Food Goods - Strawberry

Recently, I've hopped on Beach Body Insanity and started a new diet which includes a great amount of strawberry. Being in Korea, strawberries are extremely fresh and a lot sweeter than those in America. Although it is a lot more expensive than those back in America, the taste definitely overrides the price. In addition to the great test, the variety of beauty uses for strawberries support why strawberries are my favorite fruit!

For starters, strawberries have an extremely high concentration of Vitamin C which helps to also act as a carbohydrate, protein and even fat. With just one cup of strawberries, you are receiving a great amount of vitamins, water, and even your daily fiber. In regards to skin, strawberries are a great anti oxidant which helps to clean your body from waste. It also helps to boost the immune system and help your skin glow. Therefore, it should be incorporated in your daily diet, even with these few simple ways to help your skin.

• Smooth skin in just a few minutes! There are two ways to do this, one is to cut a strawberry in half and rub it all over your face, just the same as you would with a kiwi. Another is to mash it up and scrub in circular motions all over your face and let it sit for a few minutes. This quick strawberry scrub will leave your  glowing after rubbing off those dead skin cells. 
• Acne remedy with 1/2 of sliced strawberries and 1 tablespoon of sour cream. Mash, combine and apply on the face for 10 minutes. Rinse and repeat every few days. 
• Reduce puffy eyes by placing a few slices of strawberry under your eyes for 10 minutes and relax in bed, just that easy. Remember to moisturize after!
• Pedicure scrub with just a handful of strawberries, 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt to give that scrub texture. Simply mix all the ingredients in a bowl, massage into the feet and rinse. 
• Hair shine can be achieved with just a handful of strawberries and a tablespoon of mayonnaise. Sounds disgusting almost to put mayonnaise in your hair, but it acts as a hydrating oil just like extra virgin olive oil. Mash to combine, apply into damp hair so that it glides easily, cover with a shower cap and warm towel. Rinse after a minimum of ten minutes and you will see a healthy head of shine. Remember to wash your hair as your normally would!
• Tooth whitener like the lemon, but all you have to do is mash up some strawberry and brush away. Your new toothpaste will even taste delicious! 

Food Goods - Lemon

We all know lemon is great for beauty fanatics. It not only helps to slim down weight, but it also helps to promote a healthy body. There are many things that you can do with the handy lemon which calls for you to stock up in your fridge. Lemon is great for Vitamin C intake so if you're low on oranges, swap it for a lemon.

• Daily early morning drink. Mix cold water, honey, and lemon cleanse the body when you wake up. Be sure to drink this on an empty stomach. You can use warm water if you want, but it is not recommended because the heat kills many benefits of lemon and honey. For those who can endure water and lemon directly, it will help you to efficiently detox and lose weight. A whole lemon mixed with a  cup of water is suggested for those who are over 150 pounds and unhealthy, half of a lemon for those who are 150 pounds and healthy. 
• Teeth Whitening. This is by far my favorite and most recommended for both men and women. Simply squeeze the fresh juice from half of a lemon, rub with table salt and baking soda along the teeth. Baking soda is known to help whiten teeth, but lemon gives it that extra boost.
• Smooth skin. For a simple mask, mash an over-ripe banana with fresh lemon juice and apply to the face and hands for clear and smooth skin. There is also the less messy alternative of a teaspoon of honey, a teaspoon of olive oil, and quarter teaspoon of lemon juice for the hands, elbows, heels and drier areas. I suggest covering up the area for ten minutes with a plastic bag or old pieces of clothing and wash away to reveal beatified skin. 
• Dark spots. There are many areas that women are insecure with when it comes to the body which include underarms, elbows, and dark spots on the face. Simply rub fresh lemon juice on the area for ten minutes and wash away. Over time, the color will gradually lighten. 
• Dandruff treatment. Mix a few tablespoons of fresh lemon with olive oil and rub it into the scalp. I suggest using a shower cap to soak in the treatment for 15 minutes and follow the regular shampoo and conditioner. 
• Itchy scalp. Mix an egg white and lemon juice, massage into the scalp of your head and soak in the treatment with a shower cap for an hour. Follow with your regular hair wash routine. I suggest to practice this twice a week for a month.
• For those with psoriasis, lemon juice also helps to strengthen the liver enzymes because the liver can make more enzymes from fresh lemon juice than any other food element. Therefore, having half a lemon to a whole lemon a day (depending on your health) will help to clear up your psoriasis. 
• Yellow nails. If you're like me and use nail polish just about daily, the winter colors are probably not so healthy for your nails. Dark colors may turn your nails yellow. Simply brush your nails with lemon juice and baking soda. This will help to lighten the color, not fully revive your natural born color.

Its amazing how the many foods found around the house can help in daily grooming and beauty care. The best thing is the DIY items save a ton of money which adds up when it comes to beauty products. Good luck!