Made for Madison: Healthy

Showing posts with label Healthy. Show all posts

Thursday, 28 December 2017

My Summertime Essentials

summer December 28, 2017

The summer season is here which means late nights, hot days and not much time to pamper ourselves. Today I want to share some must-have summer essentials and things you can do at home to make you feel comfortable, confident and ready to party from head to toe.

Face- Antipodes, I love this brand everything it stands for. They have new MINI skin care range out. In my collection perfect for the summer heat I have been using:

Skin Brightening- The stylish 10 ml Mini perfectly sized to meet onboard luggage restrictions, or slip into handbags or make up bag. This helps with skin blemishes as it uses the world famous Manuka honey active 10+ with natural antibacterial properties. I Use daily to help bring out the light, fresh brightness your skin needs in the heat.

Skin Plumping- Also comes in a 10 ml Mini version. The skin Plumping serum is light and non oily, it helps enhance your skins natural hydration, something we need in summer hotness especially. It’s got nutrient rich avocado oil that assists in the plumping and appearance of fine lines. Shop HERE

Hair- Have a hair emergency pouch - Scunci hair accessories are the cutest! I’ve been loving their hair emergency pouch. It’s such a great idea to keep in your bag in case of a Hair emergency! Summer can be the greatest challenge to that straight silky mane or those luscious curls. To keep any style in tact, I don’t leave home without mine, carefully armed wuth bobby pins, scrunchie, and a hair tie. Shop HERE

Nails- Let’s talk Burgunday , this classic colour is back again this year; Sally Hansen has some gorgeous burgundy shades I’ve been
loving. Pair it with gold or glitter to elevate, or just kept simple for a perfectly fashionable look. Shop HERE

Underwear- Wear the right undergarments/shapewear- Ok this one is a big one. There’s nothing worse than being sweaty, and uncomfortable during summer with unrelenting chafing. I’m sure I’m not alone here? I have been using Bridget’s. Unlike traditional undergarments and shape wear, Bridgets genius blend of 93% Nylon 7% Spandex allows for breathing. The 3M wicking technology, keeps the moisture out on those balmy, summer days. I’ve been loving this, the way it’s designed has been so well done, the anti-chaffing effect can be attributed to the quality of the fabric and the fit. My bum and tum have never been drier! Shop HERE

Feet- Exfoliate your feet at home- Milky Foot has a simply DIY foot exfoliation. Simply insert your feet into the Milky Foot “socks” for 45mins to 1 hour, and then rinse. The natural formula of milk ferment filtrate and mandelic acid safely exfoliates hardened dead skin, and within 3-5 days intense peeling will occur, revealing revitalized feet for those gorgeous open-toed shoes! Shop HERE

So, this Aussie Summer, follow these simple tips to maintain that flawless image for more than half an hour after you walk out the door.

Hope you enjoyed these, have you tired any?

Products were gifted. My opinions on products

How to Energise your body during the Notorious December

Mum November 28, 2017

With the school holidays nearly here, no doubt mums everywhere are asking how they’ll be keeping their kids entertained and themselves energized as the Christmas rush arrives. I know coffee and energy drinks may seem like a good solution, but their quick-fix and even faster crash aren’t good for your body’s natural routines. Understandably, it’s particularly hard at this time of year to find the motivation to keep up your health routines – after all, t’is the season to treat yourself!

Naturopath Stephen Eddey reveals his to-do list to get your energy levels up and have you enjoying a summer like no other – naturally!

1. Get up and go

It may be hot outside, but a brisk walk or jog in the park, or along the beach, will do wonders for your health – mentally and emotionally as well as physically. Try for late afternoons and early morning when the temperature and UV haven’t yet risen. Just 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise can help burn calories, and boost your immune system. Make a date with a friend to ensure you'll commit to a regular outdoor workout that you can’t say no to!

2. Supplement your diet

As we’ve seen this year, cold and flu season doesn’t stop with the end of Winter. A lack of key antioxidants – which are vital for boosting the immune system, fighting off infections and inflammation, and boosting energy levels – can leave us vulnerable to illness at any time of year. It’snot always possible to obtain the necessary levels of antioxidants from our diet, so it can be a good idea to take a supplement. Ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10, is a powerful antioxidant which is found naturally in the body, but can be depleted during illness. If your get-up-and-go has ‘got-up-and-gone’, then Ubiquinol supplements may help to support your natural energy levels to help you function at optimum levels.

3. Get social

They say that laughter is the best medicine and there is no better time than Summer to heed that advice, with the festive season offering ample social opportunities. Even when it’s boiling hot outside, try not to choose the couch and air conditioning over catching up with friends and family. Human interaction and socialising with your nearest and dearest also boosts your endorphin levels and will leave you feeling happier, energised and more positive.

4. Cut the caffeine

Numbers are rising of people relying on energy drinks filled with caffeine to boost their energy levels and help them get through the day. The downside of this, is that caffeine disrupts the body’s natural need for rest, relaxation and sleep, and the short high is quickly followed by a quick burn-down on the other side. Energy drinks have been shown to raise stress levels, increase heart rate and blood pressure, often making you feel even more tired and anxious than you were before. For sustained energy increase, try cutting out caffeine products and opt for a natural solution like a protein-packed meal.

5. Eat a better breakfast

Ever heard the phrase “You Are What You Eat”? Well, what you put into your body makes a huge difference to how you feel on a daily basis and breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day. Eating a protein and energy filled breakfast such as eggs with unrefined carbs likewholemeal toast, along with avoiding coffee at breakfast time, will ensure your body processes this in a way to give you natural energy from the nutrients it absorbs.

Speak to your healthcare practitioner to find out which supplement is right for you. Always read the label and use only as directed.

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Help your cholesterol with 5 simple kitchen staples with Stephen Eddey

Healthy September 11, 2017

It may be surprising to hear that not all cholesterol is bad for you.

There are two types of cholesterol; Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein (HDL). LDLis what is known as the ‘bad’ cholesterol, as it contributes to the development of atherosclerosis forming plaque that can clog arteries and make them less flexible or even vulnerable to rupture. Elevated levels of LDL are considered the main risk factor for cardiovascular issues and lowering such levels decreases the cardiovascular risk. In turn, HDL is known as ‘good’ because it helps remove LDL from the arteries and delivers it back to the liver, where it is broken down and passed from the body.

Whether you want to lower your cholesterol or just keep it in a healthy range, eating well can help. A host of ingredientscan help balance cholesterol and many of them may already be in your kitchen cupboard.

Stephen Eddey, nutritionist, naturopath and Principal of Health Schools Australia, shares some common kitchen staples, and a novel new ingredient, that can help maintain healthy cholesterol.

Olive Oil

Butter contains about 50% saturated fats. Replacing butter with olive oil - a common cooking ingredient - can help balance your cholesterol levels. Olive oil is full of heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), which work to decrease LDL. Making the simple swap from butter to olive oil can reduce saturated fat intake by up to 10% according to the CSIRO.

Nuts

If you're looking for a snack food that lowers cholesterol levels, research suggests you should get cracking! Nuts are rich in mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids, soluble fibre and plant sterols to keep blood vessels healthy. One study has shown that adding nuts to a Mediterranean-style diet lowers the risk of heart disease by 30%. Unsalted almonds, walnuts and cashews are good options. However, while nuts are heart healthy, they're also high in calories, so it’s best to stick to a handful (30g) per day.

Policosanol (Cuban Sugarcane Wax Alchohols)

Maintaining healthy cholesterol levels can be quite simple, but there’s no single magic bullet.

Doctors recommend taking a multi-tiered approach that combines regular exercise with a varied and balanced diet overall. Cholesterol management can also be supported by complementary medicines such as Cuban Policosanol which is isolated and purified from a natural source: the Cuban sugar cane wax. It can help to reduce LDL and may help to increase HDL levels, thus improving the ratio of good/bad cholesterol.

Oats

If you want to lower your cholesterol, the key may lie in a humble bowl of porridge. Oats contain high levels of beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that has been shown to lower both total and LDL cholesterol. Once digested the beta glucan forms a gel like substance that binds cholesterol in the intestines and prevents it from being absorbed into the bloodstream. A review of studies published found that peoplewith normal or high cholesterol who ate 3g beta-glucan a day reduced their total and LDL cholesterol levels by an average of 5% and 7% respectively.

Beans

The key component in this heart-healthy food is the abundance of soluble fibre which forms a gel in water that helps bind acids and cholesterol in the intestinal tract, preventing their re-absorption into the body. Researchers at Arizona State University Polytechnic found that adding ½ cup of beans to soup lowers total cholesterol, including LDL, by up to 8%.

From kidney beans to lentils and pinto beans to black-eyed peas — beans are a very versatile food to keep in the cupboard.

To find out more about cholesterol and its management please Visit

Dietary supplements should not replace a balanced diet. Please seek advice from your healthcare practitioner before considering the use of supplements.

Do you have these staples in your kitchen?

Top 4 Traditional Chinese Herbs to boost immunity this winter

Healthy June 18, 2017

Winter is coming and along for the ride are sore throats, coughs, recurrent colds, and that general stuffy feeling that lingers long past its welcome date. And while a healthy diet and all the hand sanitizer in the world may have you thinking you’re sorted, there are several herbs of Chinese medicine that can help strengthen immune function and help get you fighting fit when a germ does finally cross your path.

To prepare for the winter onslaught, Fusion Health Holistic Nutritionist and Naturopath, Erika Morvay, shares her top four Traditional Chinese Medicine ingredients to help support a healthy and happy immune system.

1. Astragalus Root, Huang Qi

Astragalus Root receives an A+ when it comes to immunity herbs. As a traditional adaptogen it helps to protect the body against various stressors through its immune enhancing properties - because when you’re fighting infection, you’re under a whole lot of stress. Naturally rich in immune-modulating polysaccharides, astragalus also has antibacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties which act to help protect the immune system.

Tip: Use Astragalus to bolster your immune system and help prevent colds.

2. Andrographis Leaf, Chuan Xin Lian

Andrographis Leaf is a triple-threat herb with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties and importantly, in traditional Chinese medicine, covers four different meridians, including heart, lung, large intestine, and urinary bladder. The herb’s main functions are heat-clearing and detoxifying, cooling blood, and reducing swelling which make it ideal in cleansing the blood and strengthening the immune system to fight off infection.

Tip: Use Andrographis Leaf to help reduce the severity and duration of colds, fever and sore throats.

3. Honeysuckle Flower, Jin Yin Hua

While there are around 200 species of this beautiful flower that grow around the world, the Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), with its fragrant yellow-white flowers, is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It holds both sweet and cold properties, and is associated with the lung, stomach and large intestine meridians. It is used to clear heat and remove toxins which helps in aiding compromised immune function.

Tip: Use Honeysuckle Flower to help fevers, inflammation and sore throats.

4. Asian Ginseng, Ren Shen

Widely used as an immune system enhancer, and also as a general tonic, Ginseng is the most popular of all Chinese herbs. And while there are over 30 types of ginseng available, including Korean ginseng, American ginseng, and Siberian ginseng, Asian Ginseng is well known for its ability to stimulate and regulate the immune system. In addition to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects Ginseng can also be used as a flu-season pick-me-up to help fight fatigue, boosting endurance and mental alertness.

Tip: Use Ginseng to boost your immune system and mood when the winter blues set it.

As Chinese herbal formulas are designed to achieve a stronger effect than single herbs, be sure to speak to your healthcare practitioner to find out which supplement is right for you.

Erika is a qualified Naturopath and Holistic Nutritionist. She has over a decade of experience working within the natural therapies industry and continues to educate herself to grow her expertise. She is part of the technical services team at Global Therapeutics (Fusion Health), providing expert advice to consumers, practitioners and retailers alike. She is also a founder of an online natural fertility coaching business, educating and supporting couples on their fertility journey. She is especially passionate about empowering and supporting women to live a nourished, fulfilled life. She can be contacted at www.erikamorvay.com

Do you use any of these?

PIP TAYLOR shares, How to make the most out of your cardio workout

Lifestyle June 03, 2017

Pip Taylor, professional triathlete and Saucony Ambassador, describes running as a wholesome full-body workout.

Going for a run gets the blood pumping, increases cardiovascular fitness, tones you up while also burning a hell of a lot of calories. Long distance running can have extremely positive benefits on your body including improved mood and sleep patterns, while also strengthening your bones and muscles.

Regular runners are proven to live three years longer than non-runners, while engaging in just a few minutes of running a day can decrease the risk of heart disease significantly.

Pip shares her top tips on how to make the most out of your cardio workouts to ensure you receive the whole list of benefits.

1. Happy gut, happy runner – Improving your gut health is not only great for digestion but also during workouts. Eat lots of anti-inflammatory, real whole foods when fuelling during preparation and training. Be sure to pay attention to your personal recovery habits, include protein rich snacks and meals but also probiotics may help to keep everything running smoothly.

2. Cut out the sugar – Thankfully there are many ways to fuel the body with essential energy without refined sugars and training fuels. There are now some awesome options from bars, drinks and gels, packaged for convenience without being loaded with sugar.

3. Invest in some good shoes – I love Saucony because their technology puts your foot in a more balanced and comfortable position, allowing for a more powerful and natural running stride. The human foot and ankle contains 26 bones, 33 joints and over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, so a good pair of shoes is crucial when running long distances.

4. Over or under watered – If you don’t hydrate correctly before your cardio, you are increasing your chances for dehydration. This is generally due to not drinking enough water to replenish water emitted through breathing and sweating – dehydration can compromise your performance. People generally think that guzzling down fluids is the answer, however too much water can be just as problematic.

5. Failing to get sufficient rest – It is important to rest your muscles and get adequate sleep every night so your body can recover and replenish energy to be ready to perform again tomorrow.

Pip Taylor is an accredited sports nutritionist and dietitian, professional triathlete, author, mother of two and ambassador for Saucony Australia.

Her sporting career spans over 15 years and includes multiple appearances at World Championships representing Australia, multiple World Cup and 70.3 wins, and podium places and victories in other major international triathlon races.

In 2015, Pip published her first book, The Athlete’s Fix: a program for finding your best foods for health and performance. Pip has contributed to countless international publications and websites and provided nutrition communications and consult to companies within the nutrition, health and fitness industries.

ISOWHEY'S Carrot and Lentil Soup Recipe

Recipe May 27, 2017

CARROT AND LENTIL SOUP

ISOWHEY has a wonderful recipe that will keep you warm throughout the rainy season while also staying healthy.

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, crushed

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 3 cups vegetable stock

• 1 cup red lentils

• 1 carrot, chopped

• 3 tomatoes, chopped

• 2 teaspoons ground coriander

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• ½ teaspoon turmeric

• ½ cup light coconut milk (optional)

• ¼ cup fresh coriander leaves, chopped

• Vegetable salt, if desired

• Black pepper

Directions:

1. Place brown onion, garlic and ginger in a non-stick saucepan.

2. Add stock, lentils, tomatoes and spices

3. Bring to boil and simmer for approximately 45 minutes

4. Add coconut milk and heat through.

5. Season to Taste

6. Garnish with Coriander Leaves

ENJOY

Caruso's Natural Health

Healthy May 24, 2017

I recently was lucky to be invited and attend the kids business blogger brunch in Sydney. I got to see some amazing brands and meet some wonderful fellow bloggers and influencers.

One brand I was introduced to was Caruso's Natural Health. Established in 1982, Caruso's Natural Healthy is 100% Australian owned family company supplying complementary medicines (vitamin and herbal supplements)

Caruso's Natural health has over 100 products available in over 3000 pharmacies and health food stores throughout Australia.They believe in their products and offer a 100% money back guarantee, for me this is good to know they are confident in their products to offer this and give me peace of mind my daughters and myself are having the best. I have many Caruso's products but want to talk about one in particular I've been using daily.

WOMENS SUPER MULTI DAILY

As a busy mum of two children under four years old, I need any extra help health wise to stay healthy and alert daily for my children. I've been using the Women's super multi daily, and honestly can say I feel a difference overall.

These vitamins are formulated for:
Energy
Stress
Healthy heart and blood
Immune system support
General health and wellbeing

Caruso's Women's Super Multi formula works naturally on your body. Not only does it help with the daily energy and stress but for your general wellbeing. It contains Iron and Iodine and love how this has everything to help me with my everyday active life.

Lastly, I was so lucky to be able to hear Frank Caruso's story and let me tell you, WOW he is one amazing man. He truly is inspirational, Frank has so much knowledge. Hearing him talk about his dedication to his business, how he values all his customers and believes that Natural living is best and Frank is a living example of this. Frank and his team are so dedicated and passionate about helping Australians live healthier lives. One thing that has stuck with me and will stick with forever after hearing Franks talk was his philosophy, "Make time for good health and you'll always have enough health for a good time!"

I want to leave you with Frank's story so you can see for yourself how inspiring this man is.

Caruso's Natural Health

Back-to-school Essentials for the Medicine Cabinet

Kids January 17, 2017

It's almost that time again...Back to school! Wheather its Child Care or school we all need to have our medicine cabinets stocked up. We need the best for our children to keep them healthy and to assist in their recovery when they do fall sick.

Madison is back at Day Care for the year and Macie is starting for the first time in March so our medicine cabinet is full of essentials:

Saline Nasal Spray
Common colds and allergies are a regular occurrence when children go to school. FESS little noses washes away dust and pollen and also helps relieve congestion with the seawater formulation. We have been using FESS little noses for Over 4 years and just love how i see my girls get relief when they use..

Cough Syrup
It truly breaks my heart when my girls sound all chesty and have a nasty cough. Little coughs helps break down the mucus and clear the chest. This is suitable for children 6 months plus.

Eye Wipes
I not only have these in my medicine cabinet but also in my baby bag for when we visit the park to wipe the dust and dirt from playing. It's fragrance free and has a tearless rinse formula.

Water bottle
This Lady bug bottle is great for taking when you go away can attached on bag.

A few other important things we have in our medicine cabinet:

Band-Aids
Not only in my medical cabinet I carry band-aids in my bag and wallet also. Having 2 toddlers under 4 years old accidents can happen anytime.

Electrolytes
I really dislike when my girls have to deal with vomiting or diarrhoea, it's very scary having to worry about dehydration. This is a must to have at home.

Antiseptic Cream
School and Day Care definitely invites unwanted stings, bites, wounds and even sunburn. Ensuring we clean these injuries help heal the skin quicker and prevent infections from occurring.

Hope your children have a fabulous school year with minimal injuries and sickness.

*products in picture were kindly gifted

Christina
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