Seven Heart Smart Foods

Key foods that help prevent heart disease: 1) Oatmeal- Diets high in soluble fiber like the kind found in steel cut oats (and instant oatmeal) decrease LDL "bad" cholesterol. 2) Salmon- Oily fish (tuna, sardines) are high in heart protective omega-3 fat acids. 3) Nuts- Walnuts, almonds and macadamia nuts boosts mono-and polyunsaturated fats which help lower your cholesterol. 4) Extra Virgin Olive Oil-High in mono-saturated fats, EVO lowers LDL "bad" cholesterol. 5) Berries- Blueberries, blackberries and raspberries all help to lower inflammation and have a host of other … Read More...

Kick Ash’s Beauty and Health Tips

DIY Skin Solution With VODKA- No astringent? No problem. You can clean and constrict your pores with a pinch of vodka and green tea. Brew an 8oz cup of green tea, let it cool, then add 1/4 teaspoon of vodka. Use a cotton ball and swab away dirt and residue. The alcohol tightens your skin and the green tea's catechins soothe it, giving you clearer skin. Feeling Sluggish? Stretch it out. Try standing in a doorway facing forward with your feet several inches apart and reach to the sides of the frame. Grab the frame with your fingers, then push your chest forward until you … Read More...

Bring Your Own Food On The Plane

The best way to make sure that what you’re eating is good for you is to make it (or bring it) yourself. Solid foods like nuts, fruits, energy bars and bite-sized veggies will clear security easily. I shopped at Trader Joes to pick up food for my five hour plane ride. Lunch before I go: Super Spinach Salad with sliced grilled chicken and pineapple for dessert. This salad is high in carbohydrates due mostly to the dried cranberries (which I take out) but the chickpeas and quinoa provide you with protein AND carbs. Adding chicken is optional The included dressing is high in … Read More...

It’s 2012, a brand new year! Time to make some changes, right?!?

A new year doesn’t always mean you have to make drastic changes in your life (unless you do). However, time goes by faster as we age (it’s a fact) and the top of the year is a good time to set goals and figure out how to make the most out of the next 12 months. The key is to set realistic milestones and to not beat yourself up if you slip up here and there. Just make sure your overall goals are still in sight and cheating on yourself doesn’t become habit. Start the year with some basic improvements that you’ve been meaning to achieve for some time but for whatever reason haven’t … Read More...

Eat Your Way to Better Skin, Energy and Health

Here are a few tips for the winter months: Dry Rough Skin- Start adding swiss chard into your diet, eggs with yolks both contain biotin which promotes production of fatty acids; a must for smooth skin. Hugos is one my favorite brunch spots in Los Angeles and you can find both these ingredients in any of their delicious entrees. Cold Weather Acne and Flaky Skin- Have at least 3.5 ounces of cold water fish weekly. Some great sources are salmon, anchovies, and halibut which all contain EPA a soothing omega3 fatty acid. Stop by any Fish Grill in LA for their simply prepared grilled … Read More...

Holiday Party Plan To Stay On Track

Here are a few tips to keep the scale from budging over the holidays: Cut 100 to 200 calories from breakfast and lunch. This means, no lattes, black coffee or tea instead. Try having a brown rice cake instead of a bagel, lemon juice or oil and vinegar instead of your usual salad dressing. Add 2 teaspoons of chia seeds to your iced tea or watered down juice before you head out. The seeds expand which will leave you feeling satisfied and full. Plus they contain fatty acids which temper inflammation which will help with alcohol and stress. Survey the foodscape-what looks most … Read More...

Energy Bars, Good or Bad?

I get asked all the time whether energy bars are a good substitute for meals or snacks. No bars of any kind can replace a balanced healthy meal, however there are a few brands that satisfy hunger pangs and aren’t loaded up with sugars or additives. These days, with so many options to choose from, it can be confusing to pick a bar that’s right for you. All calories provide “energy,” so literally anything can be called an “energy bar.”  The best time to consider an energy bar is when, for one reason or another, a real meal isn’t likely to happen, and you don’t want … Read More...