Seeing a Perth dietitian for wellbeing!

Diet by D’Zyne

It’s often thought that dietitians are for those people who already have a health problem. Seeing a dietitian for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity or being underweight is common because it can be a way to manage, change or prevent a condition without the use of medication.

However it’s not just the unwell that can make the most of dietitians. Seeing a dietitian can greatly improve your general well-being. As Jo-Anne Dembo, Accredited Practicing Dietitian from DIET BY D’ZYNE says

“Your body is like a car, and if you try to use cheap oil as fuel, then your car is not going to work efficiently.”

The same goes for your body, you have to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to work properly and look after itself. If you don’t feed your body the right foods, it can rebel against you. You might not see the effects immediately but you will in the end.

The simplest way to improve your diet, is to pick good foods, fruit and vegetables, complex carbohydrates, foods with a low fat content and your proteins too, eat small meals and eat often. A little of everything and not too much of anything. If you’re eating well and are doing a regular amount of physical activity (don’t chicken out, work up a sweat) then you are allowed to treat yourself occasionally. Whether your treat is some chocolate or a small plate of pasta is up to you.

Don’t get your hopes up though, just because you’re seeing a dietitian doesn’t mean change will be easy! There’s no secret pill and you won’t walk out having lost 10 kilos, you have to do as you’re told. That being said, they won’t cut out all the things you like, leaving you with carrot sticks for every meal. Small changes can make a big difference and it’s not as hard as you might think.

To touch on the vegetarian, vegan and raw diets, if you’re thinking about changing to one of these or have already, it would be good to see a dietitian. To live a healthy life, you do need to make sure you are getting enough of all the essential vitamins & minerals. If you’re not eating correctly you can miss out on these, but this goes for everyone and is possibly even more relevant to those who don’t eat many fruit and vegetables. Remember, a healthy well balanced diet is just the start, if your focus is on a lifestyle approach, you will see results. To get the most out of your life and your body it’s a great idea to see an Accredited Practicing Dietitian.

Changing your diet, while simple, can pre-empt health issues for the long term and also make you feel wonderful in the short term. Changing to a healthier diet can have different effects on people, you could get more energy during the day, you could lose weight and your skin could clear up. So not only will you start feeling better, you’ll start looking better too.

If your family has a history of health issues, looking at diet early on can delay or lessen the effects of those.

To find a consulting Accredited Practicing Dietition, check out the DAA home page http://www.daa.asn.au, call 1800 812 942 or search the Yellow Pages.

E: nationaloffice@daa.asn.au

(There is a search function on the website to find dietitians in your area!)

Article by Liv Bambola!

Posted in Alternative Therapy, Food, Wellness Tips | 3 Comments »

Is your makeup and skincare making you sick?

♥

Every day when I wake up in the morning I grab some breakfast, have a shower and then commence my daily beauty routine.

If it’s a casual day I’ll apply moisturiser, sunscreen, foundation and lip gloss. If it’s a work day then my blush, lip liner, mascara and lipstick will also make an appearance, and being a makeup artist if I’m getting ready for a night on the town then my friend the makeup kit joins me.

Doesn’t seem like a big deal, considering it takes me on average little more than 10 minutes to complete this morning ritual, though you might be surprised when I tell you that the Australian woman absorbs approximately 2kg of chemicals into her body through the skin each year.

In an effort to look our best, some of us use up to 20 different products a day, I’m sure you’re thinking “no way”, but if you had a think about what your apply to your face and body everyday – and then also take into account reapplication throughout the day then 20 isn’t really an unrealistic number! And just to really add to the “yuk” factor – nine out of 10 people use products which are past their use by date!

So at this point I’m sure some of you might be saying “so what”? Well what you might not be aware of is that many of the products contain synthetic chemicals which have been linked to side effects ranging from skin irritation to premature ageing and even cancer.

Richard Bence, a biochemist who has spent three years researching conventional products, said: “We really need to start questioning the products we are putting on our skin and not just assume that the chemicals in them are safe. We have no idea what these chemicals do when they are mixed together, the effect could be much greater than the sum of the individual parts.”

I hear you saying well I apply it externally on my skin, it’s not like I’m eating the stuff! Well contrary to popular belief absorbing chemicals through the skin is actually more dangerous than swallowing them. The human body is pretty clever, when we ingest food and drink through our mouths, it kick starts digestion, saliva in the mouth contains enzymes that break down the chemicals, and then the stomach does it thing and so on. When you apply skincare, chemicals are absorbs through the skin and get straight in to your bloodstream, there is no protection.

Of course not all chemicals are detrimental to our health but some you might like to keep an eye out for are parabens (para-hydroxybenzoic acids) which are used in products including soap, shampoo, deodorant and baby lotion. Traces of parabens have been found in breast tumour samples, although its link to the development of the cancer is disputed. Sodium lauryl sulphate, used to help create lather in soaps, shampoo, shaving foam, toothpaste and bubble bath, can cause skin irritation. (Paul Stokes—The Daily Telegraph)

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that you need to throw out your favourite shade of lip gloss, do away with your magic foundation or leave your house make up free – I just ask that tomorrow morning when you start your daily beauty routine have a quick read of what’s in the product your using and ask yourself the question is there any ingredient contained in the product that you don’t want swimming around contaminating your blood?

Eleni Cardaci is the Founder of Safire Natural Skincare and is passionate about raising awareness about Health & Wellbeing. To find out more Eleni and Safire Natural Skincare visit http://www.safire.com.au

Posted in Wellness Tips | Comments Off on Is your makeup and skincare making you sick?

Nailed it! (Part 1) Fantasy Nails, Bedford.

Acrylic Nail Salons in the Eastern ‘Burbs.

I love having acrylic nails. I can’t help it. I am addicted to the shiny, neat way my hands look when they’re just done.

Due to domestic downsizing, I went without them for a year and I eventually learnt that I am simply not disciplined enough to sit in front of telly, dutifully filing, shaping, buffing and coating all ten of those little suckers when I can pay someone else to do it in half the time.

So around Christmastime, in a fit of desperation, I had a full set of French acrylics back on. Being an acrylic aficionada, I was significantly underwhelmed with the result (at a service that shall remain nameless). So began the searching for a decent salon that would tick all the boxes.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with acrylic nails, acrylics are mixed by a nail technician from powder to create an acrylic material which adheres to your natural nail, making it very tough and durable. Depending on your nail growth, the acrylic takes about 3-4 weeks to grow to the point where your nails need to be “rebalanced” or in-filled.

“Permanent French” refers to creating a “French” manicured-look by using a white powder for the tip, then a pink powder for the nail bed. Typically, nail technicians should have appropriate qualifications, and of course, you should aim to check that out.

Over the coming months, I will be road testing a few nail salons in the eastern metro area and then rating them according to five categories: service, technique (of the technician and tools used), the finished nail form (whether a natural look is created through the ratio of pink and white, the shape and the thickness of finished nails), time, cost, plus an overall star rating, out of 5

Now remember, this is based on my opinion and how I like my nails to look; your requirements may be different but hopefully this will give you some hints about where and what to try.

For the purposes of our road-test, I will be having French in-fills, every 4 weeks. (All in the name of science!)

Fantasy Nails

Shop 6, 1010 Beaufort St, Bedford.

What I had done: Permanent French acrylic refills, after 4 weeks’ growth.

Having been for a great, cheap pedicure at Fantasy Nails, I was hopeful that their acrylics would also fit the bill. I wasn’t disappointed. They actually seem to know something about nail health. The lovely tech noticed the red area below my old acrylic and commented that the nail bed had been damaged through the last tech filing too thin. (Needless to say, this was not at Fantasy Nails). This has left a line, visible through the new acrylic and that has to grow out. I thought this was just an unfortunate side-effect since I’d had this before and no one else had ever spotted it. Colour me impressed.

Service

I made an appointment for late on a Thursday afternoon, although you can just walk in. If they’re busy, you may need to wait. The atmosphere is friendly, but efficient. Sure, chatter away, if you like, or not. It’s not a requirement. I didn’t make any new BFFs but I was treated respectfully and with a smile.
Nail form

Perfect ratio of white to pink – the white started just slightly lower than it would on my natural nail so they will continue to look balanced for at least two weeks. Nails were shaped square-round, as requested – smooth with no sharp corners. Thickness was the only aspect that let the form down – I prefer my nails reed-thin and this takes more time – a couple of nails look a bit chunky when looking laterally, down the nail. But from the top (and particularly when waving the little darlings around), the form is spot on.

Technique

I thought I’d seen it all until my nail tech used the end of a tip to cut into the drying white acrylic to create the curve. The result is a very clean line between the white and the pink, following the natural curve and shape of your finger. Electric drills are used, along with emery boards and buffers. The big surprise was the buffing paste. Ordinarily, I have a gel coat over the acrylic to create a shiny, wet look. My tech advised me that the gel overcoat isn’t necessary and instead, used a pink buffing paste which gave the acrylic a far more natural sheen. The buffed finish is looks glossy and smart.

Time

Woah! Super-quick. I was in and out in 45 minutes.

Cost

Not the cheapest refills at $55 + $5 for one tip but worth it for the finish.

Overall rating

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ (4.5)

Fantasy Nails also operates in Subi and Booragoon. Also give the pedicure a go (the chairs are brill!).

Article by Bron: I am 39, married and a full-time health professional. Like most busy women, I work way too hard and struggle to make my own health a priority. But I’m beginning to understand that wellbeing is all about having a rich, full and balanced life. (It is possible to love food, drink good wine and feel healthy – it’s called “living”!). One area I’m passionate about is how our psychological and emotional health interconnects with our physical health, particularly the role of stress. So I really look forward to writing about the stuff that I’m curious about, or battle with, and hope that it answers questions for you too 🙂
Bron x
PS Oh, and at this age, I’m also learning that gravity wins, no matter what!

Posted in Beauty Salon, North of River, Other, Reviews | 1 Comment »

Food Review: The Juicy Beetroot, Fremantle.

Tofu Burger @ The Juicy Beetroot, Fremantle.

Once upon a time in a sunny little town by the sea, existed a quaint cafe nestled down a mysteriously secret lane. Those who stumbled upon this lane by chance, or a lifetime of searching, were treated to a bounty of healthy vegetarian & vegan options to fuel them for their next adventure… this cafe was known to the travellers as “The Juicy Beetroot“.

The Juicy Beetroot is, as mentioned in a weird storybook kind of way, a bit of a hidden gem in Fremantle. You most likely wont find it if you’re not looking for it, as it’s not located near the main shopping / eating district.

One thing to mention is that the dining atmosphere is EXTREMELY casual, with a mish mash of chairs & tables, mismatched plates and cups and a cooler where you go to fill your own steel cup with water. The place has a hippie / buddhist kind of vibe to it, with coloured flags and Eastern style paintings and decorations.

There’s the option to sit indoors or outdoors in the sun and under the trees, which is what I usually do to get some Vitamin D.

A word of warning: The trees that grow outside seem to be very attractive to a particular type of small bug, and if you are sitting right under one of the trees, bugs can be known to fall onto the table or your plate or yourself… so do be careful to watch out for these lest you accidentally ingest one 🙂

The Tofu Burger ($9) is fabulous and definitely worth going out of your way for. A large slab of marinated tofu on one of the most delicious rolls I have ever tasted (I think it might be Abhis Bakery) with avocado, beetroot (which I usually nix), tomato, lettuce, vegan mayo and pesto.

To wash it down I had a self concocted apple, pear & lemon juice. Tasty.

My friend enjoyed his variety of 3-4 curries and brown rice ($9), but just quietly I think the Tofu Burger was better!

Juicy Beetroot is recommended for super casual, healthy, lunchtime meals. As well as the burger and curries, they have a hot dish of the day (Pumpkin Lasagne when we were there), pre-made variety of rolls on crisp baguettes, smoothies, a mix of interesting cold salads, desserts and little sweets.

Please note they don’t accept EFTPOS!

Tum Tum Tree Lane,
132 High St, Fremantle

08-9433-4488

Type: Vegan-friendly
Half price specials after 3pm. Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm. Cash only.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Dining, Food, South of River | 17 Comments »

Spa Review: My First Time! Facial @Beauty Cove Day Spa.

So for my first review, I thought it would be appropriate to share my first experience with a Day Spa! This was in 2007 and after ruthlessly researching online I decided upon the ‘Beauty Cove Day Spa’ in South Perth for a facial treatment… little did I know I was opening the door for an overwhelming love affair of massages, facials and everything pampering. Here goes!

(Note: This review is written in fairly simple terms as it was my first!)

http://www.beautycove.com.au

Upon entering I immediately noticed a small water feature in the corner which provided a soothing atmosphere, the girls were all friendly, gentle music playing and a very good feel overall to the entrance area.

They made me fill out a form all about my skin type, what I hoped to get out of my session, previous treatments I had used, drink preferences etc etc, which I thought was really nice! they offered me a drink and i waited 5-10 mins to go in.

I went and put my belongings in a little locker, was given a cute robe i was to put on & it had a little flower on top when it was resting in the cupboard which i thought was cute! The room i was in was really clean and dimly lit – very relaxing.

The facial I chose:

“USPA FACIALS
CONCEPT FACIALS

The facial begins with a ritual footbath, the relaxation continues with a back massage. Then your face is pampered with deep cleansing, exfoliation and warm towels to deeply infuse rich botanical ingredients. The facial is completed with a foot and scalp massage. Allow 90 mins”

It was DIVINE! the woman doing it was really professional, it felt great, at no point was I uncomfortable..she applied the hot towels to my face so well, it was my fav part 😀 face was cleansed, exfoliated, (maybe toned), massaged, steamed, hot towelled, masqued, cooling eye pads applied. the massage was excellent too. i left feeling sooooooooo relaxed and pampered which i would hope from what i paid!!!

The only con is that the BT tried to make me buy a few products at the end which i felt a bit awkward saying no to.

so overall……..8-9/10. very recommended and they have some cheaper facials/treatments too.

So as you can see, my younger self was very impressed with this new world that I had discovered! Beauty Cove is still one of my favourite places to get a treat, the massages there are amazing (ask for Kate), I’m dreaming of one right now… unfortunately I’ve just returned from a crazy holiday & am in no position to do so. But when I am I will pop down there again!

This place is highly recommended!

Posted in Day Spa, South of River | Comments Off on Spa Review: My First Time! Facial @Beauty Cove Day Spa.