Natural Living

  • Holistic Wellbeing

    Simple Steps to Avoid Overwhelm and Embrace a Low Toxic Living Lifestyle

    Learn How to Navigate the World of Low Toxic Living Without Feeling Overwhelmed or Stressed Out.

    Podcast Episode 40 – Avoiding the overwhelm of low toxic living with Kay from A little less toxic. Kay and I talk about why we decided to switch to low toxic living, and what lead each of us to this way of living. Kay is passionate about living a low toxic life and inspire others to know that it doesn’t have to be all or nothing, or overwhelming to get started. Find the episode by searching for The Slow Living Collective wherever you get your podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts

    Living in today’s world means being exposed to all sorts of toxins, from the food we eat to the products we use to the air we breathe. Many of these toxins are harmful to our health, and can lead to a variety of health issues, from allergies to cancer. That’s why more and more people are turning to low toxic living, a lifestyle that focuses on reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants. In this blog post and podcast episode, we’ll explore the benefits of low toxic living, and how you can incorporate it into your own life.

    What is Low Toxic Living?

    Low toxic living, also known as low-tox living or non-toxic living, is a lifestyle that prioritizes reducing exposure to toxins and chemicals that can harm our health. It’s not about eliminating all toxins from our lives, which is impossible, but rather minimizing exposure to the most harmful ones. This can involve making changes in everything from the food we eat to the products we use to the air we breathe.

    Benefits of Low Toxic Living

    Better Health

    Perhaps the most obvious benefit of low toxic living is better health. By reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants, we can reduce the risk of developing a variety of health issues, from allergies to cancer. Low toxic living is all about reducing the toxic load on our bodies and living spaces. This means being mindful of the products we use in our homes, the food we eat, and the air we breathe. By making conscious choices to reduce exposure to toxins, we can improve our overall health and well-being. Exposure to toxins can have a negative impact on our immune system, hormone balance, and other bodily functions. By embracing a low toxic living lifestyle, we can support our bodies in functioning optimally and improve our quality of life.

    More Energy

    Toxins can sap our energy and make us feel tired and sluggish. By reducing exposure to these toxins, we can feel more energized and vibrant. Low toxic living can also have a positive impact on our energy levels. When we reduce our exposure to toxins, our bodies don’t have to work as hard to detoxify and eliminate them. This can free up energy that can be used for other bodily processes, such as digestion and cell repair. By choosing low toxic products and foods, we can support our bodies in functioning more efficiently, which can result in increased energy levels and a greater sense of vitality. Additionally, by reducing exposure to toxins in our homes, such as air pollutants and electromagnetic radiation, we can improve the quality of our sleep, which can also lead to increased energy levels during the day.

    Improved Sleep

    Toxins can disrupt our sleep, leading to insomnia and other sleep issues. By reducing exposure to these toxins, we can improve our sleep quality and wake up feeling more rested. Low toxic living can positively impact the quality of our sleep. Toxins found in common household products and in our environment can disrupt our sleep patterns and make it difficult to get a good night’s rest. By choosing low toxic options for our bedding, cleaning products, and air purifiers, we can improve the quality of the air we breathe and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals that can disrupt our sleep. Additionally, by making conscious food choices and reducing our intake of processed and packaged foods, we can support our bodies in functioning optimally and improve our overall health, which can also contribute to better sleep. By prioritizing a low toxic living lifestyle, we can create a restful and rejuvenating environment that promotes better sleep and a greater sense of well-being.

    Better Mood

    Chemicals and pollutants can affect our mood, leading to irritability, anxiety, and depression. By reducing exposure to these toxins, we can feel more balanced and emotionally stable. Low toxic living can also positively impact our mood and emotional well-being. Exposure to toxins can have a negative impact on our brain function and mental health. By reducing exposure to toxic chemicals in our home and environment, we can support our bodies in functioning optimally, which can improve our mental clarity and emotional balance. Additionally, by choosing low toxic food options, we can support our gut health, which is directly linked to our mood and overall emotional well-being. Prioritizing a low toxic living lifestyle can help to create a more peaceful and harmonious environment, which can promote a greater sense of calm and happiness.

    Environmentally Friendly

    Low toxic living is also better for the environment. By reducing the use of harmful chemicals and pollutants, we can help protect the planet and its resources. Low toxic living not only benefits our health and well-being, but it can also have a positive impact on the environment. By choosing low toxic products, we can reduce the amount of harmful chemicals that end up in our waterways and ecosystems. Additionally, by choosing organic and locally sourced foods, we can support sustainable farming practices and reduce our carbon footprint. By reducing the amount of waste we produce and choosing to recycle and compost, we can minimize our impact on the environment and contribute to a healthier planet. Prioritizing a low toxic living lifestyle can help to create a more sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come.

    How to Incorporate Low Toxic Living into Your Life

    1. Choose Organic: Opt for organic fruits and vegetables, which are grown without the use of pesticides and other harmful chemicals.
    2. Read Labels: Read the labels of the products you use, from cleaning supplies to personal care products, and avoid those that contain harmful chemicals.
    3. Avoid Plastics: Plastics can leach harmful chemicals into our food and water. Try to avoid using plastic containers, and opt for glass or stainless steel instead.
    4. Use Natural Cleaning Products: Many cleaning products contain harmful chemicals. Use natural alternatives, like vinegar and baking soda, to clean your home.
    5. Purify Your Air: The air inside our homes can be more polluted than the air outside. Use air purifiers or plants to help purify the air and reduce exposure to harmful pollutants.

    How to live a low toxic lifestyle with your food choices

    One of the key ways to live a low toxic lifestyle is to make conscious food choices. This includes choosing whole, organic, and locally sourced foods whenever possible. By avoiding processed and packaged foods, we can reduce our intake of harmful additives, preservatives, and chemicals. It’s also important to choose meats and dairy products that are raised without the use of antibiotics or hormones. When cooking, opt for non-toxic cookware and avoid using plastic containers, which can leach harmful chemicals into our food. Additionally, be mindful of the cleaning products and pesticides used on fruits and vegetables and opt for natural and organic options whenever possible. By making these simple food choices, we can support our bodies in functioning optimally and reduce exposure to harmful toxins.

    Why we avoid seed oils

    Seed oils, also known as vegetable oils, have become a popular choice in modern diets due to their low cost and availability. However, they have been shown to be highly processed and contain high levels of polyunsaturated fats, which can be harmful to our health. When these oils are heated during the cooking process, they can produce harmful compounds known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which have been linked to inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic disease. Additionally, seed oils are often extracted using chemicals such as hexane, which can leave behind toxic residues. It’s important to opt for healthier fats such as coconut oil, olive oil, and avocado oil when cooking and avoid using seed oils whenever possible. By making this simple change, we can support our health and reduce our exposure to harmful toxins.

    Start with one thing & don’t get overwhelmed

    When it comes to low toxic living, it’s important to remember that it’s a journey, not a destination. Trying to change everything at once can be overwhelming and unsustainable, leading to burnout and frustration. Instead, start by choosing one thing at a time to focus on and gradually incorporating it into your daily routine. This could be something as simple as switching to natural cleaning products or opting for organic produce. Once you’ve made one change, you can move on to the next. It’s also important to remember that everyone’s journey to low toxic living will be different, and that’s okay. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one person may not work for another. By starting small and taking it one step at a time, you can create lasting habits and make low toxic living a sustainable part of your life. If you’re interested in incorporating low toxic living into your own life, start by making small changes and see how they impact your health and well-being.

  • Holistic Wellbeing

    Living a more natural way of life with Roseanne

    This is a recap of my amazing podcast chat with Roseanne from @home.ed.hopes. We were able to chat about everything natural living.

    Apple Podcasts | Spotify Podcasts

    Have you ever considered how the products and foods we use on a daily basis can impact our overall well-being? Studies show that our exposure to harmful chemicals can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. But what if we could improve our well-being simply by approaching things more naturally? We’re going to explore the benefits of embracing natural products and foods, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, and practicing mindfulness. Join Roseanne and myself as we dive into how embracing a more natural way of living can transform your well-being and how you can get started.

    Chatting about living naturally with Roseanne

    To delve deeper into the topic of living naturally, I had the pleasure of chatting with Roseanne, a friend of mine I met through Instagram, who is known for her dedication to all things natural. Roseanne has been living naturally for years and swears by its benefits accrediting it with so much, including improving her overall well-being. She shared how she had experienced an improvement in her physical health and mental well-being since making the switch. Roseanne believes that natural living is a lifestyle that anyone can adopt and shared practical tips on how to get started and recommended some natural products that have worked for her. Talking to Roseanne was a reminder that living naturally is not only beneficial for the environment but can also have a positive impact on our health and well-being.

    The Benefits of Natural Products

    Using natural products has numerous benefits for both our health and the environment. Unlike synthetic products, natural products are free from harmful chemicals and toxins that can cause long-term health problems. They are made using natural ingredients such as herbs and essential oils, which have healing properties that can improve our overall well-being. Moreover, natural products are gentle on the skin and do not cause any irritation or allergic reactions.

    In addition, using natural products is a great way to support eco-friendly and sustainable practices. Many natural products are packaged using eco-friendly materials that are biodegradable and can be recycled. By choosing natural products over synthetic ones, we are contributing towards a cleaner and healthier planet.

    Reducing Exposure to Harmful Chemicals

    By opting for natural products, we can significantly reduce our exposure to harmful chemicals. These chemicals are present in everything from our food to the skincare products we use every day. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to these chemicals can lead to various health issues such as allergies, hormone disruption, and even cancer. Making a switch to natural and organic products can mitigate the risks associated with exposure to these chemicals and pave the way for a healthier, happier life.

    Embracing Your Diet

    Embracing a natural diet is another way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Filling our plates with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole foods instead of processed and packaged foods can help us avoid artificial additives, preservatives, and other harmful chemicals.

    Embracing a natural diet is another way to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals. Filling our plates with fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole foods instead of processed and packaged foods can help us avoid artificial additives, preservatives, and other harmful chemicals. Not only does a natural diet reduce our exposure to toxins, but it can also provide numerous benefits for our overall well-being. Natural foods are rich in essential nutrients and antioxidants that can boost our immune system, improve digestion, and promote healthy weight management.

    Incorporating natural foods into our diet can also have positive effects on our mental health. A diet high in processed foods and sugar has been linked to depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. On the other hand, a natural diet that is rich in whole foods can help to stabilize our moods, improve cognitive function, and increase our energy levels. By embracing a natural diet, we can improve our physical and mental health, and ultimately live a more fulfilling life.

    Mindfulness and Well-being

    Mindfulness and well-being go hand in hand, and our diet plays a crucial role in achieving both. When we are mindful, we are fully present in the moment, aware of our thoughts and emotions without judgment. This state of mind allows us to recognize negative patterns and replace them with positive ones, leading to a greater sense of peace and contentment.

    Incorporating mindfulness into our daily routine can have a profound impact on our mental and physical health. Meditation, yoga, and other mindfulness practices can help to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve sleep quality. By focusing on the present moment and cultivating a sense of gratitude, we can enhance our overall well-being and live a more fulfilling life.

    One easy way to incorporate mindfulness into our diet is to practice mindful eating. This involves paying attention to the texture, taste, and aroma of our food, and savoring each bite without distraction. By eating more slowly and mindfully, we can better appreciate the nourishment our food provides and avoid overeating.

    By embracing natural foods and practicing mindfulness, we can improve our physical and mental health and ultimately live a more fulfilling life. Taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle can have a significant impact on our well-being, and the benefits are well worth the effort.

    Incorporating natural products, reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, rethinking your diet, and practicing mindfulness are all powerful ways to improve your well-being. By taking small steps towards a more natural lifestyle, you can experience the countless benefits that come with it. As you swap out conventional products for natural alternatives, pay attention to how your body responds. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised. So go ahead, make the switch to natural living. Your body will thank you for it.

    You can find Roseanne on Instagram @home.ed.hopes – be sure to check her out!

  • Natural Home

    Simple simmer pot to fragrance your home

    This post is about how you can make a simple simmer pot to fragrance your home. If you aren’t keen on using synthetically produced ingredients in your home, this simmer pot is a great option.

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    Moving away from a chemically based home has been something we’ve been working on for many years. As with most things that we do for ourselves and for our home we don’t ever take an all-or-nothing approach, instead preferring to take our time and figure out what works. Before we started using simmer pots we didn’t use anything to fragrance our home.

    Chemically based fragrance

    We’re surrounded by chemically based fragrances and before starting to make our own simmer pots, instead we didn’t use fragrance in our home. Fragrance has always been a big issue for me, from contributing to my migraines to aggravating an ongoing ear problem I have had since my teens. Even a quick spray of synthetic polish, or any kind of air freshener, and my ear would immediately hurt.

    When I started to look into it, because I was curious as to why, I found a whole heap of evidence to back up that air fresheners and many cleaning products contribute to human exposure to primary and secondary air pollutants.

    Air freshener exposures, even at low levels, have been associated with a range of adverse health effects, which include migraine headaches, asthma attacks, breathing difficulties, respiratory difficulties, mucosal symptoms, dermatitis, infant diarrhea and earache, neurological problems, and ventricular fibrillation.

    Recent population studies have investigated the prevalence and types of health effects associated with air fresheners. In a survey of the US population [39], in a nationally representative sample (n = 1,136, CL = 95%, CI = 3%), 20.4% of the population report health problems when exposed to air fresheners and deodorizers. Specific health effects include the following: 9.5% report respiratory problems, 7.6% mucosal symptoms, 7.2% migraine headaches, 5.7% skin problems, 4.7% asthma attacks, 3.2% neurological problems, 2.7% cognitive problems, 2.7% gastrointestinal problems, 2.6% cardiovascular problems, 2.4% musculoskeletal problems, 1.8% immune system problems, and 0.7% other health problems.

    Ten questions concerning air fresheners and indoor built environments, Building and Environment
    Volume 111, January 2017, Pages 279-284, by Anne Steinemann

    Given our generation’s obsession with cleaning our homes with all the Mrs. Hinch-inspired products under the sun, I have to say I felt incredibly grateful to physically not have been able to fall into this trap. My good old ear saved me from myself because let me tell you, I always loved a good scent.

    I also found this particularly concerning:

    Air fresheners are not required to disclose all ingredients [41], and typically do not. For example, in a comparison of declared and undeclared substances for six air freshener products [46], found high percentages of the number of undeclared substances (greater than 90%) and high percentages of the concentrations of undeclared substances (greater than 75%), relative to the total number and total concentration of declared and undeclared substances.

    Ten questions concerning air fresheners and indoor built environments, Building and Environment
    Volume 111, January 2017, Pages 279-284, by Anne Steinemann

    I also found this concerning, as a mother of two very small children:

    Children of the 90s (ALSPAC), which has followed the health and development of 14,000 children since before birth, is the first study to investigate the effects of VOCs on infants.

    The researchers found that frequent use of air fresheners and aerosols during pregnancy and early childhood was associated with higher levels of diarrhoea, earache and other symptoms in infants, as well as headaches and depression in mothers.

    Farrow A, Taylor H, Northstone K, Golding J, ALSPAC Study Team. Symptoms of Mothers and Infants Related to Total Volatile Organic Compounds in Household Products. Archives of Environmental Health. doi: 10.3200/AEOH.58.10.633-641

    There is a lot of research out there about the damage these synthetic fragrances can do, and for someone with very much physical symptoms for most of her life, it has always made sense to avoid anything with synthetic fragrances like the plague.

    The best thing about simmer pots is how natural they are

    Health is wealth as far as I am concerned, and while I cannot control many aspects of my health (a work in progress for someone with health anxiety, but CBT has helped me make massive strides) there are many I can. I can’t control fragrances, dioxins and pollutants as I move through life outside of my home and therefore I don’t even think about that, but inside my home I am more careful about what we use.

    What do I need to make a simmer pot

    Here is the great thing, you can pretty much make up any kind of pot and experiment with what you love. Today I am sharing one of my favourites, but feel free to be creative and find what you love.

    All you need is:

    • Saucepan with lid
    • Hob/Stove top
    • Natural ingredients

    Making an autumnal apple simmer pot, that you can make any time of year

    Oven top simmer pot

    Oven top simmer pot

    Tools

    • 2 apples Cut into either slices or quartered
    • 1 lemon sliced
    • 1 litre water
    • 1 tbsp dried Cinnamon

    Instructions

    1. Add ingredients to pot, mix together and place on hob.
    2. Bring to a rolling boil, reduce the temperature and allow to simmer softly.

    If you’re wondering whether these kind of simmer pots fragrance your home as well as chemical frangranced items such as plug ins or air fresheners, the answer is yes. Every time I fragrance my home this way (usually when we have guests) I always get so many comments about how good it smells. It is not only a wonderful smell but is comforting and warming too.

    If you give this a try be sure to let me know, by either leaving me a comment here or tagging me over on Instagram.

    Until next time,

  • Simple Living

    The year that was transformative

    If I can sum up 2022 in one word, it would be transformative. I’ve been a big fan of the idea of picking a word for the year for many years now, a word that sets the intention for the year ahead. Except I didn’t do it in 2022, I didn’t bother, or if I did I certainly didn’t remember it nor did I hold it in any regard, and that was the first time in a really long time.

    It turns out that if you don’t pick a word of the year, the word will pick itself, and it’s only now, as I look back at the year can I see that it was transformative.

    When 2022 began I didn’t really know what the year would hold for me, creatively at least. After the birth of my second baby in 2021, I felt like I didn’t really know how to be a content creator anymore, and after spending fifteen years of my career doing just that, I honestly felt a little lost. I would sit and ponder how I would come back into the world of content creation, but really 2022 taught me that I just needed to be patient. I leaned into waiting and being ok with whatever was to come next. While waiting I inadvertently stumbled upon it quite naturally.

    Living more intentionally

    Slow, Simple & Intentional living has been a huge part of the way we chose to live our lives, for a long time now, but this was the year that opened up my eyes to even more ways to embrace that. The more we lean into this way of living, rejecting living by default and instead stepping outside the box and living in a way that just feels right, the more the road ahead seems to open up.

    I truly hope that 2023 will be no different, as we lean in even more to living slowly, simplifying, being more intentional with the things we do (or don’t do!), living seasonally, growing our own produce on our allotment plot, as well as naturally and doing the things that feel right for us.

    The round up

    So let’s take a moment, before the end of 2022, to take a look back at 2022 and how we were able to truly embrace living on our own terms.

    Slow + Simple Living

      Simple, Seasonal recipes

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      Seasonal + Allotment living

        Natural Living

        [wprm-recipe-roundup-item id=”11579″ name=”Homemade Toxin Free Cleaner” button=”Check it out”]

        Thank you for all your support in 2022 – I look forward to continuing the adventure with you in 2023. Don’t forget to follow along with us here, on Instagram and on Youtube. Plus, become a VIP and join the email list too!

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        See you in 2023!