I am continuously posting and writing about the importance of hydrating inside the body with fluids and electrolytes.  For this some of my favorites are: Lemon water in the morning to not only start the day hydrating but also cleanse the system a little.  Propel packets which are great at home and on the go.  And…Nuun Tubes also great at home and on the go -f or a more bubbly drink.  You can find these at this link.

Today’s focus, however, is on the outside of the body.  Especially with aging, hydration is important outside as well.  A few years ago I was plagued with a really bad sinus infection.  It would not clear.  No medicine, treatment, or amount of saline helped.  Typically, I used a Neti-Pot to flush away the toxins.  However, there had been a recent story of someone catching an amoeba through the use of a Neti-Pot.  This is extremely rare and I only use distilled water, but this, nevertheless raised concerns about what other bacteria could be forcing into the sinuses from this practice.  Nasal rinsing and drainage is a form of Ayurvedic medicine and has been used for centuries.   Discuss this, and any practice with your own healthcare provider if it’s something you are interested in.  This, however is not what I am writing about today.  On my doctor visit, he suggested that I purchase a face steamer, (specifically the type I am sharing) for a myriad of health benefits, but clearing the sinuses was one of them.  Read on for lots more info!


After researching I found the face steamer featured below with over 7,000 4&1/2 star reviews so I figured it must be good.  I ordered it along with the little steamer insert pads and have been using it weekly since.  Not just for sinuses but for the skin, mind, and stress-relief benefits as well.  Here is a photo and link to the steamer that I love.

So now, why use a facial steamer, aside from the sinus and allergy relief…..  
Facial steaming is a popular beauty treatment that involves exposing the face to warm, humid air. There are tons of methods used by estheticians.   At home some even use a pot of warm water and a towel (a method that dates back decades in my family).   However, this steamer, works great for home.  It doesn’t get too hot or scorch the skin.  It holds a constant temperature due to the heating element inside, and it releases just enough steam - thanks to the face pad.  The soft plastic cup is very comfortable to rest the face and chin on if you’re looking for intense sinus steaming.  For a full facial, I place my face just above the cup, allowing the steam to cover my whole face and neck area.  
Now some benefits of steaming the face:
    1    Cleanses the skin: Facial steaming can help unclog pores and remove dirt, oil, and impurities from the skin. This can help to prevent acne breakouts and improve the overall appearance of the skin.

    2    Hydrates the skin: Steaming the face can help to moisturize the skin by increasing its hydration levels. This can help to reduce dryness, flakiness, and dullness of the skin.

    3    Promotes circulation: The warm steam from facial steaming can help to increase blood flow and circulation to the face. This can help to nourish the skin with oxygen and nutrients, which can improve its overall health and appearance. Another words, reducing inflammation, puffiness and potential minimizing some of the fine lines as well.

    4    Relieves congestion: Facial steaming can also help to relieve congestion in the sinuses and nasal passages, which can be especially helpful during cold and flu season.
​
    5    Helps with relaxation: The warm, soothing steam from facial steaming can also help to relax the mind and body, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm and well-being.

It's worth noting that facial steaming may not be suitable for everyone, and it's important to follow safe practices when steaming the face. If you have sensitive skin, rosacea, or other skin conditions, you should consult with a dermatologist before trying facial steaming. I am not a health expert, only sharing a practice that I enjoy for myself.  

Here is the steamer that I love and a link to shop

This steamer also has the added benefit of Vicks vapors!  A fantastic blend of essential oils, packed with healing power!  Tiny packets are available in a few scents to calm the mind, promote rest and soothe the sinuses.Here are the packets that may be used (do not have to use) with the steamer.  There are 2 types.  One is for colds, traditional Vicks vapor and the second is a Lavendar scent that is perfect for facials and calming (soothing of the mind)

Finally, after a lovely facial steaming session, there’s no better way to go to bed than with a soothing - steamy, eye pack that will leave you waking with glowy, refreshed and bag free peepers in the morning.  I have been using these disposable packs lately and just love them!  They have of 3,000 4 1/2 star reviews from users.  Simply open a pouch and dispose them in the morning.  The little single use packets are great for travel too.

Leave me a comment and let me know if you practice face steaming.  Also, I love to hear if you try out any of my ideas.   I’m Sheryl of SheDo50Too, a lifestyle blog about being over 50 and staying fit, healthy and fashionable.  My motto is a healthy, beautiful and vibrant life at any age.  Please Subscribe, like, and follow me if you want all of my inspiration and tips for life over 50.  I am an Amazon Associate and the fitness apparel, equipment, supplements and more, that I use - are available in my Amazon Storefront.   As an Amazon Associate I do earn commissions off of purchases through my links.  This has no effect on the cost to you.   


You can view all of my favorite things on my Amazon Store Front:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/sheryldhealthinallthings


Here’s shortcut  to all my social media, links and sites
https://linktr.ee/shedo50too

Find me @SheDo50Too on social media to see more content, reels  and videos on: workouts, recipes, meal prep and healthy eating; as well as style and beauty inspiration for the active over 50 life. I wish you health in all things and success in your own fitness endeavors.


© Copyright, 2023, All content is created, displayed and owned solely by SheDo50Too and rights retained herein

Photo @SheDo50Too

Rejuvenate Your Skin with a Lemon and Aloe Pre-Shower Treatment

In our quest for healthy, glowing skin, we often overlook the powerful natural remedies that surround us. Lemon and aloe vera, both well-known for their skincare benefits, can work wonders when combined into a potent pre-shower treatment mask for the body. This delightful blend not only nourishes and revitalizes the skin but also provides numerous other advantages. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of using a lemon and aloe blended mixture as a pre-shower skin treatment and how it can transform your skincare routine.  I often use fresh aloe from my backyard plant.   Simply scrape out the gel and combine the lemon juice and aloe gel in a blender.  However, if fresh aloe is not on hand packaged, as seen above,  works just as well.  Here is a link to an organic, natural aloe available on Amazon.  
Click here to viewamzn.to/3IOEIBP​

    1    Deep Cleansing and Exfoliation:
The combination of lemon and aloe acts as a fantastic natural exfoliant and cleanser for your skin. Lemon's citric acid gently removes dead skin cells, unclogs pores, and brightens the complexion. Aloe vera, on the other hand, contains enzymes that gently exfoliate and promote cell renewal. Together, they work to eliminate dirt, oil, and impurities, leaving your skin fresh, smooth, and rejuvenated.

    2    Hydration and Moisturizing:
One of the key benefits of a lemon and aloe pre-shower treatment mask is its ability to provide deep hydration and moisturizing. Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing and moisturizing properties, helping to restore the skin's natural moisture balance. Lemon, despite its acidic nature, actually helps maintain the skin's pH balance and aids in retaining moisture. This combination ensures that your skin remains hydrated, supple, and radiant, even after the shower.

    3    Anti-Aging and Brightening Effects:
Regular use of a lemon and aloe pre-shower treatment can help combat signs of aging and promote a youthful appearance. Lemon is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals that contribute to premature aging. Aloe vera contains vitamins C and E, which stimulate collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and dark spots. The blend of these two ingredients helps to brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation, and restore a more youthful complexion.

    4    Soothing and Calming Properties:
If you struggle with skin irritation, inflammation, or sunburn, the lemon and aloe pre-shower mask can provide relief. Aloe vera's anti-inflammatory properties soothe redness, itching, and minor skin irritations. Lemon's natural antiseptic properties can help alleviate acne and calm the skin. By incorporating this treatment into your routine, you can enjoy a soothing and calming effect on your skin, helping to restore its natural balance.

    5    Natural Skin Detoxification:
Our skin is constantly exposed to environmental pollutants and toxins, leading to dullness and congestion. The lemon and aloe pre-shower treatment acts as a gentle detoxifier, helping to remove impurities and revitalize the skin. Lemon's astringent properties help tighten and tone the skin, while aloe vera's detoxifying enzymes promote a healthy, glowing complexion. Regular use of this treatment can leave your skin feeling fresh, purified, and rejuvenated.

My Final thoughts on this fabulous pre-shower treatment:
I have been using this mask, especially close to summer time, over the last few years.  I rub this gel over my entire body head to toe and wait 10 - 15 minutes to get in the shower.  I find my skin looks so much healthier and shows less signs of aging and the sun-tanning abuse of my youth.  After showering I use an in shower oil on my wet skin, blot off with a towel and apply sunscreen daily.  Harnessing the power of natural ingredients like lemon and aloe vera can significantly enhance your skincare routine. The combination of these two ingredients in a pre-shower treatment mask offers a plethora of benefits, from deep cleansing and exfoliation to hydration, anti-aging effects, soothing properties, and detoxification. By incorporating this simple and effective treatment into your skincare regimen, you can achieve healthy, radiant skin that glows from within. Embrace the beauty of nature and give your skin the love and care it deserves with a lemon and aloe pre-shower treatment mask

I’m Sheryl of SheDo50Too, a lifestyle blog about being over 50 and staying fit, healthy and fashionable.  My motto is a healthy, beautiful and vibrant life at any age.  Please Subscribe, like, and follow me if you want all of my inspiration and tips for life over 50.  I am an Amazon Associate and the fitness apparel, equipment, supplements and more, from my posts - are available in my Amazon Storefront.   As an Amazon Associate I do earn commissions off of purchases through my links.  This has no effect on the cost to you.   I only share items that I use regularly and truly love.  You may experience different results from me.  I recommend that you speak with your own healthcare provider prior to incorporate my routines into your own.  
 
You can view all of my favorite things on my Amazon Store Front:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/sheryldhealthinallthings


Here’s shortcut  to all my social media, links and sites
https://linktr.ee/shedo50too


Find me @SheDo50Too on social media to see more content, reels  and videos on: workouts, recipes, meal prep and healthy eating; as well as style and beauty inspiration for the active over 50 life. I wish you health in all things and success in your own fitness endeavors.


© Copyright, 2023, All content is created, displayed and owned solely by SheDo50Too and rights retained herein

I say all of the time, “I quite literally changed from a couch potato to a fitness enthusiast overnight.”  Sounds easy, and it is easy to say now, but it definitely didn’t seem easy before I embarked on this journey.  I changed my health and fitness habits, over time if I am being honest, but my mindset looking back is I started by doing a plank every day and doing a little bit of movement in the kitchen.  That kicked started everything else for me.  Small habit changes lead to bigger changes overall.  I speak on all of these habits in my other blog posts.  For today, I will outline the 6 major changes I made in my health habits that lead me to be in much better physical and mental shape today at 52 than I was in my 40s. 


First, I already mentioned the plank.  I kept seeing a 30 day plank challenge on social media and decided at a minimum I could at least do that.  It didn’t seem time consuming or strenuous.  So, I did just that - a 30 second plank every day for a week and gradually built up to a minute every day.  I still do a one minute plank every single day, even if I don’t fit in any other exercise.  Gradually doing this plank led to my kitchen exercise routine, then to a full fledged weight and cardio routine.  I highly recommend finding something for yourself, like the plank, that is manageable and stick with it.  I will say, choose something you feel is manageable for you, and start with that.  If doing a plank on the ground is too much, start on the wall or on a counter.   Do one small thing everyday for at least 2 weeks.  (This is documented as the time needed to start a new habit.) After the two weeks, adding on will be easier, more manageable. Just start with one small, achievable goal and worry about the next step when that first goal is achieved.  

The second major lifestyle change I made is to meal prep.  I cannot emphasize enough how much meal prepping helps.  Not just for weight-loss or supporting a new fitness plan, meal prepping keeps every family member on track for the day and full of nourishment, not processed, quick to grab, junk foods.  Meal prepping every meal and snack, aids in so much more than just eating right for the day.  It also aids in time management and efficiency.  For me doing this allowed me to view everything I was consuming prior to doing so.  It allowed me to start counting calories and having a realistic look at what I was eating and what I should be eating.  Prepping eliminates grabbing a quick snack and mindless eating and changes that habit with mindfully thinking about what should be consumed for sustenance. This whole change in mindset results in more healthy consumption.  Prepping ahead makes it easy to log everything in a fitness tracker and stick with it.  Give it a try!  It’s not as difficult as you may be thinking.  Plan each meal and snack for the week and prep it for the family.  In our home, we make it a family affair on Sunday.  That works for us.  We have breakfast and then sit around the kitchen compiling the meals and snacks for the week. Some of the items we prep are overnight oats, or yogurt bowls for breakfast, almonds and apple slices for a morning snack, lettuce wraps for lunch, chicken/yogurt salad or veggies and hummus for an afternoon snack, prunes and crackers for another snack and chicken breast, broccoli and a baked potato half for dinner.  I do have quite a few different meal plans that I use each week.  If you would like more information or some example meal plan, please sign up for my newsletter or leave me a comment below.  I am happy to share more menus and information about calorie content, macros and nutrition

The third change I made was to always carry a packed healthy snack with me.  My favorite is Quest Protein Bars.  These hold up well in a bag for work or travel and they are the best as far as balancing macros and stabilizing blood sugar.  Quest bars are highly recommended as a better packaged option by a number of health experts.  Fresh and homemade is always best but if you need something packable and non-perishable this is a great option.  I will link a few of my favorites below.  I keep a protein bar in my bag at all times, so I am never without something to eat when hungry.  This, for me eliminates stopping for fast food or grabbing the vending machine chips to satisfy an appetite without nourishment.  This is a game changer when dieting or restricting calories to get in shape.  Always being prepared with my own healthy foods made a huge difference, again in my mindset.  You probably see where I am going, so much of it is MINDSET and creating the habit of being in the correct headspace. 

You can find some of my Favorite Quest products on my amazon Storefront at this link 

Another big change was tracking my water, making sure that I was hydrated at all times. I added 8 glasses of water a day, but also incorporated an electrolyte drink.  I drank a lot of hot tea and coffee.   I cut back to one coffee a day and incorporated more herbal teas.  The biggest change, however,  was adding detox drinks:  lemon & hot water first thing in the morning which helps the gut and is cleansing and refreshing.  The lemon and water are great for the skin and fight inflammation, while assisting in weight management.  Lemon, cinnamon, cayenne, & ginger (you can add honey to taste) in hot water, at night is touted to burn extra calories by boosting the metabolism overnight.  Additionally, this combination is said to support the immune system, encourage lymphatic drainage and fight inflammation.  I’m not a medical expert, but I can say, I thoroughly enjoy both of the “detox” drinks and I feel great when they are part of my daily regimen.  I’ve used my hot water pot for years.  It makes it so easy to have herbal teas and hot detox drinks any time of day with no mess.  The hot water is always ready.  I will link my favorite here.

Once I started noticing some changes in myself, from all of the little things I was doing, I was ready for the next step to do even more.  I invested in a few small, inexpensive pieces of exercise equipment: resistance bands, small dumbbells, and ankle weights.  I started doing my exercises with a little resistance and weight.  There is so much research available on the topic.    Strength training is very important in aging because it keeps the muscles and bones strong, it aids in long term mobility and accelerates weight loss. 

With more visible results and nearing my overall fitness goals, I decided the next step was to improve my cardiovascular health.  Doing this, I knew, would result in fat loss and lean muscle gain.  Cardiovascular health is very important for longevity too.  Cardio supports a strong heart, blood flow and nutrients and oxygen in the body.  I personally always felt cardio was a chore and took time away from other things.  That was until I found this great valued indoor cycle.  The one that I have been using for well over a year is worth the small investment.  I found that with cycling, I am able to check email, work on small tasks on my phone or iPad, or even catch up on the news or my favorite show while doing my exercise. What a breakthrough!  Being able to distract the mind from the chore makes a huge difference.  This cycle folds up for storage and can be easily moved around the house.  It works equally well being productive, watching tv or just focusing on cycling.  The cycle was a game changer for me with cardio exercise.  I now, actually look forward to it everyday and there is no longer an excuse.  “I need to work”….I can do that on the bike.  “I have emails to answer” ….I can do that on the bike.  “I want to sit, relax and watch tv”….I can do that on the bike.  Again, mindset.  Little changes lead to a mindset of more change.  Any cardio you enjoy works great.  Walk outside, take the stairs, run, elliptical….whatever it is will work if you’re moving for 20 minutes a day and getting your heart rate up a little.  I will link the indoor bike that I love here

So there you have the things that shifted me from a couch potato to a fitness enthusiast.  Everyone is different, I am simply sharing what worked for me.  Speak to your own healthcare provider about what changes may work best for you and then think about what is manageable and enjoyable.  Incorporate new things one maneuverable step at a time.  If I can do it so can you!  Please get in touch with a comment or subscribe to my newsletter if you would like to know more about the things I am doing.  I am happy to share.  If you have any input about great ways to stay on tack and new fitness routines I encourage you to share.  I would love to hear more.  


I’m Sheryl of SheDo50Too, a lifestyle blog about being over 50 and staying fit, healthy and fashionable.  My motto is a healthy, beautiful and vibrant life at any age.  Please Subscribe, like, and follow me if you want all of my inspiration and tips for life over 50.  I am an Amazon Associate and the fitness apparel, equipment, supplements and more, that I use - are available in my Amazon Storefront.   As an Amazon Associate I do earn commissions off of purchases through my links.  This has no effect on the cost to you.   


You can view all of my favorite things on my Amazon Store Front:
https://www.amazon.com/shop/sheryldhealthinallthings


Here’s shortcut  to all my social media, links and sites
https://linktr.ee/shedo50too


Find me @SheDo50Too on social media to see more content, reels  and videos on: workouts, recipes, meal prep and healthy eating; as well as style and beauty inspiration for the active over 50 life. I wish you health in all things and success in your own fitness endeavors.


© Copyright, 2023, All content is created, displayed and owned solely by SheDo50Too and rights retained herein