, headaches and respiratory problems—especially concerning for nail salon workers and those who frequently get manis or pedis. It’s advised that pregnant women avoid nail products altogether. Brands like OPI and Zoya have pledged to remove these chemicals from their products.

12. HYDROQUINONE

Found in: skin lighteners

The FDA warns that this skin-bleaching chemical can cause a skin disease called ochronosis, with “disfiguring and irreversible” blue-black lesions on exposed skin. Illegally imported skin lighteners can contain mercury, which can poison adults and children and is especially toxic during pregnancy. Be wary of imported skin lighteners, don’t buy products without ingredients clearly labeled, and always avoid products with “mercury,” “calomel”, “mercurio” or “mercurio chloride.”

Learn how to make just about any DIY personal care product on our DIY Bath + Body and Skincare + Makeup pages. You might even become a total DIY beauty routine convert. (I know I couldn’t live without this homemade turmeric mask!)

Read more at http://hellonatural.co/ingredients-to-avoid-in-makeup-and-skincare-products/#pJyEl63ZaSmFmjIv.99

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Vegan Foundation Guide

by Tashina Combs

This guide includes brands that offer cruelty free and vegan BB creams, CC creams, serum foundations, liquid foundations, mineral foundations, and powder foundations.

Continue reading to see the options available in the Vegan Foundation Guide!

The following brands are all cruelty free and have vegan foundation options. Some of these brands offer foundations that are not vegan, so be sure to read ingredients before purchasing. Brands that are 100% vegan are noted.

This means that there is no animal testing anywhere in their supply chain, during production, or on the finished products. It also means that they make foundations that are free of animal ingredients. The brands included on this list do not have a parent company who tests on animals. None of the money used to purchase foundations from these brands will go to fund any animal testing in any way.

BB Creams, CC Creams & Tinted Moisturizers –
Andalou Naturals
CoverFX
DermaE
DeVita – 100% vegan!
Dr. Hauschka
E.L.F. – All cosmetics are vegan, but not all brushes are vegan
Hourglass
Josie Maran Cosmetics
Juice Beauty
Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics – 100% vegan!
Pacifica – 100% vegan!
Too Faced

Liquid Foundation –
100% Pure
CoverFX
E.L.F. – All cosmetics are vegan, but not all brushes are vegan
Emani – 100% vegan!
Face Atelier
Gabriel Cosmetics
GlamNatural – 100% vegan!
Kat Von D Beauty – It should be noted that they are cruelty free, but their parent company owns other brands who are not cruelty free.
Silk Naturals
The All Natural Face – 100% vegan!
Wet’n’Wild

Serum Foundation –
Gressa

Mineral & Powder Foundation –
100% Pure
Alexami
Alima Pure
Antonym Cosmetics
Au Naturale – 100% vegan!
CoverFX
E.L.F. – All cosmetics are vegan, but not all brushes are vegan
Emani – 100% vegan!
Everyday Minerals – 100% vegan!
Gabriel Cosmetics
Hourglass
Josie Maran Cosmetics
Kat Von D Beauty – It should be noted that they are cruelty free, but their parent company owns other brands who are not cruelty free.
Lily Lolo
Meow Cosmetics
Modern Minerals – 100% vegan!
Silk Naturals
The All Natural Face – 100% vegan!
ZuZu Luxe

Cream & Solid Foundation –
E.L.F. – All cosmetics are vegan, but not all brushes are vegan

All works copyright to Logical Harmony LLC 2007-2015.

Source: http://www.logicalharmony.net/vegan-foundation-guide/#axzz3gTkkUCTA

How To Choose The Best Workout For Your Current Mood

The Huffington Post  |  By Alena Hall

If you're in the process of talking yourself out of another sweat session, stop right there.

It's likely that the problem lies not with your general hatred of exercise, but rather the particular workout you've selected. You wouldn't head off to a club on a Saturday night if what you really felt like doing was settling in with a good book and a glass of wine, right? The same logic follows for exercise. Pairing your activity with your current mood can be one of the best ways to motivate yourself to stick to a weekly fitness routine, and you'll genuinely enjoy reaping the benefits instead of wishing you were someplace else.

Ready to harness the power of both good and bad vibes with your workout? Check out the best fitness matches for your current mood below.

This high-intensity cardio class is perfectly designed for blowing off some steam! Process the emotions of a rough day as you punch, jab and high kick your way through the killer workout. You’ll break a serious sweat, leave all your anger on the gym studio floor, and walk away with a big boost of endorphins to boot. Just remember: It’s okay to channel that inner fire into your workout effort, but be sure to listen to your body when it says “stop.” It’s surprisingly easy and common to injure yourself when you push too hard in workouts fueled by strong, negative emotions.

One of the best times to try and train the mind is when it’s preoccupied with stress, anxiety and worry. Use your workout to soothe your body mentally, physically and emotionally before calling it a day, and take to that yoga mat. This mindful exercise helps the body let go of stress and calm down for a quality night’s rest. Try these posesto work wonders on your stress levels as you focus on breathing deeply and evenly, realigning with your personal center.

Harness that positive energy and take to your favorite jogging route! You just might find that your optimistic attitude adds a little pep to your step, making jogging feel even more enjoyable -- or at least tolerable, for those who aren’t into pounding the pavement. Running has been shown to boost brain performance, protect your heart, and pretty much guarantee a good night’s sleep. Combining that happy mood with an adrenaline rush and feel-good endorphins sets you up for a really great day.

Channel your inner adventurer, grab that backpack and hit a new trail for a workout that challenges both your body and curious mind. Hiking takes your body back to its roots by working the smaller stabilizer muscles that are left out of more common, less dynamic workouts. And just getting the chance to reunite with nature can boast big benefits. Hikers tend to be more creative, happier and more mindful. So be one with the Earth and go explore!

Immerse yourself in a pool of calming blue water and let your mood float away as you move through your favorite stroke. Swimming allows you the opportunity to work out in your own space, both mentally and physically, as you move at your own pace and feel your own rhythm. Swimming is a fantastic form of low-impact cardio exercise, getting your heart rate up while being kind to your joints. The rushing water feelsrefreshing and soothing at the same time, and some even find that a good session in the pool can alleviate symptoms of depression.

Hop on that saddle and ride wherever your body feels like taking you! Bounding energy isn’t required to reap the benefits of aerobic activity, sightseeing and fresh air that come along with these two wheels. Plus, cyclists also tend to be fit and self-sufficient, and enjoy longer lives than their non-pedaling counterparts. So go climb hills, coast along a waterway, or pedal through town just for the fun of it.

Use that extra motivation to challenge yourself with a boot camp class incorporating intervals, group work and maybe even a few new tools -- that’s right, grab those kettlebells! Classes that utilize high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and circuits not only help improve cardiovascular fitness, but also build muscle strength and create ametabolic afterburn effect that can be noticed long after you've hit the showers. And oftentimes, people keep coming back for that sense of camaraderie they feel with their classmates as they all push through that last set of burpees together. It’s the perfect place to share your positive energy!

No matter how you're feeling, there is always a way to make that sense of self-awareness work for you rather than against you. The next time the thought of your exercise routine makes you want to cower underneath your sheets instead of throwing on your favorite fitness outfit and moving, consider your mood and then match it to the right workout for you at that current moment. It's worth a try, right?

Source http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/05/12/workouts-based-on-your-mood_n_7205872.html

15 Toxins in Your Personal Care Products

There are many toxins lurking in our personal care products, products we use everyday. This means we are ingesting these toxins everyday, leading to accumulation and disruption of our body’s healthy functioning. The effects occur slowly over time; we may develop allergies, a skin rash, or worse, cancer.

This is a list of the most common toxins we should be avoiding.

1. PARABENS

these are used to keep mold and bacteria from growing in your personal care products. They have been found in breast cancer tumors and are shown to mimic estrogen, potentially leading to cancer and disrupting our endocrine system. There is fear that parabens may contribute to breast cancer. (Source)

2. PHTALATES

Dibutylphthalate (DBP, DEP, also butyl ester) helps skin care absorb into skin. Phtalates are used to add flexibility to plastics and leach easily into the environment when that plastic is heated. Phtalates have been found in people’s urine.  A study done on rats found that high doses of phtalates changed hormone levels and caused birth defects.  Women are susceptible to larger doses of phtalates because of all the skin care products they use. (Source)

3. DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)

DEA is used in the manufacture of diethanolamides, which are common ingredients in cosmetics and shampoos. These are added to give a creamy consistency and foaming action. It is a potential skin irritant, respitory irritant and has been shown to have neurological effects. (Source) EWG’s Skin Deep gives Diethanolamine a very high hazard rating.

4. PETROLATUM (MINERAL OILS & PARAFFIN)

A big-oil by-product, this substance is used as an emollient and moisturizer in skin and hair care products. The EWG gives petrolatum a moderate hazard rating because the ingredient can be contaminated with cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (chemicals found in crude oil and it’s by-products) (Source)

5. SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

this makes cleansers foam and bubble. It is a known skin and lung irritant. The biggest risk comes from potential contamination with 1.4 Doixane and Ethylene Oxide, two chemicals that are highly toxic and carcinogenic. (Source)

6. PROPYLENE GLYCOL 

a skin conditioning agent. It is associated with irritant and allergic contact dermatitis in humans. This ingredient is a lung irritant and has been associated with asthma, hay fever and eczema in children. (Source)

7. ACRYLAMIDE

This ingredient binds and thickens. Exposure at large doses can cause damage to males reproductive glands. It is considered a potential human carcinogen (Source)

8. PHENOL

(Carbolic Acid) – Originally extracted from coal tar, but is now derived from petroleum. It has a toxic effect on the central nervous system and it’s vapors are corrosive to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract. It absorbs through the skin very quickly.  This stuff is nasty. (Source)

9. DIOXANE

This carcinogenic chemical contaminates 46% of personal care products tested by the EWG.  Exposures to this impurity are linked to tumors of the liver, gallbladder, nasal cavity, lung, skin, and breast. It’s presence in cosmetics is a large concern, since it can be absorbed through the skin in toxic amounts. (Source) This impurity can be found in over 1000 ingredients.

10. FRAGRANCE OR PARFUM 

these are a mix of various scent chemicals and fragrance dispersant’s that are not disclosed on the label. They have been associated with contact dermatitis, allergies, respiratory distress and possible reproductive system effects. When a company uses “fragrance” or “parfum” in their ingredients list, we really don’t know what they are using. (Source)

11. FORMALDEHYDE

Another carcinogenic impurity found in personal care products, it is released into the air by cosmetic preservatives including diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, and sodium hydroxylmethylglycinate. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen but isn’t labeled on products. Nail Polish releases the toxic gas. (Source)

12. HEAVY METALS (LEAD, ALUMINUM, ARSENIC, NICKEL, BERYLLIUM, MERCURY, CADMIUM & NICKEL)

Impurities and contaminants of different ingredients in cosmetics can expose you to some terrible metals that bio-accumulate and cause cancer. Hydrogenated Cottonseed Oil is used in eyeliners and other care products, it is often contaminated with these heavy metals. (Source)

13. TRICLOSAN

Anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agent, it can react with free chlorine in tap water which then converts to toxic dioxins when exposed to UV light. It has been shown to bind with estrogen and androgen receptors in vitro, raising concern that it may cause developmental and reproductive harm. (Source)

14.TOLUENE

A petrochemical solvent, it is a potent neurotoxicant that acts as an irritant, impairs breathing, and causes nausea. Pregnant mothers who inhale toluene vapors can have developmental damage done to their fetus. (Source)

15. BHA (BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE)

Antioxidant and fragrance ingredient. It is carcinogenic and disrupts our endocrine systems. (Source)

If you are looking for products that do not contain these terrible ingredients, check out ourproduct reviews and our buying guides.

http://thebestorganicskincare.com/toxins-your-personal-care-products