Not just for the ladies...

Complements of Woman's Health-The Perfect Skin RX

Woman's Health collaborating with M.D.'s from UCLA and Yale have compiled a great list of "cosmetic" foods that I'd like to pass on to you. Of course there are tons of benefits to getting these into your daily log but why not save some money at the cosmetic counter too.

I've been there...we fall for the pharmaceutical boasting's of beauty products everywhere we turn. I've been using these foods for a long time and love what they do to my body as well as my skin, I replaced my expensive cosmetics with a moisturizer, face wash, and toner that totals less than $20. Your face won't be the only thing that benefits. Start with the ones you think are the easiest for you to get regularly and go from there.

Here is the list with a few details of what they can do...for more details you can find the full article on line www.womanshealthmag.com.

Almonds-vitamin E, for a natural sun protector

Carrots-great to clear up skin by preventing overproduction of skin cells

Dark Chocolate-prevent roughness and protect against sun damage

Flaxseed-better skin hydration, less inflammation and redness

Green Tea-reverse sun damage

Safflower oil-may help with Eczema

Spinach-hydrates skin, helps prevent wrinkles

Sweet potato-vitamin C content helps with anti aging.

Tomatos-helps with UV-ray protection

Tuna-antioxidants can help keep skin smooth and soft

I've been busy, relocating to the West Coast and then back again to the East this summer...finding new clients and new scenery being inspired and inspiring health along the way. I developed quite a love hate relationship with the cliffs and winding, mountainous terrain of the San Diego region. I found several favorite runs that I play back in my mind when I'm stuck jogging in place at the traffic lights in the city. But Urban running here in the DC area has given me great new ideas for those who must confine their fitness routine to blocks and buildings...and of course ever changing weather.

I hope this post can motivate you to use the area around you for the health of your body, whether its using a park bench, monuments steps or sprinting in between traffic lights. The distractions of a city and changing scenery might just keep you going a lot longer than you think. If your looking for a great way to start or finish the day try this little routine I put to the test:

Map out about a 3-4 mile run around your work or neighborhood.

Based on a 8-10 minute mile you should get through this between 45min-hour.

-Jog at a moderate pace for 10 min

-Alternating Split Squat Jumps 1 min

-Push ups 1 min (Try to find a bench or grassy area)

-Jump Squats 20 reps

-Jog 5 minutes (really push it)

-Alternate between 30 seconds of Split Jumps to Jump squats as above

-Single arm Tricep Dips 1 min

-Plank mountain climbers 1 min followed by alternating side plank 30 seconds on each side

-Run 10 min (moderate recovery pace)

-Repeat the first 2 circuits in sequence back to back with no rest, starting with Alternating Split Jumps and ending with Side Planks.

-Run until you have finished your mileage goal and returned to your starting location.

*Stretch*