My Top Five Natural Tips for Healthy Glowing Skin

There is an obsession with retaining youthful skin in our media and it can be a little bit stressful to realise that lines are creeping in or skin is looking less than it's best.  Products are forced upon us left, right and centre.  We must have them all or we will perish like a fading flower!  

Think again.  Natural Skincare, using products from your kitchen is by far the best way to get your skin looking and feeling ravishing again.  Most of the expensive creams we are encouraged to buy are full of horrible chemicals that will eventually deplete us of greatness.  Stick to the natural methods and release the risk of a less than youthful aftermath.

These are my Five Favourites

1.Honey for hydrating: 

Lather and smother are my words of choice for this one.  It is by far my favourite of all.  Leave it on the face for 30mins or more and enjoy instant benefits of plumping and hydrating.  Yeah, it is sticky, but don't let that put you off, it is a wonderful treatment.  Best to use raw or locally produced honey as it is more likely to be full of vitamins, all the better to plump you with my dear.

2. Yoghurt for soothing:

This is great if your skin is feeling tired and dry.  Whack it on straight from the fridge and you will instantly feel more alive.  Massage it in with gentle circular strokes and leave it on until you get bored, usually about 15 minutes for me. This makes your skin feel soft and bright, again source the best natural yoghurt you can. 

3. Bicarbonate of Soda for scrubbing:

This I devote to Zoe for enlightening me on a few weeks ago.  Bloomin' brilliant.  A small amount with some water is fantastic for micro-abrasion, tiny little circles around and around for a few minutes.   Afterwards your face is literally like a babies bottom to the touch.  Something gross about that?  Ok, it is like fresh rose petals; silky, even to the untrained hand.

4. Avocado for enriching:

Avocado is full of good fat and this wonderful good oil sinks straight into the  skin.  Mash it up in a bowl, one very ripe one will do, and then cover your face in it and make sure nobody will be coming over in the next half hour.  Allow it to sink in deeply massaging it intermittently.  When you wash this off you will feel like your skin is nourished to the deepest layers.

5. Cucumber for refreshing and De-puffing:


We all know this one, but it is not an old wives tale.  A good way to do this is slice a refrigerated cucumber with a potato peeler in to very fine strips then layer it all over your face.  It might seem like hard work and you have to lie rather still, but it is well worth the effort.  This gives life to even the tiredest of faces.  Don't eat it afterwards, that's a horrible idea.

Enjoy :)

Josie

IBS: Explained like a Human Being

We have an epidemic of IBS in the UK at the moment.  The trouble is it seems to be the answer to every digestive problem anyone has and once you have been labelled with it, it can feel a bit like a dietary prison sentence.  This post is IBS from my point of view, a perspective I have developed from the people I have worked with.  If it fits with you great, if it doesn't that's OK too.  Do what feels best for you because ultimately, that is what will work.

What is IBS?

IBS is an umbrella term for a range of digestive symptoms which become persistent.  A sufferer of IBS will usually put up with diarrhea, constipation, cramping, nausea or a combination of all of these miserable things on a regular basis.  Certain foods or certain combinations of foods may trigger the condition but as with all conditions, it is exacerbated by stress.  

How do you get it?

Stress is a predominant factor in all digestive conditions, but it is certainly not the only reason IBS develops.  With western diets we tend to eat a lot of dairy and wheat, additives and glutinous foods, we also make large portions that overload the digestive system.  The digestive tract is a very sensitive system and trying to rush to work, shoving a sandwich down on the bus whilst making lists in your mind for the day ahead is not a good way to keep a steady, healthy flow going.

Once you are suffering with the side effect of that pattern, perhaps indigestion or constipation the system is already under stress and you might be in pain, so your digestive system is tense and not in a good state to digest anything.  This in my opinion is how the cycle begins.  A simple trigger that builds into something more.

There are other conditions which can cause it and have similar symptoms such as candida or lactose intolerance, a nutritionist or naturopath should be able to help you work it out. Once there is a disruption in the delicate acid balance and bacterial flora it creates a series of problems which can take a while to fix.  The good news whatever caused it, it can be fixed and patience and time will pay off.

How would I tackle it?

I think the best way to address IBS is to isolate the terms from the symptoms.  I think to take the label away and deal with what is going on with the body is a great place to start.  Once someone is told they have IBS it is easy for them to start blaming themselves or their body for having this 'stess related', 'diet induced' THING! 

It is reassuring to know you have something and it is not just you doing everything wrong. Sure. But leave it at that and start addressing it as a simple digestive problem that will go away with time and a little experimentation. The digestive system is like a science experiment, with a few adjustments it can go from a gas releasing semi-explosion to something much more balanced and manageable if you give it some care and time.

How to start getting in charge?

It is a great idea to start a diary of the things which seem to make it worse, making notes of how you feel emotionally at that time.  I have some clients who get frustrated that something will be fine one day and leave them in agony the next.  Try not to let this worry you, your acid balance will be different day to day and it is about slowly getting to grips with some kind of pattern, there will always be anomalies.   

Seek a nutritionist or naturopath who puts you at ease, seems to understand how you feel and gives you advice which feels right.  Always go on recommendation if you can and try not to give up if the first person you try doesn't seem to have the right approach.


1. Try not to eat overly large portions

2. Try Digestive Enzymes

3. Use Probiotics and fermented foods

4. Peppermint Oil

5. Calming Teas

6. Plenty of Sleep

7. Eat when you are relaxed

8. Hot Water Bottle on a troubled tummy

9. Psyllium husk or Chia Gel for fibre

Good Luck getting in control and be reassured that you don't have to have IBS forever.  Things will get in balance in time, just give your body the space and time to do what it does best and support it along the way with methods that work for you.

Josie

Your Head Must Bow To Your Heart

I used to proclaim that my head ruled my heart as it felt terribly in control, but as the years go by I realise I am just as hopeless at doing what 'I should do' as everybody else.  

I am not just talking about romantic love here, although that is often a very clear example of people following their hearts instead of their heads.  I am thinking more about making decisions in your life based on what your gut tells you, rather than what people around you think or what you feel you 'should' be doing.

I am not suggesting that we should all run away from responsibility and make felt flowers by the seaside.  I simply mean than when we are faced with big decisions, doing what we really want, rather than what we think we should want, is the best way to go about things.  I have a tendency to fight towards the most sensible option and force myself to pick the path which seems to be the most approved and safe.  However, it is usually only a few bends down the path that I realise I am not following my heart and I do a U-turn back down the dangerous but delicious route I should have been on all along.

This might sound terribly indulgent to some people and of course sometimes choice has got nothing to do with it.  Often our circumstances mean we cannot do or be what we want.  However even within limiting conditions I still think there is space to at least begin to fulfill your inner desire and to improve and enhance yourself in a way which puts you more in alignment with what you want.

The thing is, following your gut, your heart and your intuition is often going to take you on the route which holds more possibility for failure and heart ache and therefore... has the most potential for pain.  So often in life we miss out on fulfilling our hearts through fear of failure and emotional pain.  It can be so easy to stay within our comfort Zone, to stick to the safe road and pretend that it is the best choice, to convince ourselves it is what we want.

Following your heart is rarely the easiest road, it is not a gateway covered in candy canes with unicorns clip clopping along beside you.  Far from it.  However, I can promise you that following your heart is the best way to learn about who you are, to grow into the person you want to be and most importantly to meet the people who can teach you the most.

Life is always going to be full of pain and fear (as well as lots of glowing wonderful feelings) and if you are going to experience difficult emotions it is better to choose a worthwhile cause, like following your true desires and discovering yourself along the way.  

After all, if you can be the best version of yourself possible, then you can have the most positive effect on the people around you, and who are any of us without them?

Josie

P.S How do you know which choice is following your heart?  

In my experience for a while you don't, then one day it will hit you like a ton of bricks.  At this point the choice is taken away as you simply have to try whatever it is that is calling you. Whenever I reach this point I always wish I had admitted it to myself all along.  But, it is all part of the process and you start to get better at recognising the feeling you get when you are forcing yourself down a particular route instead of going with what feels right.  Change always carries with it some unease but generally if you feel deep seated unease with a choice you are making don't just label it as fear of change, look deep inside and ask yourself if it is truly what you want?


If you don't know at first?  Just make your first best guess and know that if you have to turn back and choose another route, it is not such a big deal, there is always something to learn along the way, even if you only manage the first two bends.  I have made so many detours already in my short life and I have come to accept my slalom route towards my goal (which also changes every few minutes).

Summer...My Five Steps to do it the healthy way!

So, I am back in dear old Blighty and making the best of all the available foods and activities that make being in England great. The summer is approaching and I have resolved to make this one as healthy and full of greatness as possible. 

1. For a start I am going to make use of all the summer fruits as much as possible.  British strawberries in abundance.  I will start by eating all my Mums handpicked punnet and then consider picking my own, it all starts with a thought, no need to rush these things.  Seriously though, summer berries and a handful of spinach make a terrific green smoothie, chuck in a spoonful of flax and some spirulina and you are literally glowing!  Don't forget that the summer is short so freeze, freeze and then freeze some more for summer smoothies all winter (this means pick, pick, and picking too, strong knees?)


2. Bicycle, walking, gliding, however you choose to travel this summer make sure it is a method which allows you to get some fresh air and plenty of Vitamin D from the sunshine.  When I finish work I like to go for a walk outside just to make sure I get my dose of proper clean air and a bit of time away from the world of computers and passwords, televisions and phones. 

3. It is not going to be Pimms and Old Rosy cider for me this year...I know it is horribly irritating that I will be drinking carrot juice and strawberry smoothies instead, but you will just have to get used to the idea.  Festivals and long summer evenings usually spell hangovers and general liver abuse, but for me, this year, it is going to be about doing all those things but without all that alcohol in tow.  It is so intrinsically British to drink a lot and make those long summer nights blur into squint eyed mornings, but I am going to rebel.  Keep your hat on, I didn't said I would never drink again, I just like the idea of not having to. As I read this back I remind myself of all the people I used to cringe at.  Although I have noticed as I get edgingly older I care less what is expected of me and prefer to do what makes me feel good about myself.  Eugh do I sounds awful?  Yes?  Never mind.

4. Herbal Teas...for FREE.  I am loving the fresh teas that are available in the garden.  My current favourite is mint and fennel.  I love that all I have to do is potter down to the garden and pick a few sprigs, pop them in boiling water and within minutes I have a herbal infusion of the most organic and instant variety.  If you like things sweet you can add honey to taste.  If you choose local honey you can also build up your immunity against hay fever.  Need I say more?

5. Ok, this is my favourite...aromatherapy facial spritz.  I just take an empty spray bottle (glass is better but mine is plastic as it was all I had).  Fill the bottle with water and add a few drops of Lavender essential oil and a few drops of Geranium essential oil.  Pop it is the fridge to keep cool and anytime you feel a little stressed or overheated spray your face and neck with this luxurious spritz. Not only does it smell fantastic and cool you down, but it nourishes after the sun and relaxes your nerves after all that stressful sunbathing, or frisbee playing or whatever it is you were doing out there.  Fantastic. 

Any Ideas of your own?  Post them here for others to share :)


Josie

Detoxing is: Dangerous? Necessary? Beneficial? The Answers.

Hmmmm, is it safe to stop eating?  The answer is yes, as long as you do it right!

When I set off for Thailand two years ago I knew I would be working in a detox centre but I was not sure yet what I felt about detoxing.  Was it really a good idea to limit your food intake?  Does it really do anything to help your body?

I began with a critical eye,  knowing the theory and how it should help your system, but keen to see the reality.  Could putting a tube up your bottom and a green drink down your throat be anything but disastrous?

The reality is detoxing is an amazing process that leaves you feeling renewed and looking sensational.  I did not work with one guest during my time on Samui who felt there was no benefit from the process and many really did transform into newer, more positive, much more confident individuals during their cleanses.


How to start?


Fasting is not something to do yourself at home without guidance if you have never done it before.  It is not simply stopping eating, it is about nurturing your body with special blends of herbs, supplements and juices as you eliminate toxins from your body's systems.  There can be side effects from the process such as headaches, muscular pains or fatigue.  It can bring up emotional issues you had locked away and force you to examine your feelings.  It is a wonderful result and as with all the best things in life, it needs a little commitment and effort.

There are many different approaches and techniques when it comes to detox, there is no right or wrong way, it is about finding the way which suits you and choosing one you are ready for.  Some approaches are more gentle, like eating nothing but raw food for a period of time.  Some are more focused on cleansing the colon with colemas and fibre drinks.  Some are more extreme, such as water fasts.  If you are looking into doing a detox the best thing to do is research the different supplements and approaches and make sure you feel comfortable with the nutritionist or specialist you are working with.


Is it Dangerous?

Detoxing can seem extreme and dangerous to some people, but I can assure you that done correctly it is a wonderful process which really does change the way you view your body and what you put into it.  It is quite amazing how well the body can perform during a detox and as your body releases congestion and has more energy to use on the rebuilding and renewing, you can feel your body come back to life. 


Benefits

When your body is full of toxins (residue in the tissues and systems from stress and chemicals) you can feel tired, demotivated, puffy and bloated.  As you release these built up residues with a cleanse you start to feel more energised and can finally think clearly again.


The whites of your eyes become clear, your skin becomes bright and luminous and as you learn you can feel like this all the time you become inspired and excited.  Constipation, fatigue and headaches can all be relieved with a good cleanse.

It is also a great way to kick start weight loss, although I personally think that it is better to lose weight slowly and gently if you want to make long term changes.  Having said that I have worked with individuals who have kept weight off after a detox, it just takes commitment to change in your everyday world.  I like to see weight loss as an unavoidable side-effect to cleansing your body, rather than the goal.


Who should do it?

Detoxing is not the answer for everyone, I understand it does not appeal to some people and a healthy cleansing diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables is a great way to stay healthy.

However, if you want to feel energised and feel your body could do with a spring clean then you are a perfect candidate.  Doing a detox before you get sick is the best approach. You should start with a week of raw food as you research a deeper cleanse.

It can also be used to help people with more serious illnesses who need a really deep cleanse or for people with digestive problems such as IBS.  It is also great maintenance for anyone who is interested in staying healthy and youthful.  I have helped people from the ages of 19-87 detox and seen miraculous results with all of them!  You should always consult a naturopathic nutritionist or specialist before you detox to make sure it is suitable for you and that you do it correctly.

I am hooked and I would love to help anyone who wants advice on where to start!


Josie

How do I stop binge eating?

Some people see food as nourishment, fuel for the body, a way to keep you going through the day.  These people can take or leave food, they stop when they are full and tend to think about other things unless they are hungry. 

These people are in the minority.

When we are small we are given food as a treat, a reward for good behaviour, something to make us feel better.  As we grow up we tend to treat ourselves in the same way.  Food for many people is a relationship fraught with friction and guilt and when I was working in a detox centre I realised how many men and women are afflicted with food guilt and unhealthy eating patterns.

I am not going to touch on the more well known eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia) in this post, although they are an area which I feel strongly about after working with people and friends who have suffered.  I am going to focus here on overeating.  Many people who are overweight suffer from thyroid problems or imbalances in the body, I am not focusing on that group of people in this post.

The most common eating disorder in my opinion, is binge eating.  I find it hard to believe that this is taken less seriously than other disordered eating.  Obesity is a modern epidemic and this is rarely seen as an eating disorder, I believe it is.   The thought process that goes hand in hand with binge eating is often one of guilt and control, fear and distraction.  

Picture this...

Richard is sitting in his house feeling lonely and bored, he has eaten a healthy dinner and is sitting on the sofa.  Work is not going well, his laptop sits in the corner of the room and it reminds him of how hopeless he feels at work recently.  He throws a cushion on it, much better out of view.  His thoughts now wander to his family, he has to go to a memorial at the weekend,  he feels guilty as he does not want to go.  He hates the questions that get asked about his work, he has to lie about it going well and his stupidly successful cousin will be there with his two point four clan, in their new BMW.  The thought of his cousin makes him angry, jealous and then guilty.  His cousin is a genuinely nice guy and often helps him with new business ideas and sometimes financially, this thought fills Richard with a pang of self hatred. 

Richard feels hopeless, he feels angry that he feels hopeless.  Now he is left with a deep feeling of unease.  He feels annoyed with himself. He cannot sit still, he cannot even concentrate on the TV.  He picks up a magazine and the images and words swim around the page as he thinks about how powerless he is in his life.  It verges on panic.

Food! He will have some food. 

Suddenly he has a purpose, what should he have?  He could order a curry?  Or a pizza? 

The Pizza is finished.  Oh.   He goes to the cupboard, takes a six pack of Twix's out, eats three, shoves the wrappers in the pizza box and sits on the sofa feeling useless.  He goes to bed with a full stomach and a feeling of guilt.  He will go to the gym tomorrow, yeah, tomorrow he will be good.

I have worked with people who have become so full self loathing as they gain weight through this out of control binging that they feel too ashamed to meet old friends.  They become insular, they want to go and sit on the sofa and feed their self loathing, be alone with the food, wallow in their guilt.  As they gain weight they are afraid of what people will think.  Their clothes feel horrible and nothing looks good. 

Does this pattern sound familiar?  Or have you seen a friend or family member display this type of overeating at some level?  Comforting eating is surprisingly common and I think more people suffer from this than any other disordered eating. I wish doctors would take it more seriously when they see people who are quickly becoming overweight. 

It can be tackled with nutritional advice so at least the sufferer is eating in a more balanced way and getting the nutrients they need. However, often the most benefit comes from having someone to talk to about their worries, once they are busy, feeling more successful and hopeful, their focus shifts and their eating habits naturally come back into balance.  Binging can be controlled and does not have to last forever. It is a definate form of self harm and an addiction and therefore should be treated like one.  However unlike other addictions, food is something you cannot give up, which is where nutritional advice can help with getting a balance.

If you or someone you know suffers from binge eating it is a good idea to seek help.  Often it is just a period of feeling unsettled that will pass when the problem rectifies (break up comfort eating is a clichéd example of this).  However many people would benefit from some form of counselling or at least talking to someone close to them about how they could get in charge of their habits and do something empowering to take charge of their life.

If you are worried about any sort of disordered eating, research can make you feel less lonely, the Internet is full of useful information, help and ways to get your body and life back in balance.

Feel free to email me any questions.

Josie

If your cravings feel more physical than psychological, take a look at this article on food cravings: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100517172300.htm

Limiting Beliefs Part Two: Second Belief Squashed

For those of you who read the first part of this post (Limiting Beliefs: Squash them!) you will know what is coming and for those who did not, I have been teaching myself to draw for the last few days.

Was it a success? 
(You can be the judge...)
Drawing is definately harder and I knew it would be from the start.  I have to admit that I chose easy things, not a lion chasing a squirrel or a car turning a bend.  Those of you who have watched me draw before know that I doodle like a child and stick to the same floral pattern over and over.  I can draw a cat and it looks like the same one I drew when I was seven years old.  My goal here was to draw something new in a style I had not tried and most importantly to not give up.

I almost gave in, I got frustrated with the lines and the perspective and the angles and the pencil.  But, this time I kept on, the rubber was my ally and together we corrected again and again.  I learnt that the rubber is a tool in itself, allowing you to shape new lines and curves.  You can use your finger to smudge and blur the shading, a pleasingly forgiving technique, 'yeah smudge it up a goodun', that looks better.'

I shall keep this post brief, but I urge you to challenge something you thought you could not do this week.  I for one am addicted to changing my belief system now.  I am looking for new challenges and searching the way I think.  I notice ways in which I block myself from doing something, or observe ways I put myself down without realising, limiting myself with shadows from the past which no longer serve me.

If you could see yourself through my eyes then you would realise that you are perfect and capable just as you are.  There is nothing you cannot do, merely things you think you cannot.  The challenge is to break through your most intimate negative beliefs and be honest with yourself. 

Good Luck.

Josie

I call this, 'Started as a Circle'.  It is devoted to Nick.



Inspired by a painting in Kai's Shop.




Copied from Memory, a drawing seen in June's 'Art Cafe' Koh Samui
(Kai helped me work out the perspective on a bird cage)



Limiting Beliefs: Squash Them!

I posted my views about limiting beliefs once before and I am back to tell you about how I have destroyed one of my own while here in Khanom.

It is far too easy to believe that you cannot.  The truth is you can.  We all can. The question is where to start and how to recognise what is really stopping you from making that move. 

I know for me it is often easier and safer to believe I cannot do something, it saves me from the fear of failing and also from the effort of trying.  Wow, when you put it like that it feels so lazy and weak but I know that some, if not all of you, will be able to admit the same feelings about certain aspects of your life.


How I destroyed a longstanding belief of my own:
'I cannot paint, I am no good at art.'

Ok, so I know this is not going to change my life, but if I can challenge this belief with my own determination then I can continue to go through my life challenging more powerful beliefs that I realise are merely invisible barriers to being who I want to be and getting what I want in life (first  I have to work out what that is of course, but it's a start)

Ok, so one night while I was still in Samui I was thinking about things I think I cannot do and my mind came to painting.  I instantly knew I was going to challenge this belief as I realised that I had never actually really tried, I had not been brilliant instantly and so in my mind, that was that. 

My mother is an artist, our house is a wonderful array of moods and colours with every room featuring some glimpse of her artistic flair.  Painted rugs, windows that are not there, views that never existed carrying you out into an illusionary world instead of looking at a wall.  Quite wonderful when you think about it.

So I grew up watching her and thinking that she was quite brilliant. Then I started to watch my big brother, who it seemed shared her flair for drawing and painting.  I tried  sitting at the kitchen table drawing a vase a couple of times and gazing at my brothers attempts (4 years older) and thinking, 'well I am clearly quite terrible at this, I shall turn my hand to something else, digging in the garden perhaps?   Yes, I always excel with a spade.'  I would take myself away and feed my belief that art is not my thing and that I cannot do it, I cannot paint.  Concreted in with every dig of the shovel.

But, I am older now,  digging is dull and I am living with an artist.   So, I took it upon myself to challenge this belief.  The very next day I was all set up with a canvas, oil paints and brushes and a few words of guidance.  The thing is I took to it like a duck to water and I realised that I only gave up before because I was bored too easily and put off my brothers lovely drawings.  I don't mean to victimise myself here, I should have had a bit more bluster and persisted, but as I highlighted before, it is easier sometimes and less work, to give up.

I began layering the colours and discovered that it was engrossing and addictive and brilliant fun.  Perhaps I did have some of that artistic blood running through my veins?  I waited to make a wrong move and ruin it, but the oil paints were forgiving and every mistake turned into a new triumph of colour.  I completed it today and am very pleased with my first efforts at painting and I no longer believe that I cannot paint.

I am not suggesting that I am the next Van Gogh, I chose an easy picture to copy and I don't think it will end up in a gallery (while I am alive anyway; that is how it works right?).  However, I am going to do another painting at some point and get better and better.  How many paintings do you have to do before you are an artist?  I have decided the answer to that is one.  That is my belief.  So in my world, that's the way it works.  After all, our version of the world is the only one we can really control.

I attach pictures because you need proof that I did this!





The funny thing is that I remember my Mum telling me the same story about her friend at school, my own wonderfully artistic Mum watched her friend draw beautifully and thought that she could not draw herself.  How absurd.  

Josie (artist) Was this useful?  Like My facebook page... :)

Organic: Does it HAVE to be?

 'Organic' is a buzz word filled with friction that has become as addictive to the consumers eye as the 99p price mark once was.

Actually I don't think any of us ever fell for that?  Did we?  I am sure I have always rounded it up to a quid.  Ok, so the 99p store (dare I plug it?) is very fun to be in, but I don't want 4p change at the end, I would rather give them four round pounds and be done with it, it only sits at the bottom of my shopping bag with the receipt listing pointless items for months under the passenger seat of my car.  Pennies, do we still use pennies?  Someone let me know would you?   

Anyway, enough of that.  Organic promises health and happiness, it assures you that you are doing the right thing.  By simply popping those three syllables on the label we know that this is going to be fantastic and we leave the shop feeling like we have done something wonderful, commendable, for ourselves and for humanity.  This is mostly true but you still need to keep a watchful eye on that 'promise of goodness'.

Organic is good, organic is great, if you grow it yourself then you are a total charm.  If however you buy it from a supermarket be aware that organic rules are regulations are not always as absolute as they seem and companies can still hide preservatives and flavour enhancers to organic produce.  ALWAYS check the label for 'yeast extract' and 'spices' both of which can contain hidden nasties like the well known MSG.  Be aware that a product that contains 'No MSG' is more than likely to have something equally hideous that goes under a different name within its ingredients.  It is a minefield of packaging deceptions for the consumer. 

So, does it HAVE to be organic?

The simply answer to this question is No.  It does not HAVE to be organic, but I would like it to have spent some time in ground or on a tree or a bush at a recent point in it's life.  I would prefer that it came from the part of the world I am living in, or as close as possible.  Most of all I would prefer that it is not taken apart, put together, taken apart, blended, filled with preservatives, shaped, dried and finally heat sealed in plastic ready for keen consumption.

We cannot realistically all afford to have organic produce, but we can make the best choice possible.  Choose local, wash all non-organic vegetables very well especially when juicing.  If possible grow your own vegetables or look for farmers markets and local schemes.  Most of all make sure you are getting a good range of colours, textures and flavours in your vegetables, eat them raw, steamed, juiced, smoothied, get them into your nutrient starved body and enjoy the benefits in your skin, hair  and mood.

Start today, go and have a hunt for new green stuff to try and find new ways of getting it in to your body fast!

Over and Out.

Josie. 

I will be perfect starting tomorrow...?

It is time to choose your battles: It is all about balance.

We cannot all be perfect. Perfection in others is more than mildly irritating and always an illusion. It is much more rewarding to strive for something achievable, perhaps ‘as good as is possible given the current circumstances?’ is more realistic.

So with this in mind it is worth choosing the areas you are going to try to be good at and allowing yourself space to have some things you will not budge on and are not willing to change just yet.

For example: Organic food is too expensive for you right now (where do I even get that stuff on the way home from work anyway!?) and having something sweet late at night is a must. Ok, so if organic is a ‘no go’ then just try to add as many fresh vegetables to your diet as you can and make sure you wash them all thoroughly. If something organic is on offer or in the reduced section then get in there quick and just make the best choice you can given the ‘current circumstances’. Something sweet? Try and make a natural choice such as yoghurt and honey with chopped fruit. Surprisingly satisfying (Ok, you can have a second bowl this once, but make it a small one.)

You get the idea, just give it your best shot. So often we make sweeping resolutions about reaching perfection, starting tomorrow. These are destined to fail and make our goals even harder to reach. Remember we are on a ladder to better health and we can only take that ladder one rung at a time. A good way to start is deciding what you can do and what you are willing to do and take it from there.

I like to keep my cosmetics natural and organic wherever possible. I drool over essential oils and paraben free ranges. I go into Lush and feel orgasmic about the possibilities as I pop smelly organic goods in my basket. But I ADORE nail varnish, so many colourful opportunities to be had that it is simply irresistible. It is probably one of the most toxic things you can put on your body. I know! It is a terrible deal I am making here.

So, why spend so much money on organic goods when I ladle a new colour on every week? Because it makes me happy, because my life is balanced, because 90% of the time I am making the best choice for my body and mainly because I am still just a girl who needs to match her accessories and life is too short. If I can do most things good and choose a few things bad that make me happy then I think that’s ok. I like to give my nails a regular rest with sunshine and coconut oil and a week of fresh air (before I smother them in the next luxurious shade.) I think my honesty here is important, there is no use pretending to be perfect, too bleedin’ boring.

Lifestyle is about achieving balance with our choices and making sure they even out, especially when it comes to diet. Gillian McKieth suggests 80% good to 20% naughty balance which I think is achievable for most of us and if some weeks you slip over, just make sure you make up for it the next week. We should however try to avoid regular binges, attempting to maintain some equilibrium along the way. The bad stuff is irritatingly addictive so we need to limit it if we want to achieve a good balance without cravings pulling us down the ladder.

So my message here is to be reassured that getting started on getting healthy does not have to be a massive lifestyle change where you give up everything you love. It does not have to be one massive boring leap into deprivation. Naturally you will get addicted to feeling good and looking better as you move up the ladder, but you don’t have to force it and it is ok to slip down a rung every now and then. Each of you will know your own balance and when you feel your best. If being healthy, slim and glowing feels unachievable and too far away to even think about embarking on? Remember, that being one rung higher will feel better and rather than look at your goal, just look at tomorrow for now.

Feel free to send me any questions about your goal and how to start.

Sending Smiles.

Josie