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Creating Healthy Kids

New Mum Gifts

Our behaviour, what we eat and how we spend our days can shape our children’s future (no pressure!). Their developing brains are like sponges, waiting to see what information is vital and what they need to hold on to in order to create and shape their own futures.

It is therefore imperative that we lead by example and encourage our children to start making healthy food choices, without creating obsessive or complex behaviour towards food. Piece of cake right?

Here are a few tips to get you started:

  • Eat whole foods 85% of the time: the less processed the food, the easier it is on your child’s digestive system. Genetically modified ingredients, additives and preservatives found in processed foods are among the main causes of the increase in allergies and intolerances prevalent today.
  • Behavioural problems have been linked with preservative calcium propionate (282), commonly used in bread. Always check the labels for a long list of numbers and unpronounceable ingredients, as childhood diseases such as asthma, hyperactivity and learning difficulties are often linked with these food additives.
  • Keep school lunches interesting by mixing up the contents. Sorry but a sandwich day in day out won’t get you over the line (and may result in mouldy bread found stashed in the backs of cupboards months later). Try boiled eggs, fresh fruit, veggie sticks, or my Nut-Free Muesli Bars, Carrot Cupcakes or No-Bake Cookies.
  • It is your responsibility to get your children out and about, rather than sitting indoors playing with gadgets. Spend quality time with kids, turn off computers, phones, iPads and play. Before you know it. They’ll be grown up and won’t want to hang out without you!
  • Take time for yourself! Enjoy guilt free time out every day with exercise, yoga or meditation. Children are more resilient than you think and you’ll be a better parent for it.

In the extraordinarily beautiful and wise word of Kahlil Gibran in The Prophet, “Your children are not your children. They are the sons and daughters of life’s longing for itself. They come through you but not from you, and though they are with you, yet they belong not to you.” Amen.

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Life Management Skills

Here are three simple tips to better manage your day to ensure you’re needs and wants are being met and you’re still finding enjoyment in the day to day activities.

  1. Make a list
    Sounds mundane but honestly, if you want to better manage your days, lists are your new best friend. Write a list of everything you think you need to do in the day, as well as the things you would like to (i.e. things you enjoy doing/self-love kind of stuff/sit with your children, etc).
  2. Now divide that list into:
    – Things that must get done
    – Things that would be good to do but are not urgent
    – Things you want to do for enjoyment

Get the must-haves done so your mind is at ease but let’s re-evaluate the not so urgent tasks. Can the vacuuming wait another day or two? I think yes! This now gives you time to add in one of those tasks of enjoyment, be it yoga, a beach walk or sitting in the sun and reading a book. Our days are busy and full of rushing hither and thither so scheduling time in the day to do something you enjoy is a top priority in my mind. No ‘I don’t have time’ excuses, please.

  1. Delegate
    Are you someone that likes to feel in control? Perhaps you take on too much because you feel you’re the best at the job and someone else just might not be up to scratch. I don’t mean this in a bad way, it’s likely you’re very competent and know just how things need to be done but the sake of your own sanity (and to free yourself up some time), send that stuff someone else’s way! Start with smaller jobs until you feel confident letting go and handing over the reins on the bigger stuff. This goes for work and home life too. (I bet your partner is more than capable once given the opportunity!).

You will find even the first step of writing down all of your to-dos is helpful enough. Getting those thoughts out of your swirling mind and onto paper is cleansing in itself. And once you’ve de-cluttered your mind and organised your day into a functional flow, you’ll find the balance between being and doing. And why we need both states in our precious lives.

 

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Tips for an Autumn Cleanse

What if I told you that keeping clean whilst being pregnant and rearing children doesn’t have to be complicated. There are some super easy things you can do in your daily life to gently restore our bodies whilst keeping safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding times.

You may even be doing them now.

Eat (and drink) Beetroot
Beetroots contain a group of phytonutrients rich in antioxidants called betalains that support detoxification in the liver. When your liver is able to detoxify chemicals and toxins more effectively, then your body is better able to balance hormones, cholesterol and energy levels. Try in juice or grate beetroot raw in a salad or roasted with olive oil and sea salt.

Drink Apple Cider Vinegar
Raw apple cider vinegar is alkalising, stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes, aids in healthy weight maintenance and safe to use in small does at all times. Mix apple cider vinegar and a pinch of cayenne pepper to 50-100ml warm water. Drink on rising or ten minutes before meals to increase digestive capabilities.

Use Natural Household Cleaners
It’s so important to reduce the ubiquitous presence of toxic chemicals in our natural environment, man-made environments and our personal environments. Seek out safe cleaning solutions, such as eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, citrus oil, bicarbonate of soda and white vinegar.

15% OFF ALL NATURE’S CHILD PRODUCTS TILL SUNDAY 12TH MAY USE DISCOUNT CODE:  NCAUTUMN15

Dry Body Brush
Our skin is the largest waste elimination organ in the body. Body brushing exfoliates the skin and removes dead skin cells that may be clogging up pores and interfering with toxin elimination. This process also assists with the prevention of dry skin, as it stimulates sebum secretion from the sebaceous glands, leading to softer, lustrous skin. I body brush before showering in the morning. As a general rule, stroke the brush in one upward movement towards the major lymph nodes in the body, such as the groin, armpits and base of neck.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Drinking lots of water is essential, especially alkaline water. Alkaline water, also known as antioxidant water, has a higher pH which helps to extract acidity from the body.

Use Fresh Herbs
Many every-day kitchen herbs are not only loaded with antioxidants, they also enhance flavours in food so you can easily give processed condiments a miss.  What’s more is that herbs such as parsley and coriander are super-alkalising, and have the ability to harmlessly remove heavy metals from the body.  Parsley for example, is loaded with Vitamin C and beta-carotene, it’s like the equivalent of eating a couple of oranges and a carrot juice to boot.

You see, keeping clean doesn’t have to be difficult or take control of your life. By incorporating these things into your daily routine you’ll reduce the toxic load naturally.

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Reduce Your Toxic Load

Autumn is here and with it comes a great time to do some autumn cleansing. Here are some sure-fire ways to reduce your toxic load for your family and for our planet.

What are we waiting for?

These days our bodies are overloaded with toxins as they are being thrown at us from every angle – in the food we eat, the air we breathe, the products we use on our skin, for our family and in our home. We can’t be perfect all the time so here are some easy solutions to the toxic burden.

Foods.

Avoid processed foods. Our bodies need and understand whole foods, not refined and processed ones. Pesticides on fruit and vegetables can be partially removed by soaking them in a bentonite clay bath, which attracts and absorbs some of the toxins used in conventional agriculture. Also, apple cider vinegar works as a fruit and veg wash.

Alcohol.

Consumption of alcohol is extremely taxing on the liver as the liver needs to work overtime in order to process the toxins. It is not just the liver that suffers however, alcohol can affect personal behaviour and mood, digestive function, skin quality, cognitive function and absorption of nutrients from our food.

Personal Care Products.

That’s where we can help! Check out our range here. From personal care to baby care and eco-living products we have you covered.

Household Cleaning Products.

Look at the material safety data sheets (MSDS) on the products you use to clean your bathroom, kitchen and living spaces. Ditch any that are damaging. Seek out and use non-toxic cleaning solutions like our range or simple solutions like eucalyptus oil and white vinegar.

Clean Up Your Air.

Have lots of plants in your living environment. Ensure your house gets fresh air daily. Ideally, if you live in the city, go to a nature reserve to indulge in some fresh air. Avoid all products that list ‘fragrance’ on them as these are totally unregulated.

Source The Purest Water You Can Find.

Water is a major ally during a cleanse and in everyday day life. Every process in the body takes place in a water environment, so ensuring this is continuously refreshed is vitally important, even more so during a detox. Choose what water works for you, whether it be filtered, spring or distilled and add some lemon or lime for a further alkalising effect.

Tune Within.

Tune in to your internal commentary and become aware of any toxic criticisms or reproaches you may be generating, either towards yourself or others. Nip them in the bud and express them with a healthier, constructive voice. Clearing these can create uncluttered spaciousness. Find some affirmations that are powerful for you, and read them during times of stress or when you see fear overtaking love.

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General Recommendations During Pregnancy

General Recommendations During Pregnancy

PREGNANCY JOURNAL A5

  • Pregnancy is such a beautiful time of one’s lifetime and we highly recommend transcribing the journey in one of our gorgeous Pregnancy Journals, to cherish memories and give your child a treasurable gift.
  • Hydration is key during pregnancy and also for energy levels. Increase water to at least 2.5-3L daily.
  • For moisturising the body, you can’t look past our wonder balm which doubles up as a cure for anything!
  • Ginger tea or bread for nausea. Some people find ginger biscuits and oatcakes with a cup of peppermint tea works. Also, sipping on Yogi Mother-to-Be tea in 2nd and 3rd trimester is not only nutritive but soothing too.
  • It is safe and beneficial to continue exercising during pregnancy. The rule of thumb is you do not need to be concerned about heart rate if you have been doing regular exercise prior to getting pregnant.  Low-impact exercise such as walking, yoga and swimming is beneficial during later pregnancy, as we naturally slow down due to the weight of the baby.
  • Get 20 to 30 minutes of sunlight to boost Vitamin D levels, avoiding more intense sun exposure times (10 am to 3 pm during hotter months). This is also great for mood and relaxation for both yourself and baby.
  • Must-have organic personal care products to have a regular supply can be found in our pregnancy section.
  • Most importantly, enjoy this miraculous time and remember it’s just nine months out of your ‘normal’ life!

 

 

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Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy

Avoids List for Every Expecting Parent-to-be…

Depending on where you live in the world, what’s the bet you get told: “Do this, do that. Avoid this, avoid that”. So much so, we start freaking out when we’re pregnant, paranoid at the sight of food and even at the thought of sitting next to someone with a sniffle. Well, bubbles don’t exist but please don’t let this ruin your magical journey. Instead, we’re arming you with no-fuss general recommendations and supplying you with the rightful foods to avoid during pregnancy. Here’s to a happy, healthy (and relaxed) birthing journey!

Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy

  • Raw meat, raw fish, deli meats, raw egg, undercooked chicken all pose a risk of contamination with coliform bacteria, listeria, salmonella and toxoplasmosis.
  • Soft cheeses such as camembert, brie, blue vein and queso blanco can contain listeria.
  • Fish with possible higher levels of mercury include tuna, shark, barracuda, swordfish and king mackerel.
  • Shellfish may contain higher levels of industrial pollutants.
  • Caffeine is a stimulant and can inhibit the absorption of iron. Should be avoided during pregnancy, especially in 1st
  • Sugars, artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates and deep-fried foods are to be avoided to minimise food additive exposure, reduce the risk of gestational diabetes as well as excessive weight gain.
  • Acidic, fatty and spicy foods may aggravate morning sickness (1st trimester) and heartburn (3rd trimester).
  • Avoid alcohol, cigarette smoke, recreational drugs and over the counter prescription medications and toxic chemicals (some household cleaning products) for the duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding. Instead, check out our eco-cleaning products.
  • Check out our post on Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy for a complete naturopathic guide for every trimester.
  • For further information, check out Healthline’s 11 Food and Beverages to Avoid During Pregnancy.
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Tips for a Healthy Pregnancy

Healthy Pregnancy Advice From Our Naturopath For Every Trimester

In astrology, new moons are considered a chance to start afresh and create new beginnings. With this in mind, I’m sharing with you some beneficial advice for a healthy pregnancy given to me by a renowned naturopath friend of mine. Whether you are already pregnant, thinking about it or know a friend or family member who is embarking on this magical journey, please share these tips and let me know how you get on!

Healthy Eating Suggestions During Pregnancy

When pregnant, getting the right nutrients and vitamins is of extreme importance for both the health of your baby and yourself. What you put in your tummy will eventually end up in your baby’s too, and certain vitamins and minerals can make a big difference in terms of growth and development.

Eat organic or free-range ingredients wherever possible. This will reduce your exposure to chemicals, pesticides and antibiotics.  Research also shows that organic produce contains significantly higher levels of nutrients than non-organic foods.

Fill yourself up with lots of fresh vegetables, especially yellow and green varieties, as they are a good source of folic acid. Reduce starchy vegetables such as potato and sweet potato to ease constipation during pregnancy.

Include two to three pieces of fruit per day, either in the whole form or in juice or smoothie. Best fruits for high nutritional value include apples, pears, kiwifruit, pawpaw, pineapple, blueberries, pomegranate, tamarillos, plums.

Protein in Pregnancy

Protein is essential during pregnancy. It is quite literally the building blocks of life.  Healthy protein-rich foods include lean meat, poultry, deep-sea fish, eggs, goat or sheep products and low-fat dairy.  Small amounts of nuts, seeds, sea vegetables and tofu are good vegetarian protein sources.  Aim to consume some kind of protein with every meal.

Essential fatty acids are important for foetal development, especially the brain and eye development. Naturopaths recommend taking EPA/DHA (fish oil supplement) during pregnancy and best oils to use while cooking includes organic extra virgin olive oil and avocado oil; and flaxseed and Udos 3-6-9 oil blend for salads.

It is important to include whole grains and legumes for fibre and nutrients. During 1st trimester, you may eat bread to curb nausea, however, aim to have one piece of toast at breakfast and one at lunch; or lunch and dinner (rather than having two pieces of toast at breakfast).  As nausea subsides in 2nd trimester, switch grains for brown or basmati rice, oats, buckwheat, millet, amaranth, teff and quinoa.

Calcium in Pregnancy

Calcium is important for skeletal development of your baby and maintenance of your bone health. Adequate amounts can be found in recommended natal multi-vitamin supplement, and nutritional sources which contain high amounts of calcium include goat and sheep products, kefir, sesame seeds (tahini), chickpeas (hummus), broccoli, almonds and bone broth.  Avoid other sources such as hard cheeses and dairy for healthy weight maintenance during pregnancy.

Iron is important during pregnancy to produce more haemoglobin (blood) for you and your baby, and for energy levels. Nutritional sources include red meat, especially organ meats such as liver, eggs, lentils, white beans, brown rice, beetroot, spinach, spirulina, kelp, chlorella, kale and raspberry leaf tea.

It has been suggested that the more foods and flavours you expose your baby to in the womb, the more receptive your baby may be to these items when first trying solid food.

Pregnancy Massage

We have left the best and final pregnancy tip for last, get a Massage! Pregnancy can put extra pressure on joints, ligaments and organs, causing regular discomfort. Massage is a gentle way to alleviate side effects such as backaches and swelling. Massage and exercise along with food is the golden triad of health success when pregnant. If you would like to learn more about the research and benefits of  pregnancy massage you will find an extensive and supportive article here