NEW YOU Witney Carson 2024 Beauty Awards Issue

WITNEY CARSON

Dancing With The Stars Pro on Balancing Stardom and Family Life,and Her Groundbreaking

Skincare Line

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FEATURES

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

How your nutritional habits can affect your skin and what foods are best for your body’s largest organ.

HEALTH BY THE NUMBERS

These 11 numbers are the key to a clean bill of health.

2024 NEW YOU BEAUTY AWARDS FINALISTS

We are proud to present this years NEW YOU Beauty Awards to the best standout products and companies across the nation.

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SUGAR CRUSH

Got a sweet tooth? It might be time to reevaluate that habit— sugar may taste delightful, but it’s extremely damaging to our health.

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THE BLOOD SUGAR BALANCING ACT

Insulin resistance is aging America, though a few simple solutions can halt it in its tracks.If you’re concerned about metabolic syndrome, learn the signs and ways to reverse it with a few simple lifestyle techniques.

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WITNEY CARSON

Dancing With The Stars pro on balancing stardom, family life and her groundbreaking skincare line.

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GONE WITH THE GLUTEN

NEW YOU investigates the growing phenomenon of people suffering from gluten sensitivity, and how limiting gluten exposure can potentially improve your health

DESERT FASHION

Meditate on One Vital Concept, Authentic Style is All About You

FASHION ACCESSORIES

Kimberly Pucci’s “It Bag” of the US Open

Q

A GAME CHANGERS

Dr. Faraz Farzin of Lumosity.com An accomplished researcher, Dr. Farzin and Lumosity.com help universities unlock the human brain.

The Dream Team Behind Jack Black Meet the creators ofJack Black—a top collection of approachable men’s skin products and shaving needs.

Care for some cocktails while overlooking NYC? Spring marks the end of the bitter cold winter and welcomes rooftop cocktails,but the Manhattan skyline is big enough to keep the nightly happy hours and after-work hang outs rolling. If you’re looking to meet friends, grab a night-cap or spend some one-on-one time with a loved one, this list has you covered.

ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS

We’re constantly on the prowl for all the latest and greatest musts in beauty, fashion, and style. And now we’re helping you acquire them with a dynamic new “Shop the Look” section of the all-new Newyou.com!

INSTAGRAM LINKEDIN YOUTUBE FOLLOW US

THE K-BEAUTY CRAZE: OUR GLASS SKIN HOLY GRAILS

The recent emergence of Korean skin care in the United States has brought new beauty standards that we didn’t even know were possible to achieve. These skin care products are designed to give you the trending “Glass Skin” look. Read more at NewYou.com

beauty

Color Burst

Make your next manicure magnificent with electrifying florals. Blossom in these Essie colors: (top to bottom) Full Steam Ahead, The More the Merrier, Rock the Boat, and The Girls Are Out ($8 each, ulta.com).

MORE THAN SKIN DEEP

How your nutritional habits can affect your skin and what foods are best for your body’s largest organ.

By Karen Asp

urns out, you really are what you eat, especially when it comes to your skin. Sure, you can slather on pricey products to improve appearance, but you might want to consider methods to make that beauty radiate from within.

“You can’t have healthy, beautiful

skin if you treat it only from the outside,” says Nicholas Perricone, M.D., a Connecticut-based clinical and research dermatologist. “The right food choices are critical to youthful, beautiful, and radiant skin.”

So what should you feed your face? The answers may be simpler than you think.

medicalskin

NUTRITION AND SKIN HEALTH

ou might not automatically associate good nutrition with better skin health until you understand this fact: Your skin is an organ, the largest one of the body, and like all of your other organs, it has certain requirements. “It needs the nutrition, oxygen, and amino acids, the building blocks of DNA,” says Christine Choi Kim, M.D., a medical and cosmetic dermatologist and clinical research investigator at the Clinical Science Institute in Santa Monica, California.

Without those essential items, your body can develop nutritional deficiencies—and your skin is one of the first places they show up for all to see. “Think of the skin as a window to the inside of your body,” Dr. Kim says.

While you can blame the standard American diet (e.g., too many processed foods, excess sodium) for causing problems, which are especially tough on those prone to acne, rosacea, and eczema, women in particular are guilty of making two nutritional mistakes that impact the skin: Not eating enough protein and being overly strict about avoiding dietary fat. “Those two behaviors are contributing factors in why women often look older than men of the same age,” Dr. Perricone says.

Without enough daily protein, which the body can’t store, facial features become soft looking. “The depleted supply of protein forces the body to feed upon itself, causing muscle and tissue to break down,” Dr. Perricone says. Long-term protein starvation can lead to a significant loss of skin tone, not only on the face but also in the breasts. Meanwhile, dietary fat will keep your skin soft, supple, and radiant, he adds.

Of course, just as you can’t out-exercise a bad diet, you also can’t undo skin damage from years of sun exposure and smoking. If you start paying more attention to your diet, however, it’s possible you can improve your skin’s

outward appearance, decreasing wrinkling and sagging of the skin, Dr. Perricone says. Certain foods can also bolster your skin’s defense against ultraviolet (UV) rays, preventing skin cancer and, as a result, the wrinkles and aging spots that accompany UV damage, offers Dr. Kim.

YOUR SKIN-SAVVY EATING PLAN

iets are a dime a dozen these days, and while there’s not a specific diet per se for skin health as there is for the heart or brain, it’s fair to say that what’s good for other organs is good for the skin too. That’s why dermatologists recommend eating a diet high in antioxidants, potent compounds in food that fight skin-damaging free radicals in the body, and choosing foods that are anti-inflammatory in nature.

Inflammation, after all, is a driving force in every age-related disease, even aging itself. On the skin, chronic inflammation can manifest itself in the form of wrinkles, sagging, discoloration, enlarged pores, and lack of radiance, Dr. Perricone warns.

Foods that increase inflammation are those commonly found in the standard American diet, especially sugar-rich items. “Sugar increases stress hormones in the skin, which can create an inflammatory state,” says Elizabeth Tanzi, M.D., founder and director of Capital Laser & Skin Care in Chevy Chase, Maryland, and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the George Washington University Medical Center in Washington, D.C. Eventually, that can lead to the breakdown of collagen, a protein in the skin that naturally decreases with age.

Yet by switching to an anti-inflammatory diet, your skin may show significant improvements. “In just three days of eating an anti-inflammatory diet, your skin will look healthier, more radiant and less wrinkled,” Dr. Perricone says.

Like the Mediterranean diet, an anti-inflammatory diet will load your body with antioxidants and nutrients that can bolster skin health. For instance, vitamins A, C, D, and E have proven effects on the skin, Dr. Kim says. So, too, do omega-3 fatty acids, which are in fish, and even a compound called resveratrol found in red wine and green tea. To that end, experts recommend avoiding processed foods as much as possible, which are loaded with excess salt or sugar (or both), Dr. Tanzi says. Instead, focus on high-quality protein like fish, shellfish, tofu and poultry. When it comes to carbohydrates, opt for low-glycemic ones: “A low-sugar diet helps give the skin a healthy glow and prevents inflammation,” Dr. Tanzi says. That means add in more colorful fresh fruits and vegetables; low-glycemic grains (quinoa, for instance); and legumes like lentils. Then make sure you’re eating healthy fats, like coldwater fish (especially wild Alaskan salmon, halibut, sardines, herring, and anchovies), nuts, seeds, and extra virgin olive oil.

And while hydration, key for overall health, is often touted as the cornerstone for healthier skin, drinking the recommended eight servings of 8-ounce glasses a day doesn’t guarantee healthy skin. “You can’t drink your way into beautiful skin,” Dr. Tanzi says, adding that some people drinking that amount still suffer from problems like acne. Yet in Dr. Perricone’s view, “Water helps keep the skin soft and plumped up.” No matter, though, your body still needs plenty of water throughout the day, so keep tabs on your hydration. Remember, too, that foods like fruits and vegetables, and soups contain water, which count toward your hydration needs, Dr. Kim says.

While your skin is getting healthier from eating a derma-friendly diet, so is the rest of your body, making it a winwin situation for all of your organs.

An antiinflammatory diet will load your body with antioxidants and nutrients.

HEALTH BY NUMBERS

If you think your weight and your partner’s birthday are the only digits worth noting, think again. These 11 numbers are the key to a clean bill of health.

By Karen Asp

CUPS OF FRUITS AND VEGGIES YOU SHOULD EAT DAILY

Loading produce onto your plate gives you a healthy dose of diseasefighting antioxidants and allows for healthy gut bacteria to thrive, says Pamela Peeke, M.D., M.P.H., and author of Body for Life for Women (Rodale). Aim for three cups of veggies, even though guidelines for women call for less. “Pile on greens like spinach and kale,” Peeke says, along with two cups of fruits a day. And pay attention to your palette: Remember to eat five different colors of fruits and vegetables daily.

STEPS DAILY

No doubt you’ve heard of or taken part in a 10,000 steps a day challenge. Yet if you’re going by government guidelines, you should be logging about 7,500 steps a day, in addition to 150

minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. “This is the minimum amount a healthy adult should aim for,” says Catrine Tudor-Locke, Ph.D., professor and chair of the department of kinesiology at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, who insists that more is better. Before you hit the pavement with a pedometer, test it first by taking 20 steps. If the count falls between 19 and 21, that’s within a good margin of error.

management physician in Naples, Florida, and author of The MD Factor Diet (BenBella Books, Inc.). While levels below 150 mg/dL are normal, ideally, you should be under 100 mg/dL. To lower your levels, decrease your intake of simple sugars and simple carbohydrates, says Cederquist.

healthnumbers

Health. Stick to no more than a drink a day, says Peeke, but women with a family history of alcoholism should nix alcohol. Didn’t get your one a day? Just as you can’t bank lost sleep, you can’t bank missed drinks.

INTERNATIONAL UNITS

(IU), MINIMUM AMOUNT OF VITAMIN D

INCHES, MAXIMUM WAISTLINE

If your waistline measures 35 inches or more, that’s a red flag, no matter what the scale says. The concern? Toxic visceral fat, which is associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease, and cancer, Peeke says.

MILLIGRAMS, MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF SODIUM PER DAY

While you need salt to survive, too much of it can lead to high blood pressure and increase your risk of heart-attack risk, says Laxmi Mehta, M.D., clinical director of the Women’s Cardiovascular Health Program at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, Ohio. Like sugar, salt is hidden in many processed foods, so stick to whole foods and ditch the salt-shaker habit.

FRIENDS IN YOUR INNER CIRCLES

GRAMS OF FIBER EVERY DAY

According to the National Fiber Council, adults on average ingest only 10 to 15 grams daily through diet, but you should shoot for 20 to 30 grams. That will keep your bowel movements regular and ward of disease-promoting inflammation, says New York City gastroenterologist Valerie AntoineGustave, M.D., M.P.H.

MG/DL, MAXIMUM TRIGLYCERIDE LEVEL

Total cholesterol usually steals the spotlight, but triglycerides—fat in blood—may be more critical. “Higher triglyceride levels raise heart-disease risk in women,” says Caroline Cederquist, M.D., weight

Friendships consist of various layers, but the center two make up the strongest bonds. “The interaction you have with these layers stimulates the production of endorphins, the brain’s natural pain killer, and boosts the immune system to help you resist diseases,” says Robin Dunbar, Ph.D., professor of evolutionary psychology at the University of Oxford in Oxford, England. Your first layer contains five friends and family who provide you the most emotional support. Those 10 in your second layer are your best friends with whom you spend most of your time.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE EACH DAY

Alcohol in moderation does have its benefits, including lowering incidents of diabetes and reducing heart-disease risk, according to Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public

If you’re not spending enough time in the sun, you may be low in vitamin D, which has been associated with numerous benefits, including protection from depression and stronger bones, Peeke says. Yet guidelines of 600 IU fall short of what numerous organizations recommend. The Vitamin D Council, for one, suggests adults get 5,000 IU daily. Get your vitamin D levels tested so you know how much is right for you.

HOURS OF SLEEP

The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults ages 26 to 64 get seven to nine hours of shut-eye a night. Six hours may be okay for some people; just don’t dip below that.

TEASPOONS, MAXIMUM, OF ADDED SUGAR IN A DAY

The average American consumes 22 teaspoons of added sugar daily, which may be responsible for the rise in obesity and diabetes, says Mehta. New labeling laws will soon make it easier to spot hidden sugars. Until then, cut your intake by eliminating sugar-sweetened beverages, choosing whole foods over processed foods, and limiting sugar-laden condiments like ketchup.

CATANO BEAUTY BAKUCHIOL YOU GLO SERUM

Did you say, “simplify my beauty routine and prevent aging?” Sign us up! This Glo Serum by Adriana Catano wins all the points for giving us that dewey, younger, healthier looking skin while also working to prevent and correct the signs of aging without the retinol. Your Vegan friends will love it too as it’s certified cruelty-free by PETA. $62, AdrianaCatano.com

BEST NEWBIE BEAUTY

ESSENCE PURE NUDE BAKED BLUSH

Want that pool-side Miami skin? This creamy, silky blush from Essence is sure to give you the all-day glow. With eight shades to choose from we loved that it seemed like there was a shade for everyone. Plus, the brand is vegan, cruelty-free and paraben and oil free, so you can look good and feel good about supporting your causes too.

$6, Amazon

4U BY TIA LEAVE-IN CURL CREAM

Tia Mowry is not just one half of the cutest 90’s show, Sister Sister, she is also a mompreneur, TV personality, and natural hair advocate. That’s why we were excited to try this moisturizing, vegan, sulfate-free leave-in conditioner. It’s smooth, not sticky, and keeps your curls hydrated and heat protected.

$11, Walmart

LUMIFY EYE ILLUMINATIONS™ HYDRA-GEL BRIGHTENING EYE CREAM

In just a few days we noticed the difference and totally understood the hype behind LUMIFY’s brightening eye cream. Less bags, smooth skin and an easy-to-use gel cream make this product stand out among the rest. What’s more is its gentle on the eyes and has water as its number one ingredient.

$26, Amazon.com

KVD BEAUTY, GOOD APPLE FULL COVERAGE SERUM FOUNDATION

Move over, there’s a newbie on the full-coverage foundation block. KVD’s Beauty’s Good Apple Full-Coverage is a great option for long-wear, covering up blemishes and even acne-prone or oily skin. Our editors particularly enjoyed KVD’s vegan friendly, light-weight formula that includes apple extract and quince leaf for shine.

$42, KVDveganbeauty.com

ARDELL PROFESSIONAL: SEAMLESS UNDERLASH EXTENSION KIT - FAUX MINK

We’re not going to lie, we are kind of obsessed with this lash extension kit from Ardell. These easy-to-apply lashes are so seamless that even a lash pro can’t tell them apart, plus they can stay put for up to 10 days. Our team loved that the lashes are soft, lightweight, and comfortable enough to sleep in. Yes please!

$20, Amazon

KEVYN AUCOIN, THE CONTRAST STICK

Step aside TikTok creators, we can contour without your help now! Makeup pro, photographer and icon, Kevyn Aucoin, was responsible for “sculpting” the look of celebrities and models since the 90’s and now this creamy matte contour stick helps you define your features with ease.

$53, kevynaucoinbeauty.com

INNOVATIONS IN HAIR

OLAPLEX VOLUMIZING BLOW DRY MIST

This is not the first time OLAPLEX has won a NEW YOU award, and for good reason. Our editors were obsessed with this volumizing mist. It’s like a volume boost button for your hair, delivering salon-worthy fullness and shine with every blow-dry. We think it’s a total game-changer for those who want that effortlessly glam, straight out the salon look.

$30, Amazon.com

CHI HAIR PRODUCTS, LAVA 4D HAIRSTYLING IRON

Securing its status as a must have and capturing the hearts of our editors, this hairstyling iron showed unparalleled performance. Its combination of ceramic plates and 4D technology create flawless, long-lasting hairstyles. Our editors raved about how easily you can achieve salon-quality results at home.

$176, Amazon.com

AUNT JACKIE’S - CURL LA LA - DEFINING CURL CUSTARD

Curly girls know how hard it is to find a product that works. That’s why our team was completely enamored with this moisturizing curl custard that leaves your hair curly, coiled, or waved while also soft to the touch. You can also use it on wet or dry hair to kiss frizz to the curb. Our team particularly loved the smell, which was sweet but not overpowering.

$7, Amazon

MILK_SHAKE, INSTA.LOTION

Milk shakes make everyone smile. Imagine a milk shake for your hair! Insta-lotion treatment is packed with all the goodies like milk proteins, hyaluronic acid, and blueberry extracts to give your hair that silky shine, manageability, and smooth texture. Plus, we adore the sweet fragrance. It’s like happiness for your hair.

$29, Milksharehair.com

THE PERFECT POUT

PROVENCE BEAUTY PINK ROSÉ HYDRATING TINTED LIP OIL

What makes Provence Beauty a finalist when it comes to lip love? Well, we couldn’t resist a moisturizing lip oil that gives you that shine without the stickiness. But even better than that it’s delicious and smooth with antioxidants, plum oil, pomegranate, and a hint of color. The flavors are summer fantastic too, with our favorite PINK ROSÉ as the perfect addition to your daily make up routine.

$9, Provence Beauty

MAKEUP REVOLUTION LONDON, POUT BALM

The perfect no makeup look has arrived! Makeup Revolution’s Pout Balm has the right mix of magic with that soft, melty feeling on your lips and minty tingle. The colors are so dashing, electric, and cute. We think it’s particularly great for those light makeup days.

$6, RevolutionBeauty.com

LIP LAB, LINE & DEFINE LIP PRIMER

Primp, prime, and perfect your lip game with this Line and Define Lip Primer by Lip Lab. We enjoyed how easy it was to glide on to create an invisible barrier to keep our lip color lasting all night. The yummy superfood ingredients will keep your lips soft and nourished. Top marks for being clean, vegan and cruelty-free too.

$25, LipLab.com

PERIPERA INK THE VELVET LIP TINT, LIQUID LIP

If you’re looking for lips that make you look like you’ve just stepped off the set of a Hollywood blockbuster, Peripera Ink, the Velvet Lip Tint will not disappoint. Top points go to longevity (we tested it with a night out in South Beach), and you can kiss those lip stains on your wine glass goodbye. $10, Amazon.com

SHIKSONA, WORK HARD PLAY HARD SPLIT BULLET LIPSTICKS

As women we are all always multitasking, so why not let your lipstick do some multitasking too? This split stick lipstick is really amazing, from beautiful blends of colors, to multi use (think blush or highlighter), to long lasting wear. Embrace your duality by showing off two shades harmonized into a single lipstick.

$26, Shiksonabeauty.com

SKINCARE STANDOUT

GHANYA COSMETICS, ABSOLUTE CREAM

It’s not just a cream, it’s also an eye cream, a primer and a moisturizer. This luxurious, eco-friendly blend of plant stem cells and antioxidants are great for everyday wear, but can also address more tough skin concerns like skin Melasma, pigmentation, blemishes or wrinkles. We absolutely love it.

$140, Ghanyacosmetics.com

ARBONNE, DERMRESULTS ADVANCED SERUM WITH HYALURONIC ACID

Our editors adored this anti-aging, moisturizing skin serum that delivers a powerful one-two punch against fine-lines and wrinkles while also keeping you feeling so nourished.

The best part is the soft, smoothing texture that doesn’t feel heavy or clog up your pores. 10/10 we do recommend!

$78, Arbonne.com

DEBORAH LIPPMANN, RICH GIRL HYDRATING BODY SHIMMER

If you’re looking to stand out as a shimmery goddess, this indulgent body shimmer transforms your skin into a radiant masterpiece. We particularly enjoyed the luminous, sun-kissed glow you feel and the hydrating ingredients that nourishes your skin. Body, body, body. Yes please.

$45, DeborahLippmann.com

SKIN MODERNE BIO PLACENTA

Not to be confused with sheep placenta serums, which has little evidence to show any skin efficacy, Bio-Placenta is a biotechnologically engineered ingredient utilizing a patented fermentation technology that yields numerous peptides, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. The potent combination of our BIO-PLACENTA serum delivers numerous powerful skin benefits and is backed by extensive clinical studies.

$90, www.skinmoderne.com

TOTY ILUMINA CC CREAM SPF 50+ PERFECTING FLUID

Our editors fell in love with this power-packed cream that you can totally use everyday. With its light consistency and soft fragrance, this CC cream by Sofia Vergara is really perfect. Great for all skin tones and designed to make you feel más bonita inside and out.

$54, Toty.com

VITABRID C12, DUAL MASK: AGEDEFYING AND FIRMING

The VitaBrid C12 Age-Defying Firming Dual Mask is a stand out– and for good reason! This two-step mask not only feels like a spa day for your face, but it tightens and revitalizes your skin, earning major kudos from our editors who can’t get enough of its instant glow-up magic.

$35, Vitabrid.com

BEST AGELESS BEAUTY

ASUTRA, LOVE YOUR SKIN - LAVENDER BODY OIL

Oh, we just feel so luxurious and relaxed! We just got done moisturizing with this Asutra, Love Your Skin Lavender Body Oil and this is just the zen we needed. Inspired by Chief Brand Officer, Venus Williams’ love for rose oil and organic lavender, this nourishing all-natural oil is the perfect addition to your bedtime routine.

$22, Asutra.com

OLEHENRIKSEN, HYDRABARRIER NOURISHING FACE OIL

Winner of many awards, there’s so many reasons to love this long-lasting face oil that boosts hydration and leaves your skin feeling smoother, clearer and soft. The delicious Scandinavian berry oil locks in moisture and even helps improve texture. Perfect under makeup or on its own and great on all skin types.

$58, Olehenriksen.com

ANDALOU NATURALS AGE DEFYING REJUVENATING SLEEP MASK

Let her sleep, for when she wakes she will move mountains. Imagine getting all the nourishment your skin needs all while you sleep? Celebrated for its transformative effects on skin rejuvenation, this exceptional night cream, powered by fruit stem cells and antioxidants, works overnight to visibly diminish the signs of aging, earning its place as a must-have in any skincare routine.

$19.00, Amazon.com

BOTOX® COSMETIC

Celebrating 20 years of creating youthful looking skin, Botox Cosmetic has clinched its NEW YOU beauty award with a knockout punch against wrinkles! Our editors love how this little vial of magic erases fine lines, making you look as refreshed as a weekend getaway – no wonder it’s the go-to secret weapon for a smooth, agedefying glow.

Botoxcosmetic.com

SKIN WAND PRO AT HOME NANO INFUSION PEN

Skin Wand Pro is a revolutionary handheld nano channeling device that safely delivers high-performance serums to the skin. Ideal for use at home, this easy-to-use device provides an innovative solution to help you maintain healthy looking skin. Created to enhance professional treatments without any discomfort or downtime. A pain free option to micro-needling intended for home use. Aids in rebuilding collagen and smoothing skin. When used in the privacy of your home, this amazing addition to your home care routine will serve to maximize the benefits of your expensive skin care products that your professional esthetician has customized for your use.

$295, www.skinwandpro.com

BEAUTY INNOVATIONS

SKINMEDICA® EVEN TONE & CORRECT ADVANCED BRIGHTENING TREATMENT

NEW YOU editors can’t stop raving about these little miracles in a bottle. The treatment not only tackles dark spots and uneven skin tone but also gives your face that lit-from-within glow – it’s like coffee for your skin, but even better!

$178, Amazon.com

YOUNIQUE BARE•YOU BB TINTED MOISTURIZER

For smoother, radiant looking skin with that barely there makeup look, reach for this BB tinted moisturizer. It’s perfect for a no-makeup makeup look because it reduces the appearance of dark spots and just gives you that naturally flawless, even-looking complexion.

$46, Youniqueproducts.com

COLOR STREET NAILS

Oh, la, la! Look at those nails! From their glittery designs, to their bold graphic elements we are completely obsessed with these easy peel nail strips. Each set includes 16 double-ended nail strips that are 100% made in the USA. No more waiting for your nails to dry, just peel, apply and go! Our editors really were pleased with how easy they were and lovely they looked.

$15.00, Amazon.com

FLORASIS FLORAL ENGRAVING BEAUTY GODDESS MAKEUP PALETTE

Embrace your inner goddess with this irresistible makeup palette by Florasis. The gorgeous colors are encased in a beautiful fan shaped gift set that will make you feel so luxurious everytime you put it on. We particularly enjoyed the story that this design and color palette is based on: the love between a man and the Goddess of the Luo River.

$59, Florasis.com

SEIS BEAUTY

This highly pigmented, hydrating lipstick does not disappoint. Not only does this lipstick glide onto your lips with a luxurious semi-matte finish; it’s also a powerhouse of lip care, enriched with vitamins and antioxidants. From its delightful vanilla scent to the premium magnetic closure case, Seis Beauty’s Lipstick not only beautifies but also champions a commitment to eco-conscious packaging, making it the ultimate must-have for your makeup case.

$20, Seiscosmetics.com

BEST BREAKTHROUGH SKINCARE SYSTEM

CHARETTE COSMETICS -

Loved by celebrity clients, The Charette Cosmetics Transformation Pack has got everything your skin needs for a total glow-up, morning and night. Bring these nine top-notch products to your beauty cabinet and watch as they address all your skin care concerns. It’s like a spa day for your face, leaving you smooth, supple, and radiant skin that’s bound to steal the spotlight.

$549 CharetteCosmetics.com

BRAND OF THE YEAR

BEAUTY FOR CERTAIN

Multi-platinum rapper and reality star, BIA, has good taste, of that we are certain. That’s why her beauty line, Beauty for Certain, is such a no-brainer for Brand of the Year. From high-quality ingredients and a wide range of pigments to a focus on being cruelty-free, the brand is unique and fresh. We particularly enjoyed the matte liquid lipstick.

BeautyforCertain.com

BEST FRAGRANCE INNOVATION

ASH BY ASHLEY BENSON

With notes of bright bergamot, soft musk, and creamy cashmere woods, this unisex Eau de Parfum takes you on a sensory journey through the streets of Paris, wherever you may be. Ashley Benson created this innovation in scent to inspire others to seek their own pleasures, create their own story, find where these scent profiles returned them to and use them to memorialize their next experiences.

$80, ashbyashleybenson.com

BEST INFLUENCER FRAGRANCE OF THE YEAR

DARCEY AND STACEY SILVA (HOUSE OF 11)

Soft, dreamy and romantic, that’s the scent of Stacey’s Body Mist; it will wash over you with notes of jasmine, pineapple, and rose. Or, perhaps you’re feeling flirty and want to try Darcey’s Body Mist with orange, birch, and vanilla. With these perfume body mists created by reality TV stars, the Silva Twins, you can have a little bit of both worlds!

$55, HouseofEleven.com

BEST NEW FRAGRANCE

ELYSIAN FRAGRANCE

Not just another mass produced perfume, Elysian Fragrance’s Lavender Milk Tea fragrance is created with artistry and care. This luxurious and creatively crafted scent draws inspiration from romantic poetry and soft, feminine fields. The floral notes are intertwined with the warmth of delicate orange blossoms. We love the mixture of musky orange and sweet vanilla that adds the perfect dimension to this soothing lavender scent. Our editors also loved that the fragrance lasted all day.  $55, Elysianparfum.com

SUGAR CRUSH

Got a sweet tooth? It might be time to reevaluate that habit—sugar may taste delightful, but it’s extremely damaging to our health. By Scott Olson

here are two schools of thought about what sugar does to your body: Sugar is bad for you and sugar is super bad for you.

In one camp are health experts (that include the sugar lobby) who suggest that sugar is harmful simply because it contains calories. In the other camp are those who think that sugar is a toxic molecule.

The evidence for the first argument is fairly substantial.

THE BITTER FROM THE SWEET

➜ Marie Detillier, clinical nutrition manager at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Plano, Texas, definitely agrees that sugar causes harm. “Even though it is a natural carbohydrate source, it is empty calories—meaning it does not contain any vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, or any other positive nutritional benefit,” she says.

Those empty calories add up quickly, especially when we drink them. “The problem is that we are drinking sugar quickly and not even thinking about it,” adds Detillier. She points to morning smoothies that can contain 50 to 120 grams of sugar, or flavored coffee drinks that have 50 grams of sugar, not to mention our addiction to soda.

healthsugar

It becomes a math equation. The more calories you consume; the more pounds you pack on. The more you weigh; the more you increase health risks. Poor blood sugar control, heart disease, stroke, and even increased risk for certain cancers all come with that added weight.

Should you ditch the sodas, smoothies, and sweetened coffee drinks, or can you still have sugar in moderation?

Here is where opinions are divided. Beyond the “sugar-ruins-our-teeth and sugar-equals-love-handles” view is the thought that sugar is far more than simply excess calories, but actually toxic to our bodies. To highlight sugar’s dark side, scientists point to three major contributors to poor health: inflammation, insulin resistance, and glycation.

INSULIN RESISTANCE

➜ Insulin resistance occurs when the cells of the body become resistant to the hormone that helps to control blood sugar. The development of insulin resistance is a bit of a mystery and concerns a “which came first” question. Does insulin resistance create weight gain, or does weight gain create insulin resistance?

Once you have insulin resistance, though, the mystery is over: You are headed for poor health and the dreaded apple shape.

Scientists who study this note a strong association between the sugar we eat and the development of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for many diseases, including obesity, diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and even poor memory and cognitive health.

Insulin resistance is so bad for our brains that some researchers are calling Alzheimer’s disease “type 3” diabetes. Scientists can create Alzheimer’s disease in animals by creating insulin resistance in the brain, and moderate the damage by giving drugs to help control insulin resistance.

INFLAMMATION

➜ When your blood sugar spikes after drinking or eating something sugary, inflammation comes along for the ride. Inflammation and insulin resistance are like peas in a pod: Where you find one, you find the other.

Inflammation is now considered one of the leading causes of many of the diseases and issues we worry about, including heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s, joint pain, and many others.

Sugar sweetened beverages may be the perfect storm of harmful effects.

SUGAR TOXINS

➜ Advanced Glycation End-Products (AGEs), or glycotoxins, naturally form in our bodies and food when sugar binds to proteins or fats. This changes both the structure and function of cells in our bodies and increases inflammation and damage to these cells and anti-bodies. In our skin, AGEs form in collagen and are one of the reasons we wrinkle (sun damage is not the only culprit).

In fact, scientists suggest that AGEs are largely responsible for aging and almost all chronic diseases. When AGEs form in our heart and blood vessels, they increase the risk for heart attack. Eating a high-sugar diet or foods with AGEs in them increases the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, autoimmune diseases, cataracts, cancers, and many other diseases.

SUGAR-FREE, HEALTH-FULL

➜ Sugar has a powerful grip on our minds and bodies and it is a grip not easily escaped. Sugar calories, though, are calories you want to avoid.

Sugar is a hard habit to kick, no doubt, but there are some tricks that can help you. First, you should be aware that “natural” sugars such as honey and agave are no different than regular white sugar, so look out for these.

Try reducing sugar instead of eliminating it altogether. Sugar has less of an effect on your body when it is combined with other foods. Proteins, fats, and fiber all slow down the absorption of sugar— so if you want something sweet, eat it near a meal. Fruit is another good option, especially low-sugar fruit like berries.

Some people swear they can tamp the siren song of sugar by brushing their teeth after eating, drinking water, or getting some exercise, but everyone is different and you have to find what works for you. Remember that sugar is an addiction every bit as strong as cigarettes, alcohol, or other drugs and can take time to kick. Keep working toward your goal and you will find that you don’t need sugar as much as you think you do.

HOT GIRLS HAVE IBS TOO: UNDERSTANDING AND IMPROVING GUT HEALTH

The IBS Empowerment movement is a refreshing movement of women speaking out openly about their stomach issues and seeking solutions vs. struggling silently.

#IBStiktok and #hotgirlshaveibs have racked up hundred of millions of views. So why is this trend so important, and what can you do if you’re struggling with stomach issues? We tapped gastrointestinal expert, author of Get Off Your Sugar, and founder of Alkamind, Dr. Daryl Gioffre, to answer all your burning gut health questions.

healthtips

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT THAT GUT HEALTH IS TRENDING NOW?

Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine, said it best – look to the gut, for it is the cause of all disease. Notably, 80% of your nervous and immune systems live in your gut. Plus, if you are dealing with anxiety or depression, one of the places you need to look closer at is your gut microbiome, as 95% of serotonin, your happy, feel-good hormone, is made in the gut.

“People now realize that taking care of your gut is critical not only to feel good and have better energy, but also to live longer and prevent chronic degenerative diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s,” said Gioffre.

WHY ARE HOT GIRLS (AKA THOSE SEEMINGLY EATING SUPER HEALTHY) STILL HAVING STOMACH ISSUES?

“What you eat and drink is critical to your overall health, but the amount of stress and our ability to manage that stress outweighs what we eat a million times to one regarding how it affects your gut health,” said Gioffre. “We are more stressed than we have ever been, and when stressed, our body doesn’t care about digestion and growth and repair. All it cares about is getting you out of fight or flight and danger.”

According to Gioffre, you are not what you eat; you are what you digest, absorb, and assimilate. This is one of the primary reasons why so many people are doing all of the “right things” for their health (i.e., eating organic, plant-based, exercising, etc.) are still suffering from gut symptoms such as heartburn (reflux), indigestion, bloating, constipation, and leaky gut. And when you have a leaky gut and inflammation, you are more likely to suffer from downstream problems such as

thyroid issues, skin problems, brain fog, low energy, liver and gallbladder stress, and cardiovascular inflammation.

WHAT IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION WHEN IT COMES TO GUT HEALTH?

Most doctors tell us that heartburn and indigestion, which are also accompanied by bloating, gas, and constipation, are caused by too much acid, and this is one of the biggest mistruths we have been led to believe, according to Gioffre. The cause of these problems, on the contrary, is caused by too little stomach acid, a condition known as hypochlorhydria.

SO WHY HAVEN’T MOST OF US HEARD THIS BEFORE?

“Because antacids such as PPIs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) are a $17 billion annual market, and Americans are taking the lead, as 1 in 3 suffers from GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), and astoundingly, 60 million will experience reflux (heartburn) at least once over a month.”

In addition, the acid in our stomach is the first line of defense against dangerous pathogens such as parasites, bacteria, viruses, and candida. Without sufficient levels of acid, we develop higher levels of chronic inflammation and leaky gut from these stealth pathogens that the acid should have wiped out in our stomach as they transit down with the digestive tract.

What are three ways to start improving your gut health?

TAKE A PROBIOTIC

“We are massively deficient in probiotics compared to what our ancestors used to get. This is the most important supplement for your gut because it helps replenish good bacteria while

simultaneously crowding out the bad bacteria,” said Gioffre. “I recommend getting probiotics in both supplement and food, such as fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi.”

ADD MORE FIBER

The research shows only 5% of the population is getting the recommended 25-35 grams of fiber our gut needs daily for optimal health. This is one of the primary reasons why 42 million Americans struggle with constipation, and many are turning to laxatives for immediate relief, not understanding the dangerous consequences.

An easy solution? Try Dr. Daryl’s Internal Shower Shot. Add two tablespoons of chia, juice from a lemon slice, and a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to 6 ounces of water. Let it sit a minimum of 5 minutes, mix, then drink on an empty stomach. This scrubs your intestines acting as an “internal shower” in your gut, helping to move food and prevent any impactions down the road.

MINIMIZE THE WMDS (WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION FOR THE GUT)

Wheat (gluten), too much meat (aim to get no more than 2-4 oz per meal; otherwise, it turns to sugar in your body), dairy, and sugar are all massively acidic and inflammatory to the gut. “Look to minimize these substances, as they should not compromise more than 20% of your daily diet (think moderation, not deprivation),” said Gioffre.

At the same time, increase your leafy greens (think green juice, smoothies, soups, and salads), healthy fats (avocados, raw nuts, and seeds), and fiber-rich slow-burning carbs (quinoa, wild rice, sweet potato, root vegetables, squash, etc.).

THE BLOOD SUGAR BALANCING ACT

Insulin resistance is aging America, though a few simple solutions can halt it in its tracks. If you’re concerned about metabolic syndrome, learn the signs and ways to reverse it with a few simple lifestyle techniques.

here’s a danger in our midst, derailing the health of millions of Americans. No, it’s not cancer, nor is it heart disease. This condition precludes many chronic or degenerative diseases and ages us at a rapid rate. And here’s the kicker: Most of us are unaware that we suffer from it.

This culprit goes by many names— metabolic syndrome, Syndrome X, prediabetes, and insulin resistance. If you crave sugary foods or drinks, are overweight or “thick in the middle,” have a family history of diabetes, or have highblood pressure, chances are you may be suffering from an insulin imbalance. According to The Blood Sugar Solution by Dr. Mark Hyman, insulin imbalance will affect one in two Americans , 90 percent of whom will go undiagnosed. What exactly is insulin resistance and how can we stop it?

medicalcaution

BREAKING DOWN BLOOD SUGAR

To understand insulin resistance, we must first understand how insulin works. Insulin is a hormone responsible for controlling blood sugar, or glucose levels, in our bodies. It drives glucose to our cells, which we then use as energy. Insulin resistance stems from a diet that’s high in sugar and empty calories and low in nutrients (think: junk food and soft drinks), as well as processed carbohydrates like bread and pasta. This type of diet, which is typical of most Americans, results in peaks and valleys of blood sugar.

Over time, this roller-coaster ride of spiking and bottoming out of blood sugar causes your body to become numb to the effects of insulin, which means you need more insulin to balance your blood sugar. High insulin blood levels cause an avalanche of events that prematurely age you. These high levels prompt your body to produce chemicals that promote inflammation, which subsequently damage blood vessels. This also causes your liver to dump cholesterol and triglycerides into the blood stream, which puts you at risk for heart disease. As a result, your body loses muscle and gains fat— particularly in the waist area. (Many will notice themselves becoming “appleshaped.”) Individuals with metabolic syndrome are at increased risk for conditions such as atherosclerosis, peripheral vascular disease, heart disease, heart attack, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. These events can also affect sex drive and infertility while increasing your risk of cancer, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease.

DIAGNOSING METABOLIC SYNDROME

Metabolic syndrome, or Syndrome X, is the term that researchers use to describe the combination of conditions that result from insulin resistance and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions linked to inflammation. “Syndrome X combines obesity, hypertension, and high blood lipids with the com -

mon link being insulin resistance,” says Stephen Holt, M.D., author of Combat Syndrome X, Y, and Z. “Often, conventional medicine fails to link these conditions together, so they aren’t treated together. Individual components, when treated, are usually not successful.” Dr. Sara Gottfried, author of The Hormone Reset Diet, agrees. “Most doctors aren’t taught to recognize insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, and since there’s no one pharmaceutical fix, it often goes untreated.”

There are a few simple tests that your doctor can run to determine if you suffer from this constellation of symptoms, which are outlined below.

➜ Medical Diagnosis of Metabolic Syndrome

The presence of three or more of these factors indicates metabolic syndrome:

➩ Central or abdominal obesity measured by waist circumference

• Men: 40 inches or greater

• Women: 35 inches or greater

➩ Triglycerides greater than or equal to 150 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter of blood)

➩ HDL (good) cholesterol

• Men: less than 40 mg/dl

• Women: less than 50 mg/dl

➩ Blood pressure greater than or equal to 130/85 mm/Hg (millimeters or mercury)

➩ Fasting glucose greater than to 100 mg/dl

(Criteria agreed upon by International Diabetes Federation; National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; American Heart Association; World Heart Federation; International Atherosclerosis Society; International Association for the Study of Obesity)

COMBATTING METABOLIC SYNDROME

While this information may seem daunting, metabolic syndrome is ultimately a reversible condition, provided you’re willing to commit to lifestyle changes and work with your health-care professional. Successful reversal of insulin resistance requires a combination of diet, exercise, lifestyle modification, and supplementation. If you suspect you have insulin resistance, or are being treated for more than

one of the components of metabolic syndrome, you should seek the advice of a medical professional. Depending on your situation, the following lifestyle changes may alleviate the condition. Prescription medication may also be necessary.

➜ Exercise improves insulin sensitivity by reducing abdominal body fat and helps your body metabolize sugar more efficiently. Dr. Gottfried recommends “burst” or interval training, either cardio- or weight-based. “Some forms of exercise can actually raise stress hormones, which raises blood sugar.”

➜ Lose Weight Just losing 10 percent of your body weight can lower your blood pressure, blood sugar, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

➜ Eat Like a Mediterranean. The Mediterranean Diet emphasizes fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein like fish, and healthy fats. Our experts agree that ditching white sugar and artificial sweeteners is a must. Also look for hidden sources of sugar—often found in salad dressings, tomato sauces, and condiments. Watching carbohydrate intake is crucial in combatting insulin resistance, as high-carb or extremely low-carb diets can make insulin resistance worse. Aim for 25-49 grams of carbohydrates per day, focusing on those that are high-fiber and have a low glycemic index, meaning they raise blood sugar slowly. Dr. Gottfried recommends eating one pound of vegetables a day and making sure your plate is 20 percent protein and 80 percent vegetables.

➜ Ban Smoking and Alcohol Snuff out cigarettes and nix alcohol, as they both impact every organ system in the body, especially if you have any of the medical conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. Dr. Holt warns that insulin resistance is a “loaded gun,” and factors like smoking and excessive alcohol can pull the trigger, leading to full blown diabetes, cardiovascular disease, etc.

➜ Prescription Medications . Oral prescription medications for controlling blood sugar increase insulin sensitivity. Metformin is the most popular and best tolerated. Metformin also reduces cholesterol levels and assists in weight loss.

➜ Detoxification Strategies. Insulin resistance and diabetes have been linked to environmental toxin exposure. Toxins can slow metabolism, contributing to weight gain, insulin resistance, and dia-

betes. These toxins include heavy metals, bisphenol A, and pesticides. Detoxification strategies can include oral supplements like DMSA (a chelating agent); supplementation with n-acetyl cysteine, B vitamins, and trace minerals; cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and cauliflower); infrared sauna; and IV chelation using glutathione.

SUPPLEMENTS

➜ Chromium is a trace mineral that works side by side with insulin to transport glucose from the bloodstream to the cells. Most Americans receive less than half the daily recommended amount of chromium.

Chromium improves blood sugar stabilization, cholesterol, and insulin levels.

➜ DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone involved in metabolism that decreases with age.

Low levels of DHEA are a risk factor for metabolic syndrome. DHEA can improve insulin sensitivity, which leads to fat loss.

➜ Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant that affects blood sugar levels and other associated conditions of metabolic syndrome such as heart, vascular, and kidney disease by reducing fat accumulation in the blood. Alpha lipoic acid has been used for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy in Germany for decades.

➜ Coenzyme Q10 is a powerful antioxidant that stabilizes blood-sugar levels, lowers blood pressure, and improves vascular oxidative stress. People with high blood sugar are often deficient in CoQ10.

➜ Omega-3 Fatty Acids such as docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic (EPA) lower blood pressure and triglycerides as well as improve glucose metabolism and lower C-reactive protein levels, a marker for inflammation.

➜ Berberine has been used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years to treat gastrointestinal distress. Berberine has been shown in clinical studies to work as an insulin sensitizer and is just as effective as Metformin in controlling blood sugar.

Berberine also has a lowering effect on total cholesterol and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

➜ Cinnamon extract lowers blood sugar levels as well as reduces cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Cinnamon is also a strong antioxidant.

➜ Green Coffee Extract contains special substances known as polyphenols. In particular, chlorogenic and caffeic acid have been shown in human studies to improve blood sugar levels and decrease

cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Coffee extracts are also free radical scavengers, which fight inflammation.

FIGHT THE RESISTANCE

Insulin resistance does not have to be the end of the world. At the end of the day, we need to become in tune with our bodies and recognize when things don’t feel or seem right. By knowing the signs of insulin

resistance and how they relate to metabolic syndrome, you can become an advocate for yourself or someone you love. Combatting insulin imbalance—before it spirals out of your control and into the realm of more serious health conditions— is the key to maintaining healthy longevity. With a few simple changes, it’s possible no matter your current lifestyle.

FRESH IDEA

The Mediterranean Diet is an antidote to Syndrome X.

NIKKI DINKI

Who she is: It’s hard to believe Nikki Dinki, 39, co-host of the Cooking Channel’s Junk Food Flip with Bobby Deen, was a veggie hater when you see her wondrous ways with produce. Her book, Meat on the Side: Delicious, VegetableFocused Recipes for Every Day

What she does: On both the show and her blog, NikkiDinkiCooking,com, she turns high-cal splurges into healthy meals. “I cook primarily ‘meat on the side,’ focusing on vegetables as the center.”

What drives her: “As a child, I hated vegetables and existed on bread and cheese,” It wasn’t until Dinki was in her early twenties that her diet proved problematic.“I had digestive problems and low energy levels. I wasn’t getting the protein and other nutrients that I needed.”

What’s her secret: If she tried a new food five times, Dinki found she no longer hated it. After eating a new veggie 25 times, she craved it. “Eating vegetable-based dishes instead of processed foods made me feel stronger and healthier,”

Her meal favorites: BREAKFAST

“I start each day with a smoothie. I’ll take whatever veggies I have and combine them with pumpkin seeds, goji berries, and healthy Greek yogurt.”

LUNCH

“One of my favorite goto lunches is a healthy vegetarian version of a hot dog marinated with stock, soy sauce, vinegar, liquid smoke, chili powder, paprika,

THE VEGGIE WHISPERER

The Cooking Channel’s Nikki Dinki offers advice on making easy, healthy meals and finding true vegetable love.

By Linda Childers

and ginger. It’s simple, healthy, and delicious.

DINNER

“I love having friends and family over for dinner and one of my favorite dishes to make is my carbonara with Brussels sprouts, pears, and chard. I love taking classic dishes and increasing the nutritional value while enhancing flavor; I’ve also learned how to cut calories by substituting ingredients, such as Greek yogurt for sour cream or mayo.”

SNACKS

“I like to make homemade cheesy kale chips or parmesan zucchini chips that I can take with me and snack on during the day. If I’m craving something sweet, I make my gluten-free chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies. I also enjoy tea or a warm glass of apple cider.

Kale Egg Cups*

1 medium yellow onion

1 red bell pepper

4 fully cooked breakfast sausage patties

8 large kale leaves

METHOD

1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8-cup muffin pan and set aside. Place a medium saucepan of water over high heat and bring to a boil.

2. Chop the onion and bell pepper and cut the sausage patties into ¼-inch pieces.

3. One at a time, hold each kale leaf by its stem and dip it into the boiling water until it turns bright green, about 5 seconds, then lay it on some paper towels or a clean kitchen towel to drain.

4. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Stir in the onion, bell pepper, and salt and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the sausage and sauté just until it turns brown, 2 to 3 minutes more. Remove the skillet from the heat.

5. Pat each kale leaf dry with a paper towel. Cut away its stem and then cut the leaf cross-wise into 3 pieces.

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon kosher salt

½ cup shredded mozzarella

8 large eggs

8 teaspoons grated Parmesan cheese

Line the bottom and sides of a prepared muffin cup with the 3 pieces, overlapping and making sure to cover the sides, all the way to the top. Repeat for each cup.

6. Put 1 tablespoon of the mozzarella in each cup; top that with a spoonful of the vegetable and sausage mixture, making sure there is still room in the cup for an egg. Crack and egg into each cup and then sprinkle one teaspoon of the Parmesan over the egg.

When all 8 cups are filled, place the muffin pan in the oven and bake until the eggs are set, 15 to 17 minutes.

7. Transfer the muffin pan to a wire rack and let the egg cups cool for 2 to 3 minutes. Run a table knife around the inside edge of each cup to release anything that might be sticking. Gently lift out the kale egg cups and place 2 on each serving plate. Enjoy them hot!

WITNEY CARSON

“Dancing

with the Stars” Pro Witney Carson Tells All About Balancing Stardom and Family Life, and Her Groundbreaking Skincare Line

She’s dazzled TV audiences of millions with her unbelievable dance skills literally her entire adult life. In fact, it’s easy to think of Witney Carson as America’s little sister, but it’s time to face the facts – our little girl is all grown up.

A young dance prodigy since the age of 3, Witney has graced us with her high-energy presence for over a decade – first as a contestant on So You Think You Can Dance Before earning her spot as a fan-favorite pro (and Mirrorball winner with Alfonso Ribeiro) on Dancing with the Stars. Now a wife, mother of two gorgeous children, and entrepreneur, Witney has evolved from a small wonder to a fully-blossomed success story.

With so much going on in her life, NEW YOU was thrilled to spend the day with Witney chatting about facing her fears while dancing for millions, launching her Active Earth organic skincare line while balancing her family and career with self-care.

BY GERRY STRAUSS

New You: You started dancing at the age of three. At what point did you or your parents know that this would be such a big part of your life?

Witney Carson: I think my parents really didn’t know what would come from that until I was all the way in high school. I even applied for college because I feel like to make it on a dancing show, like Dancing with the Stars, you’re in the top 1%. There’s hardly a chance. So obviously that was my dream, but we really didn’t know how realistic that would be for me.

So I had applied to college, I had my classes already, so that was kind of our plan until I auditioned for So You Think You Can Dance. The night before, my mom was like, “you know what? I think you should do this. I think you should go and just try and see what happens and try to make your dreams happen”. I did, and then it led me here, so I’m so grateful and blessed that was the decision we made.

NY: Is it safe to say you’re the best dancer out of your whole entire family?

WC: It’s probably safe to say I’m the best dancer in the family, although my little brother, he can bring it. So every Thanksgiving and Christmas we have a little bit of a dance off and I think people like to watch him a little bit more than me.

NY: How did your early childhood and upbringing prepare you for the dedication and work ethic you need to thrive in the dance world?

WC: So I grew up with great parents. Great examples. They were both entrepreneurs. I remember my mom and dad both creating products and creating their businesses in our little tiny basement, and I watched them create businesses and I watched them have an amazing work ethic to build into these incredible companies. I grew up with them working really hard. They didn’t come from a lot of money. They had to put their time and effort into it, so I had a great example of work ethic and that translated to how I work. I just turned 30 and I still am learning and growing.

NY: Your first major TV exposure was season nine of Fox’s So You Think You Can Dance when you were only 18 years old. How challenging was the transition between your previous training versus learning to dance for cameras and audiences around the world?

WC: I had a lot of training since I was three years old. I had been in front of audiences, I’d competed, I’d performed, I had that comradery already with my teammates, but nothing can prepare you for a show like So You Think You Can Dance. It is very rigorous, it’s very competitive. You’re on television, it’s live, so anything can go wrong. I definitely felt like a fish out of water for a little bit and it wasn’t until probably the second or last week where I was like,” okay, I maybe could do this”. It was very, very hard, but I was lucky to have so many amazing people around me to support me and to help me through that.

“ I think you should go and just try and see what happens and try to make your dreams happen ”

Were you nervous? I mean, there’s so much pressure knowing that millions of people are watching you. What was the mindset going through that?

WC: It was very nerve-wracking every time we went live, but I am used to performing, so went back into that mindset of performing and competing and I just turned it on and it’s kind of like do or die.

NY: Talk about that performance mindset. What does that entail? What’s the inner monologue around that?

WC: The performance mindset is practice makes perfect. I think you never really get comfortable. I’ve had this really long dance career, but I still get nervous before I go out and perform. And I think it’s just a mindset of, “okay, let’s go, let’s focus in.” You really just have to not think about all of the people that you’re performing for. You’re doing it because you love it, you’re doing it to make people happy. You can’t put so much pressure on yourself to make it perfect because art is not perfect. Art is to make people feel something. You get into that mindset of, “okay, I’m here to bring joy, I’m here to bring happiness. I’m not here to make it look perfect.”

NY: You’ve been on Dancing with the Stars and worked alongside many of the same pros for 10 years now. Describe the bond that you share with your peers on the show after being a part of this amazing team for the last decade.

WC: I started when I was 18 years old on the show. They’ve seen me and been through lots of different stages in my life. I was a baby when I started. I got engaged while I was on the show. I

got married, I had two beautiful babies and so they’ve been through a lot with me. They’re like my second family.

NY: When you were a rookie on Dancing with the Stars after being a student for so many years, were you immediately comfortable with being a teacher for your celebrity partners?

WC: When I first started my first season on Dancing with the Stars, I was not comfortable at all. I think I definitely faked it till I made it for sure. I just had to pretend like I knew what I was doing. I was not used to teaching people, I was used to just focusing on myself. I was very selfish and I loved performing, but I had not really taught anybody. This was a whole new realm for me, and Dancing with the Stars is a beast of a show. There were so many ins and outs to it that I had to figure out and the pros who have been there for a really long time helped me a lot. It was a big learning curve for me.

NY: Dancing competitively on television is one of the most physically demanding things you can do while still being expected to maintain a gorgeous TV ready look. What’s the process like for you before every show?

WC: The makeup and glam process before every show is so much fun. The glam and the hair team are just incredible. They do so many incredible things, especially on Halloween night and stuff where they get to kind of play and create, they’re so amazing. The process really is an all-day extravaganza. We are in hair and makeup from 6:00 AM until we go live at 5:00 PM. It’s a big long process, but that’s what makes the show so amazing… the glitz and the glam and the showmanship of the show. They’re incredible.

NY: You’ve danced and hosted Catch 21 with Alfonso Ribeiro, a genuine veteran of the entertainment world. What have you learned from him along the way?

WC: Alfonso is one of my closest people in my life. We call him Uncle Al. He is just our mentor. He’s a great, great friend. I was partnered with him during my second season of Dancing with the Stars and he taught me a lot about the business. He’s been in the business himself for years and years, so he has a lot of knowledge and I really lean on him for many things. I can’t even begin to tell you how many things he’s helped me with, but he’s just been an amazing mentor and friend.

NY: Maintenance of your body is so important for dancers looking to avoid injuries, especially after years of wear and tear. What are some strategies you’ve learned over the years for your overall health?

WC: I think any athlete can agree with me that the cool down and the stretching process and warming up process is very important to your physical health. It’s just really, really important to take care of your body. And I think

a lot of the times we don’t spend the time to do that, but it’s just so important.

I try to stretch every day. I should be better at stretching, but I need to step it up a little bit. Taking care of yourself is really important.

NY: Between family life and your growing career on and off the dance floor, you’re juggling a lot. What’s your secret to maintaining the perfect balance for you?

WC: I definitely don’t have a perfect balance in my life. I am juggling a lot. I have a family, I’m a mom, I have a career. I have a new skincare line that I’ve just launched and so it’s a lot, but I think really my secret is having an amazing support system back at home. My husband and my parents are looking after the kids right now so that I can come and do this and I can go and shine and do what I love to do and they’re back home holding down the fort. They’re just incredible people and I would not be where I am without them.

NY: You mentioned your organic skincare line, Active Earth. What inspired you to create this amazing brand?

I have a history of eczema and also of skin cancer. I was looking for clean products that actually work, so I came up with this brand. It’s all organic - good, clean ingredients that are good for you, but that actually help your skin. I’m really, really proud of it. We’ve created an amazing formula that I think will change people’s perspectives on clean beauty.

NY: How did you come up with the name Active Earth?

WC: Active Earth is incredible because obviously you have the earth, which is the natural part, but then you have the active, so that makes it actually work. So it’s not only just natural, but it’s actually working for your body for good.

NY: NEW YOU is the voice of health and beauty. Do you have a specific beauty or health routine that you follow to help you look, feel and perform at your best?

WC: I’m a firm believer that beauty comes from within. I feel like we have so much that we’re doing, whether you’re a mom or a dad or just a working person, you have to take time for yourself and to work on you from the inside out, so that’s what I try to do!

GONE WITH THE GLUTEN

Is gluten-free the way to be? NEW YOU investigates the growing phenomenon of people suffering from gluten sensitivity, and how limiting gluten exposure can potentially improve your health. Is it time to go against the grain?

BY JANETTE DAHER PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM BRINSON

FOOD STYLING BY SUZANNE LENZER

HANES

t ’ s a buzz - making phrase that has swept our nation, yet many consumers are wondering if “gluten-free” is simply the latest food fad. Step inside any corner store or supermarket and you’ll find a plethora of gluten-free products, while gluten-free menus are all the rage in restaurants around the globe. Is this a necessary function or simply today’s fashion?

Since the dawn of agriculture some 10,000 years ago, we as a society have always associated “bread” with “life.” Now we’re collectively asking whether the agricultural revolution created more problems than it solved. The undisputable truth of the matter is this: An alarming number of people are not able to eat bread due to gluten intolerance, and what was previously perceived as the gift of life may be acting as a slow-working toxin to a portion of our population. Chances are, you know someone who suffers from gluten sensitivity or full-blown celiac disease. And quite possibly, you yourself are unknowingly falling victim with every delicious bite.

Ingredients:

2 cups quinoa flour

½ cup sorghum flour

¾ cup almond meal

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup coconut palm sugar

3 organic eggs

Directions:

½ cup olive oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

¼ cup orange juice

1 cup grated carrots

1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

½ cup seedless dates

In a mixing bowl, mix together flours and dry ingredients. Add eggs, oil, vanilla, and orange juice. Beat to combine. Stir in carrots, coconut, and dates by hand.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Pour the batter into the baking pan, and bake for about 25 to 35 minutes.

GLUTEN FREE QUINOA CAKE

BLUE CORN PANCAKES

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups of blue corn meal

1 cup gluten free all-purpose flour

¾ cup almond flour

2 teaspoon baking powder

1 tablespoon baking soda

2 cups sugar

1 cup buttermilk

3 cups egg whites, whipped

Directions:

In a large bowl, mix together blue corn meal, flours, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Add buttermilk and egg whites. Mix together until smooth. Heat a large skillet over medium heat, and grease with a dab of oil or butter. Use about 2 tablespoons of batter for each pancake. Cook until golden.

Serve immediately with maple syrup or your favorite syrup or jam.

gluten 101

Gluten is a plant protein complex that exists in “grass” grains such as wheat, barley, and rye. The gluten complex is composed of two peptides, or large proteins: glutenin and prolamins. Prolamins are the toxic substances that trigger immune reactions in those who are gluten intolerant. Toxic substances include gliadin (found in wheat), secalin (rye), and hordein (barley). Gluten provides the structure and elasticity, which helps bread rise and gives our baked goods their chewy, fluffy texture. Gluten is found in bread, cookies, cakes, rolls, crackers, beer, cereal, and pasta. But gluten is also lurking in many processed foods such as frozen dinners, canned soup, ice cream, sauces, gravies, and many salad dressings.

the gluten effect

Why does gluten create a problem for some people and not for others? Humans were not actually designed to digest gluten. We lack many of the enzymes found in the stomachs, intestines, and pancreases of our livestock counterparts to fully digest gluten proteins. Gluten does not break down into small enough particles for successful digestion and absorption, leading to problems in the body.

Gluten acts like a toxin in the body of those who are sensitive by stimulating the release of the naturally occurring chemical known as Zonulin (pre-haptoglobin-2). Zonulin regulates the tight junctions in our intestinal wall, which normally prevent toxins from leaking into our bloodstream and lymphatics. Those sensitive to gluten have a high level of Zonulin which can cause the intestinal walls to open wide for five hours or longer causing intestinal issues.

“I liken this to a screen door in the height of mosquito season,” says Dr. Guy DaSilva, founder of the DaSilva Institute of AntiAging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine in Sarasota, Florida. “Just as the screen allows air to pass through freely, but keeps out bugs and mosquitoes, the gut allows for nutrient absorption while blocking undigested food particles, toxins, and waste from entering the bloodstream. But when the gut, a typically impenetrable barrier, takes on the appearance of a screen door full of gaping holes, you have what is

Shopping Tips for Going G-Free on Any Budget

n Stick to whole foods like in-season fruits and vegetables as well as lean meats, all of which are naturally gluten-free.

n All kinds of rice and potatoes are naturally gluten-free, too, so stock up on sweet potatoes, baking potatoes, wild rice, and brown rice for healthy glutenfree sides that are also very budget -friendly.

n Shop your local ethnic supermarkets where you can find Mexican, Indian, or Thai foods that are naturally glutenfree. Think corn tortillas, rice, curry, and rice noodles.

known as ‘increased intestinal permeability,’ or ‘leaky gut.’ In short, your body is like a house filled with stinging insects.”

Unfortunately, it doesn’t stop there. Leaky gut then causes a war within your body as the immune system attacks these rogue toxins. According to an article entitled, “Surprises

From Celiac Disease” from the August 2009 issue of Scientific American, leaky gut is found to be a major contributing cause of autoimmune disease. “Zonulin is a precursor to a protein marker, and is associated with the chromosome responsible for inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, and cancers—lymphoma, myeloid leukemia, breast, and prostate,” remarks DaSilva. Humans are the only mammals that possess this marker. Primates, who do not eat grain and who do not possess this marker, do not suffer from autoimmune disease.

gluten manifestations

Gluten intolerance manifests itself in three ways—celiac disease, wheat allergy, and non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Celiac disease occurs when undigested gluten enters the body, triggering a cascade of immunological reactions. This release of antibodies damages the villi (finger-like projections) of the intestines that absorb nutrients from food. As the villi become damaged, the body is unable to digest food. An estimated one in 133 Americans suffer from celiac disease, and incidence of the disease is on the rise.

A wheat allergy is a histamine response. Unlike gluten sensitivity or celiac disease, a wheat allergy elicits a rather immediate reaction such as hives, stomach pain, nasal con-

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gestion, or even anaphylaxis—a very serious allergic reaction in which the throat closes. If left untreated, anaphylaxis can be fatal. Wheat allergies are seen as a type 1 hypersensitivity, and affects less than 1 percent of the US population.

Gluten intolerance or sensitivity may affect as many as one in 20 Americans, though the number is hard to pinpoint compared to celiac disease or wheat allergies. More than 100 symptoms have been linked to gluten sensitivity. (See our sidebar, “10 Signs of Gluten Sensitivity,” for the most common ailments associated with this condition.)

Unlike celiac disease, gluten sensitivity does not affect the lining of the intestine. Rather, the autoimmune reaction manifests in other parts of the body. A study published in the BMC Medicine comparing blood samples and intestinal biopsies of those with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity revealed that those with the latter had undamaged intestinal lining. Megan Roosevelt, RD, LD, the founder and CEO of Healthy Grocery Girl, LLC, explains that gluten intolerance differs from celiac disease in that “the body views gluten as an invader and elicits

10 Signs of Gluten Sensitivity

1. Digestive upset (gas, bloating, diarrhea)

2. Fatigue or brain fog

3. Autoimmune disorder (psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis)

4. Keratosis pilaris (skin rash on arms that looks like “chicken skin”)

5. Dizziness or loss of balance

6. PMS or infertility issues

7. Migraine headaches

8. Chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia

9. Swelling or pain in joints

10. Anxiety, depression, or ADD

a response to fight the gluten with inflammation both inside and outside the digestive tract. Someone who is gluten intolerant does not have celiac disease, yet their health improves on a gluten-free diet and worsens again if gluten is eaten.”

messing with mother nature

Celiac Disease and Leaky Gut

Those with celiac disease may be prone to leaky gut syndrome because their gluten sensitivity has led antibodies to attack the lining of their small intestine. This often causes breaches in that wall, which allows food particles and bacteria in the gut to migrate into the bloodstream. The best way to fight leaky gut is to work on your gluten-free diet with a nutritionist who can guide you in choosing foods that won’t lead to bacterial overgrowth in the intestines. That overgrowth can easily be avoided by steering clear of processed foods.

Why the rise in gluten sensitivity? “Celiac disease, a gastrointestinal manifestation of gluten sensitivity, has increased 400 percent over the last 50 years, according to The New England Journal of Medicine,” says Dr. DaSilva. According to The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry , the amount of gluten in wheat products today is about 13 percent. Years ago, this gluten content in bread products was approximately 8 to 15 percent.

The answer to this question lies in the introduction of genetically modified wheat. In the 1950s, in an attempt to end world hunger, American agronomist Norman Ernest Borlaug began developing new varieties of wheat in Mexico that were resistant to diseases that plagued the crops. By 1962, he had cross-pollinated the wheat 8,156 times in just 15 years, a feat that would have taken nature thousands of years to accomplish. The end product consisted of six semi-dwarf, high-yield, disease-resistant wheat varieties. The media declared that it was going to save the world from starvation.

In 1970, this grain abundance, dubbed the “Green Revolution,” landed him the Nobel Peace Prize. Today, Borlaug’s wheat varieties dominate the entire US supply. While ending world hunger is a noble endeavor, messing with the genetics of the food supply comes with its own set of problems. “Borlaug designed his wheat to have heavy heads of enlarged grains supported by thick, dwarfed stalks. This ‘dwarf’ wheat, was by definition, a mutation,” says Dr. DaSilva. “The wheat genes were drastically changed in a short amount of time, and our bodies simply haven’t had time to adapt.”

testing for gluten sensitivity

If you think you have gluten sensitivity, a physician specializing in functional medicine can recognize the symptoms. One of the easiest ways to test yourself is to eliminate gluten for a two- to three-week period, then reintroduce foods containing gluten to see if you notice a difference. There are also some blood tests available to determine celiac or gluten sensitivity. Clinical evidence shows that more than 90 percent of those diagnosed with celiac disease are positive for either the HLA-DQ2 or HLA-DQ8 genetic mutation. Blood tests for certain antibodies such as anti-gliadin (AGA), immunoglobulin A (IgA), or AGA-IgG are indicators of gluten sensi -

FISH FRIED RICE

Ingredients:

3 tsp canola oil

2 cups yellow squash

4 cloves of fresh garlic, coarsely chopped

1 pound whiting, tilapia, or crab

1 cup red pepper, diced

Directions:

1 cup onion, diced

3 cups pre-prepared, gluten-free white or brown rice

Salt and pepper, to taste

½ cup gluten-free soy sauce

Handful of parsley, freshly chopped

Add oil to skillet, and sautée squash and garlic for 3 minutes.

Add all vegetables and fish, and sautée until cooked through.

Add rice and seasoning. Top with soy and parsley.

Recipe provided courtesy of Chef Kimberly Fonville, KF Culinary Designs, LLC

ROASTED SPAGHETTI SQUASH

Ingredients:

1 spaghetti squash

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic, cloves or powder

1 small onion, finely chopped

2-3 chopped tomatoes

¾ cup feta or goat cheese

¼ cup basil leaves

Directions:

Cut spaghetti squash in half. Place cut sides down on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. In the meantime, sautée olive oil, garlic, onion, and tomatoes on medium heat. Stir until warm. Let simmer on low heat while you carve out the spaghetti-like fibers in the squash. (Remove seeds and discard, or save for later use.)

Toss all ingredients together in a bowl or serve in the carved out squash for an extra festive look.

tivity. Gluten sensitivity studies conducted by the University of Maryland’s Center for Celiac Research found that almost half of those individuals diagnosed with gluten intolerance tested positive for these two antibodies. Food sensitivity for gluten can also be determined using a blood test that detects certain food allergies. A combination gut health profile test, which encompasses all these parameters, is available from Cell Science Systems (located in South Florida) and can be ordered by your physician.

Another option is stool testing. Dallas-based EnteroLab offers a self-test for anti-gliadin antibodies. EnteroLab’s founder, Dr. Kenneth Fine, is a gastroenterologist who developed the test. He believes that measuring the antibodies coming directly from the intestinal tract is a more accurate measurement for gluten sensitivity than monitoring the bloodstream.

treating gluten sensitivity

Unfortunately, there is no magic pill or treatment to cure celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. The best treatment strategy is strict avoidance of any and all products containing gluten. This is best achieved by avoiding all bread or baked goods, pasta, and many processed foods. As with any lifestyle change, our experts agree that savvy supplementation is important whenever a person goes gluten-free. Some nutrients that may become depleted when an individual eliminates gluten from his or her diet include B vitamins, fiber, and iron.

“Eating a diet rich in whole, plant-based foods is an optimal choice for those who eat gluten-free,” says Roosevelt. “There are many whole, plant-based foods that are naturally gluten-free like brown rice and quinoa, beans, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.”

The smart avoidance of gluten seems to be much more than a trend. Research shows that the modern American diet—rich in wheatbased glutinous foods—is increasingly wreaking havoc on our health. Not everyone suffers from gluten sensitivity, but if you are experiencing persistent health concerns that don’t go away with conventional medical treatment, “going against the grain” and giving up gluten can potentially heal the things that ail you. l