In our post on the detox bath we discussed using baking soda and Epsom salt to help cleanse the skin and body of toxins.  This article covers a variety of ways that baking soda can be used for personal health and beauty, that can be used while on the diet:

Squeaky clean hair: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to your usual shampoo bottle to help remove buildup from conditioners, mousses, and sprays, and to improve manageability.

In emergencies, use baking soda as a dry shampoo on oily hair. Sprinkle on your hair and comb through, then fluff with a blow dryer.

Chlorine remover: Rinse hair with 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1 pint water to remove the dullness or discoloration caused by chlorinated pools.

Combs and brushes: Hair spray and oil buildup on combs and brushes can be removed by soaking them in a sink of warm water and adding 3 tablespoons baking soda and 3 tablespoons bleach.

Hands: Remove fish, onion, or garlic odor from hands with a solution of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water or liquid soap. Rub mixture in your hands, and rinse off.

Elbows: Rub a baking-soda paste onto your elbows to smooth away rough skin.

Feet: Soak tired feet in a basin of warm water with 3 tablespoons baking soda.

Add 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart warm water, and soak feet for 10 minutes to relieve foot itch.

Smooth rough and hardened calluses and heels by massaging them with a paste of 3 parts baking soda per 1 part water.

Soothe minor mishaps: For sunburn pain, saturate a washcloth with a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart water. Apply to affected area.

Ease windburn or poison ivy irritation with a paste of 3 parts baking soda and 1 part water. Do not use on broken skin.

Relaxing baths: Baking soda added to the bathwater has a softening effect on the skin. Add 1/2 cup to a full bath.

Make bubbling bath salts with 21/2 cups baking soda, 2 cups cream of tartar, and 1/2 cup cornstarch. Mix them together, and store in a covered container. Use 1/4 cup per bath.

Relieve itchy winter skin in a bath with 1 cup baking soda and 11/4 cups baby oil in the water.

Sponge bath: Freshen up with a washcloth dipped in a solution of 4 tablespoons baking soda to 1 quart water.

Deodorant: Apply cornstarch to your underarms with a powder puff first, then apply the baking soda.

Nail care: Clean fingernails and toenails by scrubbing them with a nailbrush dipped in baking soda. This also softens cuticles.

Toothpaste: Mix 3 parts baking soda with 1 part salt. Add 3 teaspoons of glycerin. Add 10 to 20 drops of flavoring (peppermint, wintergreen, anise, or cinnamon) and enough water to make a paste. Spoon into a small, refillable squeeze bottle.

Sprinkle baking soda into your palm, dip a damp toothbrush into it, and brush your teeth.

Refreshing mouthwash: To freshen breath, use 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1/2 glass of water, swish the solution through your teeth, and rinse.

Dentures and other dental appliances: Soak dentures in a solution of 2 teaspoons baking soda dissolved in warm water.

• Use baking soda to soak athletic mouth guards, retainers, or other oral appliances.
• Scrub dentures, mouth guards, and retainers with a toothbrush dipped in baking soda.
• Soak toothbrushes in a baking-soda solution overnight.

Facial Care

Baking soda can also do wonders for your face.

Exfoliating: Make a paste of 3 parts baking soda to 1 part water, and use as a gentle, exfoliating facial scrub after washing with soap and water. Rinse your face clean.

Mix baking soda with oatmeal in your blender; it makes a great facial scrub.

Shaving: Men with sensitive skin may find that a solution of 1 tablespoon baking soda in 1 cup water makes a great preshave treatment or a soothing aftershave rinse.

For instant relief of razor burn, dab on a baking-soda solution.

The original article can be read here.

The post Baking Soda’s for All Phases! appeared first on Little Choices Everyday.

Stir Fry Steak and Asparagus

Stir fry Steak and Asparagus

3.5 oz. steak sliced thin
Marinate with the following
2 Tbs Liquid aminos
add to taste:
fresh garlic
onion powder
garlic powder
salt/pepper
small chopped pieces of onion
Other spices
8-10 stalks of asparagus
2 Tbs of MCT oil or chicken broth

Place the beef in a bowl and mix in the spices and liquid amino’s. Stir with your fingers, working the seasonings into the meat.

Wash the asparagus. Cut into halves crosswise. Separate the upper from the lower halves of the stalks.
Heat the oil in a wok/skillet. When hot, add the fresh garlic and chopped onion until fragrant. Add the beef, with the marinade, and stir fry (over very high heat) for about a minute or just until the meat is no longer pink. Remove the meat with a slotted spoon and transfer to a plate. Keep warm.

In the remaining oil and seasoning, add the lower half of the asparagus stalks. Add about 1/8 c. of water and simmer for about 2-3 minutes. Add the upper halves of the asparagus and stir. Cook, uncovered, for another minute.
Return the beef to the work and stir with the vegetables. Cook just until the beef is reheated.

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Coconut Oil’s fat molecules are shorter than other fat molecules, which basically means that our bodies use them immediately for energy and do not store them as fat cells. Coconut Oil encourages the right kind of bacteria in the colon–it is the preferred food for the kind of bacteria you want to have there.

Coconut Oil is low in calories, low in fat, and nutritious, while providing the body with an energy source instead of carbohydrates. Every body is different and ever body reacts differently, so if you are one to stay away from it during any phase, try it and see how your body reacts. Most hCG users rant and rave about the use of Coconut Oil.

There are many sources of coconut oil on the market. Extra virgin coconut oil will have more of a coconut taste, whereas refined coconut oil is tasteless. This oil can become a solid if it gets too cold, usually below 76 degrees it becomes more solid. Some keep it on top of your refrigerator to help keep it soft or liquid.
Coconut Oil will indeed assist in raising Ketone levels which causes the release of fat. This can be proven by testing your urine with Ketosis stick.

Use Coconut Oil for baking, cooking, sautéing or in your favorite health shake. Also, amazing as a beauty product – for hair and body. Suggested use: 2-3 teaspoons per day.

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