Crazy Sexy Diet: Eat Your Veggies, Ignite Your Spark, and Live Like You Mean It! (38 page)

Kids are very susceptible to chemicals. And a lot of baby products are loaded with deadly crap. According to Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, formaldehyde and 1,4-dioxane—both known carcinogens—are used as foaming agents and can be found in more than half of children’s bath soaps, shampoos, lotions, and other personal care products. To protect your kids, go with fragrance-free, pure soap products that don’t have added moisturizers.

Daily dry brushing
is a great way to keep your skin clear of debris. Dry brushing loosens dead cells, stimulates acupressure points, tickles your chi, moves the lymph, wakes up your immune system, improves circulation, and makes your skin soft and velvety. It also reduces cellulite. Now I’ve gotcha!

We dump about a pound of waste from our skin on a daily basis. When your skin is clogged, those toxins reabsorb instead of being eliminated. It’s normal to experience breakouts and dry patches during a detox. Your body is using the opportunity to release built-up toxins. Better out than in. It will pass, especially if you commit to helpful practices like skin brushing.

Look for a natural-bristle brush at any health food store or online. You can also use those inexpensive loofah gloves found at most drugstores. They’re easy to use, plus both hands can go wild! Throw them in the wash from time to time. When using a brush, wash it with soap once a week and let it dry, otherwise it will get mildewy.

Technically, experts say it’s best to start with your feet and work your way up your body, using long upward strokes moving toward your heart. I like to blast Hendrix and go with my muse. It’s dry brushing, not rocket science! Throw in some circular motions (especially on your upper thighs and bum) and upward sweeps, add some shimmy, and call it a day. Pay special attention to the dimply areas.

The best time to brush is before a shower or bath in the morning. Remember to be kind, especially around your titties and other sensitive areas. Can you brush your face? Sure! Just be gentle and look for a scrubbing cloth designed specifically for that area (I just use a dry washcloth).

When I brush on a regular basis, I see a big difference in my skin. It glows. I tend to get ingrown hairs and bumps in weird places (TMI?). If I don’t brush my legs, they become a highway of scales! In a nutshell, dry brushing transports me from lizard back to human—which is truly where I feel most comfortable. Make dry brushing a part of your daily beauty regime. Your temple will feel the devotion. Now go have some fun stroking yourself !

Remember the loving aromas
from your grandma’s kitchen or the yummy musk of your first crush? Powerful stuff. Those thought-smells always bring a smile to my face.

Close your eyes and imagine the scent of pine. Sit with that sensation, then move to peppermint, followed by lemongrass. Do you feel invigorated, uplifted, and refreshed? How about lavender or sandalwood? Relaxed? Warm? When I think of rose, I immediately feel balanced and romantic. That’s because essential oils (EOs) have a positive effect on our brain, especially our hypothalamus and limbic system. Well, if your memories can bring you to that space, then imagine what your nose can do!

Your distinguished schnozz knows exactly how to harness the healing power of plants. For centuries traditional cultures have been using essential oils for purification, religious ceremonies, and medicinal purposes. Churches waft with the smell of frankincense and myrrh for a reason. And no self-respecting Buddhist would be caught dead without a stick of burning sandalwood and a strand of beads. These divine bouquets bring us two steps closer to calm and holy.

But quality is key. Remember how heat breaks down nutrients and enzymes? Well, the same holds true for therapeutic oils. Synthetic oils, those found in most “health food” stores, can be quite toxic. They’re often created with solvents and high heat that damage the plants. Companies that produce synthetic oils also use chemicals to extend their shelf life. These oils do not have the same medicinal qualities. Therapeutic-grade oils use gentle distillation methods to extract the essence of the plants. EOs are often used for their antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, hormone-balancing, and painreduction qualities. But most of all, EOs make ya feel happy and uplifted!

When applied topically, EOs penetrate the cell membranes, allowing them to travel through the blood and tissues in order to enhance cellular function. Because the distillation process is quite laborintensive, an entire plant may be needed for just one drop of oil. That’s why the best oils are fairly expensive.

By now you’re probably anxious to find these mega potions for yourself. My two favorite brands are Essential 3 (essentialthree.com) and Young Living Essential Oils (youngliving.com). I trust their very pure products and love their blends. No matter what oil you use, make sure you spend your money wisely. Just because something smells good in the bottle doesn’t mean it is good. The ingredients on the label should say “essential oil” and not “aromatherapy oil.” The word “pure” should always precede the oil type (pine, cinnamon, and so on); “organic” is another quality to look for. Also do a little research and make sure the essential oils have been steam distilled, an extraction process that uses water, not chemical solvents.