5 easy ways to treat yourself well everyday

Living a healthy lifestyle is not simply down to eating healthy and exercising, or restricting yourself during the week just so you can indulge at the weekend - it’s about balance and maintaining a healthy mind and body all the time - which believe it or not, includes treats!

Creating a healthy routine is easier than you think and by adding a few small changes each day you can maximise your health and wellbeing and feel the best possible version of you.

Here's five easy ways to treat yourself well everyday...

Lemon water

Start each day with a glass of warm water and a squeeze of lemon juice to clear skin, kick-start your metabolism, eliminate toxins and aid your digestive system. This simple and affordable trick offers numerous health benefits and will hydrate you while also providing a hit of vitamin C. For extra health benefits try adding ginger, turmeric or a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar.

Dry body-brush

Use a dry body brush before showering to encourage circulation and lymphatic drainage, reduce cellulite and exfoliate skin. Start from your feet and brush in upwards circles towards the heart, paying extra attention to your stomach, butt and thighs. This therapeutic routine needn't take longer than 5 minutes and will help to reduce stress as well as leave skin soft and smooth.

Breathe

Sounds simple enough right? Wrong. Most of us use only a fraction of our lungs when breathing throughout the day which can result in tiredness, fatigue, lack of energy, increased stress, anxiety and false hunger. Take a few minutes to focus on your breathing and practice this exercise several times a day - particularly when you feel anxious or stressed: take a deep breath for 7 seconds, hold for 7, breathe out for 10. Repeat 5 times.

Oil pull

This one may sound strange - but stay with me on this - swilling oil around your mouth for 10-20 minute first thing in the morning is an ancient ritual believed by many cultures to clear skin, whiten teeth, freshen breath and rid the body of toxins. Try swishing 1-2 tablespoons of coconut, olive or sesame oil around your mouth before spitting out in the bin (the residue is toxic) and then brush teeth as normal.

Sleep

Sleep is the cornerstone of good health - it controls your diet, your mood, your productivity and pretty much your whole day. Ideally you should aim to sleep for 8-9 hours each night and form a regular routine of going to bed and waking up. While the occasional weekend lie-in or afternoon nap can help you recharge after a hard week at work, make sure it doesn't become a habit as this may affect your natural pattern and result in a loss of sleep.

Beautiful breakfasts

Breakfast has always been my favourite meal of the day, I've never understood people who can go without eating in the morning - I need food to function!

I always allow time to sit down and enjoy a good breakfast, even if it means getting up extra early. That quiet, blissful moment when nobody else is up yet allows me to wake up properly and prepare for the day ahead.

I've never been much of a savoury breakfast person and always opt for fruit, granola or pastries over eggs and cooked breakfasts, although this can sometimes lead to unnecessary amounts of sugar - the last thing you want to be fueling your body with in the morning.

Here's a few of my favourite healthy breakfast recipes that are both delicious and nutritious, and are a great way to begin your day.

Holly xx

Berrylicious porridge (serves 1)

A deliciously fruity take on standard porridge, this warming bowl of goodness will keep you full until lunch and satisfy your sweet tooth without adding any sugar.

Ingredients

50g rolled oats

250ml almond/coconut/oat/rice milk

1 handful raspberries

1 handful chopped strawberries

1 handful blueberries

Flaked almonds (optional)

Cinnamon (optional)

Method
-Place the oats and milk in a saucepan, bring to the boil and simmer for 4-5 minutes while stirring.

-Add the berries and simmer for a further minute.
-Mix in the almonds, a sprinkle of cinnamon and serve.

Superfood smoothie (serves 1)

You would never guess it contains half of your daily serving of greens, but this tasty antioxidant packed smoothie will fill you up, give you lots of energy and make your skin glow.

Ingredients

1 chopped banana

1 handful blueberries

1 handful spinach

1 handful kale

1 stalk chopped celery

10cm sliced cucumber

1-2 tbsp cashew/almond butter

250 ml almond/coconut/oat/rice milk

1-2 tbsp chia seeds

1-2 tbsp lemon juice

Method

-Combine ingredients in a blender.

-Mix in the chia seeds and serve.

Almond and coconut granola (serves 10)

The perfect weekend breakfast, this refined-sugar, wheat and gluten free granola is best enjoyed with fresh blueberries, a dollop of coconut yoghurt and the Sunday paper.

Ingredients

500g rolled oats

10g flaked almonds
1 handful raisins/sultanas

5 tbsp dessicated coconut

2 tbsp maple syrup/raw honey

2 tbsp melted coconut oil

100 ml almond milk

2-3 tbsp cinnamon 

Method
-Preheat oven to 180C.

-Place all ingredients except the dessicated coconut in a mixing bowl and combine well.

-Spread evenly on a greased baking tray and place in the oven for 10 minutes.

-Carefully turn over the mixture then bake for a further 15 minutes until the oats are golden and crunchy.

-If you prefer a more 'baked' taste leave for a little longer - just make sure it doesn't burn.

-Remove from oven and leave to cool.

-Once cool, transfer mixture into a bowl and add the dessicated coconut and a little more cinnamon to taste.

Berry yoghurt bowl

A quick,easy and satisfying breakfast loaded with berry goodness and the options of hundreds of different toppings.

Ingredients

1 handful raspberries

1 handful strawberries

1 handful blueberries

1/2 chopped banana (optional)

1-2 handfuls granola/rolled oats

150g coconut/soya yoghurt

Method

-Place the yoghurt and berries/banana in a bowl.
-Sprinkle with oats/granola and top with an optional dash of honey, maple syrup or cinnamon.

How to have a healthy happy holiday

Christmas is a time to let loose, have fun and fully embrace the perks of the festive season. Our usual healthy habits go straight out of the window and the fun-filled weeks of indulgence are often followed by strict New Year diets and military-style fitness regimes. However, you needn’t live in fear and begrudgingly decline every mince pie or chocolatey treat that comes your way. Instead, try these five simple tricks that will keep your health in check over the holidays, without ruining your fun (or your waistline).

Eat well

Festive treats don’t have to be laden with salt, covered in chocolate or served with brandy and cream. Make the most of healthier seasonal foods by indulging in sweet fruits such as apples, cranberries and clementines, or loading up on vegetables like broccoli, sprouts, sweet potato and squash. Nuts make a great snacking alternative to crisps and keep you feeling fuller for longer, which will prevent you reaching for junk food later in the day.

Keep moving

As tempting as it may be to bury yourself on the sofa with the intention of staying there all day, you will most definitely feel better for getting some fresh air and stretching your legs. Even if your regular gym routine has gone to pot, a brisk walk around the block, run around with the kids, or a dance to some festive tunes. These will help raise your metabolism and keep those pesky pounds at bay.

Stay hydrated

It’s easy to forgo water in place of fizzy drinks, mulled wine and hot chocolate, but these will simply leave you feeling dehydrated and sluggish. Start your day with a cup of super-hydrating warm water and lemon which will help to alkalise your body, kick-start your metabolism and support your liver by diminishing the unpleasant effects of sugar and alcohol. Aim to drink at least 2L of water throughout the day to balance the consumption of all your other favourite festive tipples.

Snooze time

With all the festive parties, late-night soirees and long list of Christmas movies to get through, sleep can easily become the last thing on your list. However, lack of sleep can leave you feeling moody, drained and overwhelmed, and who wants to feel like that at the happiest time of year? Aim to stick to a regular bedtime and get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. This combined with a good diet is sure to help you feel your optimal best and full of cheer throughout the festive holiday season.

Moderation 

It’s more than likely at some point you’re going to over-indulge - it’s Christmas right?! Just remember to enjoy everything in moderation. Your favourite foods will still be around after December so there’s no need to feast as though there’s about to be a famine. And eating chocolate for breakfast is only acceptable on December 25th – not every day of the month. Aside from that… eat, drink, be merry and have a very, very happy Christmas!

Eat Nourish Glow

Having a three month summer break from uni means I've had plenty of time to indulge in things that I wouldn't normally have time for, such as staying in bed until 11am on weekdays, watching daytime TV and reading non-journalism/educational based literature.

Ok so the first two aren't exactly true (not everyday, anyway) but the third is something that I definitely miss during term time when I have lectures to attend and mountains of work that needs doing when I'm not in class. 

I love a good book and usually opt for easy-reading chick-lit or glossy fashion mags when I want to unwind - although health and nutrition is another area I am very passionate about.

Fresh ingredients for making green juice

After reading many of Amelia's articles and following her blog, 

Eat Nourish Glow was on my list of must-reads.

When my sister kindly surprised me with it I began reading it straight away and read the entire thing in a matter of days.

Chicken and pumpkin soup

 Amelia's philosophy about food and the modern diet is spot on. Instead of focusing on eating 'low-fat', 'fat-free' and 'diet' 'health' foods she discusses the importance of eating real and natural whole foods that have not been processed or messed around with by manufacturers. 

The book is a real eye-opener to how dangerous processed food is and highlights how a poor diet can be the cause of so many health issues and diseases, not to mention the rising rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity. 

Amelia's courgetti, a delicious alternative to pasta

Although I try to maintain a good diet and eat healthily, this book has definitely made me look closer at my eating habits and encouraged me to make some positive changes going forward. 

I strongly recommend it to everyone - whether you're interested in health and nutrition or not.
The simple layout, easy-to-follow recipes and pretty pictures will keep you glued and you will most definitely learn something new.


Have you read Eat Nourish Glow? What did you think?


Holly xx

10 top budget beauty tricks

Looking and feeling good can be an expensive task and sometimes a quick trip to Boots can turn into an hour-long beauty haul resulting in your bank account being £50 down afterwards. 

However maintaining your appearance doesn’t have to break the bank and you may not realise that some of the best beauty products available are actually already in your kitchen or bathroom cupboard. 

Here’s 10 top tricks for looking great on a budget.

Lemon water

Start each day with a cup of warm water and lemon juice, and you will notice a flatter stomach within 2 weeks. Lemon alkalizes the body, kick-starts the metabolism and improves digestion which in turn reduces bloating and aids weight loss.

Baking soda

For a smile that sparkles replace your toothpaste with baking soda 2-3 times a week. The soda will reduce plaque build-up, freshen breath and help to remove stains caused by smoking and drinking tea and coffee.

Sudocrem

When you feel a spot forming apply a dab of sudocrem before bed and see it disappear overnight. The antiseptic cream is also great for treating cold sores, burns, inflammation and rashes.

Coconut oil

Apply a thick layer of coconut oil to hair at night before washing off in the morning to reveal silky soft, super smooth and nourished hair. Coconut oil also makes a fantastic makeup remover, moisturiser, cuticle oil and shaving cream.

Talcum powder

More effective than dry shampoo, use talc to refresh hair in between washes. Sprinkle a little powder on the roots and be sure to rub it in properly to avoid white hair.

Apple cider vinegar

Mix 1 tbsp. of apple cider vinegar with water and gently apply over the face with a cotton pad. The solution will firm and tone, reduce acne and leave a clean, clear complexion. After washing, rinse hair with cold water and 2-3 tbsp. of vinegar to create a super glossy shine.

Yoghurt

For the ultimate skin firming, anti-aging face mask mix 3-4 tbsp. of natural yoghurt with 1 tbsp. of organic honey and a squeeze of lemon juice. Leave for at least 20 minutes before washing off to reveal tighter, brighter, more radiant skin.

Castor oil

Known for its ability to promote hair growth, castor oil is the perfect remedy for thicker brows. Apply generously over eyebrows at bedtime and you should notice thicker, model-worthy brows after 1 week.

Egg whites

One of the best natural skin care remedies, egg whites effectively tighten skin, reduce wrinkles and remove under eye bags. Apply 1 beaten egg white to the under eye area and leave for 30 minutes before washing off to reveal fresher, brighter skin.

Cinnamon oil

An active ingredient in many lip plumping serums, cinnamon helps to increase blood flow and enhance lips for a fuller look. Mix 2 tbsp. of cinnamon essential oil with 1 tbsp. of brown sugar and rub in a circular motion for several minutes to create a softer, plumper pout.

Do you have any budget beauty tricks? Share them below!

Holly xx

Healthy Homemade Coconut Almond Granola

As someone with a major sweet tooth, granola is a firm favourite on my list of breakfast foods.

Unfortunately store-bought granola can contain huge amounts of added sugar and hidden ingredients which make the seemingly 'healthy' breakfast, anything but.

After searching the internet for a healthier alternative, I felt inspired to make my own - and was extremely impressed with the results.

The recipe can be easily modified to suit any taste with endless ingredient options to create a variety of different flavours.

Here's my super easy recipe for a deliciously healthy granola that you can enjoy for breakfast, dessert or as a guilt-free treat when you need a little pick-me-up.

Ingredients

400g rolled oats

10g flaked almonds

4 tbsp dessicated coconut

1 handful of raisins

2 tbsp runny honey

2 tbsp coconut oil (melted)

100ml almond milk

A generous sprinkle of cinnamon

Makes 500g of granola (10 portions)

Preheat oven to 180C

Place all ingredients except the dessicated coconut in a mixing bowl and combine well using a large spoon or your hands

Spread evenly on a greased baking tray and place in the oven for 10 minutes

Carefully turn over the mixture then bake for a further 10 minutes until the oats are golden and crunchy

If you prefer a more 'baked' taste leave for a little longer - just make sure it doesn't burn

Remove from oven and leave to cool

Once cool, transfer mixture into a bowl and add the dessicated coconut and a little more cinnamon to taste

Store in an alright container and serve with almond milk, Greek yoghurt and blueberries. Mmm.

Feel free to share your own tips and recipes and let me know how you get on!

Holly xx