Monday, January 13, 2020

10 HEALTHY CHOICES I HAVE MADE IN 2020





Hey y'all, happy Monday!

I want to start incorporating my love for health more on the blog -- its something I am super passionate about but for some reason have never shared much about it. I have been slowly making some more healthful and eco-friendly choices when it comes to my life and the products I use!

1. All natural cleaning products. This is a switch I have been wanting to make for quite some time. I have decided to start using Young Living products to clean our home. What I love most about them is that it is one formula you can use to clean your sinks, mirrors, counters, floors and bathroom surfaces. Plus, it smells amazing and I know I am not placing harmful chemicals in my home and breathing them in. I have learned a lot about how the products we use and the chemicals found inside them can really affect our bodies and our natural functions. I could go on and on, but I love them!

2. Reading more. Here's an easy addition to my life that hasn't cost me a penny. I try to rent books or find them for free on my phone. I think it has really helped my sleeping or lack thereof and it also just stimulates your mind! I also read so many books at once....currently I have three different ones going. Ha. anyone else do that?

3. Getting fresh air daily. A big goal for me was to get my steps in each day. Luckily my dogs need to go outside enough every day, I can almost get my steps in by that alone! But, I was noticing that before we got Camper (our puppy) I sometimes would get 2-3K steps a day which is awful. Desk jobs will do that to you! So I've been making a conscious effort to change that, and I feel so much better.

4. Electric toothbrush, all-natural toothpaste and flossing! Ok, nerding out here. But, I got an electric toothbrush for Christmas and it has been a game changer. It took some getting use to, but I know its actually doing me so much good. I have also been trying to floss daily. I hate flossing but now that I have this amazing toothbrush, I want to keep taking great care of my teeth. I am also on a major hunt for an all natural toothpaste, because as I mentioned above, the ingredient list is something that I have started to become super aware of as a consumer. I have only tried one brand so far, and Nate and I agreed we think we can do better. But, its still better than all the chemicals we were using before, so its a start. 

5. Eating plant based when possible. I am by no means a vegetarian, and I think putting labels on eating is pointless, because even if you say you're keto, or paleo, or vegan....there's always a time when you can't stick to it. So, I just try and make the best decisions I can when it comes to eating healthy, but then don't stress when it doesn't look just perfect. I have found that I feel best when my body is powered by plant-based eating! Some of my favorite things include black bean burgers, sweet potatoes, avocado toast, zoodles, quinoa, and more. I have never gone hungry and if you're mindful, you can get just as much nutritional value and protein eating this way. What works for me may not work for you, but I thought I would share :) 

6. Dryer balls. Fun fact -- dryer sheets have been linked to all sorts of issues. The chemicals are super harmful and can cause respiratory issues and can interfere with hormones. An easy switch? Dryer balls! You can buy a pack off Amazon here, and they will last you forever. I like to put essential oils on them to still scent my laundry. You will probably end up saving money in the long run because you don't have to keep buying products to then throw in the trash.

7. Reusable makeup remover pads. Another Amazon find....and this might be super crunchy/granola to you. But, I found these amazing make up remover pads that can be thrown into the wash! They work amazingly well and I pair with micellar water to take off my makeup every day. Super clean and natural way, and again, you'll probably end up saving money by not having to buy cotton balls/pads to take off your makeup. 

8. Poshmark. #8 and #9 go hand in hand. Not only do I love Poshmark because it is a great way to not buy fast fashion items (something I am totally guilty of, but trying to do less of) but it also saves money. So its a win-win! I have found tons of great items at amazing prices, and it also helps to create a more unique wardrobe! The bag I am carrying in the photos above is a poshmark find.

9. Ethical retailers. This is something I am definitely new to, but want to keep exploring. I have started to buy a few things here and there from ethical retailers, such as Everlane! They are sustainable goods made with good work standards, which is something that is super important. Many retailers participate in unfair labor, which as a woman is something I definitely do not want to stand for. All the workers are paid fairly and are not subject to unfair conditions. 

10. Natural deodorant. Another new one for me, but I am trying to dabble in natural deodorant as well. Basically, once I use up all of a product, I am trying to research and make a better decision going forward. It would be impossible to replace every product I am using with a more ethical or safe version -- mainly because these products naturally come at a higher price tag. However, deodorant is one of my most recent switches. I actually found out that many typical deodorants contain aluminum, which has been linked to breast cancer. Obviously something I want to avoid now that I know!

I hope you all found this post interesting. I am always striving to be a better person, make the best decisions I know how to, and reduce my footprint on the earth. Let me know if you have any tips you live by to make similar strides!

Talk to you in my next post!

--Kenzie 

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