https://nutritiouslife.com/category/nurture-yourself/beauty-self-care/ Fri, 25 Jul 2025 17:14:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.1 https://nutritiouslife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/favicon-16x16-1.png https://nutritiouslife.com/category/nurture-yourself/beauty-self-care/ 32 32 https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/5-common-causes-of-hair-loss-in-women-over-40-and-how-to-fix-them/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-common-causes-of-hair-loss-in-women-over-40-and-how-to-fix-them Wed, 23 Jul 2025 14:59:50 +0000 https://nutritiouslife.com/?p=73918 This article is in partnership with One Skin. If your ponytail is feeling less pony-like or you’re noticing your arm doesn’t get tired anymore when blow drying your hair (because it takes much less time than it used to), you are not alone. Hair loss in women over the age of 40 is very common. Many women assume it’s simply a side effect of perimenopause and menopause, but it’s actually caused by a mix of factors, including hormonal changes, aging skin, nutrient deficiencies, and years of poor hair care habits.  Here’s a deeper dive into the causes of hair loss over the age of 40 and what you can do to combat it. Here’s to thick ponies again! Hormonal Changes Estrogen and progesterone are key players in the hair growth cycle. Estrogen helps keep hair in the growth phase longer, while progesterone aids in countering the effects of androgens, which can shrink hair follicles and lead to thinning. So, it’s no surprise that as these hormones shift in midlife, many women start to notice hair loss. Menopause can also change the texture of your hair, thanks to shifts in follicle shape. Aging Skin Just like the skin on your face and body, your scalp changes as you age. And since it’s loaded with hair follicles and oil glands, those changes can significantly impact your hair. Over time, your scalp builds up senescent cells—aka zombie cells—that stop working properly and release inflammatory signals, speeding up aging in nearby cells. When the cells responsible for growing hair (think dermal papilla and outer root sheath cells) become senescent, they lose their ability to support the hair growth cycle. That means shorter, thinner, weaker strands of hair. At Nutritious Life, we’re big fans of OneSkin’s OS-01 HAIR peptide scalp serum. It targets a biological process linked to hair loss and thinning: the buildup of those pesky senescent cells. This innovative formula also helps balance the scalp microbiome and supports stronger, healthier follicles—so you’re not just masking symptoms, you’re addressing the real issue behind hair loss. OneSkin is offering Nutritious Life readers 15% off their first purchase with code KERI. Nutrient Deficiencies As you age, your body may become less efficient at absorbing or metabolizing key nutrients that support hair growth—especially iron and vitamin D. While biotin absorption isn’t typically affected by aging, certain medications or low intake can impact your levels and contribute to hair changes too. Iron helps deliver oxygen to your hair follicles, which they need to grow strong, healthy strands. While menstruation can deplete iron earlier in life, low levels can still show up in menopause—especially after years of loss or dietary shifts. Vitamin D plays a key role in the development of new follicles, and low levels have been linked to increased hair shedding and slower growth. Biotin is essential for making keratin (the protein that makes up your hair), and a deficiency can leave your strands brittle and thin.  To keep your hair healthy, aim to get these nutrients from real, whole foods. For iron, lean on quality red meat, seafood, lentils, and dark leafy greens. For vitamin D, go for fatty fish and egg yolks—or talk to your doc about a supplement if you’re low. And, for biotin, think eggs, salmon, nuts, and avocados. A balanced, nutrient-rich plate is one of the best ways to support strong, vibrant hair as you age. Stress and Cortisol Level Does stress feel like your default setting these days? Estrogen and progesterone help buffer the body’s stress response, so when those hormones dip (hello, midlife), cortisol can surge—and you may feel it big time. High cortisol levels can push hair follicles into the resting phase, slowing new growth and even triggering early hair loss. The good news? You can help calm that cortisol. Regular movement, a nutrient-packed, balanced diet, and solid sleep go a long way. Add in relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or even a quick round of box breathing. Not only will you feel more grounded (your family might thank you), but that thick ponytail might just start making a comeback. OneSkin’s OS-01 HAIR is scientifically proven to reduce senescence and inflammation markers in stress hair follicle cells. Unhealthy Hair Habits You don’t get to midlife without having a few favorite styling tools. Unfortunately, those flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers may make your hair look better in the moment, but they may also be the reason your hair is starting to thin. Even styling your hair in a tight ponytail or braid can increase tension on your hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Also, chemical treatments like hair dye strip away natural oils, leaving hair drier and more vulnerable to damage. On the other hand, not washing your hair often enough can cause oil and dirt buildup, clogging hair follicles, and potentially hindering new growth. Finding the perfect hair care balance is key during midlife. One Skin’s OS-01 HAIR is clinically validated to support the scalp microbiome by promoting changes associated with less hair loss and less dandruff. Healthy Hair Starts with Healthy Habits Hair loss in women over 40 can be caused by a variety of factors but making slight changes to your lifestyle—consuming a balanced diet, managing stress, using hair care products such as One Skin’s OS-01 HAIR peptide scalp serum, and adapting healthier hair practices, you may just be feeling like your hair is ready for those 80’s outfits you’re just dying make a comeback. Don’t miss out! OneSkin is offering Nutritious Life readers 15% off their first purchase with code KERI.]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/5-ways-i-learned-to-love-my-body-at-age-50/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=5-ways-i-learned-to-love-my-body-at-age-50 Tue, 13 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/5-ways-i-learned-to-love-my-body-at-age-50/ As women, we spend a lot of time picking ourselves apart (My thighs are too big. I wish my nose was smaller. If only that jiggle in my belly would go away). But, what if we were to change our chatter? Rather than saying, “I’ll be happy if I fit into a smaller pair of jeans” or “I’ll look better if I just lose that 10 pounds,” look in the mirror and find the things that you love about yourself.  It’s taken me a long time—50 years to be exact—but, rather than continually trying to change myself, I’ve finally decided to love myself for who I am—on the inside and outside. I know this sounds simple (hard, but simple), but it completely changed the way I view my body. 5 Ways I Learned to Love My Body I Forgive Myself for Not Working Out Our bodies are like machines. They need to be fueled properly, they need rest and recovery, they need regular check-ups, and they need exercise. As someone who loves physical activity, I feel blessed to be afforded the gift of movement. But I have been guilty of beating myself up for missing a workout. I’m not saying that just because I’ve changed my perspective, I don’t sometimes struggle with taking a rest day. However, I know I need to give my body the recovery it deserves so I can perform better the next day.   When you’re feeling negative about missing a workout, stop! Instead, focus on what you did that was important (rested, chatted with a friend) and schedule some movement for the following day. I Know Food Is Not the Enemy I used to be afraid of food (don’t eat this! avoid that!). But, I want my body to be strong. That means putting the good stuff in. I’ve finally stopped counting calories, which can be detrimental to those suffering with disordered eating. Now, I think of calories as energy. I concentrate on listening to my hunger cues and consume what makes me feel the best. I try to eat a certain way during the week and relax a little more on the weekend so that I never feel deprived.  We also need to stop labeling food as good or bad, something I still struggle with. But when I indulge now, I try to enjoy the experience and not associate it with guilt (I know, easier said than done). I Don’t Compare Myself to Others No matter who I meet, I tend to notice their most attractive attributes (flawless skin, long lashes, or beautiful smile). I never see anything negative. Yet when I look in the mirror, I notice every wrinkle, every flaw. Now, instead of criticizing myself, I try to replace those mean words and thoughts with useful, empowering language like “strong,” “captivating,” or “bright.” It doesn’t always work, but with practice, I’ve learned to look at things differently.  Now, I wake up in the morning, look in the mirror, and consciously pick out at least one of my best attributes. Try it! I promise it will change your outlook. Plus, when you notice these things in yourself, chances are others are noticing it, too. I Surround Myself with Positivity I attribute some of my acceptance to my husband. Of course, we all want to learn how to find that confidence from within. But, I do recommend surrounding yourself with people who build you up rather than put you down. Sometimes, people’s own insecurities can cause them to criticize subconsciously. As I age, I’m more selective with who I like to spend my time with. I prefer positive, open-minded, accepting friends who are genuinely happy for my successes and there to support my failures.  When negative thoughts start to surface, I quickly find something else to focus on. One way is giving back: After a day of volunteering, I feel pretty silly for worrying about my muffin top. Or, when I’m training a client and they tell me they feel better, I also feel better.  Instead of focusing on the negative, I celebrate something every day. Before I go to bed, I think about something that made me happy that day. I Remember What Truly Matters In the midst of life’s most stressful moments, I remember to recognize what I do have. I cherish my family and friends, my career, and my health. I still have days when I feel fat, think negatively, and hate my hair—but they don’t stop me from reframing it to find the positive. I choose inner happiness now, and hopefully you won’t have to wait 50 years to embrace yours, too.]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/how-my-daughter-revolutionized-my-fitness-routine/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-my-daughter-revolutionized-my-fitness-routine Wed, 07 Feb 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/how-my-daughter-revolutionized-my-fitness-routine/ I’ve always been told that having children will change your life forever. This is undoubtedly true—your love expands to depths that are indescribable. But I never expected that having children would revolutionize the way I view and support my fitness routine.  (Photo: Alexander Kusak) Pre-Baby Fitness Goals Prior to having my daughter, I worked out every day. If it wasn’t for at least an hour, and at a high-intensity, I was convinced I didn’t get a “good workout.” Back then, my main purpose behind working out was to be fit and healthy, but if I’m being completely honest, my “why” was really to make sure I “looked” fit.  Unfortunately, my mentality towards achieving fitness was void of tuning into how I felt on any given day. I was constantly pushing myself without taking the time to ask questions like,  “Am I tired? Could I use a rest day?”   “Am I under a lot of stress? Would I benefit more from a long leisurely walk than an insanely intense workout?”  “Are my muscles really sore? Would doing yoga be a better way to support my recovery today?”  It took having a child for me to begin shifting my mentality toward achieving whole-body health and fitness. Becoming More In-Tune With My Body It wasn’t until I was well into my first pregnancy with my daughter that I began to feel a shift in my body. While I was growing a little human being inside me, I suddenly started to notice signs indicating what my body was capable of doing or not doing. My body was adamantly telling me to shift my priorities and listen more carefully to its needs versus doing what I thought I needed to do to be “fit.” This was the beginning of my search for a more diverse fitness routine that would better support my “new” body and reality. After giving birth to my daughter, I transitioned into a new phase of life, which came with a new outlook on life and health in general. To say this transition was difficult would be an understatement. It was really, really hard. I was navigating new experiences and responsibilities, now with less time and energy (hello, constant feedings, diaper changings, working full-time and lack of sleep) while also trying to maintain my healthy lifestyle on the same level as I did pre-baby.  Understanding My Body’s Limits As you might imagine, trying to be and do it all was beginning to take a toll on me. And my daily feelings that I was failing to meet my fitness goals added unnecessary stress. I quickly realized that my expectations were unrealistic for this stage of life. I knew I needed to shift my perspective and revolutionize the way I viewed my fitness routine, whether I liked it or not. Everyone can relate to experiencing a new season of life in some way. It could be starting a family, caring for a sick loved one, moving to a new city, starting a new career, etc. Does a new season, with new variables in life, mean we just stop investing in our health? No. Should I just stop exercising because I’m tired every day from caring for a newborn? No. I wasn’t going to give up on exercise altogether; it was too important to me. I just needed to redefine what exercise, or as I like to call it, “movement,” looked like for me. I let go of my past, reset my expectations, and did my best to embrace changes as they came. My Post-Baby Fitness Routine And there were a lot of changes. I began to celebrate a 10-minute yoga session while my daughter napped. I savored a walk—brisk or slow—while pushing her in the stroller. I included her in my workout videos and just had fun with it. It’s been a tough but incredible learning experience as I’ve walked through this new phase of life. Most importantly, I’ve learned that when you tune into what your body needs versus listening to external factors or being trapped by what you have always done, you begin to feel a new sense of freedom and empowerment. I have learned that life is dynamic, and so is our health. And, to optimize our health, I believe we must evolve with our ever-changing lives. We must listen to our inner voice at all times, even if it feels easier not to. My Ever-Changing Fitness Journey Fast-forward to today: I now have two children. My daughter is 5, and my son is 3. Once again, life has changed and so has my fitness routine to match my energy level, my priorities, and my goals. Today, we like to have family fitness time together, and my “why” has become so much bigger than myself.  My needs and goals have stretched far beyond a desire to “look” fit. I want to be and feel fit and healthy because I want to feel energized enough to keep up with my kids all day. I also know that being healthy will support my mental health and allow me to be a positive influence on my kids’ health. Family Fitness Resources Fitness is a journey that changes through the different stages of your life. Starting a family can sometimes make it difficult to maintain strict fitness goals and routines. If you’re looking to start a new fitness routine that fits into your new phase of life, or want to begin incorporating family fitness time into your days, here are a few free resources that have supported our family fitness goals over the years: Yoga for kids  Hundreds of simple, at-home workouts Our favorite large exercise & yoga mats for you and your family  Affordable Rebounder designed for adults and children Your Fitness Journey What type of fitness routine makes sense for you right now? It’s okay if it’s not the same as it was 10 years ago or even five months ago. If it’s time for a change, try to let go]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/diy-beauty-products-healthy-foods/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diy-beauty-products-healthy-foods Wed, 24 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/diy-beauty-products-healthy-foods/ Brilliant, simple ways to incorporate the nourishing foods and spices you already stock in your kitchen into your beauty routine.]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/winter-skin-4-step-rx/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=winter-skin-4-step-rx Tue, 23 Jan 2024 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/winter-skin-4-step-rx/ Winter skin is upon us. Was that a collective sigh I just heard? When the temperature drops, we all love rocking cozy sweaters, colorful scarves, and fuzzy earmuffs. But the flaky skin, scaly patches, and hard-to-reach itches are the not-so-beloved aspect of this season. Rather than succumbing to winter’s wrath, try combatting winter skin from the inside out. Eating certain healthy foods and applying others topically can give your skin a smooth, rosy glow no matter how cold it gets. 5 Ways to Fight Winter Skin With Food 1. Tea Baby, it’s cold outside! So why not curl up with a warm cup of tea? While you might not be as thirsty in winter as you were during the summer heat, staying hydrated in the cold is equally essential. Drinking 8–10 glasses of water or tea per day can help flush out toxins, prevent the skin from drying, increase cell turnover, and keep your skin young and fresh. Just be sure to combine drinking plenty of water and/or tea with applying plenty of moisturizer. Moisturizers help hold water in the skin’s top layer, so they work hand in hand with water. This translates into great, glowing skin despite the harsh winter weather. 2. Orange and Green Food No, we don’t mean M&Ms! Orange veggies, such as carrots, squash, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes, are full of carotenoids. Carotenoids increase our defense against the sun’s damaging UV rays (remember, it’s important to always use sunscreen for protection, even in winter). They also help prevent acne breakouts and flare-ups that can make your skin blemished and blotchy. Try a pumpkin yogurt mask for a little winter skin pampering. Green foods, such as kale and spinach, are full of vitamin C, which can act as a food equivalent of the fountain of youth. Vitamin C helps repair skin by building collagen that wards off those pesky wrinkles. Eat at least one orange and one green food every day and your skin will thank you! 3. Healthy Fats We love fat. We aren’t talking about the kind you find in pie and french fries, but rather the healthy fats found in salmon, avocados, and chia seeds. These foods contain omega-3 fatty acids, which aid in heart health and weight loss. But did you know they also give you healthy skin? They help reduce inflammation and prevent collagen breakdown (translation: less wrinkles). Looking for some healthy snacks? Simply mix 2 tablespoons of chia into your yogurt for an added 5 grams of omega-3s, or sprinkle some flax into a midday cup of oatmeal. One food that’s as good in your belly as it is on your face is avocado. Avocados contain monounsaturated fat and are rich in vitamins A and E. Vitamin E enhances your skin’s collagen production (leading to smoother skin) while sealing in vital moisture. Try this avocado face mask and let this double-duty powerhouse work its magic on your dry winter skin! 4. Colorful Fruit Fruits such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries are rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants not only fight damaging free radicals in your body, but they also can fight those winter skin blues! Antioxidants help protect your skin against damage caused by the sun and harsh cold weather conditions. Blueberries have the added benefit of containing compounds that slow wrinkles and the effects of aging. Think of antioxidants as your youth elixir, keeping you beautiful, ageless, and energized no matter what the weather has in store. 5. Salmon Not only is it a delicious source of protein, but salmon is also full of skin-enhancing omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s allow the skin’s ceramides to hold onto water more effectively. Ceramides act as the glue that keeps cells locked together, forming a barrier that keeps hydration in. When ceramides deplete, skin grows dry and irritated.  The healthy fats in salmon moisturize the skin from the inside out, reducing the inflammation that leads to dry skin and psoriasis. Salmon is also packed with vitamin E and zinc—both vital nutrients for maintaining supple skin (and strong hair and nails!).  Consuming salmon just twice weekly helps your skin hold onto its natural moisture, plumps your fine lines, speeds up the healing of breakouts and rashes, and prevents dehydration and roughness during harsh winter weather.  (Image: Shutterstock)]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/fall-beauty-foods-great-skin-hair-health/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fall-beauty-foods-great-skin-hair-health Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/fall-beauty-foods-great-skin-hair-health/ Who wants to sip some steaming hot chai tea while this apple face mask works its magic?]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/editors-picks-best-summer-beauty-products/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=editors-picks-best-summer-beauty-products Tue, 25 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/editors-picks-best-summer-beauty-products/ So you can relax under an umbrella looking all glowy instead of anxiously studying labels at the drugstore.]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/eat-empowered/why-you-want-to-eat-these-beauty-boosting-collagen-rich-foods-starting-today/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-you-want-to-eat-these-beauty-boosting-collagen-rich-foods-starting-today Tue, 06 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/why-you-want-to-eat-these-beauty-boosting-collagen-rich-foods-starting-today/ The beauty and wellness worlds are abuzz with praise for collagen and beauty-boosting, collagen-rich foods. And for good reason! Collagen is responsible for everything from a healthy gut, to glowing skin, to smooth-moving joints. In other words, it’s really important. Plus, it could make you look and feel more beautiful over time! If you’ve heard you should be on the beauty-supporting collagen train, but you’re not sure why—or how to begin—let this be your definitive guide. What is Collagen? Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, accounting for about one-third of your protein makeup. While that’s impressive, what’s really impressive is how big of a role collagen plays in your health and well-being. (And in your appearance.) Made from amino acids—it’s particularly rich in proline and glycine—collagen acts as the glue that holds your body together. It helps you maintain and repair healthy bones, skin, muscles, tendons, cartilage, joints, ligaments, blood vessels, eyes, hair, and even your digestive tract. Collagen also helps build muscle mass, which can lead to a super-charged metabolism and healthy weight management. Ready for yet another bonus? Collagen helps plump the skin, lending its powers to those of us who’d love to look and feel more youthful. (So, pretty much all of us.) How Is Collagen Made? Our magnificently smart bodies make collagen on their own by breaking down dietary protein into amino acids. The body then takes those amino acids and makes collagen. So, if you’re looking for another reason to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet, here it is. Your body needs this fuel to keep your collagen-production engines running. But here’s the rub: the older we get, the less collagen our body naturally produces (to the tune of 1% less per year, starting as early as our 20s!). Factors like oxidative stress, sun exposure, smoking, drinking alcohol, and eating refined carbs and white sugar can all inhibit collagen production. Autoimmune disorders can also be destructive. So, it’s important to focus on boosting collagen production naturally through delicious and nutritious foods and consider taking collagen supplements. Collagen Supplements vs. Collagen Foods Collagen Supplements With collagen superfans coming forward by the legions, there is no shortage of collagen supplements on the market. From capsules to powders, there’s something for everyone.  For our vegan friends, since collagen is made primarily from animal sources, you may consider collagen “boosters.” These have no animal products but do contain key ingredients—like vitamin C—that support your body’s collagen production.  If you do choose to supplement, stay away from products that have artificial flavors or sweeteners. Look for powders that have been certified by a third-party quality-testing company and sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals. Also look for hydrolyzed collagen “peptide” powder, which is collagen that’s been broken down so it’s easy to digest and easily dissolves into warm or cold liquids. Since many high-quality collagen powders are flavorless, you can mix them into everything from coffee and smoothies, to soups, and even baked goods. Collagen dosing will depend on the type of collagen you’re taking and your reasons for taking it. Be sure to refer to the manufacturer’s packaging and follow their instructions as stated.  RELATED: Should You Take Supplements for Gut Health Beauty-Boosting, Collagen-Rich Foods If you choose to get your collagen through Mother Nature’s bounty (we’re always on board with this!), you have loads of options to choose from. Here are 5 collagen-rich foods to add to your diet, starting today! Bone Broth One of the hottest collagen-boosting picks out there, bone broth is made by simmering animal bones in water. Since the broth is made from, well, bones, and other connective tissue, it contains many nutrients—including amino acids—that may help support collagen production. Eggs Not only are the whites of eggs rich in glycine and proline—amino acids necessary for collagen production—the yolks are packed with vitamin D and healthy fats, contributing even more to the health of our skin, bones, and muscles. Berries Did you know that ounce for ounce, strawberries actually have more vitamin C than oranges? And since vitamin C is essential for collagen production, adding more of it to your diet through citrus fruits and, yes, berries, supports your body’s ability to produce collagen.  In addition to the vitamin C element, berries are also high in antioxidants, which help protect the skin from oxidative stress and free radicals. Garlic Surprise! Garlic not only makes some of your favorite dishes even yummier, but it could also boost your collagen production, too! Since it’s high in sulfur, a trace mineral that helps synthesize and prevent the breakdown of collagen, it’s worth working into your meal-prep rotation. The only caveat? It could take a lot of garlic to realize any collagen benefits, so be sure to keep your toothbrush handy. Beans Beans are high in protein and feature the amino acids necessary for collagen synthesis. This is great news for our vegan friends who lean on beans as a protein source. Beans are also rich in copper, another nutrient that assists in collagen production. Plus, their uses are limitless. (Here’s a great recipe to get you started.) Three cheers for beans! RELATED: 5 Foods That Boost Collagen That Aren’t Bone Broth Bonus: Beauty-Boosting Berry Collagen Smoothie Recipe Turn up the dial on your gorgeous glow with this Beauty-Boosting Collagen Smoothie Recipe. INGREDIENTS 1 cup unsweetened almond milk 1 cup frozen spinach 1 cup mixed berries 1 scoop collagen peptide powder 1 tablespoon almond butter DIRECTIONS Add all ingredients to a high-powered blender and blend until smooth. RELATED: Self-Care Starts with Your Skin: Doctor-Recommended Steps to a Healthy Beauty Routine If your goal is a healthy body and age-defying hair, skin, and nails, increasing your collagen intake through collagen supplements or collagen-rich foods could make a huge difference.  Start making simple changes today and reap the rewards for a lifetime to come. (Image: Shutterstock)]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/for-the-pro-philanthropic-company/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=for-the-pro-philanthropic-company Tue, 02 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/for-the-pro-philanthropic-company/ “For the Pro” is a video series where we speak to amazing business leaders in the health, wellness, and nutrition space about what really goes into running a company.  We delve into what’s working (and what’s not ), how to be an effective and supportive leader, ways to stand out, and how to navigate competitive landscapes.  ____________________________________________________________________________ You may have spotted some influencers on social media brushing their teeth with something that looks like tar. Those scary black-toothed smiles are actually from charcoal toothpaste which fans swear by for whitening teeth. Two sisters, Azra and Amra Hajdarevic were at the forefront of this trend. Pregnant with her first daughter, Amra quickly learned that more than 232 chemicals make their way from the mother’s environment into the baby (and that includes many in toothpaste!).  With more than two decades of combined experience in the beauty industry, these sisters knew the market in and out…its weaknesses included.  They were dumbfounded to find there was a warning label on most tubes of toothpaste. Wanting to create something safe (yet actually effective) for everyone, Amra turned her kitchen into a toothpaste lab in search of natural ingredients that worked. From that, Terra & Co was born—one of the first USA-made, FDA-approved, 100% vegan, gluten-free, and cruelty-free oral care lines.  And, if that isn’t game changing enough, they also wanted their company to give back.  As Bosnian refugees, the sisters knew firsthand about receiving aid—which is why every purchase goes back to organizations like the Los Angeles Downtown Women’s Center.  Many of the Nutritious Life Studio alumni and students have asked about philanthropy in business. So, we sat down with Azra to talk about their mission and the importance of transparency as it relates to charitable giving. Watch the interview below to learn more about launching a business, what it means to be truly sustainable, and tools you can try to incorporate philanthropy into your own endeavors. ]]> https://nutritiouslife.com/nurture-yourself/why-daphne-oz-unapologetically-prioritizes-herself/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=why-daphne-oz-unapologetically-prioritizes-herself Fri, 29 Jan 2021 00:00:00 +0000 https://nutritiouslf.wpenginepowered.com/why-daphne-oz-unapologetically-prioritizes-herself/ Wellness is essentially part of Daphne Oz’s DNA. The daughter of two health experts, Dr. Memet Oz and Lisa Oz, she grew up with health trends and the latest nutrition stats as regular dinner conversation. So it’s not surprising that she’s dedicated her life to healthy living. The New York Times bestselling author, chef, and former Emmy Award-winning co-host of ABC’s The Chew has recently added beauty entrepreneur to her resume.  Oz is the co-owner of LOUM, the new ethically formulated, clean beauty brand featuring products that are specifically created to fight the negative signs of stress on skin.  “I’ve always been a product junkie and loved researching the latest and greatest in clean living and personal care,” Oz tells Nutritious Life. “Obviously food is my first medicine, but I love a holistic inside-meets-outside approach to health and beauty.” We chatted with Oz about how the pandemic has actually helped her find more sanity, go-to healthy meals, and why she unapologetically prioritizes self-care.  Read on to learn how she lives a nutritious life and steal her tips on prioritizing what’s important. Tell us, how has life changed for you since the beginning of the pandemic? The pandemic has forced, or shall I say allowed, all of us to reprioritize. The beginning was so hard because I thought I could just keep doing everything with basically no boundaries between home and work, plus distance learning. Needless to say, that was misguided. I had to figure out what my new markers for success and efficiency were going to look like. It definitely took a few crashes and burns to realize I was being unrealistic, and also that being ruthless with the things that do not matter (a stoic guiding principle my grandmother turned me onto that has basically become my life motto this year!) could give me back a little bit of sanity. My goal is to be able to be fully present—focused on what I’m doing at work when I’ve carved out the time for that and then completely present when I’m spending time with my husband and kids. My kids are back in school now which has made a world of difference. I think one thing we will always hold onto is that taking time to really unwind and stop feeling pulled in 100 different directions is as valuable for happiness as anything else we actively do to find that balance. Why did you want to partner with LOUM? Throughout my life and especially as a busy working mom of 4, I can see that the more stressed I am, the worse I look and feel.  When the LOUM team shared their research showing the link between stress and our skin, I wasn’t surprised, but I was shocked this was the first line that really set out to be the “antidote” to stress on skin.  Our mind and our skin are hardwired together  and when we are stressed out, it shows up so clearly on our skin as wrinkles, dryness, dullness, and even oiliness and breakouts.   Clean beauty is hard to achieve. What were your priorities with this brand? Our skin is our largest organ, so what we put on our skin truly matters especially if we stay consistent like we’re supposed to.  I look at the ingredients of everything that I put into my body, from food to skincare, so it was crucial to me that any line I partnered with be clean according to the highest standards possible (free of toxic parabens, silicones and hormone-disruptors).  Another really important piece of the puzzle for me was an easy skincare routine. Something straightforward enough to be used every day without adding more stress to your life. We’re all busy! Self-care has to be easy and effective if we’re going to stick with it.   What causes you stress?  How do you alleviate that stress? Life is stressful, especially now. Deadlines, headlines, everyday kid concerns, the fact that there is no such thing as getting to the bottom of a never-ending to-do list. I try to look at stress as motivation, a chance to get rid of things that toxically overwhelm me where I can and to try to handle the things I can’t totally control with less resistance. The only way I find mental and emotional stamina to do any of this is with great relationships that I invest in, and one of those is with myself. I try to make a little time for myself every day, whether that means a calming skincare ritual, cooking for my family, or working out.  One of the motherhood quotes we hear often is “You can’t pour from an empty vessel,” and I think this is a big learning from the past year. If we take good care of ourselves, it will enable us to better take care of those around us. What are your go-to healthy meals? Breakfast: I’m obsessed with these healthy pancakes I started making for the kids and now enjoy a couple mornings a week myself. They are basically oatmeal plus a protein shake as pancakes which basically equals perfect!  Lunch: I load up on salads at lunch, usually with arugula (my favorite), a dollop of hummus, tons of crunchy peppers, cucumbers, carrots, shaved raw beets, and a quick lemony shallot vinaigrette. I will sometimes pair with a quick open faced sandwich on sprouted Ezekial toast with turkey or a thin spread of almond butter, especially if I got a workout in. My other favorite is veggie scrambles. I basically use it as a chance to sauté any leftovers and veggies in my fridge with a little olive oil and coconut aminos and tamari, scramble with eggs and scallions, serve with a little avocado and plenty of hot sauce!   Dinner: Usually we have a larger protein, usually chicken or fish that we’ll grill or roast, though maybe we’ll do a steak once or twice a month. We do lots of roasted veggies, we all love them. I’m a huge]]>