Chocolate Blog

UC24 - Podcast - The Skinny On Fat

Wed, 15 May 2013 07:38:00 GMT

There has been a lot of misinformation on fat. The belief that fat makes you fat is the biggest fallacy of all. Kim, Carren and Cyndi discuss, everything to do with fat, going back in time as to when fat became a dirty word, learning about the research of Ancel Keys and why margarine was first made. Why does the heart foundation give it’s tick of approval to a totally manufactured food, with colours, preservatives and flavourings and why has butter been outed. Should we heat oil, what is the best oil to heat, is coconut oil good and is saturated fat a good fat or a bad fat. Are oils good for the skin and if so which ones? Listen in as the three Up For A Chat girls talk all things FAT!

Click here to listen to the latest podcast - UC24 - The Skinny On Fat

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

If you are new to podcasting and want to know how you can listen to each show then you can listen online by clicking on the Up For A Chat podcast show link above or if you want to download each show onto your portable electronic device then go to iTunes, look up health podcasts, the Wellness Couch and there you will see Up For A Chat. There are some other fantastic shows on the couch - we recommend you subscribe to them all!

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

Podcast - UC23 - To Vaccinate or Not

Thu, 09 May 2013 19:14:00 GMT

This is a very emotive topic, so Cyndi, Carren and Kim ask the question as to why it is a topic that causes anger, ridicule and creates splits in couples, families, friends and colleagues. The whole topic came about because Cyndi posted on her facebook page a study that showed a correlation between the absence of mumps and measles in childhood and the increase in autoimmune diseases. What started as something for people to think about and discuss became a very aggressive argument with everyone having a point of view. This is not about whether to vaccinate or not vaccinate this is a topic to give people information in order to choose what is the best for their children and families.

Click here to listen to the latest podcast - UC23 - Vaccination

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

Podcast - UC22 - Living with people who do not have your passion and conviction

Thu, 02 May 2013 06:30:00 GMT

This weeks Up For A Chat topic is a goodie... The Up for A Chat girls have been asked the question how do you deal with people who don’t support and share your lifestyle changes and create more positive people in your life with similar beliefs? The girls bring their own real life situations to the microphone and how they deal with people who constantly question their lifestyle and beliefs.

And guess what it is not about changing others it is about standing strong in your own passion, conviction and philosophy. It is about being the example, the beacon of light that will create the ripple effect to change a family, community, country and world.

Click here to listen to the latest podcast - UC21 - Living with people who do not have your passion, conviction and philosophy

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

28Capture The Moment - Instagram Fun

Wed, 01 May 2013 03:19:00 GMT

Imagine taking a few moments in your day to capture a moment that you will enjoy sharing and reflecting on. Imagine sharing those images with like minded people. Imagine being inspired by those who share the same values and beliefs around health and wellbeing. Well here is your chance to play with us at the 28 Capture The Moment Instagram page!

So how does it work? How can you join the Instagram sensation? First of all download the Instagram app to your smart phone.

Remember it is a wonderful way to take a moment to think outside the norm and capture a special moment, an image that can take in what you are thinking or feeling, maybe even something or someone you appreciate all relating to the theme of that day. Like Chocolate For Women and Twenty8 is all about chemical-free, health, wellbeing, fitness and lifestyle... That is why we have named it the #28 Capture The Moment photo challenge.

So here is what you need to do to join us. We will post a #28 Capture The Moment image every month (that will include the daily theme) on our Blog, Facebook and Twitter. Save this list to your desktop and phone and you are ready to go. Simply snap an image and post on Instagram with the hash tag #28capturethemoment each day. It only takes a minute and you will love what this ritual brings into your life.

New to Instagram?

* Set up an Instagram account and then check out our May image list.

* Each day take a photo tieing in with the days theme.

For example here is May's Monthly Themes:

May 1 is Face - you face, someone else's face, clock face, something you put on your face, lipstick kiss on cheek etc. It is so much fun, be creative and abstract if you want to.

* Share the photo on Instagram - post it along with the hashtag #28capturethemomment and if you are really fancy you can even post on the Twenty8 and Like Chocolate For Women facebook pages if you would like to.

* Check out the photos I have posted on instagram under #likechocolateforwomen.com to get an idea of the wording and how it looks when posted. I personally have been following Fat Mum Slim - Photo A Day and have placed a photo a day every single day for the past 18months. It really has taken me on a journey and apparently friends and family look forward to my daily snap. My overseas friends have even said they keep up with me and what we are up to via my snap a day.

If this lights you up then join us and get started today!

Life Without My Thermomix

Wed, 01 May 2013 02:09:00 GMT

Ok I am breathing... only just. I am probably being a little melodramatic and some would even call me a drama queen! But if any of you are like me you will completely understand my reaction! My beautiful TM31 - also known as the - Thermomix Machine has had to go away for a service.

Ok so not such a big deal for those of you who may not have one but if you do, it is a pretty big deal indeed!! I use my baby at least five times a day sometimes up to seven or eight times. Here is what an average day of our home looks like with Thermy!!

Breakfast - can be a combination of things - anything from CADAC (3 seconds with five ingredients of Coconut, Almonds, Dates, Apple and Cacao), Coconut Pancakes, a Fruit Smoothie or Banana Smoothie and a Green Smoothie. I often like to make an extra big Green Smoothie and instantly place into my 500ml stainless steel drink canister with some ice so I get to sip on that throughout the day. It is my saviour when I am at work or on the road especially when there is nothing I want to eat out there and yet I am starving!

I usually whip up something for the kids lunchboxes first thing in the morning too, so that can be Almond Bikkies, Chocolate Nut Treat, Coconut Muffins, Jam Spelt Slice or Cacao Protein Balls. All of this takes a matter of a few minutes, not hours by the way! And the smell my kids wake up to most days is me in the kitchen preparing their beautiful food for the day and evening is heavenly.

I like to make quick easy dips for lunch boxes and to snack on throughout the day too so it is nothing to see me whipping up a Minto Pesto Dip or a Capsicum Hoummus which are heavenly with carrot and celery sticks if I may say so myself. If I fancy a sweet dip I will make a Cashew Coconut Dip and oh my this is sensational with slices of apple or pear! Just sayin! Oh my I am salivating as I am writing this knowing I cannot make ANY of this for a few days at least! Yes yes... withdrawals indeed - and it has not even been 24hours that my baby was taken by the courier man to Melbourne...

So how would I use it around dinner time? Nothing like a fresh Tomato and Basil sauce to have with spelt pasta for the kids if in a hurry. I make things like a Chicken Curry, the sauce for my favourite Moroccan Fish Dish or Coconut Lime Chicken. I also love the Vegetarian Dahl or making a Thai paste for a stir fry. The Varoma is brilliant for steaming any fish or veges I want to dish up! If my babes would like a sweet treat after dinner it takes nothing to whip up a Fruity Dream or a Watermelon Mint Sorbet... and occasionally Lemon Custard!

I love to make my own LSA, butter and vegetable stock. I absolutely love using the Thermomix for making my own flour and grinding nuts and seeds. As for making my own chocolate with cacao wafers and roasted almonds, or using my oils to make a Lime Coconut Cake or Raw Chocolate Peppermint Cheesecake! Even my home made Chai Tea is a delicious treat for all! And as for my Lime Mojito... Oh stop it...

I have had some people asking why a Thermomix is so expensive? And my answer is always the same... Compared to what? There is NOTHING like a TM31 out there. Nothing that does what this machine does with this technology in this sort of compact package - it is superior to all. Yes it costs $1900 to purchase but I always ask how much a good coffee machine costs and many a connoisseur will tell me they can range from $1000-$5000. As a full on busy mum and business woman it is the most amazing kitchen appliance I have ever owned for saving time and money.

Yes you might be inclined to think I sell the machine at this rate... well I used to! I loved it that much 6years ago when I got my own one that I wanted everyone to get to experience it for themselves. But then I realised I did not have the time to juggle that with my own business. I am proud to be an ambassador though and will talk about its virtues over and over and forever more.

How long my beautiful machine will take to be serviced is to be advised. I think I over used it, and not sure what I did to cause its little moment of indiscretion. This however, is only the second time in 6 years I have had to service it and considering how much I use it I am more than impressed, and highly impressed with their service too. I am even more impressed though that at present they are offering a 12month interest free deal to purchase your very own Thermomix! My brother has one in Sydney, my mum has her one in NZ. I think most of my friends now all own a Thermomix. It's fair to say we are all Thermy junkies! And proud of it!

So tell me what your Thermomix means to you? And if you think I am being a tad melodramatic - well I make no apologies! I miss my baby hugely! Hurry home!

Kim xx

PS For more information you can go to www.thermomix.com.au and if you want to say the melodramatic Like Chocolate For Women nutter referred you - they will understand!!!!

UC 21 - Podcast - Superfoods or Supergroups

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 14:00:00 GMT

Are super foods just hype or are super foods foods that have been around for centuries that we are now rediscovering. Kim, Carren and Cyndi discuss what is a superfood, because everyone has there own interpretation and own beliefs.

Challenging the norm these three believe that a super food is anything that comes from nature. They discuss; greens, fermented foods, nuts and seeds, ancient foods, sprouted foods, whole spices and root plants as the ultimate when it comes to super foods. They even give you some recipes to make super foods super.

Click here to listen to the latest podcast on UC 21 - Superfoods or Supergroups

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

UC 20 - Podcast - Reframing Sickness As A Health Expression

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 03:27:00 GMT

Reframing Sickness as a Health Expression? In this weeks podcast, the Up for A Chat Girls become four, Dr Sarah Farrant author of The Vital Truth and creator of vitalmums.com joins Carren, Kim and Cyndi to answer the question, what is health?

Sarah questions everything, explores the true meaning of words and dialogue that we use every day about our health. Sickness is not sickness but rather we create a ‘health expression’ and it is seen as an opportunity for growth, awareness and change. She teaches a new paradigm to health in a very articulate way discussing the beauty of our Innate Intelligence. She explains that there are many health fields but only three health approaches; Allopathic Alternative and Alternate. Dr Sarah describes chiropractic in a unique way discussing how an adjustment is about bringing the body back to balance and centres the mind.

Click here to instantly start listening or download from iTunes - UC20 - Reframing Sickness As A Health Expression!

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

Two Bathroom Essentials Every Girl Needs

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:59:00 GMT

I was standing in my bathroom this morning and I thought... I could not be without these two items when it comes to my health and wellbeing. They are the absolute essential must-haves! They are the truth. And as much as I don't like them sometimes, boy do they keep you honest, real and accountable. You cannot hide behind these two items. They only ever give you honesty and my goodness if you don't do as you should - they certainly let you know LOUD and clear!

So what are these incredible health essentials every girl should have? Well you may not like what I am about to reveal - but they are in fact a Makeup Mirror (with magnification please!) and Digital Scales! Yup these two truth makers do not allow for any nonsense. It is like having a personal trainer and self-care beauty consultant right beside you every single morning. You dont get enough sleep, clean your skin properly or haven't bothered to pluck wayward eyebrows and voila - truth is there right before your eyes... magnified to boot! And good Lord if you over indulge, eat too much or consume the wrong foods those digital scales are there to let you now it aint good enough - to the decimal point!

Too often we think it doesn't matter or it wont hurt, or no one is noticing anyway! But the point is self-care and healthy maintenance is a daily investment and it requires your love and attention. We dont get dry skin or find an extra 10kgs overnight. This is a gradual process that if left undetected or not cared about - one day makes you pay... And the hilarious thing is we find every excuse under the sun or reason to blame - except taking responsibility for ourselves.

Trust me if you have not washed your face or removed makeup properly with a good Cleanser the minute you look into your magnified mirror it shows! In fact it is down right scary what shows. You think you have a good cleanser and method of makeup removal but you cannot believe what is left behind if not looked at closely and removed properly. And the hilarious thing is as we get older we don't see this too clearly in a normal bathroom mirror and we think we are doing ok. Hmmmmm this wee baby lets you know you are not taking enough care trust me.... And what is so amazing is when you do, and you cleanse the skin and even treat yourself to a mask you cannot believe the difference in those pores instantly. I can promise you it makes you want to find the time and make the effort to actually care... And who is the benefactor in this... YOU!

What about those scales though? In all seriousness when I was a personal trainer I used to tell women get rid of your scales. They are not good for self-esteem and should not be the focus of your health attention. Since doing the HCG Protocol I can assure you not only are they essential but they are critical in helping to understand the foods you consume and how they can cause inflammation or balance in the body. When you are being healthy and really either trying to lose weight or gain health you will notice weight-loss on those scales and that is incredibly rewarding if that is your goal. The minute you eat the wrong foods or too much food they show a gain weight... And the best part about digital scales is they tell you to the tenth of a gram. It makes you want to get back on track or eat super healthy instantly. They are the most extraordinary truth makers you could ever invest in. And I can assure you they help keep you focussed in this time poor, packaged food, over consumption of sugar world.

Give it a try... you can get a magnified makeup mirror online or in Harvey Norman or Good Guys type of shops for about $20-$30 and digital scales for anything from $15-$30 so they are not expensive investments by any means.

I encourage you to take the step and get yourself these two essentials and tell me what you found when you did! I know when I have eaten something my body does not like (even healthy foods by the way!). And in regards to my own skincare regime I personally upped the ante on doing weekly Clay Treatment Masks for a start. I reward my skin with the skin boosters like our Firming Eye and Lip Cream and the Face Lift or Ester Plus Serums. You should see how much the skin glows after doing a Toner Concentrate compress! And I can now really see how much the Healing Skin Boost really helps clear my skin if hormonal or detoxing immediately and it is gloriously magnified. And I can promise you the Coconut Mint Lip Balm goes on every single morning and night! It doesn't matter which natural skincare range you use (there are some extraordinary ones out there) the Magnified Mirror makes you want to use them in the way the creators intended! It is absolutely positively brilliant. I seriously can see how each of the products I have work a phenomenal treat on my face - and it has made me really appreciate why we created a chemical-free range with beautiful rituals like Twenty8 in the first place. Can't wait to hear what you think!

Kim xx

UC19 - Podcast - To Chocolate Or Not To Chocolate!

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:56:00 GMT

Even Carren, Kim and Cyndi were surprised that they could talk about chocolate for an hour, but they did. This is a podcast on all things chocolate. Kim and Cyndi have just created the recipe book 53 Shades of Chocolate so seeing Carren has such an addiction to chocolate, she admits this in the podcast they decided to talk about the pros and cons of chocolate eating. Is chocolate healthy? How is chocolate grown and made? What is the history of chocolate? How do you make your own chocolate? Can you have chocolate for breakfast and the biggy…. Does Chocolate make you fat?

Click here so you too can see if chocolate is the new superfood! - UC19 - To Chocolate Or Not To Chocolate

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

UC 18 - Podcast - Beauty To Die For

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 03:53:00 GMT

Animal testing in the name of beauty and science. The Up for A Chat girls have gone on a road trip to Byron to find a venue for the next Awaken the Change Within 5 day intensive. They end up in a makeup and beauty shop and on the way home their conversation centres around the beauty industry. They discuss the ethics of makeup and personal care products and ingredients that are used and usually tested on animals and for the most part are harmful to humans. If you are not outraged by the end of this hour you’re not paying attention. Their hope is to inform and ask you to make a stand and become a conscious consumer when purchasing beauty products. The podcast starts with fun and laughs but ends on a very serious note – don’t miss this one.

To listen to this controversial podcast click here - UC18 - Beauty To Die For

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

Delicious Home Made Chocolate Alternative

Sun, 31 Mar 2013 06:48:00 GMT

Happy Easter everyone! Here's to celebrating the good things in life over this special weekend including beautiful friends, precious family and good quality chocolate! While many kiddies will be excited by the barrage of chocolate Easter eggs the Easter bunny has left, many question if we remember to celebrate the real meaning of these eggs. And what about those of us who enjoy home made chocolate... well here is a treat!

So where did the whole Easter egg symbol come from? The egg is said to represent 'new life' because new life hatches from the egg, and Jesus was resurrected on the third day - giving new life in Him. I love to think of this time of year as new beginnings and the birth of new ideas, rituals and traditions.The making of eggs is quite a special ritual too but as a mummy I am sorry to say that I am not that clever. My poor babies!

So here is what we got up to today... A number of times I have taken a deep breath and realised how blessed and truly lucky I am, I have a beautiful group of friends and although most of my beautiful family live in NZ and Sydney I am so grateful I have a very special family unit right here and together. And although I have two teenage children they still believe in the beauty of an egg hunt and getting chocolate treats! Thankfully they followed all the wee eggs strategically placed around the house (by the Easter Bunny of course!) and into their basket! Then they were greeted by an Organic Easter egg (my pick) and their favourite 'other' eggs (their pick!). I got my dear hubby an Organic Dark Chocolate Easter egg much to his delight and we all got up and enjoyed a delicious brekky of fruit, an organic spelt hot cross bun and scrambled eggs! Actually the boys had organic bacon too! With bellies full we headed off on a new family biking ritual...

It was a 23km family bike ride. Such beautiful weather - a yummy 27degrees not a cloud in the sky! We were greeted at one point by a family of kangaroos with baby joeys in their pouches! A sign about new beginnings indeed - just beautiful! Jakob is loving his new bike and we are all really enjoying getting out there together!

When we got home we decided to get stuck into some much needed TLC for the home and cleaned the house, mowed the lawns and cleaned my beautiful Kia car! Very productive wee bunnies we were - which also meant we earned some well needed chocolate energy and another hot cross bun!! Also decided - just to make sure we were looking after ourselves that we needed a yummy Green Fruit Smoothie and then we had to try my delicious home made Chocolate Nut Treat! - recipe below!

We then watched a little footy, painting of nails, washing of hair and then tonight we are heading out to a birthday dinner with dear friends! Yes - I have been known to make a birthday last more than one day! Love that - it's such a treat!

So whatever you are doing this Easter weekend I sincerely hope you are having a beautiful one wherever you are in the world - and I wish you the most amazing new beginnings and new traditions and beautiful rituals to embrace for the rest of the year!

Kim xx

PS: Now for many of us chocolate Easter eggs and loads of cheap chocolate is far from appealing so as a bonus I thought I would share a favourite wee chocolate treat that is not only nutritious but is delicious too! I made it in my beloved Thermomix so for those of you who dont have one you can use a food processor to grind the nuts! This is what I call a topping off a perfect Easter weekend!

Chocolate Nut Treat

250g mixed nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts)

250g pitted dates

80g dessicated coconut

15 cacao wafers or 30g cacao powder

1/4 tsp natural salt

20g maple syrup or honey (optional)

80g raw coconut oil

Grease and line a baking dish or puyrex glass quiche dish with baking paper.

Place nuts into TM bowl and grind for 6 seconds on speed 6. Can leave a little chunky if you would like that in your chocolate. Set aside.

Add dates, coconut, cacao wafers (or powder), maple syrup and coconut oil, mix for 15 seconds on speed 5. You want it to look a little shiny. You can mix this by hand if you grate the cacao wafers and warm the coconut oil if it has solidified with cooler temperatures. Add the nut mix and stir through.

Pour mixture into prepared dish and place into fridge for it to set. Once cooled and firm remove from tin and cut into squares or shapes of choice. Keep refrigerated.

This is seriously moorish! And the best healthy chocolate treat especially for YOU!

And for more delicious healthy chocolate recipes don't forget 53 Shades Of Chocolate eBook for just $14.97! Heavenly! And seriously good stuff for everyone!

UC17 - Podcast - Going Grain Free

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 21:32:00 GMT

Tears were pouring not only before the podcast but a little through the podcast. Tanya Hubbard is one inspiring woman who is changing people’s lives with her passion for all things grain free. 10 years ago Tanya’s physical and mental health changed when she visited a local natural therapist who summed her up and told her that she should go grain free. Her immediate reaction was what do I eat. 10 years on she is the queen of grain free, armed with recipe books and a thriving company to help people make healthy gluten free, grain free food.

Click here to check out what the girls are chatting about this week at - UC17 - Going Grain Free

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

UC 16 - Podcast - Supplements

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 20:30:00 GMT

Should I supplement? Should I not? If I do supplement what should I take? Should I just take a multi vitamin and mineral or should I be more specific? What about fish oils? If I’m low in Iron should I take iron or a combination of nutrients? If my food is fortified with vitamins and minerals should I need to supplement? If I have a good diet is there a need to take supplements? Are supplements good for me or are they the biggest scam in the $28 billion a year supplement industry? These are the questions explored in Up For A Chat hour on supplements. By the end of this podcast you will know the answers to these questions and know what is a good supplement and what is a total waste of time.

If you have ever wondered if supplementation is for you click here for your answer - UC15 - Supplements

How To Listen To Podcasts

It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx

Jetlag Blues

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 14:00:00 GMT

We have just taken a mammoth 14 hour flight returning from Dubai and my goodness are the children and I suffering with jetlag big time. I thought I was all over this travel thing but it's incredible what happens when you fly long distance. Even a 3hour flight can muck about your body clock so I have been investigating what are the best natural preventatives and cures.

Jetlag is actually a form of short term insomnia that can effect everyone and anyone. I seriously do not know how flight attendants and pilots do it. It must effect the body particularly if they have been doing it for a while. Or maybe they get used to it? I don't know...

I think the key to beating this condition is to avoid medication, and try to take control and understand the very things that cause it! Jetlag is caused by a number of things mostly it is crossing time zones. I personally have found that when I travel west (where you gain an hour for each time zone crossed) it is not as bad as travelling east (where you lose an hour for every time zone crossed). Staying up late to catch a flight is easier for me it seems. I know for our recent trip going over to Dubai the flight left at 8.45pm at night. The kids and I all got on that plane pretty knackered but after our meal (yuck - let's not go there) and after we watched a movie or two we actually slept (if you can call it that!) the rest of the 14hour flight arriving in Dubai at 6.30am. Tayla said she reckons she got at least 8 hours, Jakob was the same. I cannot honestly say I arrived with the same vim and vigor they did, but it was inspiring to watch them sleep all the same!

Yes we were exhausted and red-eyed arriving in Dubai but compared to coming home after a wee morning nap and going to bed early on our first night we were actually all quite good.

Early morning flights seem to be harder on the system, as often we are quite tired from the early rise already. Although if travelling west this can be an advantage. What is really hard is making yourself stay up, so you can adjust to the local time quicker, when you feel so shattered.

It seems to be the sudden change of time can also wreak havoc on the body clock. We all need regular sleep and wake times but this is not possible when travelling and considering our body clock uses sunlight and the dark to get clues for its body clock rhythms it clearly misses these when up in the sky. This is why we can understand feeling so out of whack or on the time zone we just left. This makes it especially hard to go to sleep if your wake and sleep times were different to where you just came from.

A lack of oxygen doesn't help either. It is said we are 20-25% less oxygen up in the plane than what we get used to on the ground. This in itself can cause the mind and body to constantly feel drowsy and out of sorts. And if you don't get much or any sleep on the plane regardless of how tired you are when you get on it, this can be especially frustrating for a weary traveller.

Things like ear plugs and eye masks apparently help... but I struggle with these things and find them irritating. Neck pillows are a must on any long flight and although not perfect they at least offer some sense of support when in an upright position.

Some of the main symptoms of jetlag are sleep deprivation, illness and feeling out of sorts, groggy or vague. Sitting crammed on a plane (gosh how do tall people cope??), in an upright position with a lack of oxygen can be seriously uncomfortable. The dry air on board a plane can dehydrate your skin, make you feel quite parched and can cause headaches. This effects our immune system which is why I always travel with an Immune Boost Spritzer. It is quite common to get ill after a flight. There is always someone coughing and sneezing the minute you get on a plane. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I spritz in that direction as I do NOT want to get ill when travelling.

So how do we beat this baby? I have found trying to get into the new time zone as quickly as possible works best. We had already eaten our dinner before getting on the late night flight so when a meal was offered not only did we not feel like it but it was not overly appealing anyway. Sometimes I think we eat more than we need to when travelling which doesn't give the digestive system much time to rest. Drinking alcohol does not help either. Not only can it dehydrate you but it can be the cause of headaches on board and inability to sleep. Always try to get a good night sleep before you travel - but again if you are like me you will probably be up late getting everything and everyone organised.

I always try to get a run in before I travel knowing I wont be able to do much until I arrive at my destination. It always helps me to relax more once I get on board knowing my body has done a workout just a few hours before hand. Drink plenty of water on board. I take an empty 1.5ltr bottle on board and ask them to refill it once we are all settled in our seats. That way I am not constantly asking for a glass of water throughout the flight. I notice my kids were constantly wanting water so it helps hugely.

It helps to get up and move on the plane as often as you can. Moving your legs, stretching and going to the toilet has its benefits. I always wish I could go and do yoga when on board. Somewhere where I can go and do some proper stretching. My kids laugh at me when I am seated as I try to do a few yoga moves in my seat!

They say a large reason for jetlag is mindset, that it is psychological. If you are worried about getting jetlag you most probably will! I love listening to my podcasts and watching movies to relax me on board. And I particularly love my Instant Calm to help rest and then out comes the Energy & Vitality when I need to perk myself up for landing. Essential oils are antiseptic and antibacterial so the spritzer really works a treat to keep the air around you as clean and smelling nice as possible!

Eating and sleeping are two of your body clocks main indicators of time. Try to get into your destinations time zone as quickly as possible and this seems to help. I always want to get in the sunlight as quickly as possible once I arrive anywhere. Just give me some natural light and absorb those sun rays as quickly as possible. A nice long soak in a bath on arrival is always a treat - particularly if you are able to retire to sleep for the night. I also like a nice Peppermint and Lavender bath if I have to stay up. It's divine and makes the skin feel alive!

Above all do your best to keep positive. If you are awake like we all have been at 2am - there is no point fighting it. Just turn on some nice relaxation music, put your Instant Calm or Lavender in the vaporiser and know that at least you are in bed and your body is resting. It should only take a few days at worst but if for some reason it is taking longer get a professional massage or a chiropractic adjustment. This has especially worked a treat for us weary travellers!

Bon voyage!

UC 15 - Podcast - How Your Fears Are A Platform For Greatness

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 14:57:00 GMT

Cyndi, Kim and Carren have just finished the Wellness Summit on the Gold Coast and they go on a road trip, listen in on their conversation that even astounds them as to where it goes and finally ends. The conversation starts about the inspiration of the summit. They talk about their butterflies and fears before they speak and from there all three end up down a rabbit hole that questions whether fear holds us back or whether it is there to become greater and grander in your own life. Be prepared to have your mind blown as this podcast will have you questioning everything about life and purpose of life.

Check out this fascinating podcast right here - UC15 - How Your Fears Are A Platform For Greatness

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It is a privilege for us three gals to be working with the amazing Wellness Guys - Dr Laurence Tham, Dr Brett Hill and Dr Damian Kristof. Make sure you check out their show too - The Wellness Guys.

Kim, Cyndi & Carren xxx