Why Cool Moms Should Love Cool Cucumbers

Cucumbers, it would seem, are the unsung heroes of the summer garden.  More than just a beauty treatment, cucumbers can clean crayons off the wall, act as a caffeine free pick me up for the busy mom, and reduce the appearance of cellulite for those afternoons at the pool or beach. There is even documentation of the existence of cucumbers in many ancient civilizations including Greece, Turkey, China, and Sumer.  Ancient peoples used cucumbers for food, a facial and skin cleanser, and as the base ingredient in many household cleaners.  Because cucumbers are inexpensive and readily available, there is no reason to NOT take advantage of all the wonderful things they can do.

Cucurbitin and fatty oil in the seeds

• Have diuretic properties and may be used to treat constipation
• Promote healthy digestion
• Have been used to expel intestinal worms including tapeworm
• Sooth irritated skin

High potassium level and moderate amounts of vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin A, vitamin C, folic acid, phosphorous, and magnesium

• Stave off hunger.  Ancient European trappers used cucumbers to keep from starving on long expeditions.  Take a cue from them and bring sliced cucumbers on your next road trip or offer them as a healthy snack.
• Provide a natural, stimulant free energy boost
• Replenish electrolytes as effectively as power drinks but without the artificial colors and high fructose corn syrup

Enzymes and Phytochemicals

• Relieve burns and skin irritations as effectively as aloe.  Place a slice directly on the affected area or put it in the blender to make a salve
• Tighten collagen in your skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite, swelling, puffiness, fine lines, and wrinkles.  For a low cost, 5 minute spa treatment, bring a sliced cucumber to a boil, remove from heat, and lean over the steam.  The chemicals will mix with the steam to rejuvenate your complexion and the fresh scent will leave you feeling relaxed.
• Kill bad breath.  Just place a slice under the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds.  The phytochemicals will kill the bacteria that causes odor.
• Revitalizes and conditions skin
• Can be used to polish shoes.  Rub a slice on your favorite pair and watch them shine.

A "cool" food that stays up to 20 degrees cooler than the external temperature

• Soothes burns, rashes, and other skin irritations such as diaper rash
• May prevent overheating by acting as a natural refrigerant when ingested

           

Cucumber skins

• Erase crayon markings and can also erase pen and ink mistakes or stains.  Just rub the cucumber on the mark and watch it disappear!
• Contain trans-2-noneal chemicals that repel cockroaches

Cool Ideas

• Cucumbers are known to lower high blood pressure and may lower cholesterol.
• Remove tarnish by rubbing it with a cucumber slice.
• Lubricate squeaking door hinges and cabinets with a slice of cucumber.
• Prevent bathroom mirror fog by rubbing a slice of cucumber on the glass.  It will also leave a fresh, clean scent that lasts.

* Take precautions when using cucumber medicinally.  Cucumbers may cause or aggravate a pre-existing electrolyte imbalance or dehydration.  Pregnant and nursing women should consult a doctor before beginning medicinal use of cucumbers.

Cool Mom's Guide to Looking Your Best for Summer 2009

Losing weight after baby and regaining your pre-pregnancy figure can be a daunting task. Cool Mom knows this from experience as she is in the throes of post partum transitions, and she wants to share her holistic approach of nutrition, physical activity, and conscientious clothing choices to help you look better and feel better this summer. By following these simple steps, Cool Mom has already lost 10 pounds in the past 6 weeks with minimal exercise and has learned to artfully disguise what's left of the deflated balloon stomach for a chic and slim summer look.

• Drink more water! Staying hydrated keeps the body from storing excess water reserves (AKA bloating) and has the added benefit of making your skin look fresher and more youthful. You can lose as much as 10 lbs. and keep it off by upping your water intake.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are low calorie, nutrient packed dietary powerhouses. They promote healthy digestion with fiber. The sugars in fruit keep blood sugar levels more stable than sweet snacks like cookies, candy, and other foods made with refined sugars and high fructose corn syrup. Eating one vegetarian meal a day is what kick started Cool Mom's weight loss even more so than exercise!

• Wear tops with long lines and side rouching. Remember how your maternity tops had side rouching to make your pregnant tummy look cute instead of fat and plunging necklines to draw the eye away from your burgeoning midsection? That trick still works after you have the baby. Rouching gives your clothing a more tailored fit while accentuating the curve of your waistline and creating folds in the fabric to hide the tummy pooch. Cool Mom made a dress based on this concept that does a great job at disguising the post-baby tummy sag.

• Bottoms with wide waistbands that sit lower on the waist are most flattering to the post baby figure. They flatten the tummy and take attention off the flab without creating unsightly muffin tops. When paired with a flattering top, it's a winning combination for a sexy postpartum look. Think gauchos and gauzy wrap skirts for a fun, summer wardrobe that beats the heat.

• Incorporate playing with baby into your exercise and activity plan. Entertaining our little ones is something we mothers already do every day. If you can turn play into a way to also get your body moving, you'll be amazed at how much more exercise you can fit into your day without even thinking about it. Here are some ideas to get your started.

1. Turn crunches and sit ups into a game. My son loves it when I sit him on my chest during crunches and make silly sounds or attack his toes every time I come up.
2. No one likes to run during the hot months of summer. If you baby is anything like mine, he doesn't always nap long enough to allow significant outdoor activity. No matter how hot it get, however, most babies still enjoy taking a trip in the stroller. Beat the heat by making a track in your home. With an umbrella stroller, maneuvering around sharp turns and household obstacles is a breeze. To burn more calories, make it a power walk. For Cool Mom, an added benefit is that a 10 minute power walk around the house usually puts her baby to sleep.
3. Use your baby as a makeshift weight. When your infant is able to comfortable hold his or her own head up without assistance, he or she will probably love to do the superman. For a great arm workout, do several reps lifting and lowering your little one above your head.

• Make every second count. As mothers, we have more opportunities than we realize to get our bodies moving. In addition to using the far away parking spot or opting for the stairs instead of the elevator, there are many daily chores that can be turned into multi-tasking moments for exercise. Do squats while waiting for the water to boil. Stand up and down on your tip toes or do hip and glute presses while you wash the dishes. Do bicep curls with the laundry basket on the way to the washer. Be creative and consistent, and adding activity to your day will soon become a life long healthy habit. Before you know it, you'll be popping in the exercise videos during your little one's naps!