A couple of days ago as I walked through a famous, national chain department store that was having a big, fantastic sale, I looked down at all the wonderful bargains in my arms and it hit me...I didn't really, absolutely love any of the clothes I was carrying. Why was I buying them? Because they were such a "great deal," right?
After pausing briefly and thinking it through, I realized that this is the way many of us have come to live nowadays. We fill our lives with masses of cheap things to fill us up. We end up with cluttered homes and bodies. Everything is about getting more for less, from cheaply manufactured sweatshop clothes to supersized meals of frankenfoods.
If we adopt the idea of living with simple luxury we might be better off. Instead of buying an armful of "cheap" clothes you're not really in love with, buy one or two pieces that are truly beautiful, quality pieces you will have for a long time. Your level of satisfaction will be greater in the end and it will cut down on waste and clutter in your home.
When it comes to eating, if you like beef, instead of having cheap hamburgers every night, have a really nice cut of organic steak once a week; better for your body and you get to experience the simple luxury of pure goodness.
So, go ahead and be a bit of a snob. indulge in the finer things and streamline your life. They don't call them the finer things for nothing. Quality counts on your body and in your body.
-Nasirah
Friday, February 29, 2008
Suggested Reading...In Defense of Food
Check out journalist Michael Pollan's latest work, In Defense of Food. It's a very interesting read which goes quickly. It's sort of social commentary meets common sense in healthy eating. Pollan writes this healthy manifesto in a fresh prose style that is approachable yet extremely informative. The big question Pollan poses is why, in this world of scientific advancements and nutritional research are we more uncertain than ever about what to eat and how to eat?
Pollan doesn't only answer this question, he traces the roots of "nutritionism" in our society and shows us where it all went a little fuzzy.
-Nasirah
Pollan doesn't only answer this question, he traces the roots of "nutritionism" in our society and shows us where it all went a little fuzzy.
-Nasirah
Thursday, February 28, 2008
What's for Dinner?
Some of our 30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project participants have expressed a desire to improve their eating habits. With all the literature and "studies" out there it can be really hard to weed out fiction from the facts. One week blue peanuts from red trees in some far off, exotic locale are touted as the newest wonder food, then a week later more "studies" show that these rare blue nuts are not, indeed, as healthy as they were once thought to be...
Who knows what to eat anymore? It can drive you crazy if you let it. But, as far as I am concerned, the most simple answer is probably the best, most "true" answer. If you look around and consider what seems to be the most natural situation for mankind and most other omnivores, the simple answer is eat mostly fruits and vegetables. Our diets should be comprised mostly of real, fresh fruit and real, fresh vegetables. Things like meats, seeds, nuts and grains, or more dense foods should be the garnish or the side dish. But, all too often, it is the case that we simply decorate our meat, pasta or rice dish with vegetables or fruit.
It is important to stay balanced when it comes to diet, so don't stress out, but try to do the most natural thing for your lifestyle. I love the light to heavy concept; eat lightest earliest in the day and heavier towards evening so your body can digest overnight. I know, I know, this is contrary to most of what we have learned, but, I can testify that it works. Aside from amazing weight loss/weight stabilization this method keeps me energized during the day. One day during the weekend, I eat whatever I want. I usually stay within certain parameters (like no white sugar, flour, etc.) but, if I want something, I know the option is available to me, so I never feel deprived. This makes my lifestyle completely livable and realistic.
What this all boils down to is that you have to do what works for you and maintain balance with simple, natural rules. Eat simple, clean, foods from the fruit and vegetable groups that have been processed as little as possible most of the time and you will probably be okay. So relax and have dinner. Manja!
-Nasirah
Who knows what to eat anymore? It can drive you crazy if you let it. But, as far as I am concerned, the most simple answer is probably the best, most "true" answer. If you look around and consider what seems to be the most natural situation for mankind and most other omnivores, the simple answer is eat mostly fruits and vegetables. Our diets should be comprised mostly of real, fresh fruit and real, fresh vegetables. Things like meats, seeds, nuts and grains, or more dense foods should be the garnish or the side dish. But, all too often, it is the case that we simply decorate our meat, pasta or rice dish with vegetables or fruit.
It is important to stay balanced when it comes to diet, so don't stress out, but try to do the most natural thing for your lifestyle. I love the light to heavy concept; eat lightest earliest in the day and heavier towards evening so your body can digest overnight. I know, I know, this is contrary to most of what we have learned, but, I can testify that it works. Aside from amazing weight loss/weight stabilization this method keeps me energized during the day. One day during the weekend, I eat whatever I want. I usually stay within certain parameters (like no white sugar, flour, etc.) but, if I want something, I know the option is available to me, so I never feel deprived. This makes my lifestyle completely livable and realistic.
What this all boils down to is that you have to do what works for you and maintain balance with simple, natural rules. Eat simple, clean, foods from the fruit and vegetable groups that have been processed as little as possible most of the time and you will probably be okay. So relax and have dinner. Manja!
-Nasirah
You Said it...Biggest Beauty Challenge
Tell us what you think.
What is your single biggest beauty challenge? (Name only the one thing that have the most trouble with.)
What is your single biggest beauty challenge? (Name only the one thing that have the most trouble with.)
30 Days to a More Beautiful You Project Starts March 2!
Let's get ready! With our 30 day project fast approaching, let's make sure that we have a game plan. In order to break old habits, it is vital to replace them with new, positive habits. If you have not outlined your goals and aims yet, take the time to do this as soon as possible. Make sure that you have all of the information, supplies and support you need to make your journey as comfortable as possible. Buy a beautiful new journal, invite a friend to walk with you in the mornings, stock your fridge with healthy foods; do things that make positive change appealing.
Remember that positive change is a good thing. And when it comes to change, inspiration is just as important as action. Every few days during our project, I will bring you inspirational words and affirmation cards. Repeating positive affirmations each morning can be a very positive force to create change. Words are important. You can print the cards and post them on your computer or your mirror or stick them in your journal. You may also want to create your own personal affirmations.
Thank you all for joining this project and for all of your support. If you have questions or need support at any time, remember that we are all here as a resource and a community.
-Nasirah
Remember that positive change is a good thing. And when it comes to change, inspiration is just as important as action. Every few days during our project, I will bring you inspirational words and affirmation cards. Repeating positive affirmations each morning can be a very positive force to create change. Words are important. You can print the cards and post them on your computer or your mirror or stick them in your journal. You may also want to create your own personal affirmations.
Thank you all for joining this project and for all of your support. If you have questions or need support at any time, remember that we are all here as a resource and a community.
-Nasirah
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
You Said It...Plastic Surgery
Tell us what you think...
Is there any place for plastic surgery in the "natural beauty" world? Chime in with your opinion.
Is there any place for plastic surgery in the "natural beauty" world? Chime in with your opinion.
pure style...
Next week purebeauty will launch pure style, a weekly column devoted to keeping you updated on the latest, greatest trends in fashion and style. Our new fashion editor Ellen will bring you the best looks for Spring along with funky, fresh, unique fashions from up-and-coming designer/artisans from across the country. Stay tuned!
-Nasirah
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