TOP 9 // Beauty Foods for Beautiful Skin

Now that the weather is getting hotter everyone's shedding their winter skins for their fresh summer selves! Why not get these 9 beauty foods on your plate to make sure your summer skin has that inner glow? 

1. Water

2. Coconut

3. Avocado

4. Leafy Greens

5. Dark Chocolate

6. Blueberries

7. Almonds

8. Sweet Potato

9. Salmon 

Remember ladies and gents, water is ESSENTIAL to a beautiful complexion, especially in this warmer weather, so drink up!! 

ML 

Superfood Snippets // PINEAPPLES

SUPERFOOD SNIPPET // Spices

For centuries it has been known that herbs and spices not only add depth and flavour to our meals but they have endless benefits to our health and wellbeing. While science is yet to prove that any spice can cure a disease, it is a known fact that several spices can help manage some chronic conditions. Additionally, by seasoning your meals with spices as opposed to salt, sugars and other sources of saturated fat you're reducing your risk of many health problems caused by these foods. Have a look at eight of our favourite health-loving spices!

M.L. 

CLEAN EATING RECIPES // Easy Anzac Biscuits

These tastily little treats are my go-to snack whenever I'm feeling peckish or in need of a sweet hit without feeling guilty! Containing holistic, natural ingredients, these Anzac Biscuits are a clean take on our Aussie classic - but no flavour is scarified! They are still deliciously sweet, chewy, rich and satisfying, but they don't contain all the processed sugar and butter that the originals do! They only take 20 minutes to make and there's minimal mess to clean up a the end! Why not give them a try this weekend? I just left the batch I made out on the kitchen bench and half an hour later THREE were gone - and the only other person in the house today is my dad, who NEVER goes for the low-fat version of anything because he hates the taste! So if they're good enough to fool my dad, they'll definitely fool all your friends and family into thinking they're the real deal. Enjoy! M. L. x 

CLEAN ANZAC BISCUITS

____________________________________________________________

Makes 6 - 8 

Vegetarian, Vegan & Dairy Free

Preparation Time: 20 minutes 

Ingredients

3/4 cup of rolled spelt or oats

1/4 cup of desiccated coconut

1/4 cup of almond meal

2 tablespoons of coconut oil

4 tablespoons of agave/ rice malt syrup 

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

Pinch of Himalayan sea salt 

Method

1. Preheat oven to 180 degrees Celsius / 360 degrees Fahrenheit 

2. In a large bowl combine the rolled spelt or eats, coconut and almond meal. 

3. Add the agave/ rice malt syrup, coconut oil, cinnamon, salt and 2 tablespoons of water to the bowl and mix together. 

4. Transfer the mixture to a blender of food processor and blend for 20 seconds. 

5. Using the mixture, form 6 - 8 small balls of dough and place onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. 

6. Bake in oven for 10 - 15 minutes or until golden brown.

7. Allow to cool completely before serving. 

And voila! Enjoy your delicious and clean Anzac Biscuits guilt-free at any time of day! 

IRON SOURCES // Vegetarian Edition

As most vegetarians are aware, it can be challenging to include enough iron in the daily diet without the help of supplements! Here are a few great vegetarian sources of iron that can easily be included in your everyday meals. 

A big thank you to Carly Fraser from Live Love Fruit for the wonderful infographic. 

M.L 

SUPERFOOD SNIPPET // Raw Honey

Raw honey is a wonderful superfood to include in your diet every day, because not only does it have numerous valuable health benefits but it's also really delicious! Here are some easy and tasty ways to include raw honey in your everyday diet without having to put in too much effort: 

- Top your rye toast with some low fat ricotta and raw honey for a tasty breakfast treat.

- Use raw honey as a natural sweetener in your tea, muesli or smoothies. 

- Marinate chicken breast in an equal mixture of raw honey and soy sauce with a touch of olive oil and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a delicious savoury dinner option before baking in the oven. 

- Before bed, have a cup of warmed milk (almond, soy, coconut, organic dairy or any other milk you prefer!) with a teaspoon of raw honey to calm your digestive system and get you ready for a good night's rest. 

There you have it! Feel free to comment any delicious raw honey tips and recipes below!

M.L. 

TOP 10 // ANTIOXIDANTS in Everyday Foods

Antioxidants are vital for fighting disease and keeping skin healthy and glowing as they fight free-radicals responsible for cancers and the ageing of cells. A diet high in antioxidants may reduce the risk of many diseases, including heart disease and many types of cancer. Antioxidants work to eliminate free radicals from cells within the body and also prevent or reduce the damage caused by oxidation.We've compiled a list of the TOP 10 antioxidant-rich everyday foods to get on your plate in your daily diet to maximise your health and wellbeing. 

10. RASPBERRIES

9. PRUNES

8. BLACKBERRIES

7. ARTICHOKE HEARTS

6. CRANBERRIES

5. BLUEBERRIES

4. PINTO BEANS

3. RED KIDNEY BEANS

2. WILD BLUEBERRIES

1. SMALL RED BEANS 

M.L. 

The Health Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing

What if I told you there was a simple beauty trick that only takes five minutes out of your day, costs next to nothing, and helps your body inside as well as out? Too good to be true? It’s not.

Dry skin brushing is the secret and it has long been a part of Ayurveda’s cleansing philosophies. Ayurveda is a 5000-year-old science originating in India and is believed by many to be the oldest healing science.

How does it work?

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.

As we age, our bodies become less effective in shedding outer layers of dead skin cells. This build-up of dead skin can result in a thick, dry and somewhat leathery look, which is often common with more mature skin. As well as exfoliating this outer layer, dry skin brushing also stimulates the sweat and oil glands, providing more moisture for the skin. It also helps keep young skin fresh, vibrant and free of breakouts.

Because your body breathes and absorbs essential nutrients through your skin, regular dry brushing will leave your skin clear of excess debris so it’s free to absorb oxygen and other nutrients into your body.

It also stimulates your body from the outside in. It works to cleanse the whole system and is an effective treatment for many ailments. Accumulated waste products in the body are known to contribute to many illnesses as well as premature ageing. Dry skin brushing also increases blood circulation, which helps to contribute to healthier muscle tone and better distribution of fat deposits, also known to many as cellulite.

In addition, dry skin brushing is believed to stimulate the lymphatic system by aiding the flow of lymph fluid throughout the body. The lymphatic system plays a vital role in elimination, helping to move toxins through the body. It also contributes to the strength of the body’s immune system by producing certain white blood cells and generating antibodies. The lymph system doesn’t rely on an automatic ‘pumping device’ like the cardiovascular system and it depends on the movement of muscles to keep it working.

There are many lymph nodes situated at different places in the body but the inner thighs and armpits hold the greatest number, so it can be helpful to pay extra attention to these areas when brushing. The lymph system flows towards the heart so it’s important to brush in the same flow as the lymphatic system.

Benefits of dry skin brushing

• Removes dead layers of skin and other outer impurities.
• Stimulates and increases blood circulation.
• Helps release fatty deposits under your skin’s surface.
• Assists the eliminative capacity of your body’s organs.
• Rejuvenates your cells.
• Strengthens your immune system.
• Increases muscle tone.
• Improves skin texture.
• Helps prevent premature ageing.

Step-by-step guide to dry skin brushing

1. It’s best to dry brush first thing in the morning before you shower. Start with light pressure until you’re used to the sensation, then move on to firmer strokes.
2. Use a natural bristled brush (like those found at www.naturalalchemist.com) or a loofah as a second choice. Avoid synthetic or nylon brushes or gloves as they’re too sharp and can damage the skin.
3. Start with the soles of your feet, use swift upward strokes and brush from the feet, up the legs, working towards your heart.
4. Once you’ve covered your lower body, move to your hands and work up your arms toward your heart in the same manner.
5. Next (using a long handle brush or get your partner to help out), brush your back.
6. Last, work on your abdomen (moving in a clockwise direction to follow the movement of the colon), chest and neck. It’s best to avoid your face as most people’s facial skin is too sensitive.
7. Brush for about three-to-five minutes until your skin is rosy and slightly tingly.
8. Always shower after you dry brush to wash off the dead skin.
9. Keep a separate dry brush for every member of the family, and be sure to periodically wash it.

NOTE: Avoid on broken or sensitive skin and take care to brush lightly over cellulite areas. 

ML