Tag: healthy

Infrared Sauna: A Gentle Path to Wellness

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One of my favourite treats for my body I have tried! If you’re curious about infrared saunas (and pods), here’s the short version: they use light-based heat to warm your body directly, so sessions feel gentler than traditional saunas while still delivering real wellness perks. The vibe is calm, the air isn’t stifling, and when the pod has a vibration function, it also doubles as a massage and can improve blood circulation throughout the body. Well rounded recovery option when you are tired, feel off or after pushing it at the gym.

Top benefits people use infrared saunas for:

Improved circulation: Heat widens blood vessels and raises heart rate mildly—similar to a light workout—helping blood flow and nutrient delivery.

Muscle and joint relief: Warmth can ease stiffness and soreness, supporting post-exercise recovery and comfort for everyday aches.

Stress and mood support: Heat exposure often triggers endorphins and deep relaxation, helping you unwind and sleep better.

Skin support: Increased circulation and sweating can leave skin looking refreshed; some notice a clearer, brighter tone over time.

Cardiovascular support: Regular sessions may help with blood pressure and endothelial function in some people, though research is still developing.

Metabolic effects: You’ll burn a modest number of extra calories during sessions; treat this as a bonus, not a weight-loss plan.

Detox via sweat: Sweating helps your body excrete small amounts of certain compounds, but claims of “deep detox” or heavy-metal removal are still being studied.

I highly recommend trying it out, for 15mins the first time and build up to 30/40 minutes sessions later on. Stay hydrated! I think it depends on the model you are using, as the pod in the picture was quite gentle, I didn’t feel dehydrated at all, but I did notice a big effect on my mood and the recovery after working out was faster with less muscle ache.

If you are looking into trying it out, or would like to set up an at-home version, I have found some items on amazon to aid you!

Happy shopping:

(all are affiliate links)

Grab an infrared sauna blanket
https://amzn.to/3X8JiBw

or a portable sauna tent
https://amzn.to/49B948U

a sauna thermometer/hygrometer to track heat and humidity
https://amzn.to/4oSENGX

electrolytes for rehydration
https://amzn.to/4oj9rJT

a quick‑dry microfiber towel
https://amzn.to/4hETMBY

a BPA‑free water bottle with a straw lid
https://amzn.to/47nduyS

a gentle, fragrance‑free post‑sauna moisturizer with ceramides
https://amzn.to/4oSdFrO

Have you tried an infrared sauna before?

Are you tempted to try if you haven’t?

Life-Enhancing Favorites | Aug 2024

Posted in favorites, Healthy eating, Holidays, lifestyleTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

Some links in this blog post are affiliate.

Hello, lovelies!
Welcome to a world of life-enhancing favourites! In this blog post, I’m excited to share some of the top additions to my daily routine that have brought value, convenience, and sustainability to my life. From nourishing bone broth to eco-friendly laundry options and personalized vitamins, these recommendations aim to inspire a healthier, more conscious lifestyle. Join me as we explore these exciting discoveries and embrace positive changes together.

One of my favourite additions to my diet is an old all-time favourite superfood that recently made its way back to popularity, bone broth. I buy it from Freja Foods. I chose it because it’s made from 100% natural ingredients, responsibly sourced and for all the information they provide, like the nutritional values. It’s easy to order, really delicious and offers quite a few options to choose from, different packages and subscriptions. Currently, you can get 20% off with the code SUMMERSALE20.
My go-to is the beef broth for its high protein and collagen content, providing great value for money. I usually enjoy it instead of tea or coffee, but it’s versatile for use in recipes and even smoothies.

Another fantastic find that has become a beauty favourite for me is Trust Deodorant. It offers long-lasting odour prevention that can last up to 3 to 6 days and is aluminium-free. This deodorant remains effective even after showering and swimming and is perfect for travel with its compact size. And it might seem that it’s a little pricey but it’s really not as it last 2-3 months!

Mixing in a home management topic, laundry, I would love to recommend trying out laundry detergent strip sheets as an eco-friendly and versatile option. They are convenient and great for travel too as they will not ruin your close like spilled detergent or popped detergent capsules. These strips are easy to use for both hand and machine washing, take much less space on the shelves, and eliminate the need for bulky plastic bottles, or gel pods, minimizing plastic use in your daily life. My favourites are these two:
Good Clean Stuff and The Lab Co.

When it comes to vitamins, it can be challenging to find trustworthy products. For a personalized approach, I highly recommend trying Vitl.com, a subscription service that tailors a set of vitamins based on your lifestyle and needs, and even offers blood and DNA Nutrition tests to determine a bit of more science-based advice. It’s convenient and packaged for each day so you don’t need to worry about drinking a double portion by accident.

In skincare, I would like to talk about something for travellers or anyone looking to hydrate and protect their skin on the go, a Hypochlorous spray. It can be a useful addition to your skincare routine. It helps hydrate and protect the skin from bacteria. For someone who gets spots quite regularly, this has been a big favourite to prevent them.

Lastly, a fun lifestyle recommendation is Too Good To Go app, a platform that allows you to rescue surplus food from local businesses at a discounted price. It’s a great way to try out new foods, reduce food waste and be more environmentally conscious. By using this service, you can explore various locations offering all kinds of foods from bread and pastries to health stores, and organic stores, or grab comfort foods like pizza or burritos, and contribute to reducing food waste in your community.

I hope you find these recommendations helpful! If you try any of them out please share your feedback, I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts in the comments. See you in the next post!

Mobu Vitamins

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L E T’ S G L O W ! It’s so important to nurture our health and beauty from the inside. Healthy looks great on everyone! MOBU is a small family-run UK-based business that provides the highest quality health supplements.

Apple Cider Vinegar has been a must-have for me for a long time, and other vitamins – I think there is no need to say much, each of us should use them regularly – we all love to feel strong, energetic, have shiny and long hair, and flawless skin!

Let’s nurture our feminine beauty and health🤍

When @vitamobu reached out to try their gummies, I did not have to think twice (gummies for breakfast? what an idea! 🤭) I’ve been taking them for a while now and am so happy I said yes. The flavours of all three gummies are delicious, they have a natural taste and make taking supplements a pleasure!

They have been kind to send me some information on each product I am trying out so I thought I will share it with you too!

Hair, Skin and Nails (Biotin) Gummies:

  • Biotin contributes to the maintenance of the of normal hair and skin
  • Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, skin and nails.
  • Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin.
  • Vitamin B6 contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.
  • Free from Artificial Flavours, Colours and preservatives
  • Lactose Free
  • Suitable for vegetarians

Vitamin D3 Gummies

  • Supports healthy immune system
  • Supports muscle function and healthy bones
  • Delicious lemon flavour
  • Sugar Free
  • HALAL
  • Suitable for Vegetarian

Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies:

  • 1000mg of Apple Cider Vinegar per serving
  • Healthy weight management
  • Digestion support
  • Help improve energy
  • enriched with Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid which contribute to reduction of tiredness & fatigue.
  • HALAL
  • Suitable for vegans
  • No artificial colours, flavours or preservatives

Have you tried vitamin gummies yet?

World’s First Sparkling Water Glass

Posted in home, Kitchen, Review, shoppingTagged , , , , , 2 Comments

Everyone that knows me know how much I love sparkling water so when my friend Kai invited me as a plus one to a water tasting dinner, to celebrate the launch of the world’s first sparkling water glass by SodaStream, I immediately said yes!

The evening was absolutely amazing, my mind was blown by how interesting a water tasting can be, and it was just an introduction to it! The location @farmacyuk is so pretty! And the sharing menu was fully vegan, gf and organic, and so so good I want to go again tomorrow! 😋

Let’s talk about the reason we were there, the sparkling water glass!

The design of SodaStream sparkling water glass is rooted in insight from expert water sommelier Doran Binder and has been beautifully hand-blown by expert glass artist Elliot Walker, winner of Season Two of Netflix’s hit series Blown Away, so it’s sure to be the showstopper on every table. 

The launch of the ultimate sparkling water glass celebrates the arrival of SodaStream’s most stylish sparkling water maker to date, the Art. Now, not only is it easier than ever to make your own sparkling water, but you can also enjoy it in a glass that enhances every aspect of your sparkling water too. So, whether you like to enjoy a glass of sparkling water at dinner (or if you are like me and sparkling water is life all day, every day) or want to impress friends with your hosting skills, SodaStream’s special edition sparkling water glass is a perfect choice. 

Each glass has been hand blown by Elliot Walker: “I’ve created a whole variety of glass projects throughout my career, but this special edition sparkling water glass has by far been one of my favourites. Whilst following the same brief, each piece is handmade and bespoke, which has a beautiful symmetry with a glass of sparkling water made with SodaStream, as no two bubbles are the same.”

The special edition sparkling water glass is available to consumers from Friday 9th September at 5pm. There will be 100 pieces available to people with the purchase of a SodaStream Art machine (I tested it out, and ohmygod, now I want to replace mine with the new model!) when using the redemption code: ARTOFGLASS. But hurry, the sparkling water glass is only available while stock lasts!

Would you add sparkling water glasses to your home glassware?

xoxo
Justina

3 Daily Habits to Start in 2018

Posted in Diet, Food For Thought, Inspiration, Lifestyle Design, TipsTagged , , , , , , , , , , 13 Comments

Feel stuck in a routine or standstill? Can’t move forward with your goals?

It’s the little things you do that often determine success or failure.

 “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then is not an act, but a habit.” – Aristotle
Just like many, when the New Year starts I spend quite a bit of time contemplating what’s next for me, what have I achieved during the previous year and how would I like to better myself. I try to be as realistic and honest as possible – that is the only way this can work, the only way to improve and change your life, steer it in the direction of your choice.
It seems like not an easy task to change yourself. Trust me, I get you. Sometimes, you just gotta do it for you. And if you’re struggling to keep it all together then take a breath and start with this challenge outline of which I found on zenhabits.net :

How to Develop a Habit
Do a 30-day challenge, focusing on just ONE habit.

  • Write it out on paper, along with your motivations, obstacles, and strategies for overcoming them.
  • Commit fully, in a public way.
  • Log your progress.
  • Remain publicly accountable — report on your progress each day.
  • Have support for when you falter — either in real life or online.
  • Reward every little success.
  • If you fail, figure out what went wrong, plan for it, and try again.

Read full article here

Last year, one of the habits I vowed to myself to start is reading every day. Now, I have a book with me anywhere I go and read (mostly) on my commute which adds to about an hour a day. For then I can’t have a book with me or forget to put it in my bag, I have the Kindle app on my phone with a range of books already downloaded, just in case. Now I feel anxious if I don’t get to catch up on my reading! I try to read a different type of book every time. I alternate between non-fiction and fiction, self-help, historical novels, autobiographies,…

If you don’t read much or at all, this is probably the first habit I would recommend to pick up.

As Todd Henry writes in his article on inc.com:

You can’t draw water from an empty well. Do you take time each day to fill yours? The quality of input that you curate often determines the quality of your creative output. As Steve Jobs once quipped, “creativity is just connecting things”, but to do so you obviously need things to connect.

I encourage you to set aside time each morning or evening to fill your well, to read inspiring or challenging books, to watch videos or listen to talks, or to otherwise fill your well so that you have something to draw from when engaging in your work.

 

There are a number of new habits I would like to pick up this year but I think I will start with these three:

1. Meditation

It trains the part of your brain that is responsible for willpower and self-control. Basically, meditation gives you the ability to train your mind, be more in control of your emotion, focus on your goals and ultimately – achieve them. Meditation also increases your sense of general well-being which makes you more positive and happier.

2. Excercise

I have an on and off relationship with working out, which, I guess, is not that uncommon. However this year I will make it one of my main priorities to have a more regular and frequent workout routine.

I read somewhere that most people who start sticking to a

fitness regimen will often find themselves adjusting their diet as well
even if they’re told not to. Two birds with one shot sound good to me!
It makes sense because if you’re working your ass off, you’re less likely to eat junk food right after because you know it undoes all your hard work.
Because these two habits basically come in a package together, it requires a lot of willpower to maintain – so if you can make them into full-fledged habits, you’ll be able
to take on smaller habits with ease. The more you train yourself to adopt new habits the easier it gets.
It is also likely that whilst you are working on a new habit, such as exercise and better eating as a result of it, feelings of being tired or foggy are consistently replaced with feeling better with every workout and/or choice of healthier dinner. And if you start feeling better on a day to day basis it makes it much easier to start adopting other good habits. This ability to improve your body’s day-to-day function makes fitness and diet an extremely powerful keystone habit.

3. Trying new things

Keeping your routine fresh will help you stay on track! I am a firm believer of this and whilst working on including more consistent habits of meditation, exercise and diet, I want to make sure to mindfully include new things to mix it everything up.
From cactus water to matcha tea instead of my morning coffee, making your daily routine exciting is the game changer.  It’s easy at first to stick to the same regime, but after a while, you’ll get bored. That’s why you need to switch things up!

It takes discipline & motivation.

In order to be motivated, we have to motivate ourselves every single day.

Motivation is like taking a shower.

Remember that every time you feel you are not and go take a motivational shower asap.

It’s up to you how much you’ll achieve, how far you’ll go or how fast you’ll get there.

Love,
Hewnly

5 Vegan Ice Cream Recipes You’ll Want To Make This Summer

Posted in Diet, Food Trends, Healthy eating, Kitchen, RecipeTagged , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

With summer fast approaching what could be more important than to be prepared for it with a list of most delicious and beautiful summer treats?

I picked 5 recipes I am definitely going to try!

1. Cotton Candy Ice Cream by Earthy Andy

download
Image via earthyandy.com

“Cotton Candy Vegan Ice Cream
2 cups seeded watermelon
1 can full-fat coconut milk (freezing into cubes using an ice tray will make the process go way faster!)
1/4 cup coconut sugar
1 packet pitaya (Optional) If you don’t use, add 1 cup more watermelon
1 dash vanilla or 1/2 tsp vanilla bean
3 frozen ripe bananas (optional)

Freeze coconut milk into ice cubes and use that. Blend all ingredients together and put into a freezer safe container and let sit for 2-4 hours. Use ice cream scoop and wala!!! that easy!!”
Cashew-based recipe and 2nd method

2. Chunky Monkey Banana Ice Cream by Emilie Eats

chunky-monkey-banana-ice-cream-vegan-gluten-free-6
Image via emilieeats.com

“Chunky Monkey Banana Ice Cream
1 cup pitted dates
¼ cup oat flour*
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
1 tablespoon unsweetened applesauce
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided
Pinch of salt
4 frozen bananas
¼-1/2 cup non-dairy milk, plus more if needed
Dash of cinnamon
½ cup walnuts, chopped”

Full recipe & instructions

3.  Green Leaf Matcha Pistachio Ice Lollies by Goodness Is Gorgeous

greenleafmatcha_img_0287.jpg
Image via goodnessisgorgeous.co.uk

“Green Leaf Matcha Pistachio Ice Lollies Recipe
2 tsp. Green Leaf Matcha
1 can of full fat coconut milk
1 tsp. vanilla bean paste
¼ cup of liquid sweetener
TOPPING
40g crushed pistachios
50g melted dark chocolate”

Full recipe and instructions

4.  Sea Salt Caramel Coconut Ice Cream by Minimalist Baker

Sea-Salt-Caramel-Coconut-Ice-Cream-SQUARE
Image via minimalistbaker.com

“Sea Salt Caramel Coconut Ice Cream Recipe
COCONUT ICE CREAM
1 1/2 cups raw cashews (soaked for 4-6 hours in cool water, or 1 hour in very hot water, then drained)
1 15-ounce can full fat coconut milk (sub light with less creamy results)
3 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1/2 cup maple syrup or agave nectar (sub up to half with cane sugar)
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
pinch sea salt
SALTED DATE CARAMEL
14 dates pitted (if dry, soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain)
1/2 tsp sea salt
1-3 Tbsp warm water (optional – for thinning)
OPTIONAL: 1 Tbsp bourbon”

Full recipe & instructions

5.  Black Forest Ice Cream via The Healthy Family and Home

 

15-Delicious-Vegan-Ice-Cream-Recipes13
Image via thehealthyfamilyandhome.com

 

“Black Forest Ice Cream Recipe
ICE CREAM
1 can organic full-fat coconut milk (13.5 ounce can)
1/4 cup organic granular sweetener
BROWNIES
1 cup organic almond butter
1 cup Enjoy Life mini-chocolate chips
1/2 cup organic granular sweetener
2 flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flax + 6 tablespoons water)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon Himalayan pink salt
ADD-IN
1 cup organic cherries”

Full recipe and instructions

To find even more recipes visit my Pinterest page.

Love,
Hewnly

Summer Berries Smoothie

Posted in Diet, Food Trends, Healthy eating, KitchenTagged , , , , , , , , , 2 Comments

Spring is here and days are getting warmer and warmer. That calls for a good, berry-rich smoothie full of summer flavors – to make the waiting for the best season of the year a little bit easier!

All you’ll need is some bananas, strawberries, raspberries, coconut sugar and I also recommend adding some concentrated goodies, like baobab powder or flax seeds, just to make it a super smoothie.

My smoothie for two, packs:
3 bananas,
500g strawberries,
150g raspberries,
2 tablespoons of coconut sugar,
2 teaspoons of baobab powder
and a couple of glasses of water (you can use coconut water or any of milk alternatives as well.

I usually make double portion smoothies, if my boyfriend is around, I share it with him, if I’m on my own, I make it a meal and drink it all by myself! In case it’s too much, just store it in the fridge or freeze it and later enjoy it as a sorbet/nicecream.

Smoothie-summer-berries-2-ss

Now, how about nutritional values? According to cronometer.com, a double portion (if you manage to drink it!) boosts your vitamin C levels through the top! As well as fiber, vitamin B6 and Manganese. Most vital vitamins and minerals are around 50% of your daily requirements, energy: 761.1kcal (44%), protein: 10.3g (24%) carbs: 190.3g (55%) and Fat: 3.8g  (20%).

Not bad, huh? More detailed breakdown and relation to daily requirements, click here. Please note, the parameters for daily requirements are based on vegan high-carb-low-fat diet*.

If you start your day with a smoothie like this, it will give you all the energy you need for the day and then some! I usually have a mono meal** for breakfast and then a smoothie for lunch, about an hour before going to the gym. But it is really your choice and you need to do what feels best for your body!

Love, Hewnly

*I follow this diet quite loosely but keep it as a reference. I’m planning on writing a whole post about plant-based diet/lifestyle soon!
**A meal consisting of 1 type of food, usually fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, etc.