Ask The Hoff: What Is Your Face Routine?

Hi Healthy Hoff,

With your vegan diet, I'm curious as to what products you use to clean your face.

Thanks!
Face Off






Hi Face Off!

I have to admit, that my beauty routine in general is ever changing.  But, I have been doing the following routine for a few months to keep my face squeaky clean.

My morning routine is minimal:

When I wake up, I just wash my face with water, that's it.  Then I use an alcohol-free witch hazel toner to make sure my face is clean - it always is.  That's because I always, always remove my make-up the night before.

My night routine is a little more involved:

A few years ago, I got into the trend of using an oil cleanser - which seemed mind blowing at the time because I have combination skin, but it actually worked out quite well.  Just recently, I began using straight, unrefined coconut oil as my cleanser - it works great, takes off make-up with no effort, smells awesome and doubles as moisturizer.

Every other day, I go over the oil using a Clarisonic brush, on the odd days, I just use a washcloth to gently exfoliate the skin.

No matter which tool I use, I always, always rinse my face 30 times to make sure no product is left behind.  I learned this industry trick from an ex-model and I really can feel the difference in my skin's texture when I'm done.

I again tone my face using witch hazel.

If I'm feeling a little dry, I'll put on a bit of coconut oil, but otherwise I just let my skin breath for the night.

I kick it up a notch on the weekends:

Once a week, usually on Sundays (when I have more time), I apply a facial mask for at least 30 minutes.  Right now, I am going back and forth between the 100% Pure facial masks and Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay.  And, I always follow-up any mask with a moisturizing slathering of coconut oil.


That's it!  What do you guys use/do as part of your beauty routine?  Please share in the comments below.

Keep is healthy!

Ask The Hoff: Why Healthy Hoff?

Hello!

Why is your blog called Healthy Hoff and why do you sign-off as The Hoff?

Thanks!
Long time follower, first time commenter




Hello back!

Thanks for asking!  Well, my last name is Hoffman (hence the German references) and my friends nicknamed me Hoff and well I'm really into all things healthy, so the Healthy Hoff was born! I sign my posts as The Hoff as a shortened version of Healthy Hoff.  Make complete sense?  : /\ )

Keep It Healthy!






Gotta question for the Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Kiwi Skin Edible?

Hey Healthy Hoff!

Can I eat that furry skin on a kiwi? It's such a pain to peel those things.

Thanks!
Kiwi Lover






What's up Kiwi Lover!

Yes, that furry brown skin IS edible.  Just cut off the nubby ends and either slice or eat like you would an apple.  Be sure to wash first. 

While the skin is full of fiber and nutrients, that skin creeps me out (I have texture issues)!  So for me, I cut one end off, place the kiwi on that end then use the other nubby end to steady the fruit as I slice the skin off in downward sawing motion with a paring knife - then slice of chump.  No slipping, no fur!

Keep It Healthy!

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Ingredient-free Labels

Hello Healthy Hoff,

I don't have a question, just a comment.

Thank you so much for including an ingredient-free label on your recent recipes.  I love how quickly I can determine if a recipe will work for me or not.

Ever so helpful!
Dairy Intolerant


Dear Dairy Intolerant,

Thanks for noticing!

Can't believe it took me so long to realize that including the following: "meat-free, dairy-free, egg-free, oil-free, soy-free, gluten-free" to my recipes would make them more user-friendly. 

But it's not just new recipes, I went back to the very beginning of The Healthy Hoff and updated every recipe to include this info.  Note, that while I am vegan, no-oil now, I wasn't always and some recipes do contain soy.

Just my way of helping cut through the clutter!

Healthy, Happy Cooking!
The Hoff

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Supplements

Hello Healthy Hoff,

I was wondering what kind of supplements you take.  I am drowning in all the recommendations out there.  What keeps you healthy?

Thank you much,
Nutrient Envy





Dear Nutrient Envy,

I once was like you, snapping up ever supplement and vitamin recommendation that came my way.  Spending about $50 bucks a month on them and spacing them out throughout the day because I literally was downing anywhere from 10-20 a day all in the name of "health."

Then I came to my senses, with some guidance.  Here's my epiphany, bear with me:

Man, is an idiot. I mean mankind in generally, "he" constantly feels that he can improve what Mother Nature provides.  Yet, man often times falls short.  In regards to supplements, what man fails to realize that when you extract a single nutrient from food, that we don't understand or fail to understand how that nutrient interacts with the other countless nutrients in that food. 

As for the fear of being nutrient deprived.  Eat a whole foods, plant-based diet, and you'll get all the nutrients your body needs in the manner in which it can effectively use them.

But, I don't do this theory justice, check out this video from Dr. McDougall (one of my mentors):



That being said, I still take a Probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus) daily, because I have a problem with yeast and that actually does help me keep things in check, plus it's just good practice in general for anyone (a must after a round of antibiotics!).  No, yogurt is not a suitable source for this healthy bacteria (#1 you don't need the dairy, #2 it doesn't provide the beneficial amount needed - you'd have to actually eat a gallon of it).  Be sure to store your Probiotic in the fridge to keep those billions of healthy bacteria alive!

Aside from that, my medicine cabinet is supplement/vitamin free! 

Whether to take supplements/vitamins or not, is a personal choice.  Do the research and come to your own conclusion.  As for me, I have found it liberating to purge my house of these "health in a bottle" and feel empowered to give my body the nutrients it needs through whole-foods.  Not to mention relieved of the stress of playing mad scientist!  Plus I like saving all that cash!

Kick the Habit!
The Hoff

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Shot Glass?

HH,

I noticed in one of your posts recently, a picture with a shot glass in the background.  Drinking doesn't seem like something The Healthy Hoff would do.

What gives?

Sigh,
Disenchanted


Dear  Disenchanted,

I find your acute observational skills both enduring and freaky at the same time...(is someone watching me).

Anyway, it's not what you think, I swear!

While, The Healthy Hoff does not condemn drinking alcohol as unhealthy per say, it's just not my thing and never has been.

The shot glass in question is actually used for when I am sautéing.  I keep it on the counter for emergencies, because it's a quick way to get 2 tablespoons of water into my pan, which is the perfect amount.  Typically this comes into play when I set the heat too high and my veggies get away from me. I use water instead of oil to keep things from burning to the pan.

See, not all is what it seems.  I hope your faith in me has been restored.

Here's To You!
The Hoff

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Mammograms & Radiation

Dear Hoff,

My mom sent this to me -- Said this is from Dr. OZ -- what does The Healthy Hoff think? 

On Wednesday, Dr. Oz had a show on the fastest growing cancer in women, thyroid cancer. It was a very interesting program and he mentioned that the increase could possibly be related to the use of dental x-rays and mammograms. He demonstrated that on the apron the dentist puts on you for your dental x-rays there is a little flap that can be lifted up and wrapped around your neck. Many dentists don't bother to use it. Also, there is something called a "thyroid guard" for use during mammograms but you have to ask for it – they don’t offer it to you.

Thanks,
Yo!


Hey, Yo!

I'm glad this message is starting to reach the masses, it's an important one that affects us all.

I will start off by saying that this is an area that I know little about, so I will share what I do know and don't take it as medical advice but rather a starting point for your own research.

While attending a health conference recently, I learned that the "experts" and no one else for that matter truly knows to what degree the radiation we are being exposed to through various x-rays (dental, mammogram, airport screening, etc.) is having on our overall health, cumulatively, overtime.  

I for one avoid x-rays unless absolutely necessary.  I feel that these doctors lump us into "standard procedure" with little regard for the longtime affects.  So, I will refuse dental x-rays on a yearly basis, unless I am experiencing an issue.  And when my doctor asked if I wanted a mammogram this year, I said, "Hell No!," I'm too young for that!  You must bear in mind that doctors are merely consultants, and we need to educate ourselves and ask questions to determine if the advice they are giving is right for us and not accept everything they say and recommend as gospel.  Doctors are not gods, they are human and they too get it wrong sometimes, don't know everything and are limited by training - you must take responsibility for your own health!

As for the mammograms, when the time truly does come, I plan NOT to engage in the "standard practice."  Bear in mind that I do not have a history of breast cancer within my family line.  I will however, be looking into Breast Thermography, a medical infrared image.  This method does not utilize radiation, injections or compression - in fact there is no bodily contact at all.  Instead, it makes an infrared image using the body's natural heat.  This method has been around awhile and was approved by the FDA in 1982 as a breast screening procedure.  Clinical trials have shown that this procedure can detect cancer up to 10 years earlier than other methods.

I am currently aware of one local medical practice utilizing Breast Thermography, Tenpenny Integrative Medical Center in Middleburg Heights, Ohio.

In the meantime, I am doing everything possible to safeguard myself from any type of cancer through eating a whole-foods, plant-based diet.  And if you're curious to understand more on how that works, I recommend you read The China Study by Dr. T. Colin Campbell, it's very enlightening!

Hope this helps!
The Hoff

P.S. I will definitely look for that throat guard next time I need dental x-rays and remember that thyroid guard - thanks!!!

Sources:
http://www.bestthermographyservice.com/breast-thermography-faq.html
http://tenpennyimc.com/breast-thermography


Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: High Fiber Cereal

Hoff!

In a past post you mentioned getting something like getting 300 grams of fiber per day!?!?  What are you eating for breakfast to even begin to hit that?

Thanks!
Hungry in the Morning





Hey Hungry in the Morning!

I think the post you're referring to is, Weight Loss: Staying Motivated, where I mentioned striving for 35 - 50 grams of fiber a day.  I don't even want to guess what would happen to a person if they got 300 (ouch)!

And you're on the right track - in order to hit these numbers, each meal has to be fiberlicious and that means starting with the first meal of the day.  So, I look for cereals that have the most fiber content per cup, with the least amount of unpronounceable ingredients. 

I have scoured the cereal isle for awhile and my go to cereals are Uncle Sam Original & Special K Red Berries.

Both Uncle Sam and Red Berries have minimal ingredients, no oil, no artificial sweeteners and no artificial coloring.

Uncle Sam has 13 grams of fiber per cup, while Red Berries has 3 grams of fiber per cup.

So now you're asking yourself, why would I bother with the Red Berries with such a low fiber content?  Well, Uncle Sam consists of: whole wheat kernels, whole flax seed, salt and barely malt - that's it.  Not exactly a cereal that screams yummy, yummy - but you can eat it straight up without a problem.

I on the other hand, prefer to combine it with the Red Berries for a little flavor boost.  I'm still getting the mega boost of fiber in the morning, with a little flair. I also add 3 cereal spoonfuls of wild blueberries & one spoonful of ground flax seed for another fiber & flavor punch.

Enjoy!
The Hoff

P.S. Don't forget the tried and true whole cut/steel cut oatmeal that packs in 8 grams of fiber per cup - sprinkle with ground flax seed for a little more fiber!

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Good Places to Eat!

Hey Hoff!

I'm going out to dinner with a few of my girls tonight and was wondering if there were any Healthy Hoff approved places you could recommend?

Thanks!
Seriously Hungry





Hey Seriously Hungry!

This is a question that I get asked quite often.  My number one response is, "Go to Tree Hugger's!" - a foodie playground for vegetarians and vegans alike.  Next, I recommend J. Alexanders, which while a steakhouse in spirit, serves a most excellent black bean burger and one of the best salads that I've ever had - a perfect middle ground for veggies and non-veggies coming together.

For more places, check out my "Eat Here!" page - a directory I have compiled listing vegetarian/vegan friendly restaurants from Cleveland to Columbus.

I have by no means captured every place available in Ohio, so if anyone has a restaurant to add, please hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com.

Thanks Bunches!
The Hoff

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Calorie Counter

Hoff!

You don't reference the calories for any of the recipes you post.

What's up?

Thanks!
Calorie Conscious




Dear Calorie Conscious,

You seem a little hostile - I'll assume you're just hungry from limiting your calories.

You are correct, I don't reference calories for any of my recipes.  The beauty of eating a whole food, plant-based diet means no need to worry about such things as counting calories.  Keep this in mind: vegetables contain about 100 calories per pound and fruit contains 200-300 calories per pound.  A Quarter Pounder alone has 510 calories.  So, you can eat and eat whole grains, veggies and fruits until you're full and you won't even come close to hitting the calories of the typical high calorie/high fat Western Diet.

Cut the Count!
The Hoff

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Woosaaaahh

Yo Hoff!

You've used this "woosaaaahh" thing in a few posts now. What the hell is it?

Thanks,
Confused






Yo Confused!

I take it you are not a movie buff or perhaps have yet to enjoy all the goodness that is Bad Boys II!  In it the character that Martin Lawrence plays, Detective Marcus Barnett is basically having a break down and he uses "Woosaaaahh" to calm down, it becomes a running joke throughout the movie and I love it!

When The Healthy Hoff gets stressed or goes off on a tangent, I bring it back to front and center with a good ole cleansing, "Woosaaaahh."

Sometimes, I do fear this may just bottle in all the anger as does "Serenity now. (insanity later...)" - but so far so good.

A movie montage is worth a thousand words, check out what I'm laying down for ya.



Woosaaaahh my friends, woosaaaahh,
The Hoff

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: Where Can I Find Hoff Reviewed Documentaries?

Dear Healthy Hoff,

I really enjoy reading your documentary reviews and would like to watch some of them. Where can I find them?

Thanks!
Doc Watcher





Dear Doc Watcher,

The majority of docs I review can be found through Netflix or Amazon Prime.  For the most part they are available through the TV streaming feature and some are available through Instant View via your computer.  Some docs such as Processed People and Eating, I had to purchase.  An even more limited few are available to view online, such as The Gerson Miracle - but those I typically call-out in the review.

Happy Watching!
The Hoff

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

Ask The Hoff: How Do You Find The Time?!?!

Dear Hoff,

You are always writing about making things from scratch - how do you find the time?

Sincerely,
Time Challenged





Hi Time Challenged!

I hear ya - I always feel like I don't have enough time for all the things I want to do, but I find the time for the things that are most important - one of those being, eating!  I take what I eat very seriously, because I believe that has a direct affect on one's health.  Therefore, finding time to make what I can from scratch is invaluable.

Here's how I do it:

Friday Night
I know it doesn't sound fun, but I do my grocery shopping every Friday night.  I spend my week researching new recipes and meal ideas, so I actually look forward to getting what I need to make those things come to life.  I immediately wash all produce (berries excluded) when I get home, so everything is ready to go when I want them.  I also leave the non-perishable ingredients of what I am making within the next two days on the counter instead of putting them away.

Saturday Morning
I spend about an hour or less every Saturday morning chopping everything I need for the week and preparing the rice for my Rice Milk.

Sunday Morning
On Sunday mornings, I use the pre-soaked rice to make the Rice Milk, I use the pre-chopped veggies to assemble Hoff's No Salad, Salad for my weekly lunches, I make enough Smoothies for two days, I make up water bottles (I take two re-purposed Snapple bottles filled with filtered water to work with me daily), pasta salad for the week in the summer and soup for the week in the winter and any special extras for the week: hummus, syrup, dips, etc.

So there you have it, I break everything into succinct daily tasks that if done all at once, would take half a day or more, which would suck!  Now that I have done all this prep work, I have very little to do during the week other than cook dinner, exercise and go to work of course.  A little planning really does go a long way.

Take Charge!
The Hoff

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com

How Do You Use Your Vitamix?

Dear Healthy Hoff,

Love the site, can't get enough!  You've mentioned your Vitamix in a few posts.  I'm thinking of getting one, what do you with yours?

Thanks!
Blender Envy





Dear Blender Envy,

I'm so excited - you're my first fan mail!  And you've inspired a new section on The Healthy Hoff - Ask The Hoff!  Just email your question to thehoff@healthyhoff.com and if I know the answer, I'll post it on the blog - comments and suggestions are welcomed as well!

Back to business...

This is an excellent question!  When I contemplate any purchase let alone a substantial purchase, such as a Vitamix ($$$), I ask friends, family, co-workers (anyone who will listen) a few key questions:

1. What do you use "it" for?
2. How often do you use "it."
3. How long have you had "it."
4. What do you love/hate about "it."

Facebook is great for this type of research as well as Amazon personal reviews of products.

This way I can see if the appliance or "purchase" will fit into my current lifestyle and actually be used instead of wasting away in the basement.

So here it is, the Top 10 Things my Vitamix does for me:

1. Fresh Orange Juice - every Saturday & Sunday
   
2. Rice Milk - once a week
3. Smoothies - every day
4. Fruit Pops - periodically throughout summer
5. Soups - once a week throughout fall & winter
6. Sauces/Dressings - periodically
7. Fruit Sorbets - periodically throughout summer & spring
8. Hummus - once a week
9. "Milkshakes" - periodically throughout the year
10. Almond Butter - once a month

There are a ton more things the Vitamix can do, but that's what I specifically use it for on a consistent basis.

Happy Blending!

Gotta question for The Healthy Hoff?  Hit me up at TheHoff@healthyhoff.com