How Comfort Eating Is A Reflection Of Your Soulʼs Health.

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If how and what you eat was a reflection of your soul then what story would it tell you? Would the story read something like…“I love my body and enjoy nourishing it” Or “My life fulfills and nourishes me”? Or would it say something more along the lines of “I neglect my needs and stuff down feelings” or perhaps “I am unhappy and need some love and nurturing”?

There are many reasons for comfort eating that range from emotional to physical causes and even spiritual needs. I dont want to run through any of these with you right now, nor do I want to talk about how or why you should stop comfort eating, to be honest, it has many good sides to it too.

Instead I want to invite you to simply explore, with playful curiosity, your reasons for comfort eating, what makes you reach for certain foods and why. This is an exploration of you, of your soul.

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First up, its important to know that there is no right or wrong here, that whether you do or don't, how and why you comfort eat does not matter. For the sake of this exploration, lets pretend comfort eating is perfectly okay, you have full permission to just do what you feel.

To help you write your soulʼs story from a comfort eating session, here are a few questions to ask your self (remember…you have full permission to reach for it this time!):

♥ What was I feeling and thinking just before making the decision to get some comfort food?
♥ Why did I choose this particular food? What does it mean to me?
♥ How is this food serving me? What is the payoff for eating it?
♥ How is this food NOT serving me? ie: weight, food coma, no nutritional value etc…
♥ What deep need did I have when reaching for this?
♥ How do I feel physically and emotionally AFTER eating this?

Now sum up in one sentence or paragraph, what this tells you about yourself? What needs is your soul reaching out for? Then think about how else you could meet these needs. This could be physical, nutritional, emotional, mental or spiritual.

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Put pen to paper with this one, as there really is power in the written word. What comes out onto paper can give you the power of insight and clarity on the gorgeous soul that is you.

Are you a comfort eater? What comfort foods do you love? Are you trying to break the habit or perfectly happy comforting yourself with food? Lets talk below!

Michelle Sims is a Body & Soul Coach for women who are ready to unveil the real them with a radiant body to match. Michelle is an empathic and intuitive coach who is passionate about helping women to nourish their body, nurture their soul and ultimately energize their life. Before turning to her own business, Michelle had a successful career as a formally qualified Chef before completing a Bachelor of Food Science and Technology. It was Michelle’s keen interest in health and personal development, along with her own personal story of healing that inspired her to create her own business in order to share this with other women.

Email: michelle@wellnesswithmichelle.com
More Information: www.wellnesswithmichelle.com

Be well,

xoxo

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Raw Food "Cooking" Classes and Workshops in Perth!

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I've had a lot of emails asking me to suggest raw food “cooking” classes and workshops in Perth, so I thought I'd make a nice little database for everyone with a list of all the classes and workshop providers that I know of! Please send me an email if you think I'm missing someone and I'll update the list.

♥ Wellness with Michelle – http://www.wellnesswithmichelle.com/cooking-classes
♥ The Raw Kitchen – http://www.therawkitchen.com.au/The_Raw_Kitchen/Workshops.html
♥ The Health Collective – https://www.facebook.com/ReclaimHnF
♥ Loose Produce – http://www.looseproduce.com.au
♥ A Foodly Affair – http://afoodlyaffair.com/classes
♥ CNR Cafe – http://www.cnr.net.au

♥ Angie Mac – https://www.facebook.com/Angie.Mac.Australia

♥ Teach the World Raw – http://www.teachtheworldraw.org/index.htm
♥ Revital Health – http://www.revitalhealth.com.au
♥ AJ Wellness – http://ajwellness.com.au
♥ The Green Bean Store & Cafe – http://www.greenbeanstore.com.au
♥ Wild Raw – http://www.wildraw.com.au
♥ Rawsome – https://www.facebook.com/gorawsome
♥ Food Coaching with Marion Eggers http://www.foodcoaching.com.au/raw-food-classes-in-perth/

Have fun getting healthy and learning to whip up delicious raw treats! If I've missed any, please send me an email to let me know! X

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

Posted in Food | 5 Comments »

Healthy Breakfast Recipe: Quinoa & Coconut Bircher Muesli with Banana Almond Paste!

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Bircher muesli was invented by a Swiss doctor called Maximilian. Maximilian was a total dude; typically prescribing his patients gardening, muesli-eating and a 9pm bedtime! Max was really into people eating more fruit, and his original recipe has loads of fruit in it – but you’ll find modern bircher (and muesli in general) has more grains, less fruit.

Bircher sounds really complex and fancy but it’s mega easy. I’ve started making it a fair bit, easy to prep the night before and nice to wake up to… I like making a pretty neutral tasting bircher, so I leave out the apple juice and just use water and grated apple (which soaks the oats anyway). I then add a yum banana paste.

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Bircher Ingredients (makes two big serves)

♥ 3 x cups Rolled oats (not toasted)
♥ 1 x cup (cooked) quinoa
♥ ½ cup shredded coconut
♥ ½ cup slivered almonds
♥ 1 cup grated green apple
♥ 1 cup water
♥ Can add in some LSA mix, or seeds (i.e. pepitas) if you want

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Method: Pre-cook the quinoa as per the packet’s instructions, let it cool. Then mix all ingredients well in a big bowl. Cover with glad wrap, refrigerate overnight.

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Banana Cream

♥ ½ cup raw almonds (pre-soaked overnight)
♥ Handful dates
♥ 1 x banana

Method: Pre soak the almonds overnight. Combine the drained soaked almonds with the fresh banana and chopped dates in a food processor or blender, whiz until they form a smooth cream.

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Next day (serving instructions):

Dollop some bircher into the bowl then chuck a spoonful of the paste onto it. Then sweeten it up with fruit – a good one is grapefruit – the bitterness of it contrasts with the sweet banana cream well. I used mango and yellow nectarine. Throw a few more almonds on top, or pistachios, then drizzle with honey (yoghurt if you’re not using the banana cream) and that’s it!

Good to impress friends with if they come over for brunch; or take it to work for a breakfast that will keep you feeling full until basically mid-afternoon!

What do you think of this recipe? Are you a muesli fan? Lets chat Bircher muesli below!

Review by Thousands Perth City Guide editor Danielle Marsland, who is a pretty big fan of Bircher muesli, hey.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Food, Reviews | 3 Comments »

Q & A: Green Smoothies on the Go AKA How Long Will My Green Smoothie Last?

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Ever since participating in Green July last year (wow time flies!), I've made it my mission to continue having at least one green smoothie per day. Usually I have enough time in the morning to blend up a little green concoction and drink it for breakfast in the comfort of my own home- no weird looks or funny faces from anyone 😛

However on busy days or days that I start work early it can be challenging trying to fit in time to prep, blend and drink the daily green good stuff. Now I know I'm not the only one who suffers from this little dilemma and thanks to a email from a lovely Wellness WA reader I've got some answers for all your green smoothie on the go questions!

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How long will a green smoothie stay fresh for after I make it?
Most green smoothies will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, but you will lose some nutrients as it sits in the fridge. If you're rushed for time in the morning, making the smoothie before bed and storing it in an airtight bottle (glass is best) should see it stay fresh for breakfast the next morning. Another option would be to prep all the ingredients and put them in a zip lock bag, which can then be stored in the freezer overnight. That way in the morning all you have to do is add water or milk, blend and go!

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Can it be kept in the fridge at work and drunk at lunchtime?

Drinking green smoothies fresh in the morning is best, but if you want to drink it around lunchtime at work that's totally fine too! Again just make sure it is properly stored in an airtight bottle. If water separation occurs, just shake it around a little first before you drink!

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What fruits are best to use in a smoothie that won't be consumed immediately?

Smoothies containing bananas should be consumed immediately as bananas degrade more quickly than any other fruit (you may notice a weird change in the color and taste of your smoothie!). Other fruits and ingredients that are often included in green smoothies should stay fresh for the whole day. Berries are best!

Do you have any other green smoothie related questions? Leave a comment below if so, and our resident smoothie experts will answer all your queries!

Article by Kavisha, green smoothie addict who enjoys sharing the green love! She is currently studying for her Master of Wellness at RMIT University and blogs at Be Balanced. Be Well.

Be well,

xoxo

Posted in Green Smoothies | 6 Comments »

Beauty & Wellbeing Routine: Ashley Piotto, Founder of Fusion Life Perth.

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♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

I have been hooked on personal development ever since my Dad gave me the book ‘Coach Yourself’ after I graduated from school. The desire to really “find myself” was ignited so after a couple years of deliberation (aka fear) I moved to London to begin the search! I loved the cosmopolitan city that never sleeps and everywhere I went, even if it was just on the underground train to work – there was a sense of excitement. That you really can be whoever you want in this city and accepted for it. Moving back to Perth after the cold grey winters got the better of me and my business idea Fusion Life was born.

I wanted to bring a slice of London to Perth, to show the up and coming women that Perth can also be a place of excitement with lots to do. So day to day I now run Fusion Life which involves organizing personal/professional development and networking events in the city and updating the website with articles and tips on how to live a balanced lifestyle and make the most of our beautiful Perth!

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♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

I have always liked to experiment with different beauty products and very rarely purchase the same product twice. As my Fusion Life motto goes – balance is key and I like to keep trying new things on my ultimate search for a perfect balance!

Although I do have some faves of course:
• Palmers Cocoa Body Butter – yummy chocolatey scent and very nourishing.
• Aveeno Positively Radiant Face Moisturiser – natural as my face doesn’t need any more chemicals.
• Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser – face scrub gentle enough to use every day.
• Moroccan Oil Hair Treatment – everyone loves this for a reason! Helps condition and add shine to my newly blonde hair.
• Maybelline Nude Airfoam Moisturiser – like mousse for the face – goes on light and fluffy but gives me amazing coverage!

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Other activities that make their way into my beauty routine include:

• After my morning shower I always moisturize from head to toe.
• Use exfoliation gloves over my entire body at least twice a week.
• Drink lots of water throughout the day and take my daily Swisse Women’s Ultivite Multivitamin. If I don’t drink water I definitely notice the difference in my skin.

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♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

Of course you can’t go past a nice relaxing massage or facial. This helps to radiate beauty from the inside out. If I’m relaxed this shows in my care free and peaceful nature. I must admit I haven’t been to many in Perth lately, I was in Bali last year and loaded up on the treatments! If I were to have a massage or facial in Perth I would go to my brilliant beautician Corinne at The Beauty Chamber in Attadale.

♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

Jelosia – Amanda and Steph, they were recommendation by my beautician and my mum! About 11 months ago I decided to go blonde for the first time ever, I was a little nervous to see if it would suit me but the girls at Jelosia helped me gradually go from dark (almost black) to a nice golden blonde which I love. Their foils are right to the root and very fine so you get a great even colour. Blonde’s definitely have more fun!

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♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Love the facemask Formula 10.0.6 Deep Down Detox Ultra-Cleansing Mud Mask this is very affordable and makes my skin glow. Also doesn’t cause me to break out like I have a tendency to do with other facemasks. Also love to exfoliate my whole body with exfoliation gloves – makes my skin feel amazingly soft and smooth!

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♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

1. Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser – this is gentle enough to use every day and gets all the make-up off as well as making my skin look vibrant.

2. Redken Extreme Strength Builder Plus Hair Treatment – after going blonde my hair was so dry and seemed to snap off every time I combed it! After being used to long healthy brunette locks, the thinning blonde hair was very scary. I tried a few different treatments and nothing was working, my hair kept snapping! Then a good friend introduced me to the Redken Protein Treatment and my hair is becoming healthier every time I use it. Yay I can stay blonde!

3. Maybeline Unstoppable Eyeliner Onyx – I have used this ever since I discovered makeup and now if I don’t wear it I feel like I’m missing something!

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♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

It’s not really a secret – but the two things that really keep everyone alive are… oxygen and water! So when I wake up every morning I try to drink a big glass of water and take 5 deep belly breaths. This along with some gentle stretching puts me in the right frame of mind to conquer the day with peak energy and vitality. So my main tips are:

1. Breathe properly – this means breathing in deep, extending your stomach to get maximum lung capacity, hold for a few seconds and release slowly. Instant stress reliever, try it now!
2. Drink lots of water all through the day – add lemon if you’re feeling extra healthy, the lemon helps to alkalise your body (the less acidic your body is – the better you will feel)
3. Get moving – we’re not designed to sit in a chair for 8 hours. I know it’s cliché but take the stairs, get off the bus a few stops away from your house, take regular breaks from the computer – it all helps. Even better find a sport that you love or a running partner to keep you motivated.

Implement those 3 simple things every single day and you will definitely notice the difference to your energy levels – no coffee required!

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♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

I really need to try dry body brushing. Apparently this is like a detox for the skin and a few of the many benefits include:

• Removal of dead skin layers which leaves the skin looking more vibrant
• Reduction of cellulite
• Aids digestion
• Strengthens the immune system
• Increases the flow of blood which tightens the skin and prevents premature aging

And it is easy, inexpensive and invigorating to do. If it’s good enough for Miranda Kerr it’s good enough for me!

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♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

I normally wake up and have a big glass of water to kick start the day. Then I have a shot of wheatgrass which helps to keep my body more alkaline (as opposed to acidic.) This helps with the energy levels throughout the day.

I start work early at 7am so have something simple like muesli and yoghurt for breakfast. I love a bit of crunch so like to add almonds as well.

Lunch will usually be a tuna salad with whatever veggies are taking my fancy that week! Again I love the crunch so will add some walnuts or crunchy Asian noodles. If I haven’t had time to make my lunch the night before I always have a few of the John West Tuna & Bean salads in the fridge for lazy times. Yes I love my tuna ☺

My favourite easy dinner is pan-fried salmon or chicken with mashed sweet potato, broccoli, asparagus and corn. I will have this most nights provided I am not out or if my boyfriend is over we try to cook new meals to spice up the menu – always with lots of veggies!

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♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I am currently training for the Mooloolaba Olympic distance triathlon in March next year with a few friends, which means lots of running and riding – I’ll be starting the swimming training next week now that it has warmed up a bit! So I run at least 5 km 3 times a week and ride to work 2 days a week.

Luckily I have a training partner that I work with and that is great motivation to not skip out the lunchtime run! We also train together sometimes on the weekend – last one was a 40km bike ride followed by a 6km run which was a real test to my fitness but so worth it! I also make sure I stretch most mornings and after every exercise session.

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♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I take the Swisse Women’s Multivitamin, which gives me all the vitamins, and nutrients I have missed out on in my diet that day. This is the first multi vitamin I have taken regularly that I have actually felt the difference in daily life.

I have also just started taking another dietary supplement called E3 Live. The benefits of which include: ability to manage everyday stress; increased energy and endurance; improved attention and alertness; and strengthened immune system. After a week I am definitely noticing the difference and crossing lots more off my ‘to do’ list!

♥ How many hours sleep do you usually get each night? Do you have any bedtime rituals or tips to help you get a great nights sleep?

I am lucky and have always been able to sleep well. I have recently completed a Fatigue Management course and was profiled as needing to get 8-10 hours sleep for maximum energy during the day! I certainly don’t get that but do try for at least 7 hours every night. I definitely notice the difference if I don’t, and snooze the alarm a few more times! There are some good tips on the Fusion Life website for learning how to wake up earlier in the mornings.

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♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

When I walk out of a Les Mills Body Balance session I feel so calm and relaxed! I love it because it is a mix of pilates, tai chi, yoga and meditation and I never get bored with the routine. Either that or having a nice glass of Sauvignon Blanc with friends or family will do the trick! Life is all about balance 😉

Thanks to Ashley for sharing her routine with us – if you have any questions for her, please leave them in the comments section below!

Be well,

xoxo

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