February 2013
FEBRUARY HEALTH, BEAUTY & FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Tomorrow is February 1st! You know what that means, right? Challenge time! We’re going to continue to be challenged through Healthy Eating Plans, Fitness Circuits and Natural Beauty. The Healthy Living Trifecta! Here’s the goal for February 2013!
NUTRITION:
Here are your 4 Super Foods for the month: Leeks, Barley, Watercress, Parsnips.
You are going to incorporate these Super Foods into your diet this month by following this weekly healthy eating plan:
Here are the recipes to try for each week (however many times per week as you’d like):
WEEK 1 - Apple & Leek Salad
WEEK 2 - Barley Risotto
WEEK 3 - Watercress Walnut Pesto
WEEK 4 - Parsnip Salad
FITNESS:
I put my own little twist on the 100 Workout we’ve all seen floating around the internet. This version is more of a total body workout, for fat burning, heart health, muscle building/strengthening and all over awesomeness! You are going to knock this entire workout OUT 4 times a week (or every other day) for the entire month of February! Don’t recognize the workout name? Remember YouTube is an awesome resource for learning the proper form for every move!
P.S. The “Leg Lifts” are the standing ones!
BEAUTY:
You are going to put that comb you use to detangle your hair, while washing it, away this month! The challenge will be to use unrefined organic coconut oil (doesn’t matter which brand, as long as it is unrefined and organic!) to finger-detangle through your hair! This method works for EVERY texture and length. Finger-detangling your hair with a natural oil, before washing your hair, will minimize breakage in the shower. Hair is fragile when it’s under water, so if you get those knots and tangles out BEFORE stepping into the shower, your hair will be less likely to snap off. Way less hair going down that drain! You’ll notice improved hair health, fullness (since you’re losing less hair) and moisture! Don’t know how to do it? Watch the first half of this video to help you.
This challenge officially kicks off on Friday, February 1st and ends on Thursday, February 28th! Please Reblog & Share so others can be motivated, as well <3
Use the tag #heyfranhey so I can track your progress!
Who’s in this month????
Hey Fran :) Is there a certain kind of almond milk you use?
Hey :) I don’t usually focus on the brand! As long as its organic and unsweetened, i’m good to go! Silk, Blue Diamond and the 365 Everyday Value brands are pretty reliable, affordable and taste great!
January 2013
Do you wash your hair with warm or cold water?
I cleanse with warm water! The heat lifts the cuticle, so the toxins inside can be removed and health/moisture can be received. I then rinse with cold water, which closes the cuticle, to avoid frizz and help retain the moisture I applied.
Hey Fran, so I've noticed a lot of products with Shea in them. From your prospective between cantu Shea products and Shea moisture which one is better? What is the difference?
Hey :) In my opinion, Shea Moisture is better because it contains Shea Butter as well as many other amazing all-natural nutrient rich ingredients. Cantu Shea contains Shea Butter (a very small amount) as well as a ton of synthetic chemicals, that do absolutely nothing for you, on top of it. The difference? Health. What are the synthetics contributing to your hair health and growth?
I really hope you read this. I hope you realize what direction you are sending young women in... the PERFECT DIRECTION. To be natural, healthy, self-loving, and most importantly, happy. These are major factors into making women we need in this world today. People who are strong and positive. Please continue to do what you do, may all the spirits bless you and be in your favor. SO much love <3
Wow! Thank you so much for the energy and inspiration! I’m glad you feel it :) SO much love right back!
Is there a major difference between castor oil and JBCO? I know JBCO is raved about in the natural hair community, but I wasn't sure if there was a true difference besides the name. Btw, I think you're amazing, & you've helped me start on a journey to a healthier, happier, better me. :)
Hey :) Jamaican Black Castor Oil is the raw, unfiltered version of Castor Oil. That means it has more of the original nutrients! They weren’t removed during packaging. Sometimes, companies will remove these nutrients so the product will look more appealing (not as smelly, thick, dark) and to extend the shelf life. But you end up being deprived of those vital nutrients! The whole point in using it, right? Stick to JBCO if you can! Hope that helps <3
Hey Fran, I was just reading something about the powers of aloe vera outside of the topical gel. I've tried aloe juice before, but the texture doesn't sit well with me. Have you ever used aloe in a green smoothie? Thanks for all your tips!
Hey! :) I actually have a post on all of the ways I incorporate Aloe, in its various forms. You can read it here. It’s amazing in green smoothies! If you’re ever suffering from constipation or just feel “off”, it’s amazing for resetting your body. Effective for the blood and keeping your sugar levels balanced (helps you avoid those energy crashes at the end of the day). Great for those suffering from asthma, too!
Hey Fran! Do you usually just drink a green juice/smoothie in the morning? or do you pair healthy juices with your meals during the rest of the day?
Hey :) My breakfast is usually a green smoothie (made in a blender)! My fav is 2 leaves of kale and a handful of spinach with fresh fruit like mango and blueberries or a pear with a banana! Or papaya and dates (my new fav). Then I add ground chia seeds and flax seeds (1 tablespoon of each) and almond milk. Tons of awesome energy and a cute glow for the rest of the day! My green juice (which is extracted in a juicer and usually all greens: romaine, celery, parsley kale, spinach and an apple, lemon and ginger to break up the taste and to add health boosts) comes in somewhere later in the day, either in between lunch and dinner or with my dinner! I don’t buy juice. I always make it myself. The only “juice” I buy is coconut water (Harmless Harvest is my fav brand)! Hope that helps <3
“The wound is the place where the light enters you.”
—Rumi
Hi Fran, Are there any nail polish collections that are non toxic?
Hey :) This is actually what my next YouTube video is about! Discussing toxic free beauty products. It’s hard to find completely all-natural polishes (I’ve tried a few and they were a disaster!). The most you can do is look for (google) the “3 free” and “4 free” polish brands, meaning they have removed the top 3 and 4 hazardous chemicals found in most polish brands. More info on those toxins here. Some fav brands that come to mind: Zoya, Ginger & Liz , Nars, Butter London and the Wet & Wild polishes sold at your local drugstores! Hope that helps <3
Hey Fran, what products or regimens do you recommend for men who are experiencing hair thinning out problems?
Hey :) That’s a tough one since it’s hard to create a regimen that will combat genetics! Interesting you would ask, though, cause i’m currently testing out a mixture of equal parts Jamaican Black Castor Oil (known to stimulate growth), Organic Jojoba Oil (restores any imbalance of your natural oils) with 10 drops each of Rosemary and Lavender Essential Oils (both known to stop hair loss) on a friend of mine suffering from severe hair thinning/loss. A 2-3 min deep tissue (scalp) massage before washing your hair. It’s a mixture that makes sense considering the healing properties, so i’ll definitely keep you posted. It’s all natural so feel free to put it to the test, as well!
hey fran, I've recently started using the OCM with olive + castor oil. I was wondering, does the OCM help with fading acne scars? if not, what are some additional methods you know of to get rid of acne scars? thanks! :)
Hey :) It most definitely does! Pretty quickly and effectively, too. Did you watch part II of my skin series where I discussed DIY scrubs and face masks that are also extremely helpful for blackheads, acne scars and overall dryness? Watch here. Hope that helps <3
And for those who don’t know what the OCM (Oil Cleansing Method) is and missed out, watch here.
“Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it.”
—Osho
hey fran hey! so i know you use camille rose algae deep conditioning mask/aloe whipped butter gel. have you used any other products from her line like the 'almond jai twisting butter'? also, i see beemine has some decent products just pricey.. are there any other products you use from this line besides the curly butter such as the deep treatment/etc? btw, have you found any other natural lines? i'm eager to try luvnaturals. but anyway, love you fran! blessings to you my beautiful queen. <3
Hey :) Let me just start off by congratulating Camille Rose for launching in Target next month! MAJOR moves for the health and beauty world <3 It’s gonna be so beautiful seeing a vegan line in the natural hair aisle :) My top 3 favorite products from her line are the Algae Deep Treatment, The Moisture Butter and The Aloe Whipped Butter Gel. Absolute perfection! You’ll have moisture retention (which is key to growth and health) for days. Bee Mine Products are also amazing! I use their Curly Butter, as seen in this Protective Styling Video, as well as their Deep Conditioner. They also have a protein-free version for those of you with any sensitivities.
As far as other healthy hair favs, I love Luvnaturals, Shea Moisture, Qhemet Biologics, Oyin Handmade and Belle Butters. Hope that helps <3
Love you way more!
Hey Fran, i'm curious to know what you think about juice detox and tea detox?
Hey :) I’m actually not a fan of the “detox” “cleanse” craze. People abuse them. If you’re going to cleanse your body for a few days only to go back and eat what you were already eating, what’s the point? It’s really harsh on the body when you’re doing it without the proper understanding of how and why it works. If you’re doing it because you’re really sick (meaning chronic illness) and need to re-adjust your body, i’m totally for it. I healed my Kidney that way. There were things that needed to be removed. Or doing it because you’re going to transition into a new lifestyle, like Vegetarian or Vegan, i’m all for it! I did the same! Otherwise, i’m against the pointless abuse for weight loss purposes. It’s a lot more harmful, when used for vanity, than people realize. Just incorporate healthy eating, including the juices and teas, into your life on a daily basis! No need to starve yourself (ever) of necessary nutrients. Just my opinion.
Hey Fran, I'm into losing weight healthy but I am in need of a great meal plan. I'm a 25 years old and I need a plan with a variety of options so I'm not bored. I'm also an advocate of fruit juices which I make daily with a little protein, wheat germ and flaxseeds to give me a boost in health.
Hey :) My good friend Jess, of CookSmarts, makes a weekly healthy eating meal plan for free! All you have to do is sign up and you’ll receive a grocery list, recipes and step by step pics every Thursday. All based on your dietary preferences and needs. Amazing right? She’s an absolute angel! More info here. Sign up here. She also has a YouTube channel, go here, that teaches you cooking 101 tips! Everything from seasoning to cutting veggies/meat properly. Super dope resource!
As far as your fruit juices, make sure to add some greens and (ground) chia seeds for that extra health boost and energy!
Hey fran! Where do you get the almond oil you use for your body scrub and the coconut oil you use to spritz after showers?
Hey! :) I grab them at Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s or directly from my amazon shop. Coconut Oil here. Almond Oil here. Coconut Oil is usually sold everywhere! Just make sure it’s unrefined. Hope that helps!
