That old saying, beauty is only skin deep, was written before anyone realized just how important our diet is to how we look and how well we carry our years.  With that in mind, my first Tip is: 

#1.  Eat a balanced diet, high in fiber, vitamins, minerals, and enough protein to keep hair and fingernails growing and strong.   And there are a few things you can add to your diet that will give Mother Nature some of the building blocks she needs if you forget to eat enough dairy or fish.  Most Americans don’t get enough vitamin D because many of us no longer drink milk.   Supplement your diet with vitamin D by taking an inexpensive over the counter product.  While you are in the vitamin aisle stock up on fish oil capsules too.  Fish oil is a great source of omega 3 fatty acids to protect you from all those nasty free radicals floating around in the air.  After a few months of taking fish oil daily and you will notice stronger nails, shinier hair, and smoother skin. 

#2.  Get a little exercise every day.   Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  Walk or bike instead of driving.  Or just walk for fun after lunch or dinner.  Just a short stroll through your neighborhood or a nearby park will get the blood moving and help your digestion.  Try clipping a pedometer on in the morning.  You will be amazed at how far you actually do walk in a day.  Walking tones your muscles without working hard enough to break a sweat.   

#3.  Get as much sleep as your body needs. Our bodies need sleep.  If you are falling asleep in the afternoon, nodding off at your desk, then you are not getting good rest at night.  If you are not a night owl and really believe you allow yourself enough sleep time and still have trouble staying awake, consult your doctor.  Sleep apnea is a serious and seldom-diagnosed medical condition.  The docs are getting better at spotting the symptoms but they rely on patients to notice when their bodies are off.  Instead of buying a new bed or drinking more energy drinks, discuss it with your doctor, you may be amazed at how much better you can feel. 

#4.  All things in moderation. Too much of anything good can be bad for you, be it too much chocolate or too much vodka!  There is seldom a need to eliminate any food from your diet if you don’t pig out and eat or drink too much.  This goes for other activities as well.  Unless your are in perfect physical condition, sitting behind a desk all week then going all out on the weekend will do more harm than good and you will hurt later.  Try to be more active during the week and then don’t plan to climb Everest over the weekend. 

#5.  Make the most of what you’ve got! Check yourself critically in the mirror.  Find your best feature, be it your eyes, hair, skin, figure, whatever.  Then take the time to draw attention to your positives and away from your negatives.  If you are blessed with a beautiful thick mane, keep it clean and shiny.  Lovely hands deserve a regular manicure, which you can do at home easily.   And there you have it, five simple things you can do to look and feel better without spending a lot of money or making (on hopes!) a drastic change in your lifestyle.  But these simple things will make a difference.

Be Healthy, Be Beautiful

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/CEO NYRAJU Skin Care

‘Your Skin Care Expert For Women of Color’  www.nyrajuskincare.com

askjuliette@nyrajuskincare.com