So this year i decided no mad diets, no new exercise regime just a few small changes to look after myself a little better, and lets see what happens from there and hope for some positive changes, no pressure, no stress!
I have been looking around for a few ideas and have been sent some products to try to help make these changes, here are a few things that may help to make those small changes to make a happier, healthier you!
First up dare i say it...Alcohol!! Now i would never give up the wine completely but for many trying to stick to dry January then an alcohol free alternative that still gives the feel and taste of drinking wine then why not try out this range from Belvoir
Belvoir makes an exciting range of natural, lightly sparkling Pressés and Cordials that contain no artificial colourings, flavourings, preservatives or sweeteners and are delicious enough on their own to inspire sobriety, while also making perfect mocktails. However, for anyone struggling without their customary glass of wine, Belvoir’s ‘Wines without the Hangover’ range is for you. Be it the full-bodied Shiraz with its heady currant notes and hint of black pepper, the sweet, scented and crisp Chardonnay or the lively Rosé with a nose of raspberry and a floral hint, you can enjoy the taste, aroma and look of a glass of Bacchus’ best but still keep to your Dry January pledge. Belvoir’s Wine Without the Hangover range is different from other alcohol-free wines on the market. Many are made from wine which has had the alcohol physically removed, or tend to be overly sweet with little to differentiate or recommend them as a genuine wine alternative. In contrast, with their expertise in blending fruit juices, flowers and spices, Belvoir has created a drink with a more wine-like profile that actively mimics the complexity and sophistication of a wine, replicating the taste as closely as possible, but without the alcohol. A perfect alternative without feeling like compromising too much.
Staying with the drinks how about some adult soft drinks from Crafted, the perfect mixer for any Mocktail. The drinks are created using Crafted® by Cracker Drinks Co, which is a new brand of fruit juice drinks: Made in small batches in the UK, its distinctive flavour profiles are created using unique fruit juice blends to craft a delicious range of drinks available in major supermarkets. The drinks are widely available in supermarkets for £1.90 RRP for a litre. The drinks are ideal ‘grown-up’ soft drinks for the festive season and Dry January. For cocktail lovers, they’re a great ready-made take on a Mojito (try Apple, Mint & Lime) or Pina Colada (Pineapple, Coconut & Lime). Also available are Still, Cloudy Lemonade and Mango & Passionfruit versions.
Foe those that want a drink that is more of a healthy alternative to soft drinks then what about these from Little Miracles
Little Miracles are a beautiful blend of organic tea and superfruit juice. With carefully selected Panax ginseng in its purest form and açaí, it is the perfect pick-me-up morning, noon and afternoon. The brand has recently gone through a complete rebrand fresh for summer 2017. Developed with consumer health and well-being in mind, all blends are sweetened with organic agave and are less than 70 calories. Free from artificial colours, flavours and sweeteners. RRP: £1.59 - available at Asda, Tesco, Ocado, W H Smith Travel, WholeFoods among other retailers. A great tasting healthy alternative to soft drinks, it is great that products that are healthier are still as tasty as the sweeter, sugar filled alternatives!
How about making up your own smoothie in any flavour you want?
Then you may just need one of these blenders fromVonShef, get creative and blitz your way into a healthier new year! It is fast, easy to use and has the benefit of coming with two cups and lids to simply blitz and go! The possibilities for different shakes and juices are endless.
Blitz Fruit & Veg
Powerful 1000W motor combined with 25,000 RPM speed and razor-sharp 301 stainless steel pro extractor blades makes lightning fast work of blitzing fruit and veg, pulverising seeds, stems and skins to extract and lock in those all-important nutrients. The result? Smooth, pulp-free drinks filled to the brim with goodness.
Quick & Easy Prep
Sports drinks, protein shakes, fresh juices, smoothies; this highly efficient blender can help you along the road to a healthier lifestyle - the quick and convenient way. Perfect for those leading action-packed lives or struggling to fit in five-a-day
Easily Blends Ice
When it comes to blending ice, the UltraBlend is more than up to the task too, effortlessly crushing through cubes for refreshing chilled drinks.
Comes complete with 1 x large 800ml and 1 x medium 500ml cup - both blending cups are BPA-free. Also includes 1 x spill-proof lid and 1 x sip & seal lid - great for taking to the office, college, gym or on the go. Lids and cups are BPA-free, dishwasher safe for easy cleaning, lightweight and easy to carry. For more info and to see the full range of VonShef blenders and juicers head to domu.co.uk
How about some tasty treats to go with our healthy alternative drinks?
Who doesn't miss ice cream when you are dieting, well now you don't have to we bring you Oppo
If you didn't already know Oppo is a healthy ice cream made with virgin coconut oil, stevia leaf & fresh milk. At 60% less sugar & calories than regular ice cream, this deliciously healthy ice cream is available in four flavours: Madagascan Vanilla, Mint Choc Swirl, Salted Caramel, and the most recent addition to the range Columbian Chocolate and Hazelnut. Health and indulgence have always been opposites, but Oppo have made it their mission to find a new way. So they've made a decadent ice cream, but without loads of sugar and calories. It’s proof that being healthy doesn’t mean eating a compromise – that’s their ‘sweet spot’. RRP: £4.99 (500ml) - available at Sainsbury's, Asda, Waitrose, Wholefoods, Budens, Holland & Barrett & online at Ocado. So what are you waiting for?
What about snacking on the go? then try these Wonderballs from Missfits
The snack we all love and miss when we are on a healthy eating plan is a packet of crisps, well i bring you these healthy baked crisps from food should taste good!
The range comes in three tasty variants for your snacking pleasure which makes for some great pairings:
Blue Corn Traditionally used in Mexican cooking, blue corn’s subtle and delicately sweet flavour creates a fantastic snack. Blue Corn is perfectly paired with your favourite Guacamole or alongside a fiery plate of chilli. Why not liven things up with a citrus flavoured craft beer or cider?
Multigrain Flax, sunflower, quinoa and sesame seeds add to the distinctively nutty flavour of this crisp, making it a snack that can be enjoyed on its own or with your favourite dip. Try with hummus or even top the tortilla chips with sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a take on the classic Bruschetta which pairs nicely with a glass of dry white wine.
Sweet Potato A craveable crisp with sweet and salty crunch, these Sweet Potato tortilla chips are delightfully crisp and baked with sophistication. For something a little different, try these with a fresh fruit salsa made with pineapple or a creamy caramelised onion and garlic dip. Best paired with a sweet Reisling or, for those colder months, a bold Merlot. The fruity flavours are a great match for the crisps’ sweet and salty taste!
If you are looking to make some changes at meal times, or simply have dietary requirements then how about checking out this pasta selection from Explore cuisine, boasting gluten free pasta or spaghetti which is high protein and high fibre. Made from only organic beans, lentils and chickpeas it is also suitable for Vegans! It is great to have the choice for making everyday meals that meet peoples dietary requirements and do not compromise on taste or versatility. We are becoming more aware of the need to provide and meet different dietary requirements or the option to make healthier choices so it is good to see such a great range to meet these needs.
Winter months can leave us a bit low and in need of a bit of a boost so is the ideal time to look at some extra vitamins and supplements.
ProVen Probiotics Adult Acidophilus and Bifidus – 25 billion is a high-strength friendly bacteria supplement for adults containing Lab4 – the most studied group of friendly bacteria in the UK.
It has been shown to help with bloating, IBS and supports the gut following a course of antibiotics. It also contains calcium, vitamins C and D, zinc and selenium to help support digestion and immunity.
· High-strength for adults - 25 billion friendly bacteria per two capsules
· Proven to colonise the human intestine
· Supported by a unique body of UK-based clinical research
· Take two capsules per day with food for a period of 1-4 months depending on personal need
Available from Boots and Holland & Barrett stores nationwide (RRP £13.95 for 30 capsules)
Wiley's finest fish oil
So we have had alternative drinks, foods, supplements and i think we need a bit of a beauty boost too!!
We all love to have nice nails but the winter can take its toll so how about Renunail nail treatment
How to use:
Day 1: Apply two coats of Renunail Nail Strengthener onto clean nails, avoiding the cuticle area
Day 2-6: Continue to apply one coat of the Nail Strengthener daily for the next five days
Day 7: Remove all product from the nails with nail polish remover Repeat this process for another 3 weeks (with the whole programme lasting 28 days)
At the end of the 28 day programme, stop using the Renunail Nail Strengthener and move onto the Renunail Sensitive Nude Strengthener. The rest inbetween the programme is essential to prevent the protein in the formula having a negative effect on nail growth. The Renunail Sensitive Nude Strengthener is also a great alternative to longstanding gel and acrylic nail users as the formula is gentle for those with increased sensitivity. Whilst following the 28 day programme, Renunail Nourishing Oil should be massaged into the cuticles daily, as the Sweet Almond Oil and Jojoba Seed Oil work to soften the cuticles whilst promoting good nail health.
For a truly pampering experience you must try this amazing skin care range from Angela Langford
2014 Masterchef Finalist, Angela Langford has taken her love & passion for cooking, to create an organic skincare range that uses the very best ingredients nature have to offer, whilst offering the highest levels in personalised service.We are all different, which is why Angela will help you select products from her range that best suits you & your skin, thanks to her innovative Skincare Sample Service - three samples from her range, personally selected by Angela.
I was lucky enough to be sent a sample of 'Bloom and Glow' to review.
Bloom and Glow - Chia seed & sea buckthorn are blended together to deliver high levels of essential fatty acids, vitamins & antioxidants - it improves skin’s elasticity, calms inflammation & restores radiance. January and February always are the worst months for my skin, the summer glow is long gone, the stress and exhaustion of Christmas is showing, and the weather plays havoc with your skin. so to find something that actually made me look like i was alive was amazing, the smell is divine and it makes your skin feel fabulous, definitely something you have to try for yourself to really believe it, i am going to be taking a look at the rest of the range as it really is brilliant value for money when compared to high end products that will not give these results in my opinion.
So there we have it, a few simple changes or additions to your routine, diet or beauty regime can lead to some positive changes in your life.
