Good Food = Good Hair: 6 Foods to eat for Good Hair

Howdy folks! This article is a repost from last year.  I was chatting with friends yesterday and the subject of hair growth came up.  One lady said she had difficulty growing her hair...she said her hair was the same length for almost three years...and she as not been cutting it.  My response was: moisturize, moisturize, moisturize...........and EAT FOOD That is GOOD for you.

So here is  a reminder of the food we can eat for good, healthy, beautiful hair. 

I have always been blessed with hair that has grown quickly and did not break easily.  I thought my hair was healthy and strong.  What I didn't realize was how much what I ate (or did not eat) affected my hair and scalp.  I thought since it was thick and long, and grew fast that it was healthy.  I've made references to the dry scalp issues I've had for years in earlier posts (Tress Update and The Hair Journey).  I was using the wrong products and my diet was definitely NOT optimal for truly healthy tresses. Now that I am starting from scratch, I am very curious to see how my "new" hair will perform under a reformed regime. 

Again: my definition of good hair is not texture, length, color...it's HEALTH (Your Hair is So Nappy).  I believe diet plays a bigger role the health of our hair than the products we use. 

Our entire body is fused into itself.  Our body works as a symphony not a soloist.  If we are not eating optimally, then some part of the symphony will suffer..it may be the horn section...or the string instruments or the percussion section.  Some areas make deficiencies more apparent such as kidney failure or a heart attack as opposed to weak hair and nails or tired eyes.  But all are signs that help is needed in a particular area of our orchestra. 

So just as diet will affect the chances of getting type 2 diabetes, it will affect the strength, porosity, retention and growth of our hair.  Here are some foods I found that will help my hair journey.

6 Foods to eat for Good Hair:

1.  Beans - they are rich in B vitamins and protein which are essential for strong hair.  Lack of B-vitamins can cause premature hair loss  and dry scalp which is what I was experiencing around my temple area. The vitamin B complex is important for protein metabolism, cell growth and repair.  Other foods containing the vitamin B complex are: whole grains, poultry, organ meats and eggs. The B complex includes:

oVitamin B1 (thiamine)

oVitamin B2 (riboflavin)

oVitamin B3 (niacin)

oVitamin B5 (pantothenic acid)

oVitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

oVitamin B7 (biotin)

oVitamin B9 (folic acid)

oVitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin)

Beans - black eyed peas

2.  Molasses - this sweetener is rich is minerals and trace elements. Hair needs: zinc, iron, calcium, silicone (to name a few) all which are found in molasses. Iron deficiency leads to dull, brittle hair (1,2).

3. Coconut - this fruit gives a balanced proportion of minerals needed for hair.  The oil is one of the best  moisture sealants for natural black hair.  It works in two ways:  it can decrease penetration of water from the environment and can bind to the protein in our hair reinforcing the hair fiber which makes it stronger (1, 2).

Coconut fruit and oil

4.  Cucumber - provides sulfur and trace elements (1).  Di -sulfide bonds join sulfur atoms together creating amino acid linkages.  The more di-sulfide bonds you have the curlier or kinkier your hair will be. These bonds can only be broken by chemical means such as relaxers.  This is why relaxers are irreversible and you have to grow your perm out in order to have your natural texture back (2). 

5.  Spinach - provides vitamin A which aides in hair growth. Vitamin A can keep the dandruff forming process under control.  Too little of this vitamin can lead to dry hair and scalp.  Dry hair leads to breakage.  Conversely, too much vitamin A can lead to thin, coarse brittle hair.  Other foods high in vitamin A content are carrots, chard, apricots, mangoes, and watermelon (1,2).  

6.  Citrus fruits - provides vitamin C which is a collagen builder and helps us absorb iron.   The lack of vitamin C can cause bleeding under the skin and weak, brittle and dry hair and scalp. Vitamin C can also be found in broccoli, tomatoes and cauliflower (2).

In order to have truly healthy hair I have to beef up my diet in the areas of vitamins and minerals, protein and water.   Water is not a food but it is essential to every part of our body. The goal is to stay away from supplements and get what I need directly from the food source. 

Good ole broccoli

Are there any other foods that can be added to this list? Share your thoughts!

Peace and love!

References for this post:

1 -  Encyclopedia of Food and Their Healing Power - Dr. Pamplona-Roger

2 - The Science of Black Hair - Audrey Davis - Sivasothy

Hair Candy by Koosie: Are you living your dreams?

Hi Folks!  Do you know the reason why you were born?  What is your passion?  What do you LOVE to do?  More importantly can you make a living doing what you LOVE?  Today we are going to hear a testimony from Akua who we've featured before on The Natural Journey For Life.  She shared her hair routine and glorious curls with us last year!  We'll she's back to share her Hair Candy Journey. 

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Many businesses start from someone seeing a need and then filling that need.  Usually it starts in their home or close to home.  My need:  cute and unique hair accessories for all ages.  How did I fill that need:  Hair Candy by Koosie. 

I realized rather late in life that I have a talent for certain art forms or mediums.  One of those is graphic arts.  And the one that I am following up on now is creating pieces of art for your hair using ribbons, remnant fabrics, and most importantly beads.  I started dabbling or experimenting several years ago with different methods and finally settled on a few that have really worked.

My favorite and most creative Hair Candy barrettes are the beaded accessories.  I think it allows me to show tons of creativity.  My creations are usually tailor made for my clients.  Clients usually give me their favorite colors or what specifics on what they are looking for and I bring back the most delicious morsels of Hair Candy.  My goal is to base each custom piece on someone's personality.  I have a wonderful  and creatively weird sister.  So I use her for all of my experimental and wild designs.  Hair Candy for my older sisters are usually more conservative, though one loves tons of colors while the other just likes basic colors.  I enjoy the creative process.  Sometimes I have a plan and sometimes I don’t.  But starting out with pieces and putting those pieces together to create a unique piece of wearable art is wonderful!

Hair Candy for girls

 

Hair Candy for the adventurous

 

Hair Candy for the conservative!

 

 

I am a Federal employee who has experienced a very volatile employment year.  Because of this volatility I decided to really truly do what I love and put a price on it.  My goal is not to “Work for the Man” for the rest of my life.  I want to control my own destiny with God making the path clear.  I am still in the beginning phase.  But I feel motivated and hopefully will be more than a small business someday.

If you would like to purchase your very own Hair Candy by Koosie.  Shoot me an email at acolley96@gmail.com.  And we can start the order process.  You can also look at some of my other pieces by going to Hair Candy by Koosie on Facebook.

It’s never to late to create!

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Wow! Here is my Hair Candy!! Go and get yours!! Thanks Akua for sharing your Candy Journey!  We are born with gifts and talents and if we don't use them are we really fulfilling our purpose?  I think not! I can relate to Akua's story because I too have found my true purpose...and It's not "working for the man" the rest of my life.

I'm the adventurous kind......here's my Candy! :)

 

Have you found your passion?

 

Go get your Candy!

 

Peace and love!

 

Two Week Juice Challenge - Week 2

Hi Folks! The Two Week Juice Challenge is on it's last leg.  But there is a resounding cry to keep it going....so we will!  If you are interested in joining the group please let me know.  We are sharing recipes and encouraging each other to keep living the juicy life!

Here is a testimony from one participant: "I am having fun! I am almost replacing  dinner with a smoothie because I am just not as hungry as I was before but I feel good!! If we are alive then why don't we eat more live food? How can a living body survive on dead food? I am so encouraged to keep going and live!"

That testimony makes me so happy!  I feel the same way.  I've added in smoothies when there is no time for making juice, and for some reason I've been a hungry hungry hippo this week so I've supplemented my juice breakfast with oatmeal twice. 

Here are some of the juices/smoothies I've made this week:



Beet Juice - beets (2 large),  carrots (5), celery (12 ribs), ginger (1 inch) and lemon (1) 



Kiwi Basil smoothie - cucumber (1), banana (1), kiwi (2), orange (2), basil (1/2 bunch)

Mango Delight Juice - mango (2), pineapple (2 cups), honey dew melon (3 cups), orange (2), ginger (2 inches), cucumber (1)

Banging Broccoli Juice - broccoli (1.5 cups), pineapple (1 cup), orange (3), green apple (3), ginger (1inch), kiwi (4), basil (2 stems)

All of the juice has been packed with vitamins and minerals.  The beet juice needed 5 more carrots and the kiwi basil smoothie needed one more banana.  All others were AMAZINGLY TASTY!  I don't like torturing myself with bad tasting healthy food.  Healthy food DOES NOT have to taste bad!

I started having PMS symptoms  this week and to combat the possible hormone imbalance I tried to beef up my mineral intake by adding beets and broccoli to the party. 

What kinds of juices or smoothies have you made this week?

Peace and love!

Confessions of a Naturalista: Emotional Eating

I never considered myself an emotional eater until after I completed the Daniel Fast.  I've been in denial and truth be told I felt a bit superior to people who accepted that title.  What I've learned about myself is that I don't eat very much when I'm depressed,  and I do eat junk food when I'm stressed or feeling inadequate. Why junk food and not fruit, vegetables and nuts??? Because junk food = comfort food.  Comfort food makes you feel good because it tastes good and is familiar. The problem with eating junk food to ease stress is that it's not good for you, adds unnecessary fat, calories, sugar and salt to your diet and promotes weight gain. Both situations  (not eating and eating junk food) shine light on unhealthy coping skills.

Since 2014 started my stress levels have been through the roof! I think I bit off more than I can chew.  I feel it in my body and I SEE it when I look in the mirror.  Since I've admitted my emotional eater status, I've been making calculated moves to NOT indulge in junk food and look for alternatives.  I bathed in essential oils and salts three times in one week - it was awesome!  I'm also sharing an article (more for me than you) I wrote last year on ways to relieve stress.  I came up with 11 natural and low cost ways to eliminate stress.  I'll definitely be trying all of these out AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! Stress is a killer and I need to get rid of this emotional eating baggage!

11 Natural Ways to Eliminate Stress:

1.     Eliminate the effect of foolishness on your mind.  You cannot control people, but you can control how they affect you. Turn the volume down on the outside "noise" or mute it altogether.  (free)

2.      Pray/meditate. (free)

3.     Find ways to RELAX: bubble baths, massage therapy, aroma therapy. My favorite essential oils for relaxation are: lavender, chamomile and sage.

4.    Have fun! Watch funny TV shows or movies, go to comedy shows, and hang out with amazingly positive people who are invested in your well-being.  This means there will be no drama or sharing of conversations with anyone who has no right to be in your business (!!!).  (mostly free)

Amazing friends work wonders for eliminating stress

5.     Get involved in things outside yourself: volunteer for a cause.  Make sure you are helping somebody with something EVERYDAY. (could be free)

6.     Re-awaken the hobbies or activities you REALLY ENJOY.  Reading, crafts, travel, etc.

7.      Get in the gym or on the track, trail, tennis court, kick ball field, or roller skating rink…. and work it out!  Allow your body to release endorphins that will put some pep in your step and calm your nerves. 



Cricket???



 8.    Don’t let your undies get in a bunch and don’t sweat the small stuff.  If your undies are always bunched up or you find yourself sweating too much….evaluate how you are reacting to people and situations around you.  I consider myself a “reactor”.  I react in some way shape or form (internally or externally to EVERYTHING).  I am learning to TRULY pick my battles and to be less reactive. Thank you Lord!  It’s so much easier this way.  I feel more balanced.  You will still have to address pertinent issues…but the situations will be more controlled. (free)

 

9.  Eliminate/Manage stress factors:  You know what the stress factors are in your life.  I know what mine are, and I have to manage them in order to be sane. (free) Some examples include:

•  Crazy drama filled friends – who needs the extra drama? Just watch SCANDAL J
• Pressure from work - set boundaries so you don’t lose your mind or over commit.
• Hyper children - do not feed them any sugar, make sure they have a well-balanced diet and are in bed as early as possible.  That leaves more down time for you and provides an opportunity to get other things done.

10.   EAT GOOD, NOURISHING FOOD.  This tip is in capital letters because we don’t realize how important our diet is to our emotional and mental health.  We overlook what we put in our mouths and focus on the external stress factors.  Eating well will help.  Stress is an emotional reaction and can manifest in the physical and mental arenas of our lives.

An apple a day keeps the stress away (Robert Couse-Baker)

 

Too much refined sugar, caffeine, salt and dead food puts us on a mood swing roller coaster and does not provide the nourishment our minds and bodies need to be strong, quick and sharp.

11.    Get plenty of rest.  This is something I am still struggling with.  When I do sleep well I can tell the difference! (free)


 

The Daniel Fast.....It's time to pull myself together!

Hi Folks...it's been awhile since I've posted anything.  My life has been an utter and complete roller coaster of sleepless nights, challenging work projects and deadlines, toddler behavioral "fun", bouts of all night eczema parties...allergic skin reactions........and Doritos and Ben and Jerry's (have mercy!!). 

So to help put things into perspective and clear my mind, body and soul I've decided to do the Daniel Fast.  It's a 21 day fast that consists of eating vegetables, legumes, grains, fruits and water.  No sugar, processed foods, meat, dairy, juice or leavened breads.

Daniel, a biblical character upon being captured by the Babylonians and brought into the King's service refused to eat the food that was offered (the King's meat and wine).  Instead Daniel and his friends requested to eat only vegetables (think vegan diet) and drink water.  After 10 days, they were proven to look more nourished than the young men that consumed the King's food.

After some friends told me about it, I bought the book to learn more about it.  After reading the first few pages I knew it was something I had to do. I like doing these "programs" or "challenges" because it drives and motivates me to accomplish a goal.  It's going to be tough because of my philandering ways.  I envision the 21 days to be like a detox program, with spiritual enlightening and faith building. 

I'm on day #2 and can already feel the detox symptoms coming on.  I'm no stranger to detox challenges.  After the dry brushing...and 30 Day Raw Challenge and Detox for a Diva, I feel almost like a pro.  This Daniel Fast will be different from the others.  The purposeful seeking to gain clarity and deliverance from my deepest darkest ailments are in the forefront of this program.  I'm game and definitely in need. Because our mind, body and soul are connected there is no way to clean one and not the other.  The other "challenges" provided enlightenment and mental strength and fortitude too, but I considered those to be secondary to the primary goal of strengthening my physical health.  Welp.....I'm forecasting this one to be a humdinger and a much different experience.

Here is what I hope to gain:
1 - mental clarity on how to reach my life goal (personally and professionally)
2 - deliverance from spiritual bondage
3 - improvements in time management (personally and professionally)
4 - weight loss (loose the Dorito jiggle).
5 - emotional healing for me and physical healing for Caleb

Whew! Deep stuff guys!

Has anyone out there tried and accomplished the Daniel Fast? 

Peace and love!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!  My hope is that we will ALL have a prosperous, healthy, productive, joyous, strength filled, courageous, satisfying year. 

Since I have started this journey, I've learned more about myself than I could have ever imagined.  I've learned more about my weaknesses, my strengths, why I struggle with certain things so much, and what REALLY makes me tick. 

I've learned to love better, be more patient, exhibit self control (even when I don't want to) and I know what TRUE kindness really is. 

God has ushered me into a new year.  For that I am thankful.  My work on this earth is not finished yet. 

I have no resolutions.  I just want to be a better mother, wife, sister, aunt, niece, granddaughter, daughter, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law, friend, and co-worker.  I've been enlightened on how to be better.  Now it's up to me to take the bull by the horns and fulfill the revelation.  It's time for me to kick fear and uncertainty out of my life! For good!

I must not rely on my five senses to lead me.  I have to rely on the still small voice of God to guide me.  That has been my main struggle this year - letting my common sense rule the day, instead of God's all knowing Spirit.  It's a new day and I'm grateful for another chance to get it right.  Good bye fear! Hello courage!

Are you all with me???

Thanks for supporting me this past year.  Blogging has been a new experience for me, and I've loved every minute of it.  I'm hoping to grow The Natural Journey For Life in 2014.  So stay on for the ride!

Peace and love!

The Juice Journey: Winter Greens!

Hi Folks...as the winter season gets in to full swing, it's important to keep the flow of green juices going.  Green vegetables provide oxygen to your body. They also boost your immune system and keep your body full of vitamins and minerals that help fight nasty bacteria and viruses that like to show up this time of year.  As the trees turn the magnificent yellows, oranges and reds that are so pleasing to the eye...the green things start to disappear.  Make sure they don't disappear from your diet!

Keep green juice around using winter greens such as green leaf lettuce, chard, kale, broccoli and cabbage.

This juice is called Winter Green Juice:

Here is the simple recipe:
Yellow and green apples  (4 - 5)
Green leaf lettuce (1 bunch)
Kale (not shown) (1 bunch)

Drink up and drink green this winter!!! :)


Share your favorite green juice recipe with me!


Peace and blessings!

Detoxification: Liver, Onions and Divas!

Hi Folks!

It's time for another detox experience.  This year I did a dry brush and a raw food detox.  Both left me in good shape.  I was sharper, leaner, stronger, softer (skin wise) and focused. 

One of the things I've been wanting to do is a liver cleanse/detox.  The liver is the powerhouse of our bodies.  It helps our digestive system, filters out toxins and secrets hormones that we need to keep living.  It often gets overlooked and ignored, but without it we would not be alive. 

So...I want to give my liver a BIG hug and KISS!

The Power House

To do this I will be drinking teas and cleaning up my diet.  This liver cleanse is sponsored by Herbal Bush House.  I have coupled this liver detox with another program called Detox For a Diva  sponsored by Soul Food Therapy. 

The Liver Cleanse:
The liver cleanse I'm doing consists of 4 weeks of preparation.  The prep work consists of  drinking a series of teas, taking a product called Gut Buster Pro and cleaning up my diet.  This is where Detox for a Diva comes in.  The recipes provided are nutritious and most of all DELICIOUS!

After 4 weeks of prep the 5th week will consist of all raw food (including juices, smoothies and fasting).

Detox For a Diva:
To help me get ready for the 5th week of the liver cleanse, I've been a part of the Detox for a Diva program.  Along with the great recipes/food, the regimen consists of dry brushing, drinking lemon water every morning, and taking nice cleansing baths.  So far I'm behind the rest of the ladies but I'm hanging in there! 

I'm also doing well with drinking my teas.  I've just completed week #1.

More to come!!!  Mr. Detox and I have gotten reacquainted! Whew! I was on a slippery sweet, salty slope these last few weeks.  Time to put on my big girl panties and get it together!! :)

I will say it did not take me long to get in swing of both programs (Liver cleanse and Detox For a Diva) due the progress in self control and commitment I've made by finishing the raw food detox challenge (Raw Food Diet is Over!).  Plus...I LOVE doing the right thing for my health.  It supersedes any cravings for munchkins  I may get! :)

Stay tuned.........

Peace and blessings!

Does this look okay for work?

Would this look be acceptable in the workplace??

Have you ever asked yourself that question?  I have.  I tend to wear less conservative hair (and clothing) styles outside of work.  I was taught that you have to look professional in the workplace.  But what does that actually mean? Especially in 2013 where I've seen silky straight perms to mo-hawks on men and women to huge twists outs, locs and  micro braids - all in the workplace.  I've questioned the eccentric nature of my hairstyles for the workplace and I have been surprised by getting compliments on the styles I felt were too radical and slightly inappropriate (More Coping Skills.....).

Would bantu knots fly in the work place??

 

In the 1950s and 1960s, a Black person who had an afro was considered radical.   That's what the afro was at that time.....radical.....a symbol of freedom and of getting back to our roots. It started out being a huge political statement.   Braids, afros and other "ethnic" styles were considered un-professional.  There were even cases in the 1980s of women being fired from their jobs for having cornrows or other forms of braids. Society's idea of beauty impacted what was considered professional.  At that time straight hair that mimicked European culture was the ideal.  It was all about the press and curl and later on the chemical relaxer.  This history has influenced my view of what "professional" means in the workplace.  I'll say it again: I have felt a bit nervous about sporting my various faux hawk styles at work.  But at the same time I feel like I've been brainwashed to believe that my natural tresses need to be trained for the workforce.  I DID make it a point wear twists (a typical style for me then) for my job interview.  I only used to straightened my hair once a blue moon anyway and I wanted my employer to see the "real" me....twists and all!

When I look around my workplace these days I see women of all hues with curls flowing, locs dangling and natural vibes dripping from their tresses!  I love it and feel encouraged.  Being neat and presentable is still important and key to maintaining a professional vibe.  I know for certain that trends in society influences my work environment.  Societal trends are the bread and butter for MOST industries.  From my vantage point - the fact that natural hair is all the rage promotes acceptance from corporate America.

Here's what women who took my "Spill your Hair Guts" survey had to say about society's view of natural Black hair:

"Society's view of natural black hair has changed....unless you live in the hick-hock country."
 

"I think right now it's a trend to be natural. People are doing it because everyone else is. Only time will tell if this resurgence in natural hair will continue. I am seeing more natural styles on mainstream commercials. Its kind of exciting. Not everyone I see is light skinned with curly hair either. I think its great."
 

"Within the black community in certain areas - yes society's view has changed. I found that natural hair is not as common place in the South than it is in the North East. I do find that non-Black people are not as critical of natural hair and express appreciation for it more then some in the Black community. I also live in a very liberal area, so the non-Black community is more open minded."
 

"I think society's view is changing, but more importantly our view needs to change also. I know people who second guess what they feel comfortable wearing in corporate America. Once you have inner confidence and take care of your hair everyone else will accept you, no matter what the style. Also we are always wanting another person's hair curl pattern, instead of our own. We need to learn to appreciate and love our hair."
 

"Actually I don't care how society views natural hair because I cannot live in someone else's reality - only my own and as far as I know I was born perfect, so should I change who I am for society? Ha! Never that!"


66.7% of respondents said that their natural hair was accepted at work.  16.7% felt that they were sometimes accepted and 16.7% said that even though their hair was accepted they still received comments about it.

In summary Naturalistas  are in a good place when it comes to society's changing view of natural hair and how it's being accepted in the work place! We still have a long way to go to accept our own beauty, but we are well on our way! I want to give a BIG thank you to all those women who paved the way for professional self expression!

Thanks again to all the beautiful women who shared their time and thoughts with The Natural Journey For Life! Big up!!! :)

What are your thoughts? Please share!!

Peace and blessings!