Winter has arrived which means that the sniffles will be on their way.
Good news is that if you feel you’re starting to come down with something, this powerful turmeric tonic will sort you out in no time at all.
This recipe will last you a couple of days – just take 1 shot glasses, 3 times a day.
Continue reading “Got a cold? Try this powerful turmeric tonic”
A couple of days ago was Earth overshoot day. That means we’ve used up a years worth of earths resources in a mere seven months.
Just let that sink in for a moment.
We’ve reached the point where the amount of natural resources that humanity takes from the Earth is more than what the planet can renew in a whole year.
And we’ve done it by over-fishing, over-harvesting forests, and emitting more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere than forests can sequester. In short, humans are demanding more from the earth than it can produce.
And that is scary.
But we can all do our bit. And it’s actually something I’m going to be focussing on from here on in. I want to live more consciously and start to do my best to make changes that will benefit the environment. I’ll never be perfect, but I will try my best to be better when it comes to plastics.
I recently stood in my kitchen, looking at my recycle bag and couldn’t actually comprehend how much plastic was in there. Seriously, we produce very little rubbish in our household but our plastic recycling was off the charts. So it’s time to evaluate your plastic usage. What can be removed? Think about buying loose fruit and veg, ditching shrink wrapped food stuff and even changing your toothbrush to a bamboo one.
Straws are probably one of the single, most wasteful things you can use. Single use straws never degrade, instead they break in to small pieces and end up inside marine life – I don’t think I need to go in to details here but it’s horrific.
Whilst corporations need to take responsibility and reduce the plastic waste they create you can help by buying your own reusable straw (if you need a straw at all that is). Get a couple and keep them in your handbag for when you’re out and about. Personally, I prefer glass straws to steel (they use go through me) and I use these ones I purchased from amazon.
We all know by now how disastrous take away coffee cups are for the environment. We use 2.5 billion a year in Britain alone and only ONE in every 400 of those are recycled.
So take your own. There are plenty of nice useable coffee cups (I have a gorgeous one from Starbucks that I purchased in Copenhagen airport) and some outlets give you money off your drink for using a reusable cup = win/win.
We’ve had the 5p charge in Wales since 2011 so it’s rare that I’ll wander out without a reusable bag in tow. In fact, in the first 4 years of the 5p charge in Wales, usage of single use plastic bags dropped by a whopping 79%! I tend to stick with the foldaway bags as they are easier to transport and always in my handbag for spontaneous shopping trips.
Not only will ditching your bottled water habit be good for the environment but it will also benefit your health. Plastic contains BPA and phthalates, both of which have a negative impact on our bodies. Instead find a BPA free water bottle and refill as you need. I personally opt for a glass bottle, which I purchased from TK Maxx.
Happy New Year! I was hoping that this blog post would be with you a tad sooner than mid January but thankfully wellness is a topic we can talk about anytime.
Anyway, despite my lurgy I headed to BBC Wales on New Years Day to talk about the latest trends in lifestyle and wellness. If you didn’t manage to catch the interview then here are my top 10 predictions…
SLEEP
I really believe that 2017 is going to be the year that we disconnect. Our phones and tablets are going to take second place to rest, family and friends. As an iPhone addict I can tell you that my year will certainly contain less iPhone. But sleep is going to be huge this year. And that’s a good thing.
The old mantra of “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” is just code for if you don’t get enough sleep, you’ll be there sooner than you think.
Check out this piece by Ariana Huffington: Sleep your way to the top.
Automation.
2017 is the year for automation or as a wellness trend forecast put it “The Mark Zukerberg Effect”. Quite simply, there’s a reason why people like Mark Zukerberg, Steve Jobs, Simon Cowell etc wear the same outfit day in day out – it saves them from having to make too many decisions before they start their day.
Other Celebrities/public figures also do it, Dr Oz has blueberries for breakfast every day so he doesn’t waste any time thinking about what he needs to have. Anna Wintour plays a game of tennis EVERY morning at 6.30am. Barack Obama starts every day with a workout.
It’s a simple method of taking less decisions out of your day therefore busting busy. Try to automate just one or two areas of your life from your work wardrobe to your breakfast and see if it makes a difference.
Out with the chemical beauty haul.
So it may seem like every day that another celebrity starts hawking their #nomakeup selfie. But in 2017 more people will turn towards natural beauty methods by realising that their skincare is a natural extension to their overall health. From coconut oil to essential oils. No more damaging skincare lines instead more natural beauty. Check out Rachel Hunter’s quest for natural beauty here.
More collagen!
Collagen is the secret to glowing skin, silky hair, strong nails and can help health leaky gut as well as ease joint pain and symptoms of arthritis. The bone broth revolution has only just started!! Check out THIS article to learn more about collagen.
Protein Water.
Protein shakes have been a staple in the health and fitness world for a long time. However, they aren’t always the easiest things to drink in terms of taste, texture and time. But there is a solution – protein water. Since protein is vital for keeping our metabolism running, our energy levels topped up and our blood sugars stable then it’s important that you get not only enough protein, but good quality protein also.
Protein Water Co. has a great range of protein water that keeps you hydrated and with 20g of protein per bottle.
Turmeric.
If you’re not already having a daily dose of turmeric then you need to start asap. Turmeric has a wide range of health benefits, it has antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. But it’s also loaded with a host of nutrients such as calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc and more. I buy my turmeric powder from Rise Organics and use it daily with a drop of black pepper oil (because black pepper can enhance turmeric’s effects) in either a latte or in a soft gel capsule. I also use turmeric in soups, stews and curries.
Active Travel.
Have you SEEN the price of petrol lately not to mention the increases on the rail network. However, there’s an alternative – active travel. It’s a great way to get around and if you’re travelling to work then it can have a huge effect on your productivity levels. It also reduces stress, helps you save money and is better for the environment. There are also apps that you can download such as FlowFinder that will help hook you up with your nearest shower or changing facility so you don’t have to sit through the work day feeling a hot, sweaty mess.
Gut Health.
Good health starts in your gut, any health professional will attest to that. But I think that this year we’ll see more people take their gut health seriously. This will involve more people paying attention to the foods that negatively impact their gut health and also increasing their intake of probiotics, fermented foods and digestive enzymes.
Minerals.
We all hear about how the major vitamins have an impact on our health but 2017 we’re also going to be paying attention to minerals too. Modern, stressful lifestyles can result in a depletion in our mineral supply, which can then cause a variety of problems such as fatigue, weak bones and a decreased immune system. But this year is all about re-mineralizing (< is that even a word?) and to get a quick start on this trend head straight to the bathroom for a relaxing 20 minute soak in some epsom salts or magnesium flakes.
Staying in is the new going out.
I promise you that this isn’t just an age thing. But more people are choosing to stay at home with tea and netflix than to whoop it up in the club. A trend I can get right on board with. 2017 is all about adding plenty of ME time in to your routine. After a crazy, busy week getting cosy with a self -care mindset is most definitely the new party routine.
Of course there are plenty more wellness trends that are going to be big in 2017, from infrared saunas to medicinal mushrooms. But the main thing is that we all try to have a happy, healthy year ahead.
x
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Hello Strangers.
I’m taking a bit of a blogging rest. In fact, I’ve had a bit of a rest from quite a few things. But after a week in Lanzarote and a little shake up with my client list, I’m raring to get back to it. So I thought it was only apt that I share the above quote.
Seriously, if you’re feeling burnt out, frazzled, unable to take action because you just don’t know where to turn. Take a rest. Whether your rest involves complete disconnection or surfing pinterest for 5 hours, do something that relaxes your mind.
This won’t be my last word on rest either. My little break is helping me see clearly which direction I want to take things. I’ll be talking more about how you can be the ceo of your own health, how you can get out of that busy trap and also how being well can help your business. Not to mention still sharing my musings on the latest health trends and fads.
But it’s Monday and my new regime is that I don’t work on a Monday so back for more rest I go. But not without saying if you’re interested in health, wellness, entrepreneurship and of course essential oils, give my Facebook page some love. And also, why not sign up for my newsletter where I’ll share exclusive content and offers that won’t be on this site?! The form is below.
Stay Safe and I’ll “see” you in 2017!
Rachael x
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OK so I’ve been posting my essential oils collection for quite a while over on instagram and I’m getting LOADS of questions on how I use them. So I thought that I’d a general overview of how I use my oils.
First up, I use doTERRA oils at the moment, mostly because I have an account with them (I don’t sell them!) and I like that they are pure and not full of synthetic ingredients. I am on the look out for cheaper alternatives, so if you know of a good essential oils company – let me know!
I diffuse them. I am SO obsessed with my diffuser. I bought one thinking that it wouldn’t be to different from burning my oils but it’s a game changer.With the diffuser you just add a couple of drops of your favourite oil (or oils) and it pushes them out in to the air.
You can create your own blends depending on your mood so if you want to relax then lavender, clary sage or geranium. If you’re wanting to get motivated and pumped then my favourite is to add lemon and peppermint. Or if you just want your house to smell fresh and clean – lemon – always lemon!
Amazon have some great diffusers – see here
I use them as part of my beauty regime. OK so I should admit here, I don’t really have a beauty regime as such but my skin is super sensitive and can get dry so I have to be really picky about what I use on it. Since essential oils are easily absorbed in to the skin and are very powerful, I use a carrier oil such as coconut or almond oil and add a few drops of frankincense to create a great moisturiser (Frankincense is also great for burns too which is handy as I’m forever burning myself on the oven, and it’s a great anti-wrinkle oil – also handy but say no more about that one!!).
After a great tip off from my friend Tanya, I now add a drop of Meluca oil to my conditioner and it adds extra shine and protects against heat damage. Meluca is also great for spots too, just dab a drop on and your breakout will be gone in no time.
I use them for medicinal purposes. Eucalyptus mostly. I suffer from blocked sinuses quite a bit so I pop some eucalyptus to the bottom of my shower and let the steam do its job. I also use it in my diffuser if I’m feeling coldy. Lavender on cuts and burns is also another top tip of mine – helps healing and to reduce scarring.
I clean with them. I find traditional cleaners really harsh on my skin and my chest. So use essential oils to do the job a chemical cleaner would normally do. Lemon mixed with apple cider vinegar, baking soda and water will do the job better than any shop bought bleach mix. I add a few drops of lemon or orange to my mop water when I clean the floors – smells amazing.
Do you use oils? How do you use yours?
So I thought I’d revive weekend reads. I read so many interesting articles and blog posts throughout the week it’s a shame not to share them. Here goes…
Snapchat – ok so technically not a read but I’m on SNAPCHAT! And omg I’d addicted!! Please do add me – I’m RachRahRah or just scan the code below!
THIS Breakfast Board at Cup of Jo
5 Ayurvedic Herbs To Counter Seasonal Allergies
Chewable coffee has arrived. Is it healthier?
Food fraud in the UK. Serious stuff.
Are your health lunches making you fat?
How magic can effect your life.
Nutritional Yeast isn’t just for hippies.
Stressed? Try this.
Criminal podcast…I’m hooked!!
Why comparing yourself to others is self destructive.
What Hollywood Has Already Taught Us About Contested Conventions.
And finally, check out this TED talk – how to grow fresh air
Best way to get your fruits and veggies in without a doubt is the humble smoothie. Not only is it a great way to get your 5 a day but also its QUICK so the perfect Busy Girl breakfast/lunch.
Anyway, I’ve been on a bit of a smoothie cleanse since the 2016 so I’ve been experimenting with a few different varieties and I’ve found a great combo – red cabbage and raspberry.
Seriously. It looks as amazing as it tastes.
Red cabbage is an amazing source of vitamin C and just 1 cup has 56% of the recommended daily intake. It also has vitamin A and K. It’s also a great source of L-glutamine which promotes digestive and brain health, muscle growth, athletic performance as well as helping to fight cancer and reducing high blood pressure.
1/2 cup of shredded red cabbage
1/2 a banana (frozen is best)
1/4 cup of raspberries
1/2 cup almond milk
1/2 cup water
Ginger* (to taste)
1 scoop of vanilla protein powder (optional)
Just bung it in your blender and blitz. If it’s too thick for you, add more liquid.
I’m going to be blogging a bit more about essential oils in the next few weeks/months (including running some online workshops on how to use essential oils, if you’re interested, sign up to my newsletter for details)
But I just wanted to do a quick post on why I use oils when it comes to looking after my skin.
First of all, oil is a simple, clean ingredient and much like what we eat, the less processed our beauty products are, the better they are for us. My top tip is that if you see the word “fragranced” or “perfumed” then it’s been tinkered with. Stick to organic, cold pressed oils for the best results.
I love Autumn. And I think it’s the perfect time to get out and explore. And if you want to make your exploration footprint a little lighter, you’re in luck as here are 5 of my favourite things to do in Wales that are also, would you believe, eco friendly.
Take a walk along the Llandegfedd reservoir trail
If you’re a local and haven’t been to Llandegfedd for a while then you’ll be pretty surprised to see the changes. Back in the Easter they opened a new visitor’s centre and cafe as well as a new six and a half mile, scenic route around the reservoir. The circular trial will have walkers going through woodland, pasture, a conservation zone and a golf course, where you’ll see loads of wildlife and be treated to wonderful views over the reservoir. And don’t worry if you don’t fancy a six mile jaunt, you can just do parts of it as it links in to other footpaths along the way.
Take a trip to the Senedd (The National Assembly for Wales)
If you’re planning to head down to Cardiff Bay, then do stop in the Senedd whilst you’re there. It is one of the most environmentally friendly parliament buildings in the world and made from traditional Welsh materials such as slate and Welsh oak. You can go in and have a wander around, grab a cup of coffee and go to the public galleries where you can observe Plenary in the Siambr, which is the Assembly’s debating chamber.
Newport Wetlands
Continue reading “5 Things to do in Wales this Autumn that are good for the planet”
The more my blog evolves, the more I find myself writing for busy women. Probably because I am one myself, so I understand the need to want to get more done in less time.
But being busy doesn’t mean you can’t be healthy. So I’m starting a new series of posts to provide you with some tips to help you “hack” your health without using up lots of your valuable time.
First up: Automate your eating.
How much of your time is spent thinking about what you’re going to have for your breakfast/lunch/dinner? Only to then go home and throw a frozen pizza in the oven because you just can’t think about it any longer?
Trust me. I’ve been there and if I’m honest, unless I plan – it still happens.
By automating your eating and planning your meals ahead of time helps you prevent making unhealthy last-minute food choices.
Automating your eating isn’t about eating the exact same thing every day. You can have a small – and make sure it’s small because the point of this exercise is to make your life easier – rota of foods that you can choose from. When you get up in the morning and you know what you’re going to be eating for the day – that’s one less decision you need to make.
Dr Oz has famously said how he eats blueberries and greek yogurt every morning because it saves him time debating over what to have for breakfast and therefore avoids the dreaded decision fatigue that so many of us encounter on a daily basis.
