Make It Fast

Yay, relaxing facial tonight! I thought the Boston readers might want to know my little secret. I get my facials done in a student clinic at an esthetics school, called the Catherine Hinds Institute of Esthetics, in Woburn (just north of Boston). The student clinic allows estheticians-in-training to practice their skills on "live" clients. The best part: As a client, you only pay for the products used during your facial, which means that the services provided by the Catherine Hinds students are free! Therefore, for example, a 60-minute Basic Facial is just $24! You can add fancy enzymes, ampoules, and essentials oils to your facial for an additional $10, which is still quite a steal! If you are anywhere near Boston, you should definitely give the Institute a try. I've only ever had amazing experiences, and you can't beat the price!

Ok, dinnertime! Dinner was thrown together in 10 minutes: Dr. Praeger's veggie burger on a Thomas' Bagelbread with a side salad made with romaine, grape tomatoes, and drizzled with creamy Italian dressing. 

Simple, but delicious dinner. For something sweet after dinner, I dug into an Oatmeal Raisin Bar. I brought a batch to work today (they were a hit!), but Mal and I have our own stash at home. :)

More on Sugar

Tips for Dealing with Sugar Addiction (courtesy of Kathleen Moriarty):

• Reduce or eliminate caffeine: The ups and downs of caffeine include dehydration and blood sugar swings, causing cravings to be more frequent. 
• Eat sweet vegetables or fruit: They're good for you!
• Experiment with spices: Some will naturally sweetened your foods and reduce cravings.
• Use gentle sweets: Avoid chemicalized, artificial sweeteners and foods with added sugars.
• Get physical activity: It will help balance your blood sugar levels and reduce tension without medicating yourself with sugar. 
• Get more sleep, rest, and relaxation: When you are tired and stressed, your body will crave energy--  in the form of sugar. 
• Eliminate fat-free or low-fat foods: These foods contain high quantities of sugar to compensate for lack of flavor and fat, which will send you on a roller coaster of sugar highs and lows. 
• Drink water: Sometimes sugar cravings are a sign of dehydration. 

If you're interested in learning more about sugar cravings and how to tame them, feel free to contact Kathleen (www.kmoriarty.com). She gave a wonderful workshop last night-- it definitely opened my eyes!