Oh yes, the juices are still coming!

As you all know, our lovely Emma has snuck off to have a baby. Rest assured, it's business as usual at Urban Remedy... the juices will keep on coming!

Here's a quick dose of nutrition for you:

Fact. If everyone in the US went just one day each week without meat or cheese, the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions would be equivalent to taking 7.6 million cars off the road. That’s a whole lot of cars. Lamb, beef and pork are the worst offenders, and cheese is no better. Lentils on the other hand are a lot more climate-friendly.


Meat and dairy – delicious enjoyed in moderation – have been linked, when consumed too frequently and in super-size portions, to health concerns such as obesity, cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer.

A few months ago, Emma told me about a movement in the States called Meatless Monday. It’s pretty catchy isn’t it? They’re a non-profit org helping to combat the environmental and health effects of our excess meat consumption.

The concept is simple: all you have to do is go without meat on Mondays. You can find meat-free, carbon-friendly and healthy protein in beans, legumes, eggs, nuts and seeds instead.

But what about the other days?

Tips for Tuesday – Sunday:

• Keep your meat intake moderate
• Opt for organic, hormone-free, locally-sourced meat and dairy options
• Up your fruit and veggie intake, considerably
• Moderate your consumption of caffeine and alcohol
• Replace sugar with natural alternatives: agave, stevia, manuka honey

Anyone for a veggie juice?



Sources: 
• Environmental Working Group (EWG): http://www.ewg.org
• Meatless Monday: http://www.meatlessmonday.com
• Institute for Integrative Nutrition

Emma's last words of wisdom - thoughts on balance

I’ve always been big on the notion of balance, in that we don’t need to be extreme in our behaviour, especially when it comes to health. 

It was only when I fell pregnant that I realised that my idea of balance wasn’t particularly balanced. I was running a demanding business, teaching yoga eight hours a week, practicing yoga 10 hours a week, studying, reading books on wellbeing and nutrition in my spare time, and walking to and from work! And what’s worse, I was feeling guilty for not meditating for 30 mins twice a day and having a pretty serious passion for sugary treats (I feel like the priest confessing to his congregation). What terrible transgressions on my part.

Pregnancy has made me slow down and realise that I can’t do everything. Nor do I need to. It’s ok to sleep in. It’s ok to do nothing. It’s ok to watch reality TV (ok, so I still actually don’t agree with this one, but I’m working on it – apparently there is this fantastic show on foxtel called “My Big Fat Gipsy Wedding” – a must see I’m told). It’s ok to eat pizza (truthfully, I’ve always been fine with this).

So my advice and key learning from the last 8½ months (yes, that makes me massive) - cut yourself some slack and let go a little. Be kind to yourself. Find your own balance.

On that note, I’m about to head off on a very new and important journey and today is my last day. I have no idea how I’m going to fill the next two or so weeks before the baby comes, but they tell me it’s a good idea to slow down and enjoy the solitude while it lasts. That and daily yoga, walks, meditation, preparing the baby’s room, catching up with friends, cleaning the house, stock-piling frozen meals, doing my tax…

I wish you very well on your healthy (or not so healthy journey).

10 simple ways to be healthier without much effort

1. Eat slowly. Chew your food well and eat slowly. A handy trick is to put your knife and fork down between mouthfuls and not to pick it up again until you’ve completely finished your mouthful. You’ll enjoy your food more and almost certainly eat a little less.

2. Exercise portion control. Serve yourself a reasonable portion. Eat it (slowly of course). If you still find you’re hungry 20 minutes later, have a little more.

3. Eat everything you like, but do it in moderation. Denying yourself completely is a one way street to Bingeville.

5. Drink warm or hot water with lemon first thing in the morning (at least 30 mins before breakfast). We bang on about this a bit, but it’s a great way to kick start your metabolism and the body’s natural rejuvenation mechanisms.

4. Do at least one ‘swap’ a day. Swap your 2nd coffee for a herbal tea, swap the lift for the stairs, swap a sweet treat for a piece of fruit.

6. Go Meatless on Mondays (or any day of the week). Go vego one day a week. It’s good for you and you’ll no doubt surprise yourself by how much you enjoy it and how flavoursome vegetarian meals can be.  

7. Drink more water throughout the day. Try sipping hot water (I love this during winter) or add chlorophyll (aka liquid sunshine) to room temperature water.

8. Up your fruit and veg content with a fresh juice, smoothie or soup each day. If you don’t have a blender or a juicer, invest in one and try your hand at creating smoothie and juice recipes. You’ll be amazed at how many veggies you can pack in with a little bit of fruit.

9. Eat when you’re hungry. Don’t eat if you’re not. Brilliant.

10. Listen to what your body really wants. Often you’ll find that while you automatically think you want a biscuit or cake with your 3pm coffee, your body would actually love a piece of fruit.

All pretty simple stuff really. Share your "be healthy tips without trying" tips on our facebook page or community.