Tag Archive for: wellness

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The Alkaline Diet

Recently there has been a lot of buzz about alkaline diets. Particularly heard about and followed by many Hollywood actresses, this new diet may be the key to staying thin.

What is it?

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Photo via Byrdie

An alkaline diet eliminates foods that produce acid in the body. The pH balance works on a scale of 0-14. A pH of 0 is completely acidic and a pH of 14 is pure alkaline. A neutral pH is 7. Our blood pH is somewhere between 7.35 and 7.45 which is slightly alkaline. Our stomachs are 3.5, which is very acidic to help breakdown food. It is important to understand that a food’s alkaline or acid-forming tendency in the body has nothing to with the actual pH of the food. For example, oranges are mostly acid

(citric acid) but they do not have an acidic effect on the body; instead they have an alkalizing effect.

The thought process behind an alkaline diet is by removing acid producing foods our bodies are taxed less. Alkaline diets are thought to help reduce the acid load on the body and acid detoxification systems, such as the kidneys. Diseases like arthritis and inflammation can be reduced as well. However, some doctors and health specialists express concern because the pH of our blood cannot really be altered.

Why is it popular?

Alkaline diets are very low in calories and if followed diligently, could keep anyone skinny. Foods to avoid on an alkaline diet are meat, caffeine, grains, legumes, fish, alcohol, poultry and eggs. By cutting out just the animal based protein alone weight loss (and muscle loss) will occur. The majority of calories are to come from vegetables, fruits, certain whole grains and plant based proteins. Below are examples of what is allowed.

Alkaline vegetables: beets, broccoli, cauliflower, celery, kale, cucumber, lettuce, onion, peas, peppers and spinach

Alkaline fruits: Apple, Banana, Berries, Cantaloupe, Grapes, Melon, Lemon, Orange, Peach, Pear, Watermelon

Alkalizing Protein: Almonds, Chestnuts, Tofu

Alkalizing Spices: Cinnamon, Curry, Ginger, Mustard, Sea Salt

The Consensus:

The diet seems healthy due to the high levels of fruits and vegetables; the concern lies with ensuring enough protein consumption. As long as tofu and plant based proteins are present in the daily diet, we think it is worth trying.

 

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5 Skincare Resolutions To Make This Year

Given the last run of holiday soirees, all the excess sugar and alcohol can wreak havoc on our skin and with the New Year in full swing, here are five simple skincare resolutions to make in 2016. Trust us, your skin will thank you!

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Photo via Byrdie

Take Off Your Makeup At Night:

We all have late nights and make the mistake of getting into bed without properly washing our faces (or even at all), but makeup mixed with oil causes clogged pores which lead to breakouts (not so pretty). To avoid the situation entirely, keep a packet of makeup wipes at your bedside table – if you don’t have enough time at the sink, at least you will be removing the majority of the nights makeup in one swoop. Clear and glowing skin will thank you!

*We love Say Yes To Carrots wipes!

Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate:

It’s all we talk about here at GFMD as Dr. G is a HUGE advocate of exfoliating. Regular exfoliation (2-3 times per week) helps to remove the outer layer of dead skin cells, dirt and excess makeup/oils allowing for fresh and young skin cells to be exposed. As we enter adulthood, some of our skin cells hold on for 40, 50, even 60 days causing the skin to appear dull and lackluster. Regular exfoliation also helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and hyper pigmentation and allows for all treatment products applied onto the skin afterwards to penetrate deeper, increasing overall treatment for up to 40%. Game changer.Get scrubbing!

If you’re a pro at peels, feel free to jump right back to your favorite at-home product (just don’t overdo it—stick to only using it once or twice a week at first). If you’re a peel newbie, now is the perfect time to introduce a gentle peel into your routine. Try something with fruit acids, like Goldfaden MD’s Fresh A Peel

Clean your makeup brushes: 

Makeup and skin oils build up causing a bacteria-filled breeding ground that leads to breakouts. Aim to clean your brushes twice monthly with a lightweight (even baby) soap thoroughly and let air dry. Practicing this safe practice limits the chances of breakouts and clogged pores.

Don’t Touch!: 

It’s so tempting to pick, smudge and smear, but not only do your fingers carry tons of breakout prone bacteria, but picking can also lead to long-term scarring that is not reversible. Keep makeup wipes, blotting paper (our favorite is Tacha + adds a bit a glamour to your bag too) and keep a stress ball handy for all those moments when you think about touching your face!

Put down the sugar: 

Eating sugar causes aging. It’s as simple as that. Elle Magazine broke it down for us so easily by stating the facts “The science is this: When you have sugar molecules in your system, they bombard the body’s cells like a meteor ­shower—glomming onto fats and proteins in a process known as glycation. This forms advanced glycation end products (commonly shortened, appropriately, to AGEs), which cause protein fibers to become stiff and malformed. Much of what is known about glycation’s ill effects comes from diabetes research: The connective-tissue damage and chronic inflammation resulting from diabetics’ sustained high blood sugar can lead to debilitating conditions, such as cataracts, Alzheimer’s, vascular tightening, and diseases of the pancreas and liver.”.

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Radiant Renewal Skin Series: Madeleine Burke

Madeleine Burke is obsessed with skincare. Self-proclaimed a digital addict that has an unhealthy obsession with skincare and wine (no they don’t really compliment each other) – we know we’re already going to love Madeleine Burke. She is a lover of lippie, the latest app and something delicious to savor after dinner, she share’s what’s making a mark on her blog TheDailyMark.com.au.

Screen Shot 2015-10-29 at 1.35.11 PMWe wanted to give her our Radiant Skin Renewal Starter Kit to put our skincare to the test. After two weeks of swapping out her normal skincare routine with ours, here is what she had to say!

1. What is the biggest problem you face with your skin? 
Pigmentation and my ever changing skin type! One month I’m oily, the next my skin’s like the Sahara. Chubby cheeks and a love for the sun when I was younger has also left me with some less than desireable sunspots at the top of my cheeks that I’m slowly working away.

2. How did Goldfaden MD’s Radiant Renewal Starter Kit help? 
The Goldfaden MD’s Starter Kit was fantastic at evening out my skin texture. Doing away with dull and dead skin and bringing forward glowing and smooth cells from underneath. This meant I was more confident to wear less makeup and when I did decide to still apply a full face, it was applied (and lasted) so much better than before.

3. What is your favorite part of the regimen and why? 
I’m obsessed with the Doctor’s Scrub! A new face in a jar, it was perfect at night after a good cleanse to reveal gorgeously glowing skin each morning.

4. Have you noticed your skin behaving differently since using Goldfaden MD’s products? 
I always suffer from hormonal blemishes on my chin but I definitely found that they were less intense and also disappeared again a lot quicker using the starter kit each day.

5. Would you recommend GFMD to your reader’s? Why?
Definitely! Especially for those with dull, lifeless skin that are looking for a kickstart that works. The scrub is phenomenal, the serum packed with all the antioxidant protection you need and the cleanser and moisturizer reliable staples that will never lose my love.

Goldfaden MD products can now be found at Mecca Cosmetica, select locations.

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