No "Poo" Experiment - How to Get Thick and Stronger Hair

Ever since I read "No More Dirty Looks" about two months ago, I have been slowly transitioning into using all natural beauty products. So far I have completely changed my beauty regimen and slowly seeing the results (will have to post later). Hopefully by summertime, I will start using cleaner and environmentally friendly cleaning products for my household as well. 

No More Dirty Looks has become my beauty bible and my go to for referrence if i am in the mood of making my own body scrub, home made shampoo, home made mani and pedi or home made make-up. While I have tried majority of it, I have yet to dabble my hands on home made make-up. Well let me take that back because I did buy beets to put a little color on my already rosy cheeks:-). You think beets are only good for salads? Think again, it's rich in phytonutrients and has some anti oxidant properties,which are beneficial to our skin. Next time when you buy beets, try setting aside a small slice and think about your cheeks and lips. Such an environmentally friendly chic to do..lol

By now you are probably wondering is what is the "no poo" experiment? If you get to know me, you'll know that I go extreme once I get obsessed about something. I guess you'll probably consider not shampooing and getting rid of all my shampooos is extreme. Laugh and cringe if you like. Going the no poo method is totally up to you.  You  can ditch using your shampoo for a day or as many days as you want. Think about the number of chemicals in shampoo that our skin absorbs on a regular basis. The purpose of eating healthy becomes futile when the things we let our skin absorb are toxic. Did you know that shampooing regularly strips away all the natural and necessary oils we need for a healthier scalp. Using the opposite will actually benefit the hair. It can finally be able to breathe on its own and be free from all that chemicals it absorbs.

Because I care so much about my hair and I know that using a bunch of synthetic made shampoo will not do me any good (doesn't work any way for what it's claiming to do), I gave this experiment a try. The method recommends using a home made shampoo of pure baking soda and organic (if you prefer) apple cider vinegar. Sounds gross, right? At first, I was a little hesitant and the thought of smelling like ripe didn't sound attractive. I was actually wrong. 

Baking soda is not only used for baking but also for cleaning. Remember putting a cup of baking soda in the fridge to keep it from smelling bad? I know when I was in the Philippines we did.  Baking soda helps strips all the build up from using shampoo and conditioner. 

Apple cider vinegar or ACV has a lot of benifits as well. Our hair is on the mildly acidic side of the pH scale and has an ideal pH of 4.5 to 5.5, which is close to that of an apple cider vinegar rinse (pH 2.9). (Taken from http://www.apple-cider-vinegar-benefits.com/natural-hair-care-product.html). On the other hand, many of the hair care products we use, such as soap-based shampoos, bleaches, hair colors, and permanents are strongly alkaline. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar will help balance the pH of your hair and remove the buildup that can result from the use of these styling products and inexpensive shampoos. Rinsing will also close the numerous cuticle scales which cover and protect the surface of each hair shaft. This imparts a smoother surface which reflects more light and as a result leaves your hair shinier, smoother and easier to manage.

In other words Baking Soda will act as the shampoo and ACV will act as the conditioner. Get it? I usually do this method once a week and wash my hair two or three times a week. And when I am not using baking soda and acv, I will do a hot coconut oil (that will be another post) therapy for my hair followed with an all natural shampoo and conditioner(will have to post later).

I haven't also colored my hair in so long....

Happy Thursday!

I dissolve one table spoon of baking soda in a cup of warm water. I put it in a small squirt bottle and spray the mixture to my hair starting from the crown of my head. I will massage it a little and leave it on for 5 minutes. Rinse with water and rinse the ends of your hair with ACV. Rinse with water again and your done! Make sure you keep a big comb to detangle at the end. Your hair will be amazing to blow dry afterwards. It can be styled however you want. I have been using this for the last month and my hair is growing out so fast and it has become a lot thicker too:-). I am happy......let me know if you try it as well:-).

Seafood Wednesday - Deconstructed Fish Taco

My recipe for the shell-less fish taco is not your typical fish taco that you would often get at a restaurant.  No way I am going to drown my fish in batter (full of fat) and deep frying it.  By doing that, all the nutrients  that our body gets from seafood are being stripped away. The best and trusted way to serve seafood is to either bake or grilled them. But sometimes, a girl can only have so much baked or grilled fish, you know:-).   

For those who are looking for an alternative way to prepare fish, this recipe is for you. It doesn't take up a lot of time prepare. I would say 30 minutes at most. And if you have the urge to wrap the taco with something, please opt for whole wheat pita bread or whole wheat wrap. It's not the healthiest, but a better alternative than white carbs.

Nex time I promise to measure every thing precisely. IBut if you already don't know me by now, I usually just eye ball my measurement especially when I am experimenting in the kitchen. It's not an exact science.

Shell-less Fish Taco a la ContessaFillet of White Fish ( I used flounder for this particular recipe, but you can just easily use whatever white fish you have available. I would suggest using sole, turbot, halibut, or cod).Shredded red and green cabbage. Shredded or Chopped into Strips of organic apple. Dijon Mustard (Gray Poupon would do). Apple Cider Vinegar. Nonfat Greek Yogurt (Fage or any brands will do, you can also use plaint yogurt). Salt and Pepper to taste.  Lemon.

Pat dry the fish fillet and season with paprika, salt and pepper.Grill or bake it and it cooks super quick. Once cook, set it aside. 

Combine all the ingredients for the salad/slaw. Season it according to taste. To make it more sour, just add vinegar or lemon juice. For a little sweet hint to it, add raw honey or agave nectar (a better alternative to regular honey or sugar). Let it cool or serve it on top of the fish fillet.

The good thing about the slaw is  it can be served on its own as well. I often make a big batch and just keep them refrigerated.   Enjoy!

Bisous, Contessa