Your Daughter Thinks You Are Beautiful…

…until you tell her you’re not.  I read the most incredible blog the other day and it has been swimming around in my head ever since. It starts off, “Dear Mom, I was 7 when I discovered that you were fat, ugly, and horrible”, and goes on to describe how her mother’s words about herself would forever change the way she saw her mother and herself. It was very powerful.

Parenting is a tricky gig anyway you look at it, but sometimes I think we forget how closely our kids are watching us. I’m not sure many of us really consider that our daughter’s self-esteem should be so closely connected with how they believe we feel about ourselves. I struggled with an eating disorder in my late teens and have tried my best not to pass this along to my beautiful girl, but what bad choices have I made or words have I said that have contributed to who she will be…probably more than I can imagine.

So I began to consider, what does Bmybest really look like? “Learning to age gracefully, or not at all”, is a fabulous tag line, but it’s not just about fine lines and wrinkles. Aging is a journey; a marathon, not a sprint. I’ve decided for me, to Bmybest, I have to choose to be the best me I can be, inside and outside. This includes all pieces of me, physical, spiritual, emotional and mind. Deciding each day to become a better version of me, giving grace to the mistakes I made the day before and imagining the amazing and wonderful things I will do tomorrow.

• Exercise because it makes you strong.
• Eat right because it keeps you healthy.
• Love yourself because you can’t love anyone else if you don’t.
• Learn something new because we are never too old to learn.

The next time your child is watching, may they see you: extend forgiveness to someone who might not deserve it, try something they know you are scared to do, listen to someone’s opinion they know you don’t agree with, respond with an “anything is possible” instead of the reasons you can’t, and choose friends who edify and encourage you…and then hopefully…they will do the same.

Best,
Nancy

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Declare Your Skindependence!

Whatever the holiday we celebrate, part of the celebration almost always includes something sweet. Of course we already know too much sugar is bad for our waistline, but the truth is, it really affects your skin as well. Sugar causes inflammation and can accelerate the aging process.

If your summer is as busy as mine hosting deck parties and enjoying your friends and family may be a weekly event. Planning ahead is your best defense. Here are a couple favorite skin-loving foods you should be sure to keep on hand. Find ways to incorporate these healthy choices in with your normal party fare.

Avocados:  An ultimate great skin food…high in anti-oxidants. Avocados are great for healthy hair, skin, and nails. These good fats help lower bad cholesterol and increase good cholesterol. This fabulous food can even aid the body in absorption of nutrients from other foods.

• Make guacamole (my favorite) or toss some in your salad.

Berries:  Berries are loaded with anti-inflammatory agents and vitamins. Anti-oxidants help to minimize damage from free-radical scavengers. Stock up on your berries they are loaded with Vitamin C which is crucial to the production of collagen.

• Toss them in your yogart or in your protein shakes.

Greek Yogart:  Greek yogurt is packed with protein to help maintain firm skin and calcium to maintain a youthful smile. Live cultures boost your immune system and aid in digestion as well. This treat tastes decadent but is so good for you.

• Add fruit for a sweet treat or spices for dipping your favorite veggies.

Sweet potatoes:  Boost immunity and promote glowing, gorgeous skin. Full of beta-carotene…maintain bright and healthy eyes, and protect skin from UV exposure. Sweet potatoes are full of Vitamins A, C and E; all of which improve your skin and hair.

• As a special treat, slice, season and bake them as baked fries.

Kale:  The new super-food…kale is the trendy replacement to your romaine and a huge improvement to your salad. Kale is packed with vitamins A, B6, C, and K, manganese, fiber, and omegas. This super-food is great for reducing inflammation, boosts immune system, maintains healthy bones, and gorgeous teeth.

• Healthy replacement for chips…season with olive oil, garlic and sea salt and bake.

Dark Cacao Chocolate:  Dark chocolate contains flavonoids which are anti-oxidants that fight free radical damage and protect your skin from UV damage and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Certain studies show that participants who consumed a chocolate beverage high in flavonoids experienced improved skin texture and hydration. Not to mention, chocolate makes you feel happy because when you eat it the brain releases endorphins…feel good…look good.

• Eat this treat however you can get it…but for presentation purposes, try chocolate dipped strawberries.

Here’s to great skin!

Nancy