What Is Cleaning Your Beautiful Face?

It’s a night-time ritual that has been played out on the silver screen time and time again.  A beautiful lady sits down at her boudoir table and proceeds to take off her make-up. Outside of Hollywood, it’s not as glamorous but the scene is still the same – the night-time face cleansing remains a staple routine of women today – we like to feel ‘clean’ and ready for bed, having wiped away the memories of the day. 

Although the ritual has stayed the same, facial cleansing products have evolved over generations; Perhaps you remember watching your grandmother layer on the the Ponds cold cream or your mother lather up the Pears soap – I only have to smell Pears soap to be instantly transported back to my youth.

Today there is a plethora of facial cleansers all proclaiming to make us look more beautiful. If you choose to buy your cleanser from the supermarket or pharmacy you may be paying for more than you bargained.  Ingredients coat or cover the skin, interfering with its own natural function and can contain artificial fragrances, artifical colours, parabens and other toxic chemicals that can contribute to system toxiciity, allergies, cellular level changes and have even been linked to cancer.   

Luckily, there are other options. You can side-step all the chemical muss and fuss and go straight to a natural brand.  One of my favourites brands is ‘Evan Healy’ whose name is behind the plant-based skin care range, free of synthetic and artificial ingredients. It costs around $33.00 and  one bottle last me around 6 months.  The brand also claims:

• Field to farm and fair trade practices,
• Certified organic ingredients,
• Vegan and not tested on animals,
• Free of GMO’s,  parabens and gluten
• Ingredients sourced from family-owned farms and women’s cooperatives. 

 Most impressive to me though is that it the brand received ‘Best Rated' by EWG Skin Deep – a database launched in 2004 by Environmental Working Group to create online safety profiles for cosmetic and personal care products.

I'm a big fan of their Rose Cleansing Milk which is for 'mature' skins (never thought I would be in that bracket but rather that, than the alternative). According to its description on the evanhealy website, Rose Cleansing Milk is:

• A wax free, plant based milk with the gentle cleansing action of natural soapbark.
• It contains regenerating plant oils and purifying white kaolin clay which leaves the skin feeling clean, relaxed and refreshed. 
• It is used for all skin conditions but especially skin with oily/dry areas (me!)

Why I like is that it has that lingering rose scent, and feels smooth and soft on my skin, with a very gentle cleansing action.  My skin does feel radiant and fresh after I use it at night. Honestly, I don't need it to do much more so I am keeping it in the night time routine until I discover the next best cleanser. Keep watching this space....  

Weekly Meal Prepping Has Become An Instagram Movement. Here's A Beginner's Guide To Changing the Way You Eat For the Better!

PREP TIME: 1.5 - 2 HOURS

I am a self-confessed meal "prepper".  When it comes to eating healthy, meal prepping is one of the easiest things you can do to set yourself up for success. 

“Commit to the idea of living healthy.”

I started meal prepping over a year ago.  Trying to manage a demanding career, staying fit and making time for my loved ones left me falling short in the nutrition department.   I was either under/over eating or reaching for not-so-healthy food options like take-out.  To help get a handle on my busy life and supercharge my way to eating healthy, I started prepping my meals ahead of time.  

Twelve months ago, meal prepping wasn't mainstream.  Today, it's a craze that is sweeping the nation.  If you take to Instagram (search #MEALPREP) you'll find the handiwork of  millions of foodie queens who spend their Sundays prepping meals for the week ahead. 

To help get you started, I've broken down 5 meal prep basics and included links to a few of my favourite Brit Beet recipes. All it takes is a few hours in the beginning of the week, and you're set to make your move to clean, healthy eating. 

“Buy Proper Supplies > Research > Create Menus > Shop > Prepare & Package > Enjoy!”

1. Stock up on quality food containers.  

Try to stick with glass, BPA-free containers.  

 

2. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON THE PRINCIPLES OF EATING CLEAN & HEALTHY

Eating clean and healthy isn't about succumbing to the most recent diet fad(s) or counting calories.  But rather, a lifestyle measure designed to properly nourish your mind, body and soul.  

“Meal prepping helps you to better understand what you are consuming. Consequently, you start eating less junk and more nutrient-rich foods.”

I am extremely fortunate (and forever grateful) to have the Brit Beet in my life - as my friend, mentor and nutritionist.  She's taught me a tremendous amount about food, and my relationship with it. 

Some simple rules that I follow - passed down from the Brit Beet: 

• Stick to unprocessed, unrefined, whole foods most of the time
• NEVER skip breakfast, and - 
• Understand / calculate your daily macronutrient ratio / requirement

There are three major macronutrients that the human body needs in oder to function properly: protein, carbohydrates, and fats. 

I'm quite active and workout 5-6 days a week.  For the longest time, I was under eating (unbeknownst to me) and - more importantly - not consuming the right amount of protein, carbohydrates and (healthy) fats.   My ability to get lean and toned was greatly inhibited, consequently. 

Your path to optimal health and wellness is greatly affected to a large extent by the quality, quantity, timing, and ratio of macronutrients consumed on a daily basis.  So take the time to better understand what your body needs.... and if you need some help doing so, contact the Brit Beet to book a consult.  

3. MAP OUT YOUR WEEKLY EATS & DESIGNATE A MEAL PREP DAY(S) 

Know your numbers.  Commit. 

Every Sunday and Wednesday evening, I prep my lunches, dinners and snacks for the week (breakfast is prepared fresh / daily).  Depending on your schedule, the number of meals you prep and day of the week that you prepare them on will vary.  Just try to keep to the same same schedule every week as it'll help build good habits and a lifelong routine.

Once you figure out how many weekly meals you need, you'll need to find some healthy recipes to make.  Don't forget to chose recipes that will help you reach your goals.   

“Meal prepping is the time to research what the ideal foods are for your lifestyle goals. Loosing weight and getting rid of unwanted fat are common motivators for many; however, devoting yourself to eating clean and healthy is the best long-term goal to strive for.”

Here are some of my favourite Brit Beet must-haves / weekly go-to recipes: 

Buckwheat Breakfast Parfait

Maple Pecan Granola

Luscious Lemony Hummus

The Green Goddess

Quinoa + Kale Supersalad

4.  WRITE DOWN YOUR GROCERY LIST - PICK A DAY TO SHOP 

This may seem obvious but meal prep using the remnants in your fridge is a recipe for failure. Make a list of everything you need to make your numbers.   Not only will it make shopping and prepping more efficient, but it will also help you save money.

“To start, focus on simple, balanced, healthy meals. The more complicated recipes you choose, the less inclined you will be to stick with it. ”

Here are the basic building blocks of my grocery list and practically every meal I prepare: 

1. Start with a leafy base: kale, spinach, collard greens, micro-greens, etc. 
2. Add protein: chicken, fish (salmon, trout, mackarel), quinoa, chickpeas / beans / lentils
3. Add some crunch: walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
4. Don't forget the veggies: sweet potato, asparagus, broccoli, cauliflower, brussell sprouts
5. And additional super healthy fats: nuts, avocado, olive oil, coconut oil
6. Finally, spice things up with a little flavour: lemon, mixed herbs (basil, parsley, coriander), ginger, garlic, spices

For additional carb options, I usually reach for oats, brown rice, or wild rice. 

5. GET COOKING (AND PACKING!) 

Once you're organized with recipes and ingredients on hand, meal prep is a breeze.  I'm an early riser so I hit the kitchen first thing Sunday morning and spend  ~2 hours cooking and packaging my food.  

“Meal prepping is amazing for anyone looking to lose weight, reset bad eating habits or just eat really well on a busy schedule. ”

Helpful tips > 

> Meal prepping everything on Sunday (one day a week) can be overwhelming.  I split my meal prep into 2 days a week (Sunday & Wednesday) as it keeps my meals interesting and allows me to enjoy the freshest ingredients possible.  It also cuts down on my session length.  Find the day(s) that work for you.  

> For breakfast, an egg white veggie omelette and steel-cut oatmeal (+ flax or chia seed) is always on the menu.  The one drawback to oatmeal is its prep time, so I've taken to making "over night" oatmeal.  I combine all the ingredients in a pot (+ a dash of cinnamon), bring to boil for 2 minutes and then let sit (covered) overnight on the stove top.  In the morning, you'll wake up to the most delicious, creamy oatmeal ever.  I fill my mason jars for the week and I'm ready to go! 

> Don't forget to pack healthy snacks, too.  It'll help reduce the urge to grab a bag of  chips or any other junk throughout the day. My favourite snack items include: protein pancakes (made with Vegan protein powder), kefir + granola, mixed nuts + seeds, chia pudding + berries, 1/2 avocado + lemon, veggies + hummus, and Old Fashioned Oat Bars.

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Blueberry Protein Pancakes

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Organic Kefir - Plain

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Chia Pudding + Pomegranate & Blueberries

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Veggies + Hummus Cups

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Enjoy. Experiment. Explore.  Get inspired.  

Meal prepping is for everyone - from time starved professionals to busy moms, to people who are looking for a sustainable way to eat healthier.  

“Eating clean and healthy doesn’t mean you can’t indulge every once and awhile. Make one day a week a cheat day. You deserve it!”

xx, Sue

Love Your Skin. How Clean are Your Beauty Products?

I'm always looking for clean beauty products that are void of harmful toxins and chemicals so when Think Dirty hit the market I was excited! 

Think Dirty is a beautifully designed mobile app that can help us all make informed decisions about the products we use on our skin everyday.  The app allows you to search the names or scan the barcodes of your beauty products and tells you exactly what’s in them, along with any potentially harmful ingredients. The Think Dirty app will rank your products on a scale from one to ten on its “Dirty Meter”, as well as offer healthier, cleaner alternatives. 

So if you’re looking to detoxify your makeup drawer, this is the app to get!  Check it out: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/think-dirty/id687176839?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D4