You don't need to be a bartender to mix up this incredible drink

Next time you are out and order just a water from your server, be sure to ask them to add a little lemon. Some people like it for the taste or some like it because it simply looks better, but after learning a little more, I think I like it for the health benefits.

Not long ago, I heard my friends talking about a cleanse, where they would drink nothing but lemon juice or lemon water for two to three days in order to flush away any impurities in their body. Now, I certainly am not ready to not eat for three days, but the idea that lemons can naturally 'detoxify' is enough for me to pick up a few lemons at the grocery store. It's just a lemon and water, after all. What could be easier?

And more than that, I like the taste of it! With the sweet taste of lemon added, I enjoy drinking water-- gaining the benefits of lemon and water in one simple, everyday drink.

Your Foolproof Method to Staying Hydrated!

Drinking water is good for us, right? But let's be honest, not nearly as enjoyable as our morning latte, fizzy soda or a cocktail when we're out. I know it's good for me, but it's just a little, well, boring. So I did a little research and a little trial and error to see if there was a way make water a little more exciting without compromising all the benefits. Here were my favorite low or no calorie additions to water: 

• Squeeze a sliced orange into your water glass and add a teaspoon of vanilla extract-- almost the taste of an Orange Popsicle!
• Herbal tea  is a great option, especially green or mint tea, you can try it hot or try it iced
• Using an "infuser" try sliced strawberries with a dash of raw sugar in your water for a sweet, natural juice-like taste. 
• Now this one I haven't tried, but I've heard that using ginger in your drinking water not only is a nice refreshing addition, but also helps with nausea and headaches

These are just a few of my favorites that I have tried. What do you do to dress up your water? 

Satisfy that Sweet Tooth!

Maybe you feel like we're always telling you to be healthy, eat for your skin and avoid those empty calories. We consistently tell you to rid yourself of those bad habits. Seems like we're taking the fun out of everything, huh? Well, maybe not-- healthy recipes and recipes that promote good health don't have to be bland oatmeal or a plain salad. There is one of my favorite yummy recipes that is truly good for overall health (and that means skin, too!)

Dark Chocolate Dipped Trio

What you need--

• 12 Strawberries-A fruit jam-packed with antioxidants which help fight aging
• 1 bar of Dark chocolate- Is rich in flavanoids which improves the skin texture and can reduce reddened skin
• 12 Walnuts, chopped- This good-for-you fat help your skin look smoother, plumper, and more hydrated

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the chocolate completely, and stir. Holding the stem of the strawberry, dip each one onto the melted chocolate and place it on the baking sheet. Sprinkle the chopped walnuts onto the strawberries before the chocolate dries. Repeat for all 12 of the strawberries, evenly distributing the chopped walnuts on the strawberries. When completed, place the baking sheet with the strawberries in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving. 

The recipe makes 12 strawberries- enjoy as a dessert, a snack, or as a healthy way to cure your sweet tooth! Remember: eat in moderation to be sure you get benefits before they backfire on you! 

Spoil Your Skin

Since this month is all about falling in love with your skin, you can't skip out on showing your skin a little love! Facials are one of the best ways to pamper your skin, improve your health, and give you an time for complete relaxation.

It's true, pampering your skin (and yourself) can have some valuable health benefits! Like lowering your blood pressure. The stresses we go through on a daily basis continually spike blood pressure levels. By giving yourself an hour to forget about emails, bosses, and work altogether, you can relax and let your blood pressure drop.

The facial massage that feels oh-so-relaxing will open your pores and your blood vessels to increase circulation throughout your body. An increase in circulation will stimulate nutrients and oxygen while regenerating new cell growth.

And in this cold season- and by cold I mean coughing, sore throat, runny nose and congestion- your facial just may help naturally ease your congestion. The combination of oils, massage, and steam will help reduce pressure associated with the congestion.

Who knew a  little spoiling for your skin could go such a long way! Want more information on facials? Contact the Enza Medispa!

Your Guilt(free) Pleasure!

It's torture- we're born to love and crave those fatty, sugary foods and drinks, yet told all our lives that can't have them. Seems so unfair, right? Well, we're about to tell you different. We're going to tell you to go ahead, eat that chocolate- it's good for you and your skin!

Now before you go crazy buying all the half priced Valentines chocolates you can find at the grocery store, we must first tell you--not all chocolate is created equal. Here's the skinny on which chocolate to buy and how it can benefit your health.

• Go dark! Dark chocolate with high amounts of cocoa (70% or more) will contain the most benefits for your health
• Dark chocolate is the perfect way to knock down stress- one of your skin's biggest enemies! Cocoa reduces the stress hormone Cortisol which reduces breakouts and helps slow the process of aging.
•  Flavonoids found in dark chocolate help protect your skin itself from UV damage, promoting your skin's youthful glow!
• Those flavonoids also can improve your skin's hydration which leads to a more glowing complexion. 

Now no more hiding it, go ahead, curb your sweet tooth with the seemingly perfect guilty pleasure of dark chocolate!

Aren't You Going to Eat That?!

You wouldn't have to search far for articles about what foods to eat for to improve your health, to get glowing skin, to get a flat stomach, etc. The list could go on and on and, well you get the point. But did you know, food can benefit you without you ever having to eat it! So maybe you're not the biggest fan of vegetables, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't buy them. In fact, tomatoes, cucumbers, avocados and honey can improve your skin like you wouldn't imagine, and you don't even have to eat them!

    
   
• That moment when you realize you're a little more sunburned than you'd like to show off the best thing to do is slice a fresh TOMATO and rub it directly on your skin. This can ease inflammation caused by the sun.
• Just like the beauty queens do in movies or on TV, CUCUMBERS placed on your eyes can reduce those puffy or dark circles. They also help soothe the skin, acting as the perfect ingredient to obtain beautiful eyes. 
• Not just for whipping up guacamole for your Mexican dinner, AVOCADOS are an amazing addition to your skincare routine. Avocados help reduce the appearance of age spots, minimize signs of aging, heal dry skin and eczema, and acts as a great moisturizer for your skin. 
• The sticky sweet flavor of HONEY can work as an effective mask or spot treatment for blemishes. Honey's natural ingredients can kill off existing bacteria, prevent new bacteria from spreading, hydrate, soften and minimize redness from damaged skin. 

Of course you should continue eating these healthy foods, but next time you're chopping up cucumbers or tomatoes for your next meal, save a few slices for your skin- it's hungry too! 

They do, they Don't

Not to lecture you, as we all get enough of that without reading Enza's blog, but as we begin the new year with our improved skin care resolutions, there are some things that are essential to know. So on second thought-- we might need to lecture you just a bit (don't worry, there won't be a quiz!). The following is Enza Essentials' friendly list of skin care do's and don't's to help you along your skin care journey. 


DO

• Limit sugar intake- A large sugar intake can destroy your skin's collagen and elasticity resulting in quicker aging
• Include Vitamin C- Be sure to include vitamin C in your diet and apply it directly to your skin as it fights off free radicals
• Choose red wine- Red wine contains anti-oxidants and flavonoids that can help your body fight against skin cancer
• Drink water-Dr. Rucker recommends drinking at least eight glasses per day to help cleanse your system of impurities

DON'T

• Rub your skin dry- Pat your face dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it, in order to protect your sensitive skin
• Use products with mineral oil or petroleum- These ingredients may lead to clogging your pores and prevent your body from naturally flushing out your skin's toxins, leading to breakouts
• Skip toner-Apply after cleansing and throughout the day in order to keep your skin's pH balance normal, rid your face of excess oils, and keep you looking fresh
• Touch your face- Touching your face leads to an increased exposure to bacteria and oil which will quickly show up as acne and blemishes

Cookies, Gingerbread and ... Avocados?

Now that all your favorite holiday food and drinks are back in season, it becomes so much easier to indulge. And it certainly doesn't help when your baked goods become the most popular giveaways from your neighbors, co-workers, friends and family. While the first thing we often begin to worry about is our weight, our skin also takes a hit from a high-sugar diet. 

So while it may be nearly impossible to completely avoid a little holiday indulgence, it becomes essential that you try to limit the goodies and mindfully include healthful foods to keep your skin glowing through the winter seasons. We've compiled a list of the best foods for your skin. Be sure to sneak in a few of these before testing out the neighbor's freshly baked cookies!

Enza Essentials: Best foods for your Skin

• Salmon (and other seafood) has high concentrates of omega-3 acids which nourish the skin.
• Kiwi is packed with Vitamin C which helps maintain the collagen in our skin. 
• Squash's vitamins and antioxidants will help boost immunity and fight aging of the skin.
• Tomatoes contain lycopene which reduces effects of sun exposure and stimulates healthy skin.
• Yogurt aids in dry lips, skin, skin lesions, and dermatitis due to its high content of Vitamin B.
• Avocados will act as a natural moisturizer with its healthy fats and its phytonutrients. 

It's Tea Time!

It may not jolt you awake as quick as your usual Starbucks order might, but replacing tea with the usual morning drink could improve your overall health drastically.  
 
Tea has numerous benefits for the entire body- such as protecting your bones, whitening your teeth, boosting your immune system, keeping you hydrated, increasing your metabolism, minimizing cancer risk, oh, and did we mention- it's calorie free. But what we at Enza Essentials love about tea is the huge benefits on your skin care.

Green tea, specifically, can help minimize the risks of skin cancer as it exerts sun damage protection and may enhance sun protection when used with sunscreen. Additionally, tea's antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities help slow down the signs of aging including wrinkles and skin sagging. When combined with other skin care products, tea can help improve overall skin texture, appearance, and function.

And not to mention tea's calming effect. Studies have shown that tea drinkers will recover more quickly from stressful situations because tea lowers levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, in the body. Green tea, specifically, is famous for its calming effect on the body, keeping your skin too, worry-free.

Maybe try a cup or two, as the weather cools, and the holiday buzz is just beginning to start there is now better time than now to add tea into your daily routine. Warm up the holidays with a cup of black, white, or green tea and begin reaping the benefits now!

Without the Worry and Weight

What better way to get in the holiday spirit than baking! Baking is a staple for holiday parties, holiday gifts, and holiday memory-making. The frustrating part, of course, is having these little weight gainers around for weeks and weeks, even after the holidays are over. But before you start packing away the baking supplies, we have a few tips for you to enjoy holiday baking without the worry or the weight.

• Try using organic flour or whole grain wheat flour instead of white flour
• Fruit purees, especially applesauce, can be used in place of  butter, margarine, or shortening
• Substitute buttermilk with yogurt
• Cut down on salt-- keep added salt in your baked goods to no more than 1/2 teaspoon
• Purchase cholesterol-free egg products to substitute whole eggs 
• Use healthier toppings, instead of an icing or frosting, try fresh sliced fruits
• Substitute milk or semisweet chocolate for dark chocolate
• Increase nutritional value by baking with nuts, oats, spices and fruits

Now go ahead, grab your baking supplies and try out these tips for carefree holiday baking!

What Your Skin Craves

We've heard it before: when we start to notice acne and a dull complexion it is fair to assume it can partially be blamed on poor eating habits. While this is true, poor eating habits may be having more lasting effects on our skin than we realize.

Many of those high-sugar foods we crave (sweets, starches, potatoes, baked goods, desserts, pasta, soda, etc.) may be partially to blame for signs of aging; including wrinkles, deep lines, and sagging skin. When you eat too much of these high- sugar foods, the sugar molecules will attach to your collagen (the tissue that makes your skin firm, renews skin cells, and maintains skin elasticity) which will then being to weaken these tissues. The most noticeable effect that weakened collagen has on your skin's appearance is visible wrinkling and overall aging of the skin.

This sugar overload can also result in major damage to the rest of your body. Because it is one of the main culprits of aging and the effects of aging, it can also play a role in diabetic complications, arterial stiffening, neurological impairment and wrinkled, sagging skin.

Now, what do we do to prevent this sugar craving we are all bound to have? Try getting your sugar fix naturally. Fruits and vegetables are a good source of natural sugars, are high in anti-inflammatory anti-oxidants, help stabilize blood sugar, and best of all, promote beautiful skin. So keep your skin as young and beautiful as you are by indulging in the ripe fruits and vegetables it craves.