[LIFE]: 50 Healthy Habits

Ringing In The New Year, The Right Way

Original Source: Sivan Ayla

I found this on Pinterest (pinned here) and just love each habit! Even though it's the end of January, you can still start your new year off on the right foot!

Which habit is your favourite? 

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[NOTE]: McNab's Ambassador

Exciting Announcement

 



I'm super excited to announce that I am now a brand ambassador for the natural energy product brand called McNab's.

 

McNab's is all about natural and clean energy for you body and mind. Packed with natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced, these products are good for you as well as the planet.

 

The two products that I've been enjoying the most so far from McNab's are the Super Charge Liquid Energy for those long and busy days and the Super Guard tablets for this flu season that is upon us at the moment.

To celebrate this exciting new venture, McNab's & I are giving away a months supply on Super Charge as well as a book by one of the owners, Rubert, McKerron called "How To Live a Big Life" - how awesome is that!

You can enter below:
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

ps: sorry but this is only open to South African residents

 

Love Always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

 

 

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Hello Health: Dry Skin Brushing

Dry Skin Brushing

Image: Free People Blog

Hi everyone!

It's the first of July and here in the Southern Hemisphere that means that it's 2 months until spring aka 2 months until bikini season aka put down the cupcake Cassidy! I'm a little bit obsessed with this blog post that I read on the benefits of dry brushing from one of my favourite blogs Free People (if you're a bohemian spirit like me, you need to go check it out!). It says that by dry brushing everyday you're not only helping reduce the appearance of cellulite and helping to brighten and soften your skin, but it also help your lymphatic system and blood circulation! Go and check out the post which explains how what motion you should use, how long you should do it for etc. 

If you read some of the comments from the blog post you will see that people who dry brush, have seen some great results. Cellulite sucks, plain and simple! And the sad thing is that even girls with the best bodies can also have cellulite but since Saturday I've started dry brushing in an attempt to diminish the horrid appearance of my cellulite! I can tell you already that I have noticed how much softer my skin is even though it's only been 4 days! Now I just have to keep it up!

Do you dry brush? I'd love to know your thoughts!

Love always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

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NOTE: Day 181 of 365

Chapter 6

Day 181

Hi Beautiful!

Um is it just me or is it utter madness to think that the first half of 2014 is already over? 

Woah!

Hmmm the month of June wasn't the best for me, but when I look back on what I achieved during this month I wonder why I feel like that? I donated a whole car full of goodies to the Jacaranda Children's Home as well as to the SPCA: I planted some trees; I attended some events as The Glam Green Girl; I celebrated special times in friends' lives such as kitchen teas and bridal showers; I even managed to sneak in a long weekend in Zambia and above all, I celebrated my blog's third birthday!

I guess because the past few weeks have been so busy I've been feeling overwhelmed, plus it doesn't help that I'm recovering from a nasty case of the flu but I'm trying to change my mindset for the new month that's upon us in a few hours. Seeing as though today is a Monday, and it's almost the start of spring (well still 2 months but hey, who's counting haha) I'm focusing on my health but stayed tuned for some new posts on that!

Even though I truly aspire to inspire, I myself sometimes don't feel the positive vibes but it's all about mindset and I've started new lists, new goals etc for July - it will be a good month!

How did June treat you? What was the most exciting aspect of the month for you? You can vent, boast, moan, brag ~ anything you want! Looking forward to hearing from you!

Love always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

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Hello Health: Smoothie Sessions

Yummy Simple Smoothies

One of my favourite international bloggers, Annie Jaffery has always been an inspiration to me with all of the beautiful make up looks she creates and her fabulous lifestyle. I didn't think it was possible, but I've now become even more of a fan of hers because she's switched over to a green and natural lifestyle. I came across this post by her and I was truly inspired to start changing up my eating to include more fruits and vegetables. 

The one morning I saw we had a lot of fruit in the fridge left over from a braai at our house so I decided to hit up the blender and create a smoothie for breakfast. This one that I photographed didn't taste as yummy as the other ones but I'm slowly learning what fruit combinations I enjoy. 

For this smoothie I used the following:

A large handful of strawberries

2 bananas

A dollop of low fat vanilla yoghurt

Handful of mint leaves

The other day I left out the yoghurt and added an apple - tasted so much better! 

My favourite combination so far is strawberries, pineapple & mint! I pretty much add mint to every smoothie as I'm a huge fan of mint!

Pink Peonies has some great smoothie recipes on her blog that I can't wait to try out. This is such a simple way to get your daily dose of fruits and is so healthy! I just need to keep up with it now!

What's your favourite smoothie recipe?

Love always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

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GGG Tip: Easy Ways To Go Green

A Few Simple Tips

Hi there my green darlings!

It's a new month, a new week and it's National Environmental week here in South Africa! So what better time to start making changes in your lifestyle to become more green!

Here are a few tips on how to play your part in saving the environment:

♡ Switch off all lights before leaving the house

♡ Unplug all unnecessary electrical appliances when not in use ~ After I've done my hair in the morning, I always switch off the plug that I use for my hair styling tools, every little bit helps!

♡ Unplug your cellphone charger when you're not using it

♡ Reuse magazines & newspaper as wrapping paper

♡ Switch off the tap when brushing your teeth

♡ Try cut your shower time by 1 minute, you will save 3300 litres of water a year

♡ Wait until your dishwasher is fully loaded before running it

♡ Need a new light bulb? Replace it with a compact fluorescent bulb

♡ Buy local - food, clothes, beauty products etc

♡ Love to buy a coffee every morning? Take your own cup!

♡ Donate your unwanted clothes to a charity or organise a clothes swap with friends

♡ Choose paper less billing for your accounts

♡ Find out about recycling collections in your area and start a recycling program at home

♡ Change a small area of your garden to a vegetable garden and grow your own food

♡ Support brands that are cruelty free

Not too hard right?

Lets GO GREEN!

Let me know what tips you have for going green?

Love always, The Glam Green Girl xXx

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Hello Health: Disney Style

Fitness Tees Fit for a Disney Princess

Image: source

If you're a Disney Princess fan like I am then how cute are these gym shirts? Ah would love to get these for gym!

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Hello Health: Just Get Moving

Just Be Active

I mentioned a few week ago in my latest "Day xx of 265" post that I had torn the muscle off my leg due to a fall whilst I was in Zambia, and it turns out that I've even damaged the ligament as well *booooo*. In the past few months I had really been getting into a proper gym routine and was even working with a trainer and then I got totally derailed by the news that it would take 6-12 weeks for my leg to heal. It sucks, I won't lie and  I'm in pain most days but that didn't mean that I should stop being active! For the past 5 weeks I've still been working with my trainer but we just work on my upper body and I'm slowly incorporating cycling into my routine and doing the exercises that my physiotherapist suggested. What I'm trying to get to is that any exercise is better than no exercise!  Running on the treadmill and not getting to your goal distance? So what, at least you're still trying! High five to you!

For me, exercise is not only about being fit and skinny (ok that is my dream haha) but it's about dedicating time each few days to improving my health - mentally and physically! 

So this week, take some time out to visit your local gym, take a walk around the block or to my lucky readers who live near the coast, take a bike ride (and I mean bicycle, not motorbike) down to the promenade and walk around for a bit. 

What do you do to stay active?

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Hello Health: Coconut Water

Crazy for Coconut Water

A drink that is seriously good for you? Yep, that's coconut water! Made from young, green coconuts, this liquid is pure goodness!

Not to be confused with coconut milk, coconut water is the ultimate for hydration.  
So much better than a sports drink, coconut water contains the following 
5 essential electrolytes:

Potassium
Magnesium
Calcium
Phosphorus
Sodium

Fresh is best when it comes to coconut water! When the water is taken straight out of a young coconut it still contains the enzymes that help to detox and repair the body (this is because it hasn't been pasteurised yet).

Interesting Fact: Coconut Water can even be used in emergencies in IV's! The contents of natural coconut water is identical to that in human plasma!

A few more benefits of coconut water:
- It is great at boosting your immune system because it has so many essential electrolytes.
- Because it is so hydrating, coconut water is beneficial if you are vomiting or have diarrhea.
- It aids kidneys in filtering toxins.

  In the beginning of last year, I suffered from Adrenal Fatigue and all the articles I read on the subject mentioned how good coconut water is for your adrenals and kidneys!

It's important to check the ingredients in store bought coconut water, many times sugar is added to improve the flavour. I usually buy my coconut water from Faithful To Nature as I know it's pure and doesn't have added sugar. I personally gulp down my coconut water because I'm not a fan of how it tastes but rather choose coconut water that is 100% pure or drink it straight out of a fresh young coconut, island style!

Do you drink coconut water? Has it helped you?

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Hello Health: Sweat

It's Time to Sparkle

So after being sick for so long and waiting to recover properly, I finally went back to gym this week *pat on my back thank you very much*. I'm looking forward to more 'sparkle' sessions! How about you? Are you sticking to your New Year's resolutions of getting into shape? The gym has been so busy with everyone trying to become more active!

I love this shirt, I wish I could find it in South Africa!

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Hello Health: Squats

Drop It Like A Squat

Everyone likes a nice looking booty so drop down and quickly do 10 squats! 

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Hello Health: Motivational Monday

Let's Do This!

It's a new week! Time to focus and take care of our bodies!

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Hello Health: 20 Minute Workout

20 Minutes is Better Than Nothing

image: pinterest

I have to constantly remind myself of this when I don't feel like working out. I haven't been gyming much lately but I'm hoping to change that this month!

How long are your gym sessions?

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Hello Health: Eat Clean

Eating Clean to Get Lean

Hi my name is Cassidy and I'm addicted to chocolate... and cake.. and pretty much anything sweet!

This week I'm trying to focus on what I'm eating, and cutting back on the sugar and junk food! So tough! I loooove me some junk food! But it doesn't help spending time in the gym if you're eating wrong - "you can't out gym a bad diet"!

Here are a few of the Clean Eating Principles:

images

I'm going to honest with you - I don't think I will stick to all these rules as, but I will definitely take them into consideration and start making healthier choices!

What are your eating patterns like? Do you have a balanced diet?

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Hello Septmber

Spring Has Sprung and September is Here

As soon as winter begins I start counting down to the first of September, and the day has finally arrived! 

September is one of my favourite months - the weather starts to get warmer, the days longer, the whole atmosphere starts to change as everyone starts gearing up for the festive season.

I love how spring brings a sense of rejuvenation, everyone starts taking better care of their bodies, and is excited for the end of the year.

I'm so looking forward to lying by the pool soon (with SPF on obviously) and just relaxing in the beautiful weather!

I hope September is an AMAZING month for you all!

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Hello Health: I Workout Because...

I Workout Because...

Haha I love these pictures from Lorna Jane.

 I truly am married to chocolate so I have to drag my butt to gym, but luckily pictures like these remind us of why we need to work out!

Keep moving!

ps: I love the Lorna Jane philosophy of Move Nourish Believe - look out for a post on that soon!

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Hello Health: Motivation

Motivation For the Next Few Weeks

Spring is just around the corner and that is motivating enough for me, but this is the quote that is keeping me going! 

Push it! You can do it!

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GGG Tips: Winter Health & Beauty

Health & Beauty Tips for Winter

Since there are still are a few weeks of winter left here are some of my health and beauty tips to keep you looking and feeling your best!

  Swap your daily body lotion for a body oil – no one enjoys the feeling of dry legs itching beneath your jeans or you skirt sticking to your static legs

       Exfoliate your face and body twice a week – this helps get rid of the dead skin cells, leaving you with a fresh and soft skin, but please do so gently as not to cause skin tearing!

Try applying a mask on your face as well as a hydrating mask on your hair at least once a week – this will help keep your skin hydrated and your hair healthy and shiny.

 Add a few drops of your favourite essential oil to your bath – it will also create a lovely fragrance in your bathroom

A tip that I’m personally loving at the moment, add a dollop of a balm (I use the Balm Balm Baby Balm) to your bath water to help ‘soften’ the water. After my bath I apply some body oil and my skin just drinks it up!

Before you put on your socks at night, put on some foot cream to keep your heels soft - or if you are like me and you're not a fan of wearing socks at night, check out my GGG Tip for Foot Cream 

I know in winter it's harder to keep up your exercise routine as the thought of having to venture out into the cold usually over rules the thought of working out, but KEEP IT UP!

That being said, please make sure you dress warmly enough after leaving the gym, no matter how tempting the cold air might be to cool down after a sweat session (see mom, I do listen to you)

Lastly and it’s one most of us forget during the colder weather, don’t forget to keep drinking lots of water! A hydrated body leads to hydrated skin, so go and grab a glass of water right now! You can also swap the hot chocolate for green tea!

Next week I'll be posting some of my favourite winter products!

What are your tips for winter?

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Hello Health: Water Drinking Times

The Best Times to Drink Water

Image source: Glam and Green Health on Pinterest

So these are the ideal times for you to gulp down your glass of water but you'll notice that this is only 5 out of the recommended 8 glasses of water you should be drinking. It's so important to drink your 2 liters of water everyday for your health, not only is it great for your body but also for your skin!

I drink a glass of water as soon as I wake up to get my body going and I always drink a glass before I go to bed. I also keep a glass of water next to my bed and have a sip whenever I go to the bathroom because when you are sleeping you are going without water for 6-8 hours so it's best to keep a glass on your nightstand!

Go on and grab your water bottle ;) 

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Hello June

It's a new month!

Can you believe we are halfway through 2013 already? June has arrived!

While June marks the start of winter (and me counting down to summer already), its also The Glam Green Girl's 2nd birthday this month *yay*! I will be posting a competition soon where you can win a hamper of a few of my favourite things!

Since it's a Monday and the start of a new month, why not set yourself some new goals to achieve this month? For example: read a book; make your gym sessions 15 minutes longer this month; collect blankets for those who need it this winter; make more time for yourself and those you care for!

I hope everyone has a wonderful month - may June be one of the best one's yet!

Let me know what goals you are setting for yourself this month?

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