Posts belonging to Category 'Wellness Tips'

7 Tried & Tested Ways to Get Glowing by Tomorrow!

Feeling a little dull? Lost that sparkle in your eye? We live in a fast-paced world where stress can get the better of us, sleep is not a priority, we’re stuck in air-conned offices or exposed to harsh sunny rays and all of that can cause us to lose that ethereal radiance from within. Check out these simple ways you can wake up with an island holiday glow.

1. Sip on a mug of warm lemon water

There’s a reason so many health-conscious celebs choose to wake up in the morning by drinking a mug of warm lemon water – it’s amazing for skin, energy and digestion! Hydration is super important for our circulation and skin elasticity, so any extra water you can sneak into your day is going to do great things for your bod. While lemon juice is acidic, when it gets into your digestive system, it actually has the opposite effect and is alkalising. This helps ensure our tummies don’t secrete too much or too little hydrochloric acid (which is what happens when we eat so we can break down food) and in turn, makes digestion a treat. Happy guts = happy skin! It’s a great little habit to get into to refresh your body in the morning, and perhaps replace any habits that could be exacerbating any dullness in your mind or body (I’m looking at you, coffee).

How: Just squeeze half a lemon into a mug, fill halfway with cold water, then the rest with boiling water.

2. Get some antioxidants in for breakfast

Smoothies are not only easy to digest, but they’re great to get some fresh, green goodness in before you’ve even left the house. For a summery combo full of antioxidants and hydrating veg, try this green smoothie recipe:

♥ 1 Lebanese cucumber
♥ Big handful of spinach
♥ 1 cup frozen blueberries
♥ Half a lemon.

For an extra fresh hit, add a few mint leaves and for a creamy texture and a dose of healthy skin-loving essential fatty acids, add half an avocado.

How: Simply blitz, pour and drink! If you find you get hungry if you just have a smoothie for breakfast, try chewing on a small handful of raw nuts before your smoothie. The chewing action prepares your stomach to digest your smoothie slowly, and the fats and fibre from the nuts will help keep you satiated.

3. Get those fats in

It was the scam of the last century and we’re still getting over the hangover of being told fat makes us fat – avoid at all cost! The truth is, healthy fats are literally essential for our bodies to function optimally, but more importantly (right?), for our skin to ooze radiance.

Our cell walls are made of fats (as are our hormones, which can influence skin breakouts amongst other things if we don’t look after them), so it’s important to keep our bodies happy with a regular fat intake.

How: Try to work any of these foods into your daily diet: raw nuts, avocado, olive oil, raw seeds, eggs, coconut oil/milk/cream/flakes.

Sodashi Brightening Marine Mineral Mask – $120

4. Treat your skin to a natural, nourishing mask and moisturiser

Topical treatments are the cherry on the cake when it comes to your skin. Clear, glowing complexions are built from good lifestyle and diet choices, but skincare adds a little extra somethin’ somethin’. We love brands that are completely natural with amazing active ingredients designed to completely nourish your skin.

How: Once or twice a week, use a gentle cleanser to wash your face, pat dry and slather on a face mask rich in glow-inducing ingredients (we love Sodashi’s Brightening Marine Mineral Mask because it’s packed with revitalising phytonutrients and detoxifying marine minerals). Leave on as directed, rinse and follow up with a rich and creamy moisturiser (Mukti Organics makes a fantastic Marigold Hydrating Crème which my skin just DRINKS UP!).

5. Fall asleep before 11pm

In the sleep world, 11pm is the golden hour after which the magic happens. Those who fall asleep before 11pm tend to have more restful, restorative sleeps than those who fall asleep after 11pm. Plus, the earlier hours of the night are typically when we have deeper, restorative non-REM sleep and shifts to lighter, dream-filled REM sleep as the night wears on (and this shift occurs during the night regardless of when we go to sleep because #circadianrhythms). Hitting the hay early means more deep sleep and a fresher face in the morning thanks to the opportunity you’ve given your body to repair and refresh itself.

How: Dim the lights or go tech-free at least an hour before bed to stimulate melatonin production and wriggle into bed when you start getting sleepy. Oh, and leave your phone on the other side of the room (your Insta feed will still be there in the morning).

6. Lavender is not just for old ladies

If you struggle to get to sleep, particularly with an active mind, try brain dumping your thoughts into a cute journal and then spritzing some lavender essential oil on your pillow. Lavender is amazing for de-stressing and cueing our bodies to relax and unwind. Plus, it smells amazing! It’s like a lullaby for our brains and when we’re not wired, we get a deeper sleep. Goodbye under-eye bags!

How: Grab a mini spray bottle from the travel section in your local chemist and fill with water or rose water with a few drops of lavender essential oil. Keep next to your bed and mist liberally before you hop into bed.

Go-To Skincare Face Case – $65

7. Cotton on to a silk pillowcase

They’ve been on the health and beauty radar a lot recently, but silk pillowcases do really stand up to the hype. If you’re one who suffers from pillowcase wrinkles (“crease-face”) in the mornings, you’ll love resting your head on silk case. The natural fabric is gentle on your face, shifting with your skin rather than causing friction and wrinkle marks. It’s breathable, which also means it’s less likely to harbour bacteria that can cause or aggravate acne, and won’t absorb skincare like cotton, allowing your skin to reap the most benefit from your products. Added bonus for those of us in the messy-bun-to-bed club – silk pillowcases have a lot more slip and less friction than cotton, so your hair won’t pull or tangle as much as you sleep.

How: There are lots of brands to choose from these days, but be sure to buy a 100% natural silk pillowcase. Our pick is the Go-To Skincare Face Case which is all kinds of cute, and the perfect gift!

Try these tips today and let us know how you go!

What are your favourite tips for glowing skin ASAP? Leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you!

Be well,

Gemma & Annette

xoxo

Taline Gabrielian’s Secret to Seriously Glowing Skin.

If you haven’t heard of Taline Gabrielian yet, you’re in for a real treat. This gorgeous babe has one of the prettiest Instagram’s I’ve EVER seen, and the best part is it’s all super-healthy food related. Win. From rainbow superfood toasts, star studded rice paper rolls & smoothie bowls to make your mouth water, Taline has got it goin ON. And she’s just released her first recipe book so that us mere food mortals can get in on the brightly coloured superhealth action.

Here are three of Taline’s top tips for looking & feeling your very best – enjoy!

♥ Instagram: @talinegabriel

1. What is your top smoothie recipe for glowing skin?

My fave green smoothie has all that you need for glory skin – lime, avocado, ginger, cucumber and leafy greens. Nourishing, tasty and beauty boosting – the right combination.

♥ Instagram: @talinegabriel

2. You have a SUPER busy day ahead, what meals/morning practices do you make sure to squeeze in so that you can make the most out of your day?

Organisation is key. I will often start with a power smoothie in the morning (my blueberry smoothie is a powerhouse!) to give me energy to get through my day. I pack myself snacks like nuts and fruit or a carrot muffin if I have one on hand. And I often prep ingredients for dinner in the morning so that when I’m home after work, it simply involves a throw together of pre-cut veg. Pre-cooking quinoa or pasta is also really handy.

♥ Instagram: @talinegabrielian

3. How do you wind down after a long day?

I’m all about grazing with my family or besties to wind down and sometimes that will involve some sparkly drinks, olives and my snack platter – which includes some super tasty flax crackers I make (recipe in my new book!) and a variety of colourful dips. Other times, when I want some quiet me-time, it’s a candlelit bath, some loungy tunes and a warming spicy chai latte. My favourite ritual!

Thanks Taline! If you want to find out more you can follow her on Instagram, or check out Hippie Lane – The Cookbook and you’ll be whipping up beautiful and incredibly healthy food in no time!

Be well,

xoxo

Why to Add an Acai Bowl to Your Next Beach Date!

@breakfastinperth

One of my favourite things to do in the Perth Summer is, not surprisingly, hit the beach with friends and enjoy our incredibly beautiful coastline.

Deep blue water, bright blue sky & shimmering sand. On any given day above 30 there’s a high chance that I can be found at Cottesloe, City Beach or Floreat, basking in a little sunshine and gently working on my freckles.

Growing up with fair skin means that the fear of the sun has been drummed into me from a tender age, and as such, you’ll also find me covered from head to toe with SPF 50+ sunscreen, a hat & a light shirt for extra protection if needed. Couple this with multiple sunscreen reapplications and a once yearly skin cancer check at my doctors (I highly encourage this for anyone who spends a bit of time in the sun or is fair skinned) and I generally feel like I’m pretty much set up for sun smart success.

However, there is one more avenue we can take in order to boost our bodies’ amazing ability to protect us from the sun, especially when we’re dealing with old mate ‘hole in the ozone layer’ here in Perth – what we eat!

While it may sound like a pretty hippie concept, hear me out, your tastebuds & skin will thank you. Quick Q & A time:

Q: Why are some specific berries, fruits & veggies so high in antioxidants in the first place?

A: Because they have evolved over time to create extremely high levels in order to protect themselves from the sun. BLOODY GENIUSES! One of the main functions of antioxidants in plants is to prevent them from burning & wilting, so certain plants that are exposed to high levels of sunlight work extra hard to produce more, and in turn these benefits are passed on to us when we consume them.

If you’re now wondering what foods are best to snack on pre-beach, try one of the following:

Acai berries. As one of the highest sources of antioxidants, this tasty berry is definitely on the list. Beaches and frozen acai bowls are a match made in sun-protection heaven, and as a bonus cool you down & contain lots of healthy essential fatty acids for smooth skin. I absolutely cannot go past the Acai Bowl at Natures Harvest in Cottesloe, topped with the gluten free muesli & dried figs, followed up with a dip at Cott Beach. It’s the most refreshing way to start a Summer morning!

Cacao anything! Cacao is packed with flavanols (a special type of antioxidant) that improve the bodies ability to protect against UV-induced sunburns. Pick up a NOOD Choc Nut Smoothie and be on your way.

Goji berries. Similar to acai, goji berries are packed full of an impressive variety of antioxidants. My New Roots has an amazing little recipe for Goji Ginger Lemonade that looks incredible & is on my list to try before the next beach date!

Hopefully you’ve found this helpful, do let me know if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to answer them or have a nutritionist do so on my behalf!

Happy beaching! xx

Be well,

Annette

Wellness Wrap-Up: Fire & Flow Launch, Two Perth CBD Vegan Lunch Options, Bowl’n is Back & LaFIT is Coming to Highgate!!

Hey wellness lovers! Welcome to a new bi-weekly series which will bring you all the latest beauty, health & wellness happenings in Perth 🙂 I hear so many exciting bits and pieces of news on a daily basis and am really looking forward to sharing all the brand new local wellness news every 2 weeks! Let me know what you think of this new section xo

♥ Fire & Flow Launch @ Matisse Beach Club in Scarborough

Launched this week is the brand new fitness method, Fire & Flow, which is a blend of sweaty High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) to get your endorphins buzzing & heart pumping, followed by a gentle yoga flow to calm the mind and body – it’s the perfect mix to get you fit, toned & totally zen. Classes will be held in Wembley to begin with, and Fire & Flow offer an instructor-training for those who want to run their own sessions of this unique style! Head to the Fire & Flow website to find out how you can #sweatandreset!

♥ Perth CBD Vegan Cafe – Roark & Co!

Seeing more and more vegan & vegetarian options popping up in our little city makes my heart incredibly happy. As I work in the CBD and there is strangely very few great vego options around, I had resigned myself to the deliciousness and expanding waistline that Lord of the Fries (an all vegetarian fast food chain!) brings.

Enter newcomers Roark & Co + Kat’s Snacks. Both 100% vegan, 1000% delicious and conveniently situated very close to each other in Raine Square, making it your one stop shop for ridiculously tasty veg delights in the CBD.

Roark & Co serve up Pulled Jackfruit Wraps, which are incredible, along with a rotating selection of salads, loads of different patties, home-made soup, cold-pressed juice, kombucha and more. Plus the service is super friendly!

♥ Vegan Chocolate & Peanut Butter Sprouted Mini Loaves @ Kat’s Snacks – ’nuff said

Kat’s Snacks will have you dreaming of their Sprouted Mini Loaves which will thrill your tastebuds while giving you stable energy through the day. Their Peanut Noodle Salad and Lentil Burger with Hand-Cut Fries are my personal favourites, and they also serve up fresh pies, toast with loads of different toppings which look amazing & much more.

Be sure to pay both of these small local businesses a visit! They are both located on the ground floor of Raine Square and are open weekdays 🙂

Bowl’n is almost back!

Ever since CBD favourites Bowl’n disappeared from their William Street location earlier in the year, the city has been sorely lacking in superfood smoothies & bowls. With warmer weather just around the corner – apparently! – our favourite Instagram-able treats are about to return to our fair city. With a new location on King Street/St Georges Terrace currently in the works, it wont be long before city workers can get their daily dragonfruit fix, bump up productivity with a cacao smoothie & pack in the acai antioxidants after a weekend of partying. I can’t wait.

♥ LaFIT Studio in Subiaco… opening in Highgate soon! Photo: The Essentialist Blog

The Life Changing Magic of LaFIT. For those of you who haven’t tried it yet, LaFIT is a one-of-a-kind (literally, there are no other studios in Perth offering this method), body-sculpting, butt-toning, low-impact workout that takes place on a Megaformer, will leave your body shaking & basically works fitness miracles.

It’s been many months since I’ve taken a class and my Winter body is begging me to get back there. Luckily for me, and you, the babes Claire & Jaye behind this sensation are in the process of opening a second studio in Highgate… and rumour has it that this new studio will also be bringing another brand new workout style that has a cult-like status in New York & LA to our little city. Care to take a guess?!

Which of these wellness tidbits are you most excited about?! Leave me a comment below and we can chat about it! If you hear of anything new popping up feel free to drop me a line too!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Why I saw A Naturopath When I Felt Healthier Than Ever.

It’s been 4 years since I last popped in for a check up with my naturopath, Marnie Downer. In those past 4 years I have undergone some huge changes in my life – from working in the fast paced world of agency PR while running this website, to leaving the PR world behind for a part-time job at lululemon with dreams of growing the website to a full-time gig, and then unexpectedly starting a high-stress business from scratch for the next 3 years. During that time my body & mind were pushed to their limits. I lost 10 kilos, gained it back again & had at LEAST 2 mental breakdowns in the process.

While I’m in a much better place emotionally & physically now and I’m a big believer that everything you experience is valuable and full of lessons, I can’t help but wish I’d kept in touch with Marnie while I was going through it all so she could have helped me care for myself a little better!

Today I went to see her again for a very different reason than I have previously, and I’m going to suggest that you should do the same (with her, or another naturopath that you like the look of!) no matter what is going on in your life.

Right now, I’m in a really good place. I enjoy my job, am completing yoga teacher training, have 2-3 days off a week, am learning to cook and meal prep nourishing meals, getting Wellness WA back up and running, sleeping well, low anxiety, learning to run, starting personal training again next week… I could go on as there really are loads of things I am happy about and grateful for in my life at the moment.

However, how often do we only seek help when things are dire? When we’ve well & truly hit the wall. Ground zero. Nowhere else to go.

What if we flipped this and continued working to improve ourselves and our lives when things are already going well?

With this in mind I decided to book in to see what I could tweak and improve in my “pretty good, most of the time, except when I drink wine, eat chocolate & smash a packet of chips” health & wellness routine, so that I can run with the good things that I’ve already got, and maybe add a few little improvements here and there to see even greater results.

It was well worth the appointment and I learnt that the next steps for me personally are taking an activated vitamin b supplement to improve stress resilience, drinking licorice tea to support my adrenal glands, upping the hot water with lemon for overall vitality & making sure to make my green tea with 80 degree water instead of boiling so that all the goodness is intact.

I also feel really empowered knowing that someone has my back nutritionally, knows my full medical history & diet and is making her recommendations based on my personal body makeup and goals.

I wholeheartedly recommend a visit to a naturopath (Marnie or otherwise) – they can tell you all kinds of things you never knew about yourself and your body, and I find I learn something new every single time I have an appointment. Whether you have an acute issue, are feeling a bit stressed or even are just tired all of the time, there is help available and it’s only a phone call or an email away 🙂

So, have you considered seeing a naturopath before? Are you in a dire situation physically or mentally? Or are things going pretty good but maybe they could be just a little bit better? Let me know – my passion for this area has been reinvigorated and I’d love to help point you in the right direction!

Be well,

Annette

xoxo