13 Things to Do Every Morning to

Stay Healthy and Energized

We've all done it: snoozed so many times you're beyond late when you do finally drag yourself out of bed, and then all that's left to save you (time-wise) is a bottle of dry shampoo and a sugary breakfast bar. Nothing good ever comes of this routine. So, in an effort to help you win 2017, we enlisted some of the top wellness pros in the industry to offer their sage advice. Better mornings are just around the corner, we promise.

Start With a Smile

While still in bed, think of something that makes you smile (animal, person, positive situation, or a place) and hold that feeling, enjoying a wave of endorphins and serotonin rushing in. Being in a positive state has significant impact on motivation, productivity, and well-being. Get those happy brain chemicals moving!

Boost Your Caffeine Fix

Boost your rich dark coffee by adding a spoonful of cold-pressed coconut oil and a spoonful of honey. Both ingredients have been known to gently detox, speed up metabolism, and aid with digestion. Super delicious and energizing.

Breathe In Fresh Air

Open your window (even in the Winter) and let the fresh air in the room while you do some gentle movements. lling your wrists, ankles, hips, neck - a few Sun Salutations for the yogis - it's important to renew the air in your room and apartment.

You can also do five-minute breathing exercises while sitting in your bed with your back against the wall, eyes closed. I really love the cardiac coherence breathing technique - it's super simple and super effective. Just a five-second inhale, five-second exhale, for five minutes. It's best to do this three times per day.

Wake Up Your Feet

Our feet are packed with sensory nerves, which not only impact our balance and posture but also our mental focus and acuity," says the creator of Catwalk Confidence, Dr. Splichal (aka Dr. Legs). "Start your day with five minutes of fierce feet exercises including rolling your foot on a golf ball while brushing your teeth, followed by a quick yoga flow on a barefoot stimulating Naboso Yoga Mat. The golf ball and textured yoga mat is like reflexology for your feet.

Enjoy a Smoothie

I drink herbal tea in the morning and make a smoothie in my Vitamix," says lifestyle expert and Schwinn brand ambassador Jeanette Zinno. "My go-to recipe is 8 oz. of almond milk, flax seeds, pea protein powder, cocoa powder, cocoa nibs, raspberries or blueberries, avocado, and chia seeds. I used to only have coffee for breakfast, but having a shake keeps me focused and more efficient in the morning."

Set Your Alarm For the Same Time

I also try to wake up at the same time every day if possible," adds Zinno. "This improves my sleep quality, which boosts my energy and keeps my circadian rhythm in check. If I went for a long bike ride or did Pilates the day before and am feeling sore, I'll stretch with TheraBands

Motivate While Putting on Makeup

Get pumped for your day with motivational audio books or videos on YouTube, advises Splichal. "One of my favorite speakers (who makes me want to own the day) is Tony Robbins. I find him more energizing than pumped-up music as the words hit at what inspires success and drives productivity. Imagine what 10 minutes a day of motivational videos can do to your overall sense of purpose and vision."

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Studies show that giving thanks makes you happier and healthier all around," says Dr. Emily Kiberd, founder of the Urban Wellness Clinic. "Whether you're thanking yourself, those around you, or the great divine, there are incredible benefits wrapped up in the simple act of writing down what you're grateful for."

Move Toward the Light

Expose yourself to natural light for 15 to 30 minutes when you get up," adds Dr. Kiberd. "Sunlight hits the pineal gland in your brain, which lessens melatonin production and in turn makes you more alert. Indoor light isn't strong enough to trigger this response, but if it's dark or wintry when you rise, try a light therapy box."

Drink Lemon Water

The quickest, simplest, and most affordable thing we can do in the morning is to drink lemon water," says Liana Werner-Gray, brand ambassador for Explore Cuisine. "Just squeeze 1/2 a lemon into cup of water to boost the immune system (thanks to vitamin C) and alkalize the body, which keeps it feeling energized and fresh in the morning. It's a powerful way to start the day!"

Do a digital detox

When you wake up, do NOT pick up your phone to check messages. Leave this for later, she advises.

Give Juicing a Try

Drink one fresh juice every single day to ensure you are getting all your nutrition needs met," suggests Werner-Gray. "You could do a green juice (with cucumber, celery, kale, ginger, lemon, and apple) or a beet juice. This puts so many vitamins and minerals into the body that you can't help but immediately feel better. If you aren't able to make your own fresh juice or buy one, mix a teaspoon of a dried greens powder into a cup of water."

Eat a Healthy Breakfast

Start each day with a breakfast packed with protein and fiber (try scrambled eggs with turkey sausage or 1/4 Greek yogurt with blueberries and nuts)," says Colette Heimowitz, Atkins VP Nutrition Communication & Education. "There are several benefits, including [that] you eliminate spikes and slumps in your blood sugar and you can achieve weight-management goals when you consume fewer carbs and replace them with high-fiber carbohydrates, healthy fats, and adequate protein." You can also try an on-the-go fiber fix like Munk Pack's oatmeal fruit squeezes. They're gluten-free, non GMO, vegan, high in fiber, and come in five delicious variates like: Apple Quinoa Cinnamon, Maple Pear Quinoa, Blueberry Acai Flax, Raspberry Coconut, and Peach Chia Vanilla.

Source: Adapted from MSN Health & fitness

Benefits of Orange Peel

While eating an orange peel might not seem very appetizing or appealing, it actually doesn't taste that bad. You quickly get use to the thickness and texture of the hard peel.
Here are some of the incredible health benefits!

1. Lowers High Blood Pressure and Cholesterol

Orange peels, white pulp, and pith are full of hesperidin, a flavonoid that's been shown to have these benefits. 

Elzbieta Kurowska, Ph.D., vice president of research at KGK Synergize in Ontario, Canada, has found in her studies that polymethoxylated flavones (PMFs) in orange peels are more likely to lower cholesterol than many prescription drugs.

2. Anti-Allergetic

The peel has something in it that prevents histamine from being released. Histamines are a chemical that causes allergic reactions. Orange peel's prevention of its release makes them a potentially anti-allergic food that will help that sneezing and runny nose from allergies.

3. Anti-Inflammatory
Orange peels have similar properties to the anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin.

4. Improves Oral Health

It whitens teeth and reduces sensitivity. The citrus also acts as a natural breath freshener.

5. Boosts Immune System

The high concentration of Vitamin C and Vitamin A will strengthen your immune system and keep a cold, cough, and flu far far away.

6. Anti-Cancer Activity
According to research published in the journal BioMed Research International:
"Due to their broad range of pharmacological properties, citrus flavonoids have gained increased attention. Accumulative in vitro and in vivo studies indicate protective effects of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) against the occurrence of cancer.
PMFs inhibit carcinogenesis by mechanisms like blocking the metastasis cascade, inhibition of cancer cell mobility in circulatory systems, proapoptosis, and antiangiogenesis."

7. Protects Respiratory System

Eating foods that contain beta-cryptoxanthin are proven to lower your chances for lung cancer significantly. Orange peels and oranges are both known to contain a lot of this.
The George Mateljan Foundation wrote on their blog about the benefits of orange saying that: "A study published in the September 2003 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention reviewed dietary and lifestyle data collected from over 60,000 adults in Shanghai, China. Those eating the most crytpoxanthin-rich foods showed a 27% reduction in lung cancer risk.
When current smokers were evaluated, those who were also in the group consuming the most cryptoxanthin-rich foods were found to have a 37% lower risk of lung cancer compared to smokers who ate the least of these health-protective foods."
Find more info about this blog here.

8. Improves Digestive System
The peels contain lots of fiber and non-soluble polysaccharides which help food move through your intestines better and digestion to work smoothly.
Read more about it here.

9. Helps with Weight Loss
It is low in calories and a great fiber to put in smoothies or to cut up and eat as a snack.

© jva_photography_ on Instagram Instagram photo by john 8. Improves Digestive System

The peels contain lots of fiber and non-soluble polysaccharides which help food move through your intestines better and digestion to work smoothly.
Read more about it here.
9. Helps with Weight Loss
It is low in calories and a great fiber to put in smoothies or to cut up and eat as a snack.

© dankajimura on Instagram Instagram photo by Dan Kajimura 6. Anti-Cancer Activity

According to research published in the journal BioMed Research International:
"Due to their broad range of pharmacological properties, citrus flavonoids have gained increased attention. Accumulative in vitro and in vivo studies indicate protective effects of polymethoxyflavones (PMFs) against the occurrence of cancer.
PMFs inhibit carcinogenesis by mechanisms like blocking the metastasis cascade, inhibition of cancer cell mobility in circulatory systems, proapoptosis, and antiangiogenesis."

7. Protects Respiratory System

Eating foods that contain beta-cryptoxanthin are proven to lower your chances for lung cancer significantly. Orange peels and oranges are both known to contain a lot of this.
The George Mateljan Foundation wrote on their blog about the benefits of orange saying that: "A study published in the September 2003 issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention reviewed dietary and lifestyle data collected from over 60,000 adults in Shanghai, China. Those eating the most crytpoxanthin-rich foods showed a 27% reduction in lung cancer risk.
When current smokers were evaluated, those who were also in the group consuming the most cryptoxanthin-rich foods were found to have a 37% lower risk of lung cancer compared to smokers who ate the least of these health-protective foods."
Find more info about this blog here.

QUICK BEAUTY FIXES - II

Painful Cuticles

Painful cuticles can cause havoc and I suggest that if you do regular manicures and pedicures, avoid getting them cut and use a cuticle pusher instead.

3-4 tsp mashed papaya

2 tsp mashed pineapple

Method: Mix the ingredients and dip your nails into it. Massage gently for 5 minutes. Wash off and dab dry. Not only will your cuticles feel softer but painless too.

Dark Lips

Smoking, drinking and inadequate water intake can lead to dark lips, besides the fact that they can be due to internal issues or hereditary problems as well. Make the following lip mask and use it daily for 5 minutes to nourish and lighten the lip area.

1 tsp almond powder

1 tsp fresh cream

1 tsp raw grated potato

Method: Mix well and apply.

Scanty Eyebrows

A lot of women suffer from this problem. Here's a quick recipe with the most amazing result -

Method: Use 2 drops of castor oil and massaged into the eyebrows daily for 2-3weeks.

Dark Circles

Dark circles can make you look older, ill and haggard. A quick recipe to reduce dark circles is to massage almond oil and papaya mash around the eyes and apply the following mask -

2 tsp almond paste

1 tsp grated cucumber

A few drops of lemon

Method: Put a thin bandage gauge on the eye area and put this mask on while lying down to relax. Leave on for 10 minutes and wash off.

Instant Face Lift

If you have to go out for a party and need your skin to look rejuvenated in minutes, use this tried and tested recipe -

1tsp vodka

1egg white, whipped until it forms peaks, then freeze

The juice of half a lemon

Method: Once the frozen egg white is out of the freezer, mix the rest of the

ingredients. Brush over the skin and let it dry. Avoid talking. Wash your face with ice cold water and pat dry.

Open Pores

This problem plagues many and the best solution for this is -

Method: Freeze raw tomato halves and rub them on clean skin daily. When done for a week, you will see a remarkable change in the way your open pores shrink and the skin looks porcelain.