If you love soft drinks like I do, but don't want the sugar or artificial sweeteners, these drinks are for you. I have to say, they taste beautiful. I was so happy to see a cola flavor, as that's my favourite and it is very hard to find a natural drink which actually does taste like the cola we are used to. Each drink is packed with flavour, it's not just mineral water with a touch of juice, they really do taste like the soft drinks we used to love, without the bad stuff! They use a natural blend of stevia with monk food extract in order to obtain the sweet taste and erythritol, which is a sugar alcohol naturally extracted through fermenting fruits and melons and has only 6 percent of the calories of sugar, so if you get a sugar craving, turn to this instead of the usual sugar filled drink. What's even worse is drinks with artificial sweeteners. I refuse to touch a drink with artificial sweeteners as they are very toxic to your health, there is not a safe artificial sweetener out there, they have all been linked to disease, but so many people still think that they're being healthy by choosing diet drinks with artificial sweeteners. Naked Life Sparking are made in Australia and are 100 percent natural. Low GI, fructose free, no artificial sweeteners, preservatives or colours. They come in glass bottles, which I love, guaranteed of being BPA free. I tried the following four flavours in the range - Ginger and Pomegranate I love ginger, this one has that nice bit of spicy tingle and it's really refreshing with the pomegrante and a bit of lemon flavour. Lemonade With Cucumber Cucumber goes so well with lemonade, this is the perfect summer drink, made with real lemon, cucumber and a touch of mint. Lemon Citrus Squash Sometimes there's nothing quite like the taste of lemon squash to quench your thirst. It really reminds me of the old fashioned lemon squash I love, but without the sugar and still nice and sweet! Natural Cola This is probably my favourite, as I have always been a cola lover, there's just something about the taste. I have searched far and wide for a natural cola and this tastes beautiful. It also has a touch of vanilla and mint. Real cola flavour without the acids and colours. I can highly recommend these natural soda's. They also work fabulous as mixers, such as vodka and gin, if you're that way inclined :)
I have noticed lately students where I work drinking these Naked Life Sparking , so I think soon you're going to start seeing them everywhere, if you haven't already. There is one flavour I'm yet to try, the rasberry and lime, so I'm looking forward to trying that one next! Available at Naked Life Sparkling and selected stores and supermarkets.
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By: Sara For hundreds of years, essential oils have been used as natural medicine for many ailments. They have now been scientifically proven to have a large number of benefits and are still being used widely as medicine, for a skincare routine, and for healing purposes. If you want to try natural cures for your ailments as well, here are some of the best essential oils you should always keep in your cupboard: Ginger Oil Ginger oil is revered for its anti-inflammatory properties above all. It is widely used to cure a sore throat. Using it on the skin also helps in reducing acne and redness on the skin. Ginger oil can also be used on wounds to prevent inflammation. Frankincense Oil Frankincense oil is another anti-inflammatory agent that can help in reducing inflammation all over the body. This includes acne, a sore throat or even fever. Frankincense oil is also used to boost your immunity and help you fight a number of diseases. Some studies have even linked the use of frankincense oil with the prevention of cancer and destruction of cancer cells. Tea Tree Oil You have probably heard of this ‘miracle’ oil at some point in your life. Mostly used for skincare, tea tree oil has astringent, mattifying and anti-inflammatory properties. You can add it to a soothing mask for oily skin and use it to treat acne. It is also used to ward off unpleasant odors and has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties as well. These help in keeping wounds uninfected and in treating many skin diseases. Lavender Oil Lavender oil is widely used for aromatherapy. It’s extremely pleasant and soothing smell helps relax the mind and body and relieve stress. Lavender oil is also a widely known antiseptic and is known for its healing properties when used on cuts, bruises, and scars. Chamomile Oil Chamomile oil is a very potent natural cure for stress and insomnia. Many types of research have linked chamomile oil to stress relief and many herbalists recommend this oil for insomniacs. It is also very good for the skin and removes acne, acne scars, blemishes and uneven discoloration. Chamomile oil is rapidly gaining popularity as a natural remedy for many ailments. Eucalyptus Oil You must have heard of eucalyptus oil in many different healing products. It is an effective remedy for sinusitis, chest congestion, and other respiratory problems. It also has anti-bacterial properties that prevent chest and wound infections. Peppermint Oil Peppermint oil is widely used for refreshing yourself and staying more alert. If you ever feel perpetually exhausted and sleepy, a few drops of this oil will wake you right up. It is also widely known for its digestive properties. Author bio: Sara is a psychologist by profession and she loves massage therapies. She enjoys home-based work and traveling. She is obsessed with massage chair therapies and other relaxing techniques. She recently wrote a post on Reflexology vs. Massage Therapy. Hand blended in Victoria’s tranquil Yarra Valley, this organic tea range uses the finest Australian seasonal herbs and ingredients to assist with digestion, concentration, sleep, energy, relaxation and detoxification. I love tea, especially herbal teas, I study herbs and the effects they can have and the way this company has combined their herbal expertise in their teas, combined with the environmentally friendly biogreafdable tea temple bags, makes this tea a pleasure to drink. I tried two from the range - Digest It - Tea to soothe your tummy. An organic blend of chamomile flower, lemongrass and peppermint. Chamomile contains Bisabolol, which has anti-inflammatory properties and relaxes the stomach. Lemongrass contains a component called citral which helps with digestions, used a lot in chinese medicine, particularly for bloating. Peppermint tea helps to ease stomach cramps and is very calming. Although it tastes subtle, it does a really nice job of keeping my tummy calm, really good for after meals. Has a refreshing and delightful taste. Nod Off - To help you sleep well, containing Linden Flower, Biodynamic Apple, Chamomile and Elderflower. This is the tea I need. I am a very light sleeper and sometimes have trouble falling asleep. This blend intrigued me because the ingredients are quite different from other teas I have tried for a restful nights sleep. Especially good for people who wake between 2-4 in the morning and have trouble getting back to sleep, which is what happens to me regularly. Even though the tea tastes mild, it is strong enough to help me nod off to sleep quickly and stay asleep. Linden flower has a soothing effect on the body and is very helpful with anxiety related insomnia. Elderflower helps to relax nerves. Chamomile is a well known remedy for helping with sleep and tranquility. I remember reading in a herbal remedy book about how apples can help you sleep, which isn't common knowledge, so I was glad to see it in this tea's ingredients. I'm very happy to have come across these healthy and effective teas. The company is family owned and operated and I can tell that they know their herbs when it comes to treating ailments. The price for the teas are very affordable, which is great for such high quality ingredients. I'm looking forward to trying their other blends.
Available at Yarra Valley Tea Company. Spicing dinner up with some paleo desserts is a dream many hold dear, but due to lack of the right recipe, it becomes difficult to choose what to prepare. Although there are many options available for paleo dinners, you might be overwhelmed by the information available that making a choice becomes difficult.
D. Scott Carruthers is a food expert who has worked in the hotel industry for years preparing various kinds of dinners. He has highlighted some of the easiest paleo dinners for desserts that you might embrace and here are few. 1. Lemon Bars Ingredients
Method Start with coating a baking dish with butter then combine all crust ingredients in a food processor to form a crumble. Evenly press crust onto the pan’s bottom and using a fork prick several holes into the crust. Bake 10 minutes and while it bakes combine the filling ingredients in a processor till completely incorporated. Remove the crust and bake additional 15-20 minutes then allow to cool. 2. Paleo Kind Bars Ingredients
Method Preheat the oven to 350 F and line cookie sheet using parchment paper before greasing with oil. Chop the nuts roughly then mix the ingredients except the coconut oil and honey. On a separate holder mix the honey and oil then smear over the seed mixture. Stir till everything gets coated then pour lined cookie sheet into the parchment. Bake for about 20 minutes then remove from the oven for cooking. 3. Ultimate Unbaked Brownies Ingredients
Method Combine the dates, vanilla, water, salt, and cocoa powder in a food processor then process until smooth. Grease lightly with square baking dish and add dough to the dish evenly distributing it. Spread paste of the remaining ingredients on the dough and refrigerate for at least 2 hours then cut into pieces. 4. Mint Chocolate Fudgsicles Ingredients Coating:
Method
Combine your fudgsicle ingredients and blend till smooth. Then pour them onto popsicle molds before adding stick covers. Put in the freezer to harden within four hours. Melt the chocolates then stir in oil so you can use the mixture on the fudgsicles. 5. Chocolate Chip Cookies Ingredients
Mix all ingredients in a bowl and make spoonfuls into a cookies sheet, which you should freeze for 20 minutes or until it sets. 6. Coconut Flour Brownies Ingredients
Method Grease a 8"x8” glass dish and combine the butter, coconut oil, egg, maple syrup, and cocoa powder in a mixing bowl. Then add the chocolate chips, baking soda, salt, and coconut flour before mixing well. Evenly spread the mixture in the baking dish and bake for 20 minutes. Serve cool. 7. Paleo Protein Brownies Ingredients
Grease a glass dish and mix the protein, cocoa cream, coconut oil, maple syrup, and coconut butter before adding guiltless superfoods flour, salt, baking soda, and coconut flour. Spread the mixture on the baking dish and top with chocolate chips so you can bake for about 25 minutes. Serve cool. 8. Paleo Lemon Brownies Ingredients
Grease 8"x8” glass dish and using a bowl mix the nut butter, coconut oil, lemon juice, and maple syrup. Then add coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and water chestnut to mix. Shift to a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes. 9. Paleo Sweet Potato Brownies Ingredients
Grease an 8"x8” glass baking dish using coconut oil and whisk eggs using coconut oil, coconut cream, sweet potato, and stevia. Add cocoa powder to nibs and mix well. Next add coconut flour, baking soda, and salt then mix well. Put in the baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes. 10. Orange Macaroons Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350 F and grease an 8"x8” glass bowl. Mix all ingredients and using a cookie scooper drop heating dough tablespoons onto the baking sheet. Then bake for about 25 minutes, cool and enjoy. D Scott Carruthers is a Vegan that loves food. You can find more about his writings at dennisscottcarruthers.com By: Laura Sooner or later, your eyes will start to age. Usually after they turn 40, people notice that they have to squint to make out small fonts, they need glasses to see into the distance, and they have trouble adjusting to glare or distinguishing some colors. Sadly, this is a normal part of aging. You can try to delay these effects with healthy lifestyle choices but, much like the rest of your body, your eyes will soon start to feel their age. Fortunately, anti-aging secrets aren’t just limited to your skin and body. Here are a few ways you can help your eyes fight the signs of aging. Surgery People get cosmetic surgery on their face, abs, and buttocks all the time to preserve their body’s peak condition. Therefore, there is no reason why you can’t correct your vision with minimally invasive procedures. Before you decide that surgery is the right option for you, you should do more research into how your specific vision problems can be treated. It’s important you learn how presbyopia correction works and other ways of treating the condition before you finally schedule your surgery. There are the different types of laser surgery. LASIK (laser in situ keratomileusis) is the most popular, but there is also wavefront-guided LASIK and Epi-Lasik, PRK (photorefractive keratectomy) and LASEK (laser epithelial keratomileusis), to name but a few. Contact lenses If you’ve firmly decided that glasses are not the right anti-aging treatment for you, then the next option to consider before surgery is contact lenses. They are superior to glasses in a number of ways; they aren’t affected by the elements, so you can freely walk around in heavy rainfall; they don’t get in the way when you’re playing sports or exercising, and they sometimes correct myopia, so you can see clearly the next day without the need for glasses or contacts. However, contacts can reduce the amount of oxygen reaching your eye and can cause or increase the severity of dry eye syndrome. They also require daily cleaning, so they are more high maintenance than glasses and surgery. Anti-aging creams
Even after you’ve corrected the vision problems caused by old age, the visible wrinkles around your eyes are yet another big reminder that you look older than you feel. The skin around the eyes is thin and dry, which means that it’s one of the first areas to show wrinkles. Crow’s feet - affectionately known as laughter lines - are usually the first to make an appearance, but brow descent and hanging upper eyelids might have started forming without you noticing. The first time you see the slightest hint of a wrinkle, add antioxidants and natural sunscreen with SPF 30 to your daily skincare regime. This will help fight the early signs of aging around the eyes. Remember to exfoliate regularly, as removing dead skin cells will help to boost collagen production - an essential ingredient for looking young. With these measures in place, you will always have the eyes of a twenty year old. By: Laura Most individuals want to make sure they always seek professional assistance when they suffer from medical conditions. Indeed, that is the best way to assess the problem and get treatment. However, there are lots of illnesses people don’t always identify. So, there is a decent chance that some readers are entirely unaware they have those conditions. With that in mind, some of the most common ones are listed below. People should be sure to educate themselves about these issues as soon as possible so they can deal with them accordingly. Sexually transmitted diseases Everyone knows how important it is to use protection when engaging in sexual intercourse. Hopefully, most people take that precaution and save themselves a lot of embarrassing clinic visits. However, it’s vital that everyone understands that some of the infections and diseases they might catch don’t show any symptoms during the early stages. Considering that, it’s essential that anyone who’s had unprotected sex during the last couple of months book an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. Left untreated, some illnesses could cause:
Sleep apnea The issue with sleep apnea is that people only learn they suffer from the condition if they share their bed with a partner. In most instances, the individual will snore uncontrollably during the night. However, that sometimes gets worse, and the person might stop breathing from time to time. Any who suspects they suffer from that illness should seek medical attention as soon as possible. It is not worth taking any risks people some individuals have died from the problem in the past. Of course, specialist CPAP can make a significant difference. That is why it’s critical that people get a diagnosis before it’s too late! Osteoporosis Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease because most folks don’t know they have it until they suffer severe disabilities. The condition causes bones to lose their density and become brittle. That means sufferers will spend time in the hospital due to breaking things. There are tests doctors can perform that can identify the issue before it becomes too severe. So, it’s wise for everyone to ensure they always go for a checkup every six months. With a bit of luck, that will help them to learn about a range of different illnesses that might not exhibit any symptoms. The truth is, there are thousands of diseases that people don’t identify until they are in a lot of pain. Individuals know their bodies better than anyone else. If any readers notice something doesn’t feel right, they should always inspect further and get a professional opinion. When all’s said and done, life is short enough as it is right now. So, we all need to do everything we can to maintain perfect health for as long as possible. People who research each of the conditions mentioned in this article should stand a much better chance of becoming alerted to any issues in the future. Stay safe, and remember that knowledge is power! I am a big tea drinker, I drink tea every day and I love to try different flavours. Tea is very comforting, it makes me sit down and relax, even if t’s just for 10 minutes, it gives me a mental break. What makes it even better is when the tea is organic! Did you know that conventional tea brands have been shown to contain high levels of toxic substances such as fluoride and pesticides! When you start drinking organic tea you can really taste the difference, especially when this tea comes from an ethical company such as Loose Lips Tea. Stemming from Melbourne, tea artisan and founder of Loose Lips Tea Co., Cherri Davis, has created a wonderful gourmet collection of beautiful hand blended teas using all organic ingredients. I tried the following two teas - So French Special Earl Grey I have always loved earl grey tea, not realising up until now what a difference there is between the tea bags and real earl grey tea, especially the french type! There is a huge difference in the quality and taste, as soon as I opened the packet of the loose tea the scent was so amazing and the taste was even better. The divine aroma of the tea is very relaxing, this could be put down to the bergamot oil, which is known to relieve anxiety and stress. The rose petals and lavender also make it a relaxing and refreshing tea and the black tea leaves contain a nice little caffeine hit. I love this tea during the afternoons to keep me going for the rest of the day. It’s a good pick me up tea, at the same time helping me to relax. A very luxurious tea, which I can imagine sipping in a quaint little tea shop. Peppermint and liquorice Two other favourite teas of mine are peppermint and liquorice, but I’ve always had them on their own, not combined! This is actually a very clever and tasty blend. I usually drink peppermint tea after a meal, it helps with digestion and gives me fresh breath. Peppermint aroma is very uplifting. Liquorice tea is really good for settling the stomach and quenches my sweet tooth naturally. Combining these two teas almost feels like an after dinner dessert. It’s also a great breakfast tea as the menthol in peppermint can stimulate the brain and help with concentration. This tea is caffeine free, so I can also drink it in the evenings to help me relax, as menthol also works as a mild muscle relaxant. Loose lips teas are of a very high quality, they taste and smell amazing and are full of anti-oxidants and healthy herbal ingredients. The large bags of loose teas are also very affordable!
Available at Loose Lips Tea Co. By: Laura When it comes to healthy eating, many people are happy to make the change but then struggle to maintain their good habits. Instead, they will eat healthily for a couple of weeks but gradually they start falling back into their old ways. Healthy eating takes sustained effort, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be enjoyable too. So, with this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can maintain a better diet. Prepare More of Your Own Meals If you prepare your own meals, you have total control of what goes into them. A major problem that people have is eating out too often, eating bigger portions of food that is high in fat and salt. If you do eat out, you should look for specific healthy restaurants or markets to keep your healthy eating regime on track. With so much advice online about preparing healthy meals, you have a range of dishes that you can try your hand at preparing. Make the Right Changes Rather than just cutting unhealthy foods out of your diet altogether, it is important that you start replacing them with healthier alternatives. For example, the switch from fried chicken to grilled salmon helps you make the move from trans fats to healthy fats. If you are used to snacking during the day, you should find better options that you can have at the same time of day. Feeling hungry all the time will make it less likely for you to maintain your resolve to eat healthier on a long-term basis. Practice Mindful Eating Mindful eating is a technique that people practice to stop themselves from eating too much. A lot of people eat while they are distracted by things like the TV or surfing the internet. Instead of this, you should focus on the act of eating while you are doing it. This way, you will be better able to determine when you are full and you will also enjoy your meals more. Also, you should focus on how you are feeling after you finish your meal. Junk food tends to make you feel uncomfortable and drained of energy, while healthier meals should have the opposite effect. Drink Enough Water A lot of people who want to eat better fail to drink enough water, which is a major mistake. Water plays a big role to cleaning your system out from toxins and other waste products. The shocking thing is that many people who suffer from headaches, low energy and tiredness are simply dehydrated. As well as this, thirst is often mistaken for hunger, so staying hydrated should help you significantly in your healthy eating quest. Read the Labels When you are shopping, rather than throwing anything into your basket, you should check out what the food actually contains by reading the label as some manufacturers have a habit of throwing in unexpected amounts of sugar and unhealthy fats. Try to focus on buying more fresh ingredients to avoid any nasty surprises. By: Laura Life is so busy. And when we’re busy, we’re more susceptible to feeling stressed and worn out. When you have a lot on your agenda, you might find yourself working through your jobs and to-dos without blinking an eye at how exhausted you feel. But in the long run, ignoring warning signs can often lead to burnout. Burning out can put you at rock bottom. So, to avoid that, you need to spend a bit more time thinking about the things you can do to relax, wind down and get your body and mind back on track. If you’re serious about de-stressing, here are seven simple ways you can boost your wellbeing.
Get Better Sleep Although you may favor getting things done over this, it’s actually one of the most important points that could save you from burning out. Because good quality sleep is so important to your health. Not only does your body repair when you’re sleeping, but it also gives you energy and makes sure that your body can function properly. Slow Down You’re also going to want to think about slowing down just a little bit. When you’re running at a mile a minute to try and get things done, you’re probably also putting a lot of pressure on yourself. And with that, can come anxiety. If you want to beat anxiety, you’re going to need to learn to take it easy. Drink More If you want good levels of health and more energy, you have to stay hydrated. We all know that we should be drinking water, but do you take it seriously? Plus, when you’re drinking 2 liters of water each day, your skin will be more radiant, and you’ll also lose weight. Be Social If you’re the kind of person that always think they’re too busy to enjoy a social life, thing again. Everybody needs a healthy social life to keep them sane. Whether you meet your friends at your favorite Thai restaurant or head to the movies with your family, you need social interactions to help you relax and unwind. Pamper Away And then, of course, there’s always every girl’s favorite way to relax. Pampering may seem superficial and vain, but it can actually boost your wellbeing and self-esteem more than anything else. When you’re getting a facial or a massage, you’re taking time out and letting your body chill a bit. Switch Off In our modern world, we’re all too connected all of the time. But, it is important to switch your phone off and switch your mind off whenever you can - especially in the evenings. Whether you want to read more or spend quality time with loved ones, unplugging your devices will do a lot for boosting your wellbeing. Eat Well Whether you believe it or not, your diet can play a huge part in how you feel. Eating junk can be fun as a treat every now and again, but if you eat it regularly, you probably feel lethargic and run down. Instead, nourish your body with meats and vegetables so that you can boost your health and feel better. By: Laura It’s inevitable, relentless and will impact your life one way or another. Stress is a part of life, the first step in alleviating it, is to admit it’s there. Often times we try to shrug it off and just power forward, like a shrill game of peek-a-boo. But taking practical steps to combat tension can improve your mental and physical health, helping you to live a happier life and make better judgment calls.
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