Tag: healthy habits

Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies Now Exist, and I Put Them to the Taste Test

Published on by Lee2 Comments

As BEAUTYLEEBAR editors, we independently select and write about stuff we love and think you’ll like too. BEAUTYLEEBAR has affiliate and advertising partnerships so we get revenue from sharing this content and from your purchase.

There is a full 16 fl oz. bottle of apple cider vinegar sitting in my kitchen cabinet. It’s been there for months because after I cracked it open, took a whiff, and an unfortunate sip, I immediately decided it was far too disgusting for me to drink every single morning. I was well aware of its myriad supposed health benefits — enhanced energy, healthier skin, digestion, immune, and weight loss support, to name a few — but my taste buds prevailed.

I hadn’t thought about apple cider vinegar since, but then a jar of Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies ( $19 ) — yes, gummies — landed on my desk from a press mailing. Goli created the world’s first apple cider vinegar gummy. So any other apple cider vinegar gummy is just a copycat. Sorry, it is just the truth.

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One gummy is made with 500 mg of apple cider vinegar, and according to the brand, two gummies (the recommended serving size) is equivalent to one shot of liquid apple cider vinegar. The gummies were designed to make adding apple cider vinegar into your routine a little easier and also just more enjoyable to consume.

Before I get into my review, I am 23 years young now which means I am pretty cautious about ingredients and I pay more attention to how it makes my body feel. I am a fan of gummies and any healthy gummies I ever had tasted great and the results were all positive.

I was pleasantly surprised by Goli’s gummy rendition, though. Frankly, they taste like candy. Sweet — but not too sweet — without any weird artificial aftertaste. The gummies are gluten-free, vegan, and made without any artificial preservatives, flavors, colors, and sweeteners. I now look forward to my postlunch ritual of popping two in my mouth.

In addition to the superstar apple cider vinegar, the gummies are made with organic superfoods like pomegranate and beetroot, as well as vitamins B12 and B9.

Remember, these gummies are not designed to be an all-in-one health supplement. They are designed to make it easier to get some apple cider vinegar in your diet. Goli gummy intends to improve digestion, support weightloss, improve hair health, improve skin health, improve heart health, and so much more.

Each bottle holds 60 gummies, so if you are an apple cider lover, I would suggest you first get the 3 month supply ( $57 ).

So have I noticed more radiant skin than usual or a boost in my energy?

I can’t report anything noticeably different about my digestion or my complexion YET, but that is because I just got my bottle a week ago. I was just too excited and couldn’t wait to share Goli with my followers. However, I do notice that the gummies do satiate my desk-side sugar cravings when I choose to take them in the morning, and I like incorporating more superfoods into my daily diet.

I could also use the vitamin B12 to help power me through hard workouts or my inevitable 4 p.m. crashes. It is tasty tasty which makes taking apple cider vinegar more enjoyable. Now I can’t wait to get my day started with the help of Goli. Don’t forget to use “BeautyLeeBar ” to save money. Who doesn’t like to save money right?

To follow me on this new endeavor, go and press that follow button. Also, here is both my Instagram: @beautyleebar @iamcrystalee. Don’t be shy, come say hi.

Another bonus is that each order causes Goli to donate a six month supply of essential vitamins to a child with malnutrition. They can do this through a partnership with Vitamin Angels, a nonprofit dedicated to ending child malnutrition.

Malnutrition is the #1 cause of preventable child deaths. That’s why Goli is proud to support the work of Vitamin Angels, who continually strive to reduce malnutrition in children by giving them access to lifesaving vitamins and minerals.

To purchase yours, go to https://go.goli.com/BeautyLeeBar and use code ” BEAUTYLEEBAR ” to save money. Goli ships worldwide and offers free shipping. Tag me when you get yours and let me what you think about it. I understand every person is different so I get excited to learn about others’ experiences and thoughts.

HAVE YOU TRIED GOLI GUMMIES YET? TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS IN THE COMMENTS BELOW.

Where To Buy Goli Gummies:

Goli Nutrition Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, $19

SHOP NOW ON https://go.goli.com/BeautyLeeBar

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Do You Pick Your Skin? Here’s Why And When To Stop

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Whether it’s an old scab on our shin, that bit of dandruff on our scalp, or popping a zit that popped, it’s safe to say that we all – to some degree – pick at our skin. The question is why? What is it about the whole thing that satisfies us, and why is it that sometimes a seemingly harmless habit can go sideways? Curious for the answer, we hit up a psychodermatologist and dermatologist.

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Why We Pick, Pop, and Scratch

The reason why we pick isn’t exactly straightforward, but we can try to simplify. Dr. Stacy Chimento, a board-certified dermatologist for Riverchase Dermatology in Miami, Fla., breaks down skin-picking into three categories:

Mild / Minor Picking Habits: “This category refers to people who pick at their skin when they see that there is a stubborn blemish that they are not used to on their face. Usually, people that fall into this category don’t fixate on picking at their skin,” she says. Think: a few minutes to address the issue, then moving on.

Intermediate Picking Habits: “This level of picking refers to those who pick at their skin if they see anything abnormal, from a change of texture, dry patch, or raised bump on the skin’s surface. These patients tend to also pick at their scalp if they notice any flakes or rough textures,” says Dr. Chimento. Think: turning skin-picking into a pastime.

Severe Picking Habits: “At this point, patients are picking at their skin incessantly even when nothing unusual is present. Patients who develop severe picking habits can often find themselves probing their skin in search of anything to pick, whether that be a scratch, a blackhead, or a scab,” she says. People in this category pick so much it can cause damage or impact their day-to-day life.

Mild skin-picking is understandable and normal; we want to look and feel our best and eliminate anything “weird” or “different” from our bodies. For some, however, picking becomes a slippery slope.

“[Severe] skin picking is often used to help regulate emotions; it can be a coping mechanism to relieve emotional discomfort, physical discomfort, or a blend of the two. If [a severe skin picker] is stressed or anxious, skin picking allows temporary relief,” explains Matthew Traube, a licensed psychotherapist who specializes in the field of psychodermatology.

This behavior actually has a name – “Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior” (BFRB). It is defined as repetitive self-grooming behavior, including skin picking or even pulling hair from your body. In addition to soothing during times of stress or discomfort, Dr. Chimento says that skin picking can also provide a sense of “control” or can even be done out of sheer boredom.

“Picking can occur both consciously or unconsciously,” adds Traube. “Ultimately, the underlying issues do not get addressed and generally people feel awful about it afterward.”

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The Dangers of Skin Picking

Carefully addressing a singular zit (or two), futzing with a scab, examining a new bump or patch, or occasionally scratching at dandruff are all within the realm of normal picking. It’s okay and healthy to pay attention to our bodies and groom ourselves.

The line is drawn when skin picking becomes compulsory and/or excessive – to the point you’re inflicting real damage or pain versus trying to quickly address a skin issue. This damage can range from mild to extreme. Dr. Chimento says that bleeding, bruising, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH), secondary infections, and permanent scarring are not uncommon.

In addition to physical damage, severe picking can also impact your life and wellbeing. Compulsory skin pickers can spend hours obsessing in front of a mirror and still feel like they must keep going. Like other addictions, it can distract them from important things in life, such as work, relationships, exercise, and social engagement.

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How to Curb a Picking Habit That’s Gone Too Far

To cease the picking, it’s important to take thoughtful action in order to set yourself up for success.

“In the early stages of trying to ‘quit’, try wearing gloves when your hands are not occupied. If you are at work, keep a squeezable ball on your desk. Each time you experience urges to pick, will yourself to resist for longer durations,” suggests Dr. Chimento. “Sometimes the urge to pick is manifested by skin conditions such as dry, cracked skin, or oily skin that produces acne. Instead of picking at it, treat the problem instead.”

If you’re working through a skin-picking addition and experience breakouts, it’s also better to visit your dermatologist for a facial or cleanup to prevent you from slipping down that slope. Another way to help is to keep your nails trimmed, which makes it harder to pick. And while you’re at it, toss those tempting instruments, such as tweezers, small manicure scissors, and anything else you use to pick your skin.

Traube adds, “It’s common for people to pick more when they’re alone, so I might suggest creating a weekly social schedule to assure that you are more often engaged with others. Social support can make a significant impact on skin picking.”

If small steps fail, even when aware of the issue and attempting to address it, consult a licensed therapist. A therapist can talk you through the process and help you understand the root of what is causing and magnifying the disorder.

“Professional help usually involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy, habit reversal training, mindfulness, and psychodynamic therapy,” says Traube, “We want to address both the act of skin picking and the deeper emotional issues that can provoke it.”

Bottom Line: To a degree, we all pick at our skin, and in the mildest cases, it’s perfectly normal. If you sense yourself slipping or feel like you’re losing control of the situation, tackle the underlying issue and set yourself up for success by following the above advice. If you do find yourself picking to an extreme degree and are struggling to gain control, you’re not alone. A professional can help guide you to the other end.

BEAUTYLEEBAR does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.

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WHAT IS INTERMITTENT FASTING?

Published on by LeeLeave a comment

** Please consult your physician before adjusting your nutritional diet **

Before I dive into WTF IF is and why I’m such a proponent of it, let’s get something out in the open: I AM NOT A DOCTOR ( surprised? I know ). But seriously — what I’m about to share with you in regards to intermittent fasting is knowledge I’ve picked up from doctors and specialists throughout my own journey. If you have a history of eating disorders, blood sugar issues, or live a lifestyle that always keeps you hungry, IF is more than likely NOT for you. Always consult your doctor or specialist before changing your diet.

Now that that’s out of the way, let’s dive in.

INTERMITTENT FASTING | a specific eating pattern that structures the time of day you eat and the time of day you are in a fasting mode. This is not a diet.

What does it do?

♡ increases human growth hormone which aids fat loss

♡ lowers insulin levels which increases access to stored body fat

♡ cell repairs in the body due to not being preoccupied w/ digesting food

♡ increases release of the fat-burning hormone noradrenaline

♡ help with inflammation in the body

For more detailed researched, read THIS article.

PERSONAL FASTING SCHEDULE |

This was actually a question I have been asked on my stories and is something I tried last year. Fasting has made a huge difference in not only my bodies appearance but also my sleep and my mental health. This does NOT mean I don’t eat, it just means I intake my calories for the day between 2 pm and 10 pm and fast the morning and night after these times where I have water, herbal tea, and black coffee. There is a lot of science that goes behind this that I don’t completely understand but I encourage you to research it for yourself before you start.

Intermittent Fasting shortens the time frame in which you’re eating throughout a given day. For example, instead of eating between 8am—10pm, you’d choose an 8-hour timeframe to consume all your food for the day— like 12pm-8pm, 10am-6pm, etc. While practicing intermittent fasting, most people fast for 16 hours of the day, while some prefer 14 hours or 18 hours. It’s totally up to you to find a time frame that works for your body, mindset, and schedule. Some people practice IF every day, and others keep it to 3-4 days a week. That’s why it’s called a “practice.”

PRO’S |

Done for a short time it can boost your fat loss, get you concentrated on your goals, give you a schedule to abide by to diminish the chances of excess eating, speed up the fat loss, give you mental clarity, lower sugar cravings. This is why I have started it again but only for 4 weeks. Sharing about this 4 week reset below.

♡ Promotes weight loss 

♡ Increases longevity 

♡ Acts as an anti-aging catalyst 

♡ Regulates insulin levels  

♡ Enhances hormone stability 

♡ Decrease meal planning stress

♡ Clears the mind

Of course, IF isn’t a “magic pill” that will fix all your problems, but it is a very realistic and effective step that will more than likely make a positive impact on your overall health and who doesn’t want that! Might as well try it, right?

CON’S |

This way of life should not be continued long term due to the damage it can have on your metabolism, muscle maturity, and energy levels. I made the mistake of doing this rigid schedule for 5 months and started to really see the negative consequences of it. I was ALWAYS tired, my muscles were weak, and I plateaued in my workouts/fat loss.

MYTHS |

♡ Skipping breakfast makes you gain weight.

♡ Eating more frequently burns more calories (it ALL depends on the thermic effect of the specific food NOT the frequency).

♡ You need to eat often for brain function (our bodies can burn the glucose storage in our bodies for brain function w/o extra food).

♡ Fasts put your body into starvation mode, this is more or less a mindset. You can easily go from not eating to eating everything in sight if you have no self-control.

♡ You will lose too much muscle during fasting, this is ONLY true if you are not consuming the needed nutrients the rest of the day including your protein intake.

4 WEEK RESET |

♡ Intermittent Fasting 8 – 10-hour window

♡ Calorie deficit (gradually lowering not extreme)

♡ 3 days of 1 hr long cardio

♡ 3 days of lifting and 30 minutes cardio

♡ 21 Day Detox by Flattummyco

♡ 96 oz of lemon water a day

♡ 5 high-fat calorie days, 2 high carb calorie days

What other questions do you have about IF? Comment below! 

I Tried Kim Kardashian’s Favorite Flat Tummy Shakes and I’m Impressed!

Published on by Lee2 Comments

Flat Tummy Shakes by Flat Tummy Co. are the meal replacement shakes buzzing all over social media and I’ve decided to see what all the fuss is about. Do they really work? Will they curb your appetite? Will they help to lose weight? Read more and find out all about it, my honest review and results.

This post is sponsored by Flat Tummy Co. I am being compensated for this post. All comments and opinions are my own.

WHAT ARE FLAT TUMMY SHAKES?

Flat Tummy Shakes are meal replacement shakes made by Flat Tummy Co., a brand very well known for their de-bloating detox teas. They introduced this meal replacement program as an easy and safe alternative to losing weight and getting back on track. Its magic ingredient is clinically proven Citrimax, a dietary supplement used to burn fat and slim down the waistline. The shakes are the perfect addition to a healthy lifestyle no matter how big or small your goals are. There’s simply nothing easier than shaking up and drinking 1-2 of them a day.

The shakes are great if you have a special occasion coming up, your weight loss has plateaued, or you simply need a nudge in the right direction. They are vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, and gluten-free, as well as having a digestive blend of enzymes and probiotics, omega 3’s, and six grams of fibre.

MY CURRENT LIFESTYLE

I am generally an active person, can’t stay still for too long. With my job, I’m always on the move. I am always on my feet and stuff. I’m not one to attend a gym on a regular basis but I do have fitness apps that teach me exercises to do at home. Whether it be a 30-45 minute cardio workout 2-4 times a week, taking long walks, or being sexually active, I consider myself fairly active.

When it comes to my “diet”, I love choosing from my many options of tea to enjoy with my meal preps. I am learning and experimenting with different healthy smoothies that is flavorful and works for me. Flattummyco Shakes is quick and easy, just the way I like it, all while still enjoying the things I love.

THE 4 WEEK PROGRAM

What I love about the Flat Tummy Shakes is that they are just like having one of my green smoothies, only they’re packed with a lot more good stuff. They’re quick and easy, and a much better option than loading up on carbs. Instead of grabbing a croissant in the morning, you can have a shake and still feel full. I noticed right away that I had more energy, less cravings, and I was feeling less bloated. The shakes have 20 grams of plant based protein, 22 vitamins and minerals and over 50 fruits and veggies – a definite “oh she glows” kind of drink.

Having tried other protein shakes in the past, I knew what to expect about the taste. I was given Vanilla and Strawberry flavor shakes, so with that I was able to add extras to the shake if I felt the shake was too bland. The key to really enjoying these shakes is to make sure that you really shake it! Make sure all of the powder is blended into your liquid of choice. You can use regular filtered water, almond milk, coconut milk – you decide. You can also whip it up in a blender and add fresh or frozen fruits for a better tasting shake. What I love is the proportional packets so I don’t have to get elbow deep scooping powder out of giant tubs, and the packets super portable! I just tuck one in my purse for later if I’m having a late morning and shake it up on the go. 

Personally, I enjoyed the drink by mixing it with almond milk and chugging it down – no time to waste! During the first few weeks of taking one shake a day, I would still snack between meals. In the last two weeks, there were no more urges to snack. The cravings became less and less and eventually diminished. Keep in mind that I cut out sugar and gluten, so I was already consuming a healthy, high protein diet otherwise known as a paleo or whole 30 diet. I immediately felt full afterwards and it really was just enough for me. You can replace up to two meals a day with the flat tummy shakes!

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THE RESULTS

My expectations with any weight loss supplement is that bloating would decrease significantly – and that it did. Consider it to be water weight, if you will, but I was definitely lighter and able to ‘suck in’ my tummy and feel comfortable in my skin by the end of the four week program. The shakes made me want to keep up a healthy regime, by making the right meal choices and drinking plenty of water instead of snacking. Funny how the mind plays tricks on you like that, making you think that you are hungry when really, you are thirsty!

After taking the meal replacement shakes every day for four weeks, I have lost a total of 20 lbs, which is a lot for me! The combination of summertime, constantly going out with friends, eating fresh fruits and veggies and staying hydrated, all played a significant role. But the real winners here are the Flat Tummy Shakes. They got rid of my bloating and reduced my appetite, making me feel comfortable in a swimsuit. And it definitely helped me to get my mind off of food! It’s a much healthier alternative to skipping meals (don’t ever skip breakfast!) and you will get results, the healthy way.

Flat Tummy Co. Shake It Baby meal replacement shakes come in Vanilla, Strawberry and Chocolate flavors, which one would you choose? They used to sell Matcha, don’t know what happened but I hope Flattummyco brings it back!

If you’re looking for extra help with results, definitely check out Flat Tummy Co.’s website and order a few shakes. And guess what?! They’ve got a massive 25% sale going on right now!! So if you want to try this product, that’s the time to get your hands on some!

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