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Wellness Wednesday: 4 Superfoods to Positively Affect Your Health

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Hey guys, Gina here. I don’t know about you, but I love knowing that my diet consists of foods that can positively affect my health. I like to think about food as medicine. Here are 4 superfoods that I implement in my diet and all of their amazing benefits!

1. EXTRA VIRGIN

OLIVE OIL

According to the US FDA, consuming olive oil can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

Olive Oil has anti-inflammatory benefits.

It helps stabilize blood sugar, supports bone health, and contains antioxidants to protect your body.

Keep olive oil on your table, and drizzle it over your salad, vegetables, breads, and more! I love to use it as a base for cooking instead of butter. Try it 🙂

2. BERRIES

Nature’s candy works wonders in giving the body the vitamins it needs to thrive.

Berries are full of antioxidants and vitamins.

They can help improve digestion.

Keeping berries in your fridge at all times ensures that you always have a healthy snack on hand. If you are feeling insatiable, grab a handful of berries to do the trick.

3. AVOCADOS

Avocados are high in monounsaturated fats, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the vitamins include: potassium, folate, magnesium, and numerous B vitamins.

According to the American Heart Association, “Monounsaturated fats can help reduce bad cholesterol levels in your blood which can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. They also provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body’s cells. Oils rich in monounsaturated fats also contribute vitamin E to the diet, an antioxidant vitamin most Americans need more of.”

Avocado toast is one of my favorite go-to’s for an easy and quick breakfast or lunch. Drizzle on some olive oil and sprinkle some chili powder to do it my way!

4. SALMON

This fish reigns as one of the ultimate sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These help to lower blood pressure and reduce triglycerides.

Salmon can help prevent certain diseases.

It can also help improve memory.

Grilling up some salmon with a teriyaki glaze and a side of vegetables is one of my favorite meals!

Gina Rivera

Gina Rivera

Beauty Icon and Expert

Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

    DISCLAIMER: None of the information given on this article is to be considered as medical advice. Please discuss with your doctor before changing your diet. This article is for general informational purposes only.

    Gina Rivera

    Gina Rivera

    Beauty Icon & Expert

    Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. Additionally, Rivera has developed professional beauty products and styling tools under the By Gina brand.

      Wellness Wednesday: 4 Tips to a More Positive Life

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      Today’s Wellness Wednesday is all about positivity! Are you someone that is always seeing the glass half empty rather than half full? During challenging times, it is so tough to change our outlook. If we can master ways to see that glass half full, then we are well on our way to living a better and more positive life. Whether you are looking for ways to change your outlook or just simply keep yourself on a positive mindset track, our 4 tips and resources will help you get where you want to go. 

      #1 It’s all about outlook.

      The way that we look at the world is a direct result of how we feel. If we are constantly feeling down and negative, we will attract the same into our lives. Challenge yourself to break down those barriers of negativity and start to look at things differently. Use the glass half empty or half full example and apply that to your everyday life! 

      #2 Stay grateful and humble.

      When we move from a state of gratefulness, it is scientifically proven that we are happier. If you don’t want to believe us, believe Harvard Medical School. 

      In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Gratitude helps people feel more positive emotions, relish good experiences, improve their health, deal with adversity, and build strong relationships.

      Harvard Health Publishing

      #3 Be kind to your progress.

      Comparison is the thief of joy.

      Theodore Roosevelt 

      We constantly are comparing ourselves to others. “Keeping up with the Joneses” is more real than ever in the age of social media. If we consistently are basing our happiness on where we fall in comparison to others, we will never feel truly whole and happy. Choose kindness today. 

      #4 Alter that 9%

      You have 75,000 THOUGHTS every day and 91% are EXACTLY the SAME as the DAY BEFORE! People wonder why their life doesn’t change???”

      Ed Mylett

      We have the power to alter the other 9% of thoughts in our days to truly change our lives. Watch this 12 minute video and prepare for your mind to be open to so many possibilities! 

      Gina Rivera

      Gina Rivera

      Beauty Icon and Expert

      Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

        3 Tips to Optimizing Your Morning Routine for Success

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        It’s another glorious morning. What do you do? If you immediately roll over to your bedside table, grab your phone, and deep dive into emails or Instagram- then you are apart of the 80% of smartphone users who do the same thing, according to a study from IDC Research. This is a problem. We are starting our days filled with the stress and anxiety of bombarding stimuli, tasks, and information.

        If you want to recreate your mornings to optimize success and happiness, then you came to the right place. 

        #1 Tack on New Habits to Old

        It has been said that the easiest and most effective way to create new habits is by piggybacking them onto old ones. If rolling over and grabbing your phone every morning is your old habit, simply replace the item that is sitting on your bedside table. This means plugging your phone in a place that is out of reach. Make it so you have to physically get out of bed to be able to retrieve your phone. 

        So, what should I replace my phone with? 

        -Journal and a Pen 

        -Alarm Clock 

        -Book 

        -Water 

        #2 Decide on Your Personalized New Routine 

        Everyone is different. What “Sally” does and what works for her may be very different from what will work for you. Decide on what would optimally make your morning better. Some ideas: 

        -Meditating/ Prayer 

        -Gratitude Journal 

        -Self Empowering Book 

        -Hydration and Light 

        #3 Make Your Bed

        If you don’t want to listen to us, listen to this Navy Seal Admiral. 

        Morning routines should be sacred. Start by recreating yours to optimize your life. Treat your morning with respect and allow a sense of peace and joy to flow into your life. It’s really that simple! 

        Gina Rivera

        Gina Rivera

        Beauty Icon and Expert

        Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

          Keys to Managing Stress & Anxiety During Quarantine

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          COVID-19 has taken over our lives and in return it has given us a new reality. In this new reality, we are learning about ourselves and those around us. We are learning how to operate our existence from our jobs to our free time. We are learning how to cope in any way we can during a crisis emotionally and financially. Every day, our reality changes and shifts.

          We know that the stress and anxiety this induces is overwhelming. While everything is changing around us, we should find the time to connect with our inner selves to help bring relief. Here are a few key ways to manage stress and anxiety.

          Gina Rivera

          Gina Rivera

          Beauty Icon and Expert

          Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

            Our Keys to Finding Peace in a Crisis

            Let us help you. Follow these anchors.

            JOURNAL

            write it down

            Take the time to write down what you are feeling and how you are conducting your days. When the rain has stopped and the sunshine returns (metaphorically speaking) you will be able to look back on these days and see how you OVERCAME your obstacles. 

              SHOWCASE

              share your skills

              Go out of your comfort zone. If you are a skin care expert, film videos on how others can take care of their skin. If you are a hairstylist, teach virtual classes on the basics- how to do a blow dry on yourself or French braids. You get the picture.

                CREATE

                use your hands

                Spend time creating with your hands. This is a great way to use a different part of your brain and relax. Painting, coloring, sewing, knitting, gardening, tie dying, refurbishing- the list goes on! 

                  ORGANIZE

                  dial in your space

                  It is the best time to de-clutter your life and the spaces you occupy. That means going into that forbidden junk drawer or miscellaneous hall closet and getting to work. Clean out your closet, clean out your drawers, clean out your bathroom! You will feel more dialed in than ever before and a sense of calm will wave over you. 

                    SWEAT

                    stay active

                    Keep your body moving. Exercise releases endorphins- the feel good, natural energy that is priceless! It helps keep your stress levels down and will help you blow off that extra steam you may be carrying. 

                      HOBBY

                      try something new

                      Whether it be simply fitting in time to read that book you have put off or learn how to play that dusty guitar in the garage! Use this time to your advantage to learn something you haven’t had time for in the past. Immersing yourself into learning is an essential way to offset stress and anxiety. 

                        How are you managing your stress and anxiety? We want to know! Please tell us on our Instagram @ginasplatform. 

                        Gina Rivera

                        Gina Rivera

                        Beauty Icon and Expert

                        Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.

                          Gina Rivera Shares Her Daily Beauty Routine Which Includes Good Skincare & Bible Devotion

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                          What I love about Gina Rivera’s story is that she comes from a family of salon professionals. Born into the industry, she loved seeing how providing a service can truly uplift someone else’s spirits.

                          But as so many women experience, after having her firstborn child and threatened by the salon she worked at that she would loose her styling booth, she had an “aha” moment. Rivera wanted to give salon professionals freedom to own their own salon and launched Phenix Salon Suites, one of the fastest-growing salon-suite concepts in the US. She also created a line of styling tools and products that focus on restoring and protecting damaged hair.

                          You may recognize her from “Undercover Boss” that had a tremendous effect on making Gina a bit of a household name, and we couldn’t wait to interview this serial beauty entrepreneur and learn about her personal beauty habits.

                          Read the full interview below:

                          Growing up, what were some of your first beauty memories?

                          I remember the scent of my late mother’s facial moisturizer. It always smelled so fresh and clean. She always loved the Clinque’ line. I can still smell it to this day.

                          Who taught you about beauty or was it something you discovered on your own?

                          My mother always taught me to take care of my skin. She was a stickler on telling me to take my make up off at night. She would always tell me to not skimp on facial products.

                          Who is your favorite celebrity that always slays her beauty look?image credit Jaclyn Smith Facebook page

                          Jaclyn Smith is so beautiful. To this day, she has flawless skin. She’s simply stunning.

                          What are your Beauty-rituals?

                          A.M.

                          I love the Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi product line. In the morning I cleanse my face with their gentle cleanser.

                          Next, I use the Ossential Daily Power Defense. Then, I use their Oclipse Sunscreen. I love the sunscreen because it also acts as a primer underneath my make-up. I finish by applying my make-up.

                          P.M.

                          My nightly regimen consists of again using the Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi product line. I begin with their Gentle Cleanser and finish with their Hydrafirm Eye Brightening Repair Cream and finally, their Growth Factor Serum.

                          When traveling, what’s a must-have product in your carry-on?

                          Daily Power Defense by Zo Skin Health by Zein Obagi. Being in different climates and traveling on airplanes makes my skin become very dry. This is terrific for combatting dryness and keeping the skin fresh looking.

                          What does self-care look like for you?

                          Self-care consist of being mentally healthy with my Daily Bible Devotions. A good exercise program also plays an important role, even if I can only get in 20 minutes.

                          Plus, a good skin and hair care regimen helps to keep me looking and feeling my best.

                          How do you pamper yourself?

                          I make sure to get a massage at least once a month. It’s refreshing and helps me to destress.

                          What’s your favorite go-to local spots to get a treatment?

                          I really enjoy the Omni La Costa resort in Carlsbad, California. They have an amazing spa which is great for my massages and my skin care treatments.

                          The skin care treatment that I love most is my monthly facial that I get from Skin Care By Shan at Spa Violet in Del Mar, California.

                          Do you give yourself facials / body treatments at home? If so, how?

                          For my body, I use a good moisturizing lotion daily as well as a good sunscreen. Living in San Diego I have a lot of exposure to the sun. I use the Aveeno Protect & Hydrate Lotion with broad spectrum with 50 SPF for my face and the 30 SPF for my body.

                          Are you a bath or shower person?

                          I just love my hot baths. There’s nothing like coming home after a long day and soaking in a tub.

                          Read the full interview at Beauty Something: https://www.beautysomething.com/interviews/gina-rivera/

                          Gina Rivera

                          Gina Rivera

                          Beauty Icon and Expert

                          Gina Rivera skyrocketed to success when the company she founded in 2007, Phenix Salon Suites, became the fastest-growing salon suite company in the beauty industry. With more than 300 locations nationally and international expansion occurring in the UK, Entrepreneur Magazine named Phenix Salon Suites a Top 500 Franchise list seven years running.