Most women are not born beautiful we have to work at it.  There are a fortunate few who do very little to maintain a look of beauty...we just end up hating them.  Seriously, how do you look beautiful when you're low on cash?  Maybe cosmetic surgery is not for you at this time.  Or if it is, what do you do in the mean time while you're busy saving up money for your surgery? Here are a few tips on how you can still look good..for less.

Fatigue - One of the ways to burst your beauty bubble is by not getting enough rest.  No amount of makeup in the world can make up for a good nights' rest.  If you're constantly straining to stay awake on your job...you're probably feeling the effects of late afternoon fatigue.

Food - Believe it or not, what we eat plays an important part in how you feel.  Sometimes, it not even what you eat, it's how.  We've become a world that want's everything right NOW, so fast food has been introduced to help make our lives "easier".  It will also make you fat, lazy, and tired if done to an excess and let's face it, we are creatures of habit.  How do you know if you're a victim?  When you go to your local burger joint...do they know you by first name?  Do they ask how are the husband and the kids?  You're there too much and setting yourself up for the afternoon sleepys and a ton of weight gain.  If you have afternoon fatigue and can't figure out why, here are a few things to ask yourself:

Am I getting enough calories - Sometimes what is needed is a little "pick-me-up", a piece of fruit and some form of protein will help combat that.  What is happening is your body is responding to what is called hypoglycemia or low blood sugar.  Some who have low blood sugar have found that eating six small meals a day will keep you feeling much better and beat the afternoon sleepys.

Am I getting the right amount of sleep - Everyone's body is different. Some can get by on less sleep, while others have to have at least 8 hours to feel human.  On the other hand, if you're getting too much sleep, you'll feel groggy and dragged down.  Getting the right amout of sleep for YOU will help you to stay awake during those important and sometimes boring staff meetings.

Am I drinking enough water - Most people swear up and down that they're drinking enough water but dehydration is the number one reason why people get sleepy during the day.  To find out if water is the culprit, try this experiment: when you start to get sleepy, drink a glass of water. If you're still sleepy after this, drink another one.  Keep repeating until you start to feel more alert.  Usually 3 or 4 tall glasses of water will do it. Your particular body type just may need more water than what it's getting at this time and dehydration is most likely the reason why you're getting tired in the afternoons.

Am I taking a break (at all?) - Getting up and moving around a bit and doing a few stretches can help do the trick.  Also, if you have the type of job that gives you a 15 minute break, go outside and do some deep breathing.  There are a few tricks folks use that can help: If you work from home, wet your face with cool water, then blow dry it (cool air of course) with a small handheld dryer.  Don't laugh but sticking your head in the freezer can be quite refreshing...I've done this one several times and it does work!

Am I eating wheat? - Did you know that wheat can make you sleepy?  If you eat a sandwich for lunch it may be the bread in your sandwich that's making you sleepy.  Many blood types are allergic to the gluten in wheat and various other grains (especially blood type "O").  The gluten lectins inhibit insulin metabolism, which gets in the way of calories for energy.  Actually, eating gluten is like putting the wrong gas in your car...instead of giving you energy, it depletes it.

So the next time you get sleepy in the afternoon, or at an inappropriate time, consider what you're eating, how much you're sleeping and the content of the food you're eating.  Instead of cosmetic surgery, use these tips wisely and you'll look young and beautiful instead of tired, haggard, worn out and what we all fear the most, older than what we are...YIKES!