Nourish your hair + skin with natural apricot oil

NOW 4 oz. Apricot Oil, $5.95You might need to make a special trip to the health food store, but before you buy another bottle of body lotion, consider trying apricot oil. The benefits are amazing.

Apricot oil is a rich source of essential vitamins. This rich, sweet smelling oil comes with goodness of vitamins and no harmful parabens. Studies show that regular application of apricot kernel oil slows down aging, gives a boost to your skin health and improves complexion. Safe for sensitive skin, apricot oil contains linoleic acid and oleic acid which are excellent anti-inflammatory properties.

You can boost your mane health with apricot oil, too; it also promotes hair growth and leaves you with soft, glossy tresses.

Editor's Tip: When your hair is damp, rub a small amount in your palm and work gently through the ends. Best to keep away from the scalp to avoid oily roots. Apricot oil is available at most health food stores.

Now products available at Dad's Organic Market, 240A-1820 8th St. E.

Zumba Dance Party

Zumba® is a high energy workout that combines unique dance moves with high energy music. Zumba fitness programs are easy to commit to so you can burn calories, lose weight and achieve long-term health benefits. Most importantly, Zumba is fun and easy to do.

On January 30th, Club Mynx invites you to participate in their Zumba Dance Party. Learn Zumba moves during a 90-minute instruction and watch performances by Stiletto Vibe.   

CLUB MYNX ZUMBA DANCE PARTY

Sunday, January 30TH

205-A Pacific Avenue

4:30pm - 6:00pm (Doors open at 4:00pm)

$20 per person (Partial proceeds donated to local charity)

Spots are limited so call 373.4244 to register in advance. 

Get active and get social with SRL

Now that we've all got resolutions on our mind it's time to put our goal-setting to practice and get active. 

If you don't fancy the gym routine, think about joining the Saskatoon Rec League (SRL). SRL adds a social component to being active. Join a team as an individual or form a team of your own; the idea is to meet new people, play sports, and most importantly, have FUN. 

Teams are comprised of men and women ages 18+. SRL offers traditional and non-traditional team sports including: floor hockey, volleyball, badminton, dodgeball, soccer, basketball, badminton, ultimate frisbee, flag football, and slow-pitch.

Don't be a slave to the remote control this winter, there's still time to call up some friends and get a team together for the winter season. League play begins the week of January 16th.

Saskatoon Rec League

306.717.6792

info@saskatoonrecleague.com

Top 5 tips for successful holiday eating

Photo credit: Health and Care Inc.

1.  Spoil your appetite
Don’t attempt to “save” Calories for the party and skip meals ahead of time. Going in deprived only sets you up to overindulge. Stick with your regular healthy eating pattern, but taper your overall Calories by picking smaller portions at your meals. Before you head out, have a healthy snack or small meal to avoid running straight to the buffet.

2.  Play optical illusions
Trick your mind into thinking you are getting more than you are. Choose a smaller plate and load it up with veggies before picking anything else. Take your drinks in tall, slender glasses instead of short, wide glasses and add ice. Dish-out dips with teaspoons instead of serving spoons.

3.  Take a closer look
It can be hard to resist a fantastic assortment of treats. But if you look closer, not everything on the table will tantalize your taste buds. Before you pick your plate, rate the foods from “must have” to “pass on”, and only allow yourself the treats that are really worth it to you.

4.  Dress the part
You are more likely to over-eat when you can hide your body behind layers of loose clothing. Wearing tighter-fitting, body-conscious clothes will help keep you focused on portion-control.

5.  Keep it in perspective
Yes, the holidays come only once a year and you absolutely deserve to allow yourself indulgences. But how many times will you be “indulging”? Over-doing it one night a year will not make-or-break your good habits, but over-doing it at each party you attend will pack on the extra pounds, make you feel sluggish, and cause that familiar after-holidays guilt.

TIFFANY BANOW IS A REGISTERED DIETITICIAN AND CONTRIBUTOR FOR CULCHER

Top 5 restaurant eating tips

"Mind your menus, ladies."

Following a healthy diet doesn’t mean you need to avoid eating in restaurants. Knowing a few tricks and tips can keep Calories under control and prevent having to loosen a notch on your belt. 

1.  Go in with a plan

Before you even get to the restaurant, check online to see if there is a virtual menu you can peek at. Many restaurants have their menus posted, along with nutritional information. Deciding what you want to eat in advance can prevent any snap-decisions and decrease the temptation to choose a higher-fat meal.

      2.  Skip the drink

An average alcoholic drink can add another 100-300 Calories to your meal (or more if you go for a double!). Pop and juices are also guilty of boosting up the Calories. Instead, stick with water. It’s refreshing, hydrating, and 100% Calorie free! Ask for a lemon slice to give a touch of flavour, and have as many re-fills as you want.

      3.  Learn the lingo

Menu descriptions are a big indicator of the “healthfulness” of the item. Avoid foods that include explanations with these words: fried, deep-fried, pan-fried, battered, breaded, dipped, crispy, scalloped, gratin, cheesy, alfredo, and cream. Instead, choose foods described as: baked, broiled, grilled, steamed, roasted, and barbequed.

      4.  Be “sides” savvy

Many restaurants have smartened-up and are now giving options for side-dishes. Use this opportunity to make a wise side choice and save on fat, salt, and your overall Calories. Opt for broth based soups, tossed salad with dressing on the side, baked potato with salsa (stay away from the toppings caddy!), or steamed veggies.

      5.  Don’t clean your plate

There’s no denying that the portion being served is more than you need to eat at one sitting. But don’t feel like you need to waste food to keep your waistline from expanding. Take your leftovers for lunch the next day. Better yet, ask for a to-go container as your food is served so you can half-it right away and prevent overeating. You could also choose to share an entrée and save on money and Calories at the same time.

 Tiffany Banow is a Registered Dietitician and contributor for Culcher.