The Beginners Guide to Going Organic

Going organic can be a bit daunting, confusing, and overwhelming (I’m still trying to get my head around it), but I’m here to help and guide you with what I’ve learnt and done so far in my journey towards organic living.

After reading ‘Going Organic’ by Kris Abbey my head was spinning. I was in a bit of a panic thinking about all the chemicals I’d been eating and using on my body without really realising. My advice to you is don’t panic. Instead take the following steps to living a healthier life…..

Understand what organic means
If you don't know what organic means or are still not 100% sure read my previous post Why Should You Go Organic here.

Decide what you eat and use the most.

When I was researching what to buy organic (what was most important) I read that what ever you eat and use the most in your day-to-day life should be bought organic. For me these are things like: milk, bread, fruit and veg, also skin care and make-up.

Here is a good guide as to what to buy organic when it comes to fruit and veg….

The Dirty Dozen (most contaminated):

Apples

Strawberries

Grapes

Celery

Peaches

Leafy greens

Capsicums

Nectarines

Cucumbers

Tomatoes

Blueberries

Potatoes

The Clean 15 (least contaminated):

Asparagus

Avocado

Cabbage

Rock Melon

Kiwifruit

Eggplant

Mushroom

Grapefruit

Onion

Mango

Peas

Watermelon

Sweet Potato

Corn

Pineapple

(Both lists adapted from bodyandsoul.com.au)

Start slow.

I didn’t go out and buy all my organic skin care, make-up, fruit and veg all in one day. I don’t earn enough to do that! Instead I eased my way into it. I began with buying organic make-up remover, face cleanser (since I was trying to clear my skin up at the time), organic milk, organic brown rice cakes, organic peanut butter, organic honey, etc. After more researching I bought organic make-up, and have recently begun buying organic fruit and veg weekly.

Read food packaging and the ingredients.

So, the packet says “Organic Corn Chips”. You think “Great, a healthy, tasty snack!” Think again, and turn the packet over. The ingredients tell you that the corn is organic but the other six ingredients aren’t and they aren’t the healthiest ingredients either. The same goes for packaging that says ”Natural”. The word natural can be used very loosely and doesn’t necessarily mean the product is natural. 

Also, avoid buying anything that has ten or more ingredients, and/or ingredients that you cannot pronounce.

Research.

Since I have begun my organic living journey I have read a couple of books (I recommend Kris Abbey’s book ‘Going Organic’), multiple natural health magazines (Nature and Health magazine is my favourite), blogs, and websites. I have also found out what organic food markets and cafes are near me so I know exactly where to go to find local and healthy produce.

The more I read, the more knowledge I have about buying organic, nourishing my body the right way, and just living a healthier life in general. I encourage you to do the same. 

Two-Tone Smoothie

I love making smoothies, they're a quick, easy and yummy way of getting your daily requirement of fruits and vegetables. Lately I've been seeing two-toned smoothies on social media so I thought I would try making one for myself. I think it turned out pretty well, here's how I did it....

What you'll need:

*Where possible buy organic*

Pink Layer:

1 banana

Small handful of frozen mixed berries

Half cup of water

Green Layer:

1 banana

Half a pear (or apple)

4 kale leaves

Half cup of water

2-3 strawberries for decoration

Method:

1. Blend all pink layer ingredients in a blender. If necessary add more water. (You don't want the smoothie to be too watery or the two colours will run into each other - the thicker the better.)

2. Fill cup or jar half way with pink smoothie mixture.

3. Cut strawberries in halves and in halves again and stick on the inside of the glass (as pictured) just above the pink smoothie line (they will most likely sink lower when the green smoothie is added).

4. Blend all green layer ingredients and add more water if necessary. 

5. Fill the rest of the glass with green smoothie mixture.

6. Add a fun straw and enjoy!

My Top 6 Australian Organic Beauty and Personal Hygiene Products

October is Australian Organic Awareness Month so I thought it would be a good idea to join in and spread the word about organic beauty and hygiene products. Our skin absorbs everything we put on our skin which then ends up in our blood stream. It has been said that the average woman puts up to 515 synthetic chemicals on her body every day - that is a lot! Here are my favourite Australian Certified Organic beauty and personal hygiene products. I highly recommend them all. Please comment or email if you do decide to try them and let me know what you think.

~ People for Plants Day Cream, Eye Cream & Lip Balm ~

One of my best friends originally recommended People for Plants to me when my skin was at its worst and I've been using their products ever since. I love that their packaging states what percentage of their products are certified organic - something I think that should be legalised if a brand is going to label themselves as organic. The above products are what I use daily and love. Go to their website here to purchase and find out more.

 ~ Kosmea Organic Rose Hip Oil ~

I've always had dry skin, especially when I get out of the shower. Kosmea's Organic Rose Hip Oil contains essential fatty acids which are perfect for rehydrating skin after a night time shower. Rose hip oil also helps reduce scars, damaged skin, stretch marks, wrinkles, and burns. To buy, go to Kosmea's website here.

~ Zuii Organic Blush, Eye Shadow, Lip Gloss & Lipstick ~

Can I just say, out of these four Zuii Organic products, my favourite is the blush. When I have it on I feel like my skin is glowing and so silky. At the moment this is the only lipstick colour I have purchased but I will definitely be buying a couple more colours soon. The lipstick looks best with the gloss over the top, I personally think the lipstick is too dry on its own. Head to their website here to purchase. Ps I am currently looking for an organic foundation that works for me (long lasting and not too many oil ingredients), please let me know if you can suggest one in the comments.

~ Black Chicken Organic Deodorant Paste ~

I love this deodorant! It's 100% natural (no aluminium - win!) and does the job unlike some other natural deodorants which still leave you smelly and self conscious. Black Chicken deodorant paste is perfect for men and women. The only downside is that you apply it with your hands, but that's nothing soap and water can't fix! Buy it here.

~  Riddells Creek Organic Toothpaste & Mouthwash ~

I've only recently started using organic toothpaste and mouthwash and so far I'm pretty happy with it. Of course it tastes different but it's free from the nasty chemicals commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes contain. Choose from either mint, lemon or herbal flavour here.

 ~ TOM Organic Pads ~

Ladies, are your sanitary products made with chemical free, unbleached cotton? If you're using some of the major brands on your grocery store shelf the answer is most likely no, or I don't know (I didn't know until about a year ago). TOM (Time Of the Month) Organic make tampons, pads, liners and more recently nursing pads from 100% certified organic cotton making them the healthiest option for your body. Find them in Woolworths and Coles or go to their website here.

Happy shopping! xx

(All my own images)

10 Uses for Coconut Oil

1.  Moisturise skin.

I use coconut oil on my face at night. I also dab some around my eyes and onto my lips. Tip: do not apply coconut oil any later than an hour before bed, this will ensure it has soaked into your skin and less will up on your pillow.

2. To cook with.

Use coconut oil instead of normal cooking oils. It’s great for stir-fries and cooking diced chicken to add to summer salads.

3.  Use instead of butter.

I spread coconut oil onto my toast most mornings. It tastes great with honey or just on its own.

4.  Remove make-up.

Warm a 5c piece size of coconut oil in your hands and dab onto your face. Wipe it away with a wet face washer. Why not clean your make-up brushes too while you’re at it.

5. Massage oil.

Warm coconut oil in your hands and massage away. This will double as an all over moisturiser.

6. Prevent stretch marks.

Rub onto pregnant belly to prevent stretch marks.

7. For your hair.

Run coconut oil through your hair, leave for an hour and rinse. It will moisturise and soften your hair with its fatty acids.

8. Clean your shower.

Use a cloth dipped in coconut oil to wipe away shower scum. Great for chemical free cleaning!

9. Sooth itchy skin.

Coconut oil can sooth itchy skin when applied to effected area. It can also help improve eczema.

10. Sooth a sore throat.

Have a teaspoon of coconut oil in a cup of tea or on its own to sooth your throat. Doing this regardless of a sore throat can help boost energy too.

Benefits of coconut oil:

• Antibacterial
• Aids with anti-inflammatory
• Improves digestion
• Its fatty acids help improve energy levels
• Boosts immunity.
• Keeps skin strong by preventing sagging and wrinkles when applied to the skin.

When buying coconut oil make sure it is certified organic (no nasty chemicals), cold pressed (in its most natural state), and raw (if possible). I recommend Loving Earth Raw Organic Coconut Oil (pictured below). You can find coconut oil at your local health food store.

8 Reasons to Drink Green Tea!

Green tea is my favourite herbal tea. I didn't like it at first but now I love it. I drink it in the morning (after a glass of water - to rehydrate after sleep) and usually an hour or so before bed. It is a part of my daily ritual and is something I look forward to. 

Drinking organic herbal tea is a great way to relax, warm up, and refresh for the rest of the day (as well as the reasons listed above). 

If I ever feel peckish at night I try to have a green tea instead of going for chocolate or chips, and why wouldn't you when it has so many great health benefits?!

The other good thing about organic tea is that you can buy it in the supermarket as well as health food stores, so it is very accessible and affordable. 

Why Should You Go Organic?

Wondering why you should switch to buying organic?

First of all, what does organic mean?

According to Kris Abbey’s book ‘Going Organic’ an organic product is grown or produced without the use of synthetic fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones, or stimulants.Therefore, organically grown or produced product has been done so in the most natural way possible.

So, why should you buy organic?    

•  Organic products are free from chemicals, pesticides, hormones, and any other kind of nasties.
• Organic products are better for the environment; this means there are less chemicals going through our soil and waterways.
•  Organic farms are run, not by machinery, but by people. This is one of the reasons organic product is more expensive.
•   It tastes better and contains more nutrients.
•  And of course it is healthier!

Tip: To be sure the organic products you are buying are actually organic, look for certification on the packaging (like the image above, if you live in Australia).

It is also important to check the ingredients; unfortunately it is okay for brands to label their product as organic, even if only one component of the product is organic. For example, a tub of yoghurt is labelled organic but the ingredients indicate that only the berries in the yoghurt are organic.

Quotes to Inspire Change

"For what it's worth: it's never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you're proud of, and if you find you're not, I hope you have the strength to start over again." 

- Unknown

I love this quote. It makes so much sense to me right now, and gives me the strength to believe what I'm doing with this blog is okay. I have been feeling confused lately with my passions and wondering why I don't want to pursue fashion and styling like I use to, but things change so I need to embrace the change. As another quote goes:

 "Life is a series of natural and spontaneous changes. Don't resist them, that only creates sorrow. Let reality be reality. Let things flow naturally forward in whatever way they like." 

- Lao Tzu 

By resisting my urge to follow my new passion (health, happiness, etc) I was beginning to feel unsettled and upset. It's amazing how a quote, sentence, or piece of advice can make you realise new things, set you on a different path, and/or make you feel at ease. I would like to continue sharing inspirational quotes on this blog. If you have any you'd like to share please leave a comment below :)

Going Organic by Kris Abbey - The Book Behind My Change

So this is the book that started it all for me; 'Going Organic' by Kris Abbey. This is the book that has convinced me to go organic because it is the healthiest way to live. If you haven't read my previous (and first) post that lead me to buying this book you can here.

Kris Abbey has provided a book full of information on why and how to go organic. A couple (actually, a lot) of things she shares really stood out to me. Like the amount of pesticides that are sprayed on our food can be as many as 170! So just when you think you are eating healthy (two fruit and five veg a day) you find out all these pesticides are known for causing cancer, and a whole range of other life changing nasties. She also brings to our attention what beauty products are doing to our health, along with household cleaning products, and even clothing! 'Going Organic' really is an eye-opener.

If you haven't already read this amazing book I highly suggest everyone does. It has already changed my life, and no doubt the changes I have made since reading this book (buying organic foods, make-up, etc) will ensure I live a healthier and longer life than if I hadn't.

You can purchase 'Going Organic' from Booktopia here.

Happy reading!

Jess xx

Hello!

Welcome to my blog where I hope to inspire you to live healthily, love yourself, and most importantly love your life!

The truth is, I am just an every day girl like you. I'm 23, I studied for three years at university finishing with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Media Management, and am currently working part-time in retail women's fashion. When I graduated from uni I thought I'd get a job straight away. I was wrong. Feeling discouraged I revisited my passion before uni which was fashion. I took a course in personal styling which taught how to style women to their body shape, style, and lifestyle. It also taught how to begin your own styling business. So with nothing else to do I did just that. I created a Facebook page, had business cards printed, and tried to gain clients with no luck. During this time I also interned as a Westfield stylist.

Over a year later I'm confused. Is fashion the career path I want to go down? Do I want a career where I work for someone else, just coming and going? Am I working just for the pay cheque, or do I want to do something that doesn't feel like work at all because it is my passion, the reason I get out of bed in the morning, the thing that makes my heart sing.

Before I started uni I wanted to go down the fashion career path. Probably writing for a magazine. But I remember telling my mum that I wanted to do something more meaningful. Something that would make a difference. So that's why I chose uni. Thinking that it would lead me to a career that would make that (small) difference in the world. I guess being a personal stylist is a career that makes a difference. You do get to take someone shopping while educating them on the best fits, colours, and shapes for them. You get to see their face light up when they look at themself in the mirror in the outfit you put together for them. But I just don't feel the passion towards that career path as much as I do about what I'm about to tell you.

So, over the last two to three years I have struggled with bad skin (pimples and red scaring). This is frustrating 1. because I am 23 (aren't pimples for teenagers?!), and 2. I had clear skin all throughout high school (why now?!). About three to four months ago I went to a skin doctor (which wasn't cheap) to see how she could help me. Well she wasn't very helpful. She just retold me things my local doctor had already suggested (the pill, an antibiotic). I was in and out of there within ten minutes because she was running late with other appointments. I was annoyed and frustrated that I had wasted my money. A few days later I was browsing in the book section of David Jones when I came across an organic book (more info on that later) which I purchased and began reading that night. I was shocked at the things I was reading and discovering about the food I was eating and the things I was applying to my face and body. It was from here that I began trying to heal my skin myself. I stopped using the antibiotic I had been subscribed (although it was helping, I just wanted to do this on my own) and began to transition to organic skin products. It has been two and a half months since I've begun and I have noticed a difference. My friends and family also believe my skin is getting better.

Not only have I begun using organic skin products but I am also trying to buy organic food when possible which I believe will help with the appearance of my skin. I've been buying organic food for the last couple of weeks so I'll see how it goes.

This first post is becoming rather long (sorry!) and I have to go get myself ready for work tomorrow, so I hope you enjoyed the first part of my story towards this blog. My next post will include the title of the organic book that began this journey for me, and my new passion for life which is hopefully my purpose in life too.

Jess xx