RAW THOUGHTS

October 10, 2019

What to Eat to Feel Your Best!

What to Eat to Feel Your Best!

Food is medicine. Whether we like to think of it that way or not, what we eat absolutely affects how we feel. Our energy level, our mood, our focus and even our skin. So with all the diet hype, what should you eat to make yourself feel your best?

For most people, avoiding fad diets and just focusing on eating whole foods will do the trick. It sounds simple, but once you begin to really look at what you’re consuming, you’ll be surprised at how much of what we really eat, isn’t in its natural form. Cutting out all sugars, simple carbs and anything processed can drastically reduce brain fog, inflammation and is a top priority to having vibrant health.

Your mantra should be if something comes from a manufacturing plant, keep your distance. If it is a plant, go for it! Veggies, fruits, proteins and good fats should be the mainstay of your daily diet. Taking a probiotic should also be on the top of your list, as gut health is key to fighting inflammation and boosting your immune system.

If you’re eating what nature made instead of man, you’ll notice a big boost in energy, vibrancy and mood that will help you look, feel and be your best self.

One final note; be kind to yourself. If you make a bad choice, acknowledge it, give yourself grace but don’t beat yourself up. You are beautiful. You can make healthier choices and feel good. Know it. Believe it. And do it for you, Sugar. You deserve all the good vibes that come from being your best self.

October 10, 2019

A Raw Sugar Guide to Wellness for Men.

A Raw Sugar Guide to Wellness for Men.

With men owning their own health and even self-care rituals, a new awareness of wellness has emerged. One that is gender-free, open, positive and transformative.

For some time, women have led the charge in the self-care movement, but men are slowly coming to realize the impact of what taking time to care for themselves can do for their body, mind, spirit and overall well-being.

Here are a few tips to guide men on their way to wellness.

Get More Sleep. You think you can do it all, but sleep is the number one way our bodies regenerate and if you’re skipping it, you will have burn out. Sleep is your best weapon in your quest for wellness. Protect it.

Your Doctor Misses You. Men are 70% less likely to seek medical attention compared to women. Get your yearly exams. Find a naturopath to consult with, get your hormones checked. Being a human is not gender specific. We all need the care of professionals to be our best.

Clean up your shower routine. Skin is skin, no matter your gender and it absorbs 60% of what you put on it. If you’re slathering your skin with products that strip you of your natural oils, or exposing you to chemicals that can be hormone disruptors, you’re putting your health at risk. Instead use body washes, soaps and shampoos full of plant-based ingredients and botanical extracts. They smell better, they’re better for the environment and the potential health benefits are worth it. Men love a good Win-Win.

Move. Stretch. Play. Your body, mind and spirit need physical release. If you can be out in nature, moving your body, doing something that makes you happy, your wellness graph will take a big spike in the positive.

Affirm yourself and practice gratitude. Men aren’t typically good at this. They seem to push through without stopping to acknowledge all the amazing things about themselves or wait for someone else to point out their positives. Begin to affirm your own self. Take note of all the good things you do and who you are. Be grateful for everything in your life. Your life really is as good as you think it is, so with a little tweak to your mental chatter, positive emotions and good vibes will take hold pushing you on to greater, happier, healthier overall wellness.

Blog three: What to eat to feel your best!

If you’re eating what nature made instead of man, you’ll notice a big boost in energy, vibrancy and mood that will help you look, feel and be your best self.

October 10, 2019

What Do Men Love in The Shower?

Sure. We could go there, but what we really want to talk about is what products men love to use in the shower. With the self care wave washing over all genders, men have more choices than ever when it comes to reaching their shower goals.

So what does a man care about when it comes to coming clean? Evidently, what a man really wants, is to smell good.

With the launch of Raw Men by Raw Sugar, men can finally have access to the same thoughtfully crafted formulas full of clean living, plant-based ingredients and Cold Pressed extracts that women have been enjoying for years. And the smell is amazing.

The scents evoke the spirit, character life and essence of a man with their four different scents; Eucalyptus + Cedar Leaf, Citrus + Blue Agave, Charcoal + Bamboo and Black Coconut + Sea Salt. The Body Wash and Bar Soaps have a rich, clean lather that leaves skin hydrated, giving them the freshest feel along with an uplifted spirit from the subtle, empowering scents.

Men are awakening to the fact that when a product is made this thoughtfully — vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free with no parabens or sulfates — they can have an impact on the planet and their health by the skincare purchases they make.

They want to feel and do good as well as smell good. Products with social giveback programs, like Raw Sugar who donates a bar of soap for every product sold, give men a chance to be a part of the sweeping social good that comes with purchasing power.

Let’s give all the men out there practicing self-betterment some love for caring, for upping their grooming game and for smelling amazing. You go, man.

Hair Care

October 9, 2019

Smooth Hair Remedy Here: Frizz-Taming Must Haves

If you’re feeling like you’re losing the fight against the frizz, its key to understand what causes it so you can choose products that help tame your mane.

Frizzy hair happens when your hair cuticles are rough and hair is dry and void of natural oils. That’s why its key to avoid sulfates in shampoo that strip hair of natural oils. Other things to avoid; over-styling, rough towel drying, over-brushing and even washing with extra hot water.

Here are some frizzy hair must-haves for better, smoother, sleeker hair days ahead.

The Moisture Smoothie Shampoo + Conditioner: Dehydrated locks drink in this strengthening shampoo smoothie formulated with Cold Pressed Coconut + Agave + Sweet Almond Milk that smooths, shines and gives hair a surge of moisturizing nutrients.

The Truly Unruly Shampoo + Conditioner: Perfect for curly hair. This deeply cleansing and conditioning combo works without any unnecessary ingredients that weigh curls down. Fortified with rich Avocado, cleansing Apple Cider Vinegar, and healing Rosemary Oil to define curls and tame frizz.

Raw Boost: An amazing leave-in treatment boost with Soy Protein for shine and Certified Organic Coconut Oil to restore hair breakage. It seals in moisture, adds body and leaves hair with a glossy, silky finish. Buh-Bye frizzy locks. Hello, natural bounce.

Healing Power Hair Masque: When overworked and color treated hair is need of extra repair, this treatment masque heals and repairs with Avocado + Banana Oil + Coconut Milk + Agave to leave hair shinier, stronger and visibly more healthy.

Uncategorized

October 6, 2019

Ten tips to keep your skin clean, clear and healthy

Let’s just skip the intro and get right to the top 10 things you can do to keep your skin vibrant, clear and healthy at any age. Because really, all we want is to love the skin we’re in.

1.Exfoliate. Use a gentle scrub for your skin, and your lips, to slough off dead skin cells that cause dull, flaky skin and clog pores. Products that contain Hyaluronic Acids also help give you that lit from within look.

2. Hydrate. Drink water. Use products that are rich in hydrating essential oils. And drink more water. ; }

3. Moisturize. Have you ever accidentally forgotten to put moisturizer on after a shower? No bueno. Moisturizers that deliver essential oils, fruit extracts and Aloe Vera will heal, protect and hydrate thirsty (aka; parched and wrinkled) skin.

4. Keep it clean. We mean wash up regularly and avoid spreading bacteria by keeping hands especially clean. Make sure you use products that are gentle on your skin and full of nourishing plant-based ingredients.

5. Take a probiotic. What is happening in your gut is going to show up on your skin. Period. End of story. Taking a probiotic will help achieve gut balance which can clear up skin with fast results.

6. Don’t smoke. Smoking is very high on the list of what causes those small, fine wrinkles that are hard to disguise. Smoking narrows the tiny blood vessels in the outermost layers of skin, which decreases blood flow and makes skin paler. It also depletes the skin of oxygen and nutrients that are important to skin health and damages collagen and elastin. Put down the smokes and your skin will love you for it.

7. Manage Stress. Stress is not just an inflammation trigger, but it shows up in your skin by way of breakouts, rashes and other problems. Really take a look at ways you can reduce your biggest stressors and the results that show up on your face might be more dramatic than you expect.

8. Avoid sunburns and long sun exposure. Even if you don’t see immediate damage, the UV rays will damage skin on a deep level and show up as wrinkles, brown spots and possibly even cause skin cancer. If you enjoy the sun, take early morning walks or head outdoors in the late afternoon when the sun’s rays aren’t so intense.

9. Avoid sugar. Excess processed sugar in your diet, even in small amounts can cause dark circles, wrinkles, dehydrate skin and can fast track the aging process.

10. Sleep. A good night’s sleep can make you look years younger. Yes, YEARS. It’s transformative for your skin, your mood, energy, weight maintenance and focus. Sleep is literally your best beauty weapon. Dream on!

Uncategorized

October 3, 2019

Find out how scents can make you more productive

We’ve all walked into a bakery or a store and had a smell trigger a pleasant memory or transport us back in time. But what about smell in relation to making you feel better, work harder or just being more productive?

Studies have found that certain smells can have an invigorating or energizing effect on you, particularly scents packed with Vitamin C.

Hello, Lemon Sugar. Pass the Pineapple + Maqui Berry + Coconut, please. And give me all the Raw Coconut + Mango.

Scents with Vitamin C give you a positive uplift and can help you focus your energy, making your day brighter and your to do list a no-brainer while vanilla boosts feelings of well being and joy.

Lemon has a special ability to promote concentration and clarity that are helpful when you’re feeling sluggish or out of sorts. In other words, our Lemon Sugar scent is a lift for your soul and your brain and may even help boost the body’s immune system.

Mint (think Watermelon + Mint) not only helps with focus, but invigorates your mind and promotes clear thinking.

Scents are a powerful tool in keeping you focused, healthy and productive. Try all our scents and see how good you feel. It’s not just smell, it’s actually brain science.

Be Kind To Human Kind, beauty tips, healthy, Meditation, positivity, wellbeing

September 27, 2019

5 ways to boost your self confidence

Lets face it. Confidence is sexy. We admire people that have it and we all want more of it. We’re talking about the kind of confidence that is self-assured, self-aware, unintimidated, doesn’t try to impress and lives without fear and negative talk. So how do we get more of it? How do you cultivate confidence and inner strength?

Understand that no-one is perfect. Even people that you think are perfect are not. Everyone struggles with something. Start seeing yourself as equal to others and not less than. It is what you do with what you have everyday that makes you who you are.

Gain knowledge or get good at something.

Challenging yourself by learning something new or committing to knowing more about a particular subject, or doing one thing really well. Becoming good at something makes you interesting and being interesting boosts confidence.

Silence your inner critic. The first step toward self confidence is self love. This is huge because it’s something most people don’t even realize they’re doing. Even positive thinkers can walk around criticizing themselves all day long and it’s one of the most destructive barriers to self confidence.

Pay attention to the thoughts you’re having. Just observe and listen to yourself. Then question every thought. Is that true or is that a habitual reaction — then, reject the negative self talk. Truly reject it by saying I reject that thought — “I’m not stupid, I just wasn’t paying attention.” Or “I’m not a loser, but I am overcommitting and neglecting to pay attention.” Or “I’m not fat, I have strong arms to carry my babies and legs that I can use everyday to take me places.“ Replacing negative talk with positive thoughts or solutions is key.

Move. When we are stagnant and unmoving, we don’t get the body confidence that comes from being strong and capable. This doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon or become a body builder — just move. Whether its walking, dancing, running, yoga, stretching, taking the stairs, becoming stronger and allowing your body to perform increases confidence.

Affirm yourself. Affirmations are positive and uplifting statements that we say to ourselves. We tend to believe what we tell ourselves constantly, whether positive or negative. Make sure you’re affirming yourself and envisioning the confident person you want to become.

Care for yourself. This quote says it all; “Self-care is never a selfish act — it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer to others.” — Parker Palmer

Self-confidence depends on a combination of good physical care, emotional health and social fulfillment. It is hard to feel good about yourself if you are not taking care of yourself. Make time to shower, spend an extra few minutes lovingly massaging a rich, beautiful smelling lotion in to your body, try new products that nurture you and uplift you, get sleep, dress in something you’re proud of and build your self-confidence by making the effort to look after your own needs.

Lastly, set yourself up to win. Make small goals and keep track of your wins. Your confidence will begin to creep in every day you are aware of what is derailing your confidence and every day you do something good for yourself or someone else. You got this!

energy, Meditation, positivity, wellbeing

September 19, 2019

7 best self care practises you need to introduce to your life right now

Sugar, you may already know that you are the only one that can control your environment and what you allow in your life. That premise is what sparked the whole self-care movement. The realization that there are things you can do every day — both mentally and physically — to promote a sense of greater well being in your life.

So what are some simple things that promote a more peaceful, loving relationship with yourself and in turn creates a more positive life for those around you? Here are seven simple ideas to start you on your self care journey.

Practice gratitude. Starting a daily gratitude journal or a morning meditative practice where you think of all the things you’re grateful will nurture a deep sense of well being in your life. Not only that, the more gratitude you show and practice, the more things that come in to your life that you’ll be grateful for. You’ll attract an avalanche of abundance.
Draw your boundaries like a [email protected]&8$# f-er. Yep. Said it. Not taking it back. Protecting your boundaries simply means learning to say NO to things you commit to that drain your energy. You don’t have to accept every invitation. Be honest with yourself and look at what drains your emotional bank and what fills it up. Are there things you need to let go of? Overcommitting, being sleep deprived and constantly busy are not badges of honor. They are a symptom of a person that is not protecting their emotional well being.

Sleep! Being sleep deprived affects your mood, your productivity, your focus, your memory, your food cravings — literally every aspect of your being. Making sleep a priority in your life will affect you profoundly. Creating a peaceful environment and regulating the time you go to bed and wake up every day is a good place to begin your new state of restfulness.

Move. However you want and whatever you like to do — just move your body. Dance in the kitchen. Walk barefoot on the beach. Adopt a morning stretch or yoga routine. The key to moving and self care is that if your body isn’t strong enough as you age to handle the everyday demands, then you’ll feel it emotionally as well. When you move you strengthen your body, mind and spirit.

Create a morning ritual that nurtures your body and feeds your soul. Take 10 minutes to yourself to care for your body. Cleanse then moisturize to start detoxing on a cellular level and nourishing your skin. Treat yourself to a face oil and spend a full minute massaging in to your face. Use a body wash that smells uplifting and fresh. Caring for your body sparks feelings of love and nurturing rather than the self criticism that seems to be our default.

Unplug. Whether it is for a day, an hour or while you take a long, warm bath. Turn off the phone, put down the laptop and just be. The freedom from being unavailable for a period of time allows you to get out of “reactive mode” to focus and be in touch with your own ideas, desires and needs.

Do something new. Have you ever wanted to try reiki, sample a new type of cuisine or stand up paddle board? Maybe you’d like to take a dance class or hike to the Hollywood sign or ride a horse on the beach. The point is that trying new things inspires joyful living. Get out there and expand your horizons. The more experiences you have in life, the more you have to contribute.

Self care will never happen unless you intentionally make space for it. It’s not selfish. It’s the only way to truly live your best life and be your best for the people you love.

beauty tips, glow, Skin Benefits

September 19, 2019

Determine your daily Fall skin routine now

We’ve waved goodbye to the good vibes of summer so your skin may start to feel a little drier and maybe even itchy and irritated. Skin reacts to the environment so as fall arrives, we need to look at our skincare routine and make adjustments now to keep skin and hair soft, supple and protected in the cooler, drier weather ahead. Here are a few fall beauty hacks that may help.

Consider a thicker moisturizer. You need to pick the right products for the right time and weather. Light hydration may be perfect for sweat-prone summer skin, but when fall arrives, a more luxurious body butter may be exactly what you need to hydrate, deeply nourish and form a layer of protection against dry air.

Exfoliate, but do it gently. You want to keep up an exfoliation regime in fall but using a product full of hydrating essential oils is key to reducing irritation. The Raw Sugar Sugar Scrubs are full of Cold Pressed enzyme-rich fruit oils that gently exfoliate but leave a soft protective moisture veil so skin is left glowing and revived rather than exfoliated and dry.

Add Vitamin C products to your routine. Vitamin C not only helps protect skin from free radicals, it evens out skin pigmentation, which helps to boost collagen production resulting in a brighter, happier skin.

Add a weekly hair masque. Hair gets just as dry as skin in autumn and winter months so adding a restorative hair masque once a week will help repair damage that dry weather does to keep your hair soft, shiny, bouncy and beautiful.

Buy a humidifier. Especially if you’re running a heater in the house or office, a humidifier will help keep skin from drying out while you work or sleep. Basically, the more moisture in the air, the more moisture in your skin.

Hair Care, healthy

September 12, 2019

How often should you change your hair care routine

We’ve all heard the myth that your shampoo stops working after awhile. But does it really? The answer is no. Switching just to switch isn’t a thing. The reasons you may need to change up your hair care routine has more to do with lifestyle and environment than individual product use.

So when do you need to evaluate your hair care routine? Here are a few guidelines.

Seasons + Environment. When the seasons change, it’s a good idea to evaluate if your hair’s needs have changed. In colder, dryer months, you may want to add a hair masque to your routine. During summer months, you may want something lighter and gentler since you probably wash more often.

Diet + Aging. Other reasons to evaluate your hair care include diet and aging. If your diet has plenty of healthy food fats you may need less oils in your conditioner. As you age, your hair needs definitely change as the texture and fullness change.

Over-processing, and Medical Treatments. Hair that’s over processed or mature may become brittle and it needs something extra to help restore its intrinsic strength and make it appear fuller. Hair that’s been damaged by heat, over-processing, or even intense medical treatments like chemotherapy or radiation can benefit from extra attention and the inclusion of reparative treatments in your routine as well.

The best guideline of all is you. How do you think your hair looks? If it is shiny and healthy and responding well, there’s no need to make a change just for the sake of change.

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