Howard Murad's Blog, page 44

Can the Little Things Create Big-Picture Health?

By Julie Morris, Superfood Chef

The other day I was at the gym, and overheard two women observing another gym-member working out nearby. “See? That’s the body I want,” one woman revealed in hushed tones. “She’s so lucky.”

“She’s lucky.” I hear that assessment far too often, and must respectfully disagree. With the exception of a microscopic minority of the population, “luck” really has very little to do with the larger subject matter of health, fitness, and feeling/looking our best. What is often characterized as “lucky” is actually a result – reward even – of deliberate, on-going action. Health is not a simple before and after photo, it’s a long-term collection of great decisions. And the best news is that this reward is in closer reach than most of us realize.

If you’ve ever jumped on an extreme diet with gusto, only to become fully sick of it within the first week, you’re not alone. Most conventional diet plans don’t work simply because they’re too extreme a change in habit, and not sustainable as an on-going lifestyle. But getting healthy doesn’t have to be about an immediate 180-degree shift. In fact, by folding in micro-changes over time, we have the opportunity to embrace and celebrate small wins, and develop new and positive mini-habits that soon become second-nature actions, for life.

It’s for this reason that I always encourage my clients to remember that the little things add up. Absolutely everything counts. No positive change is too small. What starts as a minor effort eventually becomes part of a lifestyle, and multiplied over many successions can lead to surprisingly impressive results. I’ve known people to lose “that last 10 pounds” simply by drinking one glass of wine in the evenings instead of two. Running or walking just one extra mile on the treadmill or outdoors 5 times a week may not feel like much of an extra effort, but will burn off an additional 500 calories or so every week, which adds up fast! And of course, making smart, gradual changes with our dietary choices can have truly dramatic results.

It’s my experience that “swapping” is one of the best methods to amp up any diet, and improve health.  Little changes, like choosing fiber- and Omega-rich walnuts instead of cholesterol-elevating cheese on a salad, can have tremendous impact over time … and because this kind of change is so small, it’s easy to stick to as nothing feels “sacrificed” … it’s simply renewed. I especially appreciate the power of superfoods and their profoundly condensed benefits as a great way to nutritionally heighten meals and snacks very efficiently. For example: replacing raisins in a bowl of oatmeal with goji berries (packed with anti-aging antioxidants); using buttery coconut oil (full of skin-healthy and heart-healthy fats) in the place of butter or margarine for cooking; and choosing dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate (far more antioxidants and lower in sugar and calories) are all wonderful ways to massage more biological benefits into the day. One of my very favorite “small changes” is to make a daily smoothie, which can be used as a snack, light meal (like breakfast), or even as a dessert. Smoothies can include several servings of produce and top-notch superfoods all in one glass, while tasting utterly dreamy (you can make a smoothie in just about any flavor!). Smoothies keep us feeling full, satisfied, and energized while reducing cravings.

So remember, be proud of every effort you make. It’s not about perfection, it’s about progress, and every effort — no matter how big or small — is all leading you in the right direction of health and wellness! Try my smoothie recipe below for a powerful “small change” that tastes like an ice cream dessert.

Mint Chip Smoothie

Reprinted with permission from Superfood Smoothies © 2013 by Julie Morris.

Tucked beneath a very convincing ice cream-like flavor, a wealth of beneficial spinach awaits you in this smoothie. It’s so good it almost makes a person wonder why spinach isn’t used in all minty treats. I love how the cacao nibs provide a bit of dark-chocolate crunch without being overpowering.

Makes 2 18 -ounce servings

2 cups frozen spinach

2 cups frozen bananas

1⁄4 cup raw cashews

3 tablespoons cacao nibs

2 tablespoons (packed) fresh mint leaves, minced

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups rice milk (original variety)

1⁄2 cup coconut water

sweetener, to taste (optional)

Blend all the ingredients together until smooth. Taste, and sweeten as desired.

For more fabulous recipes from Julie click here and here.

A Closer Look at Collagen with Dr. Murad

As a dermatologist who spends a great deal of time talking to people about skin health, wellness and  aging, I find that people are quite interested in the topic of collagen but often poorly informed about its real function and completely in the dark about how it is created and how it is destroyed.

Collagen is the primary element in the dermis of the skin – where wrinkles appear. As we age, the amount of natural collagen in our skin diminished – and it is further reduced when environmental damage occurs.

Fortunately, there are a number of things we can do in our everyday lives to help preserve and even boost the amount of collagen in our skin.

Here is a short video in which I discuss why collagen is so important and some of the things we can do to protect this precious resource.

Meet: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater LA

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles hosted its annual Future Fund Scholarship Luncheon to award graduating “Little Sisters” scholarships to help them pursue higher education. These scholarships provide financial support and help to give the recipients the confidence to pursue their dreams.

“The Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are opening the eyes of children, who face adversity, to a world of opportunities they often didn’t know about or think were possible for them,” said Tiffany Siart, President & CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles. “Through one-to-one mentoring relationships, our youth are empowered to achieve and show greater confidence, bigger dreams and higher scholastic performance.”

We’re proud to highlight three of the young women who received the organization’s Dr. Howard Murad Award, presented by the Murad Family Foundation, which enables the recipients to pursue their goal of working in the fields of health, beauty and medicine. All three recipients graduated high school earlier this year with a cumulative GPA of 3.7 or higher.

Sofia B. is currently majoring in biology at the University of California, Los Angeles, and aims to become a physician. Alma H. plans to pursue a career as a dental hygienist and is attending the University of California, Berkeley. Camille C., who is currently attending Pasadena City College, hopes to attain a business degree and cosmetology license.

“We are honored to have been able to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Future Fund to provide a little extra support for some amazing young women embarking on their college careers,” said Hilarie Murad, President of the Murad Family Foundation. “The organization’s mission syncs perfectly with the Murad Family Foundation’s mission of achieving Inclusive Health in education and action for young people in Southern California.”

The Big Sisters of Los Angeles Future Fund was founded in 1993 by Sherry Lansing and Sarah Purcell. The supporters of the Future Fund Endowment are men, women and foundations representing many different professions and industries, including entertainment, publishing, health and beauty, fashion and law, who are committed to securing a solid financial future for the endowment.

Not having the finances to continue with higher education is often times what hinders students from going to college. With programs like the Future Fund Endowment, students are confident in knowing that a college degree is attainable and that confidence helps them to  achieve their goals.

For more information on Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and the Future Fund Scholarship Program, visit www.bbbsla.org.

4 Tips to Strengthen Your Body & Transform Your Life

By Mary Beth LaRue, Yoga Teacher, Life Coach, and Co-Founder of Rock Your Bliss

In our modern American culture, we are bombarded with images of rail-thin models and stylized perfection that we can feel bad about ourselves when there’s so much about our bodies to be celebrated. No matter what size, shape or color, you deserve to feel like your most radiant self. But that’s a gift that only you can give yourself.

Here’s four tips to strengthen your body and transform your life:

#1 Visualize what you’d like to feel like.

Meditate on how you’d like to feel. Would you like to bound out of bed every morning feeling clear and rested? Feeling radiant in your body? By getting clear on what you want, you can start to focus on what’s not working. You really want to start your day with a run on the beach but you are in reality hitting snooze for the fifteenth time? Visualizing what you want will help you get there faster.

#2 Add one healthy habit every week.

Rather than trying some fad diet that you won’t likely commit to, try adding one healthy habit a week. Maybe it’s adding a green juice with your afternoon lunch or parking in the farthest corner of the parking lot and walking the extra steps. Every little thing helps and taken together all those little things contribute to a big transformation.

#3 Try something new.

That barre class you’ve had your eye on but have been scared to try? Sign up for it. That paddle boarding session? Why not? By trying something new you’ll not only strengthen your body but you’ll spend time outside your comfort zone and that’s where all the magic happens! Even if you have a workout or class you absolutely love, I encourage you to add something new, fresh and maybe even a bit frightening to your schedule.

#4 Commit to what makes you feel strong.

Create goals around how you want to feel and find an accountability buddy who will do just that. If you have trouble getting to the 5 pm yoga class at your gym, have one of your best friends meet you there. If you find yourself reaching for starchy snacks that make you feel awful the next day, call a friend who will remind you of your goals. The best part of all of this is that you don’t have to go it alone. And you’ll have a lot more fun if you team up with someone else. You’ll inspire one another.

Looking for Acne Complex? Look no More

We have some exciting news! One of our bestselling products just got better, and we gave it an updated name too.

After twenty years as one of Murad’s most enduring customer favorites, the three-step regimen in the Acne Complex® Kit has been renamed and reconfigured to feature Murad’s most effective acne solutions. We continue to offer an easy to use 30 day supply, but we’re now calling it the Acne Starter Kit.

This kit features Acne Clearing Solution, providing even better clearing than the Acne Complex Kit. 96% of users saw clearer skin in 72 hours (in a Murad-sponsored study, individual results will vary), with less risk of dryness, redness and peeling. The Acne Starter Kit also includes Murad’s bestselling Clarifying Cleanser, Acne Spot Fast Fix and Oil-Control Mattifier SPF 15. Look for the new Acne Starter Kit at Sephora, Ulta, Massage Envy Spa, Fine Spas and Salons, and Murad.com.

Our reconfigured Acne Starter Kit will restore your skin’s health, clarity and appearance—now more than ever before! As always, our goal at Murad is to offer our customers the very best products, with the most innovative, effective ingredients, so you can have beautiful skin that’s #BetterEveryDay.

5 Components of Strong Relationships

When it comes to health, both the quality and quantity of our relationships are relevant to the analysis. In one Harvard study of women at midlife, those who reported having highly satisfying marriages had a lower risk for cardiovascular disease than those in less satisfying marriages. Other studies have linked negative interactions with family and friends with poor health. Additionally, having a network of important relationships can also make a positive difference in health and happiness. One recent study even concluded that dementia risk was lower among people with a variety of satisfying relationships.

It’s up to you to make sure you have these strong, lasting relationships. Make time to be with friends and loved ones and work to make those relationships the best they can be by including these components:

Honesty: One of my favorite Inclusive Health insights is: “The best relationships require HONEST communication.” Strong relationships are built on honesty and trust. You can’t have that if you are trying to be someone you are not.
Loyalty: Normal friendships become strong relationships as they grow over time.
Communication: Any relationship can sour with miscommunication. The key is to learn how your partner communicates best and adjust your style of communication to ensure that you are truly speaking their language.
Flexibility: Life ebbs and flows, as do relationships. Be flexible. Even though you may have a strong relationship, you might go through periods where you don’t talk or see each other as often as you once did. That’s okay. If the relationship is strong, the next time you see each other it will be just like old times.
Generosity: Take a moment to ask yourself what you do for your loved one or friend that will make their life better?

Building strong relationships takes time and effort, but it can be one of the healthiest things you can do.

Article by Howard Murad, M.D., FAAD, a world renowned skincare expert and founder of the Inclusive Health movement.

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Sources: Harvard Health , Tiny Buddha , Inspirich

Meet Dr. Laura Kruper, Co-director of City of Hope’s Breast Cancer Program

In our ongoing partnership with City of Hope during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are excited to introduce you to Dr. Laura Kruper. She is the Co-director of City of Hope’s Breast Cancer Program and has truly dedicated her life to saving women’s lives. A brilliant surgeon and compassionate doctor, we’re honored that Dr. Kruper is sharing her story of hope with us here on the blog.

What drew you to City of Hope and the field of women’s health & oncology?

There were so many influences that drove me to be a breast cancer surgeon. My mother was an oncology nurse. When I was a young teenager and would meet her at the hospital after school, she would introduce me to some of her patients. My grandmother had breast cancer and her sister died of breast cancer. I knew how devastating my great aunt’s death was to my grandmother. Breast cancer impacts many people, not only the patient.

Additionally, one of my surgery mentors performed cancer surgeries. To me, there was something very gratifying in being able to help and cure people through surgery. What I love best about being a doctor is the interaction with the patients. There is something very special about City of Hope. I recognized this the first time I walked on campus to interview. Everyone is so kind and positive, from the volunteers who escort patients to appointments, to the nurses and to the patients themselves. Hope just seems to be in the air here.

Describe a typical day at work at City of Hope.

It depends on whether I have a clinic day or a day in the operating room, but one thing is for sure, each day is busy! I arrive most days at the hospital by 7:00am. Three days of the week, we have educational conferences, as we are an academic program. I go see patients that I have in the hospital.

If it is an OR day, I see each patient and family members before surgery to answer questions and talk about how long the surgery will take. I then operate and come out to speak with family members about how the surgery went. How many cases I perform depends on the day.

Clinic days are the busiest. I see many patients in all aspects of care: from newly diagnosed breast cancer patients to patients who are many years out from treatment. Whether it is the operating room or a clinic day, I love my days.

Describe a greatest achievement or something you’re most proud of at City of Hope. What is your goal or hope for the future?

I am very proud of a study I did that demonstrated there are disparities or inequalities regarding reconstruction for women undergoing mastectomy. One of my own patients early on was the inspiration. She came to City of Hope because she needed a mastectomy. The other institution said they could perform the mastectomy, but the plastic surgeon could not offer her reconstruction due to her insurance. In 1998, there was a federal law passed which mandated that insurance companies pay for reconstruction after mastectomy. Unfortunately, even though some insurance will cover reconstruction, the reimbursement is not enough. At City of Hope, we are one of the very few centers in Los Angeles that offers reconstruction to all women undergoing mastectomy. One of my hopes for the future is that all women undergoing mastectomy are referred to plastic surgeons despite insurance status, race/ethnicity, income level, etc.  And if they want to have reconstruction, they are able to undergo reconstruction at almost any hospital.

Tell us about cancer survivor Melina Fregoso and her battle.

Melina is a courageous woman! So young to be diagnosed with breast cancer at 29. It’s almost as if she took her cancer head on— and there was no way it was going to defeat her. She worked out at the gym throughout her chemo. What an inspiration! She always seemed so strong and positive during every clinic visit and on the day of surgery. (To read Melina’s story, click here.)

When you’re not working, what are you doing?

When I have free time, I spend it with friends, usually for brunch or dinner. Many of my friends are in the creative arts, so it’s nice talking about their worlds and what they do. I also go to church and I’m in a meditation class that meets weekly. I love spending time with my dogs and being home since I’m not home very much. I also work out regularly. It is a great way to reduce stress and feel great! And I get massages regularly. Operating tends to impact my muscles.

Dr. Murad founded the Inclusive Health Movement. How do you embrace the movement of Looking, Living and Feeling #BetterEveryDay?

How do you LOOK BETTER?

At work, I love to wear dresses and heels. I like to look nice for my patients and it makes me feel good. I wear only a little bit of make-up.

How do you LIVE BETTER?

As mentioned above, I’m a big fan of working out. I have been working out 3 to 5 hours a week for about 25 years. I focus on cardiovascular workouts. There’s something about that endorphin release, which can reduce stress levels and possibly boost the immune system. We know from multiple studies that regular cardiovascular exercise can reduce the chance of breast cancer and improve outcomes for those with breast cancer.

How do you FEEL BETTER?

Meditation, massage, time with friends, time with pets, going to church (which I consider reflective time).

Dr. Kruper, you are truly an inspiration. Helping and empowering women—and giving them hope—during one of the most challenging times of their lives is an extraordinary achievement, and you are to be commended. Thank you for being a strong and courageous role model, and thank you for taking the time to share your story with us.

Meet City of Hope Breast Cancer Survivor Melina Fregoso

Here’s a story of hope, courage and strength. Melina was just 29 years old when she found out she had breast cancer. But thanks to City of Hope and her unwavering faith, Melina is now cancer-free. We’re honored that we had an opportunity to chat with Melina about her breast cancer journey. We know what she shares here on the blog will inspire you.

Describe for us a typical day in your life.

I wake up around 7:30am and try to have some kind of breakfast. I’m usually not hungry, and although I want to eat something, I can’t taste anything. Mid-morning, I try to go out for a walk and exercise a bit, or as much as I can, depending on when I had chemo. Although I get tired, I don’t stop exercising! I know it’s good for my recovery. Then I take a nap and rest. At lunchtime, I wake up and try to eat a healthy lunch. I read a lot of books and the bible to keep me encouraged and thinking positively. Then I take another nap. Around 4:00pm, my boyfriend wakes me up to go to the gym. Although I always want to go, I know I am not able to do it all the time. When I feel up to it, I get on the treadmill and walk as fast as I can (not very fast to be honest). Then it is time to sleep again and start the routine over the next day.

Right now I am not working, but I can’t wait to go back. During the day, I try to help around the house; I clean, cook, talk to friends who are going through similar experiences with cancer. I try to encourage them. And I always have my personal time with God. I read the bible and I pray. Although I am a cancer-free, I still have to go to the hospital to get treatments and check-ups. My life revolves around my medical schedule. I go to church on Sundays and eventually, I will start singing in the choir once again.

How did you find City of Hope?

When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I was referred to City of Hope. I knew about this awesome hospital because my boyfriend had received a bone marrow transplant there about 10 years ago.

What was it like interacting with City of Hope’s Dr. Laura Kruper?

Doctor Kruper was the very first doctor I talked to. She is such a sweet lady! She explained everything. She drew a picture of what kind of cancer I had. She explained chemo and about losing my hair. She pretty much assured me I was in the right place and I knew I was going to be fine.

How has surviving cancer made you stronger?

Surviving cancer has made me stronger all around. I don’t complain about nearly anything anymore. Bumps in the road are just that: bumps in the road. I don’t make them look bigger. I know in life I will have many problems, issues and conflicts, but I learned it’s up to me whether I give them priority in my life or not.

What is your main source of inspiration?

I wouldn’t stand where I am if it wasn’t for God. He is my strength.

What is your greatest accomplishment thus far?

I think so far, surviving cancer and going through a mastectomy. And still living life!

Dr. Murad founded the Inclusive Health Movement. How do you embrace the vision of Looking, Living and Feeling #BetterEveryDay?



How do you LOOK BETTER?

I love makeup! I think makeup makes you feel beautiful, although I am 100% confident that true beauty comes from within. I never wore a headscarf while I was undergoing treatment. I embraced my bald head every single day! I think I will miss my short hair when it grows back.

How do you LIVE BETTER?

I work out! I try to do it every day, and even if I can’t make it to the gym, I work out at home. Eating healthy is important to me and I try to have lots of veggies, fish and chicken. I don’t eat any red meat. I drink as much water as possible. I want to stay fit for life!

How do you FEEL BETTER?

I feel good spending time with my family, my closest friends and my boyfriend. I enjoy traveling, outdoor activities and going to church.

What advice do you have for other cancer patients?

My recommendation for others going through what I went through is to always be with family and friends. Don’t be alone. A great support system is a must! Also, stay busy. The gym is always a good idea because of all the health benefits, but stay active somehow. Visualize your future the way you want it to be. For me, I pictured myself completely healed and happy. During those moments when you feel down, sing happy songs, think happy thoughts! Don’t let those sad moments last long. Believe that there’s a cure and there are better times coming your way. Don’t give up! You can win this battle!

There’s a great Breast Cancer Awareness quote that reminds us of Melina, “We don’t know how strong we are until being strong is the only choice we have.” You truly are an inspiration Melina and we are so happy you are cancer-free. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

To read about Murad’s partnership with City of Hope, click here.

Meet Erin V, Murad Fan Product Testimonial

We have fans all over the world, and it’s always fun to hear why they love our products. Erin V. has a Master’s in Education and works for U.C. Santa Barbara in the Teacher Education Department. She teaches aspiring teachers and helps prepare them for a career in education. Erin’s a big fan of our products, and chats with us a bit about which ones she loves and why.

How did you first discover Murad?

One of my friends told me about how great the products were for her, so I decided to give them a try. Since motherhood took over my life, it became nearly impossible to take care of myself. It had been years since I really took care of my skin, and I began to get depressed when I looked in the mirror and saw someone who looked so much older and less healthy than I used to be. I decided to commit to a Murad regimen, so even if I didn’t have time to workout or even shower, at least my face would get the attention it deserved!

What are you favorite products?

I chose two regimens that I hoped would help my skin become restored. Murad Environmental Shield for mornings and Murad Resurgence for nights. After a few weeks of using the products, I realized that it meant so much more than what it was doing for my skin. It was also restoring my sense of self in a very real, very powerful way. That ritual of using each product every morning, and again every evening, sent a powerful message to my mind that I was still important. That I was worthy of time to myself, and worth the very little time it took to use each Murad product. Even though life with young children often made me feel like I’d disappeared and had been replaced with a tired-looking woman, I realized that it was even more important NOW that I take time each day to take care of myself. Someday, that may mean exercising more and eating healthier, but for now, that means I indulge in five sweet minutes each morning to wash and moisturize my face properly, and five peaceful minutes each evening to wash and moisturize my face properly. Then, no matter what happens in between those glorious minutes, I know that I’ve at least given myself a few moments of recognition that I DO matter, and that I am still beautiful.

How do you embrace the Murad Vision of; Looking, Living and Feeling Better Every Day?

How do you LOOK BETTER?

My favorite products are the Skin Smoothing Polish, which I use about three times a week. First, I LOVE the smell. It has a sweet, yet fresh smell that awakens me! I have always had a problem with exfoliants being too harsh for my sensitive skin, but this Skin Smoothing Polish is a perfect balance between scrubbing away dead skin, but not making me feel like my face has been stripped of its natural oils. I LOVE this product. It’s probably my favorite so far. My husband also loves using it, though he may not admit that.

I use the entire Environmental Shield regimen in the mornings, which I love because it smells of citrus and invigorates my senses when I’m still waking up. The best part is the Essential-C Day Moisturizer because it slathers my skin in a delicate silky protection of SPF 30. On days when I know I’ll be out in the sun a lot, I also put on a layer of the Essential-C Sun Balm, which I am so addicted to that I keep it in my purse at ALL times. All of the other SPF sticks I’ve tried always feel oily and make my face look too shiny. Murad Sun Balm is so silky, goes on smooth, smells delicious, and does not leave my skin feeling sticky at all. And, of course, it protects my precious face from the harmful rays of California Sunshine.

At night, I’ve been using the Resurgence regimen, which begins with the Renewing Cleansing Cream, and ends with the decadent Renewing Eye Cream. The night creams from the Resurgence line met all of my expectations. They go on with silky ease, absorb instantly, and are not heavy like many other night creams. The eye cream makes my delicate under eyes, which are often crinkled and exhausted after a long day, feel like they are taking a huge gulp of purified water. Seriously hydrating.

Overall, my skin has truly been restored. My skin looks supple again, the fine lines I’ve lovingly acquired these past few years after sleepless nights of soothing my babies have softened, and some have even diminished. I have been using the Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum on my cheeks, neck, and upper chest area. My upper chest area had especially taken a hit from the sun and had many age spots beginning to form. After about four weeks of treatment, I have noticed a positive difference on those damaged skin areas. I don’t know how to describe it, but they just look healthier, and younger. Overall, my skin just looks younger and healthier. Maybe it’s also that I get those few precious minutes to myself each morning and night as I use the Murad products. My husband has said to me numerous times lately, “You look like you are glowing. You have a nice glow about you.”

How do you LIVE BETTER?

To be quite honest, since my first son was born 3 ½ years ago, the actual act of exercising has not been a priority. Which is hard to admit, because I used to be a dedicated athlete who worked out seven days a week! However, my daily life is quite active, and I rarely sit down, so my workout usually consists of chasing my children around, constantly running around picking up their messes, and let’s be honest: carrying a 40lb. boy and a 20lb. girl, often at the same time, is quite the arm workout! One tip I’ve learned is that if I dress in workout gear and wear my running shoes when I take the kids to the park, I am more likely to actually run around and play with them, which is good for my body and great for forming a fun, loving relationship with my kids. My son has recently become interested in soccer, so I’ll pack the soccer ball with us and we have fun running around and kicking the ball to each other. Honestly, busy moms rarely get to get a true workout in, but I’ve tried my best to incorporate exercise into my daily routines. I’m all about efficiency these days, and I hate wasting time, so I’ve been trying to come up with ideas that allow me to  entertain my kids while I get my blood pumping. I invested in a solid Double Jogger Stroller (B.O.B.-the BEST jogger on the market), and I try to choose parks and places that we can walk to, so I can simultaneously get my body moving while entertaining my little ones.

How do you FEEL BETTER?

My best advice for woman, and especially for mothers, is not to be too hard on yourselves. Even though we’d all love to eat better, exercise more, and be better at everything, we need to give ourselves permission to not be perfect. I strongly believe that we need to celebrate the little successes we have each day, and give ourselves grace for those things we didn’t get to. There are days when I ate unhealthy things, but I drank a lot of water, so I’ll congratulate myself for hydrating my body, and then tell myself that tomorrow is another day to choose healthier foods. Little by little, we are all becoming our best selves, but we need to give ourselves grace for our shortcomings and try instead to focus on the little things that we ARE doing that are bettering ourselves. For me, right now, that is taking the time to take care of my face with Murad products, and spending precious time playing with my children.

When you’re not at work, what do you enjoy doing?

Spending time with family! Life is sweet with a 3 ½ year old son and a 1 ½ year old daughter. My husband and I are enjoying all of the immense challenges and joys that parenthood entails. Once I became a mother, I found the greatest fulfillment in the most mundane moments. Going on a walk, playing in the backyard, or simply having a dance party in the living room is suddenly so magical when you get to experience it through the eyes of your children.

What is one of the most important values you teach your children?

That is a hard question! I want everything good in the world for them, but I know I first need to raise good children! The most important values my husband and I hope to teach our children is to have compassion towards other people, and to always make choices that are in line with their true selves. If they can help someone, they should, and if a choice does not resonate with them, they should think twice.

What motivates you?

I have so many ideas and passions that I want to see come to fruition in my lifetime, so the idea that my time on earth is limited is what keeps me motivated and energized. As a believer in God, I am constantly in awe of this world and perplexed about what I can do to make it a better place. Prayer motivates me and also reminds me of why I am here. My children motivate me in ways I cannot describe, but they absolutely make me a better person. Motherhood has made me grow exponentially as a person. And of course, my darling husband, who is honest to God the most brilliant mind I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He encourages me to Dream Big, and to not doubt myself so much.

What is your favorite book? And, what is your favorite book to read to your children?

My absolute favorite author is Paulo Coelho. I’ve loved many of his books, but my favorite is The Alchemist. We love reading children’s books in our home too! Our favorites are Bear Snores On, Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, and If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

Erin, you look gorgeous, and your husband is right: you are glowing! We know you’re a busy lady and we appreciate you taking the time to share with us how using our products affects both your skin and your life! 

The Amazing Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

During the holiday season, sweet potatoes are a beautiful orange staple on our dinner tables. But that doesn’t mean their sweet flavor and subsequent health benefits should be limited to fall and winter. Sweet potatoes are one of the healthiest vegetable options all year-round.

Sweet potatoes contain high amounts of fiber, potassium, antioxidants, Vitamin A and phytochemicals that help improve body functions and protect against free-radical damage. Did you know that a sweet potato has more fiber and vitamins than a regular baked potato? In fact, one cup of sweet potatoes accounts for 6.6 grams of fiber. It is also rich in potassium, serving up 950 milligrams per cup.

Carotenoids are the pigment that give sweet potatoes their carroty orange. Carotenoids also have strong antioxidant properties. The potassium in sweet potatoes also may help alleviate muscle cramps. Additionally, the beta-carotene found in sweet potatoes has been studied as an anti-carcinogen.

Try this recipe as an easy and quick way to get sweet potatoes onto your dinner table:

Recipe: Spicy, Smashed Sweet Potatoes

Serves: 12

Total time: 20 minutes

Recipe from: Eating Well

INGREDIENTS

4 pounds sweet potatoes (4-5 large)

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons cumin seeds, toasted and ground

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper

DIRECTIONS

Preheat your over to 350 degrees.
Poke the sweet potatoes with a fork and place them on the over rack to bake for 45 minutes to an hour.
Carefully remove the sweet potatoes, letting them cool for 10-15 minutes.
Once cool, cut into 1-inch slices, add butter.
Smash the sweet potatoes, leaving small lumps.
Add maple syrup, chili powder, cumin, ginger, salt and pepper.
Stir and enjoy!

NUTRITION

Per serving: 113 calories; 2g fat (1g sat); 5mg cholesterol; 22g carbohydrates; 2g protein; 3g fiber; 243mg sodium; 468mg potassium.