This week’s Fab Living column, has caught they eye of the Corn Refiners Association.

The column focused on strategies to maximize weight loss, and contained one sentence encouraging readers to steer clear of high fructose corn syrup. It was enough to prompt this response from the CRA:

June 2, 2010

Ms. Rebekah Star

I am writing on behalf of the Corn Refiners Association, which represents the manufacturers of high fructose corn syrup in the United States . We read the June 1, 2010 article “Fab Living: Unlock Your Weight Loss Potential,” with interest. There has been a lot of confusion about high fructose corn syrup. We would like to provide you with science-based information on this safe sweetener and be a reference for you for future articles.

According to the American Dietetic Association (ADA), “high fructose corn syrup…is nutritionally equivalent to sucrose. Once absorbed into the blood stream, the two sweeteners are indistinguishable.” The ADA also noted that “Both sweeteners contain the same number of calories (4 per gram) and consist of about equal parts of fructose and glucose.” (Hot Topics, “High Fructose Corn Syrup.” December 2008.)

The American Medical Association stated that, “Because the composition of high fructose corn syrup and sucrose are so similar, particularly on absorption by the body, it appears unlikely that high fructose corn syrup contributes more to obesity or other conditions than sucrose.” (Report 3 of the Council on Science and Public Health A-08, June 2008.)

http://www.ama-assn.org/ama1/pub/upload/mm/443/csaph3a08-summary.pdf

High fructose corn syrup has a strong history as a safe ingredient recognized by food manufacturers and the U.S. government. In 1983, the Food and Drug Administration listed high fructose corn syrup as “Generally Recognized as Safe” (known as GRAS status) for use in food, and reaffirmed that ruling in 1996. (61 Fed. Reg. 43447 (August 23, 1996), 21 C.F.R. 184.1866. Direct food substances affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe; High Fructose Corn Syrup – Final Rule.)

A considerable body of published scientific research finds high fructose corn syrup both safe and nutritionally the same as other common sweeteners like sugar and honey. Recent scientific studies have shown that the human body appears to metabolize high fructose corn syrup and sugar in much the same way. Like sugar, honey and some fruit juices, high fructose corn syrup contains almost equal portions of fructose and glucose. Both sugar and high fructose corn syrup contain 4 calories per gram.

To read the latest research and learn more about high fructose corn syrup, please visit www.SweetSurprise.com. Please feel free to contact me if you would like additional information about the products made from corn.

Thank you for your consideration,

Audrae Erickson

President

Corn Refiners Association

Washington, DC

(202) 331-1634

Hefty federal subsidies make corn so cheap that it’s in a litany of food products. Critics have targeted high fructose corn syrup as a contributor to the nation’s obesity epidemic, prompting the CRA to fire back aggressively with ads like this:

The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has this article on the issue. Time magazine had this article, which provides some good insights into the controversy. It also has this interesting passage that references the commercials:

The commercials claim that just like sugar, high-fructose corn syrup isn’t unhealthy when consumed in moderation. But it’s hard to know exactly how much of it we’re actually consuming because it shows up in so many unexpected foods. “It was in my children’s vitamins!” said Elise Mackin. Because high-fructose corn syrup extends the shelf life of foods, and farm subsidies make it cheaper than sugar, it’s added to a staggering range of items, including fruity yogurts, cereals, crackers, ketchup and bread — and in most foods marketed to children. So, unless you’re making a concerted effort to avoid it, it’s pretty difficult to consume high-fructose corn syrup in moderation. “We did a consumers survey,” says Doug Radi of Boulder, Colo., based Rudi’s Organic Breads, “and less than 25% of them realized that high-fructose corn syrup is commonly used in bread.”

Rebekah Star

We often wonder what our skincare regimen should consist of. Some are not sure if we need protection from the sun or not, what’s needed to clear up those dark spots, or to prevent them. Here is my advice on how to achieve the skin of your dreams!

#1- Exfoliate
Your skin is constantly producing new cells (every 28 days) and shedding old ones. As we age, this process slows down causing dull, lifeless complexions. Exfoliating not only increases circulation, which helps firm your skin, but renews your skin, helping to fade dark spots and reveal radiant skin!

#2- Use Sunscreen
You may think if you have color, you don’t need as much protection from the sun. But be aware- We all do! The rays from the sun are extremely powerful and has been the leading cause for the skin cancer Melanoma. Protect yourself with an SPF 15 or greater EVERY SINGLE DAY.

#3- Don’t Pick at Your Skin
This is one of the biggest causes of marks on your skin. As you interfere with you skins natural ability to repair itself, you are leaving damage. Dark spots, scars, and scabs making your skin take longer to return to its natural state.

#4- Drink Water- Lots of It!
Where there is life there is water. That should include inside of you! Water helps to eliminate toxins from what we eat, stress, environmental damage,etc. I know it’s really hard sometimes, but by you can jazz it up a bit by adding cucumbers, lemon wedges, or strawberries which are all also great for your skin. Go ahead, flush your system with at least 60oz. of water daily!

#5- Wash Your Face Before Going to Bed
Because your skin is renewing itself while you sleep, it is essential to remove anything that will interfere with that process. This is not only limited to make-up, but you are also removing oil, dirt and any environmental elements that have attached themselves to your skin throughout the day.
Make it a habit!

Please let us know your thoughts on our articles by visiting our Facebook Page: Fab Living w/Rebekah Star and post your comments. Until next week, live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star

10 Things You Should Know About Losing Weight

Many Americans struggle to lose weight everyday. Some try to lose weight with diet alone and some people try to lose weight with exercise alone. In your efforts to lose weight you should keep certain things in mind to make sure you are successful and healthy on your weight loss journey.

Know Your Numbers
It is important to know whether you need to lose weight and how much weight is safe for you to lose. Calculate your body mass index and that will give you a general idea of how many pounds you need to lose to get to the top of the healthy weight range for your height. Body Mass Index is not the only number you need to know. Take the time to measure your waist and calculate your body fat percentage (or have it done for you by a personal trainer at your gym). As you lose weight, keep track of these numbers because any lean muscle mass you gain can give you a false reading when calculating your Body Mass Index.

Eat More Frequently
In order to keep your metabolism working efficiently and to keep your body from thinking it’s starving, eat every two to four hours. These meals will be smaller than a typical three-meal-per-day diet, enabling you to eat more frequently. Eating more frequently also keeps your blood sugar and insulin more stable. Each time you eat, be sure to have lean protein, complex carbohydrates and fiber to keep your body full and fueled.

Clean Up Your Diet
Long-lasting weight loss requires a lifestyle change. You cannot continue to eat the things that caused you to be overweight in the first place. Steadily increase the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet, drink more water, drink less soda, and avoid fried, fatty foods. Keep down the amount of simple carbohydrates in your diet by only consuming simple carbohydrates in the form of whole fruits. Even though these carbs will break down quickly in your body, they are still a source of fiber, vitamins and minerals.

Safe Weight Loss Amount
Safe and long-lasting weight loss occurs at a rate of about 1 to 2 lbs. per week. When you first start to change your diet and exercise routines, you may experience more weight loss due to loss of water weight. If you continue to lose more than 1 to 2 lbs. per week, see your doctor to make sure there is no medical explanation for the additional weight loss.

Drink Plenty of Water
Although this is a common weight loss tip, you continue to read about it because it is good advice. The human body is made up of mostly water. Water helps flush toxins out of the body, reduces bloating, and helps keep your body running as it should. Drink at least 64 oz. of water per day and even more on the days you exercise.

No Overnight Success
Just as gaining weight took time, losing the extra weight will also take some time. Losing weight too quickly can do damage to your body and put you in a position to not be able to keep the weight off. Take your time losing weight and you will have more success.

Muscle is Good
Each pound of muscle you put on your body increases your body’s ability to burn calories. For every pound of muscle you build, 50 additional calories are burned per day. However, muscle weighs more than fat so the numbers on the scale may not be exactly what you want to see at times. Despite the numbers on the scale, the density of muscle is different than fat. Muscle takes up less room on the body than fat, so you will be leaner and look smaller with more muscle on your body than weighing the same but with more fat.

Cardio
Cardio, in the form of aerobic exercise, is one type of exercise that can help your body burn fat. Aerobic exercise includes brisk walking, running, swimming, cycling, and any other activity that raises your heart rate over a sustained period of time. Depending on how much weight you have to lose, your cardio should last at least 20 minutes per session, three days per week. If you have substantial weight to lose, work on making your cardio more intense and aiming for 60 minutes four to five days per week. If you are just beginning to exercise and cannot exercise for 20 minutes at one time, breaking your sessions up over the course of the day still works as long as each session is at least 10 minutes.

Strength Training
Strength training is also an important part of a weight loss routine. Consult a certified personal trainer to develop a program that will work all of the major muscle groups in two to three sessions per week. Strength training can be done with free weights, weight machines, body weight, resistance tubing or a combination of all of these things. Each session should last no more than an hour to avoid injury and overtraining.

Flexibility
The third component of a weight loss program is flexibility. This includes stretching during a cool down and taking classes such as yoga. Increasing your flexibility increases your range of motion and ability to do exercises while keeping your muscles limber and less prone to injury.(livestrong.com)

If you add changes into your life incrementally, you will be greatly rewarded. Let’s make an effort to be a healthy example for our community! Please visit our Facebook page- FaB Living w/Rebekah Star, and post your questions and comments. Until next week, Live FaBulously!

Rebekah Star

Unlock Your Weight Loss Potential

Do you feel like your worrying yourself to death about your weight loss? About starting the right diet and staying on it? I often hear, “That diet’s good” or “I’m gonna go back on the ___ diet.” And I have been one to say many of the ‘I’m gonna lose weight phrases too, the one thing I know for sure is: A diet does it not ‘good’ if you can not stay on it! That is FOR SURE!

So as a result of thinking this way for years and years, it time for change! It all starts in our mind. A new book on the market, “The New American Diet” reveals how some of the chemicals in our food are making us fat. If we can learn to eat a more clean diet, then huge results will follow. Here’s a small glimpse into the book that informs us on diet crushers that scientists are just now finding out about.

They’re called betokens, nasty chemicals that act as fat-building catalysts, regardless of how often you hit the gym. Who knew? Here’s a small piece of an interview with the books author, Stephen Perrine, editor at large for Men’s Health magazine:

What and where are obesogens?
“Theyre natural or synthetic chemicals that disrupt the way your hormones operate. For example, leptin is the hormone that tells your body it is full; fructose, an obesogen, can interfere with leptin and trick you into thinking your starving right after a big meal. Some obesogens mimic the hormone estrogen, high levels of which promote fat storage. They’re in plastics used in food packaging and other consumer goods. Many pesticides are obesogens, as are steroids and antibiotics fed to or injected into animals. Obesogens also occur naturally in soy.

If we’re healthy, what’s there to worry about?
Obesogens make it much easier to become obese and to develop diabetes. Plus, researchers believe that some obesogens are changing the way our genes behave, causing our bodies to create not only more fat cells, but also larger ones that are more effective at storing fat. And some studies have indicated that the more obesogens a women is exposed to during her pregnancy, the more likely her children are to be obese as adults.

How are obesogens found in water?
That water probably traveled through PVC piping and contains traces of pesticides. And hard-plastic water bottles can contain the obesogen bisphenol A (BPA), which can leak into water. You need fluid, so the thing to do is cut down on your overall exposure.

What’s left to eat?
The key is to focus not on all the foods you should’nt eat, but rather on the 12 New American Diet superfoods. Look for sustainable fish and grass-fed, naturally raised chicken, beef, and pork that haven’t been injected with hormones or antibiotics. Buy organic eggs and dairy products. Get food that comes in boxes or bags instead of BPA lined cans. In terms of produce, generally look for organic versions of fruits with edible skin like apples, peaches, or pears; those with a tough skin, like avocados, bananas, and kiwi, are fine in conventional form. When you cut out obesogens and add in these high nutrition foods, you can lose weight while eating however much you want. People who did our program for 6 weeks lost an average of 15 pounds, just by making simple swaps.

It’s very important for us to become more conscious of what’s in the food we eat. ‘The New American Diet’, is not just a diet, it is a change in the way you consume your food. If there is one thing we can take away from research on additives, the all have a firm stand against high fructose corn syrup. So let’s take a step together in the right direction and eliminate that!

Please visit our Facebook page at ‘Fab Living w/Rebekah Star’ and post your questions and comments. Until next week, Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Livingston

Home to the thinnest skin on your body, the eye area starts to show signs of wear and tear by your 20s. Overtime in the office, that extra glass of wine, and even smiling all conspire to speed up the aging process. The eyes are also the first place people look on your face. According to Marie Claire Magazine these are great eye-opening rules to follow:

1. COUNTING CROWS

Wearing sunglasses prevents squinting, which causes crow’s-feet, explains Dr. Robert Grant, plastic surgeon–in-chief at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Sunscreen will also help, but the reason that you suddenly start to see fine lines in your late 20s and early 30s happens under your skin. “Once your body starts to decrease the amount of sebum it produces, you need to moisturize to keep the outermost keratin layer–our natural sun protection factor–intact,” explains Grant. “If you allow your skin to dry out, it will get more sun damage.” But before you start slathering on heavy eye balms that can clog pores and cause bumps, first try a lightweight gel.

If you already have noticeable crow’s-feet, vitamin A–derived retinols can help smooth them out by boosting collagen production in the area. Grant likes over-the-counter retinols (in contrast to stronger, prescription retinoids) because they’re less drying and easier to tolerate. And for those who are especially expressive, Botox can help soften your smile lines. A topical formula is currently in FDA trials for usage around the eyes, but approval is still years away.

2. BAGGAGE HANDLING

The biggest reason for puffiness around the eyes is allergies, according to Cambridge, Massachusetts, dermatologist Dr. Ranella Hirsch. And rubbing will only thicken the skin and cause darkening, especially in pale complexions. “When you hear on the news that pollen counts are up, take an over-the-counter antihistamine for two or three weeks and you’ll prevent most swelling,” Hirsch says. For additional soothing, “de-puff with an eye roller. Keep it in the fridge, because the cooling effect really goes a long way.”

If you’re past your early 30s and have tried the anti-allergy approach without success, your heavy baggage could be caused by gravity, not the change in seasons. “When you’re young, the fat below your eyes lives in a collagen baggie. But as you get older, the bag is weakened because you’re not producing as much collagen and the fat herniates into a hound-dog look,” says Hirsch, who recommends using an injectable filler (she prefers Restylane) to firm the skin and hold up the fat pad. “For less than $500, you can get real results that last 12 to 15 months. You don’t need much product, and it can take years off of your face,” she says. A less invasive alternative is using an eye cream with peptides. “Peptides are the building blocks of the skin’s protein,” explains Hirsch. Applying them topically gives skin the ingredients to rebuild and hold the fat pad in place.

3. BRIGHT IDEA

There are typically two causes of dark circles: an actual darkening of the skin due to genetics and sun damage, or shadows created from sunken valleys above the cheekbones. For both problems, New York City dermatologist Dr. David Rosenberg recommends injecting fat or Restylane to plump the hollowness (cost: about $4,000 for potentially permanent fat and about $1,500 for Restylane, which lasts up to two years). And since the skin here is almost transparent, “fat bleaches out the area since it’s pure white.”

Brightening formulas can also even the overall skin tone but must be combined with daily sunscreen use to prevent further darkening. Hirsch suggests layering antioxidant lycopene under sunscreen for extra protection.

4. TOP SHELF

As collagen thins and skin loses elasticity, the upper eyelids can droop, creating what Rosenberg calls “hooding.” While applying creams to the upper lids was once a no-no, new formulas specifically target this sagging area, tightening with caffeine or promoting collagen production with peptides. However, if you’re prone to dry skin, Hirsch cautions against caffeine-based creams because they dehydrate in order to de-puff and firm. “You’re good for two hours, but then you look like death,” she says.

If topical creams aren’t enough for your tired-looking lids, Rosenberg suggests two surgical options: trimming away the excess skin at the lashline or an endoscopic brow-lift (cost: $2,000 to $7,000 for each procedure). With gravity’s pull, eyebrows fall as we get older, and “as the brow gets lower, the more skin droops,” Rosenberg says. Raising the brow with tiny hairline incisions lifts the upper eyelid skin, making eyes appear more open and youthful. “It’s a 30-minute procedure, and the results last for a decade.” Now that’s foresight.

EVENT FaB:
May 27th-28 11am-4pm Nordstrom, Washington Square: “Mascara Madness” Buy 2 Mascaras, get 1 Free. Be sure to visit the Giorgio Armani Counter for ‘Eyes to Kill’, my #1 choice for mascara.

Hope to see you all there! For questions and comments please visit our Facebook Page: FaB Living w/Rebekah Star. Until next week, Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star

Winning the battle against blemishes, fine lines, and dull skin isn’t easy—but with hot summer days looming, foundation, blush, and cover-up won’t be the steadfast companions they were in winter and spring. To avoid a meltdown (literally), lighten up: Jeanine Downie, MD, of Montclair, New Jersey, says the surest path to a brighter, smoother, and clearer complexion is to take proper care of it. Here, the best ways to get your skin in shape for summer.

Use a Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser

The first step to achieving perfection, says Downie, is to chemically slough dead skin cells with a daily glycolic cleanser, followed with a physical exfoliator up to four times a week (oilier, more acne-prone skin can exfoliate more often). “Look for scrubs that contain spherical, pliable microbeads versus grains with rough, scratchy edges to avoid irritation,” she says.

Go for Multitasking Serums

Next, Downie says to use a powerful multitasking serum. Her go-to: Vivité Vibrance Therapy (“It’s stronger than over the counter products, and only sold in doctors’ offices”). The gel contains natural antioxidants such as licorice, mulberry, grape, and green tea to brighten, even skin tone, and protect against free radical damage—plus soy and retinol to build collagen, and glycolic acid to exfoliate. “A lot of my patients use the product twice a day—once in the morning and once at night, while others only apply it in the evening,” says Downie, who points out that the retinol in the product may cause sensitive skin types to become more susceptible to the sun’s UV rays.

An effective yet less potent drugstore alternative to Vivité, says Downie, is the new Aveeno Ageless Vitality, which similarly smooths, brightens, and perfects.

If luminosity is your main goal, Avon also has a new product on the market— the Avon Anew Clinical Luminosity Pro Brightening Serum (available May 1) exfoliates and brightens skin, and contains a patented amino acid that inhibits pigment production.

Try a Chemical Peel or Laser Treatment

For extra brightening and smoothing power, a series of chemical peels could be the answer: “Chemical peels are great for getting rid of dark spots and acne,” says Downie, adding, “They also help with overall exfoliation.” Downie favors glycolic acid peels (also known as alpha hydroxy acid peels) and salicylic acid peels (beta hydroxy peels) “because they work with every skin type to improve texture, tone, acne, and fine lines.” To lengthen the time in between peels at your dermatologist’s office, Downie suggests using an at-home chemical peels, Downie says many of her patients request a pre-summer laser treatment In fact, the demand for laser resurfacing is at an all-time high, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, whose 2008 statistics revealed it to be the fifth most common non-surgical procedure performed in the U.S. While lasing with Fraxel or GentleLASE isn’t always necessary, Downie says for those wishing to nix their freckles, it’s a must (no fading cream will work).

Don’t Skimp on SPF

No matter what cleansers, serums, or treatments you may employ, however, Downie says the most important tip for perfect skin is to apply an SPF 30 moisturizer or sunscreen, especially if you’re using products that contain retinoids. “You should wear sunblock every day, rain or shine, January through December,” she says, “Or else you could end up with more hyperpigmentation, darker patches, and deeper fine lines.”

For more information and tips on achieving a flawless complexion visit our Facebook Page “FaB Living w/Rebekah Star” and post your questions and comments. Until next week, Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star

As a writer, I avoid cliches like the plague…HAHA!

But seriously, cliches are old, tired, and they show absolutely no thought. I mean, do I make you read that some guy’s skin was as white as snow? No. It’s a major insult to your intellect. So when I have to hear a cliche or overused saying in the real world, as a response to my newly single status or some other dating dilemma, it’s offensive and frustrating.

Why do we have so many sayings and maxims for dating? A single lady is likely to get slammed with them as soon as she expresses any unhappiness at her situation. Since we could all use a good laugh, I asked some friends and Twitter followers to send in their most hated adages. I know you’ve heard them all before, but I just couldn’t believe how many there were! Here’s a tiny compilation. Enjoy — today, they’re not directed at you!

It happens when you’re not looking.

“This is just bull. Some people find people when they’re looking; some don’t. You’re not doing anything wrong by going out and meeting people.” -Beth

There are plenty of fish in the sea.

“I dated a guy whose last name was Fish. People just had a BLAST with that one.” -Kelly

So, why are you single?

“I generally dislike this question. I mean honestly, if I knew why, I don’t think I would be single right now, would I?!” -Erica

You’re too picky.

“This may be true, but it feels like I’m getting criticized for my taste, vision, and close-mindedness — when I’m already down.” -Sarah

You’ll find the right person for you. -Kelly

He’s out there. -Kelly
It was just bad timing.

“Like it’s so easy to dismiss a guy on such an emotionless and objective reason.” -Taryn

Just have fun with it! “Um, don’t tell me how to date in my thirties when you got married at 24.” -Maya

Have you tried online dating? “Duh!” -Elisa

He just wasn’t the right guy for you. “I know! That’s what I’m complaining about!” – Elisa

Well, when Steve and I first got together… “Wait, I still want to talk about me.” -Elisa

When the time is right, you will meet someone. -Betsy

Wow, I wish I were single and in your shoes! “Really?! I’m pretty sure you CAN be single if you actually want to be. That there is an attainable dream, so if you aren’t messing with me right now out of pity (which I suspect you are), please go for it!” -Kim

Your turn next [at weddings]. -Natlondon, via Twitter

It will happen when you least expect it. -dlegas05, via Twitter

Some guy is going to come along and ruin your career/life plans. “I am 32 and no one has ruined the last 10 years of plans.” -frolicblog, via Twitter

But you’re so pretty! Why don’t you have a boyfriend? “There’s just no graceful way to answer that.” -earnesteats, via Twitter

It just wasn’t meant to be. “Any of these platitudes are exponentially more annoying when coming from the mouths of the smugly married.” -Reberoodle, via Twitter

Sure, Steve rescues kids from abusive homes, donated my sister a kidney, and picks up fresh flowers for me daily on his way home from work, but will he QUIT IT with the sports on TV already? “Single people just hate to be complained to about petty relationship stuff. If you do this, I’m not going to want to hang out with you. (In fact, maybe I’ll call Steve and ask him if he wants to watch the Yankees game?)” -Kim

Bottom line, if you’re in a relationship or married and you don’t have any specific, original advice or wisdom for your single friend — and you must use an established saying — we would prefer to hear neutral ones like, “This too shall pass” or “Take it one day at a time.” They are so much more helpful and comforting — you have no idea!

Also of note: not one person I polled mentioned they were tired of hearing, “He’s just not that into you.” I think that’s because it’s not condescending. And apparently, it’s not overused. So that one is still OK to say. Thanks for listening.(Yahoo Personals)

Please visit our Facebook page at ‘Fab Living w/Rebekah Star’ and tell us your favorite relationship clichés! Until next week- Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star

I would say that at least 50 percent of women think they have sensitive skin,” says dermatologist Dr. David Bank. “They have a hard time finding products that won’t cause a reaction.”

That reaction, called contact dermatitis, falls into two categories: allergic and irritant. Allergic indicates that the immune system is displeased, while irritant reactions stop at the surface. It’s something Lynne Greene, Clinique’s global president, became all too familiar with on a recent trip to Asia.

“I went to Singapore, which is one climate; Japan, which is another; and finally Shanghai, which has a lot of pollution,” she says. “By the time I boarded the plane home, my skin was tremendously red and reactive.”

But while the detrimental effects of environmental aggressors may be beyond our control, what we put on our skin can be monitored, says Greene. And a number of reactions, both allergic and irritant, can be traced back to one of these culprit ingredients:

PHTHALATES: A plasticizing ingredient commonly listed as DBP or di-n-butyl phthalate, it is used most often in the beauty world to give nail polishes increased pliability. Considered to be a potential carcinogen and possible cause of birth defects, allergic rashes and eczema, they are already banned in Europe. When shopping for lacquers, look for phthalate-free formulas. Neither Zoya nor Spa Ritual has ever used the ingredient in its lines, while Essie, OPI, and Sally Hansen altered their formulations in recent years to get rid of it.

SHEA BUTTER: It may seem completely harmless, but anyone with a nut allergy could find themselves with a heightened sensitivity to it. “I have seen reactions among those with nut allergies to both shea and cocoa butter,” says Dr. Ellen Marmur, author of the new book Simple Skin Beauty. “Even organic or natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions.”

TRICLOSAN: Flu season and the ongoing swine flu epidemic have made hand-washing a frequent ritual, and in some cases, it’s the soap that causes the itchy rashes creeping up on palms and fingertips. If your hands are inflamed, steer clear of any soaps or sanitizers with this antibacterial agent.

BALSAM OF PERU: Fragrance is the number-one cause of allergic contact dermatitis, and Balsam of Peru, a resin that is actually a conglomeration of scents, is often responsible. Because of its phototoxic ingredients, when the skin is exposed to sunlight, brown or reddish streaks called berloque dermatitis may occur wherever the scented product or perfume was applied—dermatologists report many incidents of berloque behind the ears. The key is to look for products that are totally fragrance-free — which is not the same as unscented. “Unscented means that a product can contain a masking fragrance to camouflage its pungent, unpleasant odor,” says Bank. “Fragrance-free means truly no fragrances.”

FORMALDEHYDE:While most beauty products won’t include this ultra-common makeup, skin, and haircare preservative on the ingredient list, many will have a formaldehyde-releasing agent like imidazolidinyl urea or quaternium 15, which can be equally reactive. Therefore, those who experience an allergy or irritation to formaldehyde actually have a list of names to be on the lookout for. Nowadays, two of the most frequent places where contact may occur are the nail and hair salon. “The most common cause of eyelid dermatitis is the formaldehyde in nail polish,” says dermatologist Dr. Marsha Gordon. “After you polish your nails, there is a day or two when the finish is not rock hard, and that’s when formaldehyde may be released. Your hands may not show redness because that skin is tough, but when you touch your eyes while washing or moisturizing, you can end up with dermatitis there.”

PARABENS: They are the darlings of preservatives among mass manufacturers since they’re cheap and stable. It can be downright difficult to find products that don’t contain parabens like methyl, propyl, and benzyl hydroxybenzoate. Those who experience redness or a rash can avoid them entirely by seeking out lines such as Aubrey Organics, Burt’s Bees, Dr. Hauschka, and Weleda, whose formulations are all paraben-free.

ACIDS: While the majority of acids — azelaic, alpha hydroxy, benzoic, lactic, sorbic — are tolerable in modest doses, cinnamic can pose a problem. A tartar-fighting agent in toothpaste, it can be the reason for itchy eruptions on the lips and around the mouth. Look for toothpaste without cinnamic acid (like Tom’s of Maine), or if you’re attached to a brand that has it, dermatologist Dr. Dennis Gross recommends applying Vaseline around the mouth and chin before brushing to form a barrier.

PPD: Paraphenylenediamine (PPD) is found in most permanent hair dyes. Those who are allergic will likely develop a rash not on the scalp but around the hairline on the forehead and neck and behind the ears. According to Gross, allergy to PPD seems to increase with age. Avoid contact by requesting PPD-free dyes or opting for henna and color rinses that don’t contain the irritant.

RETINOIDS: Most dermatologists will concur that despite a laundry list of antiaging and acne-fighting benefits, retinoids are also a classic irritant. “They make your skin more sensitive to the sun in the summer and more prone to dryness in the winter,” says Gross. “What really matters is the net concentration that you apply to your skin. Using something weaker more often is better than something stronger that can only be tolerated a few times per week.” Marmur also has a little retinoid magic trick: “If you want your antiaging without the red, raw skin, put on your retinoids for 15 minutes at night, then wash it off with a mild cleanser. I call it ’short-contact antiaging.’” -Marie Claire Magazine

If you are experiencing allergic reactions or skin irritation you may want to take a look at the ingredients in your products. Please log in to our page on Facebook- “Fab Living w/Rebekah Star” and post your comments and questions. Until next week, Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star

Here we are more than half way through April and it seems as if the year the years speed by with the swiftness of a gazelle. As I think back on when I met some of my friends, it has been 10, 15 or even 20 years! Where did the time go? I now understand what my parents meant when they said “As you get older, time will go by much more quickly.” It definitely does.

Are there any goals that you made at the beginning of the year that you just can’t find the time to complete or even start? I would like to challenge you to take a look at some or your New Year’s goals or make a new goal that can add some component of happiness to your life. And Take Action!!

Many prominent psychologists’ suggest that the biggest difference between those who live a life close to the life of their dreams is not that they don’t have goals, not that they aren’t inspired or that they are just lazy by any means! The biggest difference is that they do not take ACTION. They know what they want, but do not take the proper steps to move forward. Does that sound familiar? Too familiar to me. I have proclaimed 2010 as the year that a profound positive change has/will occur in my life and I truly meant that this is the year I will make a conscious effort to change years of stagnation and procrastination and take action to propel forward toward the life of my dreams!

I’ve put together a small list of suggestions that I live by and when put into action will definitely help us all move toward our goals:

#1 Find a volunteer opportunity in your community — Helping others helps you! Start Making A Reader Today & Big Brothers/Big Sisters offer great volunteer ops! Give away L-O-V-E.

#2 Write a life goal list- Writing out your goals and seeing them on paper creates clarity and helps you consciously and unconsciously move toward them.

#3 Find a mentor- Find someone in your network that is or has been where you want to be. Pick their brain, spend time getting to know how they think-what’s helped them, what hasn’t. You will definitely grow.

#4 Rid yourself of negativity- Any form of negativity takes away from your life. Ask yourself “How does anything negative fit into my life?” That includes people, music, entertainment, violence, gossip, etc. Just sayin‘…What goes in comes out in some way.

#5 Remember ‘Thoughts become Things’- What you think about will manifest in your life in some kind of way. Be conscious of that- Think about what you like and what you want. Not what you hate, what you wish was different, and so on. Thinking positive = Being positive.

#6 Take inventory of your friends- Surround yourself with people who are successful in the ways you would like to be successful. Like-minded people. Make sure you only share your dreams with people who truly want you to be as successful as you can be! They will build you up and there’s nothing wrong with keeping some things to yourself!

#7 Have a ‘Big Picture’ vision- Keep your eyes on the prize, so to speak. Make small steps toward your end goal every single day and soon you’ll be there.

#8 Honor your commitments- This one is so simple. It also has a great impact on the way people view you. Just do what you say you are going to do! Simple.

#9 Practice non-judgment- If you are in a constant state of judging what’s right and wrong, you are wasting energy evaluating things that most likely have no effect on your life. Free that energy up and you’ll have room for success!

#10 Have gratitude- Every morning as soon as I wake up I meditate on how thankful I am for my life, the love I have, my piece of mind, and everything that makes me Me. Try it! Your day will start off great and that will carry over into other areas as well!

Make a commitment to make a difference in your own life, to be happy. Please visit our Facebook Page- ‘FaB Living w/Rebekah Star’ and let us know what steps you’ve taken toward a more positive life! Until next week- Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star

Last week was a blast for me! One of those weeks that you wish could go on and on. Everyday there was something new and exciting.

A few of the more noteworthy things I participated in were Start Making A Reader Today at Irvington Elementary and a charity bowling game, “Soul Bowl”, to benefit Big Brothers, Big Sisters mentorship program. Both are great volunteer activities that have a great impact on our youth. You should look into one or both. And at the end of the week, a campaign for projecting a positive and realistic image of beauty; different women of all shapes, sizes, and colors which will be on display at Fez Studio in northwest Portland in the next couple of months. Stay tuned for that.

Everything was fun and great, but you may notice that if your schedule is crammed, even with fun things, there is a certain amount of stress it adds to you mentally and physically. I was 100 percent sure that there was some way I could have had more energy and feel less stress. Of course there is!

It seems like to reach your highest level of physical and mental health and beauty, it always lead back to the food we put in our bodies. The food we eat has an effect on everything we do- including stress! So Reach for these items next time you’re feeling under pressure, under the weather, or just too close to that breaking point. Munching on these stress-free foods will help pull you back into the game.

Oranges
A German study in “Psychopharmacology” found that vitamin C helps reduce stress and return blood pressure and cortisol to normal levels after a stressful situation. Vitamin C is also well-known for boosting your immune system.

Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes can be particularly stress-reducing because they can satisfy the urge you get for carbohydrates and sweets when you are under a great deal of stress. They are packed full of beta-carotene and other vitamins, and the fiber helps your body to process the carbohydrates in a slow and steady manner.

Dried Apricots
Apricots are rich in magnesium, which is a stress-buster and a natural muscle relaxant as well.

Almonds, Pistachios & Walnuts
Almonds are packed with B and E vitamins, which help boost your immune system, and walnuts and pistachios help lower blood pressure.

Turkey
Turkey contains an amino acid called L-tryptophan. This amino acid triggers the release of serotonin, which is a feel-good brain chemical. This is the reason why many people who eat turkey feel relaxed, or even tired, after eating it. L-Tryptophan has a documented calming effect.

Spinach
A deficiency in magnesium can cause migraine headaches and a feeling of fatigue. One cup of spinach provides 40 percent of your daily needs for magnesium.

Salmon
Diets high in omega-3 fatty acids protect against heart disease. A study from Diabetes & Metabolism found that omega-3s keep the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline from peaking.

Avocados
The monounsaturated fats and potassium in avocados help lower blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute says that one of the best ways to lower blood pressure is to consume enough potassium (avocados have more than bananas).

Green Vegetables
Broccoli, kale, and other dark green vegetables are powerhouses of vitamins that help replenish our bodies in times of stress.

More stress-busting tips:
- Exercise regularly.
- Drink an energy shake for breakfast.
- Eat small meals throughout the day, which will keep your blood sugar stable (when blood sugar is low, mental, physical, and emotional energy decreases, and stress increases).

Looking forward to another great week and I hope you are too! Please join our Facebook page: Fab Living w/Rebekah Star where you can post comments and questions. We welcome it! Until next week- Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star

Are you ready for Spring Cleaning?

From juice cleanses to salt rooms, IV cocktails to sweat therapy, detox continues to be the health trend du jour.

And, says Dr. Rashmi Gulati, the director at New York’s Patients Medical, there’s no better time than now to clear your body of toxins. In the fall and winter, Gulati explains, the body goes into a state of quasi-hibernation. Come spring, your body — in harmony with nature — is ready for a rebirth.

Here, we take a look at six different ways to detox, how they work, and what you should know before you try them.

Juice Cleanse

What it is: All juice, all the time.

How it works: The basic premise behind juicing is that it frees up energy to engage in deep cleaning. Blueprint Cleanse founder Zoe Sakoutis explains, “The energy normally spent on breaking down a sandwich, a Twinkie, or even a big healthy salad can now be re-directed to helping the body ‘clean house.”

Need to know: The cleanse will go down much better if you prepare your body for it — which means phasing out meat, dairy, coffee and alcohol prior to juicing.

DIY: Most programs cost between $50 and $100 per day. If you have a juicer, you can do it yourself for significantly less. The Norwalk Juicer (nwjcal.com, $2,395) is generally considered to be the best, but the Breville Die-Cast Fountain Elite is a close second, and a fraction of the cost (brevilleusa.com, $299).

IV Therapy

What it is: An intravenous injection that bypasses the digestive track and delivers detoxifying agents directly to the tissues and cells.

How it works: IV therapy can be used to build up the body’s nutritional stores — i.e., infuse minerals and vitamins directly to tissues and cells — and to extract toxins through the use of chelating agents. Either way, the main advantage of IV therapy is that it’s a direct line to bloodstream.

Need to know: This is not your standard spa treatment and should only be administered by an accredited physician, nurse, or medical assistant.

DIY: Patients Medical’s Dr. William Lee recommends the Core Restore Kit by OrthoMolecular, a fiber- and protein-rich powder that can be mixed with water or juice.

Halotherapy

What it is: Halotherapy, or salt therapy, historically meant a visit to one of Europe’s salt caves. Now we have manmade salt rooms.

How it works: Because of the dry, highly dispersible nature of rock salt, it is able to travel through the airways and absorbs bacteria and mucus from your lungs. It’s also thought to have a beneficial impact on skin irritations, asthma, and allergies.

Need to know: Salt therapy won’t immediately cure that winter cold you’ve been battling or that bout of rosacea. Give it time: Expect to see and feel results after about three or four trips.

DIY: At home, try adding two cups of Epsom salt to warm bath water and have a good long soak. Repeat as needed (up to three times a week).

Sweat Therapy

What it is: Call it a steam room, sauna, banya, or hammam, the basic idea is this: It’s hot, you’re sweating.

How it works: Our skin is the biggest organ in our body and when we sweat, we’re not just cooling down our body, but also eliminating toxins.

Need to know: Lower temperature saunas are thought to be more effective as a detoxifying technique because they stimulate a “fat sweat” as opposed to a “water sweat.” Either way, be sure to take it slowly and drink plenty of water.

DIY: You don’t need a sauna to sweat — exercise works just as well, if not better: By reducing body fat, you’re eliminating storage space for toxins (they love to hang out in the fatty cells).

Lymphatic Massage

What it is: A gentle massage targeting the lymphatic system.

How it works: Soft-touch opening techniques promote lymph flow and help move stagnant energy, stimulating the immune system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Need to know: Make sure your therapist is certified in manual lymphatic drainage therapy (LDT) and avoid this type of massage if you have a heart condition or are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy.

DIY: Dry brushing is a great way to maintain lymphatic health. Take a soft-bristle brush and apply light strokes on the arms, legs, and abdomen in the direction of the heart.

Mud Therapy

What it is: A full-body mud or clay wrap or bath.

How it works: “Bentonite clay particles carry a negative electrical charge, while toxins carry a positive charge” explains Kelli Ziegler, director of the Spa at Camelback Inn. “The negatively charged molecules draw the positively-charged toxins out through the skin pores.”

Need to know: Mud therapy is not for the claustrophobic, as it typically involves being wrapped up in a cocoon-like sleeping bag or layer of towels and heating pads, for at least 20 minutes. It’s also not recommend for pregnant women or those with iodine or shellfish allergies.

DIY: Ziegler recommends Living Clay Company’s Detox Clay Powder ($22.95). It can also be useful to exfoliate the skin prior to your mud rubdown in order to slough off dead skin and open up the pores.

Also recommended is Naturopathica’s Espresso Mud Body Scrub ($48).

Like Dr. Gulati says, spring is natures time to rejuvenate! Let’s also rejuvenate our bodies and make a point to become more and more healthy. I have tried most of these six ways of cleansing and it’s amazing how easy it is to get that extra pep in your step- try one!

I love to hear your feedback, so please visit our Facebook Page- FaB Living w/Rebekah Star and post your comments or questions. Until next week- Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star

I’ll toast to that!
One of my favorite past times is reading. I enjoy gathering information and sharing it with friends and family. Not to persuade, but to inform. As I read through my favorite magazines, I enjoy the stories of different men and women who have changed lifestyle habits that lead to great long term benefits. Recently, alcohol consumption has been one of those.

Often, if you are a regular drinker, cutting alcohol consumption down or out completely leads to a great deal of immediate weight loss. And since a whopping 67 percent of Americans are overweight, I’m sure most of us would like to lose a couple of pounds. There are a number of ways drinking habitually helps us and some ways it hurts.

We all know that mixed drinks, beer, and some wines are high in calories. So weight gain is an obvious side effect. But excess drinking can also lead to other health dangers such as alcoholism, high blood pressure, obesity, and even cancer. Health experts say it also can interrupt your sleep pattern. I’ve noticed in a number of different studies that lack of sleep sets off a chain reaction that causes your body to slow down it’s natural ability to fight stress, fatigue, inflammation, infection, get rid of waste and so on. It a vicious, vicious cycle that we all need to be aware of and correct for our health!

I admit those are those nights that I like to go out, have a couple of drinks with friends, have some good food- or even attend tasting parties (as discussed last week). I had a great time at last First Thursday’s event with Tone and O.G One. You should all attend the next one in April. It was a great mix of professionals, music, and of course, for me wine! I decided my limit would be two glasses as I have read it should be.

And that was perfect! It was a very tasty Cabernet and by the time I was ready to leave I wasn’t worried about the long drive home, yet another benefit of limiting yourself. Men’s Health Magazine also suggests making the second drink the last call for alcohol. In a landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, researchers found that one or two drinks a day actually decreased blood pressure slightly. Three drinks or more a day, however, elevated blood pressure by an average of 10 points systolic and 4 diastolic. The type of alcohol doesn’t matter. Order a Screwdriver, Incredible Hulk, or a glass of wine! But limit yourself to two drinks.

Know what to drink- And what not to for weight loss

We like beer, we like wine- gin and tonics too! According to the book “The ABS Diet”, there are health benefits to having one or two drinks a day, but there are many ways that alcohol can get you into trouble. Most important, alcohol, like soda, adds calories that aren’t recognized by our brain, they are empty calories. We don’t end up full or satisfied, so it actually leads to excess eating.

In fact, research also shows that alcohol consumption also makes you eat more and encourages your body to burn less fat. When Swiss researchers gave eight healthy men enough alcohol to exceed their daily calorie requirements by 25 percent(equivalent to five beers for someone who consumes a 3,000 calorie diet), they found that booze actually impaired men’s ability to burn fat by as much as 36 percent.

Booze also makes you store fat! Your body sees most alcohol as poison and tries to get rid of it. Your liver stops processing other calories until it has dealt with the alcohol. So anything else you eat likely turns into fat. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want any of my organs to stop processing anything! And if you’re on a serious weight loss plan, most studies I’ve seen suggest that it’s best just to cut out alcohol completely. I know- Easier said than done!

Something to Wine about…Red wine that is

Consumption of red wine on a regular basis may be a preventative against coronary heart disease.
Wine drinking correlates with a lower risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

Resveratrol (and ingredient found in wine) can reduce your risk of heart disease. Wine also can raise your body’s levels of HDL (good cholesterol), increasing heart health and can thin blood, decreasing the risk of blood clots.
The phytochemicals in wine, specifically flavanoids and resveratrol, are antioxidants that act to prevent against cellular damage within your body.

Two glasses of red wine (250 ml), taken together with the meal, lower post-meal blood pressure in hypertensive persons.

Red wine intake reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.

Go ahead, grab a friend and open a bottle! Let’s toast to great health!

Your questions and comments are truly appreciated. Please contact me on our Facebook page “FaB Living w/Rebekah Star” , or send an email to RebekahLiv@yahoo.com. Until next week- Live Fabulously!

Rebekah Star
503-288-0033

Mother Knows Best

In a recent conversation with one of my girls we began to talk about a conversation she and her mother recently had about what she should do with her life.

Needless to say, my 34-year-old friend was aggravated. You understand…. You get that feeling like mom is trying to run your life- even at 30, 40, or 50 years old. We all know how it can make the relationship quite contentious at times. The funny thing is: our relationships with our daughter will very likely be the same.

Giving advice that sometimes falls on deaf ears. How much of what she’s telling you is true? It may take years and years that go by before you realize “Mom may have been right about that.” And the ‘Aha’ moment hits us.

Here’s a quick look at some of the common sayings that have been passed down from generation to generation. A couple of these hit home for me, How about you?

“Stop Biting Your Nails”

Chewing on your nails is not only unattractive, but also makes your nails weak and prone to peeling and splitting. It can also provide an easy way for bacteria to enter the body and create infection. Biting your nails can also lead to last damage and can be very painful.

For many women with this problem, getting a manicure with bright colored polish can provide enough incentive to stop the chomping. Some dermatologists say that excessive biting can be a sign of high stress levels or chronic anxiety.

“When are you going to bed? It’s getting late”
I guess the “early bird get’s the worm” is kind of another way of saying this one: Early to bed, early to rise is certainly a wise choice. Sleep deprivation will cause a huge number of disparities to our mind & body.

Some of those conditions include weight gain, acne, diabetes, stress and low energy levels — the list goes on and on. It is extremely unhealthy to miss out on sleep. It allows your body time to repair itself from all of the damage and pollution our body endures during the day. Interrupting that process will slow down cell turn over.

In short, it interferes with the proper function and flow of our body. Say goodbye to problems and hello to 8 hours of sleep!

“Stop Picking at your skin”
Going around with a huge pimple is just asking for the self-consciousness to creep in. I know it’s hard to do, but you must keep your hands off! Squeezing and picking can cause more irritation, redness, swelling, and as we discussed in a previous article, scarring (dark spots). Another drawback is that in most cases it will take longer to heal than if you would have just left it alone. So, it doesn’t take much to figure this one out. Mom wins!

“Sit Like a Lady”
This one is pretty old fashioned. It reminds me of the days back as a Debutante- Shoulders back, head up. That kind of thing. I have to admit though, getting in the habit while your younger certainly makes it second nature.

Studies show that crossing your legs at your ankles, rather than knees, can help prevent spider veins. Sitting tall also gives a really lovely, confident appearance.
Did any of these hit home for you?

Let me know what your favorite sayings from your mother are by visiting our Facebook page “FaB Living w/Rebekah Star” Until next week, Live FaBulously!