Since we've been discussing all the basics of dating, including attraction and communication, here are some tips for you to make sure that you're always looking your best... NATURALLY! We all know beauty comes from the inside and if you're feeling good on the inside, you look your best on the outside. Here are some ways in which you can improve your mental as well as physical health to assure that you are looking the best you possibly can!
1) EAT HEALTHY. Eating healthier foods like fish, veggies and fresh fruit can not only give you more energy, but makes your skin glow and your hair shinier. You can still eat other foods, but make sure to lower your intake of fat, and refined sugar. Many foods have empty calories, so avoid them.
For glowing skin, eat: DINO KALE (the ultimate superfood containing all vitamins K, A, C, and B6 as well as calcium, iron, magnesium and potassium), PINEAPPLE (vitamin C), QUINOA (magnesium, protein), WALNUTS (omega 3s), and AVOCADO (antioxidant, vitamin K).
For healthy hair, eat: SALMON (protein, vitamin D, omega 3s), OYSTERS (zinc), SWEET POTATOES (beta carotene), EGGS (protein, zinc, selenium, sulfur and iron), and SPINACH (iron, beta carotene, folate, vitamin C).
2) CONSUME HEALTHY LIQUIDS. Making sure to take in plenty of cool water a day is essential. Water flushes away the toxins and gives your skin a natural glow. Avoid caffeine and too much alcohol.
3) RUN/ENGAGE IN CARDIO FOR 40 MINUTES - AN HOUR EACH DAY. We know this can be hard with busy schedules, but getting a morning or evening run/elliptical/dance session in not only improves your overall mood, but speeds up your metabolism. If you can't workout everyday, aim for at least 4-5 times a week. It's truly helpful.
4) MOISTURIZE YOUR SKIN DAILY, EXFOLIATE ONCE A WEEK. Moisturizing will keep skin soft and will assure beautiful skin as you age. Only exfoliate your skin once or twice a week to wake up your skin and give it a healthy glow.
5) STAND TALL WITH GREAT POSTURE. Make sure to roll your shoulders a few times to feel where they really should be. Keep your chin up. Not only does great posture improve your physical appearance, but you also internalize that confidence you feel when standing tall.
6) GET AT LEAST 7 HOURS OF SLEEP EVERY NIGHT. Pretty self explanatory. It makes all the difference.
7) TRY YOGA or YOGA POSITIONS WHEN YOU WAKE UP/BEFORE YOU GO TO BED. Here are some that you can do: Yoga Poses
7) DRINK WINE (in moderation). According to a 2011 report from the University of Florida, a polyphenol compound which is naturally found in red wine (resveratrol) may have "anti-aging, anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties." One glass of wine for women and no more than two for men per day is healthy. Wine can help delay the body's aging process.
8) PURCHASE A TONGUE BRUSH. Yes, a tongue brush. A toothbrush is designed with bristles that are only effective for brushing your teeth. A tongue brush, with its rougher surface, gets all that gunk that's left on your tongue from that garlic doused fettucini alfredo that you ate last night out of your mouth. Fresh breath is essential, and if you have bad breath despite being an avid tooth-brusher, it's because you need a tongue brush.
Hopefully these tips are helpful. And now, to end with one of my favorite Audrey Hepburn quotes...
For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others,
For beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness,
And for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.