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"The Darker the Berry" Health and Beauty in 2010
By Lisa Davenport

What's for dinner, huh? Such a simple question we think about every day. Or is it? On the eve of a new decade, what and how we eat has become vital to who we are and to overcoming new and evolving challenges that confront us every day. More experts, like Kari Fishel of Sweet Bliss Skin and Body, advocate a healthful diet to catapult you to a healthful mind and body, and to adopting a lifestyle that keeps up with the times: beauty on the inside and out.

At the center of this nutrition-centered approach are "Superfoods"--colorful fruits and vegetables along with grains, seeds, beans, nuts, some fishes, herbs and spices. They contain antioxidants, Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) (found in fish, olive oil and some nuts), or fiber, and help prevent a multitude of diseases like diabetes and cancer. They also help stabilize blood sugar, boost the immune system, lower cholesterol, and regulate metabolism. Author Cyril Kendall, Ph.D. points out that "blood sugar changes cause the body to make insulin, which can increase abdominal fat." Plants have phytochemicals which work as antioxidants -- they inhibit the development of numerous diseases by destroying free radicals. Choose a mix of bright, colorful produce like apples, carrots, goji berries, quinoa, green leafy vegetables -- spinach or kale-blueberries or tomatoes. Blueberries get their color from "Aanthocyanins" which may boost mental acumen. Lycopene, a phytochemical that makes tomatoes red, may help prevent prostate cancer. What's great about many of these is that you can "Eat more to weigh less"! Make them part of your daily routine. Add them to everyday meals -- salads, cereals, soups -- or make them a meal in themselves.

Some Superfoods:

*Fiber lowers blood sugar and cholesterol and stimulates weight loss. It fills you up so you eat less and helps trim belly fat. It also helps reduce fat absorption by pulling fat through the digestive tract.

*Blueberries, loaded with phyto-flavinoids, fiber, potassium and vitamin C, help reduce inflammation. Overall, darker berries have more antioxidants!

*Oats have lots of fiber. The best are less processed -- "steel cut and rolled."

*Lentils (and other beans). High in protein and soluble fiber.

*Try Buckwheat pasta, high in fiber and protein, instead of white; you'll fit into your bikini before you know it!

*Almond butter can help lower "bread's glycemic index" -- or its effect on blood sugar.

Stick with whole grain bread.

*Kefir, and yogurt with "live and active cultures," boost immunity. Good bacteria helps stabilize blood sugar and reduces "bad" microorganisms that create toxins. Manufacturers can verify if the needed ratio of good bacteria is there.

*Omega 3 fatty acids decrease risk of "Heart, Joint, and Memory" diseases. Try "fatty, cold-water fish" like "wild (not farmed) salmon, herring, sardines, and mackerel," along with "fortified eggs, flax seed, and walnuts." Another benefit: monounsaturated fats -- these may help lower cholesterol.

*Soy, high in protein, helps lower cholesterol. Yet, it's not good for those with breast cancer in the family.

*Tarragon can replace salt in a variety of foods like chicken or soup.

*Avocado's fat content (29 grams) makes it a top weight loss food--in small portions. The monounsaturated fats fill you up, and it's good for your heart.

*Olive oil works as an anti-inflammatory. Chronic inflammation in the body is linked to metabolic syndrome. Also add to veggies to "increases antioxidant power."

*Black and green teas contain Polyphenols -- plant antioxidants that can boost immunity. Green tea also has ECGC, a potent antioxidant that may help prevent cancer.

*Calcium -- critical for healthy bones and preventing osteoporosis -- comes in dairy products, supplements, and quinoa.

*Dark Chocolate, a fun superfood loaded with antioxidants, helps reduce blood pressure. Chocolate with at least 70% cocoa reaps the most benefits. "The darker, the better." Darker chocolate also contains less fat and sugar.

Also add fun fruits and veggies to your favorite cocktail-alcohol can increase the effectiveness of anti-oxidants. Try a cucumber and mint gimble, or red wine sangria with blueberries or cranberries.

Although many grains are superfoods, beware: glutens, found mainly in wheat, rye, barley and oats (through contamination), trigger a "toxic immune response" when ingested by those who have celiac disease, "a chronic digestive disorder" that causes glutens to "damage and/or destroy the absorptive villi" in the small intestine. "The body then becomes unable to properly absorb nutrients, resulting in potentially life-threatening nutritional deficiencies and even intestinal lymphoma." Those with the condition must treat it by avoiding foods that contain gluten.

For optimal health, go organic-organic foods aren't processed with chemicals that harm the environment or contaminate rain and water. Such practices support healthy topsoil and promote "ecological harmony." Whole Foods Markets leads the way in promoting these efforts: each store has a "Take Action Center" to educate customers about pertinent issues--from local to global--and encourages "public participation" by keeping customers informed about current legislative concerns. Go to the website for a comprehensive overview of WFM matters-it expands on its role as an interactive advocate in efforts to sustain a healthier globe for future generations.

Beauty inside and out also means staying fit. A top fitness trend for 2010, according to the American College of Sports Medicine's Health and Fitness Journal, is the personal trainer. The demand for experienced, educated, reliable trainers has increased dramatically. In response, many trainers inaugurated "small group sessions" to reduce costs for their clients. Visit Max Fitness Academy Personal Training and Gym in Sherman Oaks, or Body and Soul Personal Fitness in Tarzana. Also on the horizon:

*The Home Gym. An inexpensive way to stay fit. You can get one for under $200. Body by Jake's Tower 200 says: "Gotta door? You gotta gym."

*Strength training and toning. Supports weight loss and healthy bones without body-builder bulk. Circuit training combines strength training and cardio workouts and can even include yoga for flexibility. Eat a small snack about ½ hour before working out-it enhances performance and gives you fuel to work. Afterward, eat a portion of protein to help repair muscles - "about ½ g per pound of body weight." Visit Kinesis Fitness in Westlake Village.

*Yoga and Pilates are still hot. Find a Yogaworks in Westlake Village. A new one is coming to Tarzana early next year. Some gyms offer combination "Yogalates" sessions.

*Dancing rocks! Note TV shows like Dancing With the Stars and American's Next Dance Crew. It's fun and interactive!

*Stunt fitness. "Parkour--or free running--… involves rolling, jumping, and diving to get from one point to another." It incorporates "core conditioning and balance." Shows like MTV's Parkour Challenge made this popular.

*Distance races, marathons and triathlons, have become more in vogue than ever, especially after an American won the ING New York City Marathon this year.

*Core training. Incorporates props like "stability balls, BOSU balls, wobble boards, and gym equipment--benches and hanging bars--to target and condition the muscles of the abdomen, pelvis, lower back, and hips." This "provides support for the spine and improves balance and stability." Lower-body training benefits the entire body.

*"Minimalist shoes". Vibram Five Fingers "wrap around your foot and around each individual toe to give you a barefoot feel;" and Nike's Free Line has "deep grooves in the sole … to activate muscles."

*Martial arts jujitsu have surged as a fitness favorite. Visit Knock Out Gyms, Extreme Fitness Gym in Westlake Village, or Big Fish in Agoura Hills for boxing.

*Universal Contourwrap--popular in the UK. Its clay formula and special wrapping technique guarantees a 6 inch loss for 30 days.

After a workout, pamper yourself--indulge your body and mind at a spa like Sweet Bliss in Granada Hills, launched by Kari Fishel and her business partner Irma Lozano in March 2009. What makes it unique: they try all their treatments on themselves before offering them to clients, and all of their products are "cruelty free"--no animal testing or derivatives. They focus on achieving tangible results. Their motto: find a perfect balance. If you've got a condition like acne they can help get it under control. They offer a wonderful array of services at great prices, like oxygen therapy (it increases cell turnover), back massages, waxing--including the Brazilian wax--organic tanning and air brushing, and even chocolate facials--this "clarifies skins and gives a tightenting affect." Or try the 24 karat gold facial, "a big thing for anyone going to a special event because it makes your skin really glow." Also get specialty makeup for any occasion like weddings, proms, or holidays. Indulge with your friends--spa parties are all the rage. Kari asserts: "We want to be there for everybody as much as we can."

Professionals like Kari know that great skin depends on a good nutrition--essential antioxidants, Vitamins A, C and E. They lead the fight against free radicals (present in every cell) that potentially "destroy" the skin. They also decrease inflammation which leads to wrinkles, large pores, and discoloration. Zinc and selenium are also critical. In addition, use face creams with retinoids--especially retin A--to help skin repair itself and fight against UV rays. Minimize environmental damage with a cream like Functional Lab Enduring Beauty Mature Skin Radiance ($55)--it enlivens your complexion with all-too-good ingredients like omega-3 fatty acids. Brandt Lines No More ($55) smoothes out fine lines and improves skins texture. Estée Lauder Nutritious Vita-Mineral Infusing Eye Gel ($32) contains cucumber and aloe and helps reduce dark circles with mulberry and grape extracts. Elizabeth Arden Prevage helps bolster skin's firmness and elasticity and nourishes photo-damaged skin. It costs $150 for 1.7oz and sells in such stores as Sephora and Nordstroms. To keep skin from drying out, don't use very hot water to wash. Antibacterials also dry out skin, so use moisturizers afterward. And always moisturize damp skim right after bathing.

Perricone an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Yale University School of Medicine warns: use creams carefully. They are cosmecueticals--they do not treat diseases or require FDA testing or approval, so it's up to the consumer to make the best choice for his/her needs.

For sexy, shimmering hair to compliment radiant skin start with a great shampoo and conditioner. A wide tooth comb is best for just washed wet hair. Maintain hair with a high quality brush--one with a rubber base and flexing bristles. When styling, be sure to apply a cream, spray, or gel. A good, fast blowdryer--at least 1875 watts--reduces hair's exposure to potentially damaging heat. Sprays and volumizers work best on fine hair; use shine serums for thick hair; and balms tame frizzy hair. Look for brands like Aveda, Frederik Fekkai, Giovanni, and Paul Mitchell. If you have oily hair, powder or dry shampoo can absorb extra oil between washes. The right hair spray can protect against humidity or heat & UV rays. Try Bumble and Bumble. But be watchful, you may be sensitive to ingredients in certain beauty products. Find one that's right for you. Visit Michaelangelo Hair Salon in Woodland Hills.

After pampering yourself, create a knockout look out--designers played up confidence and individuality with dramatic flare for 2010, showcasing bright feathers, florals, exquisite brocades, remarkable ruffles, metallics, and mixed prints. New York saw a touch of decadence from designers like Carolina Herrera, tribal chic from Rodarte, safari luxe from Tory Burch, and pretty pastels from Mizrahi. Fashion Houses like BCBG Max Azria, Michael Kors, and Vera Wang embraced bold whites. Many, like Calvin Klein sported the single shoulder look. Fendi showcased a stylish bra as a clothing piece under a shirt or jacket, while Ralph Lauren embraced the style and thrift of the great depression. Minidresses are in: Zac Posen's harked back to 1960s chic; Marc Jacobs' horizontal-striped mini rocked. In Milan, Moschino and Dolce and Gabanna made a splash with mouthwatering minis; so did Versace with amazing microminis.

To finish your look, choose smart makeup! RMS Beauty, Rose-Marie Swift's collection of organic cosmetics captures the next phase of beauty. M.A.C's line is a staple. Don't go without Covergirl LashBlast Mascara or Maybelline New York Lash Stiletto Mascara ($8.95) to wow lashes without extentions. Lancôme Ôscillation ($34), "vibrates to simulate the motion of a professional application." Use M.A.C Fix+ to create eyeliner from shadow--it even works "as a skin-refresher spray." Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow in Stylish Move will take you from day to night. If you want a "roller disco look" Nars Single Eyeshadow in Tropic" will do the trick. Max Factor's Vivid Impact Lipcolor ($7.98) stays on all day. To flush and highlight cheeks go with Chanel Blush Duo Tweed Effect or Prescriptives In Bloom Cheek Color Duo in Cool ($28). A new trend: mix pale with bright. Useh nude eye liner or shiny nude lips and add color to cheeks and eyebrows--which you can make thick to contour eyeshadow.

If it's party time, go with silver-gold eyes, lots of lashes, audacious lips, jewel toned eyes, or blushed cheeks. Troy Surratt, who gave Maggie Gyllenhaal a great "pucker" uses Lipstick Queen Medieval Lipstick--it'll even hold up under the mistletoe. You can choose fresh-off-the-runway looks too like matte skin, multicolor eyes, blue lids, smoky eyes, or sun-kissed skin. Emanuel Ungaro and Marc Jacobs like the matte look to balance cheeks and eyes. But don't overdo it. And remember, glitter is in! Add drama to a smoky eye or a fabulous pucker with Make Up For Ever Diamond Powder.

At the end of the day, get a good night's sleep-at least eight hours. For 2010, find balance. Stay focused. Stay fit.

Sweet Bliss: 818-363-1122.

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