Friday 24 February 2017

5 Smoothie Ingredients To Avoid

Making smoothies has become ever so popular when it comes to achieving a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Smoothies have become meal replacements, a source of vitamins, and in most cases a really enjoyable drink to have. Creating the perfect smoothie can be very creative, but unfortunately it appears that every ingredient underneath the sun is finding its way into smoothies. Some combinations (and not all) are in fact really bad for you and that 'healthy start to the day' can in fact be really unhealthy. So let's take a look at 3 smoothie ingredients to avoid.

1. Avoid adding fruit juices bought from the store: Now admittedly I used to do this for convenience sake, but most fruit juices lack goodness because they have undergone pasteurization. Often artificial Vitamin C is added and a lack in nutrients and fibre can have more detrimental effect on blood sugar levels compared to bringing any good. It is best to blend fresh fruits or vegetables with water or in my case, crushed ice (so good for the summer).

2. Keep an eye out for refined sugars: In my '10 Ways To Beat Sugar Cravings' post, there is research to support that refined sugars is more addictive than cocaine. Therefore, if you are using superfoods like protein powders or nondairy milks and yoghurts, be sure that refined sugars like evaporated cane juice, cane syrup, brown rice syrup etc are not in the product.

3. Don't overdo your smoothie: Whilst 'more the merrier' is a welcoming phrase, overdoing the ingredients in your smoothie can mean extra calories. Only select a variety of of textures and ingredients whilst keeping the flavour complimentary. Here is my favourite smoothie recipe: Kale, Apple, Celery, Kiwi and Spinach.

4. Avoid adding extra oils and fats: consuming excess fats in your diet is unhealthy so it is best to save good fats for your meals. Good fats include: avocado, nuts, seeds, omega 3, olives and coconut.

5. Don't just add fruit, include vegetables: Fruit contains a lot of sugar so having a smoothie just dedicated to fruit isn't all that healthy. I usually like to include two fruits and three vegetables, what would you include? Drop me a comment below.

Which tip was new to you?
Much Love
Eltoria x

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)


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Thursday 23 February 2017

Artdeco & Misslyn Makeup| New Found Makeup*

When I discover new makeup it literally excites me- there's nothing better than discovering new products which can save you a few bob. Recently I have been using various products from Misslyn and Artdeco to which I have found some right gems. So let's firstly start with Misslyn. If you are subscribed to my YouTube channel you would've picked up that I used a few products from the Misslyn range in my Tanya Burr vs Fleur De Force Makeup video. If Misslyn sounds strangely familiar to you (like it did to me), the company's story began more than 30 years ago as one of the leading brands for nail and lash products. In 2011, they have come back onto the market offering makeup which draws the attention to the female beauty and its seductive effect on men... you can wrap the man of your dreams up around your little finger. So let's take a look at some new products!

First, let's start with this Eye-Mazing Eyeshadow Palette. Not only is the case ever so cute and attractive, but the shades inside are also unique. The palette combines satin and glittery shades which can all be blended with one another to create the perfect day or night look. Personally I found each shade to be extremely pigmented and the colours are absolutely gorgeous; just check out Style Fever and Run fever *heart faced emoji*. To finish off the eye, I used Pretty Big Volume Mascara and boy, doesn't it add va-va-voom! The brush is extra large which enables the perfect lash volume in one application and the ultra black texture creates stunning volume without sticking the lashes together. Both of these items are the perfect 'go to ' items to keep in your handbag.

Next up is the Misslyn Cream to Matte Lipstick in Shade True Identity- and don't let it's subtle appearance fool you. You will note in my YouTube video that I thought that this shade was a pale subtle colour but instead it turned out to be a cute candy pink shade. Talk about a pigeon turning into a flamingo! I personally love this cream to matte texture; it's not too drying nor is it too glossy and it is perfect if you suffer with sore and chappy lips now and again. Lastly check out this Misslyn Effect Top Coat with pink hearts... cuteness overload! This would look perfect on top of any shade.

Now it's time to move onto Artdeco. A few years ago I reviewed Artdeco's High Precision Liquid Liner and it is honestly the best liquid eyeliner that I have ever used (and it still holds that first place position). So this time I had a few other makeup products to try out and not going to lie, the expectations were high. I received a few limited edition designer products from the Hypnotic Blossom range which are adorned with funky and bright colours. First up to try were these new Mat Lip Powders in the shades: Hypnotic Red, Lovely Blossom and Hibiscus Blossom. Admittedly these lip products were completely alien to me as I had never used lip powders before and in my own opinion, these powders are just astonishing. They're not entirely rich colours but they are perfect if you are looking for subtle shade. You can directly apply these onto the lip, or you can wear them on top of a lipgloss. They are definitely worth trying!

This Mineral Eye Styler in shade 54 is absolutely incredible; it is honestly one of the most pigmented eyeliners that I have ever used. Not only is it a gorgeous grey tone, but it is also waterproof which makes it perfect for watery eyes. I also picked up this pretty nifty Beauty Box from the Hypnotic Range which is ideal for putting your perfect 'go to' Artdeco eyeshadow in there. Lastly I tried out the Artdeco Apricot Azalea Blush which is a peachy tone making it the perfect colour to compliment my cheeks. Yet again I was pleasantly surprised by the Artdeco range and I will be updating my makeup bag with a few more items before we head into Spring.

Which bit of makeup did you like the sound of?
Much Love
Eltoria x

*This post contains sponsored content but all opinions are my own

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)
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Tuesday 21 February 2017

Beauty Tips For My Pregnant Friends*

You’re always told that pregnant women glow, but it’s hard to feel that way as your body makes drastic adjustments to facilitate the growth of your little one. During those months of your life, simplicity is your friend when it comes to keeping up a beauty routine. I have many friends at the moment who are pregnant so here's a few tips for you (or for a pregnant loved one) on how to keep feeling fun and fabulous whilst pregnant.

Sleep as Much as You Can: well-meaning people have probably told you plenty of times by now that you should sleep all you can now because you won’t be getting much of it when the baby comes. Well, they may be right about that, but that’s not the only reason why you should be getting plenty of shut-eye at this point. While your body is working hard to create a healthy child, you’re probably feeling more drained than usual. That can wreak havoc on your skin because a lack of sleep decreases the blood flow around your face.

Getting at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night is essential in maintaining a healthy appearance, combating wrinkles, and turning your puffy eyes into bright, clear ones. Let’s not forget that it’s a great way to keep your hair both shiny and silky, as well. What if you can’t sleep, though? That’s understandable; trouble with sleep is a common complaint as pregnant women inch closer to their due dates. This is thanks to your joints loosening up to prepare for labor and birth. Nearly all sleeping positions exacerbate your aches. Fortunately, pregnancy pillows can help you sleep. All you need to do is place them between your knees, and your joints will show their gratitude for the extra support by letting you sleep peacefully.

High Waists for High Beauty Standards: in most healthy pregnancies, naturally you will gain weight. That’s just the way it works. Your body needs extra padding to support the baby. Also, your belly will inevitably go from cute bump to bulging watermelon! You may find that most of your clothes will stop fitting you very well, and if they do fit, they might look strange.

But there’s an easy way to fix that—empire waistlines. Although specialist maternity clothing stores will have plenty of blouses, shirts, and dresses with empire waistlines, you can find them just about everywhere. Any woman who naturally has a high waist can already tell you that empire waistlines work miracles in helping you look trim and fit, no matter what’s going on with your body. They’re also a great way to tastefully emphasize your breasts, which get bigger during pregnancy. Work it!

If you don’t want to go out and buy a lot of new clothes to take advantage of this style, though, you can probably create them out of items that you already have at home. Anything big or loose enough to fit you while you’re pregnant can be accentuated with a belt just under your chest to achieve the empire waistline. Maybe you could even use ribbons instead of belts. Don’t be afraid to get creative!

Responsible Makeup: on top of all the restrictions regarding what you can put into your body, it’s also important that you take care of what you put on it. Not all makeup brands will be sensitive to the changes in your hormones as you go through pregnancy, nor will they take into account the needs of your baby. You can keep using the same techniques as before, but watch out for dangerous chemicals in whatever you use and choose pregnancy-friendly products where possible.  

What tips do you have for someone who is currently pregnant?
Much Love
Eltoria x

*this post contains sponsored content

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)
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Monday 20 February 2017

10 Ways To Beat Sugar Cravings*

We all have those days where 'that chocolate bar is calling my name'! How many times have your reached for it, even though you were not hungry? According new research, refined sugar is eight times more addictive than cocaine... that's mental! Apart from giving us a rush of quick energy and a delicious experience, too much sugar in your diet can have tremendous health effects. It is recommended that each person should consume 30g of sugar per day, equating to 210g per week. However, recent evidence put forward by the NHS has shown that the average Briton will consume up to 700g of sugar per week, more than 490g over the recommended weekly allowance. Excess sugar can cause weight gain, premature ageing of the skin, diabetes, high cholesterol... and the list goes on. So here are a few of my top tips when it comes to beating sugar cravings!

1. Do not skip breakfast! According to Shona Wilkinson, Nutritionist at Superfooduk.com, if we don't have breakfast, often by 11am or midday, we become hungry and crave sugar, as our blood sugar levels drop too low. Try two poached eggs on a slice of wholemeal bread with some rocket leaves or a pot of sugar-free yoghurt with nuts and berries.

2. Portion Control: Cassandra Barns, Nutritonist advises, aim for foods that have a low glycaemic load, as their impact on blood sugar level is minimal and you’ll be less likely to experience blood glucose highs and lows that will have you reaching for the cookie jar. Make sure each meal includes protein, non-starchy vegetables and unrefined carbohydrates. Limit sweet tasting veg (parsnips, potato and carrots) and opt for green veg like broccoli and spinach, ideally making up half your plate.  Good protein  (lean turkey, eggs, fish, beans) are digested slowly and make you feel fuller for longer, carbs should be wholegrain varieties for the same reason.

3. Think twice before you snack: A healthy snack between meals can help while you’re giving up sugar, as it stops your sugar levels dropping too low, which can cause sweet cravings. Good examples include: two oatcakes topped with a tablespoon of humus or guacamole or cottage cheese and half an avocado.  Avoid bananas and grapes and opt for berries as they are naturally low in sugar. Perhaps treat yourself to three squares of good quality dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa).

4.  Look after your gut: Overgrowth of unhelpful yeasts in the gut, such as candida, can contribute to, or exacerbate sugar cravings.  Ironically, eating sugar and high-starch foods makes the candida overgrowth worse, so we become stuck in a catch-22 situation. Perhaps look into taking a high-strength, good quality probiotic supplement such as Immune Biotix from Quest Vitamins.

5. Reduce Stress: Stress is one of the primary triggers for sugar cravings, as our body is being prepared for physical action (the ‘fight or flight’ syndrome). So try in any way you can to reduce stress, whether it is by delegating or reducing your workload, taking some gentle exercise, or practising yoga or meditation to help you relax. Reduced stress will often mean better sleep as well, which will mean better energy levels the next day.

6. Eat Fresh: Sugar is hidden everywhere and even packaged foods that can appear healthy in reality can often be loaded with sweeteners and sugars (cereals are a major culprit). By preparing your own meals and snacks you can control exactly what kind and how much sugar is going into your diet. If you feel you want something sweet you can substitute sugar with other sweet flavours such as vanilla or citrus zest, which provides you with the flavour but not the calories. 

7. Eat Often: Ensure you are eating little and often during the day to keep your blood sugar steadyIf you let yourself become ravenously hungry during the day you are more likely to suffer from energy slumps and reach for a quick sugary fix. This can lead you into a vicious cycle as a sugar hit won’t keep you feeling full for long, leaving you looking for your next sweet fix. However, by eating fresh food throughout the day, you will keep both your blood sugar levels and energy levels constant, helping you avoid that sweet sugar hit. 

8. Include more Vitamin D in your diet: Vitamin D can help boost serotonin levels, your happy hormone. Cassandra explains, "when serotonin levels are low, most people immediately turn to simple carbohydrates like sugar and chocolate

9. Trick your mind: Apparently Kendall Jenner painted her room pink in order to suppress hunger and cravings... not entirely sure how true that this though, but I guess it's worth a shot? If not, the scent of sweet aromas can trick the mind into thinking it has consumed food.

10. Exercise: Moderate exercise helps us to feel energised, less sluggish, and healthier. It can help to control stress levels and also support blood sugar control to avoid dips that will induce cravings.


Which tips will you be following?
Much Love
Eltoria x

*Comments made by Cassandra Barns, Shona Wilkinson, mostly written by CCDPR.

Eltoria- South West Beauty, Fashion and Lifestyle Blogger and South West YouTuber
Be sure to check out my recent YouTube videos (click here)

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