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How to trick yourself into drinking more water

August 16, 2017

Water doesn’t get the same media attention as green tea, antioxidants, and the latest diets. Yet it plays a much more critical part in our daily lives.

Our bodies are made up of approximately 60% water, and every system depends on it. So water is not only important for healthy skin, hair, and nails, it also aids in controlling our body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. With this in mind let’s take a look at some of the tricks that will make the task of drinking water so much easier and more enjoyable.

Add a flavour to your pitcher
Chugging several glasses of water a day can seem like torture when every cup is tasteless. Add a bit of excitement by infusing fresh fruit (grapefruit, strawberries, lemon), veggie slices (cucumber, ginger, celery), and herbs (basil, mint, lavender) into your carafe.

Eat water-rich foods
One sneaky way to increase the amount of water you consume on a daily basis: is to eat your H2O. Add fruits and vegetables with a high water content to your grocery shopping list. Some top picks include cucumber (96% water), zucchini (95% water), watermelon (92% water), and grapefruit (91% water).

Set daily goals
Decide how many glasses or litres of water you want to consume every day and zero in that figure as your daily target. In ideal cases, men should consume at least 2.5 litres and women should consume at least 2 litres of water every day.

Invest in a water bottle
It will not only help you make hourly goals but also keep track of the amount of water you consume throughout the day.

Set a time
Set a fixed time for drinking water. For example, you can make a practice of having a glass of water after or before every bathroom break.

Opt in for hot water at night and in the morning
This will not only increase your water intake but will also aid digestion. Add lemon and honey to maintain your weight.

Always refill & keep a bottle in the car
When the glass or bottle is constantly full, you are more likely to drink water. It will be quite handy in traffic jams as it will keep you hydrated in hot weather.

Spice up your dishes
Add more chilli flakes or fresh pepper to your food as this will make you thirsty. Bonus: spicy food also leads to a higher metabolism.

Create a safe environment for your pets

August 9, 2017

| Health & Beauty

“UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL A PART OF ONES SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED’!

It is a fact that we love our pets. We share our homes with them, our food, our problems, take them for walks and some of us even share the sofa and bed with our furry “besties”, but are we paying attention to what’s in that shampoo we’re washing them with? Bathing our four legged friends is important, however it is essential to choose products wisely and always opt for toxic free formulas, as numerous pet shampoos contain a whole host of poisonous, harmful chemicals. Many dogs often suffer terrible reactions to the chemicals in conventional solutions, resulting in skin problems, such as, dry flakey patches, itching, and allergies, even licking their skin raw in an attempt to relieve irritation. When you stop and scrutinise the labels of these commodities it really is no surprise! Listed below are 3 of the most common and toxic ingredients frequently found in dog shampoos that should be avoided at all costs:

1. SLS (sodium laureth sulfate) or SLES (sodium lauryl ether sulfate)

SLS and SLES are anionic detergents and surfactants found in many dog and human shampoos. They are inexpensive and very effective foaming agents. The problem is that they are completely unnecessary and are irritants that have been shown to cause eye or skin irritation in experiments carried out on animals and humans.

2. Synthetic Fragrances:

Primarily made from petrochemicals, synthetic fragrances attempt to duplicate the smell of a specific plant, fruit or herb. A 1986 report by the National Academy of Sciences found that 95 percent of the chemicals used in synthetic fragrances are derived from petroleum and include benzene derivatives, aldehydes and many other known toxins and synthesisers capable of causing cancer, birth defects, central nervous system disorders and allergic reactions. Instead of utilising essential oils in the solutions, which are natural scents, derived from plants, large manufacturers deem these too expensive and so prefer to use cheap synthetic fragrances.

3. BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)

BHA is a preservative and stabilizer; U.S. National Toxicology Program, a part of the National Institutes of Health, has classified BHA as “reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen” based on evidence of carcinogenicity in experimental animals. It’s used in dog shampoos to extend the products shelf life. If it’s carcinogenic for humans, it’s carcinogenic for dogs, too.

What follows is a more complete list of chemical ingredients to avoid in your dog’s shampoo… and in your own shampoo as well! Read all product labels carefully. A common rule of thumb is if you can’t pronounce it and there are more than 3 syllables, it should be avoided at all costs!

Chemical Ingredients to Avoid:

Diaminobenzene, Methylisothiazolinone, Dioxins, Artificialcolors, Benzalkonium, ChlorideBenzethonium Chloride, Diethanolamine, Methicone, Triethanolamine, Propylene Glycol, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil, Sodium Hydroxide

These ingredients are only the tip of the iceberg, and can be found in most commercially manufactured cleansing products. The truth is we don’t need these noxious chemicals in our shampoos. Clever marketing and advertising campaigns have programmed us to believe that all shampoo’s must create plenty of lather to be effective. Don’t be fooled, they don’t. Once again, I stress, scrutinise labels and purchase non-toxic, natural, safe products. Because they are worth it. You can not put a price on your health, or your loved ones!

Dark Chocolate Almond Truffles

August 2, 2017

| Healthy Snacks

Coconut macaroons meet dark chocolate truffles in these little treats. Inside the snap of the dark chocolate shell lies the tender coconut-cocoa filling: a mix of naturally sweet dates, cocoa and coconut flour. Coconut flour is a healthy way to add decadent coconut flavour to this coconut-dark chocolate truffle recipe and other baked goods. It packs a whopping 5 grams of fiber per 2 tablespoons (with only 2 grams of total and saturated fat). Look for coconut flour near other gluten-free flours.

2 cups whole dates, pitted and coarsely chopped (16-18 large)
1 cup boiling water
1 teaspoon almond essence
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup coconut flour
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
10 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped (about 1½ cups)
1½ cups unsweetened shredded coconut, toasted

Place dates in a small bowl. Pour boiling water over them and let stand until cool, about 40 minutes. Transfer the dates and liquid to a food processor. Add almond essence and salt and puree until smooth, scraping down the sides once or twice. Add coconut flour and cocoa and process, scraping the sides occasionally, until a thick “doughlike” paste forms. Refrigerate until very cold, 2 to 3 hours.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Using 2 teaspoons per truffle, roll the mixture into about 40 balls.
Place half the chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until it is about half melted. Remove from the microwave and continue stirring until completely melted. Place coconut in a shallow dish.
Add about 4 date balls at a time to the melted chocolate. Working quickly, use 2 forks to roll each ball in the chocolate until coated. Use a fork to transfer the truffles one at a time to the coconut, letting excess chocolate drip off first. Sprinkle with coconut to coat. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
When the first batch of chocolate is gone and about half the date balls are coated, melt the remaining chocolate and coat the remaining balls with chocolate and coconut. Transfer the baking sheet to the refrigerator and chill until the chocolate is set, about 1 hour.

Heal your gut & make your own Kombucha

July 26, 2017

| Hydration Station

Have you heard of Kombucha, the beverage the ancient Chinese called the “Immortal Health Elixir?” It’s been around for more than 2,000 years and has a rich anecdotal history of health benefits like preventing and fighting cancer, arthritis, and other degenerative diseases.

It is a traditional fermented drink made of black tea and sugar. It contains a variety of vitamins, minerals and enzymes and has been prized by traditional cultures for its health-promoting properties. It contains a colony of bacteria and yeast that are responsible for initiating the fermentation process once combined with sugar. After being fermented, the Kombucha becomes carbonated and contains vinegar, b-vitamins, enzymes, probiotics and a high concentration of acid (acetic, gluconic and lactic), which are tied with the following effects:

Cleansing and Detoxification
The enzymes and bacterial acids in kombucha ease the burden on the liver by reducing pancreatic load.

Improved Digestion
Because it’s naturally fermented with a living colony of bacteria and yeast, Kombucha is a probiotic beverage. The healthy gut flora improves digestion, fights candida overgrowth, improves mental clarity and stabilizes moods.

Weight Loss
Drinking a glass upon waking up in the morning is recommended to help stimulate the metabolism and reset your digestive system for the day.

Increased Energy
Kombucha’s ability to invigorate people is credited to the formation of iron that is released from the black tea during the fermentation process. It also contains some caffeine (although in very small amounts) and b-vitamins, which can energize the body.

Immune Support
Kombucha is extraordinarily anti-oxidant rich, and you all know the benefits of anti-oxidants for boosting your immune system and energy levels.

Reduced Joint Pain
Kombucha contains glucosamines, a strong preventive and treatment all forms of arthritis.

Cancer Prevention
Kombucha is also beneficial for cancer prevention and recovery. A study published in Cancer Letters found that consuming glucaric acid found in kombucha reduced the risk of cancer in humans.

How to make your own Kombucha:
Here is a simple recipe for making your own kombucha at home. This recipe makes about eight cups of kombucha, but you can also double the recipe to make more and you still only need one SCOBY disk.

Ingredients:
You will need a glass jar to hold the liquid and a coffee filter or towel for a lid.

8 cups hot (not boiling) water
1/2 cup organic evaporated cane crystals (sugar)
4 tea bags (black, oolong or green)
1 cup already-made unflavored kombucha tea

Kombucha culture (Scoby). You will need to purchase a Scoby disk and can find one either in health food stores or online at very inexpensive prices. A Scoby disk can be vacuumed-sealed in a small pouch and shipped directly to your house for only a few dollars, while still preserving all of the active yeast ingredients.

Bring your water to boil in a big pot on the stovetop. Once boiling, remove from the heat and add your teabags and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Allow the pot to sit and the tea to steep for about 15 minutes, then remove and discard tea bags.
Let the mixture cool down to room temperature (about one hour). Once it’s cooled, add your tea mixture to your big jar/bowl. Drop in your SCOBY disk and 1 cup of pre-made kombucha.
Cover the jar with a tight-weave towel or coffee filter and secure with a rubber band. Allow the mixture to sit undisturbed, out of direct sunlight, for 7-30 days, or to taste. The longer the Kombucha ferments, the less sweet and more vinegary it will taste.
Pour kombucha off the top of the jar for consuming. Retain the SCOBY and enough liquid from the bottom of the jar to use as starter tea for the next batch. The finished kombucha can be flavored and bottled, if desired, or enjoyed plain.

Vinegar: Your natural household cleaning weapon!

July 19, 2017

| Homemade Cleaning Recipes & Tips

It took our generation a little while to figure out what our grandmothers knew all along: Vinegar is one of the most effective, inexpensive, and environmentally friendly cleaning agents available. It is non-toxic and harmless to children and animals, unlike some conventional chemical based cleaning solutions. Blending vinegar with other natural products will give you a cleaning formula worthy enough to tackle most household cleaning chores. From freshening up your fridge to unclogging drains – Yes, “Versatile Vinegar” really does it all!

Microwave
Place a bowl filled with 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of water inside the microwave, and heat until boiling. Keep the door closed and let the steam do its work for 10 minutes. Use a microfibre cloth and the cooled down vinegar water to wipe out the oven, and watch as stubborn food stains wipe off with ease, leaving your microwave looking and smelling clean and fresh.

Dishwasher
To disinfect the interior of your dishwasher, pour ½ cup of vinegar into the reservoir and run an empty cycle, or place a small bowl filled with vinegar on the bottom rack of the dishwasher and run an empty cycle.

Surfaces
Save your orange, lemon, grapefruit or lime peels and place them in an airtight jar, cover with white vinegar and seal. Leave the mixture for 1 to 2 weeks. The citrus fruit essence will infuse into the vinegar leaving you with a wonderful homemade cleaning solution, that is not only highly effective on most surfaces, including glass and stainless steel, but that smells amazing too.

Floors
Mix one cup of white vinegar and baking soda with a tablespoon of homemade or eco-friendly dish soap into a large bucket with 5 litres of hot water, and use the solution to mop your floors. This hardworking mix will have your floors clean and shiny in no time. Note: Do not use vinegar on marble or other stoneware, as it can cause the stone to pit and corrode.

Glass
Mix ½ cup of white vinegar with 2 cups of water and pour into a spray bottle for a healthy, non-toxic homemade glass cleaner.

Tiles
Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, ½ cup of Castile soap and ½ cup of water to make great tub and tile cleaner.

Unclogging Drains
Instead of pouring harsh chemicals down your sink and drains to clear them. Simply mix together ½ cup of baking soda and1 cup of white vinegar into a bowl. The mixture will begin to effervesce but this is normal. Quickly pour the effervescing mixture down the drain and let it sit for about half an hour before flushing with boiling water. You may need to repeat the process for heavy blockages.

Carpets
To lift light stains from carpets, mix together ½ cup each of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and lightly spray onto carpet stains. Leave to sit for a few minutes and then blot with paper towels or a light coloured cloth. Repeat the process until the stain has faded.

Bathrooms
For a pristinely clean bathroom, mix together 2 cups of water, 1 cup of white vinegar and 10 to 15 drops of Peppermint or Lavender essential oil into a spray bottle. Use to clean all surfaces in your bathroom.

Shower Heads
Carefully pour vinegar into a plastic grocery bag and knot the handles over the neck of the shower head, ensuring the head is submerged in the vinegar before securing with rubber bands. Leave to soak overnight. Rinse with water in the morning and buff to a high shine with a dry cloth.

Stinky Shoes
For shoes that smell brand new, just soak the insoles in warm water and a little vinegar before leaving them to dry completely.

Toilets
To get the outside of your toilet super clean, fill a spray bottle with half water half vinegar then spray down the outside. Let it sit for about 15 minutes and wipe clean. For tougher areas or stains, you may need to add a little more vinegar to your mixture. For tough stains on the inside, just pour vinegar directly into the bowl.

Glasses
To remove stubborn spots and streaks from glasses. Spray white vinegar on your lenses and wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Fridges
To clean the shelves and interior of your fridge, simply mix an equal water vinegar solution together, this will not only clean your fridge but deodorise it too.

Note: While vinegar is good at cleaning many things, you shouldn’t confuse it with soap. Alkaline cleaners such as dish detergent are ideally suited for lifting grease, whereas vinegar will have little effect on it. If you have a greasy cleaning job, reach for regular soap and leave the vinegar on the shelf. You should never use vinegar on waxed surfaces.