What to do when you've been naughty

So, the holidays are over and you've eaten and drank too much, stayed out too late and generally over-done it in so many ways that can leave you looking and feeling more ugly step-sister then Cinderella.

Beat the bloat. Drink a cup of herbal tea each morning and night, and sip on water throughout the day to minimize bloat. Dandelion root tea is especially good for flushing out your system. Minimise your salt intake; when you're having decadent meals, stay away from sodium for the rest of the day. It's also a good idea to steer clear of carbonated beverages - even diet ones! The chemicals make you retain fluid and can increase your craving for sweets.

Cut out a few things. If you pass up candy, for example, you could save at least 300 calories a day; white bread, up to 1,000 calories a day; red meat, 200 calories a day; and cheese, several hundred calories in one sitting.

Skipping meals is bad for you! Don't fast all day in anticipation of a giant feast, or think you're losing weight by doing so. You'll be so hungry by the time you get to dinner that you're likely to eat twice what you might if you ate right all day. It also slows your metabilism down therefore increasing the amount of fat stored.

Set a goal. Eat healthy for a solid week right after the holidays, and then keep it going for as long as you can after that. Some juice cleanses are a good weight loss tool - but not the ones that leave you famished or fad detox diets (such as the lemon one we've all heard of; which has been deemed by nutritionists as one of the worst detox diets currently on the market). Fad diets will leave you feeling lethargic. A good cleanse SereneMuse recommends is BluePrint Cleanse, as it provides adequate calories. The safest bet however, is to stick with small portions of whole grains, lean protein, raw vegetables and healthy fats like those in avocado and almonds.  An amazing breakfast to kick start your metabolism and boost your energy everyday is eggs with one yolk and dried oregano, spinach, or basil for flavour.

xo

Sweat it out

This weekend SereneMuse visited Zen Hot Yoga & Spa located at Sherwood in Brisbane (Australia) to experience the Detox Box (as seen on The Great South East).  

This 40 minute detox involves sitting in a chair and sweating it out using Far Infrared (FIR) technology; also referred to as "happy rays". FIR heat is the most effective way to remove those nasty toxins from your body and stimulate endorphins. It's like doing a 10km run while sitting down! Trust me... the sweat will be dripping off you.

The beautiful set-up and friendly staff at Zen add to the relaxing atmosphere. You'll even be greeted with ginger tea and water. While you sweat those toxins away you can stay amused by choosing from a selection of dvd's - or bring your own dvd or music. A shower is available and much needed after your detox!

Also available at Zen Hot Yoga & Spa is Hot Yoga (obviously) and Pilates. The Hot Yoga also uses FIR heat; so if you don't feel like you're achieving anything without sweating - this is the yoga class for you! There are yoga and pilates classes every day so check out the timetable and book yourself in for some ancient therapy. 

So whether you live in Brisbane or elsewhere, research spa facilities that are utilising the FIR technology to get the most out of your time and money. SereneMuse is a big fan!

Also a great gift idea for Christmas.

xo

Herbal Teas

T2 Teas 

 

Yerba Mate 

An invigorating drink to promote health and friendship; Mate (mah-tay) is the national drink of Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile and Brazil. Made from Ilex Paraguariensis leaves native to South American rain forests, the infusion is reminiscent of tea, with a slightly smokey, herbaceous flavour. 

A stimulating, highly effective way to clear a cloudy mind or for a midday buzz. It has also been proven to be an appetite suppressant (this is not a meal replacement tea).  On a normal day I will have 1-2 cups, one around 10am and another at 2pm to stop the hunger attacks. Perfect for whenever mental alertness and energy are needed. SereneMuse loves this tea.

Brew: 1 teaspoon per 200mls, brew 3-5 minutes in water  at 100 degrees celsius. 

 

Detox

A detoxifying blend of herbs that's so good for your immune system and tastes great! Nettle is high in nutrients and minerals to boost the immune system, fennel and peppermint aid digestion and lemongrass, juniper berries, calendula and spearmint have powerful cleansing properties. Has a lemongrass & minty flavour, & is caffeine free. 

On a normal day I have 1-2 cups. This tea makes me feel amazing. A simply delicious way to turn a new leaf or to recover from a naughty night out! SereneMuse loves this tea.

Brew: 1 teaspoon per 200mls, brew 3-5 minutes in water at 100 degrees celsius.

  

Sleep Tight

This light & relaxing herbal blend is when you're ready to get your beauty sleep and call it a night. Soft lemony mintiness from lemon balm combines with the sweet perfume of rose, lavender and jasmine. With a hint of floral, lavender, mint and lemon as a base flavour, this tea is calming and quiet, warming, mild and muted, and a beautiful way to say goodnight. Enjoy a cup at night to promote sweet sleep, or in the evening to soothe and relax. Lemon balm is a digestive, so can be served  after dinner to wind things down. SereneMuse recommends this tea for anyone.

  

Brew: 1 heaped teaspoon per 200mls, brew 3-5  minutes in water at 100 degrees celsius.

*  be kind to your body xo *