On any given day, do you find yourself contemplating frolicking in the pumpkins, but you fear having to take a sinus shot or you find that you've forgotten your asthma pump at home?
In this blog we are going to tackle 4 natural remedies to reduce your allergy, sinus, and asthma symptoms!
Click to "read more"!
]]>1. Sweater Weather and Fall Fragrances
2. PSL and Warm Apple Cider
3. Pumpkin Patches and Apple Orchards
4. Nature Walks and Fall Foliage, and
5. Bonfires and Warm Blankets.
Along with season favorites comes the looming fears of fluctuating humidity levels and temperature changes, resulting in the infamous sinus infections, sinus pressure, allergy, and allergic asthma.
In preparation for the Fall and Winter, I've put together a list of 4 natural remedies to lessen the impact of your seasonal sinuses, allergies, and asthma.
1. Bee Pollen: this naturally sweet immunity booster packs a strong punch in a tiny package. It supports high energy levels, improves allergy, sinus and asthma symptoms, and supplies a of protein, vitamins and essential minerals.
2. Propolis: Simply put, like Bee Pollen and Honey, Propolis is a product of resin collected from plants and trees and fortified with vitamins and minerals by bees!
3.Turmeric and Ginger : Two main ingredients of our Latte Mix, are anti-inflammatory agents with allergy, cold, and sinus relief qualities. Turmeric improves nasal airflow, and Ginger provides a spice element to open your nasal cavities and alleviate nausea. Try them both in our Turmeric Latte Mix!
4. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water or warm Matcha Tea thins mucus and aids in the draining process.
If you learned something new, or if you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>Click "read more" for my take on these concerns!
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There have been many discussions questioning the long-term health of Millennials, as a result of:
1. Depression
2. Anxiety
3. Stress, and
4. Obesity levels.
Several articles predict that our health will be worse than our Baby Boomer parents, once we reach middle age.
Like many health-conscious Millennials, I feel that there is a lot that can be said about our relentless determination and our dutiful attention to our bodies. As survivors of multiple life-changing experiences, we've cultivated ways to thrive amidst misnomers such as “being entitled and lazy”, forged new paths to success, and worked tirelessly to fight against social injustice.
We continue showing up despite our over-arching student loan debt, toxic work environments, and overwhelming pressures to be perfect. We defeat feelings of isolation and burnout, to maintain hyperactive production levels and forgo our body’s natural impulse to rest.
Though powerful beings, we do have our shortcomings. Outside of fighting to save the world, we may have unhealthy ways of coping with our stress and anxiety. For instance, excessive alcohol consumption, vaping, over-indulging in unhealthy foods, and a poor sleep schedule.
Still, Millennials are the generation responsible for the recent spike in the wellness industry. Not only are we leading in prioritizing our mental and physical health, but with the help of WebMD, we are learning what makes our bodies tick and inspiring a new wave of health practices.
Despite the extenuating circumstances we've faced, we've explored healthier ways of coping via natural remedies, exercise, alternate reality communities - aka “fan fiction” groups and acquiring hobbies like gardening.
If you are like me, since 2020, my plant, herb, and essential oil collections have grown 3-fold. I've journaled more in the last year than I have in the last 5 years of my life, and I've learned more ways to improve my health and our Planet!
Ultimately, through this blog I hope to uplift and inspire a generation of trailblazers who don't recent enough credit, and encourage you to continue seeking wellness for yourself. As Madame Dionne Warwick stated, "Keep smiling. Keep shining. Knowing you can always count on me. For sure! That's what friends are for!"
If you are a Millennial and you felt empowered after reading today's blog, leave a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Love Always,
Lisa
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Fortunately, there is a green solution to this problem, but first, you must click to "read more"!
]]>Spring is only a hop, skip, and a jump away, and with it comes warmer temperatures, spring cleaning, lawn maintenance, insects, and Spring showers to kick things up a notch.
Simply put, Spring represents an increase in indoor allergens and air pollutants, like dust, Pollen, Benzene, Cigarette Smoke, Formaldehyde, Radon, Carbon Monoxide, and Carbon Dioxide. Fortunately, there is a green solution to this problem!
Here are 4 of the best plants to improve your home’s air quality.
Despite being cute, compact pops of color, Gerber Daisies are prefect for detoxifying your home and converting Carbon Dioxide into Oxygen while you sleep. (This is a win-win, especially since we're adjusting to Daylight Savings and for those who battle with sleep apnea).
This spiky plant puts in work to remove Benzene and Trichloroethylene (TCE) from indoor air. These chemicals are known to irritate skin, eyes and sinuses, and are released mostly from chemicals used in dry cleaning, inks, paints, fuel, and detergents.
Janet is a beast at metabolizing Benzene, Formaldehyde - a chemical typically released through emissions from upholstery, mattresses, and wood furnishings, and TCE. However, keep her away from your pets as she is highly toxic to fur-babies.
The motto for 2021 was, "where the what...where the money resides", and you can get there with the Money Plant aka Golden Pothos. Golden Pothos thrives at reducing Carbon Monoxide, Toulene, Xylene, Formaldehyde, and Benzene from the air.
Fun Fact: There should be a plant every 100 square feet of your home or office to fully detoxify and improve your indoor air quality. Based on the average home, that’s about 12 to 25 plants.
If you learned something new, or if you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Love Always,
Lisa
Each year, as we approach the change, I always have the most nerve-wracking dream that I am back in high school. At the sound of my alarm, I wake up in a disorientated frenzy thinking I’ve overslept and I am running late for “1st period”...
Click to "Read More"!
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What is it about Daylight Savings that brings out the worst in us?
Each year, as we approach the change, I always have the most nerve-wracking dream that I am back in high school. At the sound of my alarm, I wake up in a disorientated frenzy thinking I’ve overslept and I am running late for “1st period”. After a quick scan of the room, the deafening snores from my husband, and a few brief moments to process everything, I realize “it was all a dream”. Read on, if you also battle with sleep inertia and loopiness in the morning!
Sleep inertia is the grogginess and reluctance that slaps you in the face most Monday mornings, resulting from your weekend agenda and late-night binge sessions. The outcome is several “Snooze” taps, immediately followed by the realization that you’ve overslept, ninja hopping out the bed, then doing the “one shoe on, one shoe off” shuffle out the door.
Abrupt changes to your sleep pattern will disturb your circadian rhythm - the internal clock that wakes us at sunrise and knocks us out at dusk, and may result in permanent damage to your sleeping schedule. This schedule, in perfect harmony, is a balance of melatonin and cortisol produced by the brain when the sunsets and sunrises.
Studies show, the effects of daylight savings time, though beneficial for a more eco-friendly environment, lead to weight gain, emotional imbalance, an increase in auto accidents, and an average of 40 minutes of lost sleep. Insufficient hydration, inconsistent sleep schedules, and alcohol consumption also trigger sleep inertia and negatively impact your circadian rhythm.
With daylight savings time right around the corner, these next 5 tips will be your saving grace.
This shaggy white mushroom reduces impairment to the cognitive system and alleviates depression, stress, and anxiety; which are our body's initial response to the sudden "DST" change.
Get in at least 15-30 minutes of hardcore exertion at least 2 hours before your bedtime, this prevents cortisol production at bedtime and fosters enhanced sleep quality.
At the start of your morning, have a breakfast smoothie chocked full of dark leafy greens, Moringa Powder, a banana (rich in Magnesium), and 1-2 servings of your favorite fruits for an energy boost and mood balancer to carry you through the morning.
For more consistent and less painstaking results leading up to "DST", try waking 15-20 minutes earlier until you arrive at your goal.
Magnesium possesses traits that nurture the natural sleep cycle, improve your metabolism, and lower stress levels. For prime results, the average person should aim for 300 to 400 mg of Magnesium per day through normal consumption and by applying our Magnesium Body Butter.
Over time, if unaddressed, disturbances to your circadian rhythm may prompt memory loss, weight gain, frequent headaches, and emotional imbalance, leading up to heart disease.
If you learned something new, or if you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Love Always,
Lisa
In light of this week’s acts of disruption, unadulterated hatred, and regressive reactions, I was led to revise today’s blog and address 4 natural herbs to stimulate positive energy restoration and emotional healing.
As countless others, what I’ve witnessed over the past year has evoked a mix of emotions – mainly those of sympathetic and empathetic decent. What has gotten me through the toughest moments, has been our interactive platform and the following herbal remedies.
Basically, each herb possesses the essential qualities for holistic health and wellness, even beyond the stated reasons. May you use these herbs to aid in your mental restoration and self-preservation efforts, protect your energy, and pass this along to a friend!
If you learned something new, or if you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
*I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.*
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>Not only did 2020 whip us into shape, but it refined our skill sets and forced us out of our comfort zones.
Hopefully, you completed your 2021 vision board, but if not I will outline 6 areas to jumpstart your goal planning!
Click "read more" for the inside scoop!
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The New Year is finally here, and despite the challenges faced in 2020, I know greater is He who is within me than he that is in the world!
Not only did 2020 whip us into shape, but it refined our skill sets and forced us out of our comfort zones.
Hopefully, you completed your 2021 vision board, but if not I will outline 6 areas to jumpstart your goal planning!
Self-care. This is the most important step. “You cannot pour from an empty cup”. This is the best investment you can make for yourself, and gain self-awareness in the process. Ask yourself 'what does self-care look like?'
Self-Reflections. Write down your life story as it is today, then write out the success story you've envisioned for yourself. How do you get there? What relationships do you need to build? What degree must you acquire? What promotion would best prepare you for your desired path to success?
Financial Wellbeing. How are you preparing for your future beyond today? The aftermath of 2020 was job losses, depleted savings, foreclosures, family growths and losses, marriages, and divorces. What are you doing today to rebuild your financial position?
Hobbies. Do at least one thing for yourself each week. Whether that is binge-watching your Netflix faves, dusting off your knitting/crochet hooks, reading a book, or playing recreational sports. Whatever it is, spend at least 15-30 mins per day doing what you love.
Learn a new skill. If nothing else, 2020 taught us to become multi-faceted. Before launching Innovate Green, my background spanned the width of Finance with a sprinkle of wellness in my spare time. Since launching my brand, I've developed a plethora of skills and experiences that will transcend into my future roles.
I challenge you to use this information to craft your roadmap for success in 2021 and beyond, and tag us on social media (@HelloInnovateGreen - FB | @InnovateGreen - IG) with your top 3 areas of opportunity.
If you loved this week’s blog, leave me a comment below! Also, don’t forget to share this with others! If you have a question or topic you would like explored, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at Lisa@InnovateGreenLLC.com!
Love Always and Happy New Year,
Lisa
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“Alright, already the show goes on all night. ‘Til the morning we dream so long...”
What a year! There were killer Hornets; giant flying spiders; Quarantine DJ's and dope Verzuz battles. Every day was pajama day at the office/living room. Zoom and TikTok took the world by storm. Estranged castmates and artists were reunited. Beyonce continued providing healing and empowerment through music. Everyone converted to a vegan lifestyle.
All in all, we survived this year's up and downs. Now it's time to prep for bigger and better in 2021!
Today, we're giving you 6 safe ways to welcome in 2021.
1. Journal Your Resolutions
Journaling provides in-depth answers for personal development. Through it comes revelation about our truest self, personalized health goals, and plans for business and personal growth. If you're looking for the best daily journals for 2021, be sure to snag one here.
2. Redesign, Reinvent, Renew
As we've learned in 2020, you never know when you might face the very tasks you've been putting off for years. It could be repainting, decluttering, or redesigning your home.
I, too, am guilty of it. My husband and I took on the task of painting the upper level of our home. Two years later and we've yet to finish the 2nd coat. I’ll be the first to tell you that seeing those unfinished walls, every day, for the first couple of months of quarantine will drive anyone to face the hand cramps.
Though, for you, change might mean something less extreme. Even the slightest change (adding an indoor plant, new home care and decor items, or wall art) can make the biggest impact.
3. Give Your Social Life a Facelift
Experiment with hobbies and organizations in alignment with your interests. Detox your inner and outer circle(s) of those who might be a hindrance to you. This is not to be translated as acquiring more “Yes Men/Women”, but rather enhancing your accountability circle.
If you don’t have a mentor or a group of individuals with similar ambitions who help make you better and vice versa, then it is time to expand your network.
Adopt hobbies that improve your mental wellness. Don’t go into the New Year with the same problems or baggage from 2020.
4. Set The Mood with Aromatherapy
Olfaction is linked to enhanced positivity and sweet memories. Warm, calming scents not only boost your energy, they also soothe your mind and help wind you down after a long, stressful day.
Introducing your space to scented candles and fragrant essential oils are important for overall wellness.
6. Give Your Skin a Makeover
Before you book those New Year photoshoots, detox your skin from this year's impurities.
Pour into your skin what you want out of it. If you want a healthy, ageless glow, and a balanced complexion, give your skin a personalized skincare regimen. You will find the best products in our skincare collection.
If you have questions about what to use, be sure to check out our blogs on the 5 major skin conditions and the best treatment methods.
Ultimately, the goal for 2021 is to do the opposite of what was done going into 2020. Make sure you eat a plate of beans, something green, and some cornbread for good luck. Don’t wash or sweep in the New Year, you could be cleaning someone out of your life permanently.
On a more serious note, I pray that you will have the most epic celebration of the New Year in the safest way possible. May 2021 bring you much mental clarity, peace, prosperity, and happiness!
If you loved this week’s blog and you learned something new, leave me a comment below! Also, don’t forget to share this with others! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.
Love Always,
Lisa
Like 30% of shoppers, I have completed less than half of my shopping list.
Feel empowered to complete your holiday shopping in no time with our list of gift ideas for every budget.
Click "read more" for the details!
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“Christmas time is here. Happiness and cheer.”
Heading into the 3rd week of December, we've found at least 30% of shoppers have completed less than half of their shopping list. This is due to the lack of motivation towards gift shopping, having a lower spending budget than usual, or anxiety towards facing crowds. Whatever your situation may be, we have 6 options that will give you peace of mind, meet your budget requirements, and keep you safe.
Variety Coffee Bean - Pack of 4
This savory retreat is the perfect gift for novice and veteran coffee connoisseurs. All coffee bean orders are roasted to order and shipped within 24 hours of roasting to preserve freshness and provide a custom for your tastes! Choose from light or medium roasted ground or whole coffee beans. Each bag consists of 6oz of specialty coffee with origins ranging from Colombia, El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. All of which are roasted to order and shipped within 24 hours of roasting to preserve freshness.
An all-inclusive set composed of mental wellness essentials, necessary for winding down and locating your happy place. Plan out your self-care journey; uplift yourself with encouraging stickers; and color to melt the stress away.
Similar to our Self-care Gift Set, our daily journals help you work through life’s toughest and brightest moments. File through memories of the day with thought-provoking prompts, self-care tips and inspirational messages, while deepening your knowledge of self.
Select from Holiday themed, custom cut holiday cards, and share the Holiday Cheer. These cards are hand-drawn on matte cardstock, then paired with brown recycled envelopes for a sustainable holiday card option.
Check out our collection of stocking stuffers for wellness gurus, environmental enthusiasts, and self-care advocates, alike. Pick from petite traditional and non-traditional items to warm the hearts of those around you.
Innovate Green's Digital Gift Card
Because we are serious about our impact on the environment, we also offer digital gift cards to fulfill your most intricate gift shopping needs. Select card limits from $25 and up, and give the gift of selection.
Of course, these are not all of the items we have available for your Christmas shopping needs. We offer a plethora of sustainable gift options throughout our store.
If you loved this week’s blog and you learned something new, leave me a comment below! Also, don’t forget to share this with others! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.
Happy Shopping!
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>Click "read more" for our wellness must haves!
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I'm sure we can all agree, social distancing and wearing a mask during the holidays is complicated; especially when all you want to do is share a meal, a game/movie night, and laughs with family and friends. (#YOLO, right?)
Wrong! Now, I'm not here to steal your shine, but ICYMI the news, rates are at an all-time high. Not to tell you what to do or anything, but keep reading to figure out what you could do to help us get back on track.
In addition to wearing your mask (above your nose and over your mouth - especially when talking), wash your hands, social distance, and add immune-boosting vitamins and minerals into your diet.
I have taken the liberty of compiling a list of items, shown below, that may protect you and your family's immune systems and help ward off sicknesses.
Elderberry Syrup me please! Elderberries are proven to reduce the effects of common cold, flu, and other respiratory symptoms while shortening the length of these illnesses. It also acts as a decongestant, an antiviral, and an immunity booster. For the best results, opt for Elderberry products made with Elderberry extract, and take them at the onset of a cold or the flu.
Garlic, a staple in the kitchen for its flavor-enhancing qualities, is also a natural remedy for a host of issues. It improves cholesterol levels, treats coughs, fights colds, lowers blood pressure, and much more. For optimum results, use in its purest form or allow Garlic to age.
Black Seed Oil works wonders in reducing allergies, sinuses, high blood pressure, and diabetes. It also improves the immune system and restores hair growth. For enhanced strength in boosting the immune system, pair with Garlic.
Echinacea Root is well-known and commonly used to boost the immune system, fight aches attached to the common cold and flu, reduce the effect of upper respiratory diseases, ward off infections, relieve sore throat and fever, and cure some forms of cancer.
Turmeric improves our body's ability to remove free radicals and toxins. However, alone, it is not fully absorbed by the body and will flow through our digestive tract. To receive optimal benefits, it must be taken with Black Pepper, which is rich in Piperine - a component that aids in the digestion of Turmeric.
Lastly, Ginger, a powerful anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal, is noted for its ability to alleviate cold and cough symptoms and enhance digestion.
Remember, the best cure is early detection, mindfulness, and preventative maintenance. Listen to your body’s signals, and act fast!
If you loved this week’s blog and you learned something new, leave me a comment below! Also, don’t forget to share this with others! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
*I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.*
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>It’s about to go down! We are 6 days away from Thanksgiving Day, and that much closer to tasting some of our Thanksgiving Dinner favorites!
If you are excited, then click that "read more" button.
]]>“I’ve got beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes, chicken, turkey, dressing...you name it”!
It’s about to go down! We are 6 days away from Thanksgiving Day, and that much closer to tasting some of our Thanksgiving Dinner favorites! Although this year’s dinner may look slightly different, I can’t fight the feeling of excitement as I reminisce about the warmth this time of year brings.
Just last year, the mention of Thanksgiving Dinner invoked mixed feelings of anxiety and excitement as the family’s best cooks began prepping, weeks in advance, for the most epic Thanksgiving meal ever.
Fortunately, this year’s turnout is looking more like 1 to 2 days of preparation. Not to mention, the lighter crowds offer more autonomy for the chef to cook healthier options. So, without further ado, let’s get into these cooking oils.
A great meal is only as good as the oil or fat its cooked in. Typical cooking oils are Butter, Margarine, Canola Oil, Vegetable Oil, or Extra Virgin Olive Oil. None of which are created equal. Each performs best at their melting points, and produces a different flavor than the other. Some lack in health benefits, while others seem to carry the weight of others on the nutrition scale. Plus, there are oils that leave tons of room for more sustainable options.
When it comes to oils, there are some underlying methods of oil production that might be stripping our ecosystem of necessary minerals and crops. Some require increased water utilization. Others limit viable water sources due to contamination caused by pesticides. Then there's the concern of unfair labor or labor laws and the depletion of non-renewable resources.
The best solutions are opting for organic, fair trade, cold-pressed, unrefined, and pure oils. Otherwise, we face the possibility that our oil consumption may hinder our health and the health of planet Earth.
To absorb the most benefits when cooking with oils and fats, we must observe the saturated fat levels present in each oil type to make sure it is on track with your recommended daily intake of saturated fats. Too much saturated fat may work against any health benefits and pronounce negative effects, like high cholesterol, weight gain, heart disease, high blood pressure, and other health-related problems. These fats are found more so in butter, margarine (solid form), Ghee, Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Animal Fat, and any oil or fat that is naturally solid at room temperature.
A safe rule of thumb when using fats and oils is consuming 10% or less of your daily calories as Saturated and Trans Fat, and keeping your total daily fat consumption between 25-30% of your daily calories. This amount includes Polyunsaturated and Monounsaturated fats, which lower bad cholesterol levels, reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, and arterial damage, and promote healthy brain functions and cell growth.
Oils with higher Polyunsaturated Fat levels are Walnut, Safflower, Hemp Seed, Sunflower, Corn, Soybean, Chia Seed, and Flaxseed Oils. Oils rich in Monounsaturated fat are Peanut, Safflower, Canola, Avocado, Olive, Sunflower, and Sesame Oils.
Fun fact, oils from plant sources contain no cholesterol and are less likely to contain saturated fats. I’m not trying to convince you to go vegan or anything, but it does have its benefits.
Keep in mind, oil intake levels may vary based on one's age, sex, and physical activeness. Most women, 18 and up, should consume no more than 5 to 6 teaspoons of oil daily. Whereas men, 18 and up, may consume 6 to 7 teaspoons of oil daily.
If you loved this week’s blog and you learned something new, leave me a comment below, and don't forget to share this with others who are unsure of the best oils for their dietary needs! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
*I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.*
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>If you or someone you know has been experiencing these feeling, click to read more and share this blog with them.
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“Just one of them days, when I wanna be all alone. Just one of them days, when I gotta be all alone.”
Depression, uncontrolled, is the gateway to a plethora of mental health disorders and physical illnesses. It is infamous for producing a lack of interest or emotion towards something or someone that used to incite feelings of excitement and enjoyment.
Let’s be honest. Living through 2020 has been a highly traumatic experience. From start to finish, 2020 feels like it was written by Stephen King and Jordan Peele, then directed by Quentin Tarantino.
Jobs were lost. Lives were lost. A city almost burned down. The Big "C" was and is wreaking havoc. Social injustice is rampant. To top it off, what should've only taken 1 day, turned into a 5-day election. In sum, 2020 has given all of the "whew chile, the ghet-to" vibes.
Since March, the band-aid to our gaping wound has been uplifting quotes and inspirational messages working diligently to snap us out of our lull. Through it all, I've discovered the best coping tactic is being fully present in those emotions, briefly, then reflecting on ways to heal naturally. In doing so, I discovered enlightenment and learned how to conquer the noise.
Similar to other mental health disorders, depression is best tackled once you have determined the catalyst.
Today's biggest contributors to depression are major life changes, chronic illness, medication, genetics, physical pain, abuse, and deteriorating mental health. These issues are known to result in rage, sadness, isolation, loss of hope, self-hate, self-pity, other mental illnesses, or worse - death.
In addition to the emotional aspect of depression, researchers uncovered changes in the brains of those who are and have battled depression. For instance, signs of memory loss, loss of focus, and an influx in cortisol production - the stress hormone.
Depression and stress have similar triggers and may lead to overeating, loss of appetite, insomnia, or fatigue. If, untreated long-term, depression will even stitch itself into your DNA.
Repressing your emotions out of fear impairs the process of recovery. A common approach when struggling with mental health is to busy oneself with work or projects, avoid feelings, abuse of unhealthy substances, isolation from others, or total disregard of other's emotions.
To overcome depression you must come to terms with those feelings. Afterward, the next step is seeking revelation. This is achieved by allowing yourself time to process your emotions and what caused them, then journaling daily to understand your body and what soothes those feelings of distress.
Exercising, spending time in nature, setting daily goals or priorities, building new traditions with family or friends, learning a new skill, taking on a new hobby, prioritizing your self-care needs, or seeking the assistance of a professional are all ways to improve your state of mind.
Maybe you know someone who is dealing with depression, and you are uncertain how you should offer support. Hosting a virtual game night with them, offering an ear when they need it, letting them know that you care, holding them accountable to their treatment plans, and being patient is the best support.
Though I am not a mental health professional, every bit of what I wrote resonated with me. Despite choosing to be optimistic and happy, there are days when we all have to take a step back and regroup.
If you could relate to this week’s blog or you learned something new, leave me a comment below! And don’t forget to share this with others who may be struggling with feelings of depression! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave a comment, or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>Him: “The thermostat is already on 85F...”
If you can relate, click that "Read More" button to join the discussion!
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Me shouting beneath 10 blankets and a comforter: “Babe can we please turn the heat up?”
Him: “The thermostat is already at 85F...”
I have never tested for iron deficiency, but I have experienced each of the following symptoms at one point in my life. I've had the random episodes of weakness, chills, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, heart palpitations, chest pains, and cravings. To which, my immediate thought is always, “OMG I’m prego!”
As my husband and I approach our 3-year mile marker of marriage, I am often faced with the questions: “Where’s the baby?” or “ When are you two going to have a little one?” As a Mrs., I always become an honorary member of any baby-related talks, whether voluntary or involuntary.
What I’ve learned from those talks is that a number of the symptoms I’ve experienced are analogous to those of expecting mothers. Afterward, I typically spend several hours scouring articles on WebMD to debunk myths about me being prego until my mind finally settles on the possibility of it being “that time of the month”, stress, or premature aging.
After a recent conversation between my best friend and me, I realized we shared comparable experiences and symptoms. Following our talk on personal scares, I knew I must explore this topic on a larger scale.
Iron Deficiency, one of 5 forms of Anemia, occurs when our bone marrow does not produce enough quality red blood cells. This greatly impacts our body's ability to regulate oxygen toward body tissues and, in turn, carry carbon dioxide to our lungs for expulsion. Ultimately, this results in weaker red blood cells and fewer adequate red blood cells.
A common misnomer about individuals who are iron deficient is that they are not consuming proper amounts of iron. Other underlying factors of iron deficiency, such as blood loss and pre-existing gastro-related conditions, also inhibit iron absorption.
As a woman who is also vegan, conversations surrounding supplements and vitamins, to improve iron levels, are constant from fellow vegans, vegetarians, and other health-enthusiasts. To their questions, I usually highlight key groups that improve signs of iron deficiency, like Tofu, Broccoli, dried beans, lentils, dark leafy veggies, Bananas, foods abundant in Copper, and Vitamins A, B12, B9, B3, and B2, C, and E. Of those mentioned, you rarely see Kiwi named, though it aids in iron absorption.
Nevertheless, Iron intake is only as good as it's ability to be absorbed. Vitamin C aids our body's in absorbing Iron. However, iron absorption rates may still be impaired if you consume caffeine and tannin-rich foods - i.e. coffee, teas, chocolate/cocoa, and wine. (Shoutout to my bestie, a.k.a the Doctor in training, for sharing the impacts of caffeine and Vitamin C on the body's ability to absorb iron.)
The best cure for conditions such as iron deficiency is early detection, mindfulness, and preventative maintenance.
If you loved this week’s blog and you learned something new, leave me a comment below! Also, don’t forget to share this with others who might be struggling with the same issue! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave them in a comment below or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
*I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.*
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>Is it unusual that women are more likely to suffer from sensitive skin than men?... Not really huh.
Let's talk about it. Click "read more" to join the discussion.
]]>“If at first you don’t succeed, [wipe it all off, let it air out] and try again.” Or something like that.
Is it surprising that women are more likely to suffer from sensitive skin than men?... Not really huh. On average, 37% - 48% of women reported dealing with skin sensitivity, in contrast to 27% of men who reported this skin condition.
In previous blogs, I referenced external factors attributed to skin-related problems. One unspoken factor is hormonal fluctuation.
Hormonal imbalances peak leading up to puberty, menstrual cycles, stress, and baby incubation, then decline as women make it over the big hump, a.k.a menopause. However, as stated in Maturing Gracefully, our skin thins as we age which also increases the likelihood of skin sensitivity.
Though most of the symptoms are universal, such as facial tightness, inflammation, irritation, acne, and dermatitis, the variation in triggers experienced by women and men is what gives this skin type eccentricity.
Studies have found that skin sensitivity is a growing concern among women, but why?
Could the numbers be a result of women being more conscious of their image than men? The current stresses around being perfect and flawlessly beautiful at any costs? Maybe men are less attentive to their skin health. Or, maybe men don’t place as much weight on their skin health as women.
With various skin-related diagnoses being subjective and a factor of self-diagnosis, there is room for error and a lot of room for self-criticism.
What if your skin sensitivity was self-induced?
A common determinant of skin sensitivity in women is the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol tends to thrive late at night, thus resulting in overnight blemishes, itching, and burning. No wonder we’re able to go to bed with flawless skin and wake up to the biggest zit you have ever seen in life! But, I digress.
Night air may also pose a problem. At night, the air tends to be drier and either cold or hot. This mixture of dry-hot or dry-cold air is the perfect breeding ground for enhanced skin sensitivity.
Chemicals, Retinoids, anti-bacterials, fragrances, and water-resistant products are also among the things to steer clear of when treating sensitive skin. Also, try to stay away from all forms of alcohol. They tend to dry the skin out even more, and result in skin inflammation.
Instead of using soap products, opt for mild cleansers with little to no fragrance. When wearing make-up, never wear water-resistant products, and go for more silicone-based cosmetics.
Before slathering on that cool new product, be sure to test it out on a small, discreet area. Apply it in an area where you experience the most sensitivity, and repeat this for a few days until you are able to get a good feel for the product. If no reaction takes place, then have a field day.
FYI, skin sensitivity should not be an ongoing issue. If you are experiencing extended periods of breakouts, itchiness, burning or any other discomforts, this may be a sign of a deeper issue. For that, and other dermal related questions, be sure to seek the care and instruction of a licensed dermatologist. Of which, I am not.
If you enjoyed our 5 part, skin care blog series and you learned something new, leave me a comment below! And don’t forget to share this with others who may be struggling with the same issues! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave a comment, or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>Since we aren't getting any younger, this would be an interesting topic for women of all ages.
Click that "read more" button for the det's.
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“Beauty’s only skin deep. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Beauty’s only skin deep. Ooh yeah!”
Top concerns among our seasoned audience pertain to mature skin and ways to restore “wrinkled, dehydrated, thin” skin post-menopause. But since we aren't getting any younger, this would be an interesting topic for women of all ages.
Mature and maturing skin is nothing more than the body telling you that it lacks macro- and micro-nutrients - which maintain our skin’s barrier functions. Our skin is the biggest organ on our body, and it requires a lot of love and affection. When things change, such as your nutrition and lifestyle, the skin is the first to show that there is an imbalance.
There are 3 levels to our skin. We are going to focus on the top 2 levels - epidermis and dermis. What you see on the surface level - epidermis, is often a direct result of elements we expose our skin to, and sometimes a result of the dermis. Occurrences to the dermis are completely out of our control, such as slight wrinkles here and there. Though, these natural occurrences may heighten as a result of avoidable elements, such as damaging UV rays, lack of sleep, stress, over-consumption of alcohol, smoking, pollution, and free radicals.
However, if you have experienced menopause, you may have noticed those changes were more intensified along the skin on your face, legs, and around those nether regions.
During menopause, your body feasts and nearly depletes your estrogen sources. Sex organs shrink to half their sizes post-menopause, and with them so does our estrogen levels. These changes are most reflected by the skin on your face, legs, and areas near those nether regions. Not to mention, the impact to the sublayer of skin, which regulates your body temperature. (Hot flashes anyone?)
The rapid loss of estrogen greatly impacts your collagen levels, among other things; ultimately impacting the plumpness and elasticity of your skin. Though some of the symptoms expressed may be treated topically, the benefits received are minuscule in comparison to oral treatments. Consuming foods and sources rich in the nutrients lacked, will greatly improve and restore internal and nutritional deficiencies.
The best prohibitor of mature skin symptoms is preventative maintenance. There is no magic pill or ointment to cure years of damage.
Here’s what I recommend. If you are not able to avoid the Sun, apply that sunscreen like it is mosquito repellent during humid Summer. Incorporate foods rich in Collagen and Vitamin C into your diet. Ingest foods and beverages that will aid in replenishing your estrogen levels. Find sources rich in Copper peptide, Zinc, Retinol, Magnesium, Selenium, and Vitamins A and E. Read Two Truths and A Lie About Oily Skin, The Low Down On Dry Skin, and Reinventing Combination Skin for skin care tips and methods. Lastly, lay low on the processed sugars, carbohydrates, and caffeine. These sources will eliminate any constructive repair to the skin and trigger those infamous hot flashes.
Not sure where to find collagen, estrogen, and Vitamin C sources. No worries. They’re all in the foods Momma always told you to eat. Fruits and veggies, especially those rich in antioxidants. Though collagen is mostly found in animal and marine foods, such as chicken, bone broths, and fish eyes. Yes, we said fish eyes, but this is all a topic for another day.
If you loved this week’s blog and you learned something new, leave me a comment below! And don’t forget to share this with others who may be struggling with the same issues! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave a comment, or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.
Stay tuned for the final blog of this series where we will tackle sensitive skin and delve into skin related questions you sent in!
*I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.*
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>Combination skin is considered one of the most complex skin types, though I consider it as being the best of both worlds.
Click "Read More" to learn more.
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“Shake’em Up. Shake’em Up. Shake’em Up. Shake’em!”
Combination skin is considered one of the most complex skin types. Though, I like to think of it as being the best of two worlds.
On one hand, you have a built-in anti-aging, self-polishing machine. On the other hand, there's the likelihood you'll experience fewer breakouts.
Combination skin is typically a blend of oily and dry-to-normal skin types. Signs of combination skin, are dry patches along your cheeks, and oily sections along your forehead, nose, and chin - i.e. the T-zone. The two combine to make life more eventful and to give you that natural highlight, most spend hours of their lives working for.
Oily skin, as mentioned in Two Truths and A Lie About Oily Skin, is the pinnacle of glow ups. Although most cases of oiliness are linked to underlying issues or genetics, our bodies have a way of making the detriment look beautiful! Nevertheless, with all of that “shining”, it is important to balance things out and nourish the skin as needed.
Dry skin, despite the notion of water being the ultimate skin hydrator, is often enhanced by water-based moisturizers. Water-based moisturizers tend to dry up and leave the skin feeling dehydrated. Instead, opt for an oil-based moisturizer to trap in the moisture.
You may be wondering, “So, how do I reinvent my combination skin?”
Though the polarity of this blend causes combination skin to rank highly on the “wtf(reak)” scale, balancing the two can be done via the following methods.
Method 1 is, to follow the skincare steps laid out in Two Truths and A Lie About Oily Skin, but alter the recommended items with heavier products for your dry spots, and lighter products for your T-Zone.
Method 2, which is less time consuming and more cost-efficient, is to use a mild cleanser, such as Aloha Love Nourishing Cream Cleanser. Exfoliate no more than twice a week. Reduce the size of your pores, to prevent clogging, with our Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Toner. Fend against premature aging with our nourishing Serums. Rebalance and rehydrate your skin with our lightweight Mermaid Milk Moisturizer. Incorporate products rich in Vitamins A, B, C, and E for collagen production, boosted skin immunity, improved circulation, and protection against environmental pollutants. Lastly, seal everything in with oils perfect for combination skin, such as Pecan Oil, Black Seed Oil, and Organic Moringa Oil, and use a lightweight sunscreen of your choice.
If you gained a new perspective on your fabulous skin, or if you learned something new, leave me a comment below! And don’t forget to share this with others who may be struggling with the same issues! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave a comment, or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
Stay tuned for the next portion of our blog series, where we will discuss mature skin and how to nurture it!
*I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.*
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>Regardless of how much lotion you put on, it never seems to do the job. And forget oiling up. The only moisturizers that seem to work are Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Petroleum Jelly...
If you can relate, click "Read More".
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Dry skin…“Hated It!” Regardless of how much lotion you put on, it never seems to do the job. And forget oiling up after a shower. Forget oiling up altogether. The only moisturizers that seem to work are Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, and Petroleum Jelly. If you didn’t use those growing up, then you were bound to be patchy, itchy, and burning by lunchtime.
Dry skin was the reason I looked forward to Fall and Winter. There were no oiled up chests, abs, or bared skin. No one is flexing in the cold! This was the only time of year when everyone was bundled up in cardigans, scarves, gloves, long pants, and calf-high boots.
Prior to the Autumn, I was the only nut walking around in Cardigans and pants pretending to be cold, with beads of sweat on the bridge of my nose and along my forehead. Instead of concocting methods to conceal my problematic skin, it might’ve been easier to give my skin the hydration it needed. Had I done so initially, I could’ve saved myself the shame of several missed stroke attacks.
If you were raised by my Mom, then you know she often preached, “Drink Water”. Anytime I suffered any ailment, her answer was, “It’s because you haven't drunk enough water.” If you are sleepy, have a headache, backache or you’re starving, the answer was always “drink some water”. From time to time, she would change it up and respond to the latter with, “Go to bed. If you were asleep, you wouldn’t know you were hungry”. All of which was said in a joking manner. My mom, would feed us.
Nonetheless, with several recoils being, “drink water”, I never grasped the concept behind the act. It was never explained that water controlled the majority of our body’s functions; whether internal or external. Or, that our bodies require copious amounts of water to thrive.
But back to the topic at hand, dry, inflamed skin occurs due to the production, or lack of, your body’s sebum. The lack of oil is most triggered by your environment, hormones, age, genetics, and lifestyle. Other factors that may contribute to flare-ups are fragrant soaps and detergents, frequent scalding showers, medications, and dermal issues like eczema, psoriasis and etc.
If you read Part 1 of this series, you may remember my mention of Oleic Acid and its benefits to dry skin. If not, take a moment to give Two Truths and A Lie About Oily Skin a read. Don’t worry, I’ll wait.
Oleic Acid, though problematic for individuals with oily, acne-prone skin, is a savior to individuals who suffer from dry, wheezing skin - like me. Coupled with Omega 3’s, Oleic Acid provides the best solution to dry skin. Both, penetrate our skin’s surface to thoroughly moisturize, reduce inflammation, protect against environmental pollutants, and minimize signs of premature aging.
Incorporating oils abundant in Oleic Acid and Omega 3’s, immediately after a WARM shower, will work wonders for your skin. Integrate soaps and cleansers with added moisturizers. Drink adequate amounts of water. Use fragrance-free and chemical-free soaps and detergents. Eat Vitamin A and Beta-Carotene rich foods. Avoid processed sugars, alcohol, and caffeine. Get adequate amounts of sleep. Lastly, cover-up this fall and winter season.
To start your dry skin treatment, begin with a clean slate. Cleanse your skin with one of our facial cleansers and masks. Follow up with an exfoliant to remove any fine particles and built up makeup. Clarify and shrink your pores with our Tidal Rose Toner. Prevent unwanted wrinkles, pigmentation and inflammation with our Serums. Seal in all of the nutrients with apply our Mermaid Milk Nutrient Glow Moisturizer. Massage in our Ampoule with a tool from our massage therapy collection, for added skin detoxification, enhanced oil absorption, tighter skin, and stress relief - another known cause of dry skin. Lastly, apply some sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays.
As far as oils go, your starting 5 should be Soybean, Canola, Olive, Sesame and Walnut oils. Introducing these into your skincare routine, will produce visible results and give you that WAP (Weatherproof Authentic Polish)!
If you loved this week’s blog, you learned something, or if you could identify with my struggle, leave me a comment below! And don’t forget to share this with others who may be struggling with the same issues! If you have any questions that weren’t covered, leave a comment, or shoot me an email at checkthisout@innovategreenllc.com!
Stay tuned for the next portion of our blog series, where we will focus on the best methods to balance combination skin!
*I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.*
Love Always,
Lisa
]]>We're going to discuss ways to properly treat and nourish your skin, and dispel some untruths along the way.
So go ahead and click "Read More" to get the inside scoop!
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I’m often asked, "which skincare products do you recommend for oily, acne-prone skin?" So I developed this blog series as a crash course guide for you to interpret your skin’s signals.
First things first, "rest in peace [oily skin]” lol. Oiliness is mainly caused by your hormones, genes, environment, and lifestyle. These 4 elements prompt your glands to overproduce your body's natural oils, as a defense tactic and a means to seal in moisture. The overproduction of oil, coupled with air pollutants, dead skin and sweat, lead to clogged pores and ultimately acne.
While perusing through trendy magazines and blogs, you may have read recommendations to use oil-less and fragrance-free products. This is partially true, however, natural oils provide a level of hydration and protection that allows our skin to thrive, especially when facing harsh climates and environmental factors.
To fully reap the benefits of natural oil(s), start by refreshing your skin with our Coconut Charcoal Purifying Facial Soap to unclog your pores. Follow up with an exfoliant to remove any dead skin cells, and reveal fresh skin. Clarify and shrink your pores with Tidal Rose Crystal Hydration Toner, and set the stage for your moisturizer to WERK! Prevent early aging with our Serums. Seal in the benefits with our Mermaid Milk Nutrient Glow Moisturizer formulated with lightweight oils, to prevent your pores from clogging. Massage in one of our Ampoules with our massage tools for added absorption, boosted elasticity, enhanced detoxification of your lymphatic system - which protects against immunities. Lastly, apply a lightweight sunscreen to protect against harmful UV rays.
So, what exactly are lightweight oils, and how are they weighed? Oils are weighed based on their fatty make-up, then ranked on a scale of 0 to 5. Oils ranked 0 to 2 tend to be lighter oils, abundant in Linoleic Acid and Omega 6 fatty acid - an essential acid rich in anti-inflammatories, anti-aging properties, and skin-balancing qualities. Anything ranked 3 or higher, is considered a heavier oil, rich in Oleic Acid and Omega 9's - a non-essential acid that deeply hydrates the skin, reduces inflammation, and minimizes hypersensitivity.
While Omega 6 and 9 Fatty Acids provide a plethora of benefits for our skin, Omega 6’s cousin, Omega 3, has the real juice! Everytime it shows up, it has to show out. Unfortunately, Omega 3’s are not naturally produced by our bodies, so we have to consume foods and use oils rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acid. Lucky for us, Omega 3’s are found in certain oils, that also contain Oleic and Linoleic Acids, where they operate as a mediator to reduce inflammation and restore our body’s balance.
Oils that perform best on oily skin, are: Safflower, Rosehip Oil, and Walnut oil. Of the three, Walnut oil is the only oil that contains high levels of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 Fatty Acids. With discipline and repeated treatment, any of these oils and the products mentioned above, will work to restore the balance in your skin.
If you enjoyed reading this blog and you learned something, be sure to comment below and share this with others who may be fighting the same battle.
Also, stay tuned for Part 2 of our blog series, where we will focus on the best tactics to improve dry skin!
*I am not a medical doctor or health professional. All content and media provided are for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice.*
Love Always,
Lisa
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