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.

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!

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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…

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

#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 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!

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!

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!

Going Organic with Osher Gunsberg

Hello hello!

I recently ran into a familiar face in the Junction between the coconuts and fresh food aisle of About Life, the artist formerly knows as Andrew G, Osher Gunsberg! It has been great to see Osher shining bright back on Australian TV as the host of The Bachelor Australia, a show which my girlfriends and I absolutely LOVED (I am still feeling the pain of Ali’s defeat!). Osher is a committed vegan and Bondi local living between Sydney and LA, TV presenter, radio DJ and all round organic-hipster. I first met Osher 10 years ago as a work experience kid at Channel [V] and it was such a treat to run into him all these years later and have the opportunity to learn more about his rad vegan lifestyle. As Osher rode away on his bicycle with a bunch of kale strapped to the back seat, he was not only an Australian celeb in my eyes, but also a total organic rockstar.

Osher you have always been such a vegan inspiration to me! How has a diet become a way of life to you?

After a life of eating meat, meat and more meat, I found myself unemployed at nineteen and unable to afford meat all the time – so I began eating just one meat meal a week. I noticed the change in my body and my mindset pretty quickly. At twenty-one, I moved in with my first girlfriend who was lactose intolerant – so I stopped eating dairy. It was slow steps, months or years apart. Chicken was the first to go, then red meat, a few years later fish and finally eggs when I was 28.

You spend your time between Venice Beach in California and Australia. How does living in LA help you achieve your healthy lifestyle goals?

Well in Venice especially you’re so spoiled for choice when it comes to plant-based eating. It’s possible to order a vegetarian/vegan version of most dishes at most restaurants, and the grocery shopping is astonishing. It gets even more concentrated out in Venice where I live. I’m one-hundred steps to my nearest smoothie joint. They sell vegan cookies on the counter at the Liquor store around the corner from my house

If you could take someone on a tour of Venice Beach for a day, where would you go and what tasty treats would you eat?

I’d say ride a bike down to Cafe Gratitude and get the “I am whole” bowl (with a side of coconut bacon) and then pop across to Moon Juice for the best smoothie on the face of the earth. It will cost you US$18 for that smoothie, but you won’t soon forget it.

Amazing work on the new series of The Bachelor, absolutely loved it! How do you stay energised on long days of shooting and on the go?

When I landed the gig, on the first day I was back in Australia I bought a Vitamix. Then up to Health Emporium for supplies and mason jars. I’d blend up some Kale Shakes packed with all kinds of goodness, and just take them to set with me. It’s a lighter more refreshing way of getting my calories when sitting around a set full of unhealthy snacks. I’d also just consume large amounts of fruit as we went past midnight on the Rose Ceremony shoots. That’s the key really. That and lots of tea.

If you could recommend one food or lifestyle tip that would have the most impact on someones life, what would it be and why?

Cook everything that you eat. Even if you’re eating meat, if you cook everything you eat, you’re immediately reducing the amount of processed foods you’re putting inside you, and you’re fostering the connection between preparing good food and feeling good. If you want to take it a step further, you can start to sub out the proteins with plant-based proteins now and then. It’s way easier if you’re already in the habit of cooking for yourself to go plant based, as you’re already familiar with your kitchen, your favourite recipes and the amounts you’ll need for each dish.

You can follow Osher on Instagram @osher_gunsberg or check out his work at http://oshergunsberg.com/

Love Teena

Aussie Model Brigitte Warne on Wellness

What do you get if you mix an international model with a dash of healthy lifestyle and a sprinkle of chia seeds? Brigitte Warne. This week I was lucky enough to have a chat with the model turned health advocate as she launches her new line of raw seeds and her health food company Green Zebra.

Brigitte you are a picture of health! How important is good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle to a successful modelling career?

Awww Thank you!! Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and good nutrition is pretty much essential if you want to last in the modelling industry! A lot of models come and go because they don’t know how to look after and maintain their bodies and health. Thankfully these day the Australian modelling industry is really into fit and healthy models, they want to see models that are full of energy an have healthy figures that can be positive role models for their brands. Good health and nutrition comes hand in hand with great bodies, hair, skin, teeth and mental health (just to name a few!) which is something that everyone should aspire for, including models!

Congratulations on launching Green Zebra! How did your new business develop and what inspired you to create a pure raw seed company?

Thanks!! Launching Green Zebra has been a dream of mine, I had been making the seed mixes for myself and was constantly being asked what my secret was to maintaining my figure. Of course exercise is a big part of my daily routine, but it is diet that plays the biggest role on shaping our bodies. I wanted to bring the Green Zebra products out to offer people a different product that will effectively and SAFELY help with weight loss and weight management by detoxing and cleansing the colon and but would also provide huge amount of vitamins, mineral, protein, fibre and good fats, all of which are vital for good health. Green Zebra is all 100% natural and raw, and is suitable for everyone!

What does a day in your food diary look like?

A typical day in my food dairy starts with a big bowl of yoghurt, grated apple, strawberries and a large spoonful of Green Zebra seed mix.

Lunch is usually avocado and feta on spelt or sourdough bread, sometimes with a poached egg too!

Dinner always changes, but some of my favourites are tempeh stirfry with lots of veggies and quinoa or grilled fish with fresh salad! I add green zebra seed mixes to most of dinners for extra nutrients and good fats, and to keep my metabolism going!

Snacks are usually nuts, whole grain Museli bars, sugar free chocolate (or a little bit of regular milk chocolate) and fresh juices smoothies!

I’m all for moderation so when it comes to weekends I will indulge In whatever I feel like, I just watch my portion sizes!

What is the most important aspect of maintaining health to you?

I believe the most important aspect of mainting health is to lead a happy and balanced lifestyle. To me this means lots of fresh clean and nutrient dense food (but still being able to enjoy some treats!) getting outside and being active, surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people and looking after you body and knowing that what you put into your body ultimately shows on the outside 🙂

Learn more about Brigitte and her new business at www.greenzebrahealth.com/