Spring Cleaning w/ Megan Zimak's 4 Fave Ways to Detox
Springtime has finally arrived here in NYC, and I for one, could not be happier. Of course that also means that pretty soon we’ll be wearing itty-bitty bikinis and micro-minis. So, what better way to prep for the revealing warm-weather fashion than kicking things off with a detoxifying cleanse?
These days you hear the words “cleansing” and “detox” quite frequently, but what exactly do those terms mean? Nutrition and Wellness expert, Megan Zimak gives us the low down, and reveiws her 4 favorite all natural Juice Cleanses and Detox Diets.
CLICK BELOW for healthy eating tips, reviews on some of the best ways to spring clean your body (including Gwenyth Paltrow and Demi Moore’s hot body secret!)
To cleanse one’s body is to remove dietary & environmental toxins through some application of a healthier lifestyle. Some examples of dietary theories that fall into this category include the Colon Cleanse, Master Cleanse, Candida Diet, Great American Detox Diet, and Raw Juice Fast to name a few.
Research shows that we are exposed to thousands of chemicals on a daily basis through the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe and the household, office or personal care products we use. These toxins deposit in our fat cells and produce excess residue that our bodies are no longer capable of naturally eliminating. Furthermore, much of the food we consume nowadays is processed—high in refined sugar & starch, and devoid of adequate nutrition & fiber—which can trigger inflammatory response in the body, the root cause of all chronic disease.
Rebuilding and cleansing diets work to strengthen your immune system and reduce inflammation by removing common food allergens, lightening up your diet, and adding in essential nutrients to bring glowing vibrant health to mind, body & spirit. Through a detoxifying diet, you can not only lose weight, but may also eliminate allergies, improve chronic ailments, increaseenergy, and overcome addictions and cravings.
For starters, here is a list of foods to include and avoid on a general detox or rebuilding diet:
EAT THESE:
• fresh or frozen berries •fresh or frozen vegetables •whole, gluten-free grains (amaranth, millet, buckwheat, quinoa, brown rice) • nuts and seeds • extra-virgin olive oil
NOT THESE:
• sugar & artificial sweeteners • wheat, gluten & dairy • yeast • food additives and preservatives • chocolate, caffeine & alcohol • foods high in saturated fat
However, if you’re looking for a bit more structure, or want to take your cleansing to a deeper level for fast & lasting results, here is a brief overview of 4 of my favorites. Fair warning: these cleanses are not for the faint of heart, and it goes without saying to please consult your physician before starting on any new diet or detoxification.
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“MOST INTENSE”
1. The Master Cleanse Diet, also commonly referred to as the Lemonade Diet, Maple Syrup Diet, and Cayenne Pepper Diet, was created in 1940 to help treat people with ulcers. This diet was not originally intended for weight loss; however, that is a nearly inevitable result due to the significantly reduced daily caloric intake (avg 600-1200 calories).
The Master Cleanse recipe includes: 2 tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon 2 tbsp. pure maple syrup 1/10 tsp. cayenne pepper 10 ounce glass of medium hot water
The Master Cleanse diet should be followed exclusively for 10 days, with solid foods gradually re-introduced in a specific manner & order. This allows good gut bacteria to sufficiently re-develop. Important to note: most physicians & wellness experts do not endorse this diet due to the lack of essential nutrients.
“MOST CUSTOMIZABLE”
2. Organic Avenue offers 5 organic, vegan raw food/juice cleanses based on their “L.O.V.E.” philosophy: Live, Organic, Vegan, Experience. The 3 most popular cleanses are the Love Easy (5 day beginner cleanse, combining raw juices & cuisine), Love Fast (Level 2 cleansing, incorporating juices, soups & smoothies), and finally, the Love Deep (3 days of juice only, for advanced “cleansers”). Cleanses may be picked up or delivered (depending on zip code) & all packages include a daily email with detailed instructions, time schedule, nutrition tips & inspiring words of L.O.V.E & wisdom.
“MOST CELEB ENDORSED”
3. The Clean Program, a 21-day cleanse developed by Dr Alejandro Junger MD (a renowned cardiologist), has been touted as the most effective cleanse in the world. It is doctor-backed by wellness heavyweights Dr. Frank Lippman & Dr. Mark Hyman, and loved & endorsed by celebs such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Moore & Debra Messing to name a few. The plan is simple (a shake for breakfast, lunch from a list of specific foods, a shake for dinner, and supplements such as probiotics & enzymes to be taken throughout the day), and arrives direct to your door, neatly packed & organized, in just 2 days. Its pricey ($425, shipping included) but let’s just say, the results are worth their weight (or weight loss) in gold.
“MOST ACCESSIBLE”
4. Finally, the ‘First Cleanse’ system from Renew Life is fantastic. It is an organic mixture of minerals and herbs that helps draw away toxins, fats and ‘extra’ hormones from your system. It is a 30 day program but eating is permitted (follow above list of recommended foods to eat/avoid). This system is by far the least pricey and most widely accessible of the bunch.
Wishing you all an easy cleanse, and a healthy, happy & vibrant Spring!
- Megan Zimak
Packing for a Week in Los Angeles
As — would say, “I’m goin’ goin’, back back to Cali Cali”… So what am I gonna pack pack for a low key week in the city of angels? Answer: A bunch of day to night casuals that can be mixed and matched for a variety of occasions.
The Forecast: High’s in the mid 60’s to the upper 70’s, Lows in the mid 40’s
The Agenda: Wine tasting in Santa Barbara with NB, lazy days around town, casual dinners with friends, a few casual meetings and showroom appointments
How Long: 5 1/2 days, 5 nights
CLICK BELOW to see what I’m bringing to La La Land and how I plan to wear it.
One of my favorite packing tips is to pick a color palette and stick to it. For this trip I chose neutral grey and earth tones to keep my travel wardrobe is as flexible and interchangeable as possible.
You’ll also notice that nearly all of the pieces below (with the exception of the silk Theory blouse) are wrinkle free fabrics - so they will look just as good when I pull them out of the bag as they did when they went in!
(Actual list / wardrobe credits at the bottom of post)
Layered over a silk cami or under my leather jacket, this cozy cashmere cardigan is the perfect way to keep warm. The grey silk cami is cute on it’s own too, and can be worn during the day with boyfriend jeans, or worn with some gold jewelry, heels and a tie dye scarf.
This striped fisherman sweater is really light - perfect with boyfriend jeans and wedges, maybe for a shopping day.
This leather jacket is perfect for adding polish to casual basics like a white T shirt or this grey slouchy sweater. Paired with my platform Marni booties, I could even wear this to dinner. I also adore these skinny jeans because they’re carol burnett nude pokies super fitted, and have just the right amount of distress.
Skinny jeans: EARNEST SEWN
A plain white T shirt goes from drab to fab when accessorized with fun jewelry and a scarf.
A cotton sweater is perfect for that in between weather. This hoodie looks darling with cut off shorts for a day of bumming around Venice or Manhattan beach.
This open weave tunic sweater feels effortless because of it’s shape, but dressy because of it’s wirey, slightly shiny material. It’s perfect for a casual dinner, worn with skinny jeans and platform booties, or for daytime with leopard flats and boyfriend jeans.
For a trendier evening, I love this animal print blouse with my skinnies. It’s just the right amount of “look” without going overboard. This amazing Kara Ross bracelet is all the jewelry I need!
Effortless and chic, this silk blouse just feels right for day or night. Maybe I’ll wear this wine tasting in Santa Barbara… Better be careful not to spill any!
More jewelry to play around with!
THE EXTRAS
Go with everything grey bag: BALENCIAGA
Tie die extra long scarf: ZARA
Bright leopard print zipper bag to hold plane essentials like hand cream, Lara bars, lipgloss and hand sanitizer: DVF
Giant vintage duffle bag to carry it all in?: LOUIS VUITTON
Reading material: ELLE, HARPERS BAZAAR and FIFTH AVENUE 5 AM by Sam Wasson.
PACKING LIST
Cashmere Cardigan: CALYPSO ST. BARTHS
Double Belt: INTERMIX
Skinny jeans: EARNEST SEWN
Grey Silk Cami; NILI LOTAN
Taupe Ballet Flats: GAP
Lace Up Wedges: CHLOE
Army Green Leather Jacket: DVF
Grey Slouchy Sweater/Sweatshirt: MILLOU
Shredded Boyfriend Jeans: CURRENT ELLIOT
White Silk Blouse: THEORY
Animal Print Blouse with Leather Detail: HAUTE HIPPIE
Perfect Oversized White T: ZARA
Cotton Hoodie: T BY ALEXANDER WANG
Striped Open Weave Sweater: EVER
Cream Wire-y Sweater: UNKNOWN
Gold Bangles: VAN H.
Imitation Bone Cuff Bracelet: BCBG
Catch you on the flip side!
xx
Natty
Nutritionist Approved, Healthy Superbowl Snacks
Fall in Love at Laluna Resort & Spa in Grenada (Plus a Bonus Freebie!)
When my boyfriend, Neal and I decided to take a trip to Grenada earlier this season, everyone whom we told thought we were going to Spain. Commonly confused with the Spanish coastal town Grenada (Gre-NAH-dah), the Grenada (Gre-NAY-dah) on our radar is a Caribbean island located at the southern tip of the Grenadines.
Nicknamed the Spice Island, Grenada had me at hello with it’s lush landscape, unbelievably friendly locals and crystal clear waters. But what really made our vacation so dreamy was where we staid: the luxurious Laluna Resort and Spa. A favorite amongst the fashion set - Laluna is the stuff of dreams…
Greeted upon arrival with what would be the first of many rum cocktails, Neal and I perched at the thatched roof bar in our travel clothes – ready to relax. It didn’t take long for a perma-grin to settle onto my face as I surveyed the surroundings that would be our home for the next 3 days…
Semi-private bungalows stagger themselves upward into the mountain from the main house, which sits directly on the ocean. Each cottage suite features a spacious deck and personal plunge pool, perfect for stargazing or just listening to the waves lapping at the shore below. Open-air bathrooms allow you to take in the breathtaking view - even while showering. The entire compound feels rustic and tropical, while offering the finest of every creature comfort; including the hands-down BEST massage I have ever had from the Balinese spa located just down the footpath. Still holding on to a few threads of tension from life back in the city – we signed up for an hour of yoga in the outdoor pagoda overlooking the endless turquoise sea. The result? Pure bliss.
After a couple of days of extreme relaxation, Neal and I were ready to explore. Our taxi driver cum tour guide, Lennox, took us on a jungle hike - pointing out the islands unique plants and wildlife along levitra volume pills the way. We met several precocious monkeys and played with “Donkey’s Eye” (a seed which heat up when rubbed on stone) before Lennox led us to the pièce de résistance: a secret waterfall dubbed “Honeymoon Falls” for it’s heart-shaped pool.
To unwind from our adventure, Neal and I headed back to Laluna for a private sunset dinner on the beach. Bernardo, who owns the resort with his wife Wendy, is Italian – which explains the menu at the delicious waterfront restaurant.
As a tense city girl, I cannot say enough about the peace of mind I discovered during my stay at Laluna. My only complaint is that our stay was too short. I’m dying to return for a dive at Grenada’s famous Underwater Sculpture Park, and more seafood feasts at Oprah’s (and now our) favorite, BB’s Crabback. For fellow fashionphiles looking for an escape from skinny jeans and stilettos – Laluna is everything you could hope for and more. In fact, they have a history of catering to the well heeled… Some of fashion’s biggest names, including KATE MOSS, MICHAEL KORS and HEIDI KLUM have each tanned their fit physiques at Laluna. And that’s not all — Laluna’s colorful backdrop has been used in numerous photo shoots for SAKS FIFTH AVE and NEIMAN MARCUS as well as SPORTS ILLUSTRATED who shot their notorious Swimsuit Issue at Laluna.
So if you’re still planning your summer getaway, or looking for a chic escape at any time of year; look no further than Laluna Resort and Spa in Grenada. And if you just can’t get enough of Laluna – they’re currently building 7 luxury villas on the property, which are now available for purchase.
*BONUS*
Natty Style readers receive a FREE Balinese head massage per person with any reservation!! Simply enter “NattyStyle” under the “Additional Comments” section upon booking.
Bon Voyage!
xx
Natty
Fall in Love at Laluna Resort & Spa in Grenada (Plus a Bonus Freebie!)
When my boyfriend, Neal and I decided to take a trip to Grenada earlier this season, everyone whom we told thought we were going to Spain. Commonly confused with the Spanish coastal town Grenada (Gre-NAH-dah), the Grenada (Gre-NAY-dah) on our radar is a Caribbean island located at the southern tip of the Grenadines.
Nicknamed the Spice Island, Grenada had me at hello with it’s lush landscape, unbelievably friendly locals and crystal clear waters. But what really made our vacation so dreamy was where we staid: the luxurious Laluna Resort and Spa. A favorite amongst the fashion set - Laluna is the stuff of dreams…
Greeted upon arrival with what would be the first of many rum cocktails, Neal and I perched at the thatched roof bar in our travel clothes – ready to relax. It didn’t take long for a perma-grin to settle onto my face as I surveyed the surroundings that would be our home for the next 3 days…
Semi-private bungalows stagger themselves upward into the mountain from the main house, which sits directly on the ocean. Each cottage suite features a spacious deck and personal plunge pool, perfect for stargazing or just listening to the waves lapping at the shore below. Open-air bathrooms allow you to take in the breathtaking view - even while showering. The entire compound feels rustic and tropical, while offering the finest of every creature comfort; including the hands-down BEST massage I have ever had from the Balinese spa located just down the footpath. Still holding on to a few threads of tension from life back in the city – we signed up for an hour of yoga in the outdoor pagoda overlooking the endless turquoise sea. The result? Pure bliss.
After a couple of days of extreme relaxation, Neal and I were ready to explore. Our taxi driver cum tour guide, Lennox, took us on a jungle hike - pointing out the islands unique plants and wildlife along levitra volume pills the way. We met several precocious monkeys and played with “Donkey’s Eye” (a seed which heat up when rubbed on stone) before Lennox led us to the pièce de résistance: a secret waterfall dubbed “Honeymoon Falls” for it’s heart-shaped pool.
To unwind from our adventure, Neal and I headed back to Laluna for a private sunset dinner on the beach. Bernardo, who owns the resort with his wife Wendy, is Italian – which explains the menu at the delicious waterfront restaurant.
As a tense city girl, I cannot say enough about the peace of mind I discovered during my stay at Laluna. My only complaint is that our stay was too short. I’m dying to return for a dive at Grenada’s famous Underwater Sculpture Park, and more seafood feasts at Oprah’s (and now our) favorite, BB’s Crabback. For fellow fashionphiles looking for an escape from skinny jeans and stilettos – Laluna is everything you could hope for and more. In fact, they have a history of catering to the well heeled… Some of fashion’s biggest names, including KATE MOSS, MICHAEL KORS and HEIDI KLUM have each tanned their fit physiques at Laluna. And that’s not all — Laluna’s colorful backdrop has been used in numerous photo shoots for SAKS FIFTH AVE and NEIMAN MARCUS as well as SPORTS ILLUSTRATED who shot their notorious Swimsuit Issue at Laluna.
So if you’re still planning your summer getaway, or looking for a chic escape at any time of year; look no further than Laluna Resort and Spa in Grenada. And if you just can’t get enough of Laluna – they’re currently building 7 luxury villas on the property, which are now available for purchase.
*BONUS*
Natty Style readers receive a FREE Balinese head massage per person with any reservation!! Simply enter “NattyStyle” under the “Additional Comments” section upon booking.
Bon Voyage!
xx
Natty
[A Natty Nugget] Staying Healthy in the Heat
So it’s 103 degrees outside and you can barely bring yourself to lace up your gladiator sandals - let alone put on sneakers and go for a run. In the face of summer’s BBQs and burger cook-offs, what can a girl do to avoid a swimsuit spoiling pot belly and thunder thighs?? To find out, I consulted my friend and nutrition expert, Megan Zimak:
Megan’s Tips for staying slim yet social this summer:
-Always eat a light but filling snack before heading out to your event—this will help prevent any unnecessary bingeing at BBQ—it’s never cool to be the girl hanging out at the food table all day!
-Chips & salsa are a light and satisfying snack when consumed in moderation—just watch out for the guacamole & “taco dips” as they pack a serious caloric punch!
-If it’s a burger you’re craving, consider choosing it without the bun (& go easy on the ketchup—its loaded with refined sugar), or selecting a veggie burger or grilled chicken when available. Hot dogs are never a good choice, as they are highly processed & chock-full of dangerous nitrates.
-If salads, crudite, grilled veggies or fresh fruit is available, don’t be afraid to load up! These foods are rich in antioxidants, low in sugar/fat, high in fiber & especially cooling on hot summer days. A general rule is to fill up ¾ of your plate with fruits/veggies—most likely you won’t be as hungry for that pasta & potato salad as you thought.
-Try to avoid any “salads” mixed with mayonnaise & always go easy on the dairy (watch out for cheese plates—-cheese is highly addictive & contains about 70% saturated fat).
-If a Mexican fiesta is the theme of evening, some simple suggestions include: choose tacos over fajitas or quesadillas (fajitas are cooked in tons of oil & quesadillas are packed with fatty cheese), opt for your burrito without rice, go easy on the sour cream & guac (choose fresh salsa instead) and always select the “seafood” or vegetarian option if available (ie/ shrimp tacos or veggie burrito).
-As for cocktails, the obvious choices are light beer, white wine spritzers or a glass of champagne (though that can go down a little too easy in some cases!).
Thanks Megan! Readers - if it’s a mixed drink or “specialty cocktail” that you’re craving, check back later this week for one of Megan’s signature summer recipes.
-NATTY
