Why is it that we workout?  To maintain a healthy body weight, promote a well-rounded wellness lifestyle, and of course, to sweat.  It’s too often that we come across people who want to sweat less.  Sweat is a beautiful thing.  And, want to know a fun fact?  The most fit people actually sweat more.

People who exercise regularly tend to start sweating sooner into a work out, and sweat more during.  Why?  Because their bodies are better acclimated to the process of cooling themselves down by sweating.  So, they sweat sooner, and sometimes more, to maintain their bodies’ core temperatures. 

Sweating doesn’t just work as an awesome form of A/C for our bodies either.  Here’s just a few of the many benefits your reaping when you sweat it out during your workout. 

Clears Skin

Sometimes, we get confused and blame a sweaty workout for skin imperfections.  While it’s super important to rinse your face and not let sweat sit on your skin after a workout, the act of sweating itself actually helps you zap zits.  This is because it’s ridding your body of toxins, some of which are acne causing.  So, when we sweat them out and wash them off, we can say goodbye to breakouts.

And, not to mention, getting your blood flowing during a workout improves your skin’s natural glow.

Boosts Endorphins

Prolonged periods of sweating in the gym produces an increase in your endorphins.  Otherwise known as, the “Feel Good” hormone.  Endorphins relieve pain and boost our mood.  So, while you may be feeling a little sore after an intense workout, you’ll notice that some regular aches and pains subside. 

And, endorphins increase our feeling of general well-being, hence boosting our mood.  Endorphins are one of our hormones that help make us happy, so what we’re getting at here, is that sweat and happiness just go hand in hand.

Prevents Colds

Exercising and sweating regularly decreases your chance of catching that nasty cold that seems to get around every September.  That’s because sweat contains antimicrobial peptides effective in fighting off different viruses.  So, by sweating it out, your keeping that cold away.  Not to mention, regular exercise helps support a strong immune system.

So, next time you hit the gym, hopefully all the benefits of sweating during a workout will drive you to have your sweatiest session yet.

Needless to say, we’re big fans of the green movement.  Our entire product line reflects that.  And, while it may be our mission to “green” skincare, we think it is important to go green across the board, and simply live our most eco friendly life.

And so, in the name of our sweet Mother Earth, we’re here to shed some light on exactly what it is that you get out of going green, and how you can do it.  Because as if being better to our planet isn’t reason enough, going green is also better for both you, and your wallet.

Green Your Diet

When people think of “going green” in regards to diet, they tend to simply think of shopping organic.  While yes, this is important, and better for you (because the only thing we dislike more than harsh chemicals in our skincare products, are harsh chemicals in our food).  It is not the only way to green your diet.  There are little changes you can make that don’t entirely revolve around organic groceries.

In the summertime, plant and grow some of your own vegetables.  We don’t expect you to grow an entire farm of crops obviously, but start with some kale and lettuce.  In doing so, you’ll save money on buying a couple of veggies at the store (and save yourself from snacking on nasty pesticides you may not know about).

Plus, isn’t it a little rewarding to know that you’re eating something you’ve grown yourself.  Farm-to-table’s all the rage and you can make it happen right on your front porch.

Green Your Home

The pros of “green-ing” your house honestly outweigh the cons immensely.  Partially because there literally are no cons to having a more eco friendly household.

By replacing regular light bulbs with CFL bulbs, you’ll cutback 400 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions…with just one light bulb.  Not to mention, you’ll cutback your energy bill an impressive amount.  And, want to cut your energy bill even more?  When it’s bright out, open up the blinds and let the natural light brighten up your house for you.

Green Your Self

By being good to yourself, you’re being good to the environment.  You wouldn’t expose the earth to harsh chemicals, so don’t expose your skin to them either.  Buying natural products helps you be kinder to yourself, and the environment, at the same time.

And, natural products can actually be better for your budget, too.  We don’t like to toot our own horn but our deodorant can last up to one week…let’s see aluminum do that.  So, you’re doing your wallet, and your skin a favor.

While these are all very little steps to an all-around more eco friendly life, little steps are still steps in the right direction.  And, if everyone’s willing to do just a little bit, then that effort isn’t so little anymore.

One of our favorite things about summer is all the fresh ingredients that flourish this time of year.  Whether it’s an at home garden, or a local farmer’s market, we love to take advantage of the natural foods available around us.

And because we’re feeling so inspired, we thought we’d bring you some refreshing summer salad recipes to keep you feeling energized through your fun-filled days.

So, here are two of our favorite superfood salads that are easy for anyone to make at home.  And, psst, these salads are just as good for your skin as they are for your taste buds.

Blueberry Kale Quinoa Salad

This hearty salad is packed with all the nutrients you need.  Kale’s high in fiber, blueberries are high in antioxidants, and quinoa’s high in protein.  It also has avocado and almonds, both sources of the good fats you need to fuel your body throughout the day.  And not to mention, avocado, kale, and blueberries are among some of the best foods for your skin.

So, here’s all you need to make this healthy summer snack:

•      Blueberries
•      Quinoa
•      Kale
•      Avocado
•      Almonds
•      Goat Cheese
•      Lemon Juice
•      Olive Oil

And, it’s so easy to make.  Just cook your quinoa and let it cool, remove the kale leaves from the thick stalk, and slice your avocado.  Then, mix it all together and you’ve got a summer salad that will nourish both you and your skin.

Pomegranate Broccoli Sweet Potato Salad

Sweet potatoes, broccoli, and pomegranate are also some of the best foods for your skin.  Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C, while sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, all important for good skin health.  Pomegranate helps hydrate skin, and also combats breakouts and inflammation.  So, after eating this salad, both your stomach and your complexion will be thanking you.

Here’s what you need:

•      Sweet Potatoes
•      Broccoli
•      Pomegranate
•      Olive Oil
•      Salt & Pepper
•      Sprouts
•      Mixed Nuts
•      Balsamic Vinegar

This summer salad takes a little bit longer than the last, just because the potatoes need to roast in the oven after being chopped and brushed with olive oil, salt and pepper.  But we promise, it’s worth the short wait.  Once the potatoes are tender, after baking from anywhere between 15 to 20 minutes, you’re ready to toss together your ingredients and enjoy.

What we like most about these summer salads, other than the fact that they’re so awesome for our skin, is that they’re simple.  You can play around with them, adding and changing different ingredients to make the superfood salad you like best.  And, since they’re so easy, they make the perfect side dish or starter to bring to a summer barbeque.

So, if you want to show off those chef skills, then try one of these superfood salads this summer.