"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - AN APPLE A DAY...

..."keeps the doctor away," the old saying goes. Of course, this statement primarily implies that apples keep you healthy by strengthening your immune system (thanks to Vitamin C) to avoid sickness. However, did you know that an apple a day can also help you lose weight, accumulate good cholesterol, clean your teeth, and prevent illnesses like Alzheimer's, heart disease, and cancer? In short, the apple's low caloric content make a scrumptious means for calorie deduction that leads to weight loss, flavonoids keep the heart happy, phenols lower bad cholesterol and higher good cholesterol, and finally - the juices zap away 80% of bacteria in teeth. Who knew a healthy lifestyle could ever be this sweet?    

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - BIND IT ALL IN!

Megan Fox transforms her already sinewy 22 inch waist into Barbie's 18 inch size with this costumed corset. Corsets and bustiers alike tighten you in by at least 2-4 inches, cinching the waist and pushing up decolletage to shape an hourglass silhouette. So whether for smoothing bulges under a gown or stripping sexily for your man, the corset reigns as the go-to beauty saviour for centuries.

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - SAY "OLIVE OIL"

The stereotypical Italian meal may be structured as an overload of refined pasta, bread, cheese, veal, sauce, and cannolis. However, what many people don't know is that the Mediterranean diet (which also consists of Italian food) is considered to be one of the healthiest eating regimens. In other words, there is nutritious Italian food - Italian food, other than heavy gnocchi and greasy pizza. The Mediterranean diet contains delicious but nutritious items like heart-loving red wine, good-fattening extra virgin olive oil, fibre-filled whole grain pasta, protein-supplementing grilled fish, and iron-rich non-starch vegetables.     

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - FIGHT CELLULITE

Over 90% of women - thin or thick - complain about having cellulite. And while some of those women may exercise and eat right, their dimpled monsters still remain. Why? Well, when cellulite can be produced by unstoppable factors such as stress, genetics, and aging, it's difficult or even impossible to reverse the traces of time. However, even though there is no universal cure, medication, or treatment to completely eliminate cellulite for everyone, certain ingredients can temporarily but expeditiously improve its appearance. Spa treatments often include sources like algae, pure aloe, and caffeine, which assist in detoxifying and tightening up skin, while building collagen and firming appearance. So, does that mean drinking coffee can get rid of cellulite, too?

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - (WALK) YOUR WAY TO HEALTH!

Even though it may be something we do everyday and take for granted, we shouldn't underestimate the power of walking. A mere 10-15 minute brisk stroll daily can reap major benefits, like reducing stress and the risks of cancer or heart problems. Wanna melt that stomach pooch? Grab a pedometer, and calculate 8,000 steps a day to earn your weight loss goals, in addition to a flatter tummy. Can you handle a challenge? Up your heart rate and cardiovascular endurance by pressing more incline on the treadmill or adding hills to your routine.  

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - TOOTHPASTE GOOD FOR MORE THAN JUST YOUR TEETH?

Here's a classic tip I got from teen magazines back in the day (well, in Grade 7). Apparently, applying toothpaste onto your skin overnight can help zits disappear more quickly. Toothpaste supposedly dries the oil-iness that factors in with acne. This one time at camp (seriously), I saw one roommate attempt this tip. I can't recall the results, yet I still wonder - does this really work?

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - CROSS IT WITH A "V"

Whether a sweet, subtle cut or a dangerously plunging neckline, the v-neck promises "vertical" attention that eludes body symmetry and thinness. It also creates and flaunts luscious cleavage!

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - GOT (SOY) MILK?

Thanks to Got Milk? ads reinforced by celebrity influence, it's hard to surpass the benefits of milk in general. For example, milk contains trytophan, which calms and acts like a sleeping aid. And everyone knows milk has calcium, a necessity for developing and preserving strength in nails, skin, and bones. However, soy milk (or soy products in general) only enhance these benefits milk already provides. For example, soy possesses an adequate source of protein, which assists in maintaining and producing lean muscle mass. So even though soy milk tends to be more fattening, if consumed in moderation, (soy) milk can actually help you control your appetite (fill you up more quickly), gain more muscle, and - since a pound of muscle burns an additional 250-500 calories at rest - burn more fat and lose weight. Finally (my favourite), soy milk can lift and firm your breasts! 

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - DON'T STRETCH!

...Or at least don't stretch before you hit the gym. Studies show that stretching prior to a workout session can actually better your odds at injury. Overexerting yourself while stretching (even to increase your flexibility) before exercise may tire your muscles out - before you started the real deal! Instead, you should substitute with a gentle 5-10 minute cardio warm-up, and leave the stretching for after your workout!

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - WET VS. DRY

Think more means more? Think again. Sometimes, less is more, and the same goes for maintaining healthy, clean, moist locks. Washing, straightening, colouring, or applying product to your hair daily (or regularly) can havoc more damage than good. Detergents, chemicals, and heat can dry and frizz out hair if manipulated frequently, thereby forging breakage, tangles, and split ends. Some celebs and hairdressers may recommend you only wash your hair once a week; however, their advice may deliver unsanitary results for those who exercise or engage in some form of "dirty" activity consistently. If you work out 3-4 times a week though, cleansing hair on gym days (or every other day) is probably okay. As for flat ironing your hair? Coming from someone who owns a parade of thick, long, wavy strands, I personally only straighten my hair for special occasions, photo ops, job interviews, etc. (or when my lion's mane is super poufy, and it must be tamed). I hardly ever use mousse or hair gel, and I've stopped dying my hair completely.     

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - (ICE), ICE BABY!

While water in general is low in calories and high in detoxification, ice-cold water renders the most effective for weight loss. When consumed, ice-cold water forces the body to work at keeping warm, burning more calories through heat and speeding up the metabolism altogether. Actually, eating, drinking, or doing anything HOT or COLD makes your body scramble to maintain a comfortable, warm temperature: HOT yoga, tea, spicy food, and soup as well as COLD activities i.e. skiing, skating, etc., ice cream, and frozen yogurt. 

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - SOAK UP THE SUN

Whether you choose to use bronzer, stand-up, or the real deal, tanning can help you appear more taut, toned, and terrific! The darkness of your tan narrows width and highlights muscles, establishing that longer and leaner look stars like Britney Spears and Jessica Alba made famous! While lack of sunscreen protection gives suntanning a bad rap for causing skin cancer, (good) exposure to the sun provides (especially us Canadians) with Vitamin D and decreases our risk of breast cancer.

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - "BANDAGE" YOURSELF SLIM!

Even though the bandage dress became famous a few years ago for making already-tiny celebrities look tinier, it has been test-tried and proven to also flatter women of a variety of shapes and sizes. While Kim Kardashian possesses a small waist and svelte legs, her buxom "B's" and wide hips still create a fuller hourglass shape, meaning she is still larger than many of her pencil-thin superstar buddies. Therefore, a curvier gal - like Kim - has been pulling off this sexy and stylish trend (repeatedly). This dress - which originally sold at BCBG Max Azria for thousands of dollars - is also available at stores like Bebe and Sirens for under a hundred bucks. The bandage stretch comfortably holds in and smooths bulges, while contouring and lifting your breasts and buttocks simultaneously. Can't find a bandage dress within your budget, size, or travel? You can never go wrong with a plain dress in one solid colour. Add in a skinny belt to cinch the waist and accentuate or build an hourglass silhouette.

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - CHILL OUT!

Did you know that stress causes a hormone called cortisol to spike up and trick you into feeling hungry, thereby increasing chances of weight gain or even obesity? Did you also know that stress can lead to depression, (feelings of) suicide, cancer, and heart problems - amongst other things? Yes, many (or all) of these issues (including anxiety) are hereditary and cannot be completely suppressed through natural or medical health remedies. However, many of these stress-related illnesses can be prevented or diminished through relaxation. How do you relax in this technology-obsessed, overworked world, you ask? Well, all of us need to take at least some time for ourselves for the sake of our mental health. You can even take a mental health day off! Dance the heat off or stretch your worries away in yoga. Allow yourself to be lavished in a yummy firming or calming chocolate body wrap, a facial, or a Vichy shower during a day at the spa. Shop 'till you drop, go to the hair salon, get a makeover; after all, looking good is feeling good! Belt your heart out at a local Karaoke bar, laugh away at a comedy show, or pick up some guys at a speed-dating event. The world is your oyster. No matter what your budget or schedule, everyone deserves to take a break. You need and want to! 

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - JUST DESSERTS (DARK CHOCOLATE)

Studies show that eating a small portion of dark chocolate 30 minutes before a meal helps reduce cravings and satisfies your appetite more efficiently. So not only does its antioxidants improve the health of your heart; (dark) chocolate can also surprisingly aid in weight loss and get you into those skinny jeans again!

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - (THE) BRAID-Y (BUNCH)

Wanna wake up with beautiful waves or crimps? Take a shower, make small braids with all your hair, and sleep tight! Within a few hours of beauty slumber, unravel smooth yet voluminous tresses; the water (especially if it's cold) from your shower enhances shine, and the braids prevent hair from tangling.

"LOOK/FEEL GOOD" TIP OF THE DAY - (TAKE THE) HEAT

Sweat stress out in a hot yoga studio or sauna. Not only does a heated room negate what you ate; it opens your pores and releases all your toxins, creating cleaner and clearer skin. Same goes for running toasty (but not scalding) water in the shower. After all, one Victoria Secret model swears by it, and you can't deny a "look/feel good" tip from an "angel" of beauty!