Why you should be using a natural conditioner

Looking after our hair properly means using only the best and safest ingredients. 

We've explained previously why your regular shampoo is harmful for your body due to the amount of chemicals that get absorbed into the bloodstream. Even more practically, these products don't do your hair any good either.

And it's not just shampoo. Choosing the right conditioner is also an extremely important part of your hair care routine. 

When we use harsh chemicals we're actually destroying our hair. Mainstream hair treatment products often dry out hair by stripping it from its natural moisture, leading us to suffer from dandruff, an itchy scalp or frizzy hair.

The best way to get your hair back on track is not only to use a natural shampoo but also a natural conditioner. Shampoo is used to cleanse your scalp, but it's the conditioner that treats the actual hair. This is why it's important not to skimp on a good conditioner because then your hair is going to lack the nutrients it craves.

Silk Amino Acids

We highly recommend a product that utilizes silk amino acids such as Maple Holistics' Silk18 Conditioner. Created directly from the silkworm, this product uses 18 different amino acids which help provide lasting nourishment and that beautiful silky look. There is simply no need to resort to fake chemicals when you can use the real thing. 

The Silk18 is also suitable for all hair types - colored, dry, brittle, frizzy, oily. Jojoba and argan oils are also added to help assure moisture retention.

Botanical Keratin

When your hair lacks keratin it becomes frizzy. That's why finding a product with botanical keratin added assures you that your hair will not only remain soft, shiny and easy to manage but also full of volume and strength.

Overall we believe this conditioner can really give your hair the treatment it deserves without having to resort to artificial ingredients and sulfates that only damage your hair more in the long term. 

Bake your bread and eat it

Do you really have to give all this up?

Bread has a really bad reputation. They say our body has trouble digesting it, it's fattening and it doesn't provide much nutrition.

But, all you dieters out there can rest assured that you can still eat bread on a fairly regular basis without having to compromise your health and your diet. You'll just need to make a few changes first.

Get rid of shop-bought bread

One of the main problems is shop-bought bread. Even when you think you're buying really healthy whole wheat bread the fact is that this bread is highly processed, and full of non-food and often toxic ingredients.

Manufacturers want to produce as much bread in the shortest possible time. Unfortunately this means speeding up the bread-making process by using chemical dough conditioners such as azodicarbonamide, which are linked to many health issues.

Additionally, preservatives to prevent spoilage, artificial colorings and flavorings, GMO products such as soy oil and the unnecessary amount of added sugar all contribute into making your whole wheat bread one terribly unhealthy and fattening product. Some of these ingredients have been linked to ADHD, asthma and allergies.

The problem with wheat

Even if you're not gluten intolerant, wheat can be very problematic. For a start, we eat way too much of it. Toast for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, pasta for dinner; it's all wheat. But wheat has also unfortunately been transformed over the years with the intention of trying to create a higher yield and more profitability. Wheat underwent hybridization, changing the structure of the grain and resulting in the possibility of toxins.

Wheat: a manipulated grain

Ancient grains such as spelt, quinoa, kamut, etc, are free of hybridization and GMO manipulation, therefore remaining pretty much unchanged from what they were thousands of years ago, unlike wheat and corn which are not at all reminiscent of their ancient origins.

A grain such as spelt is perfect in a loaf of bread. It tastes and acts almost exactly the same as wheat but is high in fiber and nutrition while remaining unprocessed and easier to digest.

Spelt: An ancient grain 

Sprouted grains

When a grain is soaked and sprouts are formed, the grain automatically becomes more digestible. The phytic acid is destroyed when you sprout grains enabling the body to absorb more nutrients; sprouted grains contain more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Conversely, refined flour that's used in commercial bread products doesn't have these properties and our body actually metabolizes it, particularly white flour, like it does a sugar causing our insulin levels to spike. Hence all the talk about bread making us fat.

The good news

But it doesn't have to be this way, if we only make our own bread. And that isn't as hard as it may sound. A bread machine is often a good purchase and can actually end up saving you a lot of money.

All you have to do is add all the ingredients to the pan and you have your loaf of bread made for you. Preferably buy sprouted flour but if you can't get your hands on this then regular whole wheat or spelt flour will also work. Most bread recipes have a handful of ingredients, just the way it should be, leaving you with a pure loaf of nutritious bread. You won't believe the amount of money you can save using your own ingredients and a bread machine over the expensive shop-bought loaves. And if you're still skeptical, there are many dough recipes which are designed to be made by hand with easy kneading.

Here's our favorite basic bread-machine loaf, but you can get creative too.

-         4 cups of sprouted spelt flour (or regular spelt)

-         1 1/2 teaspoons active dry yeast

-         1 1/2 teaspoons salt

-         3 tablespoons sugar (or honey or date honey)

-         3 tablespoons oil or melted butter

-         1 1/4 cup warm water

Fresh loaves of bread-machine spelt bread

Pour in the dry ingredients first, followed by the wet ingredients. Choose your bread setting and wait for the beautiful aroma of fresh bread to fill your house. Another option is to select the dough setting and upon completion you can shape them into buns, bagels or anything you like, and then proceed to cook them in the oven. 

Probiotics for better digestive health

Are you taking a course of antibiotics? Got digestive issues? Low immunity?

You're probably in need of some good bacteria in your gut and that means taking probiotics. You can do this by eating foots high in probiotics such as kefir, plain yoghurt, kombucha or anything else from a culture.

Kefir

Plain, white yoghurt. No flavoring added.

If you find it hard to each too much of these foods or you simply don't like it, you're best off taking a probiotic supplement.

Probiotics have a lot of substantial evidence backing up its effectiveness, so this isn't just some fad you've heard about. Probiotics are actual live cultures, the "good bacteria" our gut needs to function healthily. There have been a few studies where patients suffering from IBS took a probiotic supplement and reported lessened abdominal complaints.

If you've taken antibiotics recently you'll understand why this works. When you take antibiotics all your bacteria are destroyed, both good and bad. Unfortunately the medicine cannot distinguish between what's good and what's bad and so it destroys everything in order to kill off the infection. As a result, many patients suffer from digestive problems such as diarrhoea and a weakened immune system, making them likely to get sick again.

Probiotics are used to replenish the good bacteria that are destroyed and in doing so you will feel the benefits both in regards to your digestion and with your immunity. Many people suffering from low immune function see an improvement when taking probiotics because our immune response is triggered from the increase in healthy bacteria.

Always check with a doctor before taking probiotics to make sure it doesn't interact with any current medication or conditions and also for the exact quantity you should be taking. Always purchase a pure blend from a reputable company.

Love butterfingers but on a diet?

The Butterfingers we all love

Everybody loves a butterfinger. I mean, what could possibly go wrong when you combine chocolate and peanut butter together? It sure tastes good but with such a high sugar and fat content we're not sure your body will thank you for it.

Fortunately there's a way out. You can make your own butterfingers in just a few minutes and you won't have to suffer the unhealthy side effects that go with it. The ingredients are easy to find, and don't for one second think they won't taste as good. Let's see how long they last in your house if you don't believe it.

Here's our Healthy Homemade Buttefingers Recipe inspired by www.chocolatecoveredkatie.com

-1/4 cup of maple syrup, yacon syrup, honey or agave (use maple or yacon for best results)
-1 tbsp molasses - if you don't have, just up the syrup to 1/3 cup
-3 1/2 tbsp coconut sugar or brown sugar - we prefer coconut sugar for health reasons but if you don't have any on hand you can use regular
-1 cup of natural 100% peanut butter. Make sure there's nothing else added! A little salt is okay...
-1/4 tsp salt IF your peanut butter doesn't have any added
-1 1/2 cups of cornflakes or branflakes
-100 grams of dark chocolate to melt for the topping - this is optional, but of course delicious

Combine the maple syrup, molasses (if using) and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil on medium heat, then stir constantly for a minute. Turn the heat off and add the peanut butter and salt to form a paste. Then you'll need to add the cereal and try to coat each and every flake evenly, whilst simultaneous crushing the flakes as you stir.

Once combined, put into an 8 x 8 pan lined with parchment paper and refrigerate or freeze until hard. This shouldn't take too long. Once hardened, melt the chocolate over a double broiler and spread over your mixture. Once again, put it back in the refrigerator or freezer to harden.

You can cut the bars after they've hardened but we found it to crumble more that way so it's probably best to cut them up while the chocolate is still soft.

This recipe can actually be used a healthy treat, no guilt necessary. Using a sugar replacement like maple, yacon, honey or agave means you don't have to worry about your blood sugar levels and 100% peanut butter is a protein source. If you choose a cereal with no added sugar then that's even better too. A little dark chocolate on the top and you have your perfect indulgent treat.

Eucalyptus oil - All you need to know

Last week we spoke about the importance of adding lavender to your medicine cabinet, and now we couldn't resist introducing you to eucalyptus's healing properties.

Eucalyptus essential oil is obtained from the leaves of the eucalyptus tree, most commonly native to Australia. Eucalyptus oil has many properties including:

-anti-inflammatory

-antispasmodic

-decongestant

-deodorant

-antiseptic

-anti-bacterial

Most commonly eucalyptus oil is famous for congestion issues with many people inhaling it to obtain relief. Yet the oil is also effective for conditions such as sinusitis, asthma, bronchitis and a sore throat. In fact, research has shown that people using eucalyptus oil will show faster signs of improvement when suffering from sinusitis.

Asthma can be greatly relieved by massaging the oil onto the chest to allow the aroma and vapors to calm the throat and to dilate blood vessels, allowing more oxygen into the lungs.

A surprising benefit of eucalyptus oil is relief of joint and muscle pain. Due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, eucalyptus oil can help relieve pain when massaged onto affected areas.

Eucalyptus oil provides a cooling and stimulating effect and can be used as a stimulant to help mental concentration and exhaustion. The oil does this by increasing the blood flow around the body by relaxing blood vessels. More blood to the brain means more concentration and better performance.

Current lice treatments are often packed with chemicals that are damaging to the hair, but if you want a natural approach then you can certainly consider using eucalyptus oil on your hair.

Eucalyptus oil is a natural fever reducer and when combined with peppermint oil the two can be extremely effective in reducing body temperature without having to take medicines.

Use this oil as a room freshener or as part of a soap or detergent. Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties, as well as it being able to act as a deodorant, make eucalyptus the perfect choice to keep germs away and your environment clean.

Ever wondered why eucalyptus oil is often found in mouthwash and toothpaste? The oil has proven to be very effective in combating plaque, dental infections and preventing cavities.

So as you can see, eucalyptus oil is another example of how an essential oil can help you with day-to-day afflictions and medical issues in a natural and safe way. Always make sure you're choosing a therapeutic grade essential oil with nothing else added. Keep oils away from direct sunlight and always test it in small quantities to make sure you don't have an allergy or sensitivity. 

Remove blackheads the natural way

If you're sick of wasting money on facial washes and exfoliators which claim to remove your skin of blackheads and impurities but you find yourself looking pretty much the same after you've used them, then why not switch to something from nature that really works?

If you've ever heard of bentonite clay, you will know that it is a clay formed from volcanic ash which has the ability to literally pull out the toxins from your skin. The clay is normally mixed with water to create a paste and once applied to the skin the clay absorbs and sucks out all the impurities. At the same time it is filled with minerals and nutrients which will replenish and heal damaged and blemished skin.

The good news is that healing clays are relatively inexpensive so you don't need to fork out a ton of money to try them.

There's not just bentonite by the way - there's also French Green Clay and Fuller's Earth, each containing slightly different healing properties. Alternatively, you can try a combination of all three.

Acne sufferers will also be happy to finally find a solution. People with acne usually suffer from oily skin which makes using a clay ideal, because the clay absorbs excess moisture of sebum and draws out the toxins that cause the acne, while at the same time healing the pimples that currently exist.

You really don't have to resort to fake chemical blends which try to imitate what clay does naturally. Nothing will come close to the real thing.

Have you ever used a healing clay before? We want to hear your experiences!

Lavender: The all purpose essential oil

If there's only one essential oil you'll ever purchase, make sure it's lavender. This versatile oil has such a wide array of uses that you'll wonder how on earth you coped without it.

Not only is it like a perfume with relaxing and calming properties, but having lavender on hand is like having your own first aid kit.

Here are some things we like to use lavender for:

• ·       Calming and sleep

Lavender can either be inhaled straight from the bottle or from a diffuser. Lavender is most famous for its calming effects, and it can also be applied topically on your feet, temples, wrists or anywhere really. A couple of drops could also be added to your pillow for all-night calm and relaxation.

Similarly you can purchase a bubble bath such as this one or a bath salt that contains pure, organic lavender essential oil for the ultimate relaxing experience.

• ·        Insect bite

Been bitten by a bee, mosquito or other insect? A drop of lavender will stop itching and reduce swelling.

• ·        Burns

If you burn yourself, forget burn cream. Simply apply the lavender to a minor burn and you'll be shocked at the outcome; no pain, no redness.

• ·        Relieve allergies and hay fever

Rub some lavender in your hands and inhale deeply. Smelling lavender can help alleviate symptoms.

• ·        Diaper rash

Mix some drops of lavender in a carrier oil such as almond, coconut or olive oil and apply straight to baby's diaper rash. Works wonders, decreases soreness and redness, and removes the need for rubbing extra chemicals on your baby's bottom!

• ·        Food flavoring

Ever wanted to eat something lavender flavored? Well if you buy a therapeutic grade lavender essential oil from a reputable company, it is a completely safe and delicious way to get extra flavor into your food. Simply add a drop or two to your brownie mixture, cake mixture, salad dressings or water, and enjoy. Remember, essential oils are very strong and concentrated so start off with less. 

Would you eat shampoo?

It might smell edible but you can be sure if you tested a bit on your palate you'd probably throw up. Anyone who ever got shampoo in their mouth by mistake is fully aware that shampoo doesn't taste anything like its smell. So the answer is a resounding, no, you would not eat shampoo.

So why do you use it on your body then?

Well duh, you might say, putting something on your body isn't the same as eating it.

Actually it is. You might not throw up. You might not get sick - well, at least not in the short term. You see, shampoo and other body care products contain an overwhelming amount of harsh chemicals that are being absorbed by your skin straight into your bloodstream.

If you're not convinced, then think about a nicotine patch for example. By placing a nicotine patch on our skin it allows the nicotine to get absorbed straight into our bloodstream. In the same way, anything we apply to our skin gets absorbed too.  

If you take a second to read the ingredients on the back of your shampoo bottle you'll find a large list of chemicals whose names you can't even pronounce. Some of these are toxic and, despite this, are still approved for use. For more information on how this is legal, read here.

Does this look familiar?

You might want to think twice before applying these products again. And the good news is, you don't have to stay dirty. There are plenty of shampoos and body washes that contain only natural and safe ingredients. And guess what, if you don't buy an unscented shampoo the smell is completely natural too, not made from some fake chemical. Be aware though, because there are many products on the market claiming to be natural when they are not completely chemical-free at all. Check the ingredients list, do your research. Just because a shampoo says natural it doesn't mean it is so.

The most important thing is to find a shampoo that is free of sulfates and parabens and enriched with natural oils and ingredients. Like the following:

Ingredients
Maple Holistics Signature Sulfate-Free Gentle Shampoo: Argan (argania spinosa) Oil, Jojoba (simmondsia chinensis) Oil, Almond (prunus dulcis) Oil, Peach Kernel (prunus persica) Oil, Avocado (persia americana) Oil, Camellia Seed (camellia sinensis) Oil, Botanical Keratin, Natural Vanilla and Honey

This sure looks better.

Homemade chocolate granola bars with yacon syrup

Got a sweet tooth? Trying to cut down on the sugar?

Don't worry. There's plenty of delicious snacks you can make that won't make you feel guilty. In fact, we might go so far as to say that they're actually good for you. Make sure you've got the following ingredients because you're really gonna want to try these. They're chewy, they're chocolatey and they're nutritional.

A healthy treat

Chocolate Granola Bars with Yacon Syrup

- 2 1/2 C oats (preferably old fashioned, but quick oats work too)
- 1 C ground almonds
- 1 C dessicated coconut
- 1/3 C cocoa
- 1/2 C yacon syrup
- 1/2 C coconut oil
- 1/2 C chocolate chips (optional)

Preheat oven to 275.

Combine all the dry ingredients.

Heat up the coconut oil and yacon syrup on a low light, stirring to combine. Don't boil. Pour over dry mixture and mix well.

Pour onto a tray lined with baking paper or into a pyrex dish, flatten with hands or spatula. Bake for 25 minutes.

We want to know what you thought of these granola bars so leave a comment with feedback and suggestions!

Quit the sugar, try Yacon Syrup

Everyone's heard how bad sugar is for you. But few choose to do anything about it. And perhaps you just don't realize how much sugar you are actually being exposed to each day.

We're not just talking about adding sugar to your coffee, drinking soda or eating your favorite brownies. They are obvious sources of sugar. But what about duck sauce, tomato sauce for pasta, fruit juices, peanut butter? So it's not just snacks that are the problem but sugar is creeping its way into most of our meals too!

If you've made this delicious meal using a jar of sauce, it's probably got about as much sugar in as a bowl of cereal

This is just a short list but you get the idea. If you buy any of the above products from the supermarket you've probably never even considered that it might be loaded with sugar.  Next time you're shopping check the ingredients. Often those yummy jars of sauces - you know the ones I mean, barbecue, teriyaki, etc etc -to cook your chicken have sugar as the second or third ingredient! Unless you look for the 100% pure fruit juice it is likely you're buying one with sugar added as the second ingredient also. 

Many of these items have sugar-free alternatives. Check carefully to find a peanut butter that is natural without added sugar. Find a 100% freshly squeezed fruit juice. Buy pure tomato paste and use that to create your own tomato sauce.

Ready-made sauces in a jar are rarely without sugar, in which case why not try making your own? There are plenty of natural sweeteners available that you can use instead of sugar to make your own homemade sauce, that don't carry the dangerous side effects of refined sugar, such as maple syrup, honey, coconut sugar and yacon syrup. Oh, and did we mention that homemade sauce tastes so much better than sauce from a jar?

Let's talk about yacon syrup today. Yacon syrup comes from the yacon plant and has a very similar texture to molasses. It is described as having a caramel flavor. Not only does it taste good but it actually has properties that can help you lose weight. Yacon syrup is loaded with prebiotics, in this case something called fructooligosaccharide, and this substance cannot be broken down by the body and so it remains unmetabolized, therefore providing us with fewer calories. New research is showing that yacon syrup can actually supercharge the metabolism, helping suppress the appetite to encourage weight loss.

Nature's Design 100% Pure Yacon Syrup

Here are a couple of recipes to help you get started.

Barbecue Chicken made with Yacon Syrup

• 1 c ketchup (preferably homemade!!! See below!)
• 1/2 c yacon syrup
• 1/4 c vinegar
• 2 tbl Worcestershire Sauce
• 1 tbl Dijon mustard 
• 1 tbl garlic powder
• 1 tbl onion powder
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp pepper

Combine ingredients and pour over chicken thighs or legs. Cover, and cook in oven for 90 minutes and then uncover for 10 minutes to brown.

Homemade Ketchup

·        7oz tomato paste (make sure it's 100% tomato with nothing else added)

·        1/2 cup water

·         2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 

·        2 tbsp honey OR yacon syrup

·        1/2 tsp sea salt 

·        1/4 tsp onion granules

·        1/8 tsp all spice

·        1/8 tsp ground cloves

Mix all the ingredients together EXCEPT for the water. Once combined, slowly add the water to your desired consistency. Store in refrigerator.