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Category: Health and Beauty

For all of your health and beauty needs, you’ve landed at the right page! From the benefits of sunscreen to personal hygiene, we’ve got you covered.

  • A Guide on How To Curb Cravings

    Let’s Get Real: Cravings Are Annoying

    Cravings are very annoying. Extraordinarily annoying. We don’t like them, we most certainly don’t want to experience them, but, they come and they’re successful in getting us to give in. Then it results in a horrible snack turned almost meal. We might finish an entire family-sized bag of chips, a whole row of cookies, or have three slices of cake. At that moment, in the bliss of the wonderful flavors. we might not care about how much we have consumed. Afterwards, though, when the horrible craving monster exorcises itself from our minds, we feel nasty and regretful. We all know that this won’t be the last time we give in, too.

    Why Do We Get Cravings?

    There are many reasons why cravings come upon us and wreak havoc. Some of us are emotional eaters and food can be extremely comforting. Some of us eat when we get bored. Sometimes that meal we had wasn’t filling or we have to wait too long for another meal. Other times, we just have a really poor relationship with food. Whatever the reason though, that we give into our cravings, there are ways to help you easier curb them. Now, this isn’t saying that you should never have the foods that you want, it’s just that we don’t need to have them all the time. Ugly cycles start when we give into our cravings all the time.

    What Can We Do To Curb Our Cravings?

    There’s a whole lot we can do to curb our cravings. Here are eleven things you can try!

    1. If you find yourself craving sweets or salty foods, have a drink of water and wait a couple of minutes. If the craving passes, you might have just been thirsty. Good job on not giving in!
    2. Including more protein into your diet helps reduce appetite, keeps you from overeating, and keeps you satiated for longer. Eating more protein reduces cravings by up to 60% and reduces night snacking by 50%. You’re doing great on keeping that craving at bay!
    3. The feeling of craving doesn’t last forever, so, remove yourself from where the food is. Go take a shower, take a walk, do another activity away from the source. Your feeling of craving will subdue. Don’t give up!
    4. Not knowing what to eat for your meals might not go well. Planning your meals in advance will help keep you on track. Knowing what you’re going to have means you don’t have to have a whole plethora of options to choose from in spontaneity. Look at you go, keeping those cravings away!
    5. If we get hungry, we want to eat. If we get extremely hungry, cravings start happening. Hunger makes food seem even more appealing than it already is so avoid getting too hungry. Eat at the start of your hunger when you can and listen to your body when it tells you that it’s full. It’s hard to tell when you’re full though, so eat slowly and chew thoroughly, it helps.
    6. Stress eating is real. Find ways to alleviate that stress, and no, we can’t do that through food all the time. It’s not a healthy cycle to fall into. The modern day person is constantly stressed, so if we stress ate, we would probably never stop eating. Step away from the stressor for a bit, meditate, find an activity you enjoy to help with fighting the stress.

    Don’t Give In! Don’t Give Up! You Can Conquer!

    Cravings will always be there. It will always sneak up on you and you will want to give in! And, sometimes it’s okay to give in! Just remember, there are ways to help you with keeping your cravings at bay. You don’t have to let them rule you. For more information you can visit this website.

    Eat good meals. Eat wisely. Do your best out there. Stay safe!

  • Apply Sunscreen for Better Health!

    It’s important to consider daily sunscreen use. Applying sunscreen to your skin can improve its health in various ways. By preventing sunburn, reducing the risk of skin cancer, and premature aging from the sun’s UV radiation. In fact, sunscreen is beneficial for all, regardless of gender. Both men and women can benefit from using it. 

    How does UV radiation affect skin?

    Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of radiation that comes from the sun and has both pros and cons on your health. First and foremost, exposure to the sunlight is beneficial for boosting vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for healthy bones, immune system, brain, and much more. Especially important for the elderly.  Without Vitamin D, you’ll face the risk of bone weakness, bone pain, and osteoporosis. To obtain the required vitamin D, The World Health Organization (WHO) advises exposing oneself to at least 5-15 minutes of sunlight. And therefore, 2 to 3 times a week. Though, this is good, however too much exposure to sunlight is indeed harmful for skin. There are three types of UV radiation which includes UVA, UVB, and UVC depending on their size of wavelengths. The two types of UV radiation that damages skin are UVA and UVB, in which UVA is a longer wavelength that causes skin aging while UVB is a shorter wavelength causing sunburn, sunspots, to name a few.  You can learn more, by clicking on this link myclevelandclinic.org. This is why the use of sunscreen comes in handy to protect your skin from developing risk of skin cancer, sunburn, and wrinkles. 

    What Sunscreen should I be using? 

    Sunscreens you should be purchasing are with an SPF of at least 30 for daily use or 60 if you are going to spend quite a while outdoors. Therefore, you should be applying sunscreen on all parts of your skin to potential exposure to sunlight. For instance, apply sunscreen to your face, ears, back, shoulders, neck, legs, and hands. One ounce is enough to protect your skin from the harsh UV radiation. It’s also recommended to be used during cloudy days because though the sun may be hiding behind clouds, the sun UV rays can pass through them impacting your skin.

    If you want to prevent premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer – sunscreens are your protector barrier!

    Sources:

    1. https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/radiation/ultraviolet.htm#:~:text=UV%20exposure%20increases%20the%20risk,cancer%20in%20the%20United%20States
    2. Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine | Johns Hopkins Medicine
    3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10985-ultraviolet-radiation

  • The Importance of Sunscreen in Beauty Care

    Sunscreen is one of the essential elements of the cosmetic care. Not just for easy and safe use, it protects your skin in health and beauty. Sunscreen contains an element referred to as the Sun Protection Factor, which estimates the ability to block out UVB rays that lead to sunburns and skin damage. In addition, broad-spectrum sunscreens extend this protection to UVA rays, which are known to contribute to skin aging and cancer. The dual-action defense of this sunscreen illustrates its importance in preserving the intactness and youthfulness of the skin (Chien, 2023).

    The choice of an accurate SPF level plays a major role in the effectiveness of sunscreen use. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30 cream for everyday common activity to be safe. In cases of long-term exposure, such as in recreational and work activities, a SPF of 60 or more would be better. Individuals generally tend not to apply enough sunscreen (especially with low SPF), so the higher SPF helps provide adequate protection. One should understand the balance between sunscreen protection and the sunlight’s necessity in vitamin D synthesis with the correct sunscreen application approach (Chien, 2023).

    Proper application of sunscreen determines its efficacy. Approximately one (1) ounce should be applied over the exposed areas, including the neck, arms and legs; it’s fine to use less than a half teaspoon over the facial areas of the face and neck. Therefore, one should regularly apply sunscreen every two hours and even more often if one swims or sweats a lot. Particularly during incidental sun exposure, like a short walk during working hours, it is always necessary to maintain skin protection.

    Nevertheless, it is important to note that although sunscreen can protect against different hazards, it is not a comprehensive preventive measure. Adding other protective measures like wearing wide-brimmed hats, sun glasses, and clothes covering the skin and seeking shade increases the defensive shield against negative sun effects. These complementary strategies serve skin safety and aesthetic appeal, emphasizing the need for holistic sun protection (Chien, 2023).

    Therefore, it is important to include sunscreen in one’s daily beauty routine for many reasons besides aesthetics and health. Its function goes beyond seasons and becomes among the yearly necessities for glowing and healthy skin. Taking care of the skin includes the conscientious usage of sunscreen and other preventive tactics, which are fundamental to overall wellness and reflect the harmonious relationship between health and beauty.

  • Personal Hygiene: The Key to Health and Beauty

    Personal hygiene is one of the basic requirements for good health and beauty that acts like a shield from numerous diseases and sicknesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2022), consistent body cleaning is one of the most effective ways of preventing disease transmission. One of the best ways of minimizing the risk of frequent diarrhea, colds, flu, and even COVID-19 is to wash hands often. People ignore that simple act of hand washing, yet it is vital to one’s health.

    Personal hygiene entails more than just cleanliness. This includes handwashing after using the toilet, continuous oral hygiene and covering the sneeze or cough. If these hygienic measures are overlooked, they may result in respiratory infections, skin conditions, and deadly illnesses such as COVID-19 and gastroenteritis. Additionally, Holland (2018) observes that good personal hygiene affects physical health and how individuals view themselves and their social interactions, leading to improved self-esteem.

    Regular bathing remains one of the most essential aspects of personal hygiene, as it helps fight body lice and other infections. It is important to thoroughly clean all body parts, especially with appropriate products like soaps or hypoallergenic washes for sensitive areas (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, (2022). Finally, controlling body smell is also one form of hygienic management, which involves bathing or showering regularly, drying the skin well and using deodorants/antiperspirants when necessary. Taken together, one person’s appearance and health are determined.

    Personal hygiene plays a major role in health and beauty care, summing up all said. It goes beyond vanity and looks after well-being and self-confidence. Good health is rooted in personal hygiene, equally vital for an overall beauty regime. This practice improves one’s general wellness, as it boosts health and aids in developing confidence in one’s skin.

  • The Sun Isn’t Always Our Friend

    I love going out and feeling the sun against my skin. The warmth and comfort that the sun brings my skin is always a wonderful experience for me. Not to mention, it is a great way to make sure you get your dose of vitamin D.  Sadly, the sun isn’t always our friend. Too much sun exposure can have negative effects. Let’s discuss what some of these negative effects are and what we can do to prevent them.

    We’ve all heard of UV rays by now but what are they? UV rays are ultraviolet light radiation that can harm our skin. The negative effects of exposure to UV rays through sun, tanning beds, and other UV sources can cause not only various degrees of sun/skin burn but also cancer. This is because UV rays affect your skin cells and DNA which in turn can lead to skin cancer. It is also important to know that UV rays are not only the strongest during the summer, they’re still very much present throughout the year. UV rays reflect off surfaces like snow and sand and can still affect you during cloudy or colder days! Weather channels and apps on our devices now tell us the UV index, which is key to understanding how low or high they are. This is why sunscreen is your bestie all year long.

    Sunscreen Is Your Bestie!

    Sunscreen provides all sorts of benefits for your skin! It prevents sunburns, skin cancer, and premature aging. Who doesn’t want to stay youthful looking? You’ll often see sunscreen products with a “30 SPF”-”60 SPF” label on it. SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and as you can assume, the higher the SPF value, the more protection your skin will receive. For those of us who wear makeup with SPF, it alone is usually not enough to provide protection and it’s often recommended that we double up with regular sunscreen. Remember to always reapply every couple of hours especially on days when you’re outdoors! Have safe fun in the sun!

    Read more about our health, beauty tips and skincare product recommendations!

  • Curbing Your Cravings, Challenging But Not Impossible!

    The members of Kindly, Beautiful aim to be open and honest with all of you, our audience. This particular topic is one that I personally struggle with and if we’re being honest, many of us do. Full disclosure, my family health history consists of members that have struggled with diabetes. It is one of the many reasons that I make an effort to watch what I eat, the amount, and always try to make time for any sort of exercise. It’s important to acknowledge that food isn’t bad, even the extra sweet, extra savory foods that we hold close to our hearts. Problems usually arise when we lose control over how much we have and how sedentary our lifestyle can be.

    We all experience cravings, it’s natural, but let’s discuss healthy ways to curb them and why they pop up in the first place!

    According to research, cravings can stem from an imbalance of your hunger hormones which are often a result of stress, poor sleep, diet, and lack of exercise. Targeting these issues can be a great start to curbing cravings. Another great tip is to increase the amount of fiber in your meals. The order in which you eat your meal has an effect on your bodily reaction too! Fiber aids in slowing down digestion and helps reduce glucose levels. Research suggests that we eat our vegetables first! This is something that my mom has always suggested but I thought it was a myth. Staying hydrated also helps avoid unnecessary cravings as thirst and hunger cues can be mistaken by your body!

    Finally, make time to plan meals if you can! Take fiber and protein into consideration as they help you feel and stay full. Keep heavily processed foods and snacks out of your kitchen or home so you don’t feel tempted to have more than you should. Most important of all, don’t skip meals! Hunger is a sign that your body needs nutrients and energy so don’t neglect it. Remember, it’s ok to give into a craving here and there, never feel guilty for doing so but make an effort to avoid over consumption! Take care of your body and the rest will follow.

  • Balancing Act: How to Juggle a Healthy Lifestyle with a Busy Schedule | Through Quick and Nutritious Meals

    Hey y’all, we’re She Ate Dat and we’re collaborating with Kindly Beautiful. I’m sure most of us want to be healthy but always say we don’t have enough time. Well, we’re here to help. Not talking about going straight to exercising but taking steps starting from the inside. Your gut. A healthy meal doesn’t have to be time consuming or take over your morning routine. Here are some recipes and tips to balance your busy schedule to jumpstart a healthier lifestyle.

    First off meal prep. Some might say it’s too much work starting to cook most of the meal just to finish another day but it really does help. More than anything, you don’t necessarily have to start an actual meal to meal prep. If you know most of your recipes will call for diced onions, chopped bell peppers or any other cut up vegetable you’re gonna want to cut them up in bulk and freeze them. This way for any upcoming meals you won’t have to spend any extra time cutting up the veggies.

    Overnight Oats Recipe | Starting Breakfast at Night

    Overnight Oats are a game changer for those who have a busy morning schedule. Recipe courtesy of Feel Good Foodie.

    Ingredients

    • Oats
    • Milk

    Optional Add Ons

    • Chia seeds
    • Vanilla extract
    • Sweetener

    Instructions

    Combine equal parts milk and oats in a jar until the mixture is a smooth and creamy texture. Store your fridge for two hours or overnight. It’s literally that easy.

    Leave Dinner at the Stove

    Now for dinner we’re gonna cheat a little bit. If you refer back to our Kick You In The Mouth Spicy Crispy Chicken, it’s a great meal that shouldn’t take more than 30 minutes to make especially when you implement the meal prep method from before.

  • Mastering Your Cravings: A Guide to Healthy Living

    One major challenge in pursuing healthy lifestyles revolves around controlling food cravings. Sudden cravings for some particular foodstuffs may undermine all the endeavors we make to observe healthy dieting. Understanding and maintaining control of these wants is vital to facilitating weight loss and providing complete health care.

    Experts at Penn Medicine say that cravings have nothing to do with hunger, are emotional, and are based on the environment. As a result, people might crave comfort food during periods of stress or boredom (Penn Medicine, 2019). Healthline recommends that having a plan on what you will eat can be very helpful in dealing with such cravings. This translates into knowledge of what you eat and when. If this is practiced, it becomes hard to eat on impulse (Penn Medicine, year).

    As stated by WebMed, another way to control the intake of junk foods is by avoiding stocking them at home (Zelman, 2023). That means you tend to eat less; you need easy access to sugary or fatty food items. Instead, you could replace them with fruits, nuts or even yogurt to achieve the same satisfaction but sans guilt.

    From my experience, water can be of great help in combating cravings. Our body may sometimes misinterpret thirst for hunger. A glass of water when hungry can be refreshing and help one determine what they still want after five minutes.

    Adding additional protein to your meals will assist as well; they make you satiated with fewer cravings in between by including protein-rich foods that take a long time to digest in their regime. Another report published on Health Line revealed that taking proteins helped reduce cravings by sixty percent while cutting down hunger pangs by around fifty percent (Bjarnadottir, 2016).

    Food craving management is key to healthy living. Knowing what lies beneath our desires, we can make informed, deliberate decisions that will help us make better choices. Just keep in mind that that does not mean starvation, every little stride gets you closer to achieving a better and healthier lifestyle you would be proud of. Keep up your spirits and embark on a healthy path with confidence and optimism.

  • Get Yourself A Good Night Sleep For Better Skin & Health

    Getting enough sleep is essential for your health. Without a good night’s rest, you won’t have the ability to function throughout your day. You’ll just feel too tired. Not well focused. And probably not in your best mood. Well, besides these effects from lack of sleep – let’s bring you the bright side of good quality sleep. Did you know good quality sleep contributes to healthier skin?

    If not, here is why. 

    Get Seven to Nine Hours of Rest: 

    Try to at least get recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. You do your skin a favor, especially your health. There are times indeed when life makes it a challenge for whatever reasons but it’s important to set a routine you can stick to prevent mental and physical effects on your health. Being sleep deprived is not fun and common effects on physical appearance include dark circles, under-eye bags, swollen eyes, and puffiness to name a few. In addition, physical health includes the risk of obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Therefore, mental health can worsen if you are not getting sufficient sleep and these include anxiety, depression, confusion, behavior changes, and stress. 

    Boost Brighter Appearance:

    Though a good skincare routine plays a vital role in maintaining a youthful complexion, not getting the sufficient hours of sleep (7-9 hours) reduces the results of healthier skin. Sleep is the best time for skin to repair, especially the body to heal itself. During sleep, blood flow is increased allowing skin to rejuvenate from day’s exposure to ultraviolet radiation, which damages DNA skin cells and the risk of skin cancer, for instance. What’s more? Good quality sleep boosts collagen production, reduces breakouts, improves clearer skin, moisturizes skin, and more.

    Do your best to get to bed early! Sleep well! 

    Sources:

    1. Kendra Cherry, Mse. (2023, January 23). How sleep affects mental health. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/how-sleep-affects-mental-health-4783067#:~:text=Mood%20Changes,-Not%20getting%20enough&text=We’re%20more%20likely%20to,don’t%20get%20enough%20sleep.

    2. Shens. (2022, July 22). Why does lack of sleep cause bags under eyes?. Shens Clinic. https://shensclinic.com/why-does-lack-of-sleep-cause-bags-under-eyes/

  • Healthy Eating and Beauty

    The most common description of a deep, restful sleep is “beauty sleep,” this means that a well-rested person will feel much better, and their skin will be more radiant and youthful than the day before. Unlike making you feel better, it makes you look better.

    The body releases hormones that aid in cell reproduction and repair once you go to bed, for example, growth hormone. It is essential to ensure that one maintains healthy skin and looks young (Santos, 2020). In addition, a person who has enough sleep has lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and appears calm and glowing.

    Aside from hormones, sleep is also involved with the body’s hydration mechanism. Insufficient sleep may dislocate the fluid equilibrium, resulting in swollen eye bags, skin dryness, and clearer fissures. A good night’s worth of sleep is imperative in maintaining this equilibrium and improving your beauty naturally.

    Moreover, sleep also influences how hair looks since Inadequate sleep can cause a lot of psychological pressure, leading to dry locks and thinning hair. Maintaining a good sleep regime goes a long way in maintaining healthy and shiny hair since beautiful hair is significant.

    The benefits of sleep also include its influence on one’s psychological health. The National Institute of Health (2018) posits that a relaxed mind reduces anxiety, which makes one have a happy face (National Institute of Health, 2018). Further, this enhances beauty, and our moods and spirits are expressed through our bodies. Our insides being naturally beautiful after enough rest could make us more good-looking and self-confident.

    Lastly, sleep is an integral part of any beauty regimen. It promotes skin and hair wellness, reduces stress, and offers optimum fluid intake. Thus, it becomes a routine for you to invest in your beauty.