Put Your Best Face Forward

I'm about to get vulnerable with you. Don't worry I won't have you getting misty eyed, but I want to share a triumph and by doing so, share hope and knowledge as well.

I have breifly mentioned before, that since mid-highschool I have struggled with acne. And trust me when I say I've tried it all - from the basic clean and clear, to proactiv, to special order neutrogena. The skin care aisle was a familiar place for me.

 My freshman year of college I got desperate and went to the dermatologist. Still no result and although it was tempting, birth control was not an option for me. 

Nothing was working for me and let me tell you, it is a terrible feeling to be ashamed of your face. To constantly be worrying if your makeup is wearing off. To not want your picture taken, or your boyfriend to kiss your forehead.

At my worst, I was introduced to an esthetician who changed my life. 

She taught me the importance of what you put into your body.

Growing up my mom always ate a clean diet, and taught me how to do the same but now my diet became personal. 

There are lists all over the place about foods that are good for your skin such as {this one}, and they are awesome. It is super important to get all of the vitamins and minerals that your skin needs to thrive.

But the game changer that my esthetician taught me is this:

 The three big no-no's for acne prone skin.

1. Refined Flour/Grains

This includes typical white bread, and pasta. If you want to clear up your acne, eat only whole grains as much as possible. The more refined the grain is, the more inflammatory effect it has on our body. Refined grains increase keratinocyte production in the body which is often the root of an acne problem.

2. Dairy

Yes, I'm sorry. Milk, cheese, yogurt. It definitely has it's benefits, but clear skin is not one of them! Just like refined grains, dairy has an inflammatory effect on the skin, and milk is the worst offender. Not to mention all of the hormones that are in dairy these days. When I consume dairy, it's like I'm asking for a breakout.

3. Sugar

This one shouldn't surprise you, I think we all have heard that we need to cut back on the sugar intake. But did you know that we all have yeast living inside of us? It's a natural thing, in moderation but yeast feeds on sugar, and your sebaceous glands in your skin contain yeast. When the yeast feeds, it grows and has a little party on your face. I don't know about you, but thats one party that can hit the road!

Now obviously this isn't going to be a cure-all because everyone's body is different, but I have had such success that it would be selfish of me to keep it to myself. 

Keep in mind that in both photos I'm wearing makeup. The first photo is the summer before my freshman year in college, and the second is a month ago and exactly 2 years after the first.

You can see that by no means do I have perfect skin now, but I feel like I am looking at two different people. All that I changed was my diet.

I really hope that this helps someone out there who is struggling like I was!

Xoxo, 

Terra

Get That Chocolate Fix!

 I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! 

I just wanted to share a quick snack that is not only filling, but is my go-to when I'm craving some chocolate, but don't want the guilt of a candy bar!

For this simple smoothie I only use 4 ingredients- 

✼ 1 Banana

✼ 1-2 Table spoons of all natural peanut butter (or almond butter)

✼ Almond Milk

✼ A spoonful of Sweetened Cocoa Powder

And if you're going for really chocolatty, you could even do an extra spoonful or two ;)

Taylor it to your preferences, sometimes I add an extra banana, less peanut butter, or a few ice cubes.

Enjoy this guilt-free craving curb! 

My High Maintenance Starbucks Order

Yes, yes, I admit it I am one of those people who's drink order is a mile long. I apologize.

I am just a sucker for hot flavored drinks, and I know how I like them!

For those who aren't aware, I am a huge tea drinker. I have to have it every day, it is my ultimate comfort food. Comfort drink. Whatever. 

But I think we can all agree that there is something about coffee that is just irresistible, and for me that is the christmas drink- gingerbread latte. 

But I have tried to cut out coffee almost entirely over the past year.

I'll try to keep my explanation short and sweet, but for about a year I had pretty severe acne, brought on by a missions trip to the Dominican Republic. It was pretty much the only negative experience of the whole trip.

[I'm third from the left in the top row.]

I blame it on all the acidic food, and having to drink everything but the water...especially the coffee. Mmmmm I still crave Dominican coffee two years later. 

But after lots of research and appointments I have whipped my skin back into shape through keeping a simple strategic diet. Which excludes coffee. 

Dilemma: I don't drink coffee anymore, but I loooovvvveeee me some gingerbread latte. 

Solution: My complicated, wonderful drink order.

A non-fat black tea latte with pumps of gingerbread. 

(how many depends on the size)

It would be even better if they had almond milk, but they don't. Yet. I'm hopeful.

I haven't tried it with other syrups but I don't know why it wouldn't work just the same with any other flavor you could think of. 

Try it and tell me if you like it, or if my imagination is just a little too vivid.

Hey Friends!

Here you are.

Here I am.

Here we are.
At my brand new blog.
I'm not sure why I've decided to take this on, I've had a blog before and know how much work it is to keep it up. I'm just going into my second year of college, playing volleyball and balancing 19 units this semester. I'm gonna have sooo much free time for a blog.. right? Logically.
None-the-less I will still be having to cook myself meals, and take care of my house, so whats the big deal if I snap some pictures along the way? Seems like an alright plan to me.

I plan to post about once a week. I say "about" because it's really going to be just as my schedule allows. Lets get real..there won't be much to say about consistency.
That aside I'm super into nutrition and fitness, so I'll share some knowledge that I've aquired.
I have a passion for cooking and a boyfriend with a passion for eating. (Two plus two.. it works and I cook a lot.)
I like a clean and organized house but it doesn't come naturally so I've become pro at cheating with the house work.
And last but not least, I LOVE pintrest. I can easily spend hours on that stupid, life-sucking, wonderful, inspirational site. So when I attempt something I will share the intended result..and the actual result. That will be fun.
So if you're looking for semi-easy, semi-quick, always healthy, always (usually) great, meals, snacks, and how to's, I hope that I can give you some inspiration.
If I have accomplished that, I will have succeeded. I hope you can find something to enjoy here : )

Terra ❤