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6 Things You Didn’t Know About a Vegetarian Diet

August 27, 2012 by

Vegetarian DietWhen it comes to a vegetarian diet, there are a lot of needless misconceptions floating around. For starters, the vegetarian diet is not very restrictive, all things considered. It can actually be a well-balanced, varied, and healthy choice for people of all ages.  And with nutrition-rich options like legumes, nuts, and quinoa, getting enough protein is a breeze!

In the spirit of dispelling rumors, here are six other benefits of a vegetarian diet that you may not know:

1. Longer lives: On average, vegetarians live about seven years longer, and vegans (who eschew all animal products) live almost 15 years longer than meat eaters, according to a study from Loma Linda University. Similarly, the China Health Project found that Chinese people who eat the least amount of fat and animal products have the lowest risks of cancer, heart attack, and other chronic diseases.

2. Happy hearts: Vegetarian diets ward off the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, a fact especially worth noting for women (the fatality rate for women who have heart attacks is 53% as opposed to 47% for men). Since produce contains no saturated fat or cholesterol, cholesterol levels for vegetarians are 14 percent lower than meat eaters.

3. Money in the bank: Contrary to belief, it is not more expensive to choose a vegetarian diet. In fact, replacing meat with vegetables and fruits can cut food bills by an average of $4,000 a year.

4. Cancer risk reduction: The National Cancer Institute says that vegetarian women are nearly four times less likely to develop breast cancer than those who eat meat. The German Cancer Research Center posits that vegetarians’ immune systems are more effective in killing off tumor cells than meat eaters’. Turns out, a plant-based diet helps reduce the likelihood of prostate, colon, and skin cancers, too.

5. Feed the world: According to the Journal Soil and Water, one acre of land could produce 50,000 pounds of tomatoes, 40,000 pounds of potatoes, 30,000 pounds of carrots—or just 250 pounds of beef.

6. Water conservation: It takes 2,500 gallons of water to produce one pound of beef, but just 25 gallons of water to produce a pound of wheat!  So a vegetarian diet is not only healthy for your body, but also the planet.

What are questions you have about a vegetarian diet? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below—we’d love to hear what you think!

 

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Five Steps to Waiving a Grudge

August 20, 2012 by

GrudgesTo err is human, but did you know that to forgive is good for your health? Even though we’ve all been hurt by someone before—friends, peers, parents, or significant others—forgiving those who wronged us can lessen anxiety and stress, reduce the symptoms of depression, lower blood pressure, and boost self-esteem. Make the decision to let go of resentment with these simple steps, and you’re well on your way to both physical and emotional well-being:

Remember it’s a process. Forgiveness is an active engagement, and it takes emotional work to forge through. Make the commitment to yourself to stay with the process—and remind yourself that you deserve relief and comfort. Forgiveness, after all, is not about the other person. It’s about getting you to a better emotional place.

  • Reflect on the facts of the situation. In essence, meditate on what has happened, the role you played, and how the outcome has affected your life and state of mind. Try to recall what happened as objectively as possible.
  • Accept these facts. Know that what’s done is done, and you cannot undo the past. The only remainder of the situation left in your control is how you manage your role in the aftermath. Do not stoop to revenge. Do not obsess over what you should have done before. Put it in a box in your mind and seal the lid.
  • Say it out loud. When you are ready to let go of your hurt and bitterness, look in the mirror and tell your reflection that you forgive the person who offended you. It does not matter if you actually say it to the person so much as yourself. Their role in this circumstance is finished, even if they never apologize or you never confront them. You can only rely on yourself to make you feel better about it.
  • Don’t be the victim. Even if you are, you have to remove yourself from that mindset to end the cycle of hurt. Know that people and circumstances shape the person you become not by what’s done to you, but how you react to them. Relish this control you have over your mind. You have the power to transform your thoughts, and to push the painful and bitter ones away. You have the choice to let your life be defined by your compassion and understanding rather than your hurt.

What has helped you move past a grudge before?

 

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Simple Summer Makeup Tips

August 6, 2012 by

With summer’s heat in full swing, it’s a good time to shakeup your daily routine—your makeup routine, that is! Embrace the heat and look divine with these tips that make your face as vibrant as the day is bright.

Get naked: Well, not literally. But who wants gobs of foundation melting off the tip of your nose in this record-breaking heat? Instead, try setting your face first with a little bit of lotion (SPF is your friend!), and only use a touch of concealer under your eyes (pro-tip: make sure to use a concealer that is slightly lighter than your skin color if you are prone to bags under the eyes). Finish your base with a loose powder, like MAC’s Select Sheer Loose Powder. A loose powder absorbs sweat and shine, but gives your skin the airy look of bare skin.

  • Glow: Summer is the perfect excuse to try out the bronzer that’s intimidated you all winter. Instead of using blush, sweep a little bit of bronzer just under your cheekbones (this will make them look extraordinarily pronounced!). Next, use a bronzer that’s slightly lighter to highlight the actual cheekbone and make them pop, all while giving your skin a radiant glow.
  • Go au natural: As for the eyes, less is more in the summer. Choose a light, matte shadow to brush all over the eyes, from lash line to brow-base. Next, dab a warm chocolate shade in the crease and blend. (Color tip: we especially love Nars Cosmetics Eye Shadow Duo in Key Largo).
  • Lash out: Spare no expense when it comes to coating those lashes. One of summer’s sexiest looks is a dramatic lash. Give Maybelline’s Illegal Length mascara a try. This mascara noticeably lengthens lashes thanks to its fiber extensions, and it builds well. Don’t forget the bottom lashes!
  • Kiss: Forget about lipstick—grab your favorite shade in Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm and apply generously. It keeps your lips healthy, moist, and lends just enough color to complete your gorgeous summer look.

What are your best-kept summer makeup secrets?

 

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The Perfect DIY Pedicure

July 30, 2012 by

Sandal season is here! At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we keep seeing strut-worthy pedicures all around. So what are you waiting for? Grab your favorite polish and arm yourself with these pro-tips for the perfect pedicure. Your piggies will thank you!

Trim and File

After you’ve removed your nail polish, cut the nails straight across just above your skin (only a sliver of nail-white should remain). Afterward, take an emery board and file the edges into a nice curve. As for choosing an emery file, the fine-grain boards are for smoothing, and the coarser ones are for shaping the nail.

Soak ‘Em

Fill a large bowl or partially fill your bathtub with warm water. Add a few drops of your favorite aromatherapy oil and rest your feet in the water for 10 minutes.

No aromatherapy oil, you say? Follow this simple recipe for your footbath. It softens those puppies and removes dead skin:
1 C. Buttermilk (slightly warmed)
½ C. Sugar
6-7 C. Hot water

Clip

After you’ve dried your feet, apply a basic cuticle remover to the base of each nail and rub in the solution. Wipe the excess away, and then use an orangewood stick to gently push back where skin meets the nail (including the sides). If you have a light hand and won’t nick yourself, you can use cuticle nippers to trim any loose skin.

Exfoliate

Introduce your feet to the magic of a wet pumice stone. You can buy these pretty much anywhere and they work brilliantly to slough away dead skin on your heels and the balls of your feet. Remember the objective is to smooth out the skin, so scrub gently.

Moisturize

Moisturizing is the key to healthy skin and pretty feet. Take any thick, creamy lotion and rub it into your feet thoroughly. (Expert tip: lotion with shea butter is excellent for dry skin). Take your time with this step—you’ve worked diligently to get here, and the massage goes a long way to relieving tension.

Paint and Appreciate

Apply a thin base coat using three strokes, one down the middle and one on each side. Don’t paint the cuticle. Wait a minute before adding two coats of your favorite polish, then finish with a thin top coat. For a summery color choice, opt for anything in the blue-green family—teal is the it-color this season.

Now all that’s left is to decide where you’re going to show off your pretty peds!

What is your favorite place to show off a new pedicure?

 

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Five Irresistible Books for Your Summer Beach Bag

July 23, 2012 by

What better way to soak up a little sun than with a riveting new read? At The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we’ve pooled together a list of hot summer books for you to enjoy at your favorite Charleston beach!

1. Wild by Cheryl Strayed: One of the hottest memoirs to hit the shelves, Strayed’s story is a heartening and harrowing one. After losing her mother to cancer, reeling from the ruin of her marriage, and recovering from drug addiction, Strayed made a life-changing decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail solo in the hopes of salvaging her life and herself. If you need more convincing, Oprah selected this memoir to kick-off Oprah’s Book Club 2.0.

2. Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James: If you’ve yet to dive into the naughty world of Grey, we recommend you start at the very beginning, where Ana Steele and Christian Grey first fell headlong into their steamy, erotically dark affair. This book is sure to fuel your appetite for the other two novels in this trilogy: Fifty Shades Darker and Fifty Shades Freed.

3. The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty: A story of tangled trajectories, this novel tracks the journey of fifteen-year-old Louise Brooks before she became the silent-film icon, and her thirty-six year old chaperone Cora Carlisle. Set in the roaring 1920’s, this novel is rich both in its cultural depiction, and in its exploration of each character’s destiny during this era of possibility.

4. The Odditorium by Melissa Pritchard: This short-story collection is the imaginative transport your summer’s been missing. Weirdly enchanting, beautifully haunting, Pritchard bends the conventions of westerns, horror, and historical fiction to create a menagerie of pure enthrallment. Good luck putting this one down!

5. We Only Know So Much by Elizabeth Crane: With whimsy, wit, and unrelenting insight, Crane reveals the story of the Copelands, a family torn and entwined by the secrets they keep and the lives they lead. Sharp and voice-driven, this novel will make you laugh and cringe, but most of all, you’ll simply be happy to be reading it.

What books are on your reading list this summer?

 

 

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Slimmed-Down Summer Recipes

July 16, 2012 by

It’s the season of barbeque and picnics, and at The Center for Natural Breast Reconstruction, we know most of our favorite summertime eats are brimming with saturated fat and cholesterol. As a solution, we’ve compiled our favorite recipes for healthy, waistline-friendly alternatives to the usual warm-weather menu items. Serve them proudly at your next cookout—they’re nutritious and delicious!

Trim Potato Salad:
3 med. potatoes
1/3 c. vegetable stock
1/4 c. low fat plain yogurt
3 tbsp. green pepper, minced
1 hardboiled egg (minus the yolk), chopped
1/3 c. onion, minced
1/4 tsp. celery seed
1/4 tsp. parsley flakes
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook potatoes in skins and cut into bite size pieces (potato skins have all the nutrients!). Allow chopped potatoes to cool until just warm. Add the remaining ingredients and toss lightly until well mixed. Chill and serve.

  • No-Pounder Beet Burgers: 1 1/4 cups cooked, cooled brown rice
    1 cup cooked brown or green lentils, cooled, drained well
    1 cup shredded beets
    1/2 teaspoon salt
    Fresh black pepper to taste
    1 teaspoon thyme
    1 teaspoon dill
    3 tablespoons very finely chopped onion
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
    1/2 cup very fine breadcrumbs
    Olive oil for the pan

Peel beets and shred with the shredder attachment of your food processor, and then change the attachment to a metal blade. Pulse the brown rice, shredded beets and lentils about 15 to 20 times, until the mixture comes together, but still has texture. It should look a lot like ground meat. Now transfer to a mixing bowl and add all the remaining ingredients. Use your hands to mix very well. Place the mixture in the fridge to chill for half an hour.

Preheat a cast iron pan over medium-high. Form the patties by taking a heaping 1/2-cup of mixture, and shaping it into burgers with your hands.

Pour a very thin layer of oil into the pan and cook patties for about 12 minutes, flipping occasionally. Burgers should be charred at the edges and heated through. Serve on a whole-wheat bun with all your favorite trappings.

  • Skinny Pasta Salad 1/2 lb. rotini (springs)
    2 lg. carrots, diced
    3 ribs celery, diced
    1 lg. red pepper, diced
    1 med. white onion, diced
    20 sliced black olives
    1 lg. cucumber, diced
    1 lg. tomato, diced
    Dill weed, black pepper, Mrs. Dash, basil
    1/2 bottle low fat Italian dressing (or more if needed)

Cook the pasta as per instructions on box, then chill. Chop all the vegetables and mix together.

Add dill, black pepper, and basil to taste (fresh is best). Add the chilled pasta, Italian dressing, and toss together. Chill and serve cold.

  • Low Fat Hot Dogs:The trim tip for this summer favorite is easy—simply make the switch from meat to meatless. Smart Dogs by Lightlife are fantastic hot dog substitutes without the mystery meat or saturated fat. In fact, each link has 0 grams of fat, 45 calories, and 8 grams of protein. All that nutrition and they still taste great! Grill these puppies, and top them off with a whole-wheat bun, diced onions, relish, ketchup, and you’ve got a new summer classic!

What is your favorite summer-time food?

 

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Tired of the Heat? Escape with Cool Getaways.

July 9, 2012 by

IMAGE ABOVE TAKEN FROM: GROVEPARKINN.COM

Summertime in the Lowcountry can be beautiful, but it is certainly hot. If you’re tired of the heat, take after Charleston’s oldest residents and escape to the mountains for a slight reprieve.

The Grove Park Inn

Asheville, NC, is famous for the Biltmore House, but it is also home to one of the South’s best Inns and Spas. Take a trip to the luxurious Grove Park Inn, nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, and beat the heat in style. This charming getaway includes a full-service spa, five-star restaurant, and spacious front porches with rocking chairs for everyone. While you’re there, visit America’s largest private-owned home, the Biltmore Estate, and admire the beauty of its gardens and rooms.

Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa

Vail, Colorado, might be famous for its skiing, but this small town is just as beautiful in the summertime. Take a trip to mountainous Colorado, where nights are cool enough that you’ll need a jacket! The Vail Mountain Lodge and Spa is nestled at the foot of Vail Mountain, and offers world-class amenities, including a full-service spa. Let your stress melt away as you drink in the breathtaking beauty of the Colorado mountains.

The Napa Valley Lodge

Escape to Napa Valley for a romantic getaway in California’s beautiful wine country. The Napa Valley Lodge is the ultimate getaway for wine country living, offering wine tastings, vineyard tours, and a relaxing atmosphere. Take a drive up the California coast and cool off on the shores of the Pacific during your stay!

Wherever you go, we hope that you find the perfect place to relax and escape from the heat.

We’d love to hear your favorite cool getaways!

 

 

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The Gluten-Free Craze

June 25, 2012 by

Gluten-free foods have become increasingly popular over the past few years, with many people discovering a gluten intolerance, or dedicating themselves to a gluten-free lifestyle.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. It gives dough its elasticity and lends a chewy texture to breads and other grain-based foods. Many foods have gluten additives to help thicken and flavor, often listed as “dextrin” on the nutrition label. This additive can be found in everything from ice cream to ketchup.

People who are gluten-intolerant cannot process this protein and experience severe intestinal complications from ingesting gluten. As gluten is found in many foods and beverages, maintaining a gluten-free diet can be challenging.

However, there are many benefits to a gluten-free lifestyle as well. People who adhere to a gluten-free diet, such as actress Gwenyth Paltrow, claim to feel more energetic and alert after making the switch. Some correlations have also been made between a gluten-free diet and weight loss – most likely because of lower carbohydrate consumption.

If you’re interested in making the switch, keep the following tips and resources in mind.

Keep an eye out for additives such as “dextrin,” and avoid imitation meats, which are often made with gluten. The USDA does not currently require companies to list gluten as an ingredient, so the best method to ensure that you avoid it is to eat whole, fresh foods. Foods also clearly labeled as gluten-free are safe to consume.

Some great gluten-free options include…

  • Corn.
  • Potatoes.
  • Rice.
  • Tapioca.
  • Quinoa.
  • Yams.

Interested in learning more about going gluten-free? Check out these resources:

Mayo Clinic

Gluten Free Girl

Celiac.com

Have you made the switch to gluten-free? Tell us about your experience in the comment section below!

 

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The Affordable Care Act’s Day(s) in Court

June 18, 2012 by

The Supreme Court heard arguments about the Obama Administration’s Affordable Care Act earlier this spring, and is expected to hand down a decision regarding the healthcare law any day now. Here’s a look at how various possible decisions could affect the state of healthcare in the United States.

Option 1: The Supreme Court Rules the Affordable Care Act Is Good to Go

The main argument against the Affordable Care Act challenges its so-called individual mandate, which, if enacted, would require all Americans to have health insurance (through the government, employers, or an individually purchased plan). If the individual mandate is given the green light, then…

  • Uninsured Americans will have to purchase health insurance by a certain deadline or face a penalty charged at tax time.
  • Health insurance companies will be required to make insurance coverage available to everyone, including those with preexisting conditions.
  • Low-income Americans (those with household incomes up to 138% of the poverty line) will qualify for government assistance for medical insurance (possibly in the form of Medicaid).

The individual mandate could be good news for women with breast cancer who have been denied coverage or reimbursement for treatment, because it will require insurers to cover them regardless of their current or former health.

But most health professionals, regardless of their political affiliation, agree that the individual mandate is far from an ideal system.

Option 2: The Supreme Court Strikes Down the Individual Mandate

If the Supreme Court rules that the individual mandate is unconstitutional, the Affordable Care Act may be doomed. Without the guarantee that all Americans buy health coverage, there is no incentive for health insurance providers to make coverage available to those with breast cancer and other potentially costly conditions.

Without the individual mandate, the health insurance landscape in the U.S. may remain as it is for the immediately foreseeable future.

More Reasonable Healthcare Down the Road?

Some commentators on the health care hearings have suggested that there might be greener pastures ahead for health insurance in the States. It seems that a dismissal of the individual mandate could, by some analyses, pave the way to a single-payer insurance system, under which all Americans would be covered by the federal government, regardless of job or health status.

While most Americans agree that the current state of health insurance in this country is far from ideal, few understand how important comprehensive coverage is better than those who have had life altering illnesses like breast cancer and major procedures such as breast reconstruction.

 

 

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Omega-3s: 5 Ways to Load Up on These Healthy Fats

June 11, 2012 by

omega3Many people hear the word “fat” and immediately think it should not be a part of their diet. But what you might not know is that some fats are actually good for you!

Omega-3 fatty acids are in the “healthy fat” group, and your body actually needs them to function normally. Not only are they great for your brain, but they also have been shown to reduce inflammation, boost heart health, lower triglycerides, relieve rheumatoid arthritis, and even aid in the treatment of depression. As an added bonus, Omega-3s are an antiager!

These miracle fats are vital to your overall health and longevity. Your body can’t produce these healthy fats on their own, so you need to make sure you’re getting a daily dose through your diet.

Chances are you’re already eating foods that contain Omega-3s without even knowing it. Below are five wonderful sources of Omega-3 fatty acids and how to include them in your diet. Happy eating!

1. Fish

Salmon and tuna are two of the best natural sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These are a wonderful dinner option, served with wild rice or on top of a salad. Don’t shy away from the white part of the fish when it’s cooked – that’s where the highest concentration of Omega-3s is!

2. Avocados

Cut up an avocado and toss it into your salad – it’s a great way to get those healthy fats with fewer calories! Plus, they add variety to your traditional salad.

3. Walnuts

Keep a handful of these at your desk to ward off afternoon hunger and keep your mind alert.

4. Olive Oil

Heart-healthy olive oil is full of Omega-3 fatty acids, and is also great for your skin and waistline! Try substituting it for butter when cooking your morning omelet.

5. Flax Seeds

Flax seeds have one of the highest concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acids found in nature. A three-tablespoon serving of flax seeds has the same amount of Omega-3s as a pound of fish, making this a great option for a girl on the go. Add them to your cereal, or serve with yogurt and fruit for a nutritious meal that will keep you going all day!

There are also many Omega-3 supplements available at your local health food store, if you feel that you’re not getting enough of these foods. Just make sure that you’re taking 500 mg of fish oil, or Omega-3s, per day.

Visit our Facebook page and share your healthy eating tips!

 

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