Before and After Pics of the Ultimate Body Applicator Wrap

I used my first It Works! Ultimate Body Applicator and...It Works!!!!!!!

My result photos are after using one body wrap on my abdomen. I did not exercise, take any supplements, or anything else. I left it on for about 8 hours and drank a lot of water over the 72 hours following putting the wrap on. I did drink a coffee drink and also ate an ice cream sundae during those 72 hours which apparently you aren't supposed to do because they cause toxins to build up in your body which the Ultimate Body Applicator is trying to work against. I did not remember this at that time. :-\

DISCLAIMER: Before reading about my results and seeing my photos, please know that the PURPOSE of the wrap is detoxification--the inch loss that many experience is just a side effect. It is not  promised and some people don't have inch loss as a results of the detoxification. It Works! does not advertise inch loss--what they DO advertise is that you can "tighten, tone, & firm in as little as 45 minutes with the Ultimate Body Applicator". Ok, moving on now that you understand this. ;-)

My results: I lost 3.5"after only 45 minutes of putting the wrap on. 

Photos: well, you can see for yourself!

Before Photos are on the left; After Photos are on the right and were taken about 74 hours after initially putting on the wrap.

Now, I know that the ingredients in this wrap do NOT produce a diuretic (water weight loss) effect, but I still I watched for it while this process was going on...and I found no evidence of it. I had no sweating, and my feet were just as swollen after wrapping as before. And I haven't had any changes except my skin isn't as tight as it initially was after wrapping at the one week post wrap mark. You can see how each of the ingredients works to detoxify and shrink your adipose (fat) tissue here: http://lifemoresimply.blogspot.com/2012/07/how-ultimate-body-applicator-works.html 

This is the first thing that has worked for me post-pregnancy. I did the INSANITY workout program. I did an 800-calorie medically supervised diet for a month. Nothing helped. Until now! I actually cried after I took my 45-minute measurements!

My plan is to do a few more wraps (you can do them every 72 hours) until I reach the shape I want to be (belly and thighs, baby!). I'll be using the Defining Gel daily, taking the Greens supplement to alkalize my pH and detox my body systemically, and will also be taking the Thermofit formula to help my body burn fat instead of just leave it on me!

To come: further results. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Check out all of the products on my personal distributor site here: http://BodyMoreSimply.itworks.net

How the Ultimate Body Applicator Works (Ingredients)

Been wondering how the Ultimate Body Applicator body wrap from It Works! actually works? Too magical sounding, right? Here is the breakdown of ingredients and what they do! I loved reading this because it reminded me of the benefits of things that I have used in the past, and of how EXCITED I am to detoxify and lose weight IMMEDIATELY by using these ingredients again!


The Ultimate Body Applicator is a non-woven piece of fabric that is covered one the inside with a mixture of these ingredients. The active ingredients are all natural and they absorb into your skin, resulting in a noticeable difference in only 45 minutes. The bodywrap shrinks your fat cells because it detoxifies them--this is not a water loss wrap! 

Live life simply in the real world--use natural botanicals instead of chemicals to achieve the body and health that you want!

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients and what they actually do for you:

Glucose is a carbohydrate, and is the most important simple sugar in human metabolism. When oxidized in the body it produces carbon dioxide, water, and some nitrogen compounds and provides energy which can be used by the cells. The energy yield can be used to do work or help keep the body warm.

Caprylic Capric Triglycerides are a specific fraction of coconut oil fatty acids resulting in only the more stable, and skin loving, caprylic & capric fatty acids which gives the oil a dry, powdery feel. They are specially processed to achieve superior oxidative stability and low color and then are further refined to remove residual fatty acids, resulting in a product with essentially no odor or flavor. The unique metabolic and functional properties of MCT’s, a consequence of their chemical structure, make them versatile ingredients in numerous Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic applications. MCT’s, were developed over fifty years ago as an energy source for patients with fat malabsorption syndrome and they still find use in medical nutritional products. Due to their low viscosity and excellent oxidative stability, , MCT’s, are efficient solvents and therefore act as carriers for fat-soluble vitamins and actives. Their emollient properties enable Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, MCT’s, to improve the aesthetics of topical products while functioning as a component of the delivery system.

Glycerin is a humectant, meaning it attracts moisture to your skin. Alcohol Denatured is widely used on the skin as a disinfectant.

Stearic Acid in general these fatty acids are used in the production of hormones that regulate a variety of functions, including blood pressure, blood clotting and immune response.

Stearyl Alcohol is a fatty alcohol that generally is not damaging to the skin, unlike other chemical-based alcohols. Fatty alcohols can, in fact, be quite beneficial for the skin and are excellent moisturizers. It is derived from coconut oil. In skincare products, it functions as an emulsifier and an emollient. Emulsifiers binds the liquid together in the product and the emoliant softens the skin, by enhancing the skincare’s moisturizing properties as a humectant, which allows water to bind to the skin.

Ceteareth 12 is used as an emulsifier and a thickening agent.

Horse Chestnut Seed Extract is used to treat chronic venous insufficiency (a condition in which the veins do not efficiently return blood from the legs to the heart). This condition is associated with varicose veins, pain, ankle swelling, feelings of heaviness, itching, and nighttime leg cramping. The seed extract has also been used for hemorrhoids. Urea Physicians can use urea levels to detect diseases and disorders that affect the kidneys, such as acute kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Centella asiatica Leaf Extract Summing up the benefits of Centella asiatica is difficult, as there are so many, but in short it is wonderful when used to boost circulation, improve the collagen foundation of the skin, and fight oxidation – thereby making it a superb ingredient for anti-ageing skin care products as well as improving skin firmness and elasticity.

Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract The tannins interact with proteins and are astringent and also have antioxidant activity. One of the polyphenols in green tea – Epigallocatechin galate (EGCC) is thought to be 200 times more powerful than vitamin E for neutralizing free radicals. Since free radicals can attack and damage the DNA of the cells, the antioxidant effect of green tea has a protective role to play as well, since it prevents free radical damage and possible skin tumors and cancers and can be used in confidence as an anti-aging ingredient in skin care preparations. It has also been showed that the EGCC in green tea is effectively absorbed via the skin. Green tea is a potent anti-inflammatory agent thereby reducing inflammation in the skin, and most importantly having an inhibitory action on collagenase, which is a collagen-reducing enzyme that breaks down collagen. Since green tea helps to inhibit collagenase, the topical use of green tea helps to promote the health and quantity of collagen, thereby maintaining a firm and elastic skin. The flavonoids and catechols in green tea provide it with vitamin P its chemical composition give it astringent properties, whereas the polyphenolic compounds also act as an astringent, but also protect the skin. The Methylxanthines contained in green tea also stimulates skin microcirculation and therefore positively influence the tone and health of the skin. Green tea also exhibits a photo protective effect when applied to the skin and reduces erythema formation. In some studies it also showed that polyphenols found in green tea limited cell death when exposed to radiation, thereby showing that these polyphenols have a cell-protecting function as well.

Fucus vesiculosus Bladderwrack The use of the herb has been for the stimulation of the thyroid gland as a treatment for obesity and cellulite. The high iodine content of the herb stimulates thyroid function which boosts metabolism. It has a reputation in the relief of rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis and may be used both internally and as an external application for inflamed joints.

Hedera helix Ivy Leaf Extract This plant has great anti-fungal, anthelmintic, molluscicidal, anti-mutagenic as well as cellulite control properties extract contains Hederin (Hederine), an active saponin which is responsible for blood vessel protection and permeability decrease. Ivy further helps to reabsorb the edemas present in the initial stages of cellulite. It has a great application in cosmetics as a cellulitic agent due to its properties as an anti-inflammatory and pain killers. A major action of this herb is that of a circulatory compound which assists other components to be absorbed by the skin, whilst also helping to remove waste products and fatty build-ups from the tissue and helps release fatty deposits from the cells.

Horsetail Leaf/Stem Extract is high in vegetal silica and has diuretic, astringent and wound healing properties REF 45 and is useful for improving circulation, as well as boosting and rejuvenating the connective tissue – the foundation of your skin and regenerating skin cells.The high silica content also has a softening and smoothing effect on the skin.

Butchers Broom Root Extract is claimed to be helpful in treating arthritis, hemorrhoids, leg edema, peripheral vascular disease, and varicose veins. It has also been used as a diuretic and a laxative.

Guarana Seed Extract releases it’s caffeine gradually causing sustained energy over a long period of time. Other benefits discovered are increased mental sharpness , and enhanced long-term memory. Traditionally, it has been used for headaches and migraines. It is also used as an antibacterial agent.

Jojoba Seed Oil contains such microelements and nutrients as zinc, copper, silicon, iodine, chromium, Vitamins E and B group, acids and other natural ingredients. When used externally, this natural product allows us enjoy its antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, moisturizing and soothing properties.

Decyl Oleate act as lubricants on the skin surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. These ingredients also form a thin film on the skin that is neither greasy nor tacky. The unique properties of Decyl Oleate facilitate the application and removal of makeup.

Magnesium Aluminum Silicate Many silicates occur naturally and are mined; others are produced synthetically. The common aspect of all these clay-like ingredients is that they contain silicon, oxygen, and one or more metals. All silicates, especially the clays, have a great ability to absorb water.

Glyceryl Stearate acts as a lubricant on the skin’s surface, which gives the skin a soft and smooth appearance. It also slows the loss of water from the skin by forming a barrier on the skin’s surface.  

PEG 7 Glyceryl Cocoate is an emollient surfactant, foamer and skin conditioner.

Tocopheryl Acetate or more commonly known as Vitamin E, is a natural preservative, anti-oxidant and moisturizer. It reduces trans-dermal water loss and helps maintain connective tissue. It is effective as a natural defense against harmful UV rays, preventing hyper-pigmentation and sun damage.

TEA-Hydroiodide is an iodine compound which has lypolytic properties. It also stimulates the metabolism, clearing excess fluids.

Methylsilanol Mannuronate is an organic derivative of seaweed that binds moisture in the epidermis therefore firming and strengthening the skin. has long-lasting moisturizing properties that help combat the deterioration of collagen and elastin fibers, giving it skin firming properties; it is also known to fight free radicals. Also known to act as an anti-oxidant to actively prevent premature aging. In vitro studies have shown that MM normalizes cellular metabolism, is a tissue regenerator and aids in the reduction of cellulite. Seaweed has also been shown to have detoxifying properties.

Menthol produces the sensation of temperature change.

Camphor stimulates the heart, breathing pattern, and blood circulation. Is effective in cases of hypotension or low blood pressure. Helps in clearing of congested lungs, making us breathe easier. Heats or cools our body according to our body’s needs. Has been also found effective in treatment of arthritis, muscle aches.

Panthenol is a derivative of vitamin B5 and is sometimes advertised as pro-vitamin B. It penetrates deep into the layers of the skin and keeps natural moisture there. It can help skin to stay healthy by stabilizing the skin’s metabolism. Panthenol can aid in evening your skin tone by stimulating skin pigment formation. Skin creams with panthenol in them lubricate the skin and can help make it look soft and smooth.

Phenoxyethanol the molecule is most commonly used in the field of medicine known as dermatology. It has properties that make it useful for skin protection as well as providing healing factors.

Retinyl Palmitate is Vitamin A which is known for its anti-aging applications.

Triethanolamine used primarily as an emulsifier and surfactant.

Carbomer a rich cream that holds it shape. If you look at an ingredient list, if you see carbomer listed you will almost always see either sodium hydroxide or triethanolamine listed as well. These are neutralising agents used to neutralise the carbomer.

Rosmarinus or Rosemary Leaf Oil has analgesic, astringent, diuretic, rubefacient, stimulant and tonic therapeutic properties in skincare.

Eucalyptus Leaf Oil has a cleansing effect on the skin and reduces redness and irritation. It is reputed to aid in wound healing and is antispetic and anti-parasitic.

Caprylyl Glycol is a mild humectant and skin emollient with a unique skin feel. Additionally, it can contribute to the antimicrobial stability of cosmetics formulations and improves efficacy of traditional cosmetic preservatives. Glycols are known to be antimicrobial and show antimicrobial efficacy against typical germs found in cosmetic formulations. Soluble in glycols and alcohols, to increase solubility in water propylene glycol, emulsifiers or surfactants are necessary.

Sorbic Acid used to kill microorganisms, or prevent or retard their growth and reproduction, and thus protect cosmetics and personal care products from spoilage.

BHT acts as an antioxidant by preventing or slowing the deterioration of cosmetics and personal care products caused by chemical reactions with oxygen.

Limonene readily oxidizes when in contact with air. The oxidized form of d-limonene is a known skin sensitizer.

Linalool is a naturally occurring fragrance substance produced by a wide variety of plants such as mint, cinnamon, citrus fruits, and birch trees.

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*Original ingredient information found here.

Stop the attitudes about breastfeeding

I still remember, quite vividly, the day when my family doctor handed me literature at my firstborn's 9-month checkup. It was a photocopied group of papers dated in the 70's, and it was about breastfeeding. What is said about breastfeeding, was that if my child was still nursing by the time she was a year, then I was doing her psychological harm. Oh, yes.

I found a new doctor (after pointing out the problems with that literature, supported by today's current research, of course), and then left the facility completely when a different doctor told me that I was not allowed to get any more vaccinations for my children until I started bringing them for well-child visits again. (Oh, ok, sure, Doc, I'll get right on that!)

Then there was my husband at the time. I had to always cover the baby entirely with a blanket or something else while nursing in public. It was terrible. My baby was sweating, I couldn't see what was going on...sometimes, he was so uncomfortable that I had to leave the room while nursing our baby. He wasn't the only one, though. There were times when I would be nursing my beautiful baby in public (well, if you consider a comfortable chair tucked into a semi-private room in a department store "public") and a passerby would "politely" let me know that there was a restroom a little further down the hallway.

And then (oh no!), my daughter kept nursing after she was a year old! The audacity of me, right? You would think that this was a disgusting, abnormal, non-human practice the way that some people spoke to me about it. And you know what? I sometimes adapted the "it's my business, not yours, so don't talk to me about it" attitude. After all, it's not anyone else's business but my own, and it's not worth my time or effort to defend myself to everyone. I can nurse my child until any age I please. I can even do it without a blanket over her head.



But what if, instead of daring people to look our way while breastfeeding in public, we invited it? I'm not saying that we flash the girls at anyone. I'm not saying that we shouldn't be respectful of our bodies and other people's eyes when out in public. I'm not saying that we should force our breastfeeding ways upon anyone.

Woman nursing her child while talking to the president of Venezuala

What I am saying, is that if we want breastfeeding in public to be considered normal, we should treat it like it is normal. We should not go into any separate areas unless that helps us our babies nurse. We should not be so concerned about keeping our nipples from showing that we will cover our babies heads, hold blankets up with our teeth, and make our older children stand in front of us to create a human wall. Who says our breasts can't be both beautiful and functional? And anyone who looks at my breasts and finds them sexual while my baby is latched on has bigger problems than I am causing.

We need to be willing to discuss why we do what we do, and to not feel intimidated by those who "dare" speak to us about it. Greet them with gladness, because you are making a gigantic step in "normalizing" public breastfeeding to that person. Just think of all of the horrible fashions that have come out in the last few years. Interestingly, with enough exposure to them, most of us will start thinking those "horrible" fashions aren't so bad any more, and will often even start liking them! It's a fact of social psychology: when we are exposed to something new and told it's "normal," with time, we will accept it as "normal".

Stop the attitudes about breastfeeding. We don't need to picket, have "nurse-ins", and so on and so forth. We don't need to pass out breastfeeding symbol pins, or have designated breastfeeding areas. We just need to treat it like it's normal, because, well, breastfeeding is normal. And nursing in public is normal, too.