GET THE GLOW: MY TOP BODY PRODUCTS FOR INSIDE AND OUT

Learning to love and nourish your body can be challenging in today's society. Many of us can't help but compare ourselves to others and judge our bodies against the unrealistic standards set by the media. 

This type of comparison causes us to label things in our body as wrong or bad. We become flaw-finders and nit-pickers. We strive for some form of perfection, thinking that when we look a certain way we will receive the love or affection we crave. 

In order to overcome these unsupportive habits, we must do whatever we can to engage in behaviours that are instead self-loving and nurturing. Behaviours such as eating whole, healthy food, pampering ourselves with nourishing activities and talking to ourselves in kind ways. 

I have been inspired today to share a range of products that I am currently using which help me take wonderful care of my body and support it to stay strong and beautiful. Over the years, I have moved towards a much more natural approach with how I care for myself. I have moved away from products filled with synthetic chemicals and over-powering fragrances. I have also moved away from foods that are over-processed and devoid of nutrients. In order for me to feel nourished, I need to know that the things I am putting on my skin and in my mouth are filling me up with goodness and helping my body functioning at an optimal level.

So, here is what i am loving right now. 

1. I LOVE MY BODY: ORGANIC BLACK COCONUT + TAHITIAN VANILLA BODY LOTION

I love the concept behind this body cream. The directions on the bottle read "applying body lotion is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our bodies. As you apply, thank every part of your body for giving you a vehicle to experience life! If you've been chronically telling yourself that you're fat, use this time to forgive yourself and love your fat bits"

This stuff is so ridiculously yummy. Not only is the packaging gorgeous, but the smell is out of this world. Plus, it is free from nasty chemicals and is jam packed with nourishing organic ingredients. 

This range of products were created by Toni Childs (as in, the singer). After she was diagnosed with a serious thyroid condition called Graves Disease, she embarked on a journey to heal herself naturally and created this products along the way. You can read more about her story here. 

2. GREEN GOODNESS

Whenever I have the chance, I like to whip up a fresh, organic green juice using my Huroum juicer. My favourite combination is kale, celery,  cucumber, apple, lemon, ginger and a pinch of cayenne pepper. 

Lately though, I have been finding that I don't always have the time to get around to juicing. So, I have been creating a bit of a cheat green drink which may not be as good as the real thing, but still provides your body with a whole heap of alkalising vitamins and minerals. 

Prior to going to the gym each morning, I make myself up a green shake. I find this actually gives me a big pep up before my work-out and reduces the amount that I need to eat afterwards. At the moment I am using Vital Greens powder, Spirulina powder, Barley Grass powder, Maca powder and a squeeze of half a lemon. I shake it all up together with water and drink!

3. KARPATI NATURAL HAIR CARE: SULPHATE-FREE SHAMPOO + SILICONE-FREE CONDITIONER

I was given a sample of these hair products by my local health food store, and I fell in love with them instantly. 

Over the years, I have tried a lot of natural and chemical free hair products, and I have always been less than impressed. They have either left my hair dry and dull or greasy and flat. 

However, since I have been using the Karpati products, I have actually been receiving a lot of compliments about my hair. They are moisturising and leave your hair full of body. Plus, they are free of horrible harsh chemicals that most hair products contain. 

The conditioner has a subtle coconut smell which leaves your hair smelling divine without that fake over-fragranced smell that most conditioners have.

4. YOGA DOWNLOAD

I love the atmosphere of yoga class, and feeling I get after an hour long session. But for some reason, I always seem to procrastinate on getting my self to a class. So, to overcome this, I have began practicing at home using Yoga Download.

Once you download the class, you can use it anytime you like. It means I can squeeze in a quick morning session, do a longer one on a Sunday afternoon, or build in a regular practice for each evening when I get home from work.

There are various styles and levels of yoga, and you can choose what length of class you want to use as well. 

I have been using Yoga Download for the past 2 years now and I have found it has really strengthened by practice. It is great for beginners too as you can take it at your own pace.

5. MV ORGANIC SKINCARE: ROSE SOOTHING + PROTECTIVE MOISTURISER

Last Christmas, my boyfriend gave me a pack of MV Organic skin care products. I was blown away by the richness of each of the creams, and the amazing smells of essential oils that were used in each of them.

My favourite out of the pack was the Rose Soothing & Protective Moisturiser.

I have used plenty of rose-scented creams in the past, as I absolutely adore how they smell. Yet, I often find that they are watery and the smell of rose is quite faint. This cream is different. The texture is rich, thick and creamy and the smell of rose is sweet and strong.

A little bit of this cream goes a long way, so I will sometimes just dab it around my eyes or even use it on my neck as perfume.