Merry Christmas!

So very busy! So very joyous!

Everyone have a safe and wonderful Christmas! 

Merry Christmas!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Don't you hate it when you nick yourself while you shave whether it be your face or legs? Do little bits of tissue do nothing for the nicks? Well, this might help with the bleeding and get you out of the house for your special date immediately!

Try a little bit of lip chap on your nicks to stop the bleeding instantly.

Lip chap acts as a coagulant that stops bleeding quite immediately. If you don't have lip chap, you can also use Vaseline. If you don't have Vaseline, you can use masking clay and if you don't have that either, then good ole' ice will do, except a little slower.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Here's another way to beat the cold this winter:

Instead of using a hand-dryer in a public bathroom opt for the paper towel.

Many public restrooms use hand-dryers these days to reduce waste and increase sanitation. However, in a recent study hand-dryers were found to leave your hands covered in germ whereas paper towels were able to wipe away residual germs. So make sure to wash your hands after every trip to the restroom with soap and water and dry them using paper towels, not your pants. 

If you're using a restroom that only has hand-dryers, you can kill most of the germs by leaving it steady under the dryer for at least 30 seconds.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

The holiday season is pretty much here and most of us are probably rushing to finish our last minute Christmas shopping. Busy malls, packed parking lots and long line ups usually don't give us enough time to eat healthy, especially at a mall. But you possibly cannot continue to shop without eating. So what do you do? Mall's don't offer the healthiest of meals, but when you really, really don't have a choice here's a list of the best of the worst a food court can offer:

McDonald's

Chicken McNuggets (4 pieces without fries and soda)

Calories 190

Fat 12g

Saturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 30g

Protein 10g

Carbohydrates 11g

Sodium 400mg

Egg McMuffin

Calories 300

Fat 12g

Saturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 260g

Protein 18g

Carbohydrates 30g

Fiber 2g

Sugars 3mg

Sodium 820mg

Premium Caesar Salad without Chicken

Calories90

Fat 4g

Saturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 10g

Protein 7g

Carbohydrates 9g

Fiber 3g

Sugars 4mg

Sodium 180mg

Quiznos

Honey Bourbon Chicken Sub (Small)

Calories 280

Fat 4g

Saturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 35g

Protein 22g

Carbohydrates 41g

Fiber 3g

Sugars 3mg

Sodium 760mg

Mesquite Chicken with Bacon Sub (Small)

Calories 360

Fat 10g

Saturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 45g

Protein 26g

Carbohydrates 41g

Fiber 3g

Sugars 1mg

Sodium 940mg

Chicken Sammie

Calories 190

Fat 4g

Saturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 20g

Protein 12g

Carbohydrates 26g

Fiber 2g

Sugars 1mg

Sodium 400mg

Subway

Roast Beef Sub (Small with cheese)

Calories 190

Fat 4g

Saturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 15g

Protein 13g

Carbohydrates30g

Fiber 4g

Sugars 5mg

Sodium 600mg

Turkey Breast Sub (Small with cheese)

Calories 190

Fat 3g

Saturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 15g

Protein 12g

Carbohydrates 30g

Fiber 4g

Sugars 5mg

Sodium 670mg

Taco Bell

Beef Soft Taco

Calories 170

Fat 10g

Saturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 25g

Protein 8g

Carbohydrates 13g

Fiber 3g

Sugars 1mg

Sodium 350mg

Chicken Burrito Supreme

Calories 400

Fat 13g

Saturated Fat 6g

Cholesterol 45g

Protein 20g

Carbohydrates 49g

Fiber 6g

Sugars 5mg

Sodium 160mg

Wendy's

Chicken Caesar Salad

Calories 180

Fat 4g

Saturated Fat 2g

Cholesterol 75g

Protein 28g

Carbohydrates 8g

Fiber 3g

Sugars 3mg

Sodium 690mg

Jr. Hamburger

Calories 220

Fat 8g

Saturated Fat 3g

Cholesterol 30g

Protein 13g

Carbohydrates 26g

Fiber 1g

Sugars 5mg

Sodium 490mg

Mandarin Chicken Salad

Calories 180

Fat 2g

Saturated Fat 1g

Cholesterol 65g

Protein 24g

Carbohydrates 16g

Fiber 2g

Sugars 12mg

Sodium 630mg

This is obviously a very short list of the many fast food chains you see in a mall and the nutritional value may vary at locations. Just be smart eaters and make sure you know what you're putting into your body!

Sorry!

Sorry, no tip of the day! I've been swamped with exam studying lately and haven't had time to complete research for my next tip. During my finals week, I'll have tips every now and then. I'll return to posting daily tips after my finals!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Organic produce seems to be the big thing these days and genetically modified produce seems to be a no no. Differentiate the difference by looking at the labels more carefully. 

Instead of looking at labels for just the title and whether it says "organic", check out the UPC code on the labels. UPC codes beginning with the number "4" means the produce is conventionally grown using pesticide and other preservatives. Codes beginning with the number "8" means the produce has been genetically modified and codes beginning with "9" means the produce is organically grown. 

However, be weary of what you buy because "organic" doesn't always mean organic. The best produce is Ontario grown produce and whatever is in season. Less chemicals and preservatives are used on your produce if it is Ontario grown and in season.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Thinking of reaching a buffet tonight? Don't skip your meals throughout the day thinking you'll make space for that buffet.

Most people know that skipping meals will result in stomach shrinkage. But some people believe that starving themselves before a buffet will give them more room in their stomach for more food. When you skip meals before a buffet, you're forcing a lot of food into a stomach that cannot retain its original amount. Therefore, you're also forcing your stomach to not only stretch out again but put in double the effort to digest the food. But the havoc doesn't stop there. Overworking your stomach forces your liver and spleen to overwork as well to produce the bile and blood needed to aid in digestion.

Some of the symptoms with a weakened and overworked spleen and liver are gasiness, chronic fatigue, lowered immune system, higher cholesterol levels, vision problems, dizziness, nausea, tendon and muscle problems, spasms, poor concentration and memory and the list goes on and on and on.

Many of these symptoms may occur over time so it's best to eat every meal in proper proportions for healthy organs. It all starts from the inside out, so take care of your insides!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Here comes a little Chinese medicine knowledge for you today (and also common sense)! Protect yourself from catching the flu/cold this winter by wearing a scarf.

In Chinese medicine, it is believed that there is a point in the back of your neck called the "Gate of Wind" point located under the C7 of your spine. It is here where the body is most vulnerable to "Wind Cold". Wind cold in Chinese medicine can be best translated as a cause for catching the common cold/flu. When this Wind cold enters the body through the Gate of Wind, your body experiences chills as the first symptom of the cold. When your lungs begin to feel that "chill", it immediately responds by closing up the pores of your body resulting in body heat eventually building up and getting trapped in your body. When this happens, you experience a fever which means you have the flu. And from there, things tend to go downhill a little as your body is trying to fight off the flu and this is when most of us will experience headaches, aching muscles, thirst, coughing, vomiting etc. 

So this winter, don't underestimate the power of the scarf. If you're not much of a scarf wearer to begin with or cannot understand the benefits of wearing a simple piece of clothing try going out without one, one day and wearing it another and you will truly notice the difference!

THANN PRIZE PACK WINNER

The winner of the blog's first contest is...

SARAH KIM

Congratulations Sarah! 

Thank you all who participated. As long as we all live a healthy lifestyle, we're all winners. Keep your eyes open for the next upcoming draw!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Do you sometimes wake up in the morning with aching teeth and jaws? Perhaps you grind your teeth overnight in your sleep. If you're a teeth grinder try eating more leafy greens. 

In Chinese medicine, teeth grinding is caused by excess "heat" in the stomach. What that means is the stomach is constantly working, unable to rest even in your sleep. And in Chinese medicine, the mouth and the stomach are connected as one unit. Therefore, because of the unrest of the stomach, your mouth, teeth and jaws also cannot rest. In Western terms, it is believed that grinding comes from stress, anxiety, uneasiness etc. So it's possible your stomach is uneasy. 

Leafy greens such as lettuce, romaine lettuce and celery help "cool" the stomach. Also, try not to eat too late at night and stay away from spicy food. If the teeth grinding continues, it's best to see a traditional medicine doctor because the causes may be more deeply rooted in other organs. Teeth grinding is not only annoying for others, but you may eventually develop jaw problems and more. 

Click here for today's ballot entry!

Ps. Today is the last day to submit your entries for the draw!
Also, beginning today blog entries will only be made during the weekdays. The reason for this is that I require the weekends to further research and study these tips so I can develop better solutions! Thanks for your understanding! =)

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Stress. Everybody experiences it and everybody hates it. How do you deal with it right at the moment? In an earlier post, I wrote about a type of ear massage to relieve stress. But here's another solution that you can combine with your ear massage. Deep breathing will calm the nerves and clear the mind. 

Yes, it may sound simple and many people tend to overlook it. But are you breathing properly? Ever notice when you are stressing out or having an anxiety attack, your breathing gets shallower? You begin to feel tightness in your chest and back. Instead, take 5 minutes. Stand still with your arms to your sides. Loosen your shoulders, unlock your knees, close your eyes gently and breathe deep into your diaphragm. Breathe in through your nose with your tongue touching the roof of your mouth and breathe out with your mouth. Repeat deep breathes until you can you breathe at a steady and slow rate. It is extremely important to breathe down into your diaphragm at a steady rate. 

As a student of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, I'm also required to learn the art of Taichi. In Taichi, not only do we learn movements that most of you have probably seen in school fields and parks, but it teaches you how to listen to your body. It teaches you how to breathe. Taichi brings every part of your body together to work together. If anyone is interested in learning Taichi, you can message me! =)

Tip of the day for the rest of your day...

Today's tip may not seem like the usual, however, this tip may not only help you, but it may help someone else. Also, this blog entry is geared more towards Torontonians, but don't let geography stop you. Do it wherever you live!

In a recent study and survey conducted by the Canadian Centre for the Study of Living Standards, Toronto was rated the saddest city in Canada. Some of the factors that affected one's happiness was stress, the feeling of belonging, married vs. never married and immigrant status. 

So your mid-week goal today is to give a warm "hello" and "have a nice day" to a total stranger. You never know, you may have brightened up their day a little and lifted a burden off their shoulder. At the same time, you'll feel good as well! 

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

We've all heard the many benefits of green tea, but what can it do for your teeth? Green tea can save your smile!

According to researchers in Japan, green tea lowers risk of tooth loss by killing mouth bacteria which is associated with tooth decay and gum disease. The antioxidant called catechins in green tea kills the bacteria. Also, green tea may also promote periodontal health by interfering with the body's inflammatory response to periodontal bacteria, warding off further disease.

It is suggested that one drinks at least 1 cup of green tea a day to see the health benefits.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Monday mornings suck. Especially if you have to go to school or work. And for many of us, we don't want to get out of bed. Here's a simple fix: As soon as you wake up, open your curtains and let the bright sunlight flow into your room. 

Researchers in the UK found that exposure to bright lights after a night of sleep increased cortisol levels in the body which boosted feelings of wakefulness. 

Although this may sound like common sense, sometimes getting out of bed can be so difficult we'll just sleep through classes or call in sick for work. Also, I'm sure many of us do turn on the lights to wake ourselves unconsciously. But instead, try to make a conscious effort to open up your blinds when you're really struggling to wake up. This simple solution will save you from future headaches and possibly your job too! 

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

The holiday season is just around the corner and we have all got one thing in mind. Holiday shopping. Joyous yet chaotic. Exciting yet stressful. You're in the middle of a mall and you're about to blow your top. So what do you do? Simple: Give yourself an ear massage to relieve the stress!

The idea of ear massaging to relieve stress goes way way back from many parts of the world. The Inuit had a form of ear massage to calm their infants. In China, there's a whole system of massaging and healing with JUST the ears alone. But since I'm studying Chinese medicine and acupuncture I'll focus on the Chinese method and idea. According to traditional medicine and acupuncture, the ears alone have accupoints corresponding to parts of the rest of the body; the internal organs, extremities and the head. The earlobes represent the head of your body and thus we'll look into what to do with the lobes. In Western terms, massaging of the lobes moves the tentorium membrane in your head which relieves stress.

So what can you do to relieve stress quick time? A simple massage is to place your thumbs behind your ears starting at the top and with your index fingers in front, wipe down along the rim from the top of your ears and when your index and thumbs reaches your earlobes, gently pinch, pull down and let go of your earlobes. Do this several times. Then afterward pinch your earlobes and massage it in gentle circles. Do this until you feel you're ready to take on the long lines and hustle and bustle of holiday shopping! (Remember to keep your breathing steady, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth when performing your massage.)

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

If you're still having a hard time sleeping at night, then it may be an underlying iron deficiency in the blood. Check with your doctor to see if you have an iron deficiency.

A lack of iron in the blood results in a lack of hemoglobin in the blood which carries oxygen to every part of the body. A lack of iron will result in disturbed sleep since the body isn't getting enough oxygen to function properly. Even in your sleep, your body needs a steady flow of oxygen to keep it in a state of relaxation. 

Blood needs a combination of iron, folic acid and vitamin B12 in order to function properly. A deficiency in any of these three will result in anemia. Some symptoms people will experience other than lack of sleep are:

- Lack of energy

- Pale skin

- Head rush from low blood pressure

- Headaches

- Immunity function decrease

So what can you do? Iron can be prescribed by your doctor or you can purchase it at a nutrition store. The others you can find at a nutrition store. Take iron before you go to bed and vitamin B12 in the morning. Remember to keep your dosages consistent and make sure to speak to your family doctor before starting any treatment. 

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Next time you're at the gym, check yourself out in the mirror while doing an exercise!

We all know exercise is supposed to relieve stress. But there are times when we don't feel that stress relief especially when we think exercising is too hard or it's not doing anything. Injury during exercise can also stress us out. 

Sports psychologist and professor Steve Edwards Ph.D. at Oklahoma State University says, "The psychological boost of adhering to a program that you enjoy doing is much greater than the reward you get from any single session." He also suggests looking at yourself in the mirror of your gym while doing your exercises. Not only will a mirror help you notice bad form but will also let you see what you can do well thus giving you a more profound appreciation of the capability of your body.

Whole Life Expo 2010

Time is moving so quickly, I nearly forgot the Whole Life Expo was this weekend starting Friday at 4pm. If anyone is interested in going, I've included a link to the website below. It's $8 for the whole weekend to see exhibits and stages and $15 for exhibits, stages and lectures. Check out the website for more information!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Need another and effective way of detoxing your body plus more? Activated charcoal powder is great for detoxing and digestive problems such as excess gas or diarrhea. 

Activated charcoal works by adsorbing excess of toxins, gases, metals and other chemicals which may be harmful for the body. When activated charcoal is taken, it adsorbs excess as it passes through the body. This process renders any toxins harmless as it is attracted and held by the charcoal. 

Activated charcoal can also deodorize gases in the stomach as well as bad breathe. It also has anti-aging properties, reduces cholesterol and fights viruses and bacteria. 

Although activated charcoal has many benefits and almost no negative side effects it is best to seek advice from a medical professional first and take it in moderation. Large and constant dosages can interfere with other medications and cause constipation. 

Also, the prize for the draw arrived in the mail today. Here's a peek at what it is... (Macbook not included)

 

The prize pack includes: Rice Extract Body Milk, Rice Grain Charcoal Soap, Shiso and Green Tea Facial Cleanser, Rice Extract Lip Balm and Shiso and White Tea Facial Moisturizer/Sunscreen

 

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

When sitting for long periods of time, give your legs and back a stretch for 10 minutes every hour.

Lower back problems are becoming extremely common these days thanks to convenience, computers, sedentary activities etc. We find ourselves sitting in front of a computer or tv for hours but we don't realize is that the muscles in our backs are shortening. More specifically the psoas muscle which flexes the hip and spinal column. During prolonged sitting, the psoas becomes shortened and alters our biomechanics. As the psoas muscle shortens, it begins to pull down on the spinal column compressing the joints and discs. This results in herniation of the discs and degeneration of the joints. Pain!

What can you do if you're already experiencing back problems? You need to "re-teach" the muscles in the back to function in a less dysfunctional way through therapeutic exercises and lifestyle changes. It is best that you see a physical therapist for for help in regards to exercises you can perform daily.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Eggs are great, especially during breakfast. But here's another way to use eggs:

Fight acne, excess oil, large pores, blackheads and whiteheads and blemishes with eggs!

Eggs contain many nutrients and more specifically vitamin A and vitamin E. Both vitamins play a vital role in skincare and health. Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and can help reduce inflammation, reduce age spots, stretch marks, promotes moisture in the skin and protects your skin from pollution, harmful rays etc. Vitamin A promotes cellular turnover in your skin. What that means is that it effectively rids of dead skin cells and induces production of new skin cells. This is effective against wrinkles, age spots, acne scars and many other skin ailments. 

So what do you do? Take an egg, crack it in a bowl and add a few drops of lemon juice to enhance the mask. Whisk it till it's slightly foamy. Apply to face and let it dry for 10 minutes. Rinse and you're done! Your face will feel smoother, tighter and blemish free. 

Contest prize details

Hello everyone! I've finally gotten the contest prize details. The prize pack is made up of 5 Harnn and Thann products. It will cover your basic needs for the winter from facial and body cleansers to body and face moisturizer plus lip care. A total value of $120! Make sure to continue to fill out your ballots for your chance to win this complete package.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Have you tried over the counter products for your acne only to find that it does nothing and/or produces too many unwanted side effects? Give tea tree oil a try for your acne.

There are many natural remedies for acne and one of them is the use of tea tree oil. Tea tree oil contains something called terpinen-4-ol which is an anti-bacterial and anti-septic element. Tea tree oil kills the bacteria, proprionibacterium acne, which causes acne on the face. Compared to acne medication such as benzoyl peroxide, tea tree oil produces far less negative side effects. Users of benzoyl peroxide have probably experienced burning and stinging, itching, redness of skin, dryness and peeling. Benzoyl peroxide will also bleach clothing and bedsheets. Whereas tea tree oil may only produce slight drying if overused.

So if you need to try a natural remedy to combat acne, try tea tree oil. Begin with a small dose before bed and you can increase it down the road. Tea tree oil can be purchased at any drug or nutrition store.

*If you purchase 100% tea tree oil, make sure to mix it with aloe vera, 1 drop of tea tree oil per one ounce of aloe vera. 100% pure tea tree oil can be overdrying for first time users.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Cold season is around so equip yourself with these natural remedies! This tip comes from a reader request.

Cayenne pepper:

Cayenne pepper and other hot peppers contain high concentrations of capsaicin which is a compound that makes peppers spicy. The capsaicin will relieve congested nasal passages by opening and draining. 

Chicken noodle soup:

In Chinese medicine, chicken is considered a "hot" meat because of its higher cooking temperature in relation to other meats. A cold in Chinese medicine is also considered a "wind" cold which needs to be warmed. Chicken noodle will not only warm your body but also provide the necessary protein for energy, sodium for lost electrolytes and antioxidants from the soup/vegetables. (For the flu, chicken is not recommended.)

Bananas:

Bananas are packed with potassium and vitamin C. 

Dark chocolate:

In recent research, dark chocolate of 70% cacao or more has been found to suppress nerve sensitivity in the throat which reduces urge to cough. Theobromine is the active ingredient. 

Garlic:

Garlic contains allicin which is a natural decongestant and antibiotic which stimulates immune function. In high heat, much of the active ingredient is destroyed, so it is recommended that you eat the garlic raw or add it into your cooking near the end.

Oranges and other citrus fruits:

Oranges are packed with vitamin C which boosts the immune system. However, for a cold it is recommended that you use a double-boiler and steam the orange slices. This will not only give you the necessary vitamin c without high heat destroying it but will also suppress coughing. Eating raw orange with a cough will irritate your throat and induce more coughing.

Green tea:

Green tea has many healing properties and contain something called polyphenols which act as an anti-inflammatory. Use this to keep your airways clear and mucous membranes moist. Green tea will also help flush out toxins.

These are just a few of the many simple natural remedies you can use at home. Nobody likes to get sick, so make sure to take proper precautions such as frequent hand-washing. The holiday season is just around the corner! So don't get sick and enjoy it! =)

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

When lifting heavy items, remember to use your knees and not your back.

Sorry blog readers for the lame blog post today. I did the exact opposite of my tip last night moving furniture and messed up my back. I couldn't really take the time to complete my research and real blog entry on the benefits of tea tree oil because I couldn't sit for too long. I'll have a better entry tomorrow though! But for now, take this tip to heart because it's very important that you preserve the health of your back! Arg.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

This one comes out of the vault. A banana a day will keep the therapist away.

When one is feeling depressed, stressed and experiencing restless nights, levels of serotonin may be deficient. Serotonin is what regulates and promotes stabilization in the activities of the brain often leaving us relaxed. A banana is packed with minerals and vitamins and more specifically something called tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted by the body into serotonin and thus alleviating symptoms of depression. Bananas also contain vitamin B6 which helps calm the nerves when you're stressed out.

Due to the relaxation effect of bananas, insomniacs can rest easy! ALSO, bananas leave you feeling full and therefore, yes, aids in weight loss. 

So today, have a banana with your breakfast and take a banana or two to work or school. Enjoy!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

How many of us have fallen asleep during a lecture or at your work desk? I'm sure everyone has had their off days. But people often wonder if there is a quick emergency fix to this, especially during an important class or meeting. When power foods like almonds don't cut it or tea or coffee, the next most convenient thing to do is head over to a convenience store. However, you won't find the healthiest of items in a convenience store. So what's the next best thing? An energy drink. Look for an energy drink containing low calories and low sugar content such as the "Monster Lo-Carb" which contains 20 calories and 6g of sugar. Research at Harvard also suggests finding one with 200mg of panax ginseng which may improve cognition. 

Disclaimer alert! I know a lot of people have their own schools of thought on energy drinks, but remember, this is when you really have no other option. Yes, we all know how bad energy drinks are for you but if you've got no choice and you've got a presentation to make for a possible promotion, then reach for that energy drink. Let's be realistic, there will be days when choosing a healthier alternative may not be an option. Like anything else, take energy drinks in moderation and do not build a dependence on it by drinking it everyday. Instead, slowly build a healthier lifestyle block by block and you'll find yourself full of energy throughout the day and sound asleep at night.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

So now that you're on your way to fixing your sleeping habits, it's time to take care of the dark bags under your eyes. This is an easy one! Remember the chamomile tea you used as a sleeping aid? Make sure to save your tea bags and let them sit in cold water. Before you go to bed, place the cool chamomile tea bags over your eyes for 10 minutes. This will remove the dark circles and diminish the puffiness under your eyes. 2 birds 1 stone, just like that! Leave the panda look to the real pandas.

Dark circles appear under the eyes for several reasons and one being the lack of sleep. The skin under your eyes are the thinnest on the body. The dark bluish colour is caused by broken capillaries in the eye lids. When you aren't giving your body and internal organs time to rest, it has to work over time and can result in these broken capillaries which show through the thin skin.

Now, if you're allergic to ragweeds and cannot use chamomile tea bags, there are many alternative methods for dark puffy eyes. But here are two simple alternatives:

1. Almond oil: Apply almond oil before bed using your ring finger. The skin under your eyes are very delicate. Strong pulling and pressure will lead to premature wrinkles. Your ring finger is normally the weakest finger and therefore will not put as much pressure on the skin under your eyes.

2. Cucumber slices soaked in salt water: Place soaked cucumbers over eyes for 10 minutes. Keep your eyes closed.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

How many times have you tried to get a good night's rest before a final exam or a job interview or on just a regular work/school day? How many of you have experienced a sense of anxiety not being able to sleep before an important day? And how often has that anxiety made it tougher for you to fall asleep? Insomnia sucks! But don't worry, there's an easy fix for it. Chamomile tea. Sip a glass of chamomile tea an hour before bed to calm your nerves and it will put you into a state of full relaxation. Your anxieties will just melt away and in no time you'll be dreaming of acing that exam! Happy sleeping!

Chamomile contains relaxants that act as depressants to calm the nerves. It has also been found to help metabolize caffeine consumed throughout the day. Chamomile also works as an anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer herb. 

*Note: Like anything else, use chamomile in moderation. Frequent use may decrease its effectiveness. Insomnia can be caused by many factors. It is in your best interest to figure out what is keeping you awake and fixing the root of the problem. Other causes of insomnia may be high or low blood pressure, low hemoglobin levels, hormonal changes, depression etc.

If you're allergic to ragweed, chamomile may not be your best option. Instead, just try the old-fashioned method of warm milk and if you're lactose, you can always try to remove certain stimulus' such as a tv, computer, cellphone etc. Removing a wall clock or flipping over an alarm clock may also help prevent anxiety from arising when constantly checking the time. Chamomile users should also use these methods to enhance the sleeping aid.

Sidenote: I am currently studying a special massage technique developed by Dr. Bin Jiang Wu called Wu's Head Massage (WHM). This technique is specialized towards cosmetic anti-aging and migraine and insomnia suffering patients. If anyone is interested and would like more information about WHM, please leave me a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Harnn & Thann Contest!

Hello everyone! To kick start this blog into high gear, I've opened up the first Beautificent Inside&Out contest. Rules are simple and it's easy to enter. It's a draw!

Up until December 3rd 2010, I will be posting a link at the end of EVERY "Tip of the day". This link will take you to a ballot form where you will just fill in your name and email address. You will have one full day to fill in one ballot before the link disappears. So it will be in your best interest to fill ONE out everyday.

From November 15th till December 3rd, you will have 19 chances to fill out ballots. So make sure to fill out all 19 for the best chance to win the prize.

On December 4th 2010, a name will be randomly drawn and that person will be the winner of a Harnn & Thann prize pack!

Good luck and happy reading!

*The winner will be notified by email, so please provide the correct email.

**You may enter only once a day. Multiple entries will be excluded.

***Prize pack may differ from image above.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

I hope nobody took it the wrong way when Professor Mark Haub lost 27 pounds on the Twinkie diet. The whole point of his experiment was to prove that cutting portion sizes were what mattered. You can still eat healthy and not lose a single pound if you're eating a single serving fit for King Kong. But don't get me wrong, I'm not asking you to eat unhealthy and cut calories at the same time. All that junk WILL get to you in the long run. It's important to eat a balanced diet in proportional servings accompanied by exercise and sleep. The recommended healthy caloric intake for men is 2500 and 2000 for women. However, this is just a recommendation based on the average man and woman. Depending on your lifestyle, work or school life and the commitment you put into exercising, the numbers can vary. It is best to calculate your personal calorie intake and abide by it.

Now here's an interesting tip of the day: According to a recent study at Cornell University, researchers discovered that people who ate meals using real dinnerware opposed to paper/Styrofoam plates and plastic utensils were more satisfied with their servings. People eating from paper and plastic considered their meals more of a snack and were likely to eat another serving. So cut down your servings and calories by eating from real dinnerware!

Now you may be thinking how ridiculous this sounds but the study does prove how influential the environment is to humans. Every little change and effort counts towards a healthier lifestyle. So give it a try!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Okay, so since we've been on the topic of detox for a few days now, I feel I need to cover an important area of detox. As a student of Chinese medicine, it is important for me to recognize that the kidneys are the centre of a person's hereditary energy and plays an important role in vitality and longevity of life. The kidneys cleanse, filter, reabsorb nutrients, excrete toxic waste, control blood pressure and so much more. For the older folks, as you age, the first organ to usually weaken are the kidneys and one of the clear signs of a weakening kidney is hearing loss. So let's take care of our kidneys with, you got it, parsley!

Parsley aids kidney function by eliminating waste and toxins in the kidney and prevents the re-absorption of those toxins. Thus, effective against many kidney and urinary complaints.

There are so many other health benefits of parsley that one could probably write a book on it. But here is the gist of it:

- Acts an anti-oxidant in the blood stream

- Kills bacteria

- Reduces bad breath

- Purifies the blood and helps to repair vessels

- Aids in digestion of proteins and fats (Good for those guys who wanna bulk up!)

- Lowers cholesterols

- Boosts the immune system

- Aids in irregular menstruation and pain

- Acts as a diuretic and reduces edema and water retention

- Fights fatigue

And so much more...

But wait, how can I forget? Aids in weight loss by removing dreaded water retention.

Now you're probably wondering how you can use parsley. Easy! Just boil a handful of parsley in hot water, let it steep and drink. Do this once a month to keep the pipes clean!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Detoxing doesn't just happen under the skin, you need to detox your skin as well! Exfoliation is a form of detoxing your body of harmful toxins. How does that work you ask? Exfoliating the skin removes dead skin cells and opens up pores allowing toxins to come out. Exfoliating also increases blood flow in the skin which breaks down fatty deposits and firmer skin, thus eliminating cellulite. Exfoliating will leave your skin refreshed, healthy and glowing. And yes, men need to exfoliate as well! Happy scrubbing!

Exfoliating of the body can be done using a dry brush method before a shower. Using a dry bath brush with natural bristles (not acrylic because it may cause irritation), gently scrub your skin from the toes up. 

For the face you can use over-the-counter products or make your own aspirin mask using aspirin, water and honey. Place 4 aspirin pills in a bowl with 3 drops of water then add a little squirt of honey. Allow the aspirin pills to swell up and breakdown. Mix with fingers and apply to skin. Wait 10-15 minutes and rinse off gently with warm water. Once it's all off your face, splash with cold water to close up the pores. (Make sure to use uncoated aspirin).

For men, exfoliating of the face is key when you need to shave. It will soften the facial hair and allow for a cleaner and smoother shave. 

I would recommend exfoliating once or twice a week. Any more may cause skin irritation or aggravate acne breakouts, especially for the face.

For internet explorer users

Hello everyone, I was just made aware that the blog comes out a little wonky on Internet Explorer. Once I figure out how to fix it, I'll be sure to get right on it. But for now, please bear with the strange configuration of the blog. It turns out the way it's supposed to in other browsers I believe: Firefox, Safari, Blackberry etc.

Thanks for your patience!

Two simple ways to eat your sweet potato

This is sort of a continuation from today's earlier tip. The best and surefire way to eat a sweet potato is to simply just bake it! But if that's not enough for you and you have time, then make them into fries! Everybody loves fries! Here's a simple sweet potato fries recipe:

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup salt
• 1/4 cup black pepper
• 1/4 cup garlic powder
• Olive Oil, for tossing
• 5 sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into 1/4-inch long slices, then 1/4-wide inch strips
• Oil
• 1 tablespoon House Seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.

Line a sheet tray with parchment. In a large bowl toss sweet potatoes with just enough oil to coat. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, garlic powder and paprika. Spread sweet potatoes in single layer on prepared baking sheet, being sure not to overcrowd. Bake until sweet potatoes are tender and golden brown, turning occasionally, about 20 minutes. Let cool 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Voila! Done. This recipe comes from The Food Network. Paprika is a known aid in boosting your metabolism, however, you can also substitute it with cayenne pepper which also has the same function.

Enjoy!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

How often have you asked for a detoxing plan and have been given a list full of ingredients and procedures? Well, here's a simple detox plan for you! It requires one full day at home and one magical ingredient: Sweet potatoes. Sweet potatoes contain a ton of fiber and magnesium, both excellent for digestion and soothing of the stomach and intestines. Plus, they also taste great as well! When you've got a full day at home, eat sweet potatoes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and your body will be sparkling from within. (It's okay to do this once a month)

Detoxing is very important for your body. Not only will you shed those extra pounds but will also bring balance and harmony within your body. With much of our foods processed these days, these foods contain a lot of chemicals and preservatives that don't digest well in the stomach. Our bodies have a hard time excreting these toxins and therefore remain in our system. These toxins eventually lead to more serious health conditions down the road. 

The benefits of sweet potatoes goes on:

- Strengthens immunity 

- Reduces inflammation

- Relieves asthma and bronchitis

- Eases arthritis

- Reduces stomach ulcers

- Reduces risk of cancers mainly in the intestine and colon

- Regulating blood and water

- And of course, weight loss

Beautificent Contest!

You're probably wondering, "What? A contest already? But your blog has only been up for less than a week!" Yes, it's been less than a week and yes, there is a contest!

In the coming days, I will let you know more details about the contest. It's going to be a simple draw for a prize package which you will find out very soon! This contest is sort of a way to kick start this blog and a little thank you to all my current readers for the support.

So, keep checking back daily for updates about the contest and the contest start date. In the mean time, enjoy my latest posts!

Thank you!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Next time you're studying for an exam or writing a paper, instead of reaching for a bag of chips or candy, grab a handful of almonds instead. Almonds will give you that extra boost of energy to study strong, improve brainpower and cognitive function and OF COURSE slim down your waistline. A perfect snack to fight off the "freshman fifteen" while making the grades!

The health benefits of almonds are nearly endless. On top of boosting energy, improving cognitive function and slimming you down, almonds also:

- Prevents cancer

- Protects you against diabetes

- Eases constipation

- Reduces risk of heart disease

- Lowers cholesterol

- Regulates blood pressure

- Prevents birth defects

- Protects your skin against premature aging

Thann at the front door

Today, I received 5 Thann products from Harnn & Thann. A cleanser, mask, toner, shampoo and conditioner. The cleanser is mine and the rest are for my mother, however, I'll do a short review of each item within the next 2 weeks. Besides the nice packaging and extremely quick shipping (2 days), Thann products are all natural and contain superpower ingredients such as camellia sinensis (green tea), perilla ocymoides (shiso), witch hazel and so much more.  

Thann is a popular brand in Asia and has made a home in Canada. For a list of store locations carrying Thann, check out this link: Thann.ca

PS. Keep your eyes open for a chance to win a THANN package very soon!

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

Photo credits: Natalie Chung

Feeling hungry before bedtime? Don't try to chow down on a full meal. Instead, take a scoop or two of peanut butter. Give your stomach a break, sleep easy and you'll wake up the next day ready to take on the day!

Every organ in the body needs time to rest but when you eat just before bed, your stomach has no time to rest and will need to work throughout the night to digest that food. Not only will you wake up the next day with puffy eyes and a puffy face but you'll also find yourself dozing off throughout the day.

American Psycho Christian Bale routine

A very cool scene from a very cool movie. However, I wouldn't suggest using a routine like this everyday on the face.

Tip of the day for the rest of your days...

According to new research, cleaner homes produced leaner people.  

Half an hour of house cleaning (vacuuming, sweeping, laundry etc.) is approximately equivalent to a 15-minute jog. That's about 40-125 calories.

Not only will you burn calories but your parents, roommates and/or friends will thank you as well!

(If you absolutely cannot find time to exercise on that day, otherwise, you need to exercise to see results)