All About That Bone Broth

Hello from hibernation!

Waking up to the cold and rain today was quite revitalising after some seriously high Aussie summer temps! I find there’s something comforting about putting on warm clothes and being cool about being inside. I thought in tribute to the bizarre Sydney cold snap and ridiculous snow storm hitting the East Coast of America, I would send some warmth to the world and my Irish family in Europe who are in the middle of winter by talking about an old fashioned fave, bone broth!

bone broth soup

Super-magical-amazing bone broth, have you heard of it? Your first reaction to the thought of drinking the product of slow cooked animal bones and caracas may be, girl you cray! But let me tell you why this cuppa goodness should be a part of your every day life:

  • Bone broth is easily digestible and helps heal the lining of your gut and contains many valuable nutrients
  • It assists in liver detoxification
  • It reduces joint pain and inflammation through the compounds extracted from the boiled down bone cartilage
  • It also reduces infection caused by the common cold and flu virus
  • Bone broth promotes healthy stronger bones due to the high amounts of magnesium and calcium extracted through the boiling process which helps strengthen your bones
  • The broth helps nail and hair growth through the high gelatin content
  • And this wonder broth also is able to reduce the feelings of nausea and morning sickness found in early pregnancy (WINNER!)

So I’m pretty sure your convinced now this stuff is the shiz. We’ve all had chicken stock or beef stock before so no need to freak, bone broth is just a richer, taster meal-version of this.

If you have a slow cooker your in luck, it’s easy to just chuck all the ingredients in and leave for 12-24 hours to simmer down, otherwise low heat and a reliable stove that won’t burn your house down will do the trick. Your going to want to get a hold of some quality organic chicken bones and carcasses as a base and go from there, this stuff is cheap and should cost you under $5 for the lot.

Chicken Stock

1 whole organic chicken carcass and or 2-3 kg of organic chicken necks, wings and bones

1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

3-4 Litres of filtered cold water

1 large onion chopped

1 head of garlic

1 handful of mushrooms

1 bunch of parsley

3 sticks of celery

3 carrots peeled and chopped

Salt & Pepper to taste

Put all your bones, Apple Cidar Vinegar and veggies in a big pot or in your slow cooker. Cover everything with water and add about an extra inch over the chicken and veg. Bring to the boil for 10 minutes then turn down low on the stove and leave for 12-24 hours or leave low on your slow cooker for as long as possible!

Chicken Broth Cook

Now here comes the hands on part, remove all the big bones and what’s left of the veggies with tongs and put aside. You will need to strain into a large bowl and place in the fridge. All the fat will rise to the top and harden, remove the layer of fat and disregard (or if your super keen and wholesome you can use the fat for cooking), then voila your left with the soupy delight of bone broth.

It will keep in your fridge for several days or divide it up into take away containers or jars and pop in the freezer for those rainy days.

bone-broth-jars

Bone broth is a cheap, easy and tasty way to help heal your gut and give your body some vital nutrients and love it needs.. I hope everyone is keeping warm today on the inside and out!

Teena x

 

 

5 Natural Ways to Beat the Blues

Hello my organic friends!

Hope you are all well and slowly defrosting from winter, spring has definitely sprung! After weeks of Sydney storms the sun has finally broken through, and the change in the seasons is a wonderful reminder to hold on through the rain because sunshine is just around the corner.

after-rain-sunshine

1 in 4 Australians suffer from anxiety and 1 in 6 Australians are affected by depression at some stage in their life, these are overwhelming figures that could be real for me, you, your family and friends. Being healthy isn’t just about kale smoothies and walks on the beach, it’s also about taking care of your mind and wellbeing. There is also a responsibility for us to send love and compassion to others in need. Here are some cheap, easy and affective solutions for unsettling times:

1. Magnesium Oil

Magnesium is essential for a variety of biochemical reactions in the body that contribute to its proper functioning such as bone strength, metabolism of carbohydrates and fats and muscle strength to name a few! It has been scientifically proven that if we have the proper levels of magnesium in our bodies depression, anxiety, lack of energy can be eliminated within weeks or months. The main cause of magnesium deficiency is due to changes in soil and agriculture which has lead to the depletion of magnesium in our foods. The best way to get some added magnesium is through Magnesium Oil sprayed onto the skin it’s absorbed into the blood stream and doesn’t have any nasty side affects associated with magnesium tablets like diarrhoea or a funny tummy. Magnesium oil might tingle at first or even feel itchy or hot, but don’t be alarmed! It’s just working, and regular application will adjust your skin sensitivity. Start with 10 sprays a day and work up to 20 or even 30 depending on how your feeling!

Ancient-Minerals-Oil

2. Meditation & Mantra

If you ever feel like your mind is a lost puppy running around chasing it’s tail, you might be in need of some training! There is something very special about the power of being in the present and observing your thoughts not attaching to them. There are even some cool aps for your phone like the one my gorgeous husband started using Headspace which takes you on a 10 minute guided meditation every day. Or if your ready to start the journey for reals, check out your local area for meditation groups, teachers or classes. As our wonderful Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher tells us it’s all about “Practice practicing meditation”.

meditation

3. Exercise 

There is something very powerful about getting your body moving and just shaking off bad energy! If your like me you might fantasise about walking your imaginary French Bulldog, but seriously you don’t need anyone else but yourself and a pair of sneakers to get going. Movement gives us perspective, it is a distraction that encourages the release of endorphins. You will be amazed how a change in scenery can change your perspective.

frenchie

4. Therapy / Counseling

Do you have someone to talk to? A lot of us are lucky to have supportive partners, parents and friends but there is something truly liberating about telling a stranger all your problems! Working through your thoughts might be the key to freeing you from your pain. Talk to a doctor about a referral or ask a friend if they recommend anyone local for you to see.

Homer

5. Gratitude

What are you grateful for? It is very easy to focus on the negative and forget about all the blessings we have in life. When you feel your mind swaying stop and take a moment to ask yourself what are the things you are grateful for in your life. Maybe it’s a loving partner or parent, or access to great local food, you could be grateful to live near the ocean or grateful to get home in time to catch your favourite TV show. Weather big or small it is important to focus on the positive and put the negative in perspective. Begin your day with gratitude and the rest will follow.

gratitude-journal

It’s time to start treating yourself like your own best friend, take time to look after your body and your needs. Treat yourself to something special , make a conscious effort to soften your inner voice from critical to compassionate and understanding, eat foods that help your body heal and do activities that help your mind to relax. Taking care of yourself starts with you, and it begins with self love and acceptance.

 

Wholesome Cooking in The Kitchen

I can’t help but drool a little on my keyboard looking at these tasty treats from My Wholesome Kitchen … Delish!

My Wholesome Kitchen 1

lovely lady Rachel Gorney grew her hobby of health food into a successful catering and wellness business. Her snacks are beautifully made with local organic produce that are free of gluten, refined sugar, diary, eggs, preservatives and additives delivered to your door.. score!

It was such a delight to take a look inside My Wholesome Kitchen and catch up with Rach for a cuppa and a chat about what we love most.. organic food! woo hoo!

Q. Rachel you have created a deliciously fresh and accessible organic catering business, amaze! What inspired you to create My Wholesome Kitchen?

Thank you Bondi Organic. My Wholesome Kitchen (MWK) started in quite an unconventional way and to be honest with you, I actually had no clue I was starting a business until it happened. Cooking for me has always been second nature and more importantly it’s made me feel very happy and fulfilled. When the business did actually start I noticed a positive change in my wellbeing so I knew I had to keep going. I guess there was no real inspiration when I did begin this business as it unfolded in front of me, but now it’s inspired me to keep motivated and ultimately live a healthier lifestyle.

My Wholesome Kitchen 2

Q. How would you describe your relationship with food and organic eating?

My relationship with food and how I look at food has evolved so much over the years. When I was young I became very strict about what I ate and deprived myself from a lot of food groups. I was dieting all the time and became very obsessive about what I would put in my mouth. I didn’t look at food for it’s nourishment but rather how it would make me look on the outside.

It has taken me quite some years to reprogram how I think about food and it’s true purpose but now I don’t feel so attached and emotional when I’m eating a really nice and tasty meal. I’m not so strict about my diet and the rules I should stick by, if I feel like some dessert or diary for example then I will eat it and really enjoy it. When it comes to organic I do my best to include organic produce in my meals where I can, but again I’m not so strict about it. If I’m at a café or restaurant that isn’t organic or when I’m at home eating with my family I won’t make a fuss, I will enjoy what’s in front of me.

My Wholesome Kitchen

Q. Your business seems to be expanding more and more every day! Are you planning on launching any new offers or new ventures for your clients?

 I realised early on when I started the business that you always have to keep launching new ideas, products and concepts to allow the business to grow, remain fresh and exciting. We are always updating the shop with seasonal products, special holiday hampers and MWK merchandise. Last week however we did launch something very special that has been in the making for quite some months, The Wholesome Subscription Box. This new concept makes for an easy and simple way to purchase our products without needing to reorder your snack box every month. You simply order your subscription and your snack box is delivered to your door fortnightly or monthly.

We do have another fantastic new product coming to the store later on in the year, I won’t give too much more away but it will allow you to bring our brand and recipes into your own kitchen.

MWK4

Q. What is your favourite meal to cook for friends or family at home?

Sunday Brunch at home is always a highlight of my week. I will prepare some very simple dishes and spend quality time with my family. Some items that are always repeated on the menu are bircher muesli, shakshuka eggs (baked eggs), homemade dips, quinoa tabouli, sautéed mushrooms and poached eggs. I hope I haven’t tempted you too much.

My Wholesome Kitchen 4

Q. If there is one piece of nutritional advice you can give our readers to improve their life the most, what would it be and why?

I’m not sure if I’d call this nutritional advice, but the most important thing I could pass on is “do what makes you happy” and the rest will fall in line. I found that following my passion has made me feel much more content, happy and at peace with all areas of my life.

Find My Wholesome Kitchen:

It’s Cool be Amber Le Strange

Everything about Amber Le Strange screams cool, calm and organic. You may have seen her golden curls bouncing around Sydney social pages over the past few years, or her bright smile may look familiar from a bevy of TV commercials and magazines. Amber is a triple threat of model, actress and wellness icon. Leaving the sandy shores of Bondi Beach for the bright and tasty streets of Venice Beach, I was thrilled to have a chat with Amber about her journey to California and her relationship with food and the universe.

Amber Le Strange

Q. How does living in California help you achieve your health and wellness goals?

One of the things I LOVE about living in California is how supportive this city is of health/wellness and spiritual development. There seems to be a yoga centre and healthy meal option on every corner! With so many facilities available to look inward and choose the healthier option, it seems almost an effort to make the more unhealthy choice!

The fact that I am part of the Cafe Gratitude community is also a great way to keep in line with my health and wellness goals. This restaurant seems to be a meeting point of people who are interested in being the best they can emotional, mentally and physically. There are many cleanses, workshops, musical nights, charity events and community gatherings that people can be apart of. I also live in Venice which i find a sweet village culture that supports being outside, on your bike, on the beach and involved in the happenings of the neighbourhood.

Q. What do you miss most about Australia?

The ocean is definitely what i miss most about Australia! Our coast really is something special. I have been all round the world and in my opinion, Australia has the freshest, best quality oceans around. I make an effort to swim daily when i am in Sydney, no matter what the weather is doing!! I have a whole new appreciation of the ocean and its healing qualities since i have moved away from Bondi Beach!

Bondi Icebergs Yoga

Q. If you could recommend one thing for people to change in their diet or lifestyle what would it be and why?

One thing i would recommend people focus on in their diet is… the quality and quantity of water consumption! I am currently fascinated with the concept the hydration and it being so essential to our base health and quality of overall functioning. Look into the idea charged water at hydrablue.com .

Another dietary idea that I am committed to is the importance of protein! The building blocks of our health… But before we can breakdown protein properly we have to have healthy guts! Producing enough bile and stomach acid to breakdown the proteins is imperative. Otherwise you end up being bloated and blocked up which further adds to the toxicity factor we are all trying to manage! I am currently working on an online wellness cooking show that deals with such topics as healthy digestion and what easy meal we can prepare to support correcting digestive issues ourselves.

Q. What is your food philosophy?

My food philosophy is LISTEN TO YOUR BODY and have ORGANIC fresh produce whenever possible (support local farms and businesses). We all have unique constitutions and some peoples path to optimum health may be quite different to their neighbours! I believe if a person is finely tuned into their instinct and knows their body well then they can navigate their way into a program that works from them. I find a practice of meditation/yoga/looking inward essential for keeping your inner voice clear.

Amber Le Strange Organic

One universal belief i do have is that limiting sugar in our diets greatly supports a more balanced and thriving immune system and overall health. Sugar seems to have sneaked its way into almost everything these days and it does more damage to our systems than people realize. I try use stevia where i can (lowest GI possible) as my sweetener and be careful not to over do it on the fruit or carbohydrates (which breakdown into sugar in your body).

Q. How important is eating local and organic to you?

Eating organic and locally are two of my major rules! I think it is our responsibility to make choices that support the rejuvenation of our planet and in turn our health as a whole. If each one of us made the effort to support local farmers, grow some of your own produce, compost and only eat organic, as a collective we could help shift the current devastating state of the planet.In my opinion, It is essential to shape ones lifestyle choices around environmentally friendly and sustainable concepts if we wish to have clean air, water and soil for the future generations!

The quality (taste and nutritional value) of our food depends greatly on the quality of the SOIL. If a larger, non organic organisation is farming TRUCK LOADS of a particular vegetable or fruit, most likely they are looking at quantity rather than quality which leads to quick fixes such as using toxic pesticides to make the managing the produce easier. This toxicity doubled with the lack of nutrients in the soil directly effects the food grown in these conditions, which directly effects the health of the person consuming the produce!

Amber Le Strange Venice

To keep up to date with Amber’s adventures or If you are interested in knowing how to makes your own compost to grow your own herbs or veggies, check out Amber’s blog lestrangeland.tumblr.com

xx

Feeling Grateful at Cafe Gratitude

Yo yo!

If Coachella wasn’t already a life-highlight, I was possibly even more excited to spend a few days in Venice Beach to immerse myself in all my organic dreams. For years now I have been itching to go to Cafe Gratitude , I had read so many awesome reviews on blogs and had my daily instagram feed nourished by rad pics of the cafe menu. Reason number 2 for wanting to spend time in Venice was that so many great I people I admire call the beach home, and I was frothing to get amongst it all for a few days.

Venice Beach

Abbott Kinney Blvd is by far my fave! So many amazing boho shops, great restaurants and a laid back vibe. I forgot how rugged the beach board walk was with dozens of homeless-hipsters busking and sharing their latest conspiracy theories. Yet only a few blocks back is this wholesome wonderland of vegetable juice and loose cotton clothing.

Abbott Kinney Blvd

After a long drive back from Palm Springs, we decided now was the time to pop into Cafe Gratitude for an afternoon tea. It was even nicer than I had imagined with a beautiful neutral toned streamlined fit-out complimented by whitewashed tables and chairs. The menu dazzled me with raw vegan treats, and my mint tea was uber refreshing after a day on the hectic LA freeways.

Cafe Gratitude

Cafe Gratitude Tea

Things were about to be taken to an even higher level of excitement as I spotted my musical hero sitting beside us enjoying the afternoon sun.. It was Brandon Boyd the lead singer of Incubus and his gorgeous girlfriend Baelyn Neff. Yep, all my dreams had collided over a mint tea. Epic.

Brandon Boyd

So all I can say is, I was definitely feeling grateful at Cafe Gratitude.

Spending time in Venice Beach reinforced how happy I am on my organic journey. I was reminded that the universe works in amazing ways, and I am lucky to be exploring my health and the world each day.

Thanks for the memories!

Teena x

 

California Dreaming

I’m baaaaack!

What an epic adventure I have just had, a jammed packed musical-spiritual-organical exploration to LA and Palm Springs with my girls for Coachella!

Now for those of you who have been living under a rock or haven’t taken a look on a little application called “Instagram” Coachella is a 3 day, desert-chic music festival set agains the gorgeous back drop of Palm Springs California. Besides showcasing every epic DJ and band ever, Coachella is also a visual delight of celebrities, boho-chic fashion and a whole lot of palm trees.

Coachella Palm Trees

If you ever find yourself in Palm Desert and need some organic hydration, we stumbled across this little gem Fresh Juice Bar. We managed to find some time every day in between our shopping marathons at Forever 21 to down a smoothie on the go. It’s conveniently located in town, has a huge variety of organic cold pressed juice, fruit bowls and mega smoothies.. and trust me nothing tastes better than an icy cold fruit-n-veg bonaza while your schvitzing away in the desert sun!

Fresh Juice Bar

It was such a fun drive out to the desert, and driving from LA for Palm Springs for Coachella is the ultimate girls on tour adventure! But if your anything like me, the idea of truck stop fast food makes you a little queasy.. and if beef jerky or soda isn’t your flavour, here’s a little secret to help keep you going on the open road.. Introducing California’s famous In-N-Out “Protein Style Burger” without the bun, genius!

In-N-Out Burger

If your still struggling to navigate a road side diner menu, I found American’s are mad for an Omelette, and every place we stopped at had a “Veggie Style” option if your in need of some carb free eggy-nutrition.

Next on the itinerary, we are headed to my new organic-homeland Venice Beach baby! Can’t wait to tell you about it..

Talk to you laters!

Teena

A Dancing Mermaid: Mietta Gornall

Oh hi there!

This week I am super excited to introduce you to a total beam of sunshine, beautiful beach babe, organic crusader and international professional dancer and model Mietta Gornall. Mietta is currently dancing in the hit musical The Lion King, and when she isn’t sparkling on stage you might see her big smile paddling around Bondi. It has been such a treat learning more about her life as a dancer, and if you’ve checked out her instagram account, she’s also a great inspiration to remember to stop and smell the fresh sea air.

Mietta Gornall1

Q. Being a professional dancer must take such dedication and passion! How does your diet help you reach your goals?

I eat very clean and organic food to help maximise my energy – I LOVE eating and cooking and have only recently learned that food is ‘fuel’ not ‘entertainment’… when I eat properly I feel better and therefore perform much better.

Q. Welcome to Sydney and congratulations in performing in The Lion King! Have you been spending much time down in Bondi?

Thank you! Yes – I love Bondi, I need to move there asap, the beach is my happy place and this one is truly special. I also really appreciate the selection of health food cafes/stores and inspiring yoga studios in the area, pretty obsessed with the Bondi to Bronte coastal walk too!

Mietta Gornall Bondi

Q. Where is your favourite healthy place to eat in Bondi?

Porch and Parlour – amazing food, friendly staff and a great location. Their menu is really interesting and everything is super tasty so you can’t go wrong… I had lunch there today and just thinking about it makes me want to go straight back tomorrow!

Q. What snacks would you recommend to people who also have busy active lives to keep them moving through the day?

I make my own trail mix which includes goji berries, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, nuts and bee pollen. I also love making my own bliss balls…. they don’t last very long in my house though.

Mietta Gornall Bondi Beach

Q. What is your favourite way to relax after a big show or long day?

We do eight shows in six days (three double show days) so my body can get quite achey and sore, I find a bath with lectric soda really helps my muscles recover. It generally takes me a while to wind down as I’m buzzing after performing so a pot of organic sleepy tea is a necessity for me (‘relax’ by Pukka is my favourite at the moment). A relaxing night in wouldn’t be complete without my sea salt & caramel scented candle from Tigerlilly… it is magical…

Mietta Gornall Dancer

You can follow Mietta on Instagram, or catch her in the hit musical the The Lion King now!

Sesame Oil: Get the JLo Glow

I love moisturising my skin, and given the chance I would bathe in the stuff like a baby walrus splashing around out at sea. The issue I’ve been having is that after a few hours in the summer sun or winter chill, my skin would become dry again and needing further treatment. I would often stop and think wow my skin must be so thirsty and high class drink up all this expensive moisturiser! But wait a minute, where is it all going?

baby walrus

After a while the empty bottles in my recycling bin were stacking up. Could this really be healthy putting litres of chemicals all over my body? I stared to question my beauty routine and budget, and after reading a very inspiring post from a Gerson Cancer survivor who said “I don’t put anything on my body that I wouldn’t eat” it then hit me, how could I preach about only eating organics and living a healthy life when I was subliminally consuming masses of processed manufactured chemicals every day in my moisturisers. No more!

After doing my research I settled for the Queen of all oils, Sesame. Organic cold presses Sesame oil from your local organic store is around $9.95 a bottle, you can cover your entire body every day and a bottle will last you a month. Cha-ching savings! I use sesame oil as an all over face and body moisturiser, first thing in the morning and then night time after a shower.

Sesame seeds and oil

Within 2 weeks of using sesame oil on my body, a chronic skin condition which a doctor once told me was “erect hair follicles” (random I know) on my arms was gone. The raised red rashes on my upper arms that I have had since I was a kid was now smooth and no longer apparent, my summer tan was lasting  longer and my skin tone was more even. I could apply sesame oil in the morning and still have hydrated looking skin 12 hours later. I was not only saving hundreds of dollars I was feeding my skin a tasty chemical-free treat and the results were superb. In my mind it looked something like this..

Jennifer Lopez

It’s not just the physical benefits of sesame oil that has me hooked but also the internal wonders it is doing for my body. As one of the oldest cultivated seeds, sesame also helps combat diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, gum disease and has some great anti-bacterial properties that really help with skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, fungus and rashes.

If you stop and think, would you eat the  moisturiser you are currently using on your skin? You would probably vomit. So maybe it’s time to look for a cleaner, natural and cheaper alternative to processed package moisturisers like sesame oil.

Get some!

#Fitspiration: Matilda Finnegan

Hello crunchy kids!

Can you believe that February is well on it’s way, how did that happen?! Like many others I started the year with a motivational bang, getting majorly stuck into my new years resolutions as soon as the clock struck 12. Somewhere between number 1 “Caring less about what other people think about me”, and number 3 “Drink a green smoothie every day” I have lost sight of resolution number 2 “Get fit”. I am definitely in need of some old fashioned #fitspiration and what better way to help me get into shape than to speak to a Lorna Jane ambassador, Miss World semi-finalist and international model Matilda Finnegan. With one of the most amaze bodies I’ve ever seen, Matilda shared with me her secrets to body success.

Matilda Finnegan

Matilda your body is absolutely amazing! Do you feel diet or exercise is more important in staying healthy?

Thank you, I work my butt off to try look good. I aim to eat as healthy as I possibly can, but being in the model industry it is very easy to get sucked into the unhealthy ways to try and be a unrealistic size. So every now and then, I indulge in chocolate goodness! It’s all about balance and enjoying life 🙂

How do you keep motivated to stay in such great shape?

Instagram – as silly as it sounds. It’s true. #Fitspiration is the ultimate way to get you moving and be inspired by some amazing people who have changed their ways and now motivate the world!

Lorna Jane

Do you have a favourite power smoothie or treat to keep you going on a long day or shoot?

I’ll be honest, I try not to drink too much water before a shoot – with my body, it bloats me. However, the night before I drink lots of water and eat blueberries and 1 slice of cheese with honey 🙂 it helps my skin and makes me feel fresh the next morning. If I am just hanging around the house, I usually just go my basic: spinach, kale, green apples, chia seeds, honey, a teaspoon of vital greens & lastly whatever I have left over in the fridge I think may work!

Matilda Finnegan Lorna Jane

Your also a beach girl! What is your relationship like with the ocean?

I have pretty much lived on the Northern Beaches of Sydney all my life. Learning to swim by volunteers at my local rock pool, I graduated and joined a surf club with my family. Enjoying Saturday Rock look swims & Sunday nippers, I developed a strong connection to water. The surf just relaxes me, whether it be a quick dip or a surf with my gfs – I have to love near the beach. Otherwise I go a little stir crazy!

What does eating clean and organic mean to you?

Whatever swims, walks or grows you can eat it. As unappetising as that sounds – the best things for your body are red meat, chicken, vegetables & fish. Clean eating help any body moving, breathing easy and staying healthy! It’s such a vital process of good health, now more than ever with the greater volume of pollution and our busy lifestyles! It’s so easy to jump in your car and go to the drive through at Maccas. Clean eating is all about preparation and treating your body like the temple it is!

I personally have cheat meals every now and then, but being a model, my body is my work so I have to take good care of it!

Matilda Finnegan Instagram

Should I be counting my calories?

I am a complete sucker for a quality before and after weight loss shot.

Vicky Paterson

There’s something about the dramatic change and ability to transform that makes me inspired, impressed and concerned at the same time. Concerned because it makes me look at myself and think, geese why aren’t I undergoing a personal extreme makeover and should I be happy with the way I look?

I would like to think I have become bulletproof to image insecurities but I am only human and from Bondi, so it would be rude to not care what everyone else thought about me right! I recently I had my final wedding dress fitting where the dress maker bluntly barked at me “Lady how much weight you loose before wedding?” THANKS. There is a lot of bridal weight loss hysteria, and with 6 months till the big day I am feeling what 99% of females feel, should I be trying to loose weight and what’s the right way to go about it?

For the past year I have been prescribed to the Whole Foods Plant Based Diet, eating anything organic, fresh and locally grown from the ground and not out of a packet. My focus has been on food for wellness not weight loss. My health and well-being have never been better.

Falafel Salad

1 year later and with low blood pressure, low cholesterol, low stress and high on life I am totes winning! So my approach to the pending wedding and my dress maker who is trying to give me an eating disorder, is to continue on the path of food for healing yet be more aware of how much I am eating and exercising to maintain BALANCE rather than try to start depriving myself of nutrients for a quick weight loss fix.

This week I am test driving the My Diet Diary & Calorie Counter App. Instead of looking to eliminate all food and fun in my life, I like the idea of monitoring my daily intake and exercise trying to stay under my prescribed 1984 Calories per day to reach my goals, while allowing myself to keep it real along the way.

My Diet Diary App

 

It’s super easy to use, just plug in your meals and it tells you the calorie content and nutritional guide, cool hey!

We all want to look our best and feel confident in our bodies, bikini’s, full piece or wedding dress. Whatever your goals may be, it’s important to remember food is to be enjoyed and to nourish our cells, it has been created to heal our body and to keep us connected with the gifts that mother earth has to give.

Stay smiling kids!

Teena x