01.31.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:19 pm by Administrator
Mclatchy-Tribune News Service.
01-27-10
Are you trying to eat healthier food on an unhealthy budget? Fortunately, some of the cheapest foods are good for you.
The real trick to minimizing your grocery bill is finding the right recipes for healthy foods. That’s why we’re providing a list of 60 inexpensive and nutritious foods. Please note, however, that prices will vary based on the store, location and season. One serving refers to one apple, one cup of oats, etc.; not the entire bag of apples or bucket of oats. Bon appetit!
1. Apples
A great mid-afternoon snack when raw or a dessert when cooked. Just make sure you wash the skins first.
2. Bananas
A portable source of potassium and a good basis for smoothies.
3. Baby Carrots
Keep a bag at work for a cheap and healthy snack.
4. Barley
Nutty flavored and makes a nice change from potatoes, rice and pasta. Barley Mushroom Pilaf
5. Beans
Good as a base for soup or a thickener. Soak in baking soda or cook with a peeled carrot to reduce gas.
6. Beets
Turned your nose up at beets as a kid? Give them another try.
7. Black Beans
Hands down, the most anti-oxidants of any bean. Soak raw beans for faster cooking time.
8. Black-eyed Peas
Good luck when eaten New Year’s Day. Also known as the cowpea.
9. Bok Choy
Light and sweetly flavored; a great way to stretch a wok meal.
10. Broccoli
Catch the crowns on sale for a low-calorie treat providing calcium, potassium, fiber.
11. Bulgar Wheat
A quick-cooking type of whole wheat you can use as a substitute for rice or cous cous.
12. Butternut Squash
Less than a buck in season and makes a deliciously smooth soup.
13. Cabbage
Try all three flavors: Green, red and Napa. All are filling and cheap.
14. Canned Tomatoes
Easier to cook with but make sure you use a low-sodium version.
15. Carrots
The beta-carotene is good for your eyes but there’s so much more to the most inexpensive of veggies. (Easy to grow, too.)
16. Celery
It’s not true it takes more calories to eat celery than you earn, but it’s a nice idea. Not bad raw but a great energy boost when stuffed with peanut butter.
17. Celery Root
Grate with carrots and mix with low-fat milk and mayo for a French-version of coleslaw that’s unbelievably good.
18. Chicken Gizzards
Don’t throw away the bagged gizzards that come with each chicken. Properly cooked, they’re delicious and a great source of protein.
19. Coffee
Skip super-expensive Starbucks (45 calories from fat) and bring a thermos of home-brew to work.
20. Cornmeal
White, yellow and blue cornmeal are all roughly ground and make a nice change from wheat.
21. Cucumbers
It’s hard to beat thinly sliced cucumbers and onions in a vinegar sauce for an easy and delicious potluck dish.
22. Daikon Radish
Also known as the Chinese radish, it looks like a carrot and is delicious raw. Low in calories and high in vitamin C.
23. Dried Plums
Prunes with an image makeover and the same benefits.
24. Eggs
Less than $1 for half a dozen (sometimes for a dozen) and a cheap source of protein.
25. Garbanzo Beans
aka “chickpeas” are cheapest raw but even canned are a great protein.
26. Green Beans
Frozen retain their nutritive value but taste even better fresh. Stay away from the high-sodium canned.
27. Greens
Nutritionally rich, tons of fiber and available year round. Delicious sauteed in olive oil with onions, garlic and cayenne.
28. Grapes
I like to peel them to make for a long-lasting snack. It’s addictive.
29. Grapefruit
Two servings each packed with vitamin C, pectin fiber and antioxidants. Sweeten by cooking.
30. Kale
A highly nutritious vegetable with powerful antioxidant properties; considered to be anti-inflammatory.
31. Kiwis
Often $1 for 3 or 4 and they’re packed with vitamin C. Peps up smoothies or oatmeal. Tip: Spoon the fruit out of its shell.
32. Lentils
The versatile legume makes great soups or mix up a can with fresh tomatoes for a snack.
33. Mangoes
Packed with vitamins A, B6, and C with fiber to spare. Hard to peel but has a great smooth texture. Watch for sales.
34. Milk
Prices have fallen to less than $1.50/gallon as a way to attract shoppers. Low-fat and non-fat milk really aren’t that bad!
35. Nuts
Pay less for peanuts, almonds and walnuts in the shell. A handful makes a healthy mid-day snack.
36. Oats
Microwave slow or fast oats for two minutes in a bowl and mix with yogurt for breakfast.
37. Olive Oil
Drizzle on a crusty bread, douse with garlic salt and pop it into the toaster oven.
38. Onions
Bake whole or chop for added zest in just about any recipe. Saute with a dab of olive oil until they glisten.
39. Oranges
The tiny ones make a great snack at work or school. Cut-up a big one for breakfast.
40. Pasta
Whole grain pasta is a dietary staple with great nutritional value.
41. Pearl Barley
Not often remembered but the unique texture is great in soups, stews and casseroles.
42. Pears
Ripen at 65 to 75 degrees F for 4-10 days, depending on the type.
43. Popcorn
Pop some up at home with a minimum of salt and oil to feed the late-night munchies.
44. Potatoes
Avoid fries and chips, eat them with the skins or mashed and you’ve got potassium and vitamin C.
45. Pumpkin
Scrape the soft flesh before carving and bake or puree.
46. Pumpkin Seeds
Snack on jack-o-lantern guts for protein and essential minerals.
47. Rice
In India, rice is cooked in boiling milk and sweetened with jaggery (an unrefined sugar) to make a rice pudding called Payash.
48. Rutabagas
A cross between the cabbage and turnip; eat the bulb root or leaves to avoid goitres.
49. Sardines
Mash with parsley, olive oil and lemon juice then spread on crackers for an appetizer rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
50. Spinach
Packed with nutrients; easy base for an omelet.
51. Split Peas
Yellow and green varieties are an inexpensive source of protein.
52. Squash
Acorn, spaghetti, zucchini, butternut, pumpkin, etc. Strictly speaking, they’re fruits, not vegetables.
53. Sweet Corn
Frozen or on the cob, it promotes healthy vision and a strong cardiovascular system.
54. Sweet Potatoes
Each of these orange babies packs four grams of fiber and more than 25 percent of daily vitamin A and C requirements.
55. Tofu
Inexpensive, health protein source. Doesn’t take much to fill you. Don’t like the texture? Try it in smoothies.
56. Tuna
Cans packed in water are dirt cheap lately and almost 100-percent protein.
57. Turkey
A popular bargain-priced loss-leader around the holidays. Buy an extra bird and freeze it for later, if you have room.
58. Turnips
The root is high in vitamin C and three greens are a good source of Vitamin A, C, K and calcium.
59. Water
Yes, water is food, and it’s relatively free. Replace pop and coffee with water to reduce hunger cravings.
60. Yogurt
The best quick lunch and good for your digestive system. Cheaper if you buy in bulk, rather than individual servings.
But even the best foods aren’t enough. You physically can’t eat enough good foods to receive optimal levels of the essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phyotonutreints, etc. For that you need to supplement. Click here for the #1 rated nutritional supplements in North America
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01.30.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 1:04 pm by Administrator
Fish oil containing the Omega 3 essential fatty acid EPA helps to prevent wrinkles and can delay the aging process of the skin according to recent research published in the Journal of Lipid Research in 2005. Scientists have also found that fish oil containing EPA can limit the damage to the skin produced by overexposure to the sun and help to reduce the negative effect of UV rays. This has particular relevance when we consider the recent and dramatic rise in cases of skin cancers caused predominantly by exposure to the suns harmful rays.
Essential Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids are known to play a critical role in promoting healthy skin. They help to regulate cellular function and maintain elasticity and suppleness in the skin. Consequently, a fatty acid deficiency will show up as skin problems. Most of us do not get enough of the Omega 3 fatty acids in our diet whereas Omega 6 fatty acids are in plentiful supply. Symptoms of Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency include skin problems like eczema, dandruff, dry and flaking skin and poor wound healing.
Three reasons why EPA is so beneficial to the skin?
- EPA is known to reduce inflammation by helping the body to produce anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. These are hormone-like substances that are responsible for regulating all the cells in our body.
- EPA helps to inhibit the production of androgens, which are hormones that influence the production of sebum in the hair follicle. Excess sebum production can lead to acne and other skin problems.
- EPA helps to limit production of Arachidonic acid, which is responsible for pro-inflammatory responses in the body, high levels of which are found in people with inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis.
The Omega 3 fatty acids are ALA, EPA and DHA. Alpha linolenic acid (ALA) is found in dark green leafy vegetables and algae. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) can be found in oily fish such as salmon, herring, anchovies, mackerel and Tuna. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can also be found in oily fish. We can convert ALA to EPA and DHA but the conversion is very inefficient and dependent on a number of factors. However, we can convert EPA into DHA if we get enough EPA.
Supplementing with fish oil that contains EPA can alleviate the symptoms of skin disorders such as dry and flaky skin, psoriasis, eczema and acne as well as many other inflammatory skin conditions. However, it is important to choose a fish oil that is high in EPA as DHA has been shown to reduce the effectiveness of EPA.
Fish oil supplements can contain mercury. To be safe take only a pharmaceutical grade fish oil supplement.
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01.28.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:03 pm by Administrator
We often see cleints who have tattoos and want the hair removed from the area. Unfortunately laser hair removal lasers will damage tattoos. The dark pigment in the ink will absorb the laser’s energy and will heat up damaging the ink as well as the skin around it. The only solution is electrolysis.
If you’re thinking of getting a tattoo it would be wise to consider getting laser hair removal in that area then after the treatments are complete, then have the tattoo done.
If you’re in the Denver and Boulder metro area please visit us for your laser hair removal needs. www.BellaPelleLaser.com
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01.21.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 8:21 am by Administrator
Laser hair removal is rapidly growing to be the most popular quick painless hair removal treatment of all time. This is largely because of the immense benefits that the treatment seems to promise to millions of people around the world who are feeling unattractive due to the presence of unwanted body hair. Electrolysis for hair removal is fast becoming a thing of the past even as quick hair removal methods like waxing and tweezing continue to diminish in popularity as long-term or permanent hair removal treatments.
So you are beginning to catch the drift here, that while several marketers may offer a variety of permanent hair removal solutions, few actually make consumer sense in terms of the total benefits that it offers. And this where laser hair removal has stood its ground, offering a miraculous mode of escape from unwanted hair, be it facial hair removal for women, be it back hair removal for men. This space age technology is gaining in popularity primarily because of the marginal utilities it can offer you, be it time or money, speed or accuracy as far as quick painless hair removal treatments go.
The beauty of laser hair removal as a permanent hair removal solution is it applicability over a wide range of body areas and surfaces. You can choose you pick among specialized laser hair treatments for hair removal from your back, cheeks, upper lip, under arms, legs, arms, back, thighs, shoulders, bikini hair removal among a wide range of possibilities. And what’s more, not only is this, a quick painless hair removal procedure, but the effect is also long lasting so much so that there is a lobby advocating this treatment as a permanent hair removal solution.
The secret of this form of hair removal treatment is the fact that the lasers with the help of light energy beams thermally agitate the base of your hair follicles and destabilize it without physically ever impacting your skin. And since it’s a highly concentrated focused beam, the accuracy and effect are greatly accentuated to the target area of hair removal. In just a few treatments lasting from under 5 minutes to up to a maximum of an hour, you can experience a technology that not only gives you a permanent hair removal solution but one which also promises to effect a quick painless hair removal.
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01.19.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:17 am by Administrator
When you go for your consultation you should be asked questions about your skin tone, or darkness. The clinician may visually judge it, or you may be asked direct questions. The purpose is to determine your Fitzpatrick Skin type. So what is this?
In 1975, Thomas B Fitzpatrick, MD, PhD, of Harvard Medical School, developed a classification system for skin typing. This system was based on a person’s response to sun exposure in terms of the degree of burning and tanning the individual experienced. For successful removal of hair, wrinkles, veins, sun spots, and scars using LASER technology, it is necessary determine your correct skin type.
TYPE I: Highly sensitive, always burns, never tans.
Example: Red hair with freckles or Albino
TYPE II: Very sun sensitive, burns easily, tans minimally.
Example: Fair-skinned, fair-haired Caucasians
TYPE III: Sun sensitive skin, sometimes burns, slowly tans to light brown.
Example: Darker Caucasians, European mix
TYPE IV: Minimally sun sensitive, burns minimally, always tans to moderate brown.
Example: Mediterranian, European, Asian, Hispanic, American Indian
TYPE V: Sun-insensitive skin, rarely burns, tans well.
Example: Hispanics, Afro-American, Middle Eastern
TYPE VI: Sun-insensitive, never burns, deeply pigmented.
Example: Afro-American, African, Middle Eastern
Based on the Fitzpatrick skin type number this will be used to adjust the settings of the laser to lessen the risk of burning.
For Laser Hair Removal in the metro Denver Boulder area please visit us. Bella Pelle Laser
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01.17.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 2:16 pm by Administrator
Saw palmetto may assist with the type of hair loss called male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss results from the destruction of hair follicles by the androgen hormone, dihydrotestosterone. While male pattern baldness is usually found in men, it can also occur in women. The fatty acids in Saw Palmetto help to block the formation of dihydrotestosterone and thus may help to prevent this type of hair loss in both men and women. The dosage of fatty acids from Saw Palmetto is 270-300 mg daily. This can be obtained from 320 mg of a standardized extract or 3 grams of dried Saw Palmetto berry. These doses have been found to be safe in many studies. However, Saw Palmetto is contraindicated in women who are pregnant, nursing or trying to conceive due to its effects on hormones.
It is important to determine the cause of your hair loss. Since male pattern baldness is not common in women, you will want to make sure there is not another cause. Low thyroid, low pituitary hormones, excess vitamin A, some medications, fever, severe illness, lupus, and fungal infections can all cause hair loss. Even the process of normal aging can result in thinning and increased fineness of the hair. The hair loss resulting from any of these won’t be helped by Saw Palmetto. Rather the condition itself should be treated and hair will regrow.
Usana’s Palmetto Plus contains 320mg of Saw Palmetto Extract and is pharmaceutical grade, so you can be assured what is on the label is what is in the bottle. Visit TheHalls.Usana.com for more information.
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01.15.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 12:50 pm by Administrator
While there are many types of laser technology used for laser hair removal today, many of 
us don’t know the differences between them. What’s more, it’s hard to distinguish between lasers that are used for skin rejuvenation treatments, and those meant for removing unwanted hair. IPL laser technology is one type that’s widely used for both skin rejuvenation and laser hair removal. But how does it work in both treatment situations? Are IPL lasers better for one type of treatment over another?
What Does IPL Stand For?
IPL stands for Intense Pulsed Light. IPL treatments are often referred to as photo rejuvenation, Photofacial or IPL Photofacial due to its use of “selective photothermolysis” during treatment. Photothermolysis is the process by which IPL lasers convert light energy to heat energy and treat unwanted hair and skin pigments. IPL lasers can use photothermolysis to remove unwanted hair, or to correct skin hyperpigmentation, rosacea, age spots and the appearance of sun damage.
What Makes IPL Hair Removal Different From Other Laser Hair Removal?
Unlike other types of hair removal lasers that use a single light wavelength concentration, such as the Alexandrite Laser or the Diode Laser, IPL lasers use a full spectrum of light wavelengths. IPL lasers can alter the intensity of its pulsed light beams with various filters, but it can’t be refined to a single wavelength. Some patients and professionals claim that the IPL’s greater wavelength spectrum equals less precision and less control, which could mean an increased risk of burns and hair removal side effects with misuse.
IPL lasers are sometimes available with combined radio frequency, or RF, benefits, like with the popular Aurora laser series. The addition of radio frequencies is alleged to help improve skin texture and clear up troubled complexions. Radio frequencies attempt to heat up and energize skin tissue, which can increase collagen production and create firmer skin tissue. IPL lasers with RF energy will be more beneficial when used for anti-aging skin care treatments, rather than for laser hair removal.
One of the biggest reasons why IPL lasers are so popular in the hair removal industry is the lower cost. On average, IPL treatments are cheaper than the standard cost of laser hair removal. Additionally, they can treat larger skin portions at a time, so areas like the legs and back can be treated in a fraction of the time required with standard lasers.
Is IPL Hair Removal Right for Me?
IPL lasers are more often recommended for skin treatments than for hair removal procedures. This is because greater precision is required to focus light energy on individual hair follicles as opposed to problem skin areas. This isn’t to say that IPL lasers can’t successfully remove hair on the face and body. It just means that before undergoing IPL hair removal treatments, you should take extra care to confirm:
If you want to find out if IPL hair removal will be an appropriate solution to your unwanted hair problems, you should meet first with a professional provider in your area. They will better inform you of the costs, risks and benefits of IPL hair removal, and help you choose the best treatment option for you!
For laser hair removal in the Denver Boulder area please visit us at www.BellaPelleLaser.com
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01.14.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:47 am by Administrator
As far as chemical peels go, glycolic acid peels are among the mildest and most popular. 
That’s largely because glycolic acid is considered to be natural. It comes from sugar cane and belongs to a family of acids called alpha-hydroxy acids or fruit acids [source: Pollick]. Think of it this way: If the fruit acids formed a football team, glycolic acid would be their star quarterback. It is by far the most popular and well-known acid of the bunch.
Glycolic acid has many uses. In fact, it’s used in high concentrations to remove rust from metal, and anything with a glycolic acid concentration of more than 10 percent is considered a hazardous material [source: Pollick]. Keeping that in mind, most glycolic acid peels have a concentration of 50 percent or higher [source: Hilinski]. That means you’re actually using a hazardous material on your skin, but considering what you’re trying to accomplish, that makes sense.
During a glycolic acid peel, the solution is applied using a sponge and left on the skin for a predetermined amount of time based on concentration. It penetrates the skin and breaks the bonds that hold each layer together. Once the desired number of layers have been separated and removed, the acid can be washed off with water. Immediately after a treatment, the skin will look red and continue to peel for several days. The entire process from treatment to recovery can take a week or more [source: Hilinski].
Glycolic acid peels are mild when compared with some of their more hazardous counterparts, and as a result the outcome might not be as noticeable as you’d like. It’s typical that multiple peels will be necessary to achieve the desired result. The upside is that there are very few complications associated with glycolic acid peels.
Bella Pella Laser is now offering peels. Please contact us for more information.
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01.09.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:47 am by Administrator
Beauty and confidence begins with clear, healthy skin that glows from the inside out.
At Bella Pelle Laser, we are pleased to offer you a variety of skin treatments that can help you achieve the beautiful skin you’ve always wanted – from head to toe! We listen to each client with care and respect, and are determined to use our expertise and advanced training to help you meet your skin care goals at affordable prices.
~Facials~
*Express Facial – This 30-minute treatment is a quick boost to your skin that can accommodate anyone’s busy day. It’s tailored to fit your specific skin needs, and leaves you feeling refreshed and revitalized. $28
*European Facial – An hour-long nourishing facial treatment that includes a relaxing massage, as well as detoxifying and hydrating ingredients. $42
*Acne Facial – Acne is one of the most prevalent skin disorders today, and doesn’t necessarily stop during the teenage years. A 60-minute Acne Facial can do wonders for skin struggling with breakouts and blemishes. Includes extractions and a massage. $45
*Anti-Aging Facial – Relive your younger days after our Anti-Aging Facial, which includes a collagen mask, hydrating serum, and a relaxing massage. Leave with firmer, brighter, smoother, softer skin! $45
~Intensive Skin Care~
*Glycolic Peel – A 45-minute session. A glycolic acid chemical peel can help diminish sun damage, wrinkles, and exfoliate dead skin cells that cause dull skin tone and blemishes. ($55 for face/neck, $65 for other body parts such as back or arms. Price may vary, depending on size of area to be treated.)
*Peeling Enzyme Treatment – A less intensive peeling treatment for sensitive skin. Gives skin a healthy glow and softness. $55
*Diamond Microdermabrasion – The newest in skin care technology. Microdermabrasion is a great way to smooth and tighten mature skin. Microdermabrasion can also help to diminish scarring from acne. Includes face and neck. $75 ($10 add on for décolleté)
~Add-On Services~
*Hot Paraffin Treatment – A soothing, extremely hydrating treatment for the hands and feet.
($8 for hands only)
($10 for feet only)
($15 for hands and feet)
*Hot/Cold Hammer – A rejuvenating and cooling treatment that can be used in conjunction with any facial, peel, or microdermabrasion. The heat warms the skin and opens pores, allowing products to penetrate deeply into the skin; the final cooling effect closes pores and seals in hydration and vitamins. $8 add on to any service
*Ultrasonic Massage – A massage that vibrates the skin and allows oil impactions and imperfections to loosen up and be washed away. The result is smoother, beautiful, clear skin. $8
*Brow Tweeze – $5
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01.06.10
Posted in Uncategorized at 8:53 pm by Administrator
You might expect a product labeled “pure, natural and organic” to be, well 
… pure, natural and organic. But you might be in for a surprise.
Unlike the food industry, there are no legal standards for organic or natural personal care products sold in the United States. This means that companies can, and often do, use these terms as marketing gimmicks. For example, the top-selling shampoo in the United States is Clairol Herbal Essences, which until recently claimed to offer users an “organic experience.” However, there isn’t much about this product that is either herbal or organic; it contains more than a dozen synthetic petrochemicals and has a moderate toxicity rating in Skin Deep.
Even top-selling brands in the natural products sector have been found to contain 1,4-dioxane, a synthetic chemical carcinogen.
New industry standards are emerging that may help consumers differentiate between the natural and not-so-natural products, but multiple standards with different meanings may not be helpful for consumers. For example, some require safety substantiation from a certifying body and others don’t. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics is advocating for a standard that means ingredients are both natural and safe for people.
What You Can Do
Encourage your favorite retailers and manufacturers of natural and organic products to clarify their use of the terms. Most importantly, be a critical consumer and remember that natural is a marketing term, not a legally binding description.
We recommend the Sense personal care products by Usana. They are free of all harmful ingredients. In the Denver Boulder area visit us at www.bellapellelaser.com
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