The Detox Bath Experience

Being that my 21st birthday was this past Friday, I had a lot of detoxing to do. I had a very, VERY busy and long weekend. I have alway been curious about detox baths so I decided to give it a try this past Sunday.

Here are some of the benefits of detoxing according to bembu.com:

• Boosts energy
• Rids body of waste
• Builds stronger immune system
• Improves skin
• Gives you a clear head
• Helps you feel an overall sense of lightness, in a positive way

Here are some of the benefits of a detox bath according to healthylivinghowto.com:

• Eases stress
• Improves sleep
• Flush toxins through sweat
• Reduce inflammation to reduce muscle pain
• Eases headaches

So, my first step was of course going on Pinterest for recipes.

I began by running warm water (as hot as I could get it without compromising my comfort) in my freshly cleaned bath tub. I created a bath recipe that I poured into the running water which was:

• ¼ cup of lavender epsom salt: to soothe aching muscles
• ¼ cup of baking soda: to soothe irritated skin (this ingredient is extra beneficial for the female body part)
• ¼ cup of bentonite clay: to draw out toxins
• 1 cup of milk: to moisturize skin and provide vitamins

As the bath ingredients was getting mixed up and settled into the water, the aroma was getting pleasantly stronger and so was the heat radiating from the bath (which was not so pleasant).

After my bath was full enough, I let it cool down for about 5 minutes. I then eased my way into the water, fearing for my life because the tub floor was so slippery.

I don’t know if it was because the water was so hot or because my window was not open like it normally is (something I would never do again while taking these steamy baths), but I immediately began sweating.

I was starting to wonder if this bath and myself was meant to be. I quickly grabbed my phone which was right next to my bath (I know, not the best place for it to be) and I googled if sweating was a normal effect of detox baths. I was happy to see on realfoodrn.com that all my water works were not only normal but beneifting me, so I decided to stick it out.  Like a BOSS.

Even though I was still sweating I began to relax myself as I listened to my Erica Badu Pandora Station.

The water began to cool down and I was having fun with the bubbles (don’t judge me).

After about 30 minutes, I released the bath through the drain and felt a little light headed (probably because I wasn’t drinking water during the bath like I should have).

Due to all my sweating, I didn’t necessarily feel the cleanest. I decided to take a quick warm shower using my Bath and Body Works Sleep Aromatherapy Body Wash. After that, I wrapped myself in my towel and had to take a minute just to regain my normal body temperature.

I put on a pair of light pajamas, I made a healthy, light meal of grilled shrimp and broccoli. I also drunk a TON of water. After replenishing myself, I felt like a million bucks.

I layed down immediately after my meal and after about one episode of Martin, I was out for the count and I slept like a baby through the night.

I would definitely encourage you to try one of these! Throughout the sweats and the  heat, you still feel a sense of relaxation and like you just had a day at the spa.

Tips during bath:

• Take a cool shower after the bath to cool your body
• Drink a lot of water during and after the bath to stay hydrated

• Don’t take a bath longer than a hour
• If you are hungry afterward, just eat a small salad, soup, or fruit. You don’t want to eat anything that would put toxins back into your body
• Breathe in and out slowly

• Sleep in breathable clothing so your body can cool off
• Play calming music during and after the bath to get your head in the right space
• Enjoy a good night’s sleep!

-LisaLenora

The Benefits of a Meatless Monday

Here it is, that dreadful ugly monster that comes every week to tell us the weekend is over. Most people dread Mondays because it can mean multiple things from the weekend being over, having to go to that class where the professor uses attendance as 50% of the course grade, or just meaning you can’t stay in bed all day because you have stuff to do. What most people don’t know is that you can easily combat your Monday blues by giving yourself a dose of energy that would last you all day as well as give you a clear head to start the week off with. No, I am not talking about an espresso shot from Starbucks, I am talking about the most natural source of energy that can be found on planet earth. The wonderful, the magnificent, the versifiable vegetable!

The Health Facts

Beside the fact that you are generally consuming less calories, you are also feeling yourself up with nutrient and vitamin packed goodness. By limiting your meat intake you are reducing your risk of heart disease, obesity, as well as diabetes. In fact, not eating meat does not only prevent horrible things from happening with the body, but it can actually benefit the body as well. Eating a diet full of vegetables and fruits can improve your liver as well as make your bowel movements more regular, which in return helps waste exit the body faster and easier.

The Effect of Some Vegetables and Fruit on the Brain (according to bembu.com)

Apples: Leading source of quercetin, an antioxidant plant chemical that keeps your mental juices flowing by protecting your brain cells.

Black berries: HelpS to provide potent antioxidants known as polyphenols that zap inflammation and encourage communication between neurons, improving our ability to soak up new information

Broccoli: Contains potassium that helps the nervous system.

Eggplant: Provides antioxidants that protect brain cell membranes.

Spinach: Is packed with nutrients that prevent dementia like folate, vitamin E, and vitamin K.

Quick, Easy, & CHEAP Recipes for the College Student (you can even find most, if not all ingredients in your dorm’s cafeteria) Also take a look at studentrecipes.com for more options.

Breakfast: Veggie hummus bagel

½ of cucumber

¼ cup of spinach

1 slice of tomato

1 whole grain bagel

1 tablespoon of hummus

Spread the hummus on one slice of the bagel. Place the tomato on top then follow with the spinach. Slice the cucumber thinly and place slices on top of spinach. Place other half of bagel on top and your finished.

Snack: Driving me nuts granola

1 cup of granola

1 cup of dark chocolate chips

1 cup of almonds

1 cup of sunflower seeds

Combine all seeds, granola, and nuts in bowl. Warm up chocolate chips and drizzle chocolate on the grain filled bowl and your set to go!

Lunch: Quick cheesy vegetable swaray

1 bag of frozen vegetables

1 cup of cheddar cheese

Dinner: Ramen stir-fry

1 packet of whole grain ramen noodles

3 packets of soy sauce from cafeteria or ¼ of a cup

1 cup of spinach

1 cup of mushrooms

Microwave a bowl full of water and the ramen packet fro about 5 minutes or until noodles are done. Microwave mushrooms and then spinach in a covered bowl for about 2-5 minutes. Combine veggies with half drained out noodles and stir in soy sauce.

Dessert: Crunchy Sundae

Leftover granola from Snack

2 scoops of So Delicious Vanilla Bean Almond Cream

Scoop out ice cream and cover with granola. Easy peasy!

-LisaLenora