YUMMY HUMMUS AND VEGGIE WRAP!!

Hola Chica/Chicos...I pray all is well with everyone!!

Well, let's talk eats...healthy eats, that is!! This yummy eat was hands down O'Mazing!! My hubby wanted something light and yummy for dinner and I was inspired to make this after seeing a yummy lentil wrap on HeyFranHey's  facebook page. My yummy eats made from hummus, roasted red peppers, avocado...well, let's just get into the thick of it and check out the scoop on this great eat!!

YUMMY INGREDIENTS:

• Wrap (there are all kinds: spinach, roasted tomato, plain, etc)
• Hummus (you can purchase from your local grocery or make your own..see how to below to make your own hummus)
• Tomato
• Roasted Bell Red peppers
• Avocado
• Spinach
• Red Onion (not as dominant as other onions, so it goes perfectly)

YUMMY INSTRUCTIONS ON THE WRAP

It's actually pretty simple, just pile your ingredients, beginning with your hummus, in the center of your wrap. Once ingredients are packed in the center, wrap your wrap (no pun intended), cut in half and serve with a fresh green leaf side salad or just enjoy solo!!

HOW TO MAKE HUMMUS:

• 1/2 cup uncooked chick peas + 1 & 1/4 cup water
• 1 garlic clove, peeled
• 5 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp tahini
• 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 tsp fine grain sea salt, or to taste
• water to thin out, if needed
• Herbs & seasonings of choice, if desired

1. Rinse chickpeas in a small colander. In a medium-sized pot, add the chickpeas and 1 & 1/4 cup water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and cover, simmering until the water is absorbed or about 10-13 minutes. Stir the chickpeas frequently to prevent them from sticking to the pot.

2. With the food processor running, drop in the clove of garlic to mince. Add the cooked chickpeas, along with the lemon juice, tahini, and olive oil. Process until smooth. Add a touch of water if necessary to thin out.

3. Add salt to taste and other herbs and seasonings if desired.

** Who says healthy eats aren't YUMMY!!!

Until next time..A Bientot!!

NATURAL HAIR GROWTH: Natty Tips on Growing Healthy Hair

Hola Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone!!

I thought I would drop in and give the scoop on the question I receive quite often, which is 'How do you get your hair to grow so quickly?' Well, I can tell ya one thing..I don't take vitamins, I don't apply any miracle serum and my own products do not contain magical ingredients that would cause my hair to grow any quicker than what it is naturally intended to grow given that I give it a healthy environment to grow in.
So without further ado, Let's recap Natural Hair and HEALTHY GROWTH.. Now, keep in mind,  hair grows at a rate of about 1/4-1/2 INCH per month. The rate of our hair growth is determined by a few things, a few are: genetics, diet, and how we treat our hair overall. If we give our hair a nice platform/environment to grow, it will grow.  Here's some tips that ensure healthy hair growth, which is the main importance..HEALTHY

MY HEALTHY HAIR TIPS: 

(1)KEEP THE SCALP CLEAN . Applying large amounts of oils and butters only clog the pores on our scalp. Our scalp produces natural oils and many times it has an over production or does not produce as much due to a few things. (a) Years of being clogged using clog poring ingredients (silicones, mineral oil, petroleum, oils, butters). (b) lack of water intake..It's very important that we drink plenty of water (c) Improper diet. Certain foods can have allergic reactions in our bodies and many times,we do not know it unless we keep a journal of foods that cause us to have reactions on our scalp, you will normally see scalp issues such as dermatitis, psoriasis, etc (dairy is known to be a major culprit, but not the only culprit)...Ok, so back on track, be sure to keep the scalp clean and healthy. Making sure to thoroughly cleanse at least once per month using a clarifying cleanser and herbal, tea or acv rinses and co-washing..So again, keep the scalp clean, it's a living breathing organ and is easily clogged which causes it to malfunction

(2) PROPER DIET AND WATER INTAKE IS IMPORTANT: Again. Proper diet, Exercise and good water intake. Exercise is an excellent way to get blood circulation flowing which encourages healthy hair growth.

(3) MOISTURE. Be sure to keep the hair moisturized properly. A wonderful way that has ensured that my tresses stay moisturized is..First, apply water or a water based product to the hair...Then, apply a butter or oil to lock/seal in the moisture.

(4) TRIMMING/DUSTING: Trim hair when needed. Because our ends can make or break our hair, it is of the utmost importance to keep them hydrated and trimmed when needed.

(5) HIH (HAND IN HAIR SYNDROME).  Try at all possible to keep hands out of hair. I know we love love love our natural and want to rub on it, or our significant other loves to rub on it, but this can cause friction which leads to breakage. If it helps, keep hair in protective styles such as twists or braids/plaits, buns (not too often) so it's less tempting to caress our tresses.

(6) PRODUCTS JUNKY-ISM. Try, if possible, to remain faithful to a few products..When we indulge in many products, we have a harder time to know what may or may not create an issue with our hair. Giving a product time to work is one of the best ways to know if a product is truly working for your hair. What I have found for myself and other naturals who have achieved healthy hair and awesome growth is that we are faithful to the products we use and usually don't succumb to product junkyism..as tempting as it is. (some awesome women who have achieved wonderful healthy hair and use very minimal products besides me (wink) are Naptural85, Chime with Hair Crush, Pam with Koils by Nature)

(7) NIGHT PROTECTION. Protect your hair at night with a satin scarf, bonnet or satin pillowcase, whichever works best for you

(8) Document your journey..Pictures are an awesome way to see your growth. Because we see ourselves daily, it's hard to see our growth. On those days, weeks, months that I wasn't sure my hair was growing, I would look back on pics and see the growth. Those of us who have FB pages, we love for you to post your pics to our page..then revisit those pages a month or two later and look at those pics again.
(9) USE HEAT SPARINGLY OR NOT AT ALL. The use of heat can create a host of issues on the hair. So if at all possible, use as sparingly as possible and should you choose to use heat, be sure to use on clean hair and apply a heat protectant each time. 

(10) Patience..No matter how many products promise this, that or the third, hair grows at the rate that it is naturally designed to grow..Have patience, love it, nourish it and take care of it and it will grow..but more importantly it will grow healthy!!
  

If you love it..It will Grow..Healthy!! 

..Have a Happy Natty Day!!!

**Where to find: Tee that I'm rocking is available at Tangles And Beyond 

Earrings available at www.nappylife.com

Dryness..Ends..Moisture..OH MY!!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

NATURAL HAIR PRODUCT: NATTY MOIST

And you thought you LOVED the Natty Moist before, well...Introducing the New and Even Bettery Natty Moist Creme Conditioner..Now in a bottle with a convenient pump for more ease of use!!

• Same GREAT ingredients
• Same GREAT ways to use (Easier application for using as a conditioner for co-washing. Smoother application for applying as a Deep Conditioner. Much silkier application as a water based styler. Velvety feel on the skin as a body creme.)
• Same GREAT SCENT
• Easier and more convenient to use.
• AVAILABLE HERE: The Natty Lifestyle

The New and Improved Natty Moist will be available in a 12oz Beautiful Amber Bottle with a black pump top.

Ingredients: Ayurvedic and Healing Herb (Brahmi, Calendula, Hibiscus, Neem, Lavender and Marshmallow Root) Infused in Distilled Water, Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B), BTMS, Cetearyly Alcohol,  Guar Conditioner, Unrefined Shea Butter,  Potassium Sorbate, Cupuacu Butter, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Aloe Vera Extract, Evening Primrose, Vegetable Emulsifier, Sweet Orange Oil, Tea Tree Oil,Natural Fragrance

The Benefits of the Ingredients:

Ayurvedic and Healing Herb Blend: (Brahmi, Calendula, Hibiscus, Neem, Marshmallow Root and Lavender)

• Wonderful cooling herbs that provides an abundance of slip for easy detangling.
• Nourishes the hair.
• Makes hair dense and promotes healthy hair growth.
• Aids in the treatment of scalp problems.
• Controls hair loss and premature greying.
• Helps relieve symptoms of dandruff and scalp problems.

Shea Butter

• One of nature's best emollients (moisturizers) that softens and soothes hair, scalp and skin.
• Gives a luxurious feeling to hair and skin.
• Helps control frizz by providing excellent moisture.
• Great sealant to lock moisture into the hair and skin.

Avocado Oil:

• A natural protection from ultraviolet light,
• It is an antioxidant and contains phytosterols which have anti-irritation and anti-inflammatory properties, condition skin and hair and promote moisture retention.
• Excellent for dry skin.

Cupuacu Butter:

• This exotic butter from the Brazil Amazon is similar to Cocoa Butter, but has a softer creamier consistency.
• It contains essential fatty acids and phytosterols, and is very moisturizing for skin and hair.
• It is also a natural protection from UV-A and UV-B rays. It can be used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis and adds shine and replenishes moisture in hair.

Guar Conditioner:

• A natural emulsifying agent from the legume family that conditions without causing polymer buildup.
• Helps control flyaway and frizzy hair.
• Promotes shine

Panthenol (Pro Vitamin B):

• Penetrates deep into the skin and hair shaft.
• Has excellent water binding abilities.
• Helps strengthen the hair shaft by imparting an elastic film inside and out.
• Helps thicken the hair and leaves hair feeling soft and silky.

Essential Oils: (Sweet Orange and Tea Tree)

• Soothes and heals damaged scalp.
• Also aids in relieving itchy scalp.
• High in antioxidants which is extremely beneficial for skin and scalp.
• Promotes healthy hair growth.

BTMS (Behentrimonium Methosulfate):

• This is not a sulfate, BTMS is a natural emulsifier derived from Colza Oil.
• Has excellent detangling properties and leaves hair with body and spring.
• Works excellent as a leave in for hair.

Cetearyl Alcohol:

• Naturally derived alcohol from a mixture of coconut and palm oil fatty alcohols.
• Has natural emollient(moisturizing) properties.
• Moisturizes and improves wet/dry comb out.

Vegetable Emulsifyer:

• Vegetable based emulsifier (binds water and oils) from naturally occurring fats.

Citric Acid:

• A weak organic acid found naturally in fruit that serves as a natural preservative. Citric acid is a wonderful ingredient that balances products that may be too alkalinic.

Potassium Sorbate:

• All Natural Anti Microbial to keep natural and food grade products from molding

The New Appearance and Silkier Consistency:

NATTY MOIST: Directions of Use

My results:

WHY A PROPER PH BALANCED SYSTEM IS CRUCIAL FOR OUR HEALTH

 

Yummy Alkalinic Water with Alkalinic Fruits that I make a pitcher of: Cucumber, Pineapple, Strawberry and Lemon..bottoms up!!

Greetings, ATON (All Things O'Natural) readers...I pray all is well and healthy with everyone. Let's talk healthy insides and the importance of having a balanced pH.

With so many dealing with the struggles of obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, cancer and other adversities within, many often don't know where to turn to 'get their systems right'. And, even worse, many grow up with the idea of, 'well, that's just what to expect'..because, they saw mom or dad, grandma or grandpa with those same adversities or taking 6-7 different pills to help control whatever illness that's going on in their bodies..We are slowly becoming a generation of thinking 'that's to expect..that's life' instead of being educated on what may really be the problem and how it can be reversed. 

'Let Food Be Thy Medicine' a popular and beneficial quote by Hippocrates. So, when we are faced with those adversities, many of our docs will write a prescription and send us home with the O'So ever popular, 'work on your diet'....But, what exactly does that mean? Should I eat less? Should I eat more fruit? Should I drink more water? What??? Well, hopefully this post will shed some light of how we can do what Hippocrates's quote inspires many to do..'let food be our medicine'.

Click on Chart for larger view

This awesome chart was compliments of : The Smoothie Guys Awesome Smoothie of the Day

The Majesty of HIS MAJESTY..

• Plants and Humans must coexist in order to survive on this wonderful planet..

• Plants give off oxygen and need carbon dioxide to survive. Humans give off carbon dioxide and need oxygen to survive..Talk about a symbiotic relationship.

• Plants thrive in acidic environments but will succumb in alkalinic environments. Humans thrive in alkalinic envrionments but will succumb in acidic environments.

ACIDITY VS. ALKALINITY

• Cancer thrives in acidic environments, but cannot live and will die in alkalinic environments.
• Bacteria thrive in acidic environments, but cannot live and will die in alkalinic environments.
• Viruses thrive in acidic environments, but cannot live and will die in alkalinic environments.
• Yeast thrive in acidic environments, but cannot live and will die in alkalinic environments.

 The Scoop On How an Acidic Nature Can Affect our Bodies.. 

(info found at www.beginingbalance.com)

• The body, in its natural state, is slightly alkalinic. In order to survive properly, it must remain in its slightly alkalinic state. 

• Most of us are natural alkaline producers when we are young. This is why many children can eat what they want and have an imbalanced diet and still be healthy and slender right up into their early twenties. 

• As the majority of us reach our thirties and forties, we have become overly acidic. The reason is due to the many things we are exposed to: environmental toxins, foods and even stress contribute to an acidic condition in our bodies and, unfortunately, our natural buffer systems are not as effective at neutralizing that acid. An acidic body is a welcoming tool for viruses, bacteria and fungi.

• An imbalanced pH affects all cellular activity in the body, leading to the progression of most degenerative diseases, including Acid Reflux, Indigestion or Gout..Cardiovascular Disease, Heart Disease, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol Levels, Kidney Stones, Urinary complications, Arthritis, Osteoporosis, Cancer, Diabetes, Weight Gain and Obesity.

• The root cause of many common symptoms, such as Constipation, Digestive Problems, Heart Burn, Headaches, Frequent Colds, Fatigue and Sleeplessness, just to name a few,  are due to improperly balanced pH in our bodies.

Reasons Why A Balanced pH is Critical:

A healthy body pH is between 6.0 and 7.5

Body temperature of 98.6 is normal

• Weight Control: When the body is in its natural alkalinic state, body weight and insulin production normalize. When we do alkanize our bodies, it works so well at dropping excess weight that many lose pounds just by eating more alkalinic foods (see chart above for foods).

• Proper Calcium Utilization:  The body is a survivor and will do almost anything to maintain a balanced pH. This includes leaching important minerals such as calcium, potassium and sodium from the tissues. It literally leaches the calcium from your bones, making them porous and fragile (major contributor to osteoporosis)

• Cholesterol Levels: Keeping a balanced pH helps to maintain proper cholesterol levels so that plaque does not form.

• Cancer Cells: Remember when I mentioned that cancer thrives in acidic conditions? Well, keeping the body in its normal alkalinic state helps prevent cancer cells from forming or thriving.

• Blood Flow: Alkanizing help remove plaque from arteries, veins and heart tissue. 

• Oxygen Flow: Keeping an alkalinic pH helps to flush toxins from our tissue and protects against premature aging.

Have You Checked Your Ingredients Lately??

• Many people exercise, follow a good diet, take nutritional supplements, control stress and do detoxification regimens...But, many times, they don't look at the chemicals they are exposed to or are using such as household cleaners and personal hygiene products at home or in the work place. Remember, our skin and scalp are living breathing porous parts of our bodies.
• Chemicals such as: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, a known carcinogen (are found in shampoos, toothpastes, lotions, etc)
• Cocaminde DEA: harmful ingredient found in shampoos and even some natural shampoos.
• Propylene Glycol: a product found in anti freeze. Culprit for causing contact dermatitis
• Phenol: a coal tar..Causes nausea, convulsions, coma, etc
• Iodopropynl Butyl Carbamate: adversely affects the liver
• Organophosphate: an insecticide used to kill spider mites from farm fields..Farmers, their families and pets are warned to stay away from fields for 48 hours once sprayed..Sooo, why is this found in many laundry soaps??
• Blue #1, Yellow # 5 and Red # 40: All Coal derivatives.

**Just some FYI tips: Here are some store available waters with higher alkaline levels

•  Deer Park: pH 8.05
• Zephyrhillis  7.7
• Crystal Geyser 7.5
• Arrowhead 7.9
• Evian 7.2
• Hinckley & Schmitt 7.3

As always, keep it happy and healthy. Take care of your precious temple.

Later Gators!!

**These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to  diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease.
Please consult a physician or medical practitioner before taking any dietary supplement, especially if pregnant or nursing.

Magical Clay..Bentonite Clay Hair Mask Treatment (updated)

Greetings, Chicas/Chicos..I pray all is well with everyone. Ok, so let's talk Bentonite Clay. Now, I posted on this over a year ago, but this post will address how Bentonite Clay directly affects the hair. It is 'hands down' one of my favorite methods to thoroughly cleanse the hair without making it feel dry or straw like. So, enjoy this video and let's get into the wonder results of using Bentonite Clay for the hair.

BENTONITE CLAY..WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

• Bentonite Clay is one of the most effective detoxing cleansers found in nature.  Formed primarily from Montmorillonite (an extremely flat crystal flake), it carries a strong ionic negative charge. So, the negative charge seeks something positive to combine itself  with (either Sodium or Calcium) and the result will be either Sodium Bentonite Clay (what we normally use for the hair, but it can be used internally for a more thorough internal overall detox) or Calcium Bentonite Clay (what we normally take internally for cleansing). To make it even more simple, picture the Montmorillonite clay being 2 pieces of bread with a vacuum searching for something to fill the middle in between the bread, and whatever lands in between the bread (Calcium or Sodium) will determine the type of sandwich you have. The two clays, though they both swell and react when combined with water, one swells less (Calcium (internal) Bentonite Clay) making it possible to pass through the colon (for cleansing) without being prohibited. Whereas the Sodium Bntonite, when mixed with water, creates a swelling of 7 times the amount making it extremely absorbing, which is what allows it to absorb the toxins and other elements (buildup) in the hair or skin.

SODIUM BENTONITE..WHAT DOES IT DO FOR THE HAIR?

• Because Sodium Bentonite Clay has a much much higher negative charge, it has a stronger vacuum for pulling heavy metals and toxins that it comes in contact with. With this stronger vacuum that it has, it is able to pull in more unwanted  toxins into its interior.
• Thoroughly cleanses the hair by removing product buildup allowing for better moisture and styling
• Contains high levels of silica and iron, which are excellent for cleansing the hair.
• Greatly enhances the curl pattern in the hair
• Imparts shine to the hair, especially when combined with acidic fluids such as, Apple Cider vinegar or Aloe Vera Juice.
• Aids in making hair more manageable 
• Be sure to only use plastic or wooden utensils when mixing, as the metal will lessen the effect of the clay
• Do not take internally while pregnant

BENTONITE CLAY...HOW TO MIX

• Each batch will vary from person to person, combine enough ingredients to cover the thickness and length for your hair.
• Combine Bentonite Clay and equal parts Apple Cider Vinegar and Aloe Vera Juice (otpional) and mix to the consistency of cake batter. 
• Apply mixture to damp unclean hair
• Allow mixture to sit on the hair for 15-20 minutes not allowing to dry on the hair. 
• Rinse mixture with lukewarm to cool water until all clay is rinsed from the hair.
• Follow up with a deep conditioner

ME AND MY HUBBY'S RESULTS FROM THE BENTONITE CLAY

Clay Treatment in December 2011

Clay Treatment in December 2011

Clay Treatment in December 2011

Clay Treatment on June 13, 2012

Clay Treatment on June 13, 2012

Clay Treatment on June 13, 2012

Clay Treatment on June 13, 2012

Clay Treatment on June 13, 2012

**Bentonite Clay can be purchased at your local health food store or here: Mountain Rose Herbs

Hope you enjoy!

Credits: some info obtained from www.bulkherbstore.com