MAYONNAISE. You either love it or you hate it. Or, you’re like me and think it’s yucky in theory, but when it’s disguised in a sushi roll or in salad dressing, you can’t get enough.

Well, no matter if it’s disguised or not, the truth is mayo has a bad rap. A really bad rap. I’d like to dispel a common myth and tell you this: Mayo is NOT that bad for you. Sure, it’s high in fat, but let’s take a look at the ingredients: Whole eggs, soybean oil, vinegar, lemon, and some salt, sugar and other flavorings — an emulsion of mostly good fats and natural ingredients. The only time you get into high fructose corn syrup and other questionable additives is when it’s the “reduced fat” kind, which is almost always the worse-for-you kind, of any food. The problem with mayo lies in the fact that a lot people glob on 4 or 5 spoonfuls of it, and the fat (10 grams per 1 TBSP serving) adds up quickly. Also, the eggs used are most definitely not free-range. But, if you’re not concerned with the farming and you use the condiment modestly, don’t stop now.

Whether you’re a mayo lover and are looking for something with NO preservatives or additives whatsoever, you’re a mayo hater and really would like to find an alternative that you enjoy, or you live a vegan lifestyle, today’s Spa Foodie recipe is for you. Try this healthy recipe for Vegan Mayo, provided by Maggie Talisman of Dishes .

EASY VEGAN MAYO RECIPE

Ingredients:

1 cup – soymilk
2 ½ cups – canola oil
1 tablespoon – tomato paste
1 ½ tablespoon - cider vinegar
½ teaspoon – dry mustard (or ½ tablespoon prepared mustard)
1 tablespoom – agave nectar
½ tablespoon – hot sauce (optional)
¼ teaspoon - chopped garlic
1 tablespoon - salt
1 teaspoon - pepper

Instructions:

1. Place the soy milk in a blender, and with the blender still running, slowly drizzle in the oil.
2. Continue adding the oil until it is all absorbed.
3. Transfer to a large bowl, and whisk in the vinegar, mustard, tomato paste, agave nectar, hot sauce, salt and pepper.
4. The mayo will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for up to a week.

Voilà!

Not only is this a healthy alternative to Hellmann’s, this recipe can also be used as a natural substitute to chemically-saturated conditioner for soft, silky hair!

See one of our past Spa Foodie features, another recipe for a mayo hair treatment.

(Photo exaggerated - unfortunately we cannot guarantee any mayonnaise will do this to your hair)

Stuffed to the brim with stuffing? Us too! Now that you have put down the fork and pledged to forgive yourself of your turkey transgressions, put your Thanksgiving leftovers to good use with these three homemade spa treatments made from all that stuff packed into of your remaining matching Tupperware. A few DIY spa recipes and a nice, well-balanced non-turkey meal will definitely help you feel happier and healthier.

De-puff Under Eye Circles with Potato Slice Soothers

Why: According to dermatologist Dr. Frederic Brandt (featured on LiveStrong.com), ”A chemical found in the potato called catecholase helps lighten skin.” It is found abundantly in potatoes and is commonly used in cosmetics to lighten skin. Refrigerated or frozen potato slices will act like mini ice packs to help reduce the bruised effect of under eye circles.

Ingredients

• Raw potato

Directions

1. Refrigerate whole potato overnight (freeze if preferred)
2. Cut 2 slices or, if you prefer, 5 to 10 very thin slices, several for each eye. Either method works
3. Spritz eye area with water
4. Lying down, place the potato slices on your eyelids and leave in place for at least 10 minutes for best results.

Recipe: Care2

2. Fight Acne with a Cinnamon and Nutmeg Masque

Why: Cinnamon is not only good for you when added to your plate once a day for two weeks; it is also great for your skin topically. Nutmeg has anti-inflammatory qualities so it helps to calm flare-ups as well as reduce redness of acne scars. Cinnamon is a natural exfoliant as well and it’s also known for its antiseptic qualities. Combined with moisturizing honey, it serves to calm your screaming skin.

Ingredients

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tsp honey

Directions

1. Combine into a thick paste
2. Apply to your face for half an hour and then rinse off with warm water
3. Moisturize as per usual afterwards

Recipe: Viva Women

3. Smooth Skin with a Cranberry Body Scrub

Why: Cranberries are chock-full of anti-oxidants that fight free radicals that can age the skin. They are help improve blood flow and contain Phytochemicals that benefit body tissue structures and promote new cell growth and rejuvenation. Plus, they smell great and you can make a tasty Cranberry Lip Gloss, too!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• 2 tbsp raw sugar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp orange peel
• 2 tbsp canned cranberries

Directions

1. Combine mixture completely.
2. Apply to your skin with a wash cloth or luffa.
3. Gently scrub your face and then rinse with warm water

Recipe: Planet Green

By Jamie Dougherty

Remember a few weeks ago when I was talking up some sweet love for the sweet potato?  Though I still love those suckers, there is a particular super food that has taken first place on my plate as of late.  Say hello to kabocha squash!  “Excuse me?” you say.  “What is this thing I can barely pronounce?”  KA-BOW-CHA is a Japanese squash and quintessential super food that rocks in all types of delicious dishes.  First, a quick super food definition:  A super food is an unprocessed edible that packs a powerful nutritional bang for its caloric buck.  With its high Vitamin A, Vitamin C and potassium content, kabocha is not only a super food but one that will make your immune system and heart say thank you very much!

Now, where can you find said squash that will svelte-ify your figure?  Being a Fall food, right now kabocha can be found at most farmer’s markets.  Look for ones with a rich green color and firm skin with minimal blemishes.  If the markets have closed for the year, try your local grocer or health food store.  Next, how do you cook it?  Just like you would a butternut squash.  Throw it into soups and curries, mix it into a pilaf or with beans or just straight up roast it.  I actually love eating roasted kabocha as a snack. Absolutely flippin’ awesome!

So, next time you are looking for a super food to hit that sweet, starchy spot, grab a kabocha squash.  Your body and taste buds will be mighty pleased!

In the comments let me know your thoughts on super foods and how you like to get them into your diet.  Come on ladies, sharing is caring! (And it feels good too.)

Jamie G. Dougherty, founder of JamieLiving.com, gives women the secrets to feel amazing in their bodies and create the balance they crave between their busy schedules and eating well. Jamie believes that though kale and brown rice are good foods to put on your plate, until we truly learn HOW to eat rather than just WHAT to eat we will continue to be carb-craving, super-frazzled, stress-out ladies. If you ever feel hungry, stuck and unsatisfied with your food be sure to visit Jamie’s website to get her FREE 5-Step Guide to Fabulous.  Seriously ladies, get ready for Jamie to rock your world!

Everyone loves Halloween, and why shouldn’t they?  Honestly, it doesn’t get much better than a holiday designated to vivid imaginations, fishnet tights (optional, but why not?) and lots of people looking for fun, all sans family drama. Gotta love it!

However there is one little snafu when it comes to fully enjoying the raucous nature of All Hallows’ Eve.  You guessed it…candy!  The sweet stuff flows as freely as the alcohol (also loaded with sugar) on this wild holiday, which at first tastes great then leaves you in a guilt-tinged, sugar coma.

So how can you enjoying your Halloween festivities without paying for it with a tummy ache the next day?  Here are my 3 tasty tips on how to avoid the Halloween candy conundrum!

1. Do not buy candy.  I know it seems easy enough but seriously, don’t buy it.  If you are wondering what to give the trick-or-treaters, let me quickly enlighten you.  There is no law stating you must give out tooth-corroding candy however you also don’t want to be that girl who hands out cans of tuna fish or toothbrushes.  Pick up some tasty Lara Bars, Clif Z bars, or Trader Joe’s almond packets as easy and tasty candy alternatives.
2. Truffles to the rescue.  Throwing a Halloween party and need a sweet treat to serve?  Make these chocolate blueberry truffles.  These truffles are completely sugar and guilt free and after one bite no one will miss the crap-tastic mini butterfingers.  If anything they will praise you for being such a food goddess!
3. Bring your own.  If you are heading out and just know you will get sucked into something sweet and unhealthy, bring your tasty treats with you!  That’s right.  Who says you can’t show up with your own delicious truffles or peanut butter filled dates (I swear they taste like a snickers bar)?  In fact, I promise your friends will want a nibble of your goodies over all the other junky candy.

So there you have it.  Stick to these three tricks and all your candy concerns will vanish!

In the comments below I’d love to hear how you avoid the Halloween candy conundrum.  Come on ladies, sharing is caring! (And it feels good too.)

Jamie G. Dougherty, founder of JamieLiving.com, gives women the secrets to feel amazing in their bodies and create the balance they crave between their busy schedules and eating well. Jamie believes that though kale and brown rice are good foods to put on your plate, until we truly learn HOW to eat rather than just WHAT to eat we will continue to be carb-craving, super-frazzled, stress-out ladies. If you ever feel hungry, stuck and unsatisfied with your food be sure to visit Jamie’s website to get her FREE 5-Step Guide to Fabulous.  Seriously ladies, get ready for Jamie to rock your world!

By Jamie Dougherty

Please join in welcoming Jamie, our brand new Lose Weight by Accident contributor! She and Sarah Jenks who has taken over the past few weeks will be switching off as authors here week to week. Jamie Dougherty, founder of JamieLiving.com, gives women the secrets to feel amazing in their bodies and create the balance they crave between their busy schedules and eating well. Jamie believes that though kale and brown rice are good foods to put on your plate, until we truly learn HOW to eat rather than just WHAT to eat we will continue to be carb-craving, super-frazzled, stress-out ladies. If you ever feel hungry, stuck and unsatisfied with your food be sure to visit Jamie’s website to get her FREE 5-Step Guide to Fabulous.  Seriously ladies, get ready for Jamie to rock your world!

Fall is here and you know what that means, right?  Ah yeah, the feeding frenzy that starts with Halloween and rocks on ‘til New Years is about to commence.  Are you ready!?!  Of course not, because as with every other lady trying to lose weight by accident, the holiday season is certainly not our strongest time of year.

Alright, now let’s just take a big deep breath together because I’m here to tell you that this year is not going to be like the last.  Why, you ask?  Because as it turns out, there is one particular fall food that can save you during this trying time.  May I introduce my fall favorite… the sweet potato! Besides being unbelievably delicious and loaded with vitamins A, C and a good dose of iron (all very important for our lovely lady bodies), this sweet treat can actually help with some seriously sweet weight loss.  Here’s how:

#1: Sweet potatoes are loaded with fiber that keeps you fuller much longer than say a turkey-day crescent roll and will subsequently prevent you from overeating.

#2: Though sweet to the taste, sweet potatoes don’t set you reeling on a sugar high like other holiday foods but rather create a stable foundation of energy for you to use throughout your day and into the night. That’s right. Sweet potatoes equal sweet energy!

#3: Because of their innate starchy sweetness, sweet potatoes help curb sugar cravings and can keep you from making poor food decisions. So, when you know you will be put face to face with fudge, pecan pie or any other sugar-shocked food, make sure to first eat a sweet potato. You will be amazed at how easy saying “no thank you” will be when your sweet tooth is already satisfied on the real stuff.

So, how do you get these sweet lil’ things on your plate?  Any number of ways!  Sweet potato fries are an amazingly satisfying snack as is a warm cup of coconut, sweet potato and kale stew.  You can also simply bake them and top with a bit of cinnamon (another sugar-craving curber) and pecans or savory tahini sauce.  See, easy as pie!