New Year New Me

Hello my lovelies.

I know it has been a long time between posts. Too long really. In case you forgot who I am – My name is Shannon, I am 174cm, Blonde and I love all things Health and Beauty.

I didn’t do the standard ‘best of 2016’ ‘new year new me’ blog posts. I plan on doing something a little more raw with my blog this year. Yes I plan on still putting out beauty content but not on the same scale or with the same purpose as previously.

To start the year off, I wanted to talk about something I had been toying with. A 30 Day Raw Vegan Challenge.

I will link a video which I put up on my YouTube channel which explains a lot more around why I am doing this.

Overall I wanted to kick start my health after falling off the bandwagon.

I personally do not identify as either vegan or vegetarian – however I do eat a predominately plant based diet.

Make sure you are subscribed to my YouTube channel as I will be putting up another video with how I am tracking after 7-10 days.

Much Love, S x.

Educate - For Your Health's Sake

Following on from my ‘Making a Change’ blog post, I thought I would share with you some of my favourite ‘health/wellness documentaries
’. I am slightly obsessed with these videos and could spend days, maybe weeks even caught up and researching the issues they bring up.

For me and many others, education is power – and in a day where everyone seems to be looking at quick fixes and fad diets – I feel a lot of people need to get back to basics and re-educate themselves on how to eat and what is truly healthy.

This is definitely a topic I am quite passionate about and I am seeing more issues with how today’s society approaches health and wellness.

To help bridge the education gap, I thought I would share with you all my TOP 5 health & wellness documentaries. Each of these documentaries left me feeling inspired, asking questions and wanting more. 

5. Vegucated 

This isn't so much about health and nutrition as a whole but solely focused on veganism. It follows the journey and discovery of 3 Americans from eating a 'normal' diet and being very closed off to the option of veganism. I liked that this was pushing the plant based agenda, demonstrating that we can eat and achieve the same results without including food products. Warning this documentary is graphic at times.

Watch the whole documentary here

4. Fed Up

One of the older documentaries, it has lots of solid great information, however it is not as punchy or as engaging as many of the others. I think this is possibly due to it being produced in 2002.

Watch the whole documentary here

3. Food Inc.

One of the first of these types of documentaries I watched which really cemented what I thought and helped open my eyes even further. I guess this fuelled my desire to know more, learn more and make better smarter decisions. - 'Warning' - this may turn you vegan - not that that would be a bad thing! 

Click here to watch the trailer for Food Inc.

or 

Watch the full documentary here

2. Hungry for Change

It was tough to pick between this and my #1. This is a big eye opener, which leaves you feeling empowered, inspired and helps you regain your focus.

Click here to watch the trailer for Hungry for Change

1. That sugar Film

This is easily my favourite health documentary EVER. I don't feel I learnt anything massive from it as I have seen others and done so much research, but the way this video was put together was really punchy. It really left its mark, everyone I refer this video too absolutely loves it as well.

Click here to watch the trailer for That Sugar Film

I know there are many more, but these are just my personal top 5. Do you have any health and wellness documentaries that you love? I am always looking to expand my knowledge and widen my views. Make sure you leave a comment. 

S x. 

Making A Change

One of my favourite quotes is 'If we know what we know, why do we do what we do' - I first heard this whilst listening to Dr Libby give one of her amazing and inspirational workshops. This quote resinated with me a lot.

I have read a lot of books, done a lot of research and learnt a lot during my very active teens - I preach so much good advice, yet I can be the worst to follow this good advice. So given I have all this knowledge, why is it I don't follow through? For me it is time.

To try and get a hold of my health and wellbeing again, I have set myself a few short term goals. I also have been looking into prepackaged meal options.

I have set 5 goals and I will reassess in 30 days.

1. Lemon in 500ml of water every morning when I first wake up. 
2. Lunch time walks around the river. 
3. Attend yoga 2-3 times a week (in addition to pilates). 
4. Eat healthy, wholesome food.
5. Eat vegetarian, gluten free again. 

As I mentioned, I have been looking into prepackaged meal options to help with my goals and my time issue. I recently offered the chance to try out Wholesomeness Foods, I was very excited as this was the kick start I was looking for. 

There was a decent amount of meals available on the website, including fresh options, freezable winter meals and juices. I picked 5 meals and arranged to pick them up from the grange store. Delivery is only $14 and in the future I would opt for that option instead. 

The meals I chose; each were $9.95.

1. Lemongrass Chicken with Coconut Cauliflower Rice

2. Roast Mushroom with Bazil Nut Pesto, Vegetable Quinoa Pilaf

3. Frittata with Potato, Red Capsicum and Spinach 

4. Pumpkin Cashew Curry with Cauliflower Rice

5. Mexican Black Beans with Herbed Polenta 

Overall I enjoyed the convenience of packaged meals but I can be quite a picky eater so I'm not sure if it really is for me. Wholesomeness do offer a good variety of vegan, gluten free & dairy free options which I really appreciated. Also all meals are broken down into macros which is very handy.

To find out more about Wholesomeness, visit their website, wholesomeness.com.au or visit the cafe at 8 Days Road, The Grange - Brisbane. 

Talk Soon, S x. 

** Disclaimer; This post is not sponsored, however these meals were offered free of charge.

Kombucha: Magic or Funky?

Have you heard about Kombucha? Pronouced: kom- BOO-cha

I started drinking Kombucha around 2 years ago & was really impressed with the results. 

The drink actually comes from the ancient Chinese, originally being called the "Immortal Health Elixir" ..And we know how much I love a good Elixir! It has actually been around for more than 2000 years, but only of late does it seem to becoming more common and easily accessible.

Caramel Smoothie with a BOOST

I will admit it, its no secret - I am a massive sweet tooth... & this can make keeping healthy a little difficult.

I have posted a few photos on instagram of my caramel coffee smoothie and received a bit of interest, so I thought it was about time I brought back Foodie Friday.

Metabolism Booster Elixir

Happy Easter to you all!

Now I know this may be very loosely 'foodie' but I wanted to share with you all one of my favourite morning rituals. Especially considering the cooler months are upon us here in Australia. What I am about to share with you will not only kick start your metabolism each morning but will also help to boost your immune system. Double Whammy! WoOoo!

Now your probably thinking hurry up.. Spill the beans already!

Presenting to you my morning elixir! (I just love
that word!)

Ingredients:

Apple Cider Vinegar (I use one containing 'the mother')
Fresh Lemon
Ginger Juice
Cayenne Pepper
Raw Honey

Instructions:

Mix ingredients in a glass or small jar and add a small amount of warm water. 

Drink before eating in the morning.

Handy Tip:

If you don’t have a juicer that will properly juice ginger or small roots, then slice a large knuckle of ginger and boil it on the stove with approx. 1 cup water. Allow to boil until the water is mostly ginger, and then store it in a jar in the fridge.

By drinking this little potion first thing in the morning your body will be able to absorb the nutrients quickly. This drink is filled with so much goodness and contains so many health benefits. Along with assisting the digestive & immune systems, I find this also helps my skin and also gives me a little spring in my step! 

When I feel good inside, I just feel like everything else goes more smoothly. This drink is just one of my many ways which I help keep my body happy from the inside out! 

Do you have any morning rituals which help set you up for a wonderful day?

Talk Soon, S x. 

Exciting News

Hello my beautiful readers ❤

I have some very exciting news to share with you!

From next week I will be adding some special posts to my blog...

These posts will be in addition to my makeup, health & lifestyle posts.

So without further ado, I would like to share with you -

Wednesdays Wisdom & Foodie Friday

These posts will hopefully enlighten & inspire.

If you have any topics you would like me to discuss please leave a comment below. I would love to hear your thoughts on my new themed days. !

Talk soon, S x.