Completing a juice cleanse is extremely popular AND Stephanie Middleberg, a New York City-based registered dietitian suggests that “many people turn to cleanses because they feel off—they’re bloated and sluggish, dependent on caffeine and junk food cravings, breaking out”. She also highlights that “when you eliminate toxins from your system, your entire body feels better and reacts both internally and externally. Although there are sceptics of detoxing, some of the benefits include healthy habit formation. Detoxing can shift you away from bad habits (like too much coffee, alcohol, and fatty foods) and help foster healthier habits after you're done, says Cathy Wong, naturopathic doctor and an American College of Nutrition–certified nutrition specialist.
http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20679227_2,00.html
✔Weight loss ✔Cleanse and Detox ✔Improves digestion ✔Stronger hair, skin and nails
]]>There's strength in numbers, the old saying goes, and that's especially true for many women when it comes to exercising. Social support encourages physical activity. An exercise buddy (or two) makes such support even more personal. If you decided to become more active this year, having an exercise buddy may help you achieve and maintain that goal.
"Exercise partners can provide a kind of gentle coercion and limit your negative self-talk," says Barbara A. Brehm, Ed.D., professor, Department of Exercise and Sport Studies, at Smith College in Northampton, MA. Forget making excuses about why you're too tired or too busy to exercise. When you're scheduled to meet a friend for exercise, Brehm says, "you'll avoid that debate in your head about whether you should go and work out."
The buddy system keeps boredom away and makes time pass quickly. Many exercise partners talk as they walk (walking is a popular buddy exercise). The miles or kilometers seem to disappear more rapidly while chatting with a companion than they do when you're exercising alone, focusing on every step or minute.
http://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/get-motivated-workout-you-wont-cancel
]]>The definitions of meditation are diverse, some regard meditation is the mental concentration on something, others consider that we meditate when we imagine something that gives us peace or satisfaction. Meditation is a popular way to deduce stress, create balance and find your inner peace. Meditating outdoors is a great way to combine these with the added beauty of being surrounded by nature. Some say that happiness is a state of mind, therefore the real source of happiness lies in the mind, not in external circumstances. Meditation is a way to help us relax the mind and achieve clarity. Doing this for 10 minutes today will help to achieve these results.
]]>Daily exercise boosts your energy levels, improves your mood and relieves stress. No matter what your age or shape, you should exercise daily. Not only does exercise tone your body so you can wear your favourite jeans, it strengthens your muscles, keeps your bones strong, and improves your skin. And there are more benefits of exercise -- increased relaxation, better sleep and mood, strong immune function, and more.
Apart from the ethical side of things, there are many other pluses to going meat free, even for such a short time. It benefits the environment, is easier on your wallet and is also good for your health."Supporting Meat Free Week or having a few meat-free meals each week is a great opportunity to explore nutritious alternatives," dietitian Samantha Cowan says. "In general, Australians are probably eating too much fatty, salty, processed meat and meat products. This comes with following a Western diet, which is high in saturated fat, salt and sugars from processed, convenience and fast foods," she says. "Choosing a meal based on legumes or lentils, which are low GI and high in dietary fibre and antioxidants, may reduce your risk of bowel cancer and moderate blood-sugar levels. Vegetarians are, in general, less likely to be overweight or obese, and less likely to suffer from the diet-related diseases linked with a Western diet.
]]>Making your own lunch provides a chance to eat a bit healthier, save a bit of money, and avoid the lunch hour rush that takes up most of the time you have to actually eat.
What are my reasons for eating lunch at my desk?
How am I saving $4,800 a year?
The maths are quite simple. In a 52 week year, on average I will work 48 weeks of the year (4 weeks annual leave).
Of those 48 weeks, I would on average spend $20 a day on lunch (which includes coffees, soft drinks, bottled drinks, snacks and lunch itself). $20 a day over 28 weeks equates to $4,800 a year on food spending at work.
Don’t spend $20 a day on lunch? See the below chart on how much it costs you per year based upon your daily food budget.
A brilliant form of exercise that really targets your core muscle groups and promotes weight loss through the high intensity of the exercises.
Do each exercise at high intensity for 45 seconds followed by 15 seconds of rest.
Drinking lemon water in the morning is a fantastic way to kick - start your day. Adding lemon to your water can assist to aid digestion, reduce appetite and balance pH levels. Read more below.
Aids digestion: As lemon juice is similar in atomic structure to the stomach’s digestive juices, it has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It helps cleanse the bowel by flushing out waste more efficiently and stimulates the release of gastric juices, which aid digestion. The digestive qualities of lemon juice can also help relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and bloating.
Reduces appetite: Lemons contain pectin, a soluble fibre commonly found in citrus fruits. Pectin helps stave off hunger as the fibre creates a feeling of fullness, which results in the suppression of hunger cravings. By feeling fuller for longer, you’re less likely to snack or make poor food choices.
Balances pH levels: Lemons are one of the most alkalising foods for the body and a good pH level is essential as too much acidity in the body can be inflammatory. “Lemon water is very alkalising and most of us have acidic bodies,” Chevalley Hedge says. “Educated foodies still think of lemons as being acidic when they are quite alkalising.”
]]>Thinking about 10 things that you’re grateful for every morning – gratitude promotes happiness.
Two psychologists, Dr. Robert A. Emmons of the University of California, Davis, and Dr. Michael E. McCullough of the University of Miami, have done much of the research on gratitude. In one study, they asked all participants to write a few sentences each week, focusing on particular topics.
One group wrote about things they were grateful for that had occurred during the week. A second group wrote about daily irritations or things that had displeased them, and the third wrote about events that had affected them (with no emphasis on them being positive or negative). After 10 weeks, those who wrote about gratitude were more optimistic and felt better about their lives. Surprisingly, they also exercised more and had fewer visits to physicians than those who focused on sources of aggravation (Harvard Medical School http://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/giving-thanks-can-make-you-happier)
]]>Flossing is an important part of your oral health. Flossing helps to keep your teeth clean and reduce the amount of plaque build up which can lead to a variety of health problems. Proper flossing removes plaque and food particles in places where a toothbrush cannot easily reach — under the gum-line and between your teeth. Because plaque build-up can lead to tooth decay and gum disease, daily flossing is highly recommended.
How to floss:
Yield: 2 cups
Ingredients:
Note: Chia seeds will sink and collect at the bottom of the glass quickly. Give it a good stir as needed.
]]>With spring in full swing and summer almost here, it's the perfect time to mix up your routine by taking your workout outside. After all, exercising outdoors may improve energy levels and decrease stress to a greater extent than working out inside.
According to one review that included more than 800 subjects, exercising outdoors came with a slew of benefits. Participants reported feelings of revitalization, decreased anger, and increased energy. Another study found that the outdoors have an overall positive effect on vitality, or your sense of enthusiasm, aliveness, and energy. Finally, simply spending more time outside has been shown to prevent increases in obesity among children.
http://greatist.com/fitness/working-out-indoors-versus-outdoors
]]>Today we're adding some cayenne pepper to our diet! Add a pinch of cayenne to your meal or mix with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey. If you're really struggling it is possible to buy Cayenne supplements that you take in capsule form.
Why?
Cayenne pepper contains a compound called capsaicin, which will help elevate your metabolic rate for a few hours after consumption.
This spice is made from various tropical chilies and is sure to pack a punch in your next dish! According to a new study conducted at Purdue University, cayenne pepper raises your core body temperature which causes your body to naturally burn more calories as it cools itself. Cayenne Pepper Drink:
Health Benefits: ✔Boost Metabolism ✔Improve pain ✔Suppress Appetite
]]>Today we're looking at creating the perfect 'Slimdown Drink'. This involves:
1 Cup of Grapefruit Juice 2 Teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Teaspoon of Honey
1/2 Cup of SMT Loose Leaf Blend brewed per instructions (available from www.skinnymetea.com.au)
As we have looked at in previous challenge days grapefruit juice aids the breakdown of fat, apple cider vinegar suppresses the appetite, honey aids digestion and our SMT Loose Leaf tea increases metabolism, burns calories and increases energy levels.
Health Benefits: ✔Weight Loss ✔Suppress Appetite ✔Burn Fat ✔Digestion ✔Antioxidants ✔ Kick start Metabolism
]]>Why you should be consuming more grapefruit - Trying to lose weight? According to one study, eating half a grapefruit before each meal may help you slim down faster, thanks to the fruit's fat-burning properties and its beneficial effect on blood sugar and insulin levels. Grapefruit is also hydrating, filling, and packed with immunity-boosting antioxidants. Furthermore, a glass of chilled grapefruit juice, especially in winter, helps seriously boost your levels of vitamin C, which gives grapefruits a high place amongst various citrus fruits. It's packed with the benefits derived from various nutrients and vitamins, including potassium and lycopene.
Reference: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16579728
]]>Proteins are built from amino acids. Animal sources of protein deliver the amino acids that we need. Other protein sources such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds lack one or more essential amino acids. Our bodies uses proteins we obtain from our diets to build new cells, maintain tissues, and synthesize new proteins that make it possible for you to perform basic bodily functions.
Some sources of dietary protein include:
some grain and cereal-based products are also sources of protein, but are generally not as high in protein as meat and meat alternative products.
A standard serving size is one of:
30 g nuts, seeds, peanut or almond butter or tahini or other nut or seed paste (no added salt).
Reference: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/protein
]]>Make yourself this amazing honey + cinnamon weight loss drink. Honey + Cinnamon Weight Loss Drink Recipe: • Add 1 teaspoon of organic cinnamon to a cup of boiling water.
Cinnamon Benefits -> Cinnamon helps to stabilize blood sugar levels, suppress your appetite, increase your metabolism & control cravings. • Steep for 10 minutes. • When the water is cool enough to drink, add 1 tablespoon of organic honey Honey Benefits -> When combined with cinnamon honey aids digestion and helps to control cravings. • For an extra boost you can also add 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to increase your metabolism, aid digestion and gently cleanse and detoxify the body. • Drink 1/2 a cup in the morning on an empty stomach and 1/2 a cup 45 minutes after dinner.
For more weight loss tips and techniques check out: @weightlossecrets
Health Benefits: ✔Boost Immunity ✔Suppress Appetite + Control Cravings ✔Boost Metabolism ✔ Improve Digestion
]]>Your skin is an organ of elimination, just like your kidneys, liver and colon. It’s the largest organ of your body and it’s estimated that one-third of your body’s daily impurities are excreted through the skin. Dry skin brushing helps keep the pores clear and the skin active to assist the body in this cleansing process. If your skin becomes inactive, its ability to remove excess toxins is impaired. This places extra stress on other organs and on your body in general.
Tips
Do you find yourself craving certain foods, such as: chocolates, something sweet or something salty? To control your cravings, here are some useful tips. Firstly, know and avoid your trigger foods A trigger food is a specific food that sets off a course of overeating where control is lost. 1,2. The most common trigger foods are calorie-dense, highly palatable foods that are often combinations of sugar and fat (e.g. ice cream, cookies) or fat and salt (e.g. nuts, potato chips, French fries). Trigger foods are foods that trigger reactions in a person. For example, a trigger food could cause you to eat excessively or have gastrointestinal distress or headaches. So, instead of giving in to those cravings, here's a fun little chart w/ tips about how to control certain cravings and what to eat instead.
]]>Detox waters are a popular way to stay healthy and hydrated. Detox waters work by infusing your favourite herbs and fruits into water. Below are some of our favourite combinations -
If you are interested, here are some great accounts you can follow for daily inspo - @DetoxWater and @DropBottle.
]]>Oil pulling, also known as "kavala" or "gundusha," is an ancient Ayurvedic dental technique that involves swishing a tablespoon of oil in your mouth on an empty stomach for around 20 minutes. The main benefit of oil pulling is to reduce the amount of harmful bacteria in the mouth. It is suggested that by swishing the oil around your mouth, the bacteria “get stuck” in it and dissolve in the liquid oil and by doing so you remove a large amount of the bacteria and plaque in your mouth each time you do this. Although there is mixed evidence regarding the benefits, the result speaks for themselves so give it a go!
]]>Turmeric is a spice that is often used in Indian cuisine, but hasn’t gotten much traction in other types of food. It’s easily recognizable by its bright orange-yellow colour, and adds its distinct flavour to a meal. It also adds plenty of antioxidants and helps you burn fat. Turmeric is one of the lesser-known spices that is effective for weight loss. It acts as an anti-inflammatory, so it will help you ache less and give you more get-up-and-go that results in quick weight loss when combined with a healthy diet.
Incorporating turmeric into your diet is easy, you can use it as part of your cooking, make it into a tea by adding hot water and stirring until it’s dissolved. But perhaps the easiest way to eat more turmeric is to add it to lean meats, from lean beef to chicken breast. It has the ability not only to give the dish an amazing colour, but also a delicious flavour that plays nice with other spices.
]]>Green smoothies are incredibly popular – and for good reason too! Not only are they simple to make, they are so good for you – simply add your favourite greens and blend! It’s the dark, leafy greens we add to our smoothies that assist to create the benefits. Dark leafy greens contain high-quality amino acids, important minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and beneficial phytonutrients. Phytonutrients are plant-based chemicals that support your immune system, improve health and longevity, and may reduce diseases.
We love Green Smoothies Because -
Green Smoothie Recipe
Ingredients:
1½ cups water
1 head organic romaine lettuce, chopped
½ head of large bunch or ¾ of small bunch organic spinach
3–4 stalks organic celery
1 organic apple, cored and chopped
1 organic pear, cored and chopped
1 organic banana
Juice of ½ organic lemon
Optional:
1/3 bunch organic coriander (stems okay)
1/3 bunch organic parsley (stems okay)
Preparation
Add the water and chopped head of romaine and spinach to the blender. Starting the blender on a low speed, mix until smooth.
Gradually moving to higher speeds, add the celery, apple and pear. Add the coriander and parsley if you choose. Add the banana and lemon juice last.
]]>Drinking lemon water in the morning is a fantastic way to kick - start your day. Adding lemon to your water can assist to aid digestion, reduce appetite and balance pH levels. Read more below.
Aids digestion: As lemon juice is similar in atomic structure to the stomach’s digestive juices, it has a positive effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It helps cleanse the bowel by flushing out waste more efficiently and stimulates the release of gastric juices, which aid digestion. The digestive qualities of lemon juice can also help relieve symptoms of indigestion, heartburn and bloating.
Reduces appetite: Lemons contain pectin, a soluble fibre commonly found in citrus fruits. Pectin helps stave off hunger as the fibre creates a feeling of fullness, which results in the suppression of hunger cravings. By feeling fuller for longer, you’re less likely to snack or make poor food choices.
Balances pH levels: Lemons are one of the most alkalising foods for the body and a good pH level is essential as too much acidity in the body can be inflammatory. “Lemon water is very alkalising and most of us have acidic bodies,” Chevalley Hedge says. “Educated foodies still think of lemons as being acidic when they are quite alkalising.”
]]>Using Epsom salt baths is an advanced detoxification strategy that has remarkable health benefits. Epsom salts are named for a bitter saline spring located at Epsom in Surrey, England. Epsom is different than traditional salts in that it is actually a naturally occurring pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulphate. Studies have shown that magnesium and sulfate are both readily absorbed through the skin, making Epsom salt baths an easy and ideal way to enjoy the amazing health benefits. Next time you have a bath, use this recipe below!
DETOX BATH RECIPE
Handful of Epsom salts
10 drops of lavender essential oil
Half a cup of baking soda
For more tips follow @DetoxBaths and @Skintoxco
]]>Chia seeds are an amazing food, with a variety of nutritional benefits. A 1 ounce (28 grams) serving of chia seeds contains (1, 2): Fiber: 11 grams. Protein: 4 grams. Fat: 9 grams (5 of which are Omega-3s). When chia seeds are soaked in water a gelatinous coating forms around the seed very similar to a tomato seed. Chia seeds can help with hydration due to their ability to absorb up to 9-10 times their weight in water.
]]>Omega 3 fatty acids are essential to your overall health. A University of Marylands study suggests suggests that EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), the two omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil help reduce risk factors for heart disease, including high cholesterol and high blood pressure. When possible, try to get omega-3 fatty acids from foods rather than supplements. Aim to eat fish high in DHA and EPA omega-3 fatty acids two to three times a week.
Good sources of Omega 3 include -
https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids
]]>There are two types of people in this world – those who love running and those who hate running! But for those who hate running, we recommend giving it a go, as there are so many benefits to be gained.
If you are a runner, you know that running has changed your life. It’s not just an activity or exercise, it’s a way of life.
Regular running or jogging offers many health benefits, which include -
Weight control.
Running burns mega-calories. However, it makes you mega-hungry, especially if you are training for long distances. Running doesn’t give you a pass to eat all the food, all the time.
Relieves stress.
Running boasts the brain’s serotonin levels which make you calmer and more relaxed.
Increased joint strength and stability.
Running increases the strength of your ligaments and tendons. You’ll find your joints will be able to withstand more mileage and more uneven terrain. But that doesn’t mean you will never sprain your ankle again while trail running. It just may mean four weeks on crutches versus eight weeks if you didn’t run.
With all of these fantastic benefits, running will definitely pay off.
]]>Apple cider vinegar, otherwise known as cider vinegar or ACV, is a type of vinegar made from cider or apple must and has a pale to medium amber colour. Even though vinegar is acidic, when we take apple cider vinegar it has an alkaline effect in our bodies. The fact that apple cider vinegar causes our pH levels to become more alkaline could play a large part in it's curative properties.
The only study to test the idea that ACV can assist weight loss in people was done in Japan. In the study, 175 obese but healthy people took either vinegar or water daily for 12 weeks. Their diets were similar. They kept food journals. At the end of the study, those who used vinegar had lost slightly more weight. On average, the vinegar group lost 1-2 pounds over the 3-month period. They gained it all back after the study was over. The researchers suggest that vinegar may turn on certain genes involved in breaking down fats.
]]>Did you know that the human brain alone is composed of 75% water, while our skin is 70% water? It is because of this that when we are dehydrated we often get headaches and dry skin. For these reasons keeping hydrated is extremely important! The exact amount of fluid you personally need can depends on a variety of factors which are outlined below.
Be sure to factor in these to manage your water intake effectively.
]]>