The Toxic Truth - Why Wayne W. Dyer LOVES Young Living!

Over the last few years people have said to me... Oh essential oils are beautiful but think they are just a luxury.....

Well, I don't agree... and here's why I believe:

Young Living essential oils are not just a luxury BUT an absolute necessity! It's all about living a high quality, healthy and safe lifestyle!

Essential oils are in everything - well, fragrances or compounds DERIVED from plants are in absolutely everything, however in this form they can be potentially toxic. In their natural state, medicinal essential oils, herbs and plants are safe.
- it's about time everyone heard the truth about the fragrance industry, the antibacterial hand wash industry, the air freshener industry, the perfume industry, the cleaning industry.....
It just bows my mind what these huge well known companies (that advertise on TV daily) put in their products for us all to consume, smother over our bodies and give to our kids. Why wouldn't we trust these commercials?

These man made synthetic fragrances are making us sick. That is the truth.
- hormonal imbalances, who knows someone with thyroid issues these days?
- they can create overweight issues - obestrogens!
- they can create neurological disorders
- they can create unnecessary cancers
- unnecessary liver damage
- some chemicals mimic estrogen....

There is so much mind boggling scientific evidence that we cannot just put our heads in the sand anymore.

These man made industries are worth billions even trillions of dollars, they are laughing... Do they care? Who knows....
Do they use there own cheap harmful products on their families, there own kids, I wonder?

In the USA, the air freshener business is a 1.72 billion dollar industry!!!
And the detergent industry a whopping 30 billion dollar industry!!!
The man made ingredients that they are creating 'derived straight from nature' are cheap imitations, they are chemical components of essential oils that are copied and patented... you cannot patent nature, hence the huge industry that has been created.

I do believe that the conventional medicine and pharma industry's have created amazing things... Some antibiotics have been life saving, some surgical procedures are phenomenal.
Man has been incredibly clever over the years.... However have we gone too far with everyday house hold and personal care products...... I believe we have.

The baby product industry is one of the worst out there..... One brand here in Australia that most hospitals recommend.... You know who they are..... baby shampoo, baby soothe bath, baby oil..... Seriously? Check out all of the harmful chemicals under the ingredients list, just for our precious babies...
Straight out of the womb and into the toxic tub...

It's so important now, more than ever before, that we all become more aware of this! Did you know that everyday there is a whopping 4,000 new man made chemical substances added to products each day.... EACH DAY!!!
I am not just talking about human health here, lets think about our environment, our animals who don't have a say. The entire planet earth.... There is now evidence of mutagenic species... In the everglades in Florida, crocodiles are both male and female due to the high amount of toxic synthetic substances in the water.....

For us humans, degenerative diseases are so common, it's a huge problem, however we all can make a difference. We are conscious consumers and we are blessed to be able to choose what is right for us. Let us all ask more questions and seek the truth.

People have said to me, Amy, don't be silly it's only a little bit, it won't hurt...
Well, that little bit builds up gradually over years, this is called bioaccumulation. Bioaccumulation within our fat cells, blood and bones... Over years this accumulates and may cause all sorts of unbalance within our bodies, which in turn effects our mental state and our spirit. One of the first organs to show signs of ill health is the liver. When the liver becomes over burdened, it can show many different signs from allergies to asthma, eczema, a mystery illness, or worse a degenerative disease.

I have found it incredibly empowering, since becoming more aware of the impact that we are having on our society, our children's future, the environment, Mother Earth, our brilliant blue ocean..... our entire planet.

 
In America, 89% of the 'natural green' products are not really green?!? There are a whooping 17,000 chemicals used as trade secrets in the green cleaning industry!!!!
So, unfortunately when the label boasts things like 'eco, green, organic, earth friendly, sensitive, dermatologically tested, pure'............... This can be just a sign of extremely clever marketing, turn the product over, read the ingredients list..... and if they don't even list the ingredients, stay clear :)


The power of one:
"I am only one but still I am one. I cannot do everything but I still can not refuse to do the one thing that I can do.... We can all make a difference, and cause a ripple effect all over the world!" Connie McDanel, Young Living Educator.


What is a better choice?
What is a great solution for our homes, our bodies, our kids, our schools and our earth???
Well, if you are looking for a company that has EVERYTHING covered... check out Young Living! They work synergistically with our precious earth, they are sustainable, work with local communities, kind to the planet, a full disclosure company, and full of amazing education. They ultimately provide WELLNESS, PURPOSE and ABUNDANCE in many amazing forms.... more family time, optimal health, opportunities to see the world and financial independence. Gary Young, the founder of Young Living has even opened two schools in Ecuador to help give kids a better chance in life.... how awesome is that?




MY FAVOURITE ECO HOME PRODUCTS: Stimulating and Spicy :)
Thieves House Hold Cleaner is an amazing product:
^^Pure plant based ingredients
^^Synergistic blend of Thieves is immune boosting and effective against pathogens, consisting of multiply oils with multi components therefore no resistance developing from viruses and bacteria.
^^You will save money.
^^Preventative against degenerative diseases.

It's all about consumer awareness and choices... Be a part of the change!!!

No more endocrine disruptors messing with our precious bodies, think of our lakes, our rivers, our animals.... Our precious plant... WE DON'T NEED TO USE THESE UNNECESSARY CHEMICALS ANYMORE!!!

My mum has said to me in the past when I have screwed my nose up at the commercial liquid washing detergent she has used 'oh Amy, I used the same when you were little and you turned out alright'. Well, yes mum, but just reminding you of the 4,000 new man made chemicals, that are being introduced on a daily basis!!! My parents didn't have these chemicals 'back in their day'.


Being a mum of two adorable little girls.... do you see why I am so passionate?
 

--:So here are my:- -
 Top 10 Crazy Chemicals to Ditch from Your Life:

1. Sodium lauryl sulphate - (maybe petroleum/palm oil derived) Found in toothpaste, whitener, facial cleanser, body wash, shampoo, foundation, carpet cleaner, carwash. Potential effects: Can penetrate skin and accumulate in vital organs, suspected liver toxicity, cause various skin conditions..... Why is it used? Its nice and foamy! 

2. Propylene glycol / Polythylene glycol - (Petroleum derived) Found in moisturiser, shampoo, hand cream, soap, cleanser, food and pet shampoo. Potential effects: respiratory, immune and neurotoxicity, sensitization, eczema, etc... Why is it used? It softens the skin.
 
3. Fragrance/parfum/fragrant oil - Mostly synthetic. Found in most cosmetic products and household products. Can even be found in products labelled unscented or fragrance free. Potential effects: Allergic reactions, asthma, suspected neuro and immune toxicity. Why is it used? Deodorant, masking, perfume. 
 
4. Triclosan - (Petroleum derived) restricted in cosmetics in Japan and Canada. Found in liquid hand soap, hand sanitiser, facial cleanser, toothpaste, deodorant, dish washing liquid, pet shampoo. Potential effects: Gets absorbed and piles up in our bodies, where it may disrupt our hormones. Skin, eye, lung irritation, allergic reactions, wildlife and environmental toxicity, suspected skin, sense organ and immune toxicity... maybe contaminated with other dangerous chemicals. Why is it used? As a deodorant or preservative.  
 
5. Aluminium compounds - Found in lots of cosmetics, personal care, sun screen, foods and vaccines. Potential effects: Suspected respiratory, liver, musculoskeletal and neurotoxicity!! Aluminium alters the function of the blood brain barrier. Various functions including anticaking and viscosity controlling.

6. BHA - (Petroleum derived, banned in the EU) Found in lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, moisturiser, eye shadow and food! Potential effects: Recognised carcinogen, wildlife and environmental toxicity, suspected respiratory, liver, endocrine, immune and neurotoxicity.......... Why is it used? Antioxidant and masking.

7. Oxybenzone - (Petroleum derived, restricted in Japan). Found in lip balm (*as a teenager, how many times did you put lip balm on your lips? Me about every 30 mins!!), fragrances, moisturiser, anti aging, sunscreen, lipstick, paint and pesticides. 
Potential effects: suspected kidney and liver toxicity, absorbs through the skin, produces damaging reactive oxygen species upon exposure to sunlight, associated with endocrine disruption, wildlife and environmental toxicity!.... Why is it used? It's a UV filter and UV absorber... (yet, it produces free radicals on exposure to sunlight?!?)
 
8. Sodium fluoride - (Banned in oral products in Canada!!!). Found in breath freshener, tooth whitener, mouthwash, toothpaste, glue, adhesives and insecticides.
Potential effects: dental fluorosis, bone cancer, bone fractures, osteomalacia, suspected cardiovascular, respiratory, developmental, liver, musculoskeletal and neurotoxicity. Why is it used? For anti plaque and oral care :/  
 
9. Methyl/Propyl-paraben - (Petroleum derived). Found in facial cleanser, anti-aging, foundation, shampoo, conditioner, lip gloss, mascara, moisturiser.
Potential effects: Sensitisation, interferes with gene expression, suspected endocrine disruptor, skin irritation, contact dermatitis, wildlife and environmental toxicity. Why is it used? Preservative.  
 
10. Phthalates - (some banned in cosmetics in the EU, may be petroleum derived). Found in nail polish, hair spray, body lotion, perfume and detergents.
Potential effects: Suspected endocrine, liver, kidney, reproductive, developmental, immune and neurotoxicity, wildlife and environmental toxicity, linked to birth defects and damage to male reproductive system. Why is it used? It's a plasticiser and solvent.

**Alcohol (Denatured) - steer clear of this one too......
**Alcohol (Pure) is regarded as safe...........

Does that make you curious as to what you have in your house? Jump up and check out some of your products :)

So what on earth do I use? I hear you say :)
Well, Young Living essential oils has everything covered... from plant based medicines, first aid (bring fever down with peppermint oil) to toothpaste and even dental floss, shampoo/conditioner, face scrub, moisturiser, pure perfume, synthetic free nutrition, energy bars, pet care, emotional and physical wellbeing.... there is as they say an oil for everything :) We all need to use these everyday things, so why not use the best in world.... share them with your friends and get them for free!

“Young Living offers health solutions found nowhere else on earth. These essential oils truly represent the new frontier of medicine; they have resolved cases that many professionals had regarded as hopeless.”
Terry Friedmann, M.D.

Cofounder of American Holistic Medical Association

Love making your own stuf?
Even my four year old can do it, with my guidance of course!!!!
These amazing oils allow you to make your own personal care products, make your own plant medicines (the original chemical components), make your own first aid, make your own flavourings, make your own fresheners, make your own cleaners...... We are all conditioned to have so many individualised cleaners, we don't need this..... We don't need a shower cleaner, a separate fridge cleaner, oven cleaner, wonder cleaner, floor and wall, bench top, basin, stainless, marble, granite and wooden cleaner....

If you don't know who Young Living are, you better start learning ;) They are growing faster than an F1 race car :)....... During the 'financial crisis' they grew about 47 % and grow more and more every single year. With such incredibly pristine products and beautiful life values, it's really no surprise. It's exciting, an honour and a privilege to be a part of such a high quality, prestigious and empowering company like Young Living. Their core values are to help and give to people so that they too can experience their best life ever.

For me I have never been happier. To know that I have found my niche, my passion and my calling. I have never felt so healthy, fit and vibrant and it makes you want to jump out of bed each and every morning, because you never know whose life you are about to transform next..... If this also resonates with you, then I urge you to take the plunge and do it. You will never look back!!

Young living essential oils, nutritional supplements and personal care products are straight from the plant, nothing added, nothing taken, therapeutic, safe and more of a necessity than ever before.

I will leave you with a quote direct from the father of inspiration and motivation, Dr Wayne W. Dyer, straight from YL Convention 2013. He uses Young Living essential oils every day, buys about 12 bottles of rose oil a month and rubs JOY on his chest before bed every night!!!! He uses them to increase his vibrational frequency and energy field.

"What Young Living is doing is going to alter and shift the state of consciousness of our planet" - Dr Wayne W. Dyer.


                                                                           Want to be a part of this incredible shift?
Would you like to have a wellness gathering?
Connect with me:
I love feed back, comments and questions! Write some magic below!

Phone Amy on 0405377298
amy@naturallyjoyous.com






Naturally Joyous - Earth Conscious Medicine
Educate :Empower :Change Lives


References:
CD: Thieves, What's at stake - Connie McDanel
The Chemical Maze; 10th Edition. Bill Statham
Cliff Winkleman; Nutrition Lecture, April 2013CD: Cleansing of the liver, Dr Gary Young.

Young Living Success - Creating 10,000 Millionaires in 8 steps

My favourite 8 steps to financial freedom, following steps inspired by the book by Pat Mesiti

1. Be willing to ask for help. Just like an addict doesn't get drug free by themselves, more people won't become financially free without proper guidance and advice.

2. Make a 'fearless-list' of past bad decisions. Ask yourself what mistakes you have made and what lessons you have learnt from them. People often feel just shame and disappointment from their mistakes, but if that's all you are left with, you are not going to grow. What did you learn?

3. Admit you've made mistakes. You must admit and confront your mistakes.

4. Commit to learning all you can about better money management. Making money isn't the problem. it's managing it that is for most people.

5. Spend more time with people who have healthy financial habits.

6. Relinquish, let go and surrender (YL has an oil for that :) .....) wrong money behaviour. You must get emotionally repulsed by what you have done..... this will aid change.

7. Forgive people who have harmed you financially and emotionally.

8. Commit to building wealth long term. Wealth is a long term goal. There are 7 days in a week, and one of them is not one.

Ref: www.mesiti.com

www.youngliving.com.au
Amy Joyous - www.facebook.com/YoungLivingSuccess1090238
Phone 0405377298

A book to change your world - 'An Aromatic Life'

Want to live a life that is close to nature?
Intrigued by the wonderful world of Young Living medicinal essential oils?

Plant based, synthetic free, toxic free, high quality, whole food living is becoming increasingly popular as most of us are opting for the simple lifestyle, well aware of what unnecessary chemicals can do to our bodies.

Young Living essential oils allow us all to be self sufficient and environmentally conscious. Find ways to enhance your health, care for your loved ones and increase your immune system in this well detailed book written by 7 passionate and caring ladies... who love living an aromatic lifestyle.

• Learn how to create a relaxing atmosphere, using only essential oils and a diffuser
• Make cleaning an art instead of a chore
• Create simple remedies for woman's health, immunity and mood
• Make your own beauty products for your skin type
• Connect with your emotions using a simple ritual
• Make simple and healthy recipes for babies and children
• Use essential oils with your pets!

Buy your copy today: $24.95 (includes postage within Australia)
Phone Amy on 0405 377 298
Purchase via www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous
Email - amy@naturallyjoyous.com

All Hail The Great: Kale

Three ways with Kale.......

So who loves the mighty Kale? This crisp green (and sometimes purple) leafy cabbage has so many wonderful health benefits! In my eyes, this is one big curly superfood;

A nutritional powerhouse that is high in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, Vitamin K, calcium, beta-carotene, folate, protein, iron, magnesium and potassium! Has zero fat, great for detoxing, amazing cardiovascular support and also helps support eye health!! 

• Kale contains four times more Mg (magnesium) and five times more Ca (calcium) than Brussels sprouts
• 17 times more Vitamin C than carrots and four times more than spinach
• Nearly double the magnesium of spring greens
• More folate than broccoli
• Seven times more carotene than cabbage

So lets get into some recipes:

***Kale Chips***
(Inspired by beautiful friend Julie Watson, thank you for showing me the way)

You will need:
- Half a bunch of kale (organic if you can otherwise rinse with lemon essential oil and water to get rid of potential herbicides, pesticides and fungicides)
- Pure organic coconut oil
- Savoury Yeast Flakes (yes, a good for you yeast)
- Dried wakame leaf (optional)
- Himalayan pink rock salt

Cut along the stalks of kale (keep stalks for juice) and pull apart to make mouth watering chunks. Spread out onto oven tray, sprinkle evenly, some coconut oil, savoury yeast flakes, wakame
Throw in the oven for about 5 ish minutes, at 180 degrees..... every oven is different, so just keep an eye on it, you will see the colour change and edges become dark and crisp, have a feel of it if you are not sure.


There is so many ways to make these delicious chips, this is my version, feel free to add anything else or not include something, I hope you enjoy :)




***Kale Pesto***
(Inspired by Brenda Fawdon, owner of Mondo Organics)

This is AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!!

Ingredients:
1/2 bunch curly kale, leaves cut from stem and blanched
1/2 bunch of flat leaf parsley, roughly chopped
3 large peeled garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1 large lime, juice and zest (was supposed to be lemon however I had none)
6 drops of Young Living Lemon essential oil
100 g pine nuts (I used cashew nuts and walnuts as I couldnt find the pines)
100 g of shredded parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons of coconut oil
1 teaspoon of himalayan salt
1/2 tsp pepper

Directions:
Blanch kale leaves in boiling water until just wilted, plunge into ice water to stop the cooking and keep the leaves bright green. Place all ingredients in a food processer (I actually used a hand held lawn mower tupperware chopper, seen in pic below) and process until smooth. Add a little water or extra oil if you need the pesto to be thinner.

Now you can do what you like with this scrumptious blend..... Put it on crackers, dip some carrots or celery in it, make some pasta... but if you are loving a gluten free lifestyle like me I made a yummy quinoa creation with it, some beans and some crazy dried fungi mushrooms that I made plump :)

***Juice and Icy poles***
Any chance I get I add this amazing cabbage to my fresh juices....
Yesterday I made some icy poles for my gorgeous gals..... they enjoyed one for morning tea this morning :)

You can make any juice up, I love to use kale, silverbeet, carrot, celery, apple or pineapple.
make it as fruity or veggie as you like!

You can also make green smoothie icy pops too! Kale, almond or coconut milk, banana, spinach, blueberries, chia seeds, hemp seeds, cinammon...

Thank you busy beautiful beings;
Lots of love and gratitude to you for reading my blog, enjoy your kale and stax of wholefood goodness............
Let food (and Young Living essential oils) be your medicine, mother natures precious gift.

Joyous Health and Harmony,
Amy
x
Phone 0405 377 298
www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous



 

:::Brilliant Beetroot Dip:::

***Beetroot and Dill Essential Oil Dip***
Inspired by Jo from Nutriente, made by Amy @naturallyjoyous Phone 0405 377 298

I made this dip recently for my birthday gathering and it was a huge hit.... so I wanted to share this incredibly easy yet totally tasty homemade wholesome goodness with you all :)

No time to cook? Too busy with the kids or maybe you need some ideas for Christmas?
Here is a great time saving, delicious, home made dip that will have everyone delighted, sure to be a crowd pleaser!

Ingredients:
4 or 5 beetroots, roughly chopped (depending on the size)
2 tbs natural greek yogurt
1 drop of dill essential oil
(or some organic fresh dill)

Method:
Chop beetroot into chunks, place on lined baking tray and cook for about 30 mins, at 180 degrees.... test with a fork, when they feel soft grab them out of the oven.
Throw them in the blender, whizz, then transfer into a bowl.
Add the greek yogurt, mix well and then add one drop of the gorgeous dill essential oil (if two drops come out, that's fine)

And there you have it, homemade goodness! 
Enjoy with toasted baguette, crackers or your favourite sliced veggie stix :)
 

Dill essential oil: FAST FACTS:
* One of my favourite oils right now, its smell is incredibly rich and powerful!
* Did you know that the Roman Gladiators used to rub their arms with Dill before each match!
* It is Native to Austria and Hungry
* From the same botanical family as parsley
* Medicinal properties include; antidiabetic, antibacterial, insulin/blood sugar regulator
* Has been used for diabetes, digestive problems, liver deficiencies
* When difused with Roman Chamomile it calms the nervous system, combats ADHD.


Enjoy being creative and having fun with these amazing Young Living oils straight from mother nature!!!

Any questions or comments:
Amy 0405 377 298
amy@naturallyjoyous.com
www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous

Young Living essential oils are the purest essential oils on earth!
***Natures living energy***
 

Ref: Essential Oils Desk Reference, 5th edition

***Lemon Slice: Re Vamped!***

:::Lemon Essential Oil Balls:::
Amy Joyous Marais - www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous  Phone 0405 377 298

Lemon's are amazing! You can make sooo much with them and you can use lemon essential oil in so many different ways; from adding a few drops in your water, to cleaning a sticky rego sticker off your car window and adding a few drops into your washing machine for extra freshness............

Lemon slice is one of the most loved slices there is...... it's tangy, fresh, zesty goodness is irresistible and well known by many.
My mum used to always make it for parties, gatherings and weekend guests and so did my Nana. She gave me a little recipe book when I was 10 and I still use it today.
The recipes are great, however since I have been on my healthy wholefoods quest, I have realised that the ingredients are not all that healthy for you :)
These days it's all about taking those old ingredients and choosing healthy, nutritional alternatives!

Crushed biscuits, condensed milk and butter.... hmmmm time to re invent an old classic :)

What you will need:
2 cups of almond pulp (left over from making almond milk, see almond milk blog for details)
1 tablespoon of cacao
1 cup of soaked dates
3-4 tablespoons of maple syrup/agave/honey
4 - 8 drops of Young Living essential oil (depending on how lemony you like it)
Juice and rind of 1 lemon
1 cup of dessicated coconut 
1/3 cup of coconut oil
Shredded coconut for rolling in

 

One of the easiest snacks you will ever make:
Drain the dates, place them in a blender and wizz until mushy.
In a bowl, mix together the almond pulp, cacao and dessicated coconut. Add lemon essential oil, lemon rind and juice. (why not splash a few essential oil drops on your belly too, very uplifting and great for your skin!!! Cover up if going out into the sun) 
Add the mushy dates, maple syrup and the melted coconut oil. 

Mix well :)

(feel free to add more maple syrup/honey and less lemon juice)

 

Grab your kids, wash their hands and start rolling:

With a little bit of mixture make some balls as big as a golf ball and roll them in the shredded coconut.
*Optional: If you have a real sweet tooth, love lemon icing and can't think of eating them without it, go for it! Roll them in the icing, its totally up to you :)

Place them in the fridge.......... after eating a few of course.....

And enjoy straight from the fridge with family and friends!!

I adore these balls, they are great for kids, gluten and dairy free and are made with loving kindness.......

If you love lemon slice, please give this a go, and let me know what you think :)

With Love, JOY and Gratitude,

Amy JOYOUS***
A healthy, conscious oily mama who enjoys sharing her love of essential oils, synthetic free living, giving Raindrop Techniques, helping others find their optimal healthy weight and inspiring people to live their best lives.
Young Living Member 1090238

Connect with me:
Phone 0405 377 298
www.facebook.com/naturallyjoyous

**WEIGHT LOSS, WEIGHT GAIN** - It's your choice!

We are all beautiful, unique beings... with our own independent style, shape and views of the world..... how exciting does this make our lives?.................. Yet, we all strive to reach our optimal weight.

Weight is a huge conversation point, a massive money maker in the big nasty greedy commercial advertising and marketing world of diets, shakes, pills and 'quick fix' products. Seriously we all know that if you spray a mist into your mouth you're not going to shed 5 kg instantly right? Who else saw that last year on one of the morning shows? "But first here is a word from Moira"

I love what I do!! I get to socialise, I meet a lot of people while doing classes, workshops, having festival stalls and playing at kids playgrounds. The most commonly asked question I get asked is "Do you have an oil for weight lose?" Well, "Of course!" I say.......... "there is an oil for everything" :) 

So what works and what doesn't?......
Well, I am speaking from my own personal direct experience here.

My passion is natural health, specialising in Young Living essential oils that yes you can ingest, how amazing is that! I read a lot, I search for truth, I love science, yes I am a bit of a nerd and I am forever opening up my chemical maze book to see what really is in all the well advertised diet propaganda ... is it made from wholefoods? Is it plant based or is it synthetically made? Is there a mystery word such as 'fragrance' listed under the ingredients list? And does your body know what to do with it?

My healthy lifestyle path started after I had my first daughter Zola, however it wasn't until I had my second daughter, Indie that I really started to become more conscious and aware about what I was actually putting in my mouth and what it was doing to my body.

I thought to myself well, I know that I have to be careful of what I apply to my skin, my hair, teeth etc, what toxic sprays not to use around the home (pretty much all the ones advertised!) and what cleaning products to step away from, but now to food......

Before then I like to think of myself as an unconscious being, eating whatever, drinking, partying and entertaining..... that was my life, I loved socialising (and still do, but differently these days :) )


Like most new mums I put on about 20 kg during each pregnancy and was told "oh you're eating for two, eat what ever you like" And I did, mostly ice cream, smoothies and banana thick shakes.... (knowing what I know now however I would have eaten a lot differently)

I have never been on a 'diet', however I am a lover of cleansing my body with natural organic (where ever possible) wholesome super foods, including veggies, grains, nuts and fruits. The more I educate myself through workshops, classes, seminars, conferences and conventions the more my entire perception of life changes. The old beliefs I learnt from my parents, family, teachers and experiences disappear, and this makes me feel incredibly empowered. 


If you are happy with your body.... awesome, celebrate it, embrace it and love it. If you feel you could improve in some way.... set your intention, work on loving yourself and nourish your body with pure quality wholefoods. Take a step back from processed food, become aware of your choices.


So what worked for me?

1. I stopped eating sugar!!!!
Yes we all know of the book 'sugar is poison' - it is.
I replaced it with maple syrup and dates :)
Processed sugar has no real nutritional value (minerals, vitamins and fibre) and as a result, has a deteriorating effect on the endocrine system, causing sugar consumption to be one of the 3 major causes of degenerative disease. Cancer loves sugar!!


2. I stopped ingesting a massive amount of dairy. Humans rely so heavily on cows milk, when you think about it, why should we? Give it back to the calves, it's their milk. Just like our breast milk belongs to our babies! 
I now make my own almond milk (check out my post blogs) I still have the occasional slice of feta, halloumi and scoop of ice cream with the girls... you still have to enjoy little treats, however I find I am slowly replacing everything with kind, plant based alternatives, which are healthier, lean and clean versions! The other day I stumbled upon the most amazing coconut ice cream, so delicious with no dairy, I have since found a recipe to make my own so I will will be doing that over the next few weeks! After I stopped drinking so much cows milk as well, I found that I wasn't having frequent runny stools and my digestion feels a lot more stable.......

3. I added drops of grapefruit essential oil into my stainless steel water bottle or glass everyday. Starting at one the first day, two drops the second and so on.... I LOVE THE TASTE of this oil, its incredible!!!

Grapefruit is very popular among individuals trying to lose weight and for good reason. Japanese researchers have shown that the scent of grapefruit oil affects autonomic nerves, enhances fat burning through the liver, and reduces appetite and body weight.
Grapefruit essential oil may help with migraine headaches, obesity, premenstrual tension, and stress. It may also have a cleansing effect on the kidneys, lymphatic system and the vascular system. It is rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene and is nourishing to the skin.
Amazing for dissolving cellulite, it so uplifting and tastes devine....... really everyone should have a bottle of this in their bags as there is so many health benefits to this incredible oil which tastes nothing like the sour/bitter fruit which I still am not a huge fan of.

I also used Tangerine, Orange, Lemon, Peppermint and Citrus Fresh (Young Living blend) in my water after a few months to mix up the flavour. They all have their own amazing and unique healthy benefits!

4. I made fresh juice daily: Check out my juice blog here: tips/recipes and what kind of juicer to get!  http://naturallyjoyous.blogspot.com.au/2012/03/whats-in-your-juicer.html
Juice makes you feel alive, cleansed, vibrant and joyous!!! I love to juice kale, silver beet, celery, carrot, pineapple and ginger :) Slim down with ease, while receiving all of your vital nutrients from fresh wholefoods.

5. I drink 30 mls to 90 mls a day of NingXia Red depending on how my immune system and energy is feeling. What is NingXia Red? It's a super power packed antioxidant drink made from wholefoods and essential oils. Incredibly beneficial for all of our body systems. (Read my April blog to find out more)

6. Every few of days I drank a balance complete shake for breaky adding banana, a tiny bit of maca powder, slippery elm powder and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Totally delish. You dont have to add anything to this yummy drink......
Balance Complete from Young Living is a nutrient rich super food vanilla shake that activates, builds and cleanses your entire system and is plant based not synthetically made which is sooo important for your body. If you don't know what is written under the word ingredients then how is your body meant to know what to do with it? Sooo many shakes out their are made synthetically and artificially.

7. I started eating lots of super grains, nuts and seeds!
On the other days for breaky I had either................. a bowl of organic porridge, some quinoa flakes, chia seeds, LSA mix, pecans, walnuts, hemp seeds, organic greek yogurt and maple syrup (or chopped dates).................... or sour dough rye toast with avocado, fried tomatoes, blanched spinach and crumbed feta.
Through out the day - organic roasted pumpkin seeds, sesame and sunflower seeds, cashews, walnuts and pecans. You can even blend your favourites together with some dates and maple syrup and make some energy bars!

8. I practise yoga everyday..... very basic yoga might I add, my first yoga experience was back at Uni in 1998 and I fell in love instantly... I mostly just do 3 rounds of salute to the sun... it works amazingly and I feel so clear, balanced and more patient in respect to my little girls (they even do it with me sometimes and or end up on my back, very cute) 
I occasionally throw in some squats, push ups, a plank and the bicycle to help strengthen and tone my body.

9. I read a lot of personal development and motivating books/magazines to keep me feeling fresh and inspired. And each morning I read one empowering quote from a little fat Present Moment book by Louise L Hay which is placed on my bed side table.

10. I run around with my girls like a crazy mama in our back yard and in local parks, playgrounds. AND I love to DANCE with my gorgeous girls, so very cute watching them shake their bottoms, swing their hips and arms about and bend their knees..... It gets your heart rate going, makes you do big belly laughs, creates a joyous environment and you get to listen to your favourite music!

So, there you have it. Oils in water, fresh whole foods, positive mindfullness and finding my inner child again.
Keep it fun, keep it pure and LOVE yourself first and foremost.

If you would like any more information on the wonderful world of Young Living essential oils or nutritional supplements, feel free to give me a call or message...


***Young Living is just about to launch their amazing new Slique tea range here in Australia within the next few weeks!!! This will help you further support your weight management goals................ Slique tea (containing ocotea essential oil, cacao and frankincense resin just to name a few unique ingredients) was formulated to help increase energy, control appetite while providing flavonoids and catechins, which are thought to help maintain normal body functions. Slique essence essential oil helps control hunger and support digestion with a unique blend of citrus oils and spearmint!***




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Endless gratitude to you for reading my blog!
THANK YOU xxx

LOVE and JOY,

Amy Marais
Sharing the love, creating awareness and providing non toxic SAFE choices for families...
Young Living consultant 1090238