Jo's Health Corner: healthy weight

Tone and Firm the Skin

It is not unusual to experience some loose skin after a rapid weight loss. The skin has a hard time adjusting to the quick change, but if the weight loss is more gradual the skin has more time to adapt and shrink to the smaller body. The best is to do various exercises during the weight loss journey to gain muscles to firm the skin. The right kind of exercises can tone and increase the elasticity of the skin.

Of course, you don't have have lost weight to experience loose skin, a poor muscle tone can cause your skin to sag too. We also lose muscle tone as we age unless we keep up the training and eat sufficient amount of protein.

Protein
I also often notice that many people don't seem to eat a sufficient amount of protein. During weight loss, or any other time of course, it is important to not lose important muscles that help shape and fill out the body. An extra plus is that protein is the body's metabolic engine and burns fat at a higher rate than carbohydrates or fat.

Hydration
When you are dehydrated you will lose elasticity and skin tone. Make sure you are well hydrated daily.

Detoxify
Make sure you detoxify the body to remove toxins stored in the fat cells. Flushing out toxins may make your body feel tighter. In addition to a clean diet that contains a lot of fresh detoxifying foods, you can make steam baths, body wraps, dry brush your skin, or enjoy detoxifying baths. Cleansing with Essential Oils will provide you with more information.

Nutrients
Make sure you eat a good diet that contains sufficient amount of nutrients to nourish the skin. Stay away from processed foods, refined grains (preferably no grains at all), and trans fats. Try the Paleo Diet. The truth is, you need to build health from scratch with all the nutrients the body needs and not just a few for a certain problem. That means, to make sure you get plenty of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins, probiotics, and essential fatty acids, preferably from the diet. Vitamin A, C, E are important nutrients for skin health. Zinc, iron and magnesium are key minerals involved in repairing and maintaining skin cells, and Co-enzyme Q10 and B vitamins play a vital role in generating energy within the skin cells.

Of course, there always seems to be areas where the skin is saggy in spite of all exercise and diet attempts.

So, here are some things to try naturally:

Essential oil
Skin firming blend to use in the morning
10 drops of tangerine
10 drops of cypress

Skin firming blend to use in the evening
8 drops geranium
5 drops cypress
5 drops helichrysum
1 drop peppermint
Apply neat, undiluted, or dilute 50/50 and massage 4-6 drops daily.

You can also blend lavender, grapefruit, cypress, juniper and basil with some carrier oil and add to a bath.

For extra toning baths
Blend
5 drops of grapefruit with 3 drops of basil with a carrier oil for a toning bath.
or
4 drops of lemongrass with 4 drops of lavender with a carrier.

Massage oil
Blend Almond oil and carrot seed oil
with grapefruit, oregano, rosemary and cypress

Other tips

Add a capsule of vitamin E to the massage blends.
Take vitamin E internally and externally, it is an important ingredient for production of collagen.
Use shea butter since it is known for its skin firming properties.
Add coconut oil to your massage blends.

As always, this information is for educational purposes only, and is not meant to diagnose or prescribe. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or suffer from a medical condition, consult with your health care practitioner prior to using essential oils.

Thanks for visiting!

Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. S
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.

This post is linked up to Monday Mania hosted by The Healthy Home Economist and to WFMW hosted by We Are That Family.

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Add Essential Oils to Your Weight Loss Program

Essential oils can be a great addition to a weight/fat loss program. They are mood enhancing, uplifting, and detoxifying. They are also known to increase circulation and to break down fatty deposits. Inhalation of essential oils can also stimulate the production of hormones from hypothalamus.

Appetite suppressants
Essential oils may also be used to reduce appetite due to their ability to stimulate the ventromedial nucleus of hypothalamus, the part of the brain that governs our feelings of fullness and satiety after meals. Alan Hirsch, MD, showed in his studies that a pleasing aroma may indeed reduce the appetite. His 3000 research subjects showed dramatic weight loss after frequently inhaling peppermint and vanilla absolute over a period of six months to curb food cravings. Several subjects had to quit because they lost too much weight.

So, what kind oils would be good to include in your weight loss program?
As always, there are many essential oils and many suggestions. I have tried to narrow it down to some oils that I consider would be beneficial. Keep in mind that each person is different and essential oils do not perform magic. These are oils that would be beneficial in one way or another, but they don't magically make you lose weight.

Peppermint

Peppermint is a great digestive aid. According to Dr. Alan Hirsch, MD, peppermint has the ability to directly affect the brain's satiety center, the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus, which triggers a sensation of fullness after meals. This may contribute to weight loss.
I like to add a couple of drops of therapeutic grade peppermint oil to an 8 ounce glass of water or tea and drink before you eat. Sometimes I also add a few drops to a handkerchief and inhale before meals when I have cravings.

Lemon
Lemon has traditionally been used to boost the metabolism. It is high in limonene, which helps release fatty acids into the blood stream where they are broken down. Lemon has traditionally been used to improves micro-circulation and immune function. It may be beneficial for anxiety, blood pressure, and promotes a sense of well-being. Lemon has shown anti-depressant effects in research. It also promotes energy and clarity, and its fragrance is invigorating and warming. It also has astringent and detoxifying properties. According to Battaglia, lemon counteracts stomach acidity and speeds up a slow digestive system. It stimulates secretion from the liver, pancreas, and the stomach.

I like to add one drop therapeutic grade lemon essential oil to a glass of water to aid in the detoxification process of my body, and to help boost my metabolism. I also mix 3-4 drops of lemon oil with 1 tsp. extra-virgin coconut oil and apply over belly, hips, buttocks, and thighs to help dissolve fat and tighten skin. Avoid sun exposure 12 hours after lemon has been applied topically.

Grapefruit

Grapefruit is detoxifying and diuretic. It is said that many cold-pressed citrus oils like grapefruit have unique fat-dissolving properties. It is refreshing and uplifting. Grapefruit is often used in cellulite treatments since it may reduce fat cells. It is also considered a strong appetite suppressant. I like to inhale when feeling hunger and cravings. Sometimes I mix with base oil and use for a massage or add to bath water. It is important to avoid sun exposure for 12 hours after topical application.

Ocotea

Research has shown that ocotea is valuable in helping to control blood glucose levels, curb food cravings, and lower cortisol levels. It is siad that it regulates the liver and balances metabolism as well as impacts our emotional state. Ocotea oil is distilled from a tree in Ecuador, has a light cinnamon-like aroma and flavor. It also has natural cleansing and purifying properties.

Sometimes I add 1 drop of ocotea to the lemon and coconut oil massage mix to enhance the fat busting effect. I like to add 1 drop of oil to a glass of water in the afternoon (up to 3 times a day) to balance blood sugars and cravings. I have on occasion added a couple of drops under the tongue, (up to 3 times a day) for extra help with blood sugar issues. Be aware, it doesn't taste good.

Bergamot

Bergamot is refreshing and has mood lifting qualities. It may help to relieve stress, tension, and anxiety. Lowering stress is important since it may affect weight loss. It is also calming and may also provide hormonal support.

Valerie Ann Worwood's fat attack oils

Worwood writes in her book, The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy, that a good massage and using essential oils, will make sure that you are not left with stretch marks and flabby skin. You will also have a good shape.

She also suggests to use the essential oils in the bath, and that an improvement in the body tissue tone will be noticed.

According to Worwood:

General fat attack essential oils: Orange, lavender, grapefruit, rosemary, thyme, petitgraine, lime and lemongrass.

Diuretic fat attack essential oils: Fennel, grapefruit, cypress, lemon, and juniper.

Some natural remedies like essential oils, herbs, and supplements may have the ability to aid in a weight loss program due to their therapeutic properties. Some may improve hormonal imbalances, regulate blood sugar, stimulate fat metabolism and detoxify the body. However, there are no short cuts to losing weight, and natural remedies should be used in addition to a nourishing diet and an exercise program.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives. She also runs Naturally Sports & Wellness together with her husband.
Follow Johanna on twitter and facebook for more health tips and information.