The last few years have seen the proliferation of the use of CBD oil for various ailments and people who use it swear by it for all kinds of medical reasons. CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant but unless it contains THC will not cause any psychoactive changes and is used simply like any other supplement.

But some people can have negative reactions to CBD oil, especially those on certain medications such as Zoloft and Prozac among others. Some also don’t like the idea of consuming something that is derived from such a controversial plant and are strongly against the use of cannabis in any form.

CBD has been proven to be a good remedy for many common ailments such as inflammation and severe ones such as depression, anxiety, and even epilepsy. 

For those who don’t want to consume CBD oil, or can’t afford it since it is expensive, then there are certain foods that contain CBD, including:

• Broccoli

• Nigella

• Chocolate

Broccoli is all kinds of good for us and contains CB2 while nigella seeds are a good source of CBD and chocolate can enhance the effects of CBD.

Nutrient-Rich Superfood

Most of us probably hated broccoli as children but as adults, it is one of the most amazing ingredients to liven up any meal. Broccoli can be used in many pasta dishes or served on the side such as with a Sunday roast.

While the health benefits of broccoli are widely known such as its high vitamin and mineral content of A, C, E and K as well as potassium, iron, calcium, selenium and magnesium, the vegetable (and it’s cousins) also contains a CB2 receptor that is similar to the anti-inflammatory aspect of CBD oil medicine.

No, Not the TV Chef

These tiny black seeds have been used as an accompaniment to other spices for centuries and are also known as black cumin. When dry roasted they can be ground into a fine powder and added to spicy foods such as with Indian cuisine to provide a soft smoky flavor.

While they aren’t commonly found in most people’s kitchens, based on their proven health benefits they should be purchased by the bucket load. Nigella sativa is an endocannabinoid which basically means it is an alternative source of CBD over cannabis and has been found to have the same health benefits claimed by CBD oil researchers such as anti-inflammatory effects, epilepsy treatment, reduced cancer risks and stabilised diabetes.

Finally, an Excuse to Eat More :)

Chocolate is one of the biggest commodities on the planet and has been enjoyed by humans for thousands of years with evidence that the Maya of South America were drinking hot chocolate (with chillies) long before we were consuming it on a cold winter’s day in the modern world. While chocolate is loved by many enthusiasts, it is notorious as a contributor to weight gain and tooth loss because of the high sugar content.

However, this sugar is added in the manufacturing process and Cacao, the main ingredient of chocolate, is quite bitter with hardly any natural sugar and as we know by now, if it’s bitter, it's medicine. Cacao has been proven to contain a high amount of antioxidants and new research has shown that while it doesn’t contain CBD itself (which was suspected) it enhances the effects of CBD and THC by means of an anandamide reuptake inhibitor.

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Did you know that serotonin - the neurotransmitter that can reduce anxiety and boost mood - is predominantly made in the gut? That’s why it’s so important to look after your gut health and feed your body the most nourishing food available to you.

A big part of this is digestive herbs. They are herbs and spices that can aid digestion and boost your gut health. Sound good? Here are some of the best to use:

Turmeric

A staple of Indian snacks and curried, turmeric is a super-spice that can relieve inflammation in the body - something for which it is perhaps best known. However, it’s also really good for your gut. Great for relieving signs of bloating and having anti-microbial properties, it is best taken in the form of food and drink such as curries or golden milk, but you can also buy it in capsule form if you prefer.

Ginger

Ginger is a very warm herb that can soothe digestion, prevent feelings of nausea, and even help to fight certain stomach bugs. It’s particularly good at helping pregnant women deal with morning sickness and can be taken in many forms from crystallized ginger to ginger tea. Have some in your kitchen for whenever you’re feeling slightly sick and it will probably do the trick.

Caraway

Caraway is good at stopping stomach cramps in their tracks. It can also, like ginger, help to relieve nausea, and like fennel, it can help to get rid of bloating by rapidly moving gas out of the bowel. The easiest way to take it when you need to is in the form of a tea.

Fennel

Fennel tea is a go-to for anyone who’s feeling bloated snd wants to change that without using pharmaceuticals. Drink a cup and pretty soon your stomach will be feeling less swollen and you will start to feel less sluggish. As well a bloating, it can help to increase the production of breast milk and ease symptoms of colic, which is why it should be in every new mother’s kitchen.

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Cinnamon

Not only is cinnamon a delicious spice that we could not live without in the form of pumpkin spice lattes, soy milk smoothies, and apple pie, but it is also a really good digestive herb that can hello to stimulate the appetite, fight Helicobacter pylori infections, and boost circulation in the body. You can never get too much cinnamon.

Allspice

Allspice is great at settling an upset stomach. It contains a fair amount of eugenol, which promotes the production of digestive enzymes. It’s also a great antiseptic.

Garlic

Garlic is fantastic for fighting off infections. It’s a known anti-microbial, which is why garlic-packed soup is such good medicine when you’re sick.  Not only that but it can help to boost gut health by encouraging the growth of good bacteria, and of course, it makes most things taste amazing!

Peppermint

Peppermint tea can ease wind and help to get rid of uncomfortable gas. It’s refreshing and also great at supporting liver function.

Time to have more herbs and spice up your life! (shake it to the left, if you're having a good time!)

It’s safe to say that after (many) more than 21 days since the world had to go into hiding, many of us have created habits throughout that time. Maybe it’s a daily walk or new exercise regime, maybe it’s journaling your experiences in the hope to look back one day and make sense of the madness of this past year.

Whatever you have found yourself doing, you will have picked up habits that are both good and bad for the mind and body. However, how long will they last? 

Here are some of the most common habits that people have developed as a result of the pandemic. 

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New Workout Regimes 

From daily morning live stream workouts with The Body Coach, to long rambles in the countryside for fresh air, many of us have developed new ways of working out, even without a gym insight. This is a spectacular habit that many of us have managed to incorporate into our day-to-day lives in order to create some punctuation to the day. 

We have managed to find creative ways in which to make sure we get our bodies moving and our hearts pumping in a way that doesn’t require any specialist equipment or what, for some, can be a very intimidating environment. Many people, for the first time, have found themselves hiring personal trainers who work with clients to design bespoke programs suited to their goals and fitness levels.

Losing Physical Fitness due to a Sedentary Lockdown 

On the contrary, some people started lockdown with all the best intentions in the world of  continuing to work out where they could. Going for lovely walks in our local areas seemed tedious, and it was easy enough to continue to hit the snooze button so many times that later starts became a thing and before we knew it we had started the day either working from home or homeschooling- maybe even both at the same time!

Whatever happened, it became easier and easier to give into the temptation of spending all of our evenings sitting on the couch and binging on popular shows than to be intentional about making our bodies move. After a short period of inactivity, it can be hard on us to get back to a place where we feel physically as fit as we once were. However, that doesn’t mean it is always the case. Make a point of moving your body in small ways- even if it’s switching on one song a day and dancing. You will feel good afterwards, and then maybe want to consider doing some more the next day, and more the next..and so on. 

We’ve Been In the Kitchen More 

Another great habit as a result of being in lockdown is the fact that more and more people have begun to learn how to cook. One of the bigger benefits of having to spend time at home is giving ourselves the opportunity to learn these new, frankly vital skills in order to get our fuel for the day. Whether it’s becoming experimental with ingredients we have in our cupboards at home or registering for a meal preparation subscription service, cooking at home is a great thing for our health. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that when you cook at home you know exactly what ingredients are in the food you’re preparing, unlike eating at restaurants where you have no idea what is being added to your food in order to make it taste good. Lockdown saw a rise in popularity of people beginning to bake bread, grow their sourdough starters, and use up all the bananas to bake delicious bread. 

People that previously didn’t cook have now begun to understand the art and joy of cooking.

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People got bored of cooking

However, that doesn’t mean to say that this has been the case for everybody. Families who have every single member of the household at home all the time, soon began to get frustrated with the sheer level of washing up that would result from every meal time. That’s you meant people become reliant on convenience foods which are flavoured with a huge range of chemicals, or the hidden calories, sugar, and fat that are added to food is available from a local takeaway. It is now easier than ever to keep our takeaways in business without even having to speak to anybody, so with a few simple taps on your phone and under an hour later you get a hot meal delivered right to your door without so much as having to preheat the oven. 

Takeaways every so often are not a bad thing. However, becoming too reliant on them has a severe impact on her health over time. Unlike foods that we cook at home, food prepared in takeaway has a huge range of hidden ingredients within them.

People Got Crafty 

For creative types, having no other real distractions getting in the way meant they were able to spend more time doing the things that made them happy. For some it meant finally writing that EP, or children’s book, for others it was taking on numerous upcycling projects. Creativity has been good for our mental health as we have managed to find ways to distract ourselves with projects we can be proud of. (I've been knitting!)

People Found New Ways To Distract Themselves 

Others have given in to the lure of spending their days and nights sitting in front of the TV. This leaves little time for socialisation, little motivation, and will eventually lead to increased depression and anxiety from a lack of fresh air, activity, and opportunities to talk to others. 

While mindfulness activities have increased in popularity for the wellbeing of some people- for others it has all gone on the back burner as time goes on. 

However you have spent your time in quarantine, it’s best to remember that the only way out is through. 

xxx

(Image Source)

When people talk about comfort food, they are usually referring to the food options that make them feel the happiest (mashed potato!). This group of foods can be great when you need to pick up your mood, but what about true comfort and relaxation? As food science develops, experts are discovering more and more foods that are able to provide a calming effect on those that consume them. To give you an idea of how this can help you to improve your calmness, this post will be exploring four of the best options for those who want calming meals. Of course, though, you can always look for options of your own.

Herbs & Spices

Herbs and spices have been used by different cultures for thousands of years for their health benefits. Examples like chamomile are extremely popular, with countless people around the world using chamomile tea to improve their calmness. Turmeric can also have similar effects, giving you something that can be easily added to meals. Turmeric has been found to promote brain health and reduce the chances of developing anxiety disorders. It's wonderful to think that every single herb and spice packs a huge amount of different benefits! Get spices and herbs in wherever you can. They also help to reduce the amount of salt necessary to maximise flavour.

Chocolate Temptations

Most people would agree that chocolate falls into the category of comfort food, but it isn’t milky stuff that you need if you want to enjoy true comfort. Dark chocolate can help to make you feel calm and less anxious, though the sweet stuff that you find in many shops will contain high-levels of sugar that counteract this effect. It’s always worth looking for raw chocolate, giving yourself the chance to make the most of the calming effects of this substance. Cacao nibs are a great option and can be used as an oatmeal topper or stirred into brownie mixes.

Green Tea

Much like herbs like chamomile, green tea will have a calming effect on most people. This option is great because it is easy to make and consume, giving you the ability to enjoy its calming influence when you are out and about. Of course, it’s always with exploring the market when you search for products like these, as you may find some options that you like a lot more than others. Many tea companies produce blends that make it nice and easy to get started with green tea. I am a huge fan of Pukka as their teas are organic and delicious (no affiliation!)

CBD-Infusions

CBD has grown in popularity by a huge degree over the last few years. An extract from hemp and cannabis, this substance comes with all of the calming effects of something like cannabis without the chemicals that make people high. Anxiety and CBD have been closely linked by many experts, with CBD having the power to help people to overcome their stress without having to resort to strong medicines to do it. CBD is completely legal in most places and can be cooked into just about any type of food.

As you can see, finding true comfort food in the modern world is easier than ever before. While this may be the case, many people still find themselves struggling to achieve what they want with this, and this often creates additional challenges that simply don’t need to be there.

We have everything we need in the natural world! Oh and don't forget to breath those long, deep, beautiful breaths and get outside in nature for some additional calming fixes.

XXX

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A lot of us go through our lives continually zoning out. We start reading a page in a paper or watching something on TV, but then we get lost in our minds and become totally absorbed in thought. 

When it happens, it can feel a little strange. Often, you don’t actually know how long you’ve been “out.” All you know is that your consciousness was elsewhere for a while, and only now is it firmly back in the present. 

Zoning out episodes can be negative. For instance, as a coach who has experience working with people with neurodiversity, I know that people with ADD tend to experience them more frequently because they can’t focus on the task-at-hand. What’s more, people with depression and anxiety will also often have long periods where they’re processing things in their minds, without really paying much attention to what’s going on in the outside world. 

Zoning out isn’t necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it can help to rejuvenate your body. 

The Power Of Letting Go

All of us go through our waking moments, carrying a lot of psychological baggage around with us. We’d all like to believe that we’re free, happy human beings. But when our egos get in the way, it can leave us feeling stressed, panicked, angry and sad. 

That’s why a lot of people practice the art of meditation. The idea here is to let go of the conscious thoughts coming from the ego and just concentrate on physical consciousness. 

This process is interesting. Instead of directing your thoughts all the time, you’re giving up on them, and experiencing a different kind of state, one that isn’t wracked by fears, guilt, shame or anger.

Many people report that getting into this state daily helps them to better deal with the challenges of life. You’re not giving up on who you are as a person. But you are giving your mind a break from the incessant chatter and just “zoning out” so to speak. After all, everyone needs a break, it offers so many benefits. I love being a meditation instructor!

How To Let Go And Zone Out

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Most people zone out every night when they go to sleep. But there’s an art to doing it during waking hours. It takes a lot of practice and a desire to learn. However, the more you practice it, the easier it becomes. You’re about to shut off external stimuli and just concentrate on what it’s like to be a self-aware person. 

Some people use physical aids to get them to a better place, like a floatation tank. 

But what is a floatation tank? 

A floatation tank is essentially a tool that you can use to cut out all external stimuli. You lie in a large tank filled with water and then experience the nothingness of your surroundings. You can’t see, hear or even feel anything, depriving your brain of sensory inputs. After a while, you find yourself floating off into a new state of consciousness. If you are new to floating, it's best to try at least three floating sessions to really understand how it works, as the first one will be very much spent getting used to the sensation and learning how to feel comfortable in that. The real benefits come with the second, third and beyond.

The purpose of zoning out, therefore, seems to be self-protective. Our brains need systems that allow them to shut down for a while and recuperate between episodes of high stress. 

If you are a chronic achiever, it actually helps to spend time being 100% lazy. The problem comes when we spend too much time in the middle. Some well-needed PROPER rest is much better than 'distracted productivity' - and this is where mindfulness comes in. The more awareness you have developed from your mindfulness practise, the more easily you will be able to focus and bring that 100% to whatever you're doing, whether it's having a break or being productive.

Take yourself a real big step towards outcomes such as increased productivity, more regular mindfulness practise, better stress management and increased authenticity by connecting with me one to one in coaching. You can book yourself a free consultation here.

xxx

There are many things that just go well together. Coffee and cream, carrot and turnip, and chicken and rosemary. But another amazing pairing has been discovered; vitamin D3 and K2. Studies have found that these two vitamins work in synergy to actually boost each other’s properties. *This post is not vegan-friendly! But something my paleo readers might like!

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Get them excited about the lifestyle change

It is no good not making this new phase in your life exciting. If the children think it’s going to be hard, bland and boring, then they won’t be on board. Explain about how good food can help them in school and with their energy. It would be best if you and your partner showed encouraging signs about how great things will be. Although you want them to be motivated and happy about it, try and not make it into such a huge deal. It needs to be something that everyone is content in and not forced. 

Keep them informed

Keeping your family informed about the reasons is a great way to keep everyone on track. You may be wanting to have a vegan lifestyle because of your beliefs in the cruelty of animals. You may find that a plant based diet is exactly what you need because of the health benefits. Whatever your reasons may be, keep your family involved and remind them. Just as much as you will need to remind yourself as time goes on and you get further along in your journey. Things won't happen overnight. 

Start things off gradually

The problem with lifestyle and diet changes is that we can try and do too much too soon. If you had a meat eating family before your decision, it would be very difficult to become completely vegan straight away. So accept that this will be a gradual process and cut things out on a weekly basis. Start compensating for foods with other things and adding more vegetables to your meals. This is a great way to get people to try foods they haven’t ever tasted before, without feeling like they haven't got anything to eat at all. 

Research out alternative foods for the things they like

If you have a family who likes certain foods, then do a little research and find vegan alternatives. You will be surprised that you can find alternatives to pretty much anything these days. Including things like mayonnaise and sauces. Doing this means that it won’t feel like your family is sacrificing some of their well-loved foods or sauces. You have just found amazing alternatives for them to enjoy. Also, it is worth remembering that there are other things you can try that you may want to use yourself, perhaps remedies you have grown accustomed to where you are looking for vegan edibles as an alternative. Doing research online can help you find these things and not only make the transition easy for you, but also for the family as well. 

Finally, don’t forget that you can find many recipes online for old family favourites. Try these mango, avocado and apple summer rolls, this beautiful babaganoush, this lovely beetroot and orange soup or these Thug Kitchen buffalo cauliflower bites.Things like vegan bolognese and pasta will all be a huge hit with the family. Good luck with the lifestyle change. 

Follow me on Instagram for more vegan recipes and inspiration!

Lots of love,

Jenna

Life is busy, there is no denying that. We need to be able to function in our lives, stick with our commitments of work and our homes, and ensure that we still have a life that we enjoy. But we also don’t want to pay the price of not taking good care of ourselves. With that in mind, here are some of the best ways to look and feel your best. 

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Start with the basics and make them part of your routine

We all know that there are certain basic things that we should be doing that can contribute to helping us look and feel our best. But yet, are we actively incoporating them into our routines and general day to day lives? The answer is likely to be no, or certainly not as much as you should be doing. Here are some of the basic things we need to get a hand on. 

Exercising more frequently

One of the first things that you may want to do more of is exercise. We all know that we should be exercising more frequently but we can all admit that we might not do it as often as we should be. Exercising, especially when you are busy, is a hard thing to make time for. However, it doesn’t necessarily mean time consuming visits to the gym either. You can exercise at home, you can also look at running or just walking more frequently. There are things that you can do to help. 

Eating the right sort of foods

Your diet is also important when it comes to feeling your best. You don’t want to follow any extreme diets but simply have a more balanced approach to the food that you eat. Ensuring that you get all of the right nutrients and vitamins that your body needs to function. 

Sleep, drinking water and other things you can do

There are other basic things that you can do. These include getting a good night's sleep. This doesn’t mean quantity but more to do with the quality of sleep that you get. You should also consider drinking more water and ensuring that you do what you can to focus on your mindset and have a positive approach to life in general. This on its own can make you feel better. 

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The things we can often forget about but can make a big difference

There are things that we can often put to one side or even forget to check in with that can help towards feeling better in general. Here are some of the things that you can do or get organised with to get yourself back on the right track. 

Taking better care of ourselves 

It is important that we do what we can to take better care of ourselves physically and mentally, however, one thing we don’t do as often as we should is get our appointments booked in. If you are a parent, the chances are your children will be all booked up and ready. But for yourself, you may forget to get your teeth checked by the dentist or fail to book an eye test. It is important that you keep up to date with all of these things. Eye strain, for example, can cause headaches and nausea. Getting them tested then looking online at places like Eyeglasses.com can help you to find suitable frames. A dental check up will put your mind at ease and even having a check with your doctors to ensure that everything is as it should be can help you to feel better within yourself. 

Focusing on our fashion choices and feeling confident

When was the last time you placed any focus on the things that you wear? Your fashion choices and what you choose to wear can instantly make you feel better and give you a confidence boost. This means dressing for the occasion, wearing your favourite colour or pair of shoes just for the sake of it. Make those choices and become more confident in your skin just by wearing something you love or feel amazing in. 

Taking into account work and relationships 

Last of all, take some time to consider how you feel about work and the relationships you have. Ensure you do what you want and also make sure that your relationships are healthy and happy ones. Contact me on my coaching website to discuss how you can achieve your optimum working environment.

Your complexion and presenting yourself in the best possible way

When it comes to wanting a flawless look with our face and complexion, it can often mean that we are a little unsure on what to do and how to achieve it. Using makeup can really help and getting this right can give you a big advantage but you also need to consider things such as how you feel within and other avenues that you should explore. So what can you do? Here are some of the best kept beauty secrets to help you have that flawless finish. 

Invest in the right makeup and tools

The tools you have and the products you use are just as important as the techniques, so this is where you may need to invest some money to create that flawless finish. Using better quality brushes and higher pigmented products could improve the overall look you create without even the need for an improvement in your technique. This is purely down to the application and the product used. Invest in some of the key areas like foundation and contouring brushes. These will help you create that base you need. Other areas would be to consider higher-quality makeup products that even makeup artists themselves would use. 

Find out what works for you

When it comes to perfecting your makeup routine and finished look, it is important to work out what looks good with your skin tone, eye, and hair colour. This is when we can go wrong and try and emulate a style that looks amazing in a magazine but doesn’t quite look the same when we recreate it. This is when it may be worth having your makeup done professionally and taking note of what the makeup artist uses, the techniques and your finished look. Snap a selfie on your phone if you need to. 

The secret to concealing

We all want to know the best way to cover up an unwanted red spot or dark circles around your eyes, and makeup tricks are a great way to conceal them. However, a top tip to remember is opposite colours tend to offer better concealment and coverage. Think orange tint concealers for dark blue/grey circles. Or green pigmented concealers for red spots. You will be able to judge the colouring from the concealers themselves. 

Look at tips online

Finally, learn some of the secrets of the trade by reading up online. Fir example, want to know the secret to perfect winged eyeliner? You may find you applying it all wrong, in actual fact, the wing shape should be created from your lower eye line. Who knew? If you want to create a fuller lip apply foundation to your lips to remove natural pigment, and create the shape with a white pencil. It’s crazy the tips you can pick up online, but it could be the way you create that flawless finish only a makeup artist can, from the comfort of your own home. Why not give it a try yourself?

Let’s hope these tips help you to look and feel your best. 

Lots of love,

Jenna