A Valentines Dilemma… Dark Chocolate vs. Milk Chocolate vs. White Chocolate

The words “healthy chocolate” sounds like a dream come true! but chocolate hasn’t gained the status of health food quite yet. Still, chocolate’s reputation is on the rise, as a growing number of studies suggest that it can be a heart-healthy choice because the antioxidant effect found in cocoa beans.  With the wide variety of chocolate available, including milk, dark and white chocolate, how can you tell which is the best for your health? Check on this FitDay article> and compare the facts:

Nutritional Benefits of Chocolate

Chocolate, like red wine, has been identified as a high-quality source of bioflavonoids. Although doctors and scientists continue to study the overall effects of these plant-based micronutrients, they appear to have the ability to maintain cardiovascular health, provide strong antioxidant benefits and even help prevent cancer. In addition, chocolate contains a variety of other important vitamins and minerals, and even the fats in chocolate seem to have neutral or even positive effects on cholesterol levels. It could also help alleviate chronic fatigue syndrome, help control blood pressure, and regulate the clotting response in the bloodstream. Chocolate also contains chemicals that can help alleviate stress.

The best nutritional benefits are derived from small amounts of chocolate, however. In addition, certain ways in which chocolate is processed can greatly reduce its nutritional value. This is where the variety of different types of chocolate come into play, vastly affecting the nutritional benefit you are likely to achieve.

Different Types of Chocolate

Chocolate can be processed in a number of ways, and the manner in which it is processed has a major effect on its nutritional value. In general, the closer the final chocolate product is to the original cocoa bean, the higher the nutritional benefit will be. The cocoa bean, then, has the highest nutritional content. However, the untreated cocoa bean is extremely bitter, and not at all like the processed chocolate you are used to consuming. So cocoa is treated to make it more palatable. The way it is treated has a large effect on how nutritious it is.

In general, there are three types of chocolate that are processed as chocolate bars: dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate. Powdered cocoa is also popular, and can have a high nutritional profile if prepared without cream, high-fat milk or large quantities of sugar. The differences between the different types of chocolate bars, though, is profound.

White chocolate is the least nutritious of the three. Containing no cocoa, white chocolate is prepared from the cocoa butter from which the cocoa solids have been removed. This cocoa butter is combined with milk and sugar to create white chocolate. Because the majority of the bioflavanoids from chocolate come from the cocoa solids, white chocolate has very low nutritional value.

White chocolate has cocoa solids, but its overall nutritional profile is reduced by the addition of milk and usually fairly large quantities of sugar. With more fat added via milk solids or even cream, and with additional calories from sugar or other sweeteners, milk chocolate’s nutritional profile is higher than white chocolate’s, but still not very high.

For the best nutritional benefit from chocolate, turn to dark or semi-sweet chocolate. The higher the percentage of cocoa in the bar–many go as high as 70% or more–the more nutritional benefit you will receive. Doctors who recommend chocolate for its antioxidants and bioflavonoids recommend a square of dark or semi-sweet chocolate a couple of times a week for optimum benefit.

Winter Skin, Hair, And Makeup Survival Guide

Do you want to keep your skin and hair radiant until spring? Nina Elias, assistant beauty editor for Prevention.com in this article> talks about the best little tips and tricks for achieving it. 

Stay smooth all season long

Forget blizzard warnings. Winter should come with another weather advisory—rough beauty conditions ahead.

The main culprits are cold air, which holds less moisture than warm air, and low humidity and central heating, which make already dry hair and skin even drier. But cold weather also hits harder as you get older, when the production of skin’s natural moisturizers dips with age, says Doris Day, MD, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. The result: Your skin becomes rough and flaky while your hair feels dry and loses its shine.

These simple cold weather beauty tricks will help your skin smooth, your hair shiny, and your makeup looking fresh well past the groundhog’s springtime start date.

Cold And Flu Prevention: 10 Natural Ways To Boost Your Immune System

What is with sickness and cold temperatures?


Stress, cold, and a low immune system will make you prone to get sick this winter. Take a look on this Huffpost Healthy Living post and learn the 10 great natural immunity boosters. Original Article>

Once you feel that telltale tickle in your throat or the first sniffle of congestion, it’s too late. Symptoms for the flu rear their ugly head about a day to four days after you’ve been exposed to the virus. Then you’re left debating the pros and cons of various over-the-counter solutions in the cold remedy aisle of the drug store.

But if you take the right precautions, you can save yourself a whole lot of Kleenex. “An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure,” says Philip M. Tierno, Ph.D., clinical professor of microbiology and pathology at NYU Langone Medical Center.

First and foremost, get your flu shot, he says, even if you stayed healthy last winter without getting vaccinated. But know that the shot doesn’t guarantee that you won’t get sick, so it’s important to take a number of other measures to protect your health. No, we don’t mean wearing a surgical mask when you take public transportation (although, it might actually help!). Here are some of the most simple, natural ways to boost your immune system this cold and flu season.

Botox may be the most popular procedure…but sometimes it’s a secret!

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) Botox may be the most popular “secret”, find out why.  Original article here>

The powers of Botox are well-known, but some of its biggest proponents may not be. While there’s no shame in getting the injections to help treat wrinkles around the eyes, forehead or mouth, some patients may not want anyone knowing that they are seeking a plastic surgeon’s assistance to keep up their good looks, according to The Independent.

“Husbands don’t know their wives are getting it!” one physician tells the news source about Botox injections. “Because of this, our address is not listed on our website and there are no signs on the building – it’s nameless, faceless.”

She also says that her clinic works to make sure patients’ appointments don’t overlap, and the waiting rooms are divided into individual suites, so patients don’t encounter one another one coming in for injections. This is in part because they treat some high-profile clients like celebrities and VIPs, she explains to the news outlet.

Despite the secrecy, the number of people seeking out Botox injections and other noninvasive cosmetics like dermal fillers is on the rise. The doctor says her clinic is limited only to these types of treatments, since Botox’s popularity shows no sign of slowing.

One reason it’s so easy to keep Botox a secret, even from loved ones, is because the injections have very few side effects, can be done in quick outpatient sessions and create a brightened, refreshed look. The secret is to have a qualified physician injecting and following the “less is more” philosophy. “Don’t freeze faces, relax them – and above all, be safe,” advises the physician in the article.

According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, injectables also have a minimal recovery time and are much more affordable than more invasive treatments like a facelift, making them a popular option for many.

Forget perfume and jewellery, all women want for Xmas is some Botox and Lip Sculpting!

Look what they want for Christmas down under this year! Article by the Herald Sun in Australia.  View the original article here >

FORGET perfume and jewellery – gift vouchers for Botox and lip fillers are shaping up as a popular gift to find under the tree this Christmas.

Cosmetic surgeon Georgina Konrat from Brisbane Cosmetic Clinic at Annerley said people had already started buying the vouchers for family and friends.

”Oh gosh yes, that started a good six weeks ago. People are buying Botox and lip sculptures,” she said.

”Girls and husbands buy for their girlfriends and wives.”

Dr Konrat said the lip filler was particularly popular and seemed less scary for some.

Dr Konrat said many of the vouchers were for “first timers”, although she would never force someone to stick to the procedure written on the voucher.

”The odd very generous person will buy a gift voucher for a new pair of breasts. Not regularly, but it does happen,” she said.

Dr Konrat said her clients range from 19-year-old “preventers” to women over 50.
Sally Scanlan from Clinic Aesthetic at South Brisbane agreed people had bought vouchers for Botox and fillers.

She said some people turned up for their first time after having been given a gift voucher but no-one was ever forced to go through with the procedure.
”We’re booked out weeks in advance for Botox and fillers particularly around this time of year. ,” she said.

AMA Queensland president Dr Alex Markwell said anyone considering cosmetic procedures or surgery should do thorough research to ensure they understand all the potential risks and complications.

”It is also a good idea to check the credentials of the practitioner to ensure they are adequately trained. Anyone thinking about having an elective or cosmetic procedure should seek advice from their GP,” he said.

Plastic Surgery, Botox, Fillers and Facelifts, Oh My!

Considering Botox in AtlantaHere’s a fun article from Chicago Now Blogger Lucy Lloyd on making the decision to use BOTOX after turning 40.  To see the original article and other posts from Lucy click here >

By Lucy Lloyd, Monday at 3:57 pm

A needle here, a needle there: preparing for non-invasive cosmetic procedure.

In my twenties, I made fun of women who had plastic surgery. My mother’s friends were starting to quietly get a few nips and tucks and I vowed I would age gracefully and gratefully; I would be proud of my wrinkles. Any lines on my face would be badges of honor, I proclaimed with all the fervor of youth.

Annoying fervor of youth.

In my thirties, blessed with the clear, fair-skinned genetics of my mother and grandmother, I still pooh-poohed plastic surgery. After all, I was  regularly carded in my late thirties, with people thinking I was my children’s older sister. Obviously, I was going to be one of those women who age well. Oh yes, I was filled with the self-righteous hubris that is fueled by a complete disconnect with reality.

And then I hit forty.

Suddenly, the creases under my eyes that once went away after a good night’s sleep were permanent. Suddenly, I was willing to listen to the discussions among my friends of the latest injectables and surgical treatments. My prideful disdain disappeared between one stick of concealer and the next.

Apparently, I’m not the only one.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic plastic surgery is on the rise. Overall, there was a 2 percent increase in all cosmetic surgical procedures, with nearly 1.6 million procedures performed in 2011.

But that’s nothing compared to the number of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures being done. According to the ASPS,

Cosmetic minimally-invasive procedures increased 6 percent, with nearly 12.2 million procedures in 2011.

Soft tissue fillers like hyaluronic acid (Restylane®, Juvederm Ultra®, etc.), calcium hydroxylapatite (Radiesse®), and fat injections experienced some of the largest growth in the minimally-invasive market during 2011. More than 1.3 million hylauronic acid procedures were performed in 2011, up 9 percent; 286,000 calcium hydroxylapatite procedures, up 36 percent; and 68,000 fat injections, up 19 percent.

Yes, please.

This is the good stuff, my friends. The creases around your mouth? They can fix that. The permanent furrow between your eyes? No problem. Those nasty wrinkles (Laugh lines? Do you see me laughing?) that don’t go away after a good night’s rest? GONE.

GONE. GONE. GONE.

The lure of smoother skin is a siren call I always thought I’d be able to resist. What once seemed like a moral failing- we should be grateful for every year, every wrinkle is hard earned, yadda yadda blah blah blah- now seems like a consummation devoutly to be wished.

Does this make me vain? Shallow? Perhaps. Or, maybe that twenty-something who scorned cosmetic surgery didn’t know what she was talking about. Aren’t we supposed to learn as we grow older? Improve ourselves? Yes, age brings wrinkles…and wisdom, too.

A friend of mine is in the public eye, and she’s my go-to expert on the latest and greatest in cosmetic procedures. As a woman in her profession, she feels the pressure to look young and fresh-faced. “I don’t want to look 30 again,” she says. “I just want to look the best I can.” Sounds good to me.

And if we’re honest, don’t many of us have a secret list of things we’d “fix” if we had the courage/time/money? I sure do. I’m not quite ready, yet, but when I do (and it’s a question of when, not if) get injected or lifted or botoxed, I’m not going to be ashamed about it. Not one little damn bit.

Revision "Black Mask" Featured on The Better Show

Revision’s Black Mask was recently featured on the Better Show.  Come by Radiance Medspa and see what it can do for you!

Watch the video here

Black Mask

A purifying facial treatment for a smooth, polished complexion


This intensive mask with a moist after-feel deep cleans the skin, ridding it of impurities and excess sebum.

  • Purifies and soothes skin with unique properties of silt derived from European freshwater lakes
  • Contains the highest quality earth clays to unclog pores and absorb excess oil
  • Leaves skin looking polished and smooth
  • Helps to noticeably refine the appearance of pores
Who benefits?  All skin types.

ingredient highlights

  • Freshwater Silt. Derived from a freshwater lake in Latvia. Helps to deeply cleanse the skin.
  • Salicylic Acid. Deeply cleans pores. Time-released microspheres provide mild exfoliation.
  • Melaleuca Alternoifolia (Tea Tree) Oil. Natural oil has soothing properties.
  • Larch Arabinogalactin. Comes from the wood of the larch tree to mildly exfoliate the skin.
  • Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice. Helps to soften and moisturize the skin.
  • Sage Extract. Provides powerful antioxidant benefits.
  • Cucumber Extract, Oak Kernel & Bisabolol. Provides skin soothing benefits.

About Revision
or over 25 years, Revision Skincare has provided physicians with clinically proven, high-performing skincare products. Using only the purest, most efficacious ingredients, the Revision Skincare collection was formulated to provide targeted solutions for enhancing skin’s appearance and reducing signs of aging.

Revision Skincare products represent the furthest advancements in scientific skincare. Our formulations are rooted in rigorous research and testing, and manufactured by us using the highest ethical standards.

Five Frequently Asked Questions About Water

Its going to be a hot summer so you’ll need to keep yourself properly hydrated.  Here’s another great article from Kimberly Synder, in which she reviews what you should know about the water you’re drinking.  Kimberly’s articles can be found on her blog at http://www.kimberlysnyder.net

There are all kinds of problems with bottled water – both
from a health and an environmental standpoint. Here are a few of the
problems.

      • Quality: It’s difficult to know what you’re getting with bottled water. Some comes from municipal water sources – in other words, it’s tap water. Other brands may contain fluoride, which has been shown to be toxic to the body. Bottom line – you just don’t know what you’re getting with bottled water.
      • Packaging: While most plastic water bottles are recyclable, many people don’t bother to recycle them. One look at information on the Pacific Ocean Garbage Patch and you’ll see why plastics are an environmental problem. Producing them is also an issue, since they are petrochemical products that pollute the environment during production.
      • Toxins: PET plastic water bottles may harbor toxins that are hormone disrupters. These toxins can leach into the water. Hard plastic bottles contain bisphenol-a, which is highly toxic, as well.  Instead: Consider a stainless steel water bottle, filled with water from a home filter for your best source of hydration.

Read Original Article > 

 

July Specials – FREE BOTOX w/Juvederm/Thermage

This Summer we’re ALL ABOUT BOTOX
with special limited time offers like these.

20 units ($240) of BOTOX FREE
when you purchase:

Juvederm more>
2 Syringes $1100

Thermage more>
Full Face and Neck ($1999)

BOTOX more>
60 units ($720)

2 SkinMedica ESSential Serums more>
($520)

Offer expires July 31, 2012.

VIDEO: Six Foods That Will Make Your Face and Skin Look Better

Great Video from Kimberly Snyder.    Kimberly Snyder is a highly sought after nutritionist for many of the entertainment industry’s top celebrities and author of the best-selling book, The Beauty Detox Solution.  Follow the Link Below to see the original article – and be sure to Like her on Facebook so you’ll get all her great nutritional tips.

Face-mapping is an ancient Eastern philosophy which, similar to acupuncture, is rooted in the belief that all parts of the body are intrinsically connected.
In this Eastern Chinese philosophy, issues showing up on your face can be indicative of issues much deeper in the body.
This supports what I’ve always said- you can’t just count calories or grams of carbs and protein. Our bodies are more complex than a collection of numbers. That processed diet food or high amounts of animal protein may help keep you lean (at least for a little while), but over time can age your organs at an accelerated rate. What good is it to be thin if your face looks haggard and aged?
Eat more fibrous, enzyme-rich fresh plant foods and watch an improvement in your skin. The foods which are good for your health will also  elevate your beauty.  Orignial Article >