Hangovers, Tiredness and Fatigue - We Don't Want These To Be Part Of Our Christmas Holiday Season - Here's How To Avoid Them

Yes, the Christmas and Holiday party season will soon be upon us, and for many this means a constant whirlwind of drinks, dinners, parties and late nights. This is a time for fun and festivities, but can your body (and mind!) keep up, particularly if you are working all day and partying away all night? Here are some of the main culprits for giving us unseasonable feelings of exhaustion and also happily, some remedies to help you party with sparkle through into next year.

Alcohol

The holiday season is the time for many of us to enjoy a few seasonal drinks with our friends and family. But the havoc caused by just a few too many tipples can be drastic, not only dehydration, headaches, tiredness and irritability, but also feelings of depression after the buzz of the alcohol has gone. Its not great for the look of your skin either. But, hey, we are not saying that you can't go out and have some fun, just try and remember to mix in some glasses of water along with the wine, even have it with soda or lemonade, and you will be thankful in the morning. Stay away from spirits (especially the darker ones, such as dark rum or brandy) if you don't normally drink them as they are especially likely to give you a bad head the next day. If you do wake up with a hangover there is little you can do about it unfortunately, apart from keep yourself hydrated, and if possible try and sleep off the worst symptoms.

Rich and Fatty Foods

Who doesn't look forward to mince pies with cream, Christmas cake, a lovely roast Christmas dinner, after dinner chocolates ... the list of goodies to indulge in at Christmas is unending, and it would be wrong to try and avoid them all over the holidays. It takes your body a great deal of energy to digest a huge Christmas meal, hence the classic feeling of tiredness after a large Christmas lunch. It is actually better for you to take a nap and let your body get on with digesting the food rather than diverting it's engergies away by taking a walk. How nice to know that you are doing your body a favour by taking a classic Christmas nap in the afternoon after your dinner! Other things you can do to avoid total meltdown of your digestive system is to swap a few foods for alternatives which are just as yummy. Instead of a box of milk chocolates indulge in a bar of high cocoa dark chocolate, rather than salted crips and nuts, go for a handful of unsalted almonds, walnuts and peanuts, and try to give the marzipan and icing a miss from the cake, as it is mainly just sugar which can give you a blood sugar high which will then dip leaving you feeling more tired.

Late Nights and Colds and Flu

Yes, these are related, because if you allow yourself to become run down and tired by burning the candle at both ends, drinking too much alcohol and eating too many unhealthy foods, you are more likely to catch any germs that are doing the rounds. Seasonal changes in weather can encourage cold and flu germs to breed, and if you are not looking after yourself you will become their victim. Try and get at last seven good hours of sleep a night, avoid drinking alcohol every day and if you feel you are not getting at least 5-a-day fresh fruits and vegetables, then take a multi-vitamin to cover all bases. Remember too, to wash your hands, or use a hand cleanser gel to keep germs away. Only Rudolf looks good with a red nose at Chrismas!

How To Get Beautiful Clear Skin By Changing Your Diet

There are many factors which can take a toll on our general skin health and appearance, such as tiredness, everyday stress, pollution from the environment, smoking, exposure to UVA and UVB rays and just advancing age. All of these can give us bags under our eyes, acne and blemishes, dark circles and fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin. Sounds nice doesn't it?  Pamela, who is 44 and pictured below, has stated that she does not have a skincare program and never uses a sunscreen even though she is often out in the Malibu sunshine which may cause wrinkles and brown spots.

It's now usual to hear that friends and acquaintances are having treatments such as Botox and even facelift surgery to try and turn back the years. But what do you do if you don't want to take risks with procedures on your face, you are worried that they may not look right, or you don't have the money to invest in these treatments? The healthier and safer option is to give yourself a facelift from the inside - by eating the right foods you can drastically improve your appearance, and here are the top five super foods which can give your skin a beautiful and natural boost.

Avocados

Avocados are often thought of as high in fat and calories. However the fat contained in avocados is high in omega-3 fatty acids and an average avocado contains just over 200 calories - think about that when you next dive into a packet of crisps - a juicy avocado could be an alternative. Avocados will help increase collagen production which will prevent wrinkles. Avocados also contain lots of Vitamin E which helps fight off premature ageing and keeps skin healthy. The fruit also has anti-inflammatory properties which will reduce acne and psoriasis.

Bananas

Puffy faces and bags under the eyes are caused by too much water retention. Once you start getting bags under your eyes, this can damage and stretch the skin and cause lines to appear. The major cause of water retention is too much salt in the body, but this can be balanced by reducing your salt intake and increasing your intake of potassium. Bananas are a great morning snack and they are high in potassium too, take one with you to work each day. Other high potassium foods are avocados (see they are amazing fruits), raisins, apricots, baked potatoes, dried prunes and tinned tomatoes. Natalie Portman, who is 30, is a strict vegetarian, and her diet will be rich in vitamins and minerals, which may be one of the reasons she has a beautiful, unlined and blemish free skin.

Garlic

If you suffer from acne then garlic should be your best friend. It is a natural antibiotic which cleanses the blood, helps boost your immune system and has antibacterial properties. If you can eat it raw and crushed it can help reduce future breakouts of acne and its anti-inflammatory properties will help treat any current breakouts. Crushing or chewing the garlic helps to release its healing properties, so unfortunately swallowing a clove whole will not be as effective.

Oysters

This is going to be a food which you either love or hate, but give them a chance. Oysters are high in Vitamin B12 and Iron, and if you have pale lifeless skin and/or dark circles under your eyes it may be due to deficiencies of these nutrients. If you don't like oysters then other foods high in these essential nutrients are salmon, halibut, kidney beans, soy beans, pumpkin seeds, mussels, clams and seaweed.

Spinach

Spinach is just one of the dark green leafy vegetables which is rich in lutein which is an antioxidant (others are kale, green peas and raw broccoli). Lutein can help to prevent wrinkles as it aids the skin to retain moisture and elasticity, increases lipid levels and prevents damage caused by free radicals. Spinach is also high in Vitamins K and C which can help to reduce dark circles beneath the eyes. There can be several causes of dark circles, but one of them can be poor circulation. In cases where this is the problem increasing Vitamin K and C can help by boosting circulation and strengthening capillary walls. Another benefit of lutein is that it can help to keep your eyes healthy too.

Do You Want A Flat Stomach Like Gwyneth and Courtney - Here Are The Top Five Foods For A Flatter Stomach

Don't get us wrong, we are great believers in exercise here at Fashion Tips and we are pretty sure that both Gwyneth Paltrow and Courtney Cox have personal trainers to help them keep their fantastic figures slim and toned. Sometimes though exercise just isn't enough, and the results are not always as good or as fast as we would like. If you are exercising, but you still feel you have some spare pounds around your waistline there are actually some foods that can help you have a flatter stomach. If you want to start eating your way to a slimmer waistline, then read on.

Flax Seeds Can Help Reduce Body Fat

Flax seeds or linseeds are little seeds jam-packed with monounsaturated fat. These are little diet friendly chaps who not only lower your cholesterol levels but also help reduce body fat. They can help level blood sugar levels to help stop cravings and binges. Also if you suffer from bloating, which can make your stomach more prominent, flax seeds are great as they can help banish bloating, constipation and other digestive problems. Use ground flax seeds which you can obtain easily from a health food store and add to cereal, salads or smoothies. Gwyneth is even rumoured to pop some of these great little flax seed treats into her children's lunch boxes.

Berries Burn Up Abdominal Fats

Look for blueberries, acai berries, blackberries, cherries and any other blue or red berries. The chemicals which are responsible for giving these fruits their colour (anthocyanins) are also great for burning abdominal fat. Studies have shown that this pigment in the berries is great for breaking down fatty acids in the body.

Yoghurt Has Some Great Bacteria

If you go for a low fat yoghurt it is filling and low in fat and calories. It also contains active cultures (probiotics) which helps the growth of good bacteria in the gut, which in turns helps digestion, and relieves excess gasses and bloating. You could mix it with some red and blue berries and flax seeds and you have a super lunchtime dessert which could actually help you have a slimmer waistline.

Whole Grains Do Make You Fuller For Longer

Not only do whole grains make you fuller for longer because of their high fibre levels, they also help to lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) and also insulin, both of which encourage fat to be stored around your waist and belly. Beware of always choosing wheat as your primary source of whole grain, as sometimes this can be difficult to digest and can actually cause bloating for some - look instead for brown rice, oats, oatbran, buckwheat and spelt.

Water Won't Bloat You - It Will Make You Slimmer

Yep, we keep on saying it, most people don't drink enough water even though we do go on about it - apparently Courtney Cox needs to drink more each day - not because she has a bloated stomach though, but because she suffers from dry skin! However, bloating of the stomach can be caused or made worse by lack of fluid and dehydration. Drinking will help flush away toxins and lessen hunger pangs. Water improves your digestive system and reduces fluid retention, all of which will make your stomach flatter. It doesn't have to be plain water, there are some great fruity and green teas around, and green tea can in some cases reduce your appetite too. Aim to drink around eight glasses or cups a day.

Five Easy Tips To Create Celebrity Ponytail Hair Styles

Do you think of the ponytail as something boring, or a rather childish hairstyle? Well think again, as this season the red carpets and Hollywood venues have been strewn with celebrities such as Amanda Seyfried and Reese Witherspoon sporting their own special versions of this classic hair do. Different celebrities each have their favourite versions, and here are a few of them, along with easy tips on how to create each different style of ponytail.

The Sixties Hi-Top Pony Tail Worn By Reese Witherspoon

We think this style suits Reese down to the ground and it is surely inspired by the glamour of the sixties. To create this look, first use a hair-straightener or large curling tong to create flicks at the ends of your hair. Next create some height on the crown of your head by gently backcombing your hair with a narrow tooth comb. Then gather your hair into a high pony tail and fasten with a neutral hair band. Finish by hiding the backcombing by smoothing over your hair from the front section.

The Low Casual Knot Worn By Amanda Seyfried

Think thirties casual Hollywood waves in this beautiful relaxed hair-do. Unless you have naturally waved hair, create horizontal waves down your hair in the thirties style with rollers. Then secure your hair into a ponytail low down at the nape of your neck using a neutral elastic, leaving some waves free around your face to frame it. Then take the ends of your ponytail and tuck them back up through the elastic to create a casual loose knot.

The Sharp Parting Worn By Jessica Lowndes

This style can look severe, but you can choose whether to make your sharp parting straight down the middle of your head, or to the side - if you choose the side, curve the parting from the crown of your head. Then run straighteners through your hair to create a sleek style. Finally pull your hair back to the nape of your neck using a paddle or bristle brish to create a smooth and sleek finish, and fasten with a band.

The Face Framer Worn By Anne Hathaway

Some have commented that Anne looks just a tiny bit nerdy here, but I like this style – its pretty and casual. It’s also great if you are in a hurry, and want to jazz up your hair when you don’t have time to wash and style it. Pull your hair back into a pony tail, and then loosen the strands around the face. Then using either dry shampoo or some hair mousse accentuate the wisps to frame your face. 

The Glamorous Back Ponytail Worn By Selena Gomez

This ponytail does require some pretty hefty hair length, but you could always cheat with clip in hair extensions. Prepare for this look by plaiting your hair overnight or for several hours before an evening out. You can add a styling product to help the waves stay in place if you need to. Secure the hair at the nape of the neck using a glamorous hair band and then brush through the lengths. Loosen the front sections, and if you need to add some waves with a large curling tong. This look is fabulous with a backless or strappy dress.

The Top Foods That Will Help You Stay Young Inside And Out

Everyone knows that a healthy and balanced diet is important to keep your body, including your hair, skin and nails, in great condition. However, there are some super-foods which can not only keep you healthy, but which are just bursting with anti-aging ingredients, which can help you look and feel younger and just altogether more beautiful inside and out. It is surprising how many of these foods are consumed by celebrities. Even though they have the cash to splash out on treatments and surgery, even they seem to prefer the natural options to help keep them young and beautiful rather than resorting to injections and surgery.

Here Are Seven Anti-Aging Food and Drinks Which Will Give You A Boost of Youthfulness

Green tea

This is surely the king of all super drinks - green tea comes top of the anti-aging list. Amongst its qualities, it helps regulate blood pressure, lowers blood sugar and cholesterol, it boosts the immune system protecting you against infections, and it can possibly help protect against certain types of cancer. It can also raise the metabolic rate slightly, which helps you burn extra pounds - Courtney Cox and Courtney Love are both fans of the drink. If you don't like the taste of green tea, try white tea which has all the same benefits, and even more.

Green Leafy Vegetables

Don't think boiled green cabage, but crispy healthy stir fried greens, flavoured with herbs and spices. Spinach is great with pepper and a light dressing of olive oil and boosts your immune system. Other greens like kale and collard greens are high in folate which helps prevent DNA and blood vessel damage - ie it looks after your circulatory system, protecting against high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease and dementia.

Dark Chocolate

Yes, this is in the list really because of its high cocoa content. Cocoa is rich in antioxidants called flavinoids which help preserve healthy function of the blood vessels. Look for the over 70% cocoa bars and eat around one square a day.

Soy Products

Soy products like tofu are a great source of protein and an alternative to red meat and dairy as they have little or no fat. The Japanese diet promotes longevity, and soya is a staple of their diet, it helps to keep down cholesterol.

Yoghurt

Eat lots of low fat youghurt, as it is really full of "good" bacteria. Ignore some of the advertisements which promote certain brands, you can buy a big pot of plain old yoghurt and it will contain the "good" bacteria which will help regulate your immune system to help out your gut. Yoghurt is also a great source of calcium which helps keep bones strong.

Red wine

If you are a white wine drinker you might want to think of switching to red wine, as it is full of anti-aging elements including antioxidants, minerals, polyphenols and resveratrol. Yes, resveratrol, its a funny word, but its a great super food as it helps increase your good cholesterol levels, helps women during the menopause by reducing the risk of breast cancer and osteoporosis - the suggested intake is around a glass a day.

Water

Believe it or not after all that has been written about drinking enough water, people are still not doing it. Increasing your fluid intake will increase energy levels, aid digestion, boost your skins radiance and altogether up your anti-aging armoury. Drink little and often throughout the day - if possible keep a water bottle with you and sip at it regularly. Increasing your intake of fruit and vegetables will also increase your water intake too.