Clean Skin

1. MooGoo Oil Cleanser Combination // 2. MooGoo Anti-ageing Cream // 3. Boscia Clarifying Detox Mask // 4. Bare Escentuals Active Cell Renewal Night Serum // 5. Hilde Hemmes' Herbals Calendula Cream // 6. MyChelle Replenishing Solar Defense SPF 30 // 7. BeautyCounter Clean Everyday Shampoo & Rinse Everyday Conditioner

I have been on a real mission over the past year to clean up my skin care products. I have become fed up and don't want to put chemicals and harmful ingredients on my skin any more. I'm still using 'dirty' deodorant and I haven't quite got to my cosmetics yet (save for my beloved mineral foundation), but I am almost there with cleaning out my shower and cupboards of any harmful ingredients. Due to the obsessive research, internet trawling and review hunting that I have done for each and every product I try, I thought I would save you the effort and share some of my favourite discoveries. I know there are so many amazing brands that are doing 'clean' skincare these days, but many of them come with a hefty price tag that I simply can't justify, so my list is also fairly cost effective too. Win win!

Wellness Wednesday

I can't take credit for this recipe, it comes from my friend Guyon. But this smoothie has become an almost daily staple of mine. While technically a juice, when the right proportion of ingredients are added, it has the consistency of a smoothie and is simply delicious. Berries are packed with lots of good for you antioxidants and bananas provide potassium among other things. This is the perfect way for me to get a daily dose of fruit as I am not much of a snacker during the day so can otherwise miss out on this important food group.

Here's how to whip one up for yourself... in a blender add one banana, 6 or so hulled strawberries, a small handful each of blueberries and raspberries and about a cup of orange juice. Add ice and blend until smooth. This makes enough for two people. Enjoy!

Wellness Wednesday

Image: Townvibe

In honour of the study that I am about to begin next week in nutrition and health, I have decided to dedicate a post each week to healthy diet and lifestyle pursuits. Enter Wellness Wednesday. Each week I will share my learning in health and offer recipes and ideas that you can try at home. I am really excited about this new chapter I am beginning and feel that it will lead to a much more fulfilling and rewarding career. 

To kick things off, I want to share why it is so important to me to buy organic (as much as possible). Processed and genetically modified foods make me so mad. Not even fruits and vegetables are safe from genetic meddling. The problem with foods that have been genetically modified is that they are not broken down by your body in the same way and can lack some of the vital nutrients your body needs. Add the fact that genetically modified foods have been linked to cancer. Then there is the link with genetically modified foods and the increasing rates of severe food allergies in children. Reason enough to steer clear of the GMO's, I should think.

I understand that buying organic is expensive and therefore isn't realistic for everyone, but it really is important to be selective about the food you are buying. Avoid processed food as much as possible. Try visiting a farmer's market and talking with the actual farmers who are supplying the food. This can often end up being a much cheaper alternative than the regular supermarkets anyway.

I believe in everything in moderation, but to be honest you really have to be putting in good fuel 98% of the time or your health starts to suffer. It may not seem like much but cutting out processed and genetically modified foods can literally add years to your life.