Nutrition

By Marcella Seager

It's that time of year again when I put pen to paper to talk about what is needed to begin preparing your mind, body, and wardrobe for contest weekend. Contest is only slightly more than one month away you know. This week is a look at proper nutrition to keep your body in optimum health, and get your facial skin prepared for a day of heavy makeup.

WATER, WATER, WATER, WATER. Drinking lots of it is the single most important thing you can do for the health of your body and your facial skin. Very few of us drink enough water on a daily basis. "Enough" water is considered to be at least 64 ounces per day. You need water to replenish all the cells of your body. It keeps the skin supple and pliable. Drinking water also helps to cleanse toxins from your systems which helps to alleviate stress and fight illness. If you start drinking the recommended amount of water today, you will give your skin and body a much improved chance of warding off the ill-effects of the heavy makeup and disease. Also, if you start today, by contest your body will have time to regulate itself so you won't have to visit the bathroom after every glassful.

Most of us know what good nutrition is: 3 to 5 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, 6 to 11 servings of whole grains, protein (4 to 6 oz per serving of lean meats or alternative proteins like soy products), fat should not be more than about 30% of total calories and sugar intake should be kept minimal. Balance is the most important part of nutrition and then understanding your body's personal needs. For instance, I seem to feel a little better on a higher protein, lower (simple) carbohydrate diet. It helps me to regulate my blood sugar levels. I didn't include dairy products because many of us have sensitivities to cow milk products. Carbohydrates provide immediate energy, while fats provide long term energy. Proteins feed the muscles, and fiber from whole grains helps to cleanse the digestive system. Sugars do little except provide instant, and momentary energy, and interfere with the body's ability to use other nutrition well. Then there are the vitamins that each food group contributes to our well-being. It is recommended that even though we eat a balanced diet, that we supplement it with vitamins. Even if you use a daily multi-vitamin, you might consider taking extra B vitamins, and vitamin C as we get closer to contest. The B vitamins provide energy, and help with stress management. Vitamin C and Echinaecea help boost our immune system.

There will be no time for lunch on Contest Day. We will have a large selection for our breakfast at about 8 am and will not have a meal again until about 5 pm. Bring a snack (fruit, cheese/peanut butter crackers) for a pick-me-up around 11 am (before you put on your costume).

Get your face ready for contest by moisturizing day and night. If you don't usually cleanse your face and use a moisturizer before bed, I highly recommend that you start doing so now. I didn't used to do it. I started doing it after reading the makeup book I bought and studying the beauty advisor material AVON has. It makes a world of difference in how my skin feels and looks. I've always had oily skin so I didn't think it was too important for me to do. Now I know better. The better you take care of your skin today, the better it will recuperate from contest weekend.

If you start preparing for contest weekend with these things I have suggested, you will find yourself (your mind and body) better able to cope with the stresses that contest can bring.