One of my goals for 2016 is to live a more natural, and therefore healthier, lifestyle. Even if you’ve always been careful to take great care of your body like I have, embracing (even in part) the all-natural phenomenon that swept across the world last year can improve your skin, health and general wellbeing that much more. Like any woman, I have favourite, trusted products, foods and methods. There is no reason to stray from these things – if they work for you, stick with them! Instead, try incorporating small changes into your daily, or even weekly, life. For example, have a raw food day each week, or swap one of your least-favourite makeup products for a vegan alternative. Giving the natural cleanse a go is a fantastic way to kick off the year – what could be better than helping your body and the environment at the same time?!

Raw Eats

Most of you have probably heard of raw food diets, or ‘raw foodism’ as the dietary practice has become known. Avoiding most processed foods and those that are exposed to pesticides and chemicals, raw food diets consist of food either entirely uncooked or very lightly cooked. If you haven’t tried a raw food item yet, this may sound strange or unappealing – but I assure you, it’s not! Trying raw food, especially raw ‘baking,’ offers a whole new range of delicious meal and snack opportunities. I recommend raw coconut ice or ginger crunch – so, so good. There are some great stores around offering an array of raw food items – try one of the Unbakery cafes if you’re an Auckland resident for some tasty inspiration.

The Cold Press Way

I can’t get enough of these juices. Packed full of nutrients and incredibly fresh tasting, these beauties are the perfect start to a busy day, or wake-up to a long afternoon. They come in all sorts of combinations but I personally love a beetroot and ginger mix. Try a green juice in the morning to give you an energy boost, a berry combo when you’re sweet tooth makes an appearance, or a citrus drink if you feel a cold coming on – there’s one for everything! Check that the juices are made from organic ingredients before you buy them, so you know the healthy drink you’re about to down isn’t tainted by nasty pesticides.

I Am: Vegan, Organic

They may be more expensive than their supermarket counterparts, but vegan, organic skin and haircare products are unarguably better for both the environment and your body. I can’t stress enough how important it is to look at what goes into your shampoo, moisturiser and makeup. Would you put straight chemicals on your face? Help yourself (and the Earth) by investing in some good quality products which are made from plant-based ingredients using cruelty-free methods. My go-to skincare brand is Xtend-life for its all-natural products, and I love Pureology shampoo and condition because they are 100% vegan, and sulphate and paraben free.

Nature’s Way

Last but not least – exercise. I’m not going to try and say that you should avoid certain types of exercise – any exercise is great – but rather suggest that you allocate yourself one day of technology and machinery-free exercise per week. In other words, swap the gym or the fitness DVD for a full-on, pure outdoor excursion. If you’re a yoga or pilates fan, do it on the beach instead of in the studio. If your favourite machine at the gym is the bike or the rower, actually go for a bike ride or a row! Other forms of exercise that will take you away from the technological world we are constantly surrounded by include horse riding – a quiet hack over some of New Zealand’s beautiful countryside is good for the mind and body – hiking, and swimming. Getting out in the fresh air and exercising in the most natural form is so therapeutic – I guarantee you’ll feel better for it!