Showing posts with label health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health. Show all posts

Saturday, 6 April 2013

Micropedi Review

I actually got this for Christmas so I've been using it for a few months now and thought I'd write a review. This isn't the most glamorous of products but it is something that really works and can quickly become an essential item.




Micropedi is a handheld electric device, with a micro-mineral roller which basically gets rid of any dry, cracked or hard skin on your feet it a matter of minutes.

When you buy the Micropedi, you get a roller with it but you can also buy the rollers separately when yours starts to lose it's texture. There are two roller types, one normal and one extra coarse. I've only used the normal roller and it's SO effective, I'd only recommend going for the extra coarse roller if you really need it.

The device itself is actually really light and easy to hold. It's battery operated so you don't have to worry about plugging it in or annoying cords getting in your way. The battery power seems to last really well in this, too, considering how much power you're getting out of it.

It couldn't be easier to use the Micropedi - you literally just switch it on and hold it so the roller is against the sole of your feet. Problems areas would typically be heels and the ball of your foot, but this works all over your foot (although I wouldn't recommend trying it on the top of your foot!).

The roller gets rids of any hard or dry skin in a flash - you only need to do this maybe once a week max, and to do both feet probably takes maximum 10-15 minutes, so you don't have to commit very much time to it at all.

The effect is really impressive. Anyone who regularly wears heels, or trainers (or really any shoes!) will undoubtedly have some hard skin on their feet that could be smoothed away. 

If you get a pedicure done in a salon, they'll rub away at the soles of your feet with a pumice stone or something similar for ages, and you'll never get the same effect as you will using this. I honestly think there isn't a better gadget out there for smoothing your feet and the biggest plus is that it's so quick, easy and efficient.

In the run up to Summer we'll soon be baring our feet in sandals and flip flops so having this to hand to make sure your feet are always smooth and presentable is really handy.

I'd recommend this to anyone who wants smooth and soft feet. The Micropedi costs around £40 but it's often discounted in various places so it's worth shopping around. 

Have any of your tried this? Would you recommend it too?


xo

Thursday, 4 April 2013

Foods for Healthy Hair

'You are what you eat' is a very true saying - I'm a strong advocate of eating a healthy, balanced diet because everything you put into your body has an impact on your outer self.

Many of us are guilty of buying into or overloading on expensive products in the never-ending search for perfect skin and hair, forgetting that focusing on what we're eating can help us achieve these goals naturally.



Now, I'm not saying that eating certain foods will give you great hair no matter what, and I definitely think there are many products out there which can improve your hair. If you mistreat your hair, overstyle it or use heated appliances all the time, eating well won't have the same effect because your hair is being neglected from the outside.

But, teaming a good diet with good haircare can help you achieve heavenly hair much quicker.

Below, I list some of the top foods for healthy hair....


1. Fruit and vegetables


I know, I know...This one is obvious! But it's also one of the most important food groups for your hair. Leafy, dark green veggies (think spinach and broccoli) are high in iron and calcium and fruits that are high in vitamins A and C are essential for the production of sebum - an oil which your hair follicle generates to keep your hair conditioned and shiny. Fruits which are high in these vitamins include strawberries, oranges and kiwis - and they're great for keeping a cold at bay too!

2. Nuts

Not only are nuts a great, easy snack for mid-afternoon hunger pangs, but they're really good for you and provide a big dose of zinc which keeps your hair strong and prevents shedding. Brazil nuts are especially good for scalp health, whilst walnuts, almonds, cashews and pecans all provide healthy hair minerals.

3. Omega 3 fatty acids

Omega 3 fatty acids are amazing at rejuvenating both hair and skin and help your hair get that enviable, mirror-like shine. The best source for these is fish - so stock up on salmon, mackerel and sardines for the best impact.

4. Low fat dairy

Your hair needs calcium if you want it to grow and the best source for this is low fat dairy products such as skimmed milk and yoghurt. Yoghurt in particular is not only a great source of calcium but also protein which helps your hair stay strong and resilient.

5. Eggs

Eggs are a great source of protein and are loaded with other hair heroes such as iron, zinc and sulfur which makes them a great all-rounder for a happy head.

6. Sweet potatoes

Swap out your normal potato for a sweet potato and you'll be helping yourself to a higher intake of vitamin A. Low vitamin A levels can lead to an unhealthy scalp which inhibits hair growth and makes your hair dull so filling up on sweet potatoes is a great way to ensure your scalp is in top condition.

7. Blueberries

Blueberries are one of the best fruits you can eat for your hair because they are loaded with Vitamin C which prevents hair breakage. Mix some blueberries into low fat greek yoghurt and you've got a yummy, hair friendly snack.

8. Poultry

White meat, such as chicken, contains high levels of protein as well as zinc, iron and B vitamins. Poultry is also rich in cysteine - an amino acid promotes hair growth by helping to increase the thickness of each strand of hair. Cysteine can also be found in eggs, garlic, broccoli and red peppers.

9. Grains

Great for a hit of iron and zinc. Whole what bread also provides essential B vitamins which help carry oxygen to your hair, increasing growth rate. 

10. Beans

A lot of people don't realise how good beans are for your hair and skin. Kidney beans and lentils contain high levels of protein to stimulate hair growth, and beans also contain lots of zinc and biotin - perfect for preventing breakage.

What are your top tips for healthy hair? Share your ideas in the comments box below.



xo