The winter has struck us in our New Zealand July, and we have found ourselves waking up with foggy windows, red noses, and iced-over cars. Some of us further south have even woken up with snow falling outside.
While these natural changes around us are expected, we sometimes find our bodies adjusting to the climate in ways we haven’t expected. Dryer skin kicks in, we begin to crave warmer foods, richer foods that give us more energy, spices like chai, ginger, and turmeric.
Our bodies have an innate knowledge of knowing what is good for us, so it is important to listen to these signals. We have chosen some of our favourite products that are helping us get through the winter, that are helping to nourish and moisturise our skin, super foods that are boosting our immune system, and some treats that we begin to gravitate towards. The colder climate means our body burns through more energy trying to keep our body temperature stable.
1. Rose Petal Witch Hazel Toner with Aloe Vera
This beautiful toner is a natural and beautiful concoction of Certified Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Natural Rose, Witch Hazel and Grapefruit Seed extract. Witch Hazel Extract is derived from bark, and maintains all of the beneficial natural tannins. Witch Hazel helps to tighten pores, and to smooth and freshen the skin, especially good after spending the day in the wind, or brisk cold air.
2. RAW Vitamin C
With over 500mg of whole food Vitamin C per serve (equivalent to 9 oranges), including Vitamin C from Acerola, Camu Camu, Baobab, Gubinge, Rosehip and more. It is a pre biotic, super foods formula designed to nourish the immune and digestive systems while also supporting collagen production. This amazing Vitamin C is recommended by naturopaths, doctors, athletes and nutritionists (amazonia.com.au/ambassadors).
3. Loving Earth Chocolate
Hand-made in Melbourne, this lovely chocolate is Organic, Low G.I. and tastes like heaven. We are loving the Salted Caramel and Raspberry Cashew Mylk flavours. The perfect snack in the afternoon with a hot Chai Tea for an energy and superfood boost.
4. Herbivore Citrine Advanced Hydration
This incredible range uses natural botanical oils, like this Rosehip, Jojoba and Neroli Blossom, to hydrate the skin. Naturally rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9, Rosehip Oil regenerates skin cells and repairs damaged skin tissue. This oil also boasts preventing premature ageing, and immense moisturisation. This oil smells heavenly, and will help keep our skin supple while fighting the lower temperatures.
5. Herbivore Activated Charcoal Bamboo Soap
While we believe eating a diet rich in vegetables and healthy fats will help promote healthy skin, it is also so important to care for our skin externally. We have chosen this soap as our favourite this winter because of its ability to deep cleanse, detoxify, and draw impurities from deep within your pores, while providing moisture. It uses beautiful oils such as coconut, Olive, added Vitamin E, Tea Tree Leaf and Bergamot. Leaves your skin feeling fresh and supple.
6. Go Raw Chai Masala Cookies
These little hand made bites of goodness are too delicious, and an added bonus that they are easily digested with their sprouted sesame seeds, organic spices and orange peel. Bursting with flavour, we love that these taste almost like Christmas. Full of nutrients, including Omega-3 and Omega-6. Easy for travelling with and perfect for at the desk to keep our energy levels steady.
8. Hydration
In winter it is particularly easy to ease back off the water, as it isn’t so hot and we aren’t moving as much as we are during the summer. Ironically, we need water just as much at this time of the year, if not more – as the colder weather dries our skin out. If you struggle to keep water up, try sipping on hot tea throughout the day. You can also swap your milk out for some house-made nut milk – as this has a high water content. I love making my water interesting by adding some herbs, fruit and citrus to my drink bottles. Water is essential for our digestion, and for keeping food moving through our gut. Aim for 2 litres a day – this is easy when you have a drink bottle to keep with you at all times!
What are your favourite Winter tips?
