The first day of spring symbolises new beginnings as flowers bloom, the days get lighter and longer and we feel motivated to gently nourish and move our bodies in preparation for summer.
Spring is a great time of year to recommit to healthy habits or perhaps create some new ones. Try embracing the joy of springtime with these 5 self-care tips:
Spring clean the natural way:
Common commercial cleaning products can be loaded with toxic ingredients that may play havoc with your health and trigger allergies. Cleaning your home from top to bottom in the spring time brings a great sense of accomplishment that can make you more likely to commit to other healthy goals with a food or exercise focus (cue that spring detox). Organic and chemical free cleaning products (or making your own from bicarb, vinegar and essential oils) can be used safely around pets and children.
Our Pick: Kin Kin Naturals Bulk Laundry and Dishwashing Detergents – plant and mineral based products which are free of toxic ingredients, phosphate and high alkalinity. Perfect for sensitive skin and a great starter product for anyone wanting to introduce chemical free cleaning into the home.
Get motivated with a new and energising exercise regime
Believe it or not, exercising regularly actually increases energy as well as improving cardiovascular function, helping promote restful sleep and giving you a strong, healthy body. With the cold, dark days of winter behind us, spring is the perfect time to commit to your favourite form of exercise whether that’s yoga, running or a team sport. Combining your exercise regime with a performance boosting protein or greens powder can help your reach your goal and feel fantastic along the way.
Try: Prana On – vegan and paleo friendly protein and health powders available in store, including formulas for paleo, weight loss and strength building.
Buy and eat local and seasonal produce
Choosing to buy local and seasonal produce means you’re likely to get fruit and veg that has travelled less food miles, is fresher, nutritionally superior and is supporting local farms and businesses. Spring is an exciting time for fruit and veg at Go Natural Foods as we welcome organic asparagus, artichokes and Asian greens as well as the first round of juicy mangoes and stone fruit. Yum!
Opt for lighter skin care and make-up products:
The typical dry and flaky winter skin is behind us and we can look forward to more hydration. The warmer days and higher UV rays means it’s wise to adjust your skin care regime from the rich creams and nourishing balms needed in winter to something lighter paired with an SPF 50+. Since our skin naturally holds more moisture in spring and summer, it is worth selecting a moisturiser with a water and hyaluronic acid base and using the mantra of ‘less is more’ when deciding what make-up to wear. A light foundation will allow your skin to breathe and prevent unnecessary break-outs.
Our Pick: Ere Perez Moringa All-Beauty Crème -With a light and dreamy texture to moisturise skin, this formula adds lustre and bounce with nutritious moringa to feed your skin. Wear morning and night for a glowing, healthy complexion.
Ere Perez Quinoa Water Foundation in various shades: A lightweight water based vegan foundation enriched with quinoa to help heal inflammation and increase elasticity.
Commit to a smoothie a day to gently detox and feel great
After months of ‘comfort’ food and perhaps a tiny bit too much sugar, spring brings great opportunity to gently cleanse our digestive system. An easy and delicious way to reset our body is to begin each day with a green smoothie as you can pack in plenty of hydration, nutritious greens and healthy fats to kick start your day. It’s also extremely quick and convenient on busy work mornings or prior to the school run.
Here’s my current favourite which easily propels me through until lunch time.
½ cup coconut water
½ cup coconut or almond milk
½ frozen ripe banana
½ cup frozen wild blueberries
1 tbs hemp seeds
1 tbs chia seeds
1 packed cup of leafy greens (spinach, kale, herbs etc.)
optional: 2 tbs Amazonia Raw Slim and Tone in Vanilla and Cinnamon and a few drops of stevia to taste
Blend all ingredients in a high powdered blender and serve immediately. Makes 1 large or two small serves.
