The Key Player: Omega-3 vs. Omega-6 Fatty Acids

The study reveals that increasing your intake of omega-3 fatty acids while reducing omega-6s can dramatically impact your migraines. These fatty acids play crucial roles in your body’s inflammatory processes, and an imbalance can trigger migraine attacks. So, how do you achieve this balance?

Dr. Berry outlines four key steps:

1. Ditch the Linoleic Acid-Rich Oils: Bid farewell to safflower, grapeseed, sunflower, and other vegetable oils high in linoleic acid (an omega-6). These oils promote inflammation and contribute to migraines.

Swap them for healthier fats like butter, beef tallow, and bacon grease. I also use extra virgin olive oil and coconut oil.

This is also the main reason why we should avoid fast food – they cook food in these vegetable oils that are so damaging to our bodies. 2. Sugar Detox: Added sugars and high-sugar fruits (like mangoes and grapes) spike your insulin levels, disrupting hormone balance and potentially triggering migraines. Cut back on these culprits and opt for low-glycemic fruits and vegetables.

Sugar is the main ingredient of inflammation.

Inflammation and sugar co-exist. I can talk more about this but even the main reason for heart attacks is not mainly because of clogged arteries more so, the cause of arteries being clogged is because of inflammation caused by sugar. 3. Go Grain-Free: Grains like wheat, rice, and oats can also elevate insulin levels. Eliminate them from your diet to keep your hormones in check and potentially reduce migraines. 4. Ditch the Low-Fat Dairy: Milk and other low-fat dairy products contain high amounts of lactose (milk sugar), which raises insulin levels.

Stick to full-fat dairy or consider eliminating dairy altogether.

Where to get Omega-3?

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for overall health and brain function, and they can also be beneficial for reducing inflammation and potentially mitigating migraine symptoms. Here are some excellent sources of omega-3s, categorized by food type: Fatty Fish:

• Wild-caught salmon: The king of omega-3s, a 3.5-ounce serving packs about 1.5 grams of DHA and 0.5 grams of EPA.
• Mackerel: Another oily fish powerhouse, providing around 1.3 grams of DHA and 0.6 grams of EPA per 3.5-ounce serving.
• Herring: A smaller, budget-friendly option with 1.2 grams of DHA and 0.5 grams of EPA per 3.5-ounce serving.
• Sardines: Tiny but mighty, sardines deliver 0.9 grams of DHA and 0.4 grams of EPA per 3.5-ounce serving.
• Tuna: Opt for wild-caught tuna as it generally has higher omega-3 content than farmed varieties. A 3.5-ounce serving provides around 0.5 grams of DHA and 0.3 grams of EPA.

Plant-Based Sources:

• Chia seeds: A nutritional powerhouse, chia seeds boast 5 grams of omega-3s (mostly ALA) per tablespoon.
• Flaxseeds: Another great source of ALA, flaxseeds offer 4.5 grams of omega-3s per tablespoon. Grind them before consuming for better absorption.
• Walnuts: These delicious nuts provide 2.6 grams of ALA per cup.
• Soybeans: Edamame (immature soybeans) and tofu are good sources of plant-based omega-3s, with about 0.5 grams of ALA per half cup of edamame.
• Algae oil: A concentrated source of DHA and EPA, algae oil supplements can be a good option for vegetarians and vegans.

Other Sources:

• Eggs: While not as high as fatty fish, eggs offer a good amount of DHA and EPA, especially if enriched with omega-3s.
• Fortified foods: Some dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are fortified with DHA and EPA. Read labels carefully to choose options with added omega-3s.

Tips for Increasing Omega-3 Intake:

• Incorporate a variety of omega-3-rich foods into your diet throughout the week.
• Add chia seeds or flaxseeds to smoothies, yogurt, or oatmeal.
• Snack on walnuts or almonds.
• Grill or bake fatty fish instead of frying for optimal omega-3 retention.
• Consider supplementation if you have difficulty meeting your omega-3 needs through diet alone.

Do I eliminate all sugar? Not necessarily. I eat fruits, vegetables, and dairy that have some sugar but I try not to have added sugars and I try to stay away from very refined sugars, which I notice would cause the start of a bad migraine. Changing your diet takes time and commitment. Experiment and find what works best for you. Watch Dr. Berry’s video explaining this in depth.     Sources: National Library of Medicine – Molecular mechanisms of omega-3 fatty acids in the migraine headache Harvard Health – The sweet danger of sugar National Library of Medicine -Inflammation, glucose, and vascular cell damage: the role of the pentose phosphate pathway  

Benefits of eating a little bit before a workout

• Provides energy for your workout. When you eat before a workout, your body has the fuel it needs to perform at its best. This can help you to work out for longer and at a higher intensity.
• Prevents muscle breakdown. When you don’t eat before a workout, your body may start to break down muscle for energy. This can lead to fatigue and soreness.
• Improves performance. Studies have shown that eating before a workout can improve performance. For example, one study found that cyclists who ate a carbohydrate-rich meal before a workout were able to cycle for longer than those who didn’t eat.
• Reduces hunger. Eating before a workout can help to reduce hunger during your workout. This can help you to focus on your workout and avoid distractions.

Reasons why it is not wise to do a workout without eating

• Low blood sugar. When you don’t eat before a workout, your blood sugar levels may drop. This can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
• Lack of energy. Without food, your body will not have the energy it needs to perform at its best. This can lead to a shorter and less intense workout.
• Increased risk of injury. When you are tired, you are more likely to make mistakes. This can increase your risk of injury.

Fasting before a workout

Now, here’s a question I always have in my mind. Is it better to be in a fasted state before a workout? Fasting before a workout is a popular trend among some athletes. However, there is limited scientific evidence to support the benefits of fasting before a workout. Some studies have shown that fasting can improve performance, while others have shown that it can have a negative impact on performance.

If you are considering fasting before a workout, it is important to talk to your doctor first. They can help you to determine if fasting is safe for you and can provide you with guidance on how to do it safely. In my opinion though, and from what I’ve read so far, I think it is better to eat a little bit of good carbs to fuel an effective workout. We’ll talk about what kind of food to eat down below.

Recommended foods to eat before a workout

• Good carbohydrates – carbs are the body’s primary source of energy. Good sources of carbohydrates for pre-workout meals include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and yogurt.
• Protein – helps to repair and rebuild muscle tissue. Good sources of protein for pre-workout meals include lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and beans.
• Fat – helps to slow the digestion of carbohydrates, which can help to prevent blood sugar spikes. Good sources of fat for pre-workout meals include nuts, seeds, avocados, and olive oil. I need to note, that we must all avoid unhealthy, heavily processed fats such as vegetable oil which has a lot of harmful omega-6 fatty acids.

How many hours before a workout should we eat?

The ideal time to eat before a workout is 1-3 hours before. This will give your body time to digest your food and provide you with energy for your workout. If you are eating a smaller snack, you can eat it closer to your workout time.

Examples of pre-workout meals

• Oatmeal with berries and nuts
• Yogurt with granola and fruit
• A banana with peanut butter
• A hard-boiled egg
• A protein shake

Tips for eating before a workout

• If you are eating a large meal, eat it at least 3 hours before your workout.
• If you are eating a smaller snack, eat it 1-2 hours before your workout.
• Avoid eating greasy or fatty foods before a workout. These foods can be difficult to digest and can cause stomach upset.
• Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout.

By following these tips, you can ensure that you are properly fueled for your workout and can perform at your best.

The decision of whether or not to eat before a workout is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. The best approach is to experiment and find what works best for you. If you are unsure of what to do, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian.

Sources

American Council on Exercise. (2020). Should you eat before a workout? Retrieved from 
Jeukendrup, A. E. (2014). Nutrition for endurance sports: Marathon, triathlon, and road cycling. Human Kinetics.
Volek, J. S., et al. (2016). Intermittent fasting and resistance exercise. Sports Medicine, 46(1), 127-141.

Hannah completed Stanford’s Introduction to Food and Health and is also a certified XPERT Pole Fitness Trainer.

First of all, I’ve noticed that social media can be incredibly addictive, and TikTok is no exception. With its endless scroll of short, engaging videos, it’s easy to get lost in the app and lose track of time. I value my time and productivity too much to risk getting sucked into the TikTok vortex.

Secondly, I’m not convinced that TikTok is a particularly healthy or positive space, at least for me. While there are certain creators who use the platform to spread joy, creativity, and positivity, there are also plenty of negative and toxic trends and behaviors that can be harmful to people’s mental health and self-esteem.

Thirdly, I’m wary of the data privacy concerns associated with TikTok. There have been concerns raised about how user data is collected, stored, and used. While TikTok has taken steps to address these concerns, I prefer to err on the side of caution when it comes to my personal information.

Finally, and the biggest reason why I don’t have TikTok is that I simply don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything significant by not having TikTok. While I’m sure there are some entertaining and informative videos on the platform, I don’t believe that it’s an essential part of modern life. There are plenty of other ways to stay entertained and informed that don’t involve social media. Plus, I feel like it’s too much for me to maintain another social media account. I even deleted my main Twitter and Facebook accounts. I only have a Facebook account for groups. And I only maintain Instagram and YouTube.

That’s basically it. I don’t have TikTok because I value my time, my mental health, my privacy, and my independence. While I understand why others might enjoy the app, it’s simply not for me, and I’m okay with that. I prefer to live my life on my own terms, without feeling the need to conform to the latest social media trends.

I got the booster shot today in the US.? It’s free, even for tourists. I got mine at a CVS pharmacy inside Target.

While I was there, I got Mica a Moby Lick. Apparently, BTS used it in one of their videos.

I feel like my left arm is going to drop on its own. Other than that, I don’t feel migraine and fever unlike my first two shots.

I still feel fatigued though. And stressed.

I’m still stressed that my flight got canceled and it’s so difficult to find affordable flights.

My blog has been existing for over a decade already! Can you believe it? And now, I am as excited as the time I wrote my first blog entry!

We’ll get to talk about my comeback in another post.
In the meantime, I am reviewing this product that I have been eyeing for!

In the meantime, I am reviewing this product that I have been eyeing for! I was chosen by Try and Review PH to test this new product of L’Oreal.

I miss doing this, where we get to be the first to try and test new products! I can’t believe I’ve forgotten how this feels like!

Look, feel, smell

It doesn’t have a strong smell. If ever, there’s a hint of an almond oil smell, but it’s barely there. I’ll practically call it fragrance-free. Extra scent/fragrance on any makeup is a turn-off for me! Except for lip glosses that may have “flavors.” It feels super light, granules appear really thin, but smooth.

Application notes

Based on the physical appearance, you can already tell that it’s going to be my face’s best friend. I always look for light powder to use for my everyday look. If I had enough sleep and my skin is feeling fresh, sometimes I even skip wearing any loose or press powder at all! I try to avoid feeding my skin with chemicals as much as possible. But I keep one handy press powder in my bag, just in case I’ll bump into someone who will offer to go “cocol” coffee coffee lang 😛

It came with a soft powder applicator (not a sponge). I like this type better than use a sponge for powder because it can apply lighter powder on my skin better. It is easy to use, you don’t have to think or worry about bringing anything else because the container also has a mirror.

Coverage and Feel

As expected, it feels very light on the skin. It covered minor impurities such as a part of my skin that slightly darkened due to a pimple that just healed. It didn’t cover the entirety of it, but my skin still looks natural and natural – some flaws. Showing some flaws could be beautiful. It’s okay.

I also wore this on top of a full-on makeup before going to the pub with my friends one Friday night.

I wore a primer, plus foundation, and finished it with this True Match powder. I brought it with me to dab on the skin for a retouch after a few hours.

You can’t really tell from this picture anymore because it’s so dark, but I think I still look human.

It basically provided me with a matte finish on top of the layers of makeup that I used. It blends well too!

Usage

I recommend for daily use, especially if you need to go out every day and have casual meetings at the office. On the weekends, no need to vamp up Heart Evangelista style, to buy corned beef! Unless this is really your thing, then go for it you unicorn you! This powder will make you look all neat and presentable but still natural.

I found it even helpful to only apply it to my T-zone area, where I need it. I didn’t use on the sides of my cheeks because I don’t seem to need it there. So I just applied in a few areas, yet

I don’t look patchy, so it does blend well to my skin.
Like today, I wore this to my derma appointment. I just had a minor scalp surgery, no biggie 😛 My doc Lot of Skin Health clinic at Sta Lucia East Grand Mall in Cainta is fantastic! She’s super good, maybe this is for another blog post!

Pros

On the good side, it doesn’t feel heavy, and it doesn’t seem to clog my pores. I could tell after wearing it for a few days. It feels light, gentle, and the application is very smooth. In short, it’s all-natural. I look human. The case is not too big for it to fit the press powder, mirror, and the applicator. It fits well in my tiny purse. Also, it’s fragrance-free!

It also uses natural origin ingredients and mineral pigments that improve skin quality day by day.

Cons

If you wanna look like a unicorn, this product is not for you! 😛 I mean, if you need to use some heavy makeup for studio shoots or stage performances, this may be too light and will not hide 100% all of your skin imperfections. I’d still have this handy on mg bag though for a powder retouch.

Summary

It’s a great everyday powder to have on your bag. Convenient, light, natural, and super blendable. It only costs P399 and should be available in your favorite beauty shops.

I hope you enjoyed reading this review. It included a bit of my life updates, which you will be reading more about in the coming posts.

Hit the subscribe/resubscribe button if you’re happy! 😉
xoxo,
Flair

Additional details from L’Oreal

• skin-hydrating benefits
• up to 98% natural ingredients and mineral pigments
• non-pore clogging
• Recommended by dermatologists, True Match Powder is safe to use even for the most sensitive skin.
• With 8 skin-matching shades that’s perfect for Filipina skin-tone

I’m very happy that I got invited to the launch of Lampe Berger’s new product Parfum Berger. The brand started way back in 1898 and was created to purify the air of hospital wards. It is one of the few technologies to offer real improvement in the quality of air in the home. Up to this day, it remains loyal to its purpose and continues to provide clean air to our homes.

Last May 2018, they launched their new product called Parfum Berger. This product’s purpose is to diffuse a pleasant aroma to your surroundings. I am very happy to receive my own Parfum Berger and have made an unboxing video on my YouTube channel. Do check it out below.

I got invited to the launch of a purified water here in the Philippines. With that said, I thought it was just going to be a casual event. But good thing, I felt like dressing up that night because it was the most posh water event I’ve ever been to! How posh you say? Ms. Pia Wurtzbach was their featured guest along with other featured personalities that embodied being the best at something.

The event launched Aquafina, a bottled water brand known all over the world! It has made its way to the Philippines with Pia as the face of their brand. Aquafina is known for its purity and has won consumers around the globe, since it was introduced in the U.S. in 1994. Aquafina expands in the local market, so Filipinos can experience the world’s best-selling bottled water.

Acquafina water is purified using the best technology available to purify water, this process includes reverse osmosis, ozonation and carbon filtration to remove things like chlorides, salts and other substances that can affect the taste of water. With this, you’ll get pure water consistently crisp taste in every bottle, no matter the market, across the globe.

Aquafina hopes to give every individual the inspiration they need to become their best self. No matter how big or small they may seem to be, these successes deserve to be celebrated. This is why Aquafina chose none other than Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach to represent the brand’s philosophy. With an inspiring backstory to her now-stellar career, Pia undeniably emobides what it means to persevere, stand out, and eventually become the best.

Acquafina will soon be available in all leading supermarkets and grocery stores at Php 10.00 for 350mL, Php 15.00 for 500mL and Php 24.00 for 1L.

Check out their Facebook page to know more.

I got one from Amazon and gave it a try.

Check out my video for my review of Lakanto Monkfruit sugar replacement.

More product details:

• All natural, made from Luo Han Go (fruit from Southeast Asia)
• Zero Calorie
• Zero Glycemic sweetener
• No effect on GI, blood sugar or insulin levels
• Non-GMO
• Ideal for keto/paleo diets
• No Bitter or chemical aftertaste (unlike Stevia)

My Rating: ????? (5 stars)!

I’ve never been so happy finding this perfect sugar substitute for me.

You can purchase this here.

*Post might include affiliate links that can help support this blog.

]]> https://flaircandy.com/safe-zero-calorie-sugar-substitute-monk-fruit-review/feed/ 2 https://flaircandy.com/loreal-infallible-long-wear-makeup-vlog/ https://flaircandy.com/loreal-infallible-long-wear-makeup-vlog/#comments Thu, 19 Jan 2017 16:26:11 +0000 http://www.flaircandy.com/?p=12732 We put makeup to enhance our features, but it doesn’t help when makeup is unreliable. How often do we apply makeup in the morning only to keep on making retouches throughout the entire day? This takes much time and for a millenial woman, we must be smart about how we use our time.

Thanks to L’Oreal’s Infallible makeup line, women on the go no longer need to worry about melting makeup and reapplying over and over again.

INFALLIBLE – a full range #neverfail makeup from L’Oreal Makeup Designer/Paris. INFALLIBLE answers every modern Filipina’s battle cry to fight makeup meltdown with a complete line of long-wearing makeup.

Infallible 24hr liquid foundation

Infallible 10hr Le Rouge lipstick

Infallible Pro-Matte 16hr powder

Infallible Pro-spray & set Makeup Extender & Setting Spray

We can now say goodbye to makeup meltdown!

Infallible 24hr Foundation

Php 700 SRP

This is the first foundation from L’Oreal Makeup Designer/Paris that promises to fight makeup meltdown and stay fresh all day. It lasts for up to 24 hours! With its lightweight formula, it gives flawless, full coverage that conceals visible imperfections and a demi-matte finish with no visible shine.

Powered by extreme hold pigments that adhere to skin, and hydrating hyaluron that gives optimum skin comfort, this long-wearing foundation guarantees no makeup meltdown from morning till night!

Infallible 24hr Foundation comes in 6 shades, available at L’Oreal Paris makeup counters and official online retailers for Php 700 SRP. With the many benefits of this mighty foundation, I’m so happy that I can get it at an affordable price!

Let’s put it to the test!

During the L’Oreal event at Valkyrie Club, I went to the makeup station to get myself done. They used Infallible 24hr foundation on me. After that, I joined the 30-minute POUND Rockout Workout to put the foundation to the test. Amazingly enough, it stayed on and even if I wiped my sweat off, you wouldn’t see a lot of foundation on the tissue paper!

Infallible 10hr Lipstick

Php 500 SRP

This lipstick line lasts from morning coffee to evening wine! Say goodbye to makeup fails like fading and flaking. Say hello to the sophisticated, high-impact color that lasts all day. Infused with hydrating vitamin e, this lipstick stays fresh and vibrant for up to 10 hours without feeling tacky or dry I tried it myself and it absolutely works, even if I brush my teeth, eat, and drink water from a bottle.

The application is pretty smooth as the creamy formula glides easily on the lips. It looks glossy at first application but sets with a demi-matte finish.

Infallible 10hr lipstick comes in an expansive range of 20 shades from subdued nudes, to vibrant reds and pinks, to bold and deep hues.  They are available at L’Oreal Paris makeup counters and official online retailers for Php 500 SRP.

Let’s put it to the test!

I prepared to leave for work at around 9:30 am. I put on the infallible 10hr lipstick and I realized that I haven’t brushed my teeth yet! Oops! So I decided to put it to a test and brushed my teeth with the lipstick on. I am amazed that it stayed there and through the rest of the day! I went to L’Oreal’s event in Valkyrie by late afternoon and it was still great!

Infallible Pro-Matte 16hr Powder

Php 600 SRP

This powder goes very well with the 24hr foundation! Complete the look with this long-wearing, shine-defying powder and create a perfectly matte finish without looking flat or cakey. It absorbs excess oil and reduces shine on the skin’s surface for up to 16 hours. This lightweight pressed powder can be used alone, to set foundation after application, or throughout the day for quick touch-ups.

Infallible Pro-Matte 16hr Powder is available in 6 shades at L’Oreal Paris makeup counters and official online retailers for Php 600 SRP.

Infallible Pro-Spray & Set Makeup Extender & Setting Spray

Php 500 SRP

This lightweight, oil-free spray can be applied after makeup over your face, eyes, and lips to lock in your whole makeup look. It ensures that your makeup stays fresh and “just-applied” the entire day, and prevents melting, fading and smudging.

Infallible Pro-Spray & Set is available in L’Oreal Paris makeup counters and official online retailers for only Php 500 SRP

GRWM – L’Oreal Infallible VLOG

Buy L’Oreal Infallible Long-Wear Makeup Line at Lazada!

*Disclaimer:

*1. I am not compensated for this vlog, although I received products for review from L’Oreal and Lazada.

2. I may be an affiliate for products that I recommend. If you purchase those items through my links I will earn a commission. You will not pay more when buying a product through my link. In fact, I oftentimes am able to negotiate a lower rate (or bonuses) not available elsewhere. Plus, when you order through my link, it helps me to continue to offer you lots of free stuff. 🙂 Thank you, in advance for your support!

While technology has its benefits, too much of it can also be a bad thing. Eye strain is fast becoming a problem for many gadget users today. Likewise, some people experience neck pain from being hunched over their computers for too long.

To avoid eye strain, neck pain, and other health problems, here are five easy tips for a tech detox:

1. Limit your social media time.

How often do you check your Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram? Social media networks are a great way to stay connected, but they can also be major time wasters. Before you know it, your “few minutes” could become an hour and you suffer from social media stress.

If you are really serious about getting a tech detox, limit to your social media time. Logging in for a few minutes in the morning and in the evening should be enough. You can also set your accounts to view only the people and pages that are most important to you.

2. Get a grip on your email.

In the early days of the Internet, getting an email used to be fun and exciting. But today, the mere sight of “500 unread” is enough to make anyone dizzy. Fortunately, you can take some steps to manage your ever-expanding inbox.

First, turn off email alerts and “pings.” You do not need a reminder every time you receive an email! Second, set a schedule for checking your inbox, such as every few hours or so.

3. Put your gadget away.

This may seem hard at first, but once you get into the habit, you will wonder why you’ve never tried it in the first place. Instead of keeping your phone beside you all the time, try putting it on a table across the room. This way, you will not be tempted to check it every few minutes.

4. Find other means of entertainment.

Remember the old days, when a good book or some craft paper can keep you occupied for hours? Before the digital age, people actually had hobbies! Even if you can read an e-book or doodle on an art app, the experience is not the same.

Think back on what used to occupy your time before smartphones came. Take a walk, go jogging, plan a bicycle ride with friends. Start gardening, cooking, or anything besides picking up your gadget!

5. Mark it on you calendar.

A tech detox plan becomes clearer when you put it in writing. And no, do not use an app for this! Get a piece of paper or calendar, then write down your schedule for checking email, Facebook, and other tech-related tasks. Do this regularly and your tech detox will become a daily habit.

Even in this day and age of tech gadgets, it is possible to slow down and enjoy the simple things. To prevent Internet stress and smartphones from taking over your life, follow these tips for a well-deserved tech-detox.