Health & Fitness

Last week, we shared a heartfelt letter to you that was written in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell.  We had the opportunity to chat with the woman behind that letter, the beautiful Dawn Montgomery.  Dawn Montgomery is a professional model and writer that resides in the Atlanta area.  She has graced the pages of Black Men’s Magazine, a JET “Beauty of the Week,”  and J’Adore Magazine, as well as a few campaigns for Akoo Clothing, PZI Jeans, and Seagram’s Gin 2009.  Get to know Dawn as she discusses her personal fight with Bipolar Manic Disorder and how she has managed to keep it under control.

XI:  You were diagnosed with Bipolar Manic Disorder in high school. What symptoms were you experiencing that alerted you something was wrong?

I was very depressed and I really shut myself off from my friends. I began to think extremely negative & have suicidal thoughts. I began to have the weirdest suicidal ideations & I never shared them with anyone. It wasn’t until I felt numb all over that I knew there was something seriously wrong with me. XI:  Mental Illness is usually ignored in the African-American community. Whose idea was it to get you diagnosed?

It wasn’t until I had Viral Meningitis and I was hospitalized for almost 3 weeks. During that time, my doctor noticed my mood swings and the symptoms and he recommended that I see a therapist. My family supported me through this whole process and it was something that we needed to do in order to make sure I was going to be okay.

XI:  Why do you think the African-American community turns away from dealing with mental illnesses?

I think the severity of mental illnesses and how complex they may be, can turn our community away from dealing with it. Mental Illness is real and once we are able to recognize it and come together as a community to fight against it then we can overcome it.

XI:  After you were diagnosed, how long did it take you to come to terms and deal with living with Bipolar Manic Disorder?

Not long… I ignored it as long as I could, but then my episodes were more rapid and started happening at least 5 to 6 times in a year. I cannot ignore something that is a part of me so the older I get the more comfortable I am being me.

XI:  You have been modeling for a little while now…how have you managed to maintain success in such a stressful and competitive industry while battling Bipolar disorder?

I have been blessed to have a strong support system and a few key people around me that help keep my boat afloat. LOL! My agent, Jay Glover and my publicist Lila Brown have both stepped in and given my career some order. My family understands my struggle and so do those that work with me professionally.  I appreciate them all.

XI:  Last year, Saks sponsored a fashion show with proceeds going to Bipolar Manic Disorder research, have you been able to do anything similar or plan to?

SAKS, give me a call the next time you do that! LOL! I plan on working with NAMI.org and really just getting more awareness out about Mental Illnesses and how some of us overcome.

XI:  How do you feel about there now being a specific Mental Health Awareness Month for minorities?

I LOVE IT! Everyone else has their month and I really feel as if this helps bring about awareness. You cannot run from something that will continue to stare you in your face.

XI: I read that powerful letter you wrote in honor of Bebe Moore Campbell. Her daughter Maia Campbell has been battling this disorder for a long time now, but tends to have relapses due to not wanting to take her medication. Have there been moments for you where you were fed up and wanted to stop taking your medication?

I don’t take medication. I am sure therapists & psychiatrists will not like me stating that but it’s true. My episodes have been very extreme and I have found ways that I can deal with them. I stoppped taking medication, because they were not for my Bipolar Disorder. I was taking anti-depressants and if I missed a dose or two, I was worse off than I was before taking the medication. The older I get the more I am researching the new drugs that have been created for the disorder and I am debating on whether I should do a research study.

XI: After becoming a mother, which is truly a blessing, did you find yourself having as many bouts with your depression?

NO! My son came into my life right when he was supposed to. I had lost my grandmother to Breast Cancer and I thought my life was completely over.  When I found out I was pregnant I was so overjoyed.  God makes no mistake and he gave my son to me to help me continue on with my life and tell my testimony. There’s a lot of joy in that alone.

XI:  What are your future plans for spreading awareness of Bipolar Manic Disorder?

I would like to become a national spokesperson for NAMI and continue working in the community. I enjoy talking about my testimony and learning more about how people are dealing with their mental illnesses. XI:  What is your advice to young African-American women battling on how to deal with the disorder and refusing to treat it?

Please get help! I am blessed to have the support system that I have created around myself, and I have always educated myself on my disorder. It is tough to deal with this alone.

XI:  On a fabulous note…where will we see your beautiful face again?! What are some upcoming projects we can look forward to seeing you in?

I am so blessed to have a wonderful career as a professional model and writer so I have a few things up my sleeve. I will be working with Creme of Nature at the Bronner Bros. Hair Show in August. I have a hair commercial that will air next month and my first cover may be ready by then as well. My faith lies in God and He has truly taken care of me no matter what.

XI is very thankful to Dawn for taking the time to chat with us and can’t wait to see her in her upcoming projects! 

Dawn has overcome her disorder through the strong support system of her family and friends that truly love her.  Her story is so inspiring and is sure to touch someone that is facing the same battles as she has.  Pay attention to her story and if her symptoms sound familiar, check it out!  It can’t hurt.  Take Dawn’s advice and seek help!!

In January 2008, the US House of Representatives named July as Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month.  In November 2006, we lost our beloved Bebe Moore Campbell.  She was a talented author, co-founder of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Urban Los Angeles and a national spokesperson on mental illness.

In 2005, she published 72-Hour Hold.  72-Hour Hold, Bebe Moore Campbell’s last published book, was about an adult daughter struggling with mental illness and how it affected her and her family.  72-Hour Hold was based on the experiences she faced as her daughter, Maia Campbell has been fighting her own battle with mental illness.   In September 2009, a disturbing video circulated throughout the internet of an apparent drug-induced Maia Campbell.  Day’s later; Maia Campbell’s father and grandmother sent a heartfelt letter to Essence Magazine asking for prayers and explaining Maia’s bout with mental illness and let everyone know she was currently getting help.  Read letter here.

As we acknowledge Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, we will have the opportunity to chat with gorgeous model, Dawn Montgomery.  Dawn also battles mental illness and has been since she was in high school.    Below is a touching letter Dawn wrote to Bebe Moore Campbell, in her honor:

“Here I am. National Mental Health Awareness Month was in May and I am still at a loss for words. Some people in our community do not realize that they have mental illness and the number of mental illness cases continues to rise at an alarming rate every day. According to Mental Health America, most African-Americans with Bipolar Disorder are undiagnosed and untreated. Thanks to you, we have the opportunity to celebrate National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month during the month of July. You have inspired my life in so many ways and I would like to share my story with you. I have utilized my voice in sharing my battle with Bipolar Disorder on many of the social networking websites that have become very popular in this day and time. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder my sophomore year in high school and it was a traumatic experience. I embraced the knowledge of my condition at that time, but my peers could not. I dealt with a lot of harsh criticism but I was able to finish high school and move on to the next phase of my life. Your book, “Sometimes my Mommy gets Angry”, was published a year after I graduated from high school, but I did not get a chance to read it until after my uncle had passed away from AIDS during the fall semester of my freshman year of college. His death was very traumatic for me and your book helped me realize that I must talk more about the disorder in my community to help spread the word about mental illnesses. After my uncle’s death, I had a very difficult time coping and I became suicidal. This was not the first time, but it was the most significant. I was an out-of-state student, at a historically black college, and I had NO ONE to really talk too. Just because I was one of the most recognizable faces on campus did not mean that someone always wanted to lend an ear. It was then that I tried to take my own life. This was my seventh attempt on my life, and I was admitted into a mental ward. I was placed under a 72-hour hold and I was lucky and blessed that my family supported me throughout my commitment. Your book, “72 Hour Hold”, is my LIFE! I was the character Trina Whitmore when I first went into my 72-hour hold and my mother was character Keri Whitmore. My mother never denied my disorder and she tried to help me as best as she could. In the Black community, it is still taboo for someone to even mention the words Mental Illness, Depression, Schizophrenia, or Bipolar Disorder. WHY? If I had of known who I could have really talked to or trusted on campus, I would have spoken up. My 72-hour hold showed me that I did not need to be in a place that did not allow me to use my talents nor my voice. I was hiding behind traumatic experiences, my brain’s chemical imbalance, and shame. There was no need for that. When I finally dealt with that chapter of my life, my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She helped me fight against the negative stigmas of having a mental disorder and she allowed me to embrace myself more. I did not want to lose her. She was my saving grace. She also helped my mother understand the disorder and she helped me fight. Then, it was my turn to return the favor. I took two years out from school to care for my grandmother in her fight against breast cancer. When she eventually died from it, however, I felt like I failed her. Fortunately, I believe that God showed me otherwise. One month after my grandmother’s death, I found out that I was pregnant with my son. He gave me a reason to live and another reason to give Bipolar Disorder a face and a voice. My son was born in June 2005 and Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast where we lived in August 2005. There I was, yet again facing another traumatic experience, but I had a newborn son to take care of. I fought so many negative feelings, so many suicidal thoughts and I pulled myself together for him. My life has truly been a testament of what God has for me and neither man nor I can deny it. Even though there have been many ups and downs, I have been blessed to have the most amazing support system of family and close friends that truly care about my well-being. We made it through that tragedy together and I went back to school. According to Mental Health of America, one of the reasons why African-Americans are not receiving help for Bipolar Disorder and other mental illnesses is our reliance on family and religious community. I must admit that I also looked first to family and church during my bipolar episodes, but I realized that was not enough. I had to seek counseling, therapy options, and participate in research studies in order for me to receive consistent treatment for my disorder. At this point in my life, I see how my openness about my battle with Bipolar Disorder has helped many people – sufferers and supporters alike. Through blog posts, updated status messages and random articles I have given a new face and voice to the disorder and I pray more people hear me. Your life’s work is what I dream of accomplishing in my lifetime and I pray that God guides my path. You left us in November 2006 and almost four years later I find myself re-reading all of your mental illness themed books regularly. Your words remind me of how powerful one’s story can be and how I can really affect change if I just speak up. I am still going through treatment and I have learned more about myself through my battle with this disorder. Thank you Mrs. Bebe Moore Campbell. I owe this chapter in my life to you.”

Sincerely, Dawn Montgomery

We are excited about our interview with Dawn, we will learn about her struggle and how she has managed to cope with her illness while being a mother and obtaining success in the modeling industry.

Mental illness is usually ignored in our community but it’s time we become aware of such a serious illness.  If you know loved ones, or you, yourself are experiencing extreme mood changes and similar symptoms as Maia Campbell and Dawn Montgomery, Seek Treatment!! Do not feel like you’re crazy or embarrassed because the longer you go untreated, the worse your mental state will become.  We love all of you over here at XI Magazine, so we ask that you seek help, if not for you, then for your loved ones that have to witness you in a mental state of pain.  Check out NAMI and educate yourself on mental illness.  Also if you haven’t read 72-Hour Hold, please purchase a copy, it’s a powerful read!  Make sure you come back and visit us next week to catch our in-depth interview with Dawn Montgomery!

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XI Fly Chicks and Fellas, we must practice better skincare because these numbers are shocking!  We have to stop believing that “black (and brown) don’t crack.”  We are even more susceptible than our white counterparts.

From StyleList: Having darker skin does not exclude you from getting skin cancer.

If you have a darker complexion, you actually have a greater risk of dying from skin cancer than your light-skinned counterparts.

That’s the shocking news from a recent study of 41,072 melanoma patients in Florida that found advanced cases in 12% of Caucasians, 18% of Hispanics, and 26% of African Americans.

The culprit? Minorities are less likely to be diagnosed and treated for skin cancer in its early detection stages.

“There is a fairly common misconception among African Americans and Hispanics that we do not get skin cancer. Nothing could be further from the truth,” says Dr. Marcy Street, the first African-American female MOHS surgeon in the United States.

“Because light-skinned individuals are mentioned constantly, minority groups often surmise that the information somehow doesn’t apply to us since we don’t commonly burn or have the warning signs of having had too much sun — redness, tingling, sun burning, peeling,” adds Dr. Street.

Individuals with deeper skin tones should look for changing moles, a skin growth that doesn’t heal, and a dry, patchy rash that refuses to heal with lotion.

“Melanoma may occur commonly on the hands, feet, mucosal surfaces and in other hidden places such as the eyes. These are all areas of the body that need to be checked regularly,” advises Dr. Street.

Naturally bronzed beauties should never assume that skin color means you can skimp on the sunscreen. Look for light spray-on formulas with an SPF of at least 30 that blend in more seamlessly than chunkier white creams that may leave skin ashy or gray.

Finally! A strategic and well-thought out initiative to combat and prevent HIV/AIDS in this country…

From Black America Web: WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is announcing a new national strategy for combatting HIV and AIDS on Tuesday, aimed at stopping new infections and increasing access to care for people living with the virus.

The strategy calls for reducing the rate of new HIV infections by 25 percent over the next five years, and for getting treatment to 85 percent of patients within three months of their diagnosis. Obama said the strategy will help the U.S. to become a nation where infections are rare and all Americans can receive high-quality care that is free from stigma or discrimination.

“This is a moment of opportunity for the nation,” Obama says in a report to be released Tuesday. “Now is the time to build on and refocus our existing efforts to deliver better results for the American people.”

Administration officials, including Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and domestic policy chair Melody Barnes, will unveil the strategy at the White House on Tuesday. Obama was to discuss the strategy at a reception honoring the work of the HIV and AIDS community later in the day.

Widely considered to be the nation’s first comprehensive national strategy on HIV and AIDS, the report is the result of more than a year of discussions between the administration, state and local officials, advocacy groups and the private sector. While the strategy does call for improved coordination among federal agencies, it doesn’t identify any new government funding to implement the strategy.

Approximately 56,000 people in the U.S. become infected with HIV each year, and more than 1.1. million Americans are living with HIV, according to the White House.

The new policy will concentrate HIV prevention efforts at the highest-risk populations — which include gay and bisexual men, as well as black Americans — far more than is done today, said Chris Collins of amfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, which was among the groups that met with administration officials as the new policy firmed up over the last few months.

That means finding creative ways to spread successful local programs that find people who are HIV-negative and help them stay that way, as well as providing education and treatment for people who are living with HIV that reduces their chances of spreading the virus, Collins said.

The strategy also aims to copy some of the steps credited with spurring the success of a Bush-era policy to fight AIDS in hard-hit developing countries. That includes setting specific targets and mandating coordination among different government agencies to guard against missed steps and wasted, duplicated efforts.

“We’ve never had that kind of coordinated, accountable effort to address AIDS in America, and that’s what we need,” said Collins.

There is a new HIV infection every 9½ minutes in the U.S. But about 1 of every 5 people living with HIV doesn’t know it.

Access to care plays a role in prevention, too, because the more virus in someone’s bloodstream, the easier it is for that person to spread infection through such things as unprotected sex. Good HIV treatment reduces that so-called viral load.

In one step toward reducing access-to-care disparities, the Obama administration on Friday reallocated $25 million to states that have waiting lists for their AIDS Drug Assistance program, which provides treatment help for the uninsured and underinsured. The National Alliance of State & Territorial AIDS Directors reported that more than 2,200 people in 12 states were on waiting lists for ADAP help as of last week.

Spring is in the air and every time you look around you see one of your new friends. You know, Mr. Oversized Sweater (1 Pound)…you met him in November around Thanksgiving.  Mrs. Parka Jacket (3 Pounds)…you seemed to bump into her after every dinner date with the girls. And don’t forget Mr. Flannel PJ (1 Pound)…remember all those cold winter nights he would hold you nice and tight. Ugh…now your ‘get em girl’ dresses are to tight!

If you are like me you are trying to find a way to end your love affair with anything fried or your food drug of choice, and you finally find your way to the gym. Quick fix crash diets never work and many find themselves trying to pray the pounds away. It goes something like this, I’m sure:

Dear God,

Please curb my ferocious appetite. Help me to squeeze my mothering hips into anything from forever 21, and if I fall short of your grace and stuff my face, please give me diarrhea or at least a free Sunday afternoon so I may take a laxative on Saturday night and rest on the toilet on the 7th day. Oh lord if it is not in your will to grant these things. AT LEAST MAKE ALL MY FRIENDS FAT.

Amen!

P.S. that’s fat with and F, not PHAT.  Thanks God. TTYL

After wasting time trying to avoid the work it will take to get your body bikini ready, you learn two things are absolutely necessary.

1. You probably want to clean out all those toxins from calorie heavy winter foods in addition to shifting gears on your eating habits.

2. Losing weight is futile if not coupled with a muscle-toning plan.

We’ve all heard the report warning us about the dangers of the hazardous chemicals found in our food. Decades ago we enjoyed food that was actually found on a farm.   In today’s modern world many of our food choices come from a factory and are pumped with preservatives intended to increase the shelf life. While these chemicals definitely serve their intended purposes for the food manufacturers they also have lethal side of affects on its consumers. Take a look at this lineup and look for them before you make your next food purchase:

• Sodium Nitrate – most commonly found in color and flavoring of bacon, ham, hot dogs luncheon meat, smoked fish and other processed meats. SN has been linked to the formation of the cancer causing chemical nitrosamine
• Saccharin, also know as Sweet-N-Low – a non-nutritive sweetener linked to allergic skin reactions, gastrointestinal tract and heart problems and may lead to tumors and bladder cancer
• Propyl Gallate – a preservative found in meat products, potato chips, chewing gum and vegetable oil, is used to prevent fats and oil from spoiling and may lead to cancer
• Potassium Bromate – used in breads and rolls to increase the volume. While most of bromate breaks down harmlessly, the residual bromate is highly carcinogenic and can lead to cancer
• Equal known also as Aspartame – found alone as a tabletop sweetener or in diet sodas and other low calorie diet foods. This chemical has been linked to brain tumors in lab rats since the 1970’s and was most recently discovered to increase the risk of lymphoma and leukemia in addition to brain tumors. Less lethal side affects include headaches, dizziness and hallucinations immediately following consumption
• Olestra – a common fat substitute used in crackers and potato chips.  It is not absorbed by the body and causes diarrhea, loose stools, abdominal cramps and flatulence. Adding insult to injury this chemical also reduces the body’s ability to absorb beneficial fat-soluble nutrients, lycopene, lutein and beta-carotene.

The good news is that you can always do a detox program to help rid your body of harmful toxins you may have ingested. While some view detoxification as a radical activity, those who consider detox programs as a necessary health precaution focus on the scientific definition – a bodily process that transforms health threatening toxic substances from our environment and diets into something harmless or the excretion thereof. The trick to successfully completing a healthy detox program is picking a detox program that is appropriate for you. Some programs require that you consume only raw foods, avoid solid foods or ingest supplements. Decide which method you can commit to and remember to commit to healthier eating habits post detox. Failing to change your eating habits guarantees that you will regain any weight you were able to lose during your detox.

After you detox and spend time with a new and improved diet, you most certainly will want to show it off. I mean this is the season of the arm and shoulder revealing tank top, the mid section emphasizing summer dress (you know the one you thought would hide your belly but makes you look pregnant) and the leg exposing shorts, skirts and dresses.  Don’t panic and kick yourself for not taking advantage of the long winter months you could have used prepping for the spring/summer season. There are highly effective and targeted exercises you can do right at home to tone your thighs, arms, abs and shoulders.

Squats with Shoulder Press

Butt, hips, thighs, arms, shoulders

12 reps

A. Grab one weight (use a size that you’re comfortable with) with each hand and standing with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend elbows to lift weights up near your shoulders. Keeping your palms facing out, bend your knees and lower your backside down as if you were about to sit in a chair.

NOTE: Do not let your knees lean beyond your toes.

B. Push your weight to your heels to stand up while you simultaneously press the weights straight up over your head. When standing up right lower weights back to shoulder height.

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Reverse Flys

Back, Shoulders

12 reps

A. Standing with a weight in each hand take a huge step forward with your left foot. Bend your knee, keep your right leg straight and lean your torso slightly forward. Next bring your hands together in front of you with your palms facing each other.

B. Keeping a slight bend in your elbows (never lock your arms), lift arms straight out to sides to shoulder height and feel the squeeze in your upper back. Lower arms, switch legs and repeat.

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Plank

Abs, back, butt, hips, thighs, shoulders

12 reps

Lower your body into push-up position with your forearms resting on the floor, palms down and abs pulled in. Make sure to keep your body in a straight line from shoulders to heels and hold for 25 seconds. Ensure to have a flat back to maximize the exercise.

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Bicycle

Front & Side Abs

10 reps

Assume crunch position with your knees bent and lifted, hands behind your head and elbows wide. In a slow and controlled movement twist your left elbow and shoulder toward your right knee, while simultaneously bringing your right knee in to meet your elbow as you extend your left leg straight out. Switch sides and repeat.

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Weighted Crunch

Abs

10 reps

A. Lying in crunch position, knees bent and feet flat, hold one weight with both hands straight over your chest.

B. Pull abs in tight and slowly lift shoulder blades off the floor; pause, then lower to the starting position and repeat.

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Hanging Dips

Triceps

10-12 reps

Holding yourself up on a bench or chair slowly bend your arms, lowering your body towards the ground. Lower until your arms reach a 90-degree angle. Make sure to slow this move down to 4-6 seconds to complete of rep to increase its intensity.

Like any other diet or workout program please consult with your physician after you have decided on a detox program for clearance.  Also should you have any injuries that may prevent you from doing an exercise listed here, modified versions are effective as well, they just take a little longer to provide the same results.

Happy cleansing and feel free to send us some of you before and after shots!  The best ones will be posted this summer to encourage other citiXIns to be fit and fabulous too!

Every girl loves to be pampered, take time to enjoy the quiet moments in life and reflect on her career, goals, and purpose. If you value your quiet moments, I am sure you know the exciting feeling of ending a long week of work and knowing the next day will be dedicated to you! You know the drill… you select a place, decide on your spa treatments, select a date and then do everything you can to ensure that nothing disrupts your schedule.

As women, there is no doubt that we are busier than ever. As mothers, career women and so much more, every nuance of our day is spent scheduling and planning. We can be notorious for rarely leaving an empty hour open throughout the day. Faxes are coming in, the email notification chimes all day, the cell phone rings every hour . . . and we climb into bed exhausted, dreaming of the next time we can grab some alone time. What better way to enjoy a date with yourself than to carve out some time at a calming and luxurious spa? Even better are the wonderful health benefits beyond the soothing and meditative qualities of spa treatments. According to Aromatherapyhouse.com, important benefits from the right kind of spa experience can result in:

• Enhancing spiritual awareness
• Increasing the body’s energy glow
• Improving flexibility of our body
• Reducing high blood pressure and hypertension
• Healing emotional distress
• Reducing the effects of aging
• Soothing tired muscles
• Toning and nourishing the skin
• Detoxifying our body
• Stimulating circulation
• Reducing weight and weight-related problems
• Reducing insomnia, stress and fatigue

I don’t think anyone would disagree that sometimes we need to recharge the old battery and enjoy a day or two of pampering. Well, the good news is you can create a day of luxury at many spas and within various budgets. Whether you are seeking a five-star experience complete with valet parking, award-winning lunches and world-renowned services or a simpler location at a rustic, bed and breakfast spa with sweeping mountain views, you are guaranteed to find a location that suits your requests and feeds your soul. We’ve done some digging for you and found some of the world’s most fabulous spa retreats.

Stevenswood Spa Resort – Certified ECO spa

Mendocino, CA

(800) 421-2810

www.stevenswood.com

Signature Spa services include Pacific Detox, Aroma-stone therapy, Olive Oil Foot Soaks and Grape Seed Oil Scalp Massages.

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa

New York City

(212) 546-0200

www. reddoorspas.com

Signature Spa services include Cream and Sugar Scrub, Magnolia Body treatments and Organic Shea Butter Wraps.

Juju Spa & Organics

Philadelphia, PA

(215)922-3235

www.jujusalon.com

Signature Spa services include “Skin food” facials, Eye and lip treatments and Organic Enzyme peel.

Paris Parker – Aveda Spa

New Orleans, LA

(888)990-2468

www.parisparker.com

Signature Spa services include Body Elixirs, Aqua Polish with Plant Perfume Steam Baths, and Rosemary Mint Awakening Body Wraps.

Spa on the Hill

Washington, DC

(202) 543-5950

www.spaonthehill.com

Signature Spa services include Sedona Desert Wraps, Desert Stone therapy and Relaxation Massages.

Bluemercury

Baltimore Harbor Gallery at Harborplace (410)576-9090

www.bluemercury.com

Signature Spa services include Crystal facials, Hot stone massages, Foot Focus treatments and Purifying tea-tree and lemon rejuvenation body treatments.

Spa Habitat

Dallas, TX

(214)522-9989

www.spahabitat.com

Signature Spa services include Organic Chocolate Body scrub, Green Peace massages, Organic Hand Ritual treatments, and Eco Cleanse Facials.

Are your senses stimulated yet? You can find these and other amazing spa locations and options at Spafinder.com. Personally, I have used Spafinder to book my “Spa Experience” a few years ago. Their staff was so helpful in assisting me to customize every aspect of my getaway.

Even if you are on a budget and don’t want to necessarily splurge on travel and spa services, you can certainly invest some money in creating your own spa experience at home. I did! A few months ago, I purchased some of my favorite body salts and scrubs, fragrances, aromatherapy candles, decadent shower gels and perfume lotions to enjoy on a whim. I found an ornate wicker basket at an inexpensive store to hold all of my relaxation treasures. I also invested about $200 on a soothing paint color in taupe and offset it with chocolate brown spa towels, mocha bath mats, furniture, fancy accessories in deep espresso and oriental artwork in shades of orange, olive and black to complete my in-home spa. I must admit I could not wait for my hectic days to end so I could enjoy my spa bathroom. You can do the same thing! It is a great alternative, especially when your budget and schedule are not cooperative. As the old expression goes… there is no place like home.

It doesn’t matter whether you choose to plan a fun and fabulous getaway alone, with the girls or with your significant other or you prefer to treat yourself to a pleasurable night at home. Whatever you decide and wherever you go, you will have the best time when you are at peace. So remember to take time for yourself. You are in the best position to decide what is best for you! I think my next day out with the girls will be at the Red Door Spa in New York City. Just the thought of a Cream and Sugar Scrub is amazing! Yummy!

I would love to hear about some of your favorite spa locations. Feel free to share. Happy pampering!

In past years celebrities like Beyoncé Knowles, Jessica Simpson, and Janet Jackson have used famous diets to drop pounds for upcoming music tours, videos, and movies.  Quick  diet fixes for celebrities are different for the rest of us.  However, products that these celebrities used have been put on the market for consumer purchase.

Why? Well… To make money because we – as a society – are so obsessed with celebrities and every aspect of their lives that we often fell to realize they are paid millions of dollars for their looks, and even more money to promote dietary products.  Companies realize our obsessions with celebrities using them to lure everyday people like you and me to stores to purchase their products.  The more celebrities recruited the more money executives, stakeholders, and investors earn.

In 2006, R&B singer Beyonce Knowles drop 20 pounds for her role in Dreamgirls.  With her rapid weight loss, women were more concerned with her transformation than the movie.  She later revealed she used the Master Cleanse to shed weight to play her role as Deena.  A liquid diet to cleanse and detoxify the body using Lime or Lemon juice, maple syrup, cayenne pepper and water is consumed 6-12 times a day with an herbal tea laxative.

Quick Trim linked to the famous Kardashian sisters whom all have amazing bodies claimed to use the product to drop major pounds.  What they fail to mention is Kim Kardashian began a strenuous workout with her on-again off-again boyfriend Reggie Bush before his football season.  Both sisters also have trainers and their diets are impeccable.

At first glance you are automatically intrigued by the success of these celebrities. Before you know it you began to fantasize about your new body and how you would love to rock a two-piece, even around the house.  Celebrities are endorsing these products, but NO one discusses the side effects, ingredients, and cost.

Quick Trim prices range from $20-$80 dollars and can be purchased at a local GNC.  It removes access water and toxin in the body and has four products all of which serve a different purpose.  Burn Cleanse, A 14-day formula designed to speed up your metabolism, which aids in burning calories consistently throughout the day.  Fast Cleanse, kicks off your metabolism and reduces the amount of bloating that women see on a daily bases.  A quick way to slim down before a big event or a vacation.  Extreme Burn, used when women are looking to slim down in a couple of hours.  Extreme Burn burns calories faster than any of the other products that Quick Trim has to offer.  Cellusim, a body sculpting gel used to reduce the appearance of cellulite by smoothing and toning areas.

Now for the side effects: Quick Trim can cause insomnia, diarrhea, irregular heartbeat, dizziness, vomiting, headaches, increased blood pressure, dehydration, fatigue, and nausea.  WOW, if you just exercise and change your diet you would save yourself from doctor visits, frequent trips to the restroom, and pain relievers.  As for the Master Cleanse you will experience abdomen pain, weakness, and you will visit the toilet several times a day.

There are several different diet tricks out there that women and men try in order to shed a few pounds with the misconception that you only have to take a pill or liquid to lose weight without doing any hard work.  These diets are convincing unsuspecting consumers that they work well alone.  However, the results are seen in those that use exercise to aid in their weight lost.  No matter what method of weight lost you are willing to try, exercise and eating habits will always be a major piece and will subsequently prevail over these “quick” fixes.

Oxygen Magazine’s March 2010 Issue has an article on 3 must eat vegetables for protein training and health benefit. The first vegetable is Eggplant. This vegetable is high in Vitamin B1. Thiamine (B1) helps in the breakdown of fats and proteins. One cup of this vegetable provides you with 10% of the daily fiber. Eggplant is also good for maintaining a healthy weight and a healthy digestive tract. Keep reading to find out the other two vegetables that were included in this month’s nutrition section of Oxygen.

This recipe was provided by Eggplant Recipe

Featured Recipe

Grilled Eggplant Sandwich

Ingredients - Eggplant:

• 4 teaspoons Olive Oil
• 1 clove Garlic, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped, Fresh Basil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh Ground Black Pepper
• 2 small Eggplants

Sandwiches:

• 1/2 cup Cream Cheese, Low-Fat Whipped, or Goat Cheese
• 4 pieces Focaccia or other good quality bread, sliced in half, lengthwise
• 2/3 cup Spinach, washed and dried
• 4 slices Tomato

Preparation:

Eggplant:

Preheat grill to medium heat.

Add olive oil, garlic, salt, and fresh ground pepper and ½ teaspoon fresh chopped basil to small bowl. Stir to combine.

Brush both sides of eggplant slices with olive oil mixture.

Grill eggplant over direct heat, 3 minutes per side.

Sandwiches:

Mix cream cheese, 1-tablespoon fresh chopped basil, salt, and fresh ground pepper in small bowl.

Spread 4 halves of focaccia bread with cheese mixture.

Top with spinach, slice of tomato and focaccia bread slice.

Divide and Conquer

Losing that gut may be as simple as dividing food into smaller packages. Study participants who were given 24 individually wrapped cookies ate them in an average of 24 days, while those who received a box of 24—minus the partitions—polished them off in just six days, according to the Journal of Marketing Research.

“Partitioning food prevents you from eating larger portions because stopping to open another package forces you to pay attention to how much you’re actually consuming,” says Amar Cheema, study co-author and assistant professor at Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis.

But before you stock up on bulk boxes of 100-calorie pack treats, know that partitions may lose their effect over time if ripping into another package becomes a routine task. Instead, try switching it up by using plastic baggies as well as different types and colors of containers.

Think Yourself Slim

To curb an afternoon snack attack, try thinking back to what you had for lunch. Study participants asked to recall their last meal before doing a taste test munched about one-third fewer cookies than those who were asked about their morning commute, finds a study in Physiology & Behavior.

“Remembering what you ate activates your brain’s hippocampus, which may play a role in decision-making to help you say no to consuming extra calories,” explains Suzanne Higgs, the lead study author from the University of Birmingham in the UK.

To tame your appetite, jot down a detailed list of everything you had for lunch (no cheating!), then review it before your afternoon vending-machine visit. You may decide you don’t need that super-sized candy bar after all!

Spice Things Up

A little sprinkling action may be all it takes to lose weight. In fact, people who added flavorings to their food shed an average of 30.5 pounds, or nearly 15 percent of their body weight, after just six months, finds a study from the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago.

“Seasonings may make bland-but-healthy foods, such as tofu and vegetables, taste more flavorful so people are likelier to fill up on lower-calorie options instead of fattier dishes,” speculates lead researcher Alan Hirsch, M.D. Try adding onion powder or chili pepper flakes to vegetables or topping sliced bananas with cocoa powder to feel satisfied with less food.

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