Today I’m sharing a wonderful article by Sandy Alcide (athlete skin care consultant/aesthetician) founder of Motion Medica Skin Care.  I preach daily to my clients that sugar = enemy for our physique goals, but much the same can be said for our skin…read on

Many of my skin care clients include foods with white refined sugar in their “cheat meals”. Although we are all entitled to a cheat meal during and after training you may want to reconsider the amount of white refined sugar you consume.

First, let’s have a quick look at the history of refined sugar.

The majority of sugar comes from sugar cane (Saccharum SPP), which is a tall grass that grows in tropical regions. The juice from raw sugar cane is traditionally used as sweetener from the Caribbean to India. Interestingly, raw sugar cane juice can be good for you. But back in the 1500’s manufacturers started ‘refining’ sugar cane so that it could be easily shipped overseas. Over years, the process became more complex and dependent on chemicals. After the juice is pressed out of the cane stalks, the liquid is treated with chemical solvents to remove impurities. After a process that crystallizes the liquid, it is treated with bleach and other chemicals then filtered through bone char, a powder made from cow or pig bones. Brown sugar is made by adding molasses.

Refined sugar, known as white sugar, can make our skin age by changing the structure of collagen. Collagen is a protein found inside and outside of cells. Putting it simply, it works with keratin to provide skin with strength, flexibility and resilience. Think of it as the “framework” of your skin. Like a building, if the framework is weak, the building will crumble ”down”. White refined sugar breaks down the collagen protein causing skin to sag and wrinkle. In older persons, white refined sugar has been shown to increase wrinkles and dry aged skin. It produces an acidic condition in the digestive system. This drains the body of vitamins and minerals which could be benefiting your skin. While foods that contain white refined sugar don’t actually cause acne, sugar in the bloodstream can cause inflammation of the skin making the appearance of acne more prominent. Refined sugar, known as white sugar is a refined sweetener. It adds nothing but calories and taste to food. When reading ingredients, the word “sugar” can also mean high fructose corn syrup, refined cane sugar or white sugar.

You may be able to “workout” the calories from sugar by exercise. But you won’t be able to workout the effects of sugar from your skin.


I have been using the Motion Medica products for months now, and I am so thrilled with the change in my skins clearness and texture I had to share it with all of you! Previously a Proactiv user, these products leave my skin cleaner than I’ve ever felt…especially after a long day of workouts.  Especially formulated for active men and women who are prone to exercise induced acne, these products will not fail you!  I start my skin care regime each day with the Dermaclenz Liquid Cleanser followed by the Herbal Blend Astringent. The Camphor Treatment Stick and Clarifying Camphor Masque go on any problems areas. Lastly I use the Sage and Citrus Moisturizer. I use the Orange Sorbet Bath Gelee each morning in the shower followed by the Orange Sorbet Body Creme for full body softness.

Acne, excessive oil, dull and dry skin induced by exercise is a specialized condition which needs specialized skin care with custom products and regimen as science has proved. Motion Medica is an exclusive line of highly effective athletic skin care from only the most premium sources.  Motion Medica products are coming to the fore as the fitness world’s best kept secret for beautiful, healthy and clean skin for fitness activists.

I am happy to offer Motion Medica products to my readers…I hope you all enjoy the look, the feel of your skin as much as I have.  There is truly not a better product out there specially formulated for those of us who enjoy a good sweat.  Happy training!

I really enjoy this Tight Curves Protein Powder especially formulated for women. Tight Curves delivers many benefits that virtually every woman wants and needs to achieve and maintain a tight, toned and healthy body. This powder supports low carbohydrate diets, facilitates muscle toning, accelerates fat loss, reduces water retention and even can improve the health of hair, skin & nails. Personally I enjoy the protein packets which gives you the exact portion for a yummy post workout shake. But, in addition to being perfectly portable for us busy moms…there are a host of wonderful recipes you can use with this powder. Here are a few favorites!

Tight Curves Triple Berry Custard

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 20 minutes
INGREDIENTS:

* 1 scoop of Tight Curves Multi-Purpose Protein
* 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt (Fage Greek Yogurt is thick and has tons of protein!)
* 1/2 cup of mixed berries (blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries)
* Mint leaf to garnish (optional)

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix yogurt and Tight Curves in a bowl.
2. Once all of the protein powder is mixed in and you’ve created a custard, add in the berries and mix.
3. Pour into a glass dessert dish and garnish with a mint leaf. Chill for 20 minutes and serve!

Turkey Egg White Quiche

Makes 6 Servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
INGREDIENTS:

* 1 scoop of Tight Curves Multi-Purpose Protein
* 1 large carton of pure egg whites
* 2 packages of extra lean ground turkey
* 3 garlic cloves
* 1 small green pepper diced
* 1/2 small white onion diced
* 1/2 bag of fresh spinach
* Seasoning of your choice

DIRECTIONS:

1. Spray pan with non-stick cooking spray. (Pam Olive Oil Spray) and brown turkey.
2. Add peppers, spinach, garlic, onion and seasoning and cook on medium for 2-3 minutes until spinach cooks down.
3. Transfer mixture into a 9×13 glass dish and spread.
4. Pour egg whites evenly over the mixture.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.
6. Cool and serve!

You could also spread some no carb or no salt ketchup over the top after you remove from the oven, and then put it back in the oven for a few minutes to create more of a meatloaf!

Tight Curves Protein Bars

2 scoops chocolate Tight Curves Protein Powder
2 cups old fashioned oats
1/4-1/3 cup Smart balance peanut butter, chunky
1 tablespoon flax
3/4-1 cup water
can also add dried fruit, or nuts

Mix all ingredients together (will be very sticky and semi-thick).Press into 8×8 pan, place in freezer for 20 min, take out of the freezer and cut into 10 bars, then place back in freezer. I eat them directly out of the freezer on my way to the gym. You can also substitute the peanut butter for almond butter or for 1 large banana. So yummy!