Archives 2021

All about that New Year resolution

Nothing says New Year like a gym run, right? But knowing how unlikely that is right now, why not make your selfcare that much more powerful? By incorporating your weight goals with selfcare, you can seriously up your game! Now, it becomes weight loss selfcare strategies rather than just one or the other! There was a time that I thought selfcare was the same as getting fit, losing unhealthy weight, etc. The truth is, it’s a lot more than that!

What weight loss isn’t

Remember, weightloss and selfcare are two different things. The same can be said for fitness vs selfcare. Let me put it another way. Selfcare is or should be the foundation on which all of “these” things rest. In other words, when you selfcare the right way, losing weight, getting fit, eating right, etc seamlessly fits into your daily routine because they are resting on the right foundation. In short, weight loss is more a by-product of a healthy lifestyle where you are intentional about the foods you put into your body, get active, etc. To get it right you need weight loss selfcare strategies to help you sustain “this” new way of living!

More on selfcare

Like I mentioned earlier, selfcare is the foundation on which you build a healthy lifestyle. So, once you have a clear and consistent selfcare routine in place, everything else follows without seeming like a chore or overwhelming. For example, when you set aside time for yourself, you are literally creating the space for you to tend to your own needs. Then, you decide what you want to include in your selfcare plan that will achieve your goals. In basic terms, selfcare is actively engaging with your own health and wellness. That includes mental, physical, and spiritual wellbeing. Selfcare is advocating and giving attention to what you need as a human being, regardless of what others think about it! You can read more about selfcare and empowerment in an earlier post I wrote. You can also read one of my favorites, 14 ways to love yourself!

Where to start

Before you rush out there to buy a subscription to some online fitness program, join a gym (be careful out there), think about who you are doing “this” for. In other words, make sure this is something for you and no one else. Next, be ready to commit to it even when you don’t feel motivated! I’d also recommend getting some help or guidance from a health coach (i.e. support, etc) to get strategies and a program that fits your needs and goals. I always have a complimentary clarity session with all of my potential clients. Even if you choose to do it alone, you need to have a plan that’s easy to stick to.

A few helpful strategies

1. A great place to start is by creating your own selfcare journal. In it, you can pour out all of your frustrations, concerns, goals, etc down on paper without judgment. Also, with your mind clear of all the stuff in your head, you can make better decisions about your health and wellness needs.
2. Create a food journal (you can get a copy of my selfcare food journal right here).
3. Prayer and or meditation are great ways to get in touch with yourself spiritually. They also help alleviate stress as well as anxiety. Start with as few as 5 minutes in a quiet area each day, and gradually increase the time as it becomes part of your routine.
4. Remove yourself from toxic relations, connections, etc. Let’s face it. Life is too short to allow your mental and emotional health to take a beating from negative and toxic people. Let this new year be the year that you cut all of these toxic cords!
5. Next, you must include some “sort” of vigorous physical as one of selfcare strategies-aka, exercise. I’ve found the most sustainable exercise regimes are those that naturally align with your interests. Since I love martial arts and hiking, these are my go-to forms for exercise.

Bottom line

The hardest part of this journey is actually getting started and this is where having the right support will make the difference. Whether you sign up with a health coach, online support group, etc, you’ll need one of these to help you get started and stay on track! While I don’t typically offer discounts for my services as a health coach, these unprecedented times mean paying it forward. In that spirit of community, I’m some of my premium empowered selfcare and coaching programs right here!

About the author

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic Health Coach, and founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. She helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. Meaning, she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each her situation. By doing this, she’s better able to help women transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!

My love affair with skincare

Y’all already know that I’m a bonafide skincare freak so of course, I have to be on the lookout for awesome ingredients to use in my creations. I don’t apologize for loving skincare because that’s part of my self-care routine. As I get older, I’m learning to be even more mindful of what my body needs especially when it comes to the largest organ of my body! So yeah, it’s important especially when I want to make sure I’m not using toxic creams and brands on my face! This flaxseed and cornstarch mask hits some major skincare concerns for me. This flaxseed and cornstarch face mask is anti-aging, balances, and soothes all in one go.

*Please note that as an amazon affiliate I make a small percentage as a result of any sales generated from the links in this post!

A word on those department stores and luxury skincare brands

Over the years I’ve spent a lot of money on expensive luxury and department store brands. Like a lot of women, I ended up being mostly, underwhelmed. Short of major plastic surgery, most don’t have any more dramatic results than cheaper store brands or homemade skincare. Granted, some of these luxury brands have good results, but you can also DIY a lot of great all-natural treatments and moisturizers in your own kitchen. My flaxseed and cornstarch face mask is just one example. If you’ve read any of my other skincare posts (and on other lifestyle blogs too), you’ll find easy and effective recipes that work too!

The nitty-gritty of my secret weapon DIY face mask

My mom used to say “ your makeup is only as good as the skin it sits on” and that’s the truth y’all! It doesn’t matter how many breakthroughs we make in makeup r &,d. The truth is, healthy skin is a major factor in a flawless look. That being said, who doesn’t want beautiful healthy skin? That doesn’t need any makeup at all?

Even as the years go by, I strive to support and enhance the health and beautiful my skin. I do this through both diet and my skincare routines. This DIY flaxseed and cornstarch face mask include some of my secret ( no longer secret now, lol) ingredients. As always, consult your healthcare provider if you have any allergies or sensitivities before applying any of these recipes.

Nutritional benefits

Flaxseed

They are high in omega-3, fatty acids, a great source of lignans ( a type of photochemical)which may help in fighting breast cancer risks, high in Dietary Fiber, lower bad cholesterol, a good source of high-quality plant protein, may reduce blood pressure, and packed with antioxidants. Not only that, but it may also help you meet those weight-loss goals as well!

Aloe vera gel

Aloe vera has been used for centuries in cooking as well as in herbal remedies. If you don’t know aloe vera gel comes from the leaves of the aloe plant. It’s been used as a herbal remedy for constipation, IBS, and lowering blood sugar and cholesterol. These are just a few of the many health benefits of aloe vera gel!

Cornstarch

While cornstarch is often used as a thickening agent, there’s no real benefit to ingesting it. This is actually one of those things you want to limit, substitute with something else or just toss out of your pantry!

Skincare (topical) benefits

Flaxseed

The omega-3 fatty acids (aka, alpha-linolenic acid) in flaxseeds help to smooth, hydrate, and moisturize the skin. While the lignans help reconstruct broken vessels and skin cells. Omega-3 fatty acids also contain antioxidants that protect and shield the skin from damaging free radicals and UV rays, score! Did I mention the fact that they’re also anti-inflammatory? Score!!

Aloe vera gel

Aloe has been used for skin conditions like burns, dandruff, etc for centuries. Nowadays it’s popular in both skincare and beauty treatments because of its numerous skin benefits. It’s great for treating dandruff, acne, eczema, and sunburn. It also helps to even out the complexion and moisturizes without being oily. Because it’s rich in vitamin E, it helps restore moisture to the skin.

Cornstarch

When applied topically, it soothes skin irritation, like rashes, sunburn, and itching. It also has a gentle exfoliating effect and helps remove excess oil from the skin. Cornstarch soothes redness.

Rosehip essential oil: the secret superpower ingredient!

Widely used since ancient times for its valuable healing benefits, rosehip oil is rich in skin-nourishing vitamins and essential fatty acids. Also, this essential oil contains phenols that have been shown to have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.

Here are the main benefits of my secret ingredient:

1. It hydrates
2. Moisturizes
3. It’s a natural exfoliant and brightener
4. Boosts the formation of collagen
5. Anti-inflammatory
6. Protects against sun damage
7. Reduces hyperpigmentation

What you will need:

1. 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal ( organic)
2. 1 tablespoon cornstarch (organic)
3. 2 drop rosehip essential oil (secret ingredient)
4. 1 drop lavender essential oil
5. Use enough organic aloe vera gel (you can use filtered water if you have aloe allergies) to make a paste with medium thickness/ consistency; approximately 3 tablespoons.
6. 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric powder (organic)
7. 1 tablespoon of chamomile water made from steeping dried flowers in hot water for 10mins.

Making your skintastic face mask

Use a small glass bowl (use it only for DIY skincare stuff!) and pour your dry ingredients into it first. Next, add the aloe vera gel, essential oils plus, the tablespoon of chamomile water. Then, gently mix everything together until the mixture is smooth and apply to clean skin. If any remains, simply store in an airtight glass container, place in the fridge, and store no longer than 24-48 hours.

Before you go!

Did you check out my other DIY face mask recipes? My avocado moisture-rich face mask is just one of my favorite recipes guaranteed to lush up your skin! Also, read this article on why women have such a hard time with self-care to help you stop the self-sabotage in 2021!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tonye Tariah is a Holistic health strategist, Coach, and the founder of Freedom at The Crossroads Blog. Tonye helps free women from inaction and unhealthy habits so they can get fit, healthy, and live free. Her belief is that “the cookie-cutter method only works for cookies”. Meaning, she helps each woman in a way that is unique to each her situation. By doing this, she’s better able to help women transform their lives from the inside out. Her ultimate goal is to help women become healthy and empowered through the transformative self-care journey!