There is nothing worse than dry, itchy skin in the winter. It’s uncomfortable and quite unattractive when you are wearing something sleeveless. So what can you do about it? Exfoliate!!! Scrub, scrub, scrub all of the dead skin away.

I become a fanatic when it comes to searching for the best exfoliation product. I probably have at least 4 different types in my bathroom right now. From over the counter to the ones from the kiosk in the mall outside of Nordstrom’s. Yes, I got sucked into buying a sea salt scrub once the demonstration was done on my hand. It was January and I was desperate! I have yet to use it yet, but I will. Right after I use the other 4 jars I already own.

The best thing about exfoliating is it removes the dead skin cells to prepare for new and fresh cells, as well as it repairs that dull appearance your skin has with dead cells. Who doesn’t want to look younger? Exfoliate your skin and you will be doing something great for your skin. Taking care of your skin, is one of the best things you can do for yourself. I have listed a few of my favorites below and those that actually work well. They range in price and size. I am sure there are ones out there I have yet to try, but start here and get to scrubbing!

Carol’s Daughter SweetHoneyDipChocolateBrownSugah Scrub ($$1/2) – Haven’t tried this yet, but the body butter was the bomb! Can’t wait to test it.

Aveda Smoothing Body Polish ($$1/2) – This is just okay. It is in a tube and serves as a good substitute when traveling. Fits easily into a suitcase.

Fresh Brown Sugar Polish ($$$) – This is one of my fav’s! But it is expensive for a large jar. Test out the travel packages for a lesser price. It’s like being inside a bowl of brown sugar and water.

Aromafloria Honey Papaya Nut Meal Exfoliant ($$) – This is pretty good and has a great smell.

Quick exfoliant tip: In this winter weather, your lips take a beating. Outside of keeping lip balm on it, you can quickly exfoliate with couple of drops of olive oil and some sugar. This is a simple and cheap home remedy to get dead skin off of your lips. Rub in well, rinse with water and then apply with lip balm. End result: soft and supple lips.

I don’t know about everyone else, but it has come to my attention that my scale . . . the one I hide behind the bathroom door is officially a LIAR (and evil)! Maybe that’s it. It’s upset with me because I keep it hidden and out of sight and it’s getting revenge.  There is no other reason why it would want to lie to me like this when I step on! Oh and it is such a BIG lie too! All women know exactly what I am talking about because I know your scale has probably lied to you at least once if not twice. It’s Monday morning, you are about to get in the shower (so you have nothing that could cause unnecessary weight), you step on the scale and BAM it spits out a complete untruth. A boldface lie! You are wondering why it would deceive you this way. Right? Everyone knows the best time to weigh yourself is first thing in the morning when your stomach is empty. So you’re not sure what went wrong. You did everything right and you get this lie. It is definitely angry with you about something!

Well, I am going to do something about mine. I will not stand for this treatment anymore and I am going to make the scale my friend again. First, for the next month it is going in the closet. We need some time apart for a while. There will be no more play time with me getting off and on at least 5 times, shifting feet, or alternating foot positions. I’m done with that!

Next, I am going to show that scale.  I’m cutting out all of those holiday sweets that I have been consuming since Thanksgiving. Ha, take that scale! You’re gonna want to be my friend. Only apples and grapefruits for me. Yeah!

Did you say wine, margaritas? You got it, cutting back on that too and juice (especially Mango Lemonade and Trader Joe’s Pink Lemonade Italian Soda). That scale doesn’t know who it’s messing with. 100% pure aqua, H20, good ol’ fashion faucet fluid. Okay well maybe filtered.

Oh I am not done yet. No more french fries (for now)! Yep, I am getting out the big guns to take down the scale and it will begging for us to be friends again. I will not succumb to the fries calling my name or the delicious smell wafting from the door as I walk pass Five Guys.

Croissants for breakfast? No way! Who cares if they are buttery, flaky, come with different fillings and melt in your mouth. (Oh my!) They are out too and nothing but multigrain toast will do. Next thing I know, that scale will be rushing to be underfoot.

Finally, and this is huge. This will surely get me back into the good graces of the scale. I am going to start running, spinning and yoga-ing again!!  Apparently, you lose tons of calories and fat from exercising! Who knew? If that doesn’t win it over, then nothing will.

I sure hope this works because I would hate to have to throw that scale out of the window and watch it splatter into tiny pieces. So, if you are fighting with your scale, maybe you too should try getting back into its good graces. But remember, everything in moderation.

Good Luck!!

As I approached the new year, I focused on searching for a renewed sense of balance in my life. With a new job that is both challenging and often stressful, I was beginning to lose my balance.  I am a true Libra (if you believe in Zodiac signs, et al) and when my scales are crooked, so am I.  If my work life is off, then so is the rest of my life. I pride myself on remaining positive, keeping positive people around me and maintaining a positive outlook. But for the past 6 months I have begun to lose that and it scares me. It makes me feel emotionally and psychologically helpless and I don’t like it. And I needed to do something about it quick if I am going to survive this job and be successful and if I want to remain sane. So I began looking at ways in which I can do this fast and economically.  I am sure I am not alone and hope you too can use my “balance” tips:

Yoga: I am convinced that Yoga can cure a lot of things. Staying focused, breathing and being in a quiet space is the best for getting in tune with YOU!  Identify a good studio with a variety of classes and levels. There are varying types and you want to ensure you partake in the one best for you. It really does help you regain focus. It doesn’t hurt that you are getting in shape too.

Meditation: Ah, this is always tough for me because I am always trying to do something or squeeze in another task during the day. Sitting still with my eyes closed, thinking and focusing is a challenge unless I am in on a plane (that is where I do my best thinking.) But, meditation is so great for the body and soul. It does help you get “in tune” with your life. Take a few moments a day to just sit and release. You will be amazed at how that can help you find clarity.

Exercise: Yes I know, I know, the dreaded new year’s resolution that we all make come January 1. But, research has shown that exercising or doing some form of physical activity helps reduce anxiety and stress.  Upload some new tunes to your I-POD, take advantage of the deals gyms are running this month or buy some Tae-Bo tapes, and find an ideal time in your schedule.  Get off the couch and get moving! I am going to take my own advice.

Create a vision board: I am a firm believer in positive thinking and visualizing what you want. It has worked for me before and so it is time to create a new one.  Think about what you want today, next month or over a lifetime. Jot them down on paper and then grab magazines or newspapers and cut out symbols or visual objects of what you have written. Turn your words into a vision. Be specific. Place it somewhere you can visualize what’s on your vision board everyday.

Do absolutely NOTHING: The only thing that has helped me survive these past few months is I literally do nothing on the weekends. It would hinder me at times, but it was necessary to remain sane.  Take one day and just do mindless things — go to the movies, play a board game, or do a puzzle. By Monday, you will have some renewed clarity and can make better decisions as well.

Here’s to you and me finding a new sense of balance in 2010. I will keep you posted on my progress.

Well it’s that time of year again – time for my annual Turkey Day tips! It was two years ago this week when I launched the blog and my first post was about how you can eat healthy and stay active during the Thanksgiving holiday. So why break a tradition?  I hope you enjoy this year’s tips and can apply them somehow over the next week. Like I always say, enjoy the yummy food but in moderation.

Well, this year I am going old school, I am actually road-tripping to Memphis, TN for the holiday and for a girlfriend’s wedding over the weekend. It’s a 13-hour car ride from DC to Memphis. I am trying not to think about that considering I start squirming after 3 hours on a 5-hour flight to LA.  But when you wait too late to book your flight, this is what happens. So off we go!  In honor of my road trip this year, here are tips for all of the car travelers.

Pack your own healthy snacks. While it is tempting to stop for food off of the highway, you have to remember you will rarely run into healthy options. You are going to primarily run into a Burger King, Arby’s, McDonald’s, or Cinnabon. So do your body and your wallet a favor and bring your own snacks/meals.  Stop at your local grocery store and pick up apples, granola mix, cheese, ready-made meals from the deli (not the frozen section) or whatever you like. And sure we all want some hot food on a chilly, Fall day, especially in a car. Pack up some chili or stew and store it in a thermal container.

Choose healthier options from fast food stops. If you must eat off of the side of the road, then try to resist the Super Size, double cheeseburger, fries and Chocolate Frosty. Grab a salad or the broiled options opposed to the fried options. If you have time to stop and sit down to eat, there is always an IHOP or full service restaurant along the way. They tend to have more options that are healthy than fast food places.

Stick to regular eating habits and times. I don’t know about you but when I am in a car for a long period of time, I tend to eat more than usual. A snack here, a meal there, another snack here. Before you know it all of the cookies are gone and the chips are next. Resist overeating. If you are bored, get a book you have been wanting to read or do a puzzle. Often when we don’t have anything to do, our impulse is to stuff our mouths.

Take stretch breaks. All of that sitting and eating can’t be good, especially if you are going the fast food route. Make a point to stop and get those limbs moving. Do some stretches, park the car and walk around the gas station lot or do a quick race with the kids. Quick sprints tend to burn calories faster anyway. On your mark, get ready, get set, GO!!!

To those of you traveling by plane or train, you can definitely apply many of these tips. Airports don’t have the healthiest options of food either, especially in the smaller airports. Regardless of how you are traveling this year, remember to keep it healthy. Eat in moderation and don’t remain too sedentary over the next four days. Enjoy this time with your family and friends and cherish every moment!

Happy Thanksigiving!

I made the decision to give up red meat about 4 years ago. Every once in a while I would have a craving for a burger or a steak, and there were maybe a handful of times I would give in. But I would suffer, well my stomach would suffer. Slowly, two years ago I begin introducing red meat back into my diet. There was nothing more yummy than a broiled boneless ribeye in a great marinade. Then I stopped eating it again for year. About a year ago, I decided to give up carbs for two weeks and that resulted in me eating me deciding to eat red meat again. When you can’t eat any carbs/starches that steak over sauteed veggies is pretty tasty. I did keep it to lean meats like flank steak but nothing really fatty. But as I do more and more research about the link between red meat and breast cancer ; I am more inclined to give it up forever.   I often ask myself why do I continue to eat it when I know it could potentially be harmful to me? But why do we do anything that we know could hurt us? Because it is hard to break bad habits and it takes some real willpower.

Here is are two studies that link cancer and beef:

Cancer-causing compounds are formed during high-temperature cooking of meat, according to the March 24, 2009 ScienceDaily article, ” Eating Red And Processed Meat Associated With Increased Risk Of Death .” Meat also is a major source of saturated fat, which has been associated with breast and colorectal cancer. In addition, lower meat intake has been linked to a reduction in risk factors for heart disease, including lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

The Journal Archives of Internal Medicine also reported last November that red meat could raise younger women’s risk for an estrogen-linked form of breast cancer. Researchers found  that higher red meat intake may be a risk factor for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer among premenopausal women.

As we all aim to be healthy and reduce our risk, especially those of us who have a family history, it is probably a good idea to look at different options for red meat. So if you are like me and who need your “monthly” iron/red meat fix (you know it’s true) here are some alternatives to the beef burger:

Turkey Burger – This is my absolute favorite and one of my girlfriends says it my best dish. I combine ground turkey breast with terryaki marinade, onion powder, garlic powder, sea salt, creole seasoning and pepper. Slap it o the grill and add so me pepper jack cheese! YUMMY!

Black Bean Burger - A little more difficult to make but very good. I use similar seasonings as the turkey burger but add an egg to keep it together. It falls apart as you try to make it into a patty so beware.

Houston’s Veggie Burger - My vegetarian boyfriend swears by this! I have to say I have had some great veggie burgers out and about. For a quick, on the run lunch option try Morningstar Grillers. They are suprisingly tasty.

Every time I hear someone sneeze these days I cringe. I immediately cover my nose and mouth with my hands or the inside of my shirt. I began frantically searching my purse for hand sanitizer, wipes, a tissue or anything I can find to ward off of the germs that are now flying about my entire personal space. I am silently screaming, “H1N1, H1N1 . . . Oh please, please I hope they covered their mouth!” But I know they didn’t because we can all tell the difference between a sneeze in a tissue and a sneeze that is wet and full of who knows what! What’s worse is when you are on the plane and the person behind you lets out a gigantic sneeze and you know it’s over! Those germs are not just flying over your head and into your space, but throughout the entire plane. Just prime for recycling right back into your nose and mouth at some point. What can you do?!? Absolutely nothing, just take it like a soldier. And yes, it would be ridiculous for you to sit the entire 4-hour flight with your hands over your face, wondering when it’s safe to bring them down.  People will think you are crazy. So please do not do that. Well, maybe for like 10 minutes is okay.  But what is our alternative?  Painter’s masks? Has it really come down to having to wear a mask in public places?  Apparently it has.

Since this whole H1N1 madness began, I always think back to the scene in the movie Outbreak, when the guy is in the theater and he sneezes, and they show how his sneeze spreads to everyone in the theater and goes up their nose. The mere thought of it makes me want to put on mask. I really need to start carrying trial size Lysol and start spraying as soon as I hear the sneeze. I think in addition to the H1N1 flu shot, they need to hand these out at every airport, train station, bus depot and movie theater. When someone sneezes, spray a Lysol bubble around you.

While I am being humorous in this blog piece, I am very serious. People I beg you – COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE WHEN YOU SNEEZE!!! It is disgusting and harmful to the rest of us when you do not!! If you have no tissue, use the inside of your arm to sneeze into. It’s attached to your body, so it doesn’t cost you anything extra. Teach your children to do the same. They are a high-risk group for the H1N1 flu and their immune systems are still developing. Also, for whatever reason, babies and children have some powerful little germs! They will knock an adult off of their feet for week. Ask any parent or teacher.

I don’t think we realize how far a sneeze goes and what is coming out of our mouths when we do. So let me enlighten us all with this video on sneezing. I am sure we will all think twice, three times about covering our mouths and noses the next time we sneeze. Watch closely, it is in slow motion.

Well, I am back! I am not going to make any excuses for why the lapse in my blogging except that my life was turned upside down in April when I took on a new job heading up a non profit organization. Every day I am faced with issues impacting pregnant women, women’s health, and child and infant health that by the time I get home I have no extra energy to blog. It is 6 months later and I am finding some balance. To tell the truth, I need the blog to keep me sane. Writing helps to calm me and keep me grounded.

What a better time to start back up SavvyHealthGirl than in October – Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a month that is very personal to me. With a family history of breast cancer and my own issues with lumps in my breasts, I am a huge advocate increasing awareness about breast cancer and what women can do to prevent  it from occuring. It is so important that women, even young teen girls are good to their “girls.” Here are a few things I encourage women to start doing this month (if you are not already) and then on a regular basis to ensure you lower your chances for breast cancer:

Conduct a self-breast exam. Get to know your breasts. Are they lumpy? Do you know notice anything different?
Get a mammogram. If you have a family history like me, then you should schedule an exam by the age of 35. Most women get one around 40-45.
Improve your diet if it is filled with soda, sweets and fried foods. These foods have a negative impact on your health in general.
Talk to a young woman about the importance of breast health. Start a discussion with a young woman you know and ask her if she has questions about breast cancer and what it means to her. Encourage her to know her family history.

Live life, live healthy!

I just have to give a “shout out” to President Obama for establishing the White House Council on Women and Girls!!! Woohoo Mr. President!! Signed today in the presence of several women’s organizations and those representing federal agencies, this demonstrates his commitment to renewing the sense of spirit and hope in this country. We have made so many strides for women’s rights, but we have continued to struggle to have the voices of women and girls adequately heard in this country. This council will represent what has been needed for such a long time — a resounding voice for the individuals who are often seen as the vulnerable population. A resounding voice for women’s health, women’s rights, equal pay, quality and accessible child care, and family leave. We must recognize that these are not just women’s issues, but issues for the entire family. When you provide women with what they need to be strong and empowered, their families reap the benefits as well. 

Here is what the council will address in it’s first year:

• Improving women’s economic security by ensuring that each of the agencies is working to directly improve the economic status of women.
• Working with each agency to ensure that the administration evaluates and develops policies that establish a balance between work and family.
• Working hand-in-hand with the Vice President, the Justice Department’s Office of Violence Against Women and other government officials to find new ways to prevent violence against women, at home and abroad.
• Finally, the critical work of the Council will be to help build healthy families and improve women’s health care.

Well the Groundhog saw his shadow last month and we know that means several more weeks of winter for us. This made me so unhappy because I tend to get the winter blahs right around February. So the thought of having to endure another month of freezing temps, made me want to climb under the covers with the remote control. I told one of my girlfriends that I just want to lay in my bed, with dark shades or curtains, my favorite movies and some snacks (of course) for like two days to rejuvenate my mind and body. Being the great friend that she is, she wasn’t concerned that I was going into a deep depression, rather she responded, ” Me too!! I totally understand!”

We decided that we all just need a little “down time” now and again. And for some reason during the winter, you need it more than ever. Less sunlight, shorter days and colder temps. These things can really give you the winter blues or blahs. We often ignore our body when its sluggish and as a result we have less energy and are more apt to colds and the flu since our immune systems are low. Ladies, take care of your bodies! Listen to it when it’s screaming “I NEED REST!” Try these tips to rejuvenate your body and conquer the winter blahs at the same time:

• Find something that you like to do that will get you up and moving, or just take your mind off of feeling blah. Try a new recipe or give your bedroom a new look. A new activity may improve your mood.
• Open the blinds or curtains for some sunshine and crack the windows for a bit of fresh air. Release the stale and dry air that is lingering in your house that may be making you feel cooped up and sluggish. 
• Go outside, take a walk on the weekend to get the blood pumping and get some Vitamin D. Sun has positive effects on your body and soul.
• Exercise or do some form of physical activity. Try a new exercise class like Tae Bo or Cardio Funk. I just went Salsa dancing this weekend! 
• Take your vitamins. We need our vitamins even more in the winter months to help fight off viruses and colds, as well as maintain our energy. We are definitely more sluggish in the winter and vitamins help a lot.
• Meditate and massage. Do both! Clearing your mind and releasing tension from your body can help increase your positivity. The blahs can often lead us into negative thinking. So staying positive is important.

Hold on just a little longer. . . Spring is on its way! If last week’s temps of 70 degrees is any testament to what’s to come, then we are in good shape.

I felt compelled to post some of the comments from one of my readers regarding yesterday’s post – Can you eat on $175 a month? She shared some good tips about eating healthy on a limited food budget and what you can buy for under $200/month. It was such a heartfelt response and so honest that I thought others could benefit from her suggestions. Now you may not agree with everything she suggests and that’s okay! If you are so compelled, pass the information on. Thank you Dorothy!!

There is no reason to not buy fresh fruits and vegetables when you are on a limited food budget, but they should be selected carefully for cost and storage. For instance, you can buy root veggies like potatoes, onions, and carrots to use all during the month; just keep them in a cool, dry place. Remember that apples and oranges last longer than bananas, Bartlett pears, and peaches. Frozen strawberries and blueberries will last indefinitely. Ditto with canned peaches, pears, applesauce and pineapple.

Here are some other tips:

- Use store brands. Use store brands. Use HEALTHY store brands!!!
- Find out which days are best for store specials, especially meats. Freeze or use right away.
- Use coupons for brand names that you prefer.
- Use powdered milk and canned milk in your cooking, or make up powdered milk for drinking, instant store brand puddings, a cocoa mix and cereal.
- Wrap fresh celery (not more expensive celery hearts) in a paper towel, then aluminum foil to remain fresh longer or buy packages of frozen celery and onions or green peppers and onions to flavor soups, casseroles, or meat loaf
- Purchase dried beans, pasta, and rice, store brand
- Eat more vegetarian meals. Dried beans, eggs, cheese, and peanut butter are other good sources of protein.
- (If you are a meat eater) Use a minimum amount of hamburger in chili beans and spaghetti sauce (canned, store brand). Chuckeye steaks are just as tender and cheaper than rib eyes. Round steak is good for your Swiss Steak recipe.
- (If you are a meat eater) Purchase chicken thighs and drumsticks instead of whole chickens or breasts for chicken ‘n dumplings, chicken casserole, or chicken soup. Purchase in bulk and divide for several meals. Fried or baked chicken livers are delicious with rice and canned green beans.
- Freeze and save leftover chicken or beef stock for soups and casseroles.
-Cook soups and casseroles to make food go further—chili beans, cream of potato soup, corned beef hash, chicken casserole, Hamburger Helper type meals, 15-bean soup, vegetarian vegetable soup, salmon patties, chicken or tuna salad, chipped cream beef w/toast
- Purchase canned meats whenever possible—corned beef, dried beef, canned chicken, canned tuna, canned salmon
- Bake your own bread. Buy self-rising flour and corn meal to make biscuits and corn bread. Use leftover breads to make that chicken casserole. Or purchase bread products at bakery outlets.
- Grow your own fresh spinach or lettuce, chives or scallions, and herbs, in window boxes and tomatoes and peppers in planter pots.

There is no reason to not eat healthy meals and snacks on a limited income. A single adult can easily live on $176.00 worth of food per month.