Tag Archives: healthy living

Healthy Me, Healthy You, Healthy Tissuuue!

August 13, 2015 Stephanie Carrington Leave a comment

Ok, so let’s face it! We’re all growing older, there’s no denying the inevitable….but what one would call ‘older’ I’d like to see it as ‘blossomed’, ‘more knowledgeable’ or ‘mature’. 🙂 So naturally, as we ‘mature’ we gain more responsibilities, become more aware of ourselves, our bodies and most importantly, we tend to become more cautious of our health and wellbeing – being what we eat, apply or even down to the things we use on a daily basis.

Now, if you know me or have read some of my previous posts, you’ll know that I’m a HUGE health nut. I won’t say I’m perfect, but I do try my best to be mindful of what I eat and feed my family most of the time (with the occasional cheats of course….we are human after all! hehe!). I’ve also come to realise, more and more, that we not only need to be watchful of what we put IN our bodies. There’s actually a bunch more we need to keep in mind! We also need to pay careful attention to the simple everyday things – like the things we apply on our bodies, breath in, and even touch. Now, this doesn’t mean we need to live in a sanitised bubble or walk around in a biohazard suit and oxygen mask ok? Because as I, you, WE ‘mature’…Guess what?! The world around us is as well! So getting our hands on some body loving goods has become SOOO much easier. Can I get a YAY??!!!! 🙂 Cloversoft Ok, now let me ask you – What do you blow your nose with? Tissue! What do you use to wipe your hands if you’ve got something on them? Tissue! What do you use to dab the sweat off your face? Tissue! What do we all use (I hope) every single day, without a doubt, when we go about doing our ‘business’ in the toilet? TISSUUUUUE! Ya gettin’ my drift? We’re using a whooole lot of tissue!! Now get this…..there’s tissue available now that’s completely toxin-free, biodegradable and 100% au-naturale. DING! DING! DING! Now that’s what I’m talkin’ bout!! Cloversoft tissue **Drum roll** I present to you CloverSoft!! Ta-Dah!! CloverSoft’s organic facial tissues and toilet paper are not only FDA approved, but they’re hypoallergenic as well. So for those out there with allergies and sensitive skin, like myself, we’ve got nothin’ to worry about.

Made completely from 100% sustainable virgin bamboo pulp, these tissues contain none of that yucky gunk like pesticides, bleach, artificial fragrances or other harmful chemicals so they’re totally safe to use on babies and our little furkids. Woohoo!

Wait, wait…there’s more! For all you germaphobes (ME!) – CloverSoft tissues have up to a 90% natural anti-bacteria function AND they’re 3ply so you can wipe down after a sweaty workout, dry your hands or dab your face to freshen up your makeup with no fuss of the tissue tearing, ripping, or leaving pieces and fluff behind. Omg! The amount of times I’ve struggled trying to get all the little ripped pieces that would almost always be stuck to my skin somewhere. Or more so, not realising it’s stuck to my face and later having someone point it out. Ahh…..EMBARRASSING!!! Admit it- We’ve ALLL been there!

CloverSoft, at the moment, offers facial tissue and toilet paper, but they’ll soon be coming out with pocket-tissue as well – I can’t wait! Lab tested and totally non-toxic….sounds awesome to me! Dontcha think?! Cloversoft toilet paper Oh, did I mention that they’re multi-purpose as well?! I made an air diffuser from a recycled medicine bottle and wrapped it with a CloverSoft facial tissue (there’s the 3ply for ya!)! 🙂

Wanna know more? Check out www.cloversoft.com.sg

Health Tips & Raves!

Cleansing……The Juicy Way!

May 10, 2014 Stephanie Carrington Leave a comment

I was always into making smoothies as a quick on-the-go meal and felt they were more filling compared to juices. I would juice occasionally and really only on weekends or on days I wasn’t working as my previous juicer was such a pain to clean. So you can say I wasn’t soooo into it as everyone else was and I didn’t see fit to only consume pure liquids for consecutive days. I’m well aware that a glass of freshly squeezed juice is packed with loads of vitamins and nutrients and I’ll have one in between meals or with my meal…..it’s just that I felt there were other ways you can keep the body healthy, without having to deprive it from solids. Well, I was wrong!

I got offered to try out a couple of different juice cleanses earlier this year and I thought why not give them a try to see what the whole rage was about. Both of the cleanses were for three days with six bottles of juice for each day (so thats 18 in total!!). Three days worth of fresh, organic juices were delivered to my doorstep the night before I was to start my cleanse with thorough instructions to ensure the process went smoothly. As I have quite a healthy eating habit, during the cleanse I didn’t have much of a problem with cravings and to my surprise I didn’t suffer too badly with hunger either. It was the act of chewing and the different textures of solid foods that I missed the most. Believe it or not, the three days went by quite smoothly, although I have to admit I did slip in a salad or two. Shh….dont tell! :p However, at the end of each cleanse I felt great! Refreshed, rejuvenated with an extra bit of energy!

The two different juice cleanses I tried were equally great and each had their perks! The first one I tried was Hic’ Juice. The juices came in 6 large glass bottles, each numbered from 1-6 so you just had to follow the order of the juices as they were numbered each day. You are encouraged to drink plenty of water and herbal tea in between and ‘chew’ your juice which I thought was a bit weird but apparently this helps in digesting the juices. The bottles were HUGE so there wasn’t an issue of getting hungry…..actually sometimes I felt so filled with liquid I would have to wait awhile to finish the juice. Overall the juices were quite tasty. My favourites were the popeye smoothie and nut milk.

The second one I tried was from Beauty Cleanse. The 6 juices for each day came in plastic bottles that were slightly smaller than those from Hic but the juices were still quite filling and I especially loved the creamy nut milk! These juices weren’t numbered and you are to pick and choose which you wanted to have. Again, you are encouraged to drink plenty of H2O and herbal teas. My 3 day program came with a couple of organic herbal tea sachets and supplements to aid in the cleansing process. They offer a ‘cheat sheet’ in case you suffer from a major case of the munchies which suggest nibbling on celery sticks.

Juice cleansing isn’t just for the unfit or for those trying to lose weight…..even if you live a healthy lifestyle and have healthy eating habits, we sometimes just need to give our digestive systems a time out from having to constantly break down the food we eat. Whether it be juicing at home or signing up for a program, just like how we need a vacation to get away from our busy work schedule…..our bellies need some chill time once in awhile as well. It could be for five days, three days or even just for a day….give it a try-your insides will thank you and you will be able to see that from the outside! 😉

Healthy Travel Tips

Healthy Flying

March 3, 2014 Stephanie Carrington Leave a comment

When I’m at home I try my best to live a healthy lifestyle, with of course some indulging here and there (which tends to be chocolate! A girls gotta have her chocolate! :P). I’ve been doing quite a bit of traveling recently, for both work and holiday, and its not always easy to keep up with my healthy habits whilst away from home. Especially when I’m off on a vacation, as soon as I step foot on that plane my mind is automatically set on holiday mode, which means letting loose and indulging. Oopsies! But hey, thats what holidays are all about right? So its totally ok to enjoy yourself on vacation but I have noticed even if its a trip that isn’t too far, the flying part can sometimes take a toll on you.

So whether its for work or vacation, I thought I’d share just a few tips on how to kickstart your trip on a good note . 🙂

Stay hydrated: Just as it is important to stay hydrated when we are on land, it goes the same or more so, for when we are in the air. The air is extremely dry so hydration is key! I like to have a big gulp of water before boarding and I make sure to ask the flight attendant for water with my meal(s). With the strict security these days we’re usually not allowed to take bottled water onboard, so for longer flights I take an empty flask and ask the flight attendant to fill it up for me. This way it’s easier to remember to drink up and I don’t have to bother the flight attendant constantly.
Catch some zzz’s: I know it can be hard to get some sleep on the plane, but I try to rest up up as much as I can. I try to prep myself before the flight by not consuming any caffeine, drinking some camomile tea and carrying onboard some lavender oil which can help ease into slumberland, if not at least keep you relaxed. The main thing is you want to make sure you have energy to explore when you land. I’m never quite sure how my body will adjust to the time difference so I travel with some melatonin, which is a natural supplement that helps regulate sleep.
Go easy on the booze: Although tempting, I try to limit my alcohol intake to 1 maybe 2 glasses. Alcohol is super dehydrating and its even worse when you’re flying because its already soooo dry on the plane as is. Also, who wants to suffer from a hangover the first thing you get to your destination right?! Not fun!
Get movin’: During long haul flights I like to walk up and down the aisles and even go to the pantry area and do some stretches. A little is better than nothing I say!
Plan your meal: If you are really concerned about breaking your diet or want to save on the indulging for when you get to your holiday destination prebook your meal! For long-haul flights, most airlines allow you to book your meal preference 24hrs in advance online. If they don’t and you don’t mind putting in that extra effort, you can always pre-pack your own meal or take on board some healthy snacks. Honestly speaking, you have to admit, airplane food isn’t quite Michelin Star quality and can be a hit and miss……so if you really don’t want to risk having to eat nastified food and would rather save that appetite for whatever awesome food there is when you land……just do a little planning ahead. Thats all it takes! Otherwise, one bad meal won’t kill ya….so nothing to stress about either. 😉

If you have any suggestions or tips please do share as I would love to hear them! I’m always up for learning something new.

Happy healthy travels all!! Woohoo! 🙂

Easy Healthy Recipes

Oh So Gooooood Chickpea Muffins! (Gluten-free)

May 4, 2013 Stephanie Carrington Leave a comment

Ok, so these muffins are so amazingly yumms that they have been a real hit in my house! I’ve made them 3 times in the last 2 weeks and every time I make them they’re gone as soon as they come out of the oven! They’re SUPER easy to make and are packed with protein, fiber, and a whole lot of Goodness. They’re great to have as breaky on the go, a quick snack between meals or even for lunch…..pretty much any time of day and guess what- every single ingredient is totally good for you!! PLUS, its so moist, savoury and absolutely delish! Here’s how to make it…..

What you’ll need:

1 can of chickpeas (1.5cups)
1 cup of chopped fresh spinach
2 carrots – shredded
4 egg whites
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp greek yogurt or cottage cheese (optional)
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp cumin (optional)
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1/4 tsp sea salt

What you have to do:

Preheat oven to 180 degrees
Blend chickpeas with olive oil and yoghurt til smooth
Add egg whites to chickpea mixture and continue to blend
Add baking powder, cumin, salt and pepper to the mixture and blend
Finally add in chopped spinach and shredded carrots to the mixture
Spoon mixture into a muffin tray
Place in oven and bake for around 20-25min depending on your oven

That’s it!!! Super easy right? You can also make it with just shredded carrots or just chopped spinach- totally up to you. You must MUST give this a try! It’s great for the whole family. So ENJOY!!!! 🙂

Healthy Travel Tips

Healthy Vacationing

April 25, 2013 Stephanie Carrington 2 Comments

Relaxing, wining and dining, feasting on local delicacies, or sipping on piña coladas by the pool…..that pretty much sums up what we look forward to when we go on vacation. This is the time to forget about those calories and totally chill! Sure….Why not? We’ll just deal with the consequences later. Right? Uhhh….Then after returning home it’s OMG!!!!! Bam! starts those ridiculous crash diets and killing ourselves at the gym to try and burn it all off. You have to admit…..We’ve all been there!

Indulging and chillaxing is what a vacation is for. So yah….totally go for it! We definitely deserve it after all that hard work! Here’s just a few things I like to do when I’m on vacation, whether it be at a tropical island getaway or exploring busy city streets, to prevent those OMG moments afterwards.

Kick start on a good note-Yes, it’s true even when we’re on holiday ….breakfast is the most important meal of the day! When planning my trip I like ensure that breakfast is included in my room rate so I know I’ll be sure eat breakfast every morning on my trip. Whether it be a buffet spread or ordering ala carte, I try to stick to wholesome and nutritious choices like oatmeal, fruits, eggs with whole meal toast, yogurt, etc. This way, the first thing my body gets is healthy goodness before I dig into whatever foodpornographic indulgences the day may bring! Also, revving our engines (bodies) with wholesome goodness will get our metabolism on the right track so we’ll have some assistants in burning those calories! 😉

Venture out and explore-Whether it be in a city or by the beach – get out there and explore! If I’m doing a cultural holiday, I make sure to pack a pair of comfy shoes and try to venture out by foot as much as possible or by bike. This way you shed those cals whilst still exploring and sapping up the culture and beautiful scenery. You’ll be surprised how much more you see and experience! If I’m going on a beach or resort holiday, I check out what activities the resort offers and venture out and explore the sea by snorkelling or canoeing or cruise around the resort or the neighbourhood by cycling.

Wherever it is, there’s always something to be seen and explore so I try to add some adventurous element to it by adding in some fun activities.

Pack those trainers-I know I know, vacations are about relaxing and taking it easy, but trust me just 30min of raising your heart rate feels sooo good AND you’ll feel a little less guilty when biting into that juicy burger by the pool. It doesn’t matter where I’m vacationing I always make sure to pack my trainers and at least one pair of gym gear. This is way, its in my bag, so there’s no excuse but to try and spare some time to do some exercise whether at the hotel/resort gym or jogging around the complex. Even a little is better than nothing! 😉

I find adding even just a bit of a healthy element to my holiday elevates the experience and I don’t feel as guilty for indulging. So next time you plan your holiday, try upping experience by adding some healthy goodness!

Healthy Travel Tips, Travel Adventures & Tips

Earth Friendly Ninh Van Bay

April 15, 2013 Stephanie Carrington Leave a comment

Our environment is precious to us and we all do our best to do our bit at home. Whether it be saving water and electricity, recycling, and of course, eating healthy…we try to do what we can. Even when we are on holiday, we can always aim to be be environmentally cautious, but some things are just usually not under our control. What if I told you that you can go on vacation and feel at ease because the entire resort follows an earth-friendly, body-loving motto? It’s like you are getting the best of both worlds, a two in one kinda package deal! Staying healthy while vacationing, at the same time being cautious of the environment? Wooot! Sounds like a win, win, win to me!! 🙂

I recently enjoyed an amazing three night stay at the Six Senses Ninh Van Bay, Vietnam and it was a total surreal and tranquil experience, to say the least. It had all the elements of a ‘feel good, ultimate escape’ holiday – privacy, relaxation, adventure, and the resort itself encouraged healthy living and an earth friendly lifestyle.

The rustic nature of the resort embodies the ‘back-to-nature’ feeling without actually having to camp out with your sleeping bag in the middle of the jungle. The entire resort is open concept and when I first learned about this, I have to admit that I did feel a a bit hesitant and I wasn’t sure how bearable the heat would be, but honestly speaking it wasn’t an issue at all! I grew up mostly in countries with four seasons and spent most of my life in Korea so heat is one thing that I am quite sensitive about, but at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay I wasn’t bothered one bit. Now the bedroom does have air-conditioning, which is really all you need truthfully.

The beach-front villa where I stayed was just a few steps from the beautiful crystal clear waters of the Anadaman Sea. In the evening I would enjoy the amazing sunset in my own lounge area upstairs and during the day I would relax on the sundeck chairs by my private pool. What else could one ask for?

My private butler, Luan, was incredibly helpful and he took care of all my bookings, arrangements, or any questions I would have.

Along with earth-friendly messages and reminders all throughout the resort, they encouraged healthy eating by even having their very own gorgeous organic garden with different herbs and veggies.

The in-room dining menu also had sections of healthy dishes and alternatives. My favorite was the delicious fresh vegetarian spring rolls! 🙂

To further the healthy vacationing experience, they also offer each villa two bicycles so you are able to cycle around the resort, to and from the restaurants or spa.

What’s a tropical holiday without a massage? I indulged a bit and treated myself to a massage each day I stayed. I tried the Thai massage, Vietnamese massage, and the Oriental massage which was out of this world!!!

The view from not only my room but the resort-wide was incredibly breathtaking – a collage of sights that I was getting very used to…..

After my stay at Six Senses Ninh Van Bay I can definitely say that three days is nowhere near enough. Times flies when you’re having fun right? But I can surely say I will be going back! 🙂

Health Tips & Raves!

Healthy at the Food Court

April 9, 2013 Stephanie Carrington Leave a comment

Food is a huge part of any culture, especially here in Asia and more so here in Singapore. In Singapore, it doesn’t matter what time it is, you are surely able to find some place that is open that will help satisfy any sort of food craving. This is one of my favourite things about this tropical cosmopolitan little island.

One common thing that you will find sprawling all over country are food courts or hawker centers that offer various types of cuisines and dishes at very affordable price. Curries, fried rice, noodles, stir fries, prata…..the choices are endless! Although those yummy indulgences are always oh so tempting and great to have once in awhile… but the unfortunately, having them too often will do some unfriendly things to your waistline and potentially your health overtime. Not to fret…..there are definitely healthier options! My FAVORITE…..Yong Tau Foo! YUMMMMM!

With such a large selection of fresh greens, veggies, different kinds of tofu along with other tasty add-ins, you can easily create a healthy, guilt-free bowl of goodness in a matter of minutes. Obviously you still have to be smart about your selection and steer away from the deep fried goodies and the laksa broth, but some fresh greens, tofu, seaweed and a handle of rice noodles in clear fragrant broth will definitely do the trick. You have a choice of having the items you choose being blanched in the broth and served ‘dry’ with or without noodles and soup on the side or all combined together in one big bowl.

The great thing about food courts or hawker centers is that you can choose different dishes from different stalls and enjoy it all in the same place. Sometimes I will order a dish from a different stall, whether it be a bowl of pho or steamed dumplings, which normally do not come with much veggies. So I will select a bunch of fresh greens from the Yong Tau Foo stall and ask to have it ‘dry’ with the broth on the side so that I can up my veggie intake of my meal.

Whether it be with soup, noodles or to add some extra veggies to another dish, go check out the Yong Tau Foo stall next time you make a visit to the food court. It is a super easy and convenient way to stay healthy without having to put a hole in your wallet!

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