Over the past few months I’ve been changing a lot of my bad habits and transitioning to a more healthy lifestyle. Besides eating well and working out more, there are a lot of other things I’ve been trying to do that are just as important. Every day we ingest so so many chemicals without realizing it – from the plastic in our water bottles, to the products we apply directly to our bodies . It’s scary! I eat all organic, buy only free-range and locally grown meats, but there are a few other simple switches that are really important. Here are a few of the things I’ve loved lately… they are all really, really good. One other thing that I did not mention was my favorite natural deodorant. This one, from Wella, is incredible. It smells a bit like lavender and I swear to you, it actually works!
This body butter from Herbal Grace Creations was actually developed by a former classmate of mine from college. {Small world!} It smells insanely good {I mean how could it not… it only has four ingredients: cocoa butter, coconut oil, Madagascar vanilla essential oil, and French lavender essential oil! Yum.} The formula is whipped and creamy… like a dessert. It feels truly luxurious and decadent… great for dry skin. I also really love their natural chapstick. My lips are chronically chapped and I find that I only need to apply this once or twice a day.
I never really have been into meal replacement bars but that has now changed. I mentioned them in yesterday’s post but GoMacro Bars are a new favorite snack. There is literally not one bad thing in them. The carob/almond butter flavor is delicious. Not too sweet, but satisfying. I can be bad about snacking at work so I keep a box of these in my desk drawer.
This body oil is one of my favorite things in the world. I’ve written about it before {here} but wanted to give it some more love. It just smells beyond heavenly, and is totally 100% natural. Farmaesthetics is one of my absolute favorite natural lines.
It’s All Good, by Gwyneth Paltrow might have changed my life. Everything in her cookbook tastes so, so amazingly good. I’ve completely cut gluten out of my diet and am working on dairy… this makes it much, much more manageable. I’m guilty of buying pretty cookbooks and never using them, but I refer to this constantly. Favorite recipes so far are the Avocado Toast, the Japanese Chicken Meatballs, and the Housin Sauce. They do not taste like health food!
Is it weird to feel so passionately about a water bottle? I’m obsessed with my BKR Bottles. I have the big one at my desk and use the smaller ones for errands and the gym. Besides the fact that they are utterly adorable, they are made of glass which means no more BPA. Besides the fact that they are bad for the environment, there are a million bad things about BPA and plastic water bottles. {If you’re not scared of cancer and don’t care about the environment, this might scare you: BPA might actually make you fat!}
so glad you are finding balance!
Xo,
Belen
http://blog.androbel.com
One of those BKR bottles have been on my wish list for way too long!
Hilary x thehealthycollective.com
I use my bkr bottle daily. It’s the best and actually makes you want to drink more water! The Gomaco bars sound right up my alley. Heading to check them out now!
Finally ordered a bkr, can’t wait for it to arrive. Also, try the sweet potato muffins in GP’s cookbook – they are so yummy!
I’ve been wanting to get that book! I have been on a health kick too (so I’ve really enjoyed your new series) and my latest obsession is roasting a bunch of veggies (butternut squash, cauliflower, etc.) on Sundays and adding to salads for lunch. So yummy.
I totally agree Grace. Can I ask, where do you get local and free range meats here in the city? I always have a tough time with that. Any sources would be much appreciated!
The farmer’s market in Union Square! if I can’t get there then I settle for organic/free range via Fresh Direct. I have a friend who did a Meat CSA and she really loved it, but I never spent the time to research it!
those bkr water bottles are so darn cute!
xoxo,
The Quintessentials
PS I am hosting a giveaway today! Come check it out 🙂
NOTED i need to get one of those water bottles AND the oil! xo jillian – cornflake dreams
I’ve been lusting after the BKR bottle. So lame as it’s just a bottle, but they’re so pretty and I’m sure they’ll last much longer than some of my other re-usable containers.
Lately I’ve been enjoying shopping at whole foods for some of my beauty products. I love trying out new products and taking better care of my skin is definitely a priority for me in the new year!
I love these links, Grace! I have been really trying to eliminate products that aren’t good for you… hence my addiction to LUSH, but I have been on the hunt for a better deodorant. I’m always nervous about them not working though… I may try this one since you recommended it!
Great post, those bottles look cute!
http://www.whatsashawears.com
Good to know about Gwyneth’s cookbook! I am also totally digging the bkr bottles!!
Hi, Grace: one question: Where do you get the water for your bottle? The tap? Do you use a filter and, if so, what kind do you recommend? Thanks!
I just drink from the water cooler at work, and out of the tap at home. NY water isn’t bad. I do need to buy a Brita at some point, probably..