Affordable switches to natural beauty products by Emmily Banks

Are you still in the mindset that switching to natural products will be expensive? Or maybe you’ve put it in the ‘too hard basket’ to find? Well think again my friend! Today more than ever we are surrounded by AMAZING natural products from house hold cleaning products, to skincare and makeup which not only helps us thrive thanks to the lack of nasties (aka none) but also just as important, work just as (if not better) than everything you are currently using.

Today we have our fave natural beauty goddess and expert Emmily Banks to share her tips on affordable switches you can make.

Get your shopping list ready…

Are you looking to make the switch to natural but worried it might all be a bit too expensive? A lot of people come to me concerned about the cost of making the switch but the truth is- it really doesn’t need to be expensive! My number one philosophy when it comes to natural beauty is ‘less is more’, so simply by stopping using toxic cosmetics and letting your skin breathe, you are on your way to making the switch. For those that want to maintain their makeup routine, switching has never been easier or mote affordable. The natural and eco-conscious beauty world is growing rapidly meaning it’s no longer the case that natural beauty also has to cost you an arm and a leg! In fact! Some of my favourite natural beauty products are far cheaper than any of the mainstream products I used to use AND they are great for you, the environment and don’t test on animals either- want to know what they are?

Read on for my favourite and most affordable switches to natural!

MOISTURISER

RosehipPLUS Hydrating Day Cream

$19.95

This moisturiser uses cold pressed rosehip oil to boost the skin with antioxidants and essential fatty acids. This leaves the skin protected against free radicals and hydrated throughout the day. Certified organic and cruelty free too of course!

FIND HERE

FOUNDATION

Benecos Natural Creamy Make-Up

$17.99

This liquid foundation uses Shea butter and jojoba oil to moisturise the skin while giving a natural finish which can be built up to provide additional coverage if necessary too. This foundation blends beautifully and as always is toxin and cruelty free.

FIND HERE

Eco Minerals Flawless Foundation

$29

For those with oily or combination skin this mineral foundation is a great option. This powder leaves a matte finish, offering long lasting full coverage. Made from natural minerals it is a great option for those with sensitive skin and also has an SPF of 25+.

FIND HERE

BB CREAM 

Benecos BB Cream

$17.99

Benecos’ BB cream is another great and affordable option for everyday coverage. This cream works as a moisturiser while offering pigment that will cover redness and even skin tone. It uses Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil and Pomegranate Seed Extract to nourish your skin throughout the day. Perfect for teens that are moving into the makeup world too!

FIND HERE

CONCEALER

100% Pure Second Skin Concealer

$24.95

This concealer is creamy, blendable and buildable and uses Olive Squalane and Vitamin E to nourish, repair and hydrate the skin leaving a natural finish. This is a great choice for those wanting to cover dark circles or redness.

FIND HERE

LIPSTICK

Lily Lolo Natural Lipstick- Temptation

$19

This creamy lipstick is enriched with vitamin E, Jojoba Oil and rosemary extract to hydrate the lips while offering a beautiful, natural pink colour. This natural colour will suit any skin tone and is the perfect everyday lippie.

FIND HERE

MASCARA

Benecos Natural Mascara Multi Effect- Just Black

$14.95

This mascara lengthens and thickens using organic beeswax and Jojoba Oil to strengthen the lashes. The black colour comes from natural minerals so it won’t irritate sensitive eyes.

FIND HERE

Find more goodness from Emmily below x

@depthsofbeauty

www.depthsofbeauty.com.au

Emmily Banks is a natural makeup artist, eco beauty advocate and founder of Depths of Beauty. Emmily is passionate about sharing the importance of non-toxic beauty to inspire healthy and positive change for people and the planet. She is on a mission to help others discover conscious beauty and authentic wellbeing from the inside out.

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source http://fitnessinthecity.com.au/live/beauty/affordable-switches-to-natural-beauty-products-by-emmily-banks

6 tips for training when you have a toddler

It’s no secret that having a baby can turn your once #fitspo life into a continuous loop of Paw Patrol episodes and play dates… BUT things are about to change… so ladies, let’s dust off those trainers, make a new playlist and lets get moving.

Bec Wilcock – Blackmores Wellbeing Coach, Extreme Athlete, Founder of Love Me Fit and mum to Beau, shares her 6 top tips to getting it done!

1. Get a baby carrier – they are a safe and secure way to carry your baby around hands-free and allow you to get some exercise in. When Beau as born I used to walk everywhere with him harnessed securely in his carrier and could even do some body weight exercises such as lunges and squats.
2. Prep your meals the same time you prep your baby’s. As modern day mums we often put our bub’s needs ahead of our own, especially with food! How often do we run out the door forgetting to eat? I try and get into the habit of preparing my own meals while I’m prepping for Beau’s. It doesn’t take that much longer and save time and hassle in the long run!
3. Opt for one-handed meals. As busy mums we are lucky to have a free hand, so I try and pack all my nutrients into meals I can eat on the go such as smoothies, wraps and nuts and dried fruit mixes. This is especially the case when breastfeeding!
4. Make sure you’re getting enough nutrients in. Even prepping all my meals and eating a well balance diet, I find I need additional supplement support, especially while I’m breastfeeding. I take Blackmores Breastfeeding and Pregnancy Gold each morning and Blackmores Super Magnesium + to assist with muscle cramps and spasms.
5. Always carry a water bottle. I find hydration helps to keep your energy levels up and to help keep your digestive system lubricated! It should be a handbag essential for every modern day mum.
6. Fit in exercise where you can. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t t get to the gym, or park, or even outside the house! Just roll out the yoga mat and practice a short 15-30min flow when you can. Beau is super chatty first thing in the morning so I have a yoga mat chat with him while I’m still in my pyjamas and Flow like no one is watching.

 

For more information, to help support you on your journey to Be a Well Being, or to register for the Blackmores Sydney Running Festival on 17 September 2017, visit Run.Blackmores.com.au

Check out more from Bec here 

 

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5 Barre Attack exercises to do every day

Want that long, lean toned look that you may or may not day dream about coming into summer (hellllllo bikinis) well doing these Barre Attack moves every day will help you get there. Founded Renee Scott, a former professional ballerina for the Hamburg Ballet who also trained under the direct descendant of Joseph Pilates as a Pilates instructor combines the best of both worlds for a deceptively tough workout!

While we all can’t attend classes these are some moves you can do at home. So, roll out your mat. Get in your fave #fitspo gear and get to it.

1. Brazilian twists

Start in a plank position on your hands and toes. Keeping a steady plank and a lengthened torso, bring one knee to the opposite elbow chest without rounding the lower back. Hold for one breath and return to plank repeat alternating legs. You should feel this through the upper body and abs.

20 rep

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Second Position Plies

Standing tall, have your legs out wide, just outside hip-width apart and externally rotated from the hip, turned out 45 degrees. Make sure your back is upright with shoulders over the hips.

Bend the knees and allow the knees to draw outwards over the toes as you draw the crutch line down level with the knees then return to start position. Feel like you’re sliding up and down an imaginary wall, so the upper body doesn’t pitch forward at an angle. Inhale on the way down into the plie and exhale on the way back up. You’ll feel this through the thighs, your bottom cheeks and a gentle drawing in of the lower pelvic floor.

20 Reps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Frog Pulses

Stay in a second position but lean the upper body forward and bend the knees. Reach the finger tips out so you’re touching the floor but keeping the eyeline forward.

Bend the knees and lean the upper body forward and touch the floor with the finger tips, come up half way to upright by stretching the legs slightly then bend the knees and return to tapping the floor with the hands.

You should feel your inner thighs and glutes kick in fast. If you only feel it through your lower back, you need to bend the knees more and not round through the lower or upper back. Your back should be long and pitching forward at 45 degrees – it’s the legs bending that creates the movement.

10-15 Reps

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Side Planks

Lie on your side with your elbow bent under the shoulder and legs stacked on top of each other.

Press the hips up to the ceiling creating a long diagonal line between the top of the head and the feet. Try and think of lifting the ribcage and hips up, while keeping the hips and shoulders over each other. You’ll feel this through the shoulders, back as well as the obliques on the underside of the body. Try pulling your abs upwards like you would do in a traditional plank to maintain good form and alignment.

If you’re feeling up to it, pull yourself up from the floor with your hand and extend the resting hand to the ceiling.

5 reps to each side

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Lunge with rotations

Stand in a split-legged lunge position, one foot forward one foot back, both in line with the hips and knees bent. Most of the weight is in the front foot, so you can keep the weight forward with back heel lifted. Arms are outstretched just below shoulder height.

Bend your knees, so you are lunging down to the ground with the front knee bent at 90 degrees and back leg bent at 90 degrees, knee almost going to touch the floor. Keeping the legs stable, rotate the upper body so it’s twisting across the front leg. Return upper body to center and stretch the legs to return to an upright position. You’ll feel this through the legs and waist – if you’re feeling it through the knees, stop and check your alignment and range of motion through the legs before continuing.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Banner image credit

BEC & BRIDGE 2017

 

 

 

 

 

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source http://fitnessinthecity.com.au/move/fitness-move/5-barre-attack-exercises-to-do-every-day

Green Detox Soup recipe

We are but moments from stepping into Spring, and hopefully warmer days. I don’t know about you but Winter wasn’t kind to me or my diet. Slowly but surely my coffee intake increased (here’s looking at you 4 month old Ava), as did the sugary goods (dam you UberEats, dam you).  So, I’m more than ready and dare I say, excited, to say good bye to both.

This recipe by my girl Nadia Felsch is everything I (and you!) need. Warming, cleansing real food.

Why does Nadia love it?

‘Support what your body does naturally by including this delicious and easy-to-make, detox soup!

Simpler, cheaper and better for you than crazy cleanses and expensive products.

The glucosinolate-rich vegetables in this soup support natural liver detoxification pathways and add fibre to our diet which assists with digestive function (hello gut health!) and also the flushing of toxins that we all have.’

Green Detox Soup – by Nadia Felsch

GF / VG

Serves: 4-6

Time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 leek, white part only

1 large head cauliflower

2 medium whole broccoli

2 medium zucchinis

½ large bunch parsley

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 small garlic cloves

750mL chicken stock

Salt and pepper

Greek yoghurt, to serve (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Finely slice leek

Roughly chop cauliflower and broccoli

Wash and roughly chop zucchinis

Chop parsley

Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat

Whilst still cold, add oil and crush in garlic

Add leek and bring all to heat

Cook until fragrant and starting to soften

Add remaining vegetables and cook for several minutes until starting to soften

Add stock, parsley and season to taste

Bring to the boil and lower to simmer for 20-25 minutes until vegetables completely soften

Remove from heat and blend either using a hand blender or blender in batches

Add a spoonful of Greek yoghurt per bowl to serve

 

NOTES

Enjoy some and freeze the rest for later.

Vegans – leave off the yoghurt and substitute chicken for vegetable stock.

Follow more amazingness from Nadia below

Website here

Facebook here

Instagram here

Nadia Felsch is a Sydney-based wholefoods recipe developer, photographer, blogger, magazine columnist and final year nutrition student (BHSc). Her work has featured in a number of publications including Mind Body Green, Women’s Fitness and the Huffington Post. Nadia’s driving purpose is to help busy women know how to, and feel both empowered and excited about, enjoying more real food and feeling fantastic. Her online program – Path to Wholefoods – teaches women exactly this – about the power of wholefoods from a practical standpoint, how to listen to our bodies and the underpinning stories we tell ourselves about food and healthy eating.

At the end of 2016, Nadia and her husband launched their fast-beloved range of healthy baking mixes – Wholefood Society – that bring convenience, taste and health all together in one gorgeous package! Helping busy women eat 100% real food faster and easier, and without any special skills or equipment – just delicious real food.

 

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source http://fitnessinthecity.com.au/food-drinks/green-detox-soup-recipe

Sally Fitzgibbons Tips for Building the All Australian Beach Body

From winning world surfing championships (she is currently ranked World #2) to training and practically living in swimwear all her life… Sally Fitzgibbons knows a thing or two about staying in shape!

So when we heard she was releasing her new All Australian Beach Body, which focuses around the principles of Fit, Lean and Strong to unlock your health and happiness potential, and with workouts suited for all fitness levels to do anywhere around the world… well we know we had to chat to her to find out more!!

Her healthy lifestyle and fitness habits have been of interest to women all over the world which is why her move into the fitness/ training world is a great next step for the young entrepreneur and athlete.

This all round inspiring gal shares her top tips to building the all Australian beach body!!

1.     Find a style of training that you love

As well as finding the time, you need to find a style of training that you really enjoy so you it keeps you motivated and coming back. I love starting my day with a sunrise run – for me, it’s the best head start and it really sets my momentum for the day. But we’re all different and it’s important to find the thing that works for you. Training should be exciting and fun, not a chore.

2.     Train consistently

To get great results, you need to train consistently. Try get in at least three sessions a week, the repetitive motion is what improves your strength and allows you to progress to the next level. My advice would be to know your goals, and always have them in mind. Determination can be a really good motivator if you feel like you’re not up for a workout or straying from your diet. Write down what you’re aiming to achieve and always have a mental image of it in your mind.

3.     Get in touch with nature

Nature is what grounds me and I love taking my training outside whenever I can – I’ll do a short circuit session at the park or the beach. It doesn’t have to be all high intensity though, I think it’s also really important to spend time relaxing in nature – walks along the beach, swims in the ocean, bush walks – it’s really grounding.

4.     Eat Rainbow!

I like to keep things simple with my diet and stick to fruit, vegies and quality protein.  We all have different tastes and you know what your body needs to function at its optimum capacity, just ask yourself a simple question when you ordering or buying food, “is this good nutrition for my body?” I love filling my plate with as many different fruits and vegetables as possible. Dreaming up new combinations of foods, flavours and textures keeps it interesting.

 

5.     Read the label

Wherever possible, check the back of the packet and avoid foods with any ingredients you can’t pronounce. My favourite snack is Blue Dinosaur Bars – they have only 5 ingredients, so you know exactly what you’re eating.

Want to train with Sally?! See below for details or here to check out her program

EVENT DETAILS

Date: Saturday August 12, 2017

CITYFIT Expo,  International Convention Centre in Sydney

Check in at 9am for a 10am start

Book tickets here: https://www.allaustralianbeachbody.com/city2surf/

CHARITY ELEMENT- ALL AUSTRALIAN BEACH BODY APP X SALLY FITZGIBBONS FOUNDATION

Need more reason to get her program?

The AABB app also feeds into Sally’s larger objective of combating childhood obesity, a bigger killer than smoking and one of Australia’s most pressing crises. When people train through AABB, they earn free Dream Dollars, which are converted to donating a skipping rope for disadvantaged children.

See, inspiring gal!!

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source http://fitnessinthecity.com.au/move/fitness-move/sally-fitzgibbons-tips-for-building-the-all-australian-beach-body

Soup cleansing – the warming option you need to know about

We’ve all read about the numerous benefits of juice cleansing, but does sipping cold liquid morning noon and night leave you feeling a little less than desired? Well then maybe soup cleansing is for you!! We chat to Mr Perkins Nutritionist, Jessica Rutledge to get the down low.

Soup cleansing is totally a thing now, talk us through why this is a good option, especially in Winter?

It’s a great option in Winter for a few reasons:

1.       Soups are warm! Cold beverages on chilly days are not enticing.

2.       It’s significantly more filling than other cleanses because of the fibre content and the use of wholesome vegetables such as sweet potato, carrot, mushrooms and healthy fats such as coconut milk which are grounding, nourishing and satiating winter foods.

3.       A soup cleanse is a wonderful way to reboot your wellness and stick to healthy eating goals without feeling deprived of the hearty foods your body craves in the colder months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are they better than juice cleanses?

Both soup and juice cleanses can be beneficial, it just depends on the person, their bodily constitution and their health goals. The time of year can also be a determining factor – juice cleanses are more appealing in Summer and soup cleanses in Winter.

What are the benefits?

The benefits of a soup cleanse include:

• Promotes alkalinity – the cleanse is plant based, and as such promotes alkalinity in the body. It is also free from gluten, dairy and meat which further promotes an anti-inflammatory system. The combination of ingredients promotes antioxidants and aids the detoxification process in the liver.
• Improved digestive function – the soups, smoothies and chia seed pudding are all fibre rich, fibre acts as a prebiotic and promotes a regular digestive system. Reduced kilojoules means your body expends less energy on digesting food and extra energy can be used to detoxify and heal your body from the inside out.
• Hydrates and promotes growth in the body – water rich vegetables and stock hydrate the body and clean plant proteins promote growth and repair on a cellular level.
• Reset imbalances – during a cleanse you do not consume alcohol, sugar, coffee and processed foods which allows the body time to reset any imbalances and decreases cravings for those kinds of foods.
• Clear skin – the improved digestive function and reduced toxicity of the body also promotes clear, glowing skin. After three days you will feel energised and lighter, and no doubt be glowing!

If we want to create a soup cleanse at home, what should we include?

You can create a soup cleanse at home simply by making your favourite vegetable soup recipes, but with more wholesome ingredients such as fresh vegetables (not canned which can contain unnecessary amounts of sodium) and using homemade stock or water instead of stock powders which also contain unnecessary ingredients such as extra sodium and artificial flavouring. You can also replace dairy cream with coconut milk or add potatoes for a creamy taste.

You will need to make a few different sups so you get a variety of nutrients;

Green Soup – made using leafy green vegetables, broccoli, peas or parsley

Root Vegetable Soup – made with potato, sweet potato, carrot, pumpkin or beetroot.

Healing Broth – mushroom and seaweeds combine nicely with celery and carrot to create a healing broth

Note: Don’t be afraid to add spices and herbs for extra goodness (turmeric, parsley, cumin, paprika and cinnamon are my go-to’s) and always make sure you drink extra water or herbal tea while cleansing to aid detoxification.

Feeling lazy? Take the easy route and get the cleanse ready to go via Mr Perkins here

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source http://fitnessinthecity.com.au/wellness/soup-cleansing-the-warming-option-you-need-to-know-about

Winter Warmers: Jumpers You Need

Once a fashion foe, jumpers are now (thankfully) on the must have list in the cooler months. Make it sporty. Keep it simple. And pair with your fave tights, jeans + fresh white kicks.

P.E. Nation :: Box Sweat

The Box Out Sweat is the sporty statement piece of this season. Featuring a cropped fit, ribbed cuffs and neckline and a plastic P.E Nation applique on the front. Khaki shearling sleeves with branded patches give this sweater an old-school sports feel that can be mixed in with any athleisure wardrobe.

Shop it here

P.E. Nation :: The Heads Up Sweater In Black

Sometimes you need a plain black jumper, minus the hood, because well we’re an adult now (apparently).m Step up your sweater game with the Heads Up Sweater in Black. With a slouchy, tomboy fit and a large printed P.E logo, the Heads Up is a no-brainer for easy, everyday wear. Throw it on with your favourite printed leggings for the gym or style it back with denim for a sports-influenced off duty look. This sweater is fast becoming a P.E staple and will no doubt become your old wardrobe favourite.

Shop it here

C&M :: Camilla and Marc Bianca Crew Logo Sweat in Grey Marl.

Back to basics with the grey thrown on jumper. Must. Have.

Shop it here

Lululemon :: Space Crew

Not exactly a jumper but this long sleeve number is too good not to include. Pull on this soft and breathable long sleeve for warm-ups and cool downs at the studio or gym, or just the cafe, ok mostly the cafe…

Shop it here

What are you lusting over? Comment below so I can check it out!

 

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source http://fitnessinthecity.com.au/fashion/winter-warmers-jumpers-you-need