You've probably heard the BUZZ. Many people are moving toward a more holistic lifestyle. They're ditching foods with artificial sweeteners and dyes. They are swapping cleaning products that contain toxic chemicals for more natural ones. And some are even starting to use cleaner beauty products that do not disrupt hormones. Why? Health is being impacted, big time. There are countless auto immune diagnoses, infertility struggles, and developmental delays in children. Cleaner living seems to be a no brainer when it comes to living our healthiest lives.
Over 10 years ago, my curiosity for clean living began. I’ve always been health conscious and am fortunate to have a mom who taught that from a young age. Home cooked meals, less toxic cleaning tips, and even natural skincare and makeup. Through the years, I became more aware of what I was putting in and on my body when it came to toxins, hormone disrupters, gut health, etc.
Cleaner choices started with food. I gradually switched to buying organic produce, meat, and dairy. These are the top items to start with if you're looking to swap out some of your go to's. Though buying organic can sometimes be more expensive, I can tell the different in quality! Food is sprayed with so many chemicals and pesticides. Did you also know that compared to several years ago, our food is grown in less than ideal soil? In my opinion, the more natural we can get when it comes to what we put in our bodies, the better. My mom and I were recently talking about this and she said when she thinks about prices of cleaner choices, she remembers the quote, "Better to pay the grocer than the doctor." Think about it, if I make healthier choices now, even if they cost more, my hope is that they'll pay off in the long run. Theses swaps could save me doctor's appointments and medical treatments in the future!
Here a simple list of the “Dirty Dozen” foods to buy organic.
My clean living journey continued with household items. After cleaning up the food realm, I again, gradually started trying out cleaner household products. I said goodbye to Clorox wipes and switched to “natural” cleaners. Unfortunately a lot of them still have fragrances (more on this later) and I eventually went to simple white vinegar in a reused spray bottle (I still have the same one!) and paper towels. White vinegar can be used for so many things. I even add it to my laundry to take out odors and as a clean softener! You can read more on cleaning with vinegar here. If I don’t use spray, I love my Norwex rags and towels!!
In addition to switching what I used to clean my house, I also researched what I used around my home. Candles are such cozy additions to any space, but did you know that the chemicals and even fragrances used to make some of them can be harmful to our bodies? When I found out that I was breathing in toxins and possibly negatively affecting my hormones, I swapped my candles for more natural versions - beeswax, soy, etc. Then, I went to essential oils and a diffuser and truly breathed a sigh of relief that my home was toxin free!
Lastly, I began to wonder about beauty and personal care products. I mean these serums, lotions, and more were on my body all day long and I knew I wanted to invest in quality, clean products for my health. When it came to skincare, I was always careful with what I used, but I really wanted to make clean swaps that were backed by research. Enter, Beauty Counter! I had heard about Beauty Counter when it was first debuted in Target years ago and was intrigued. I wondered, what is clean skin care and make up? Does it actually work? Is it just marketing? I was surprised to find out that not only was Beauty Counter heavily researched and tested, but sourced very carefully and thoughtfully. The best part is that it works! Yes, I will be the first to say the price tag is not cheap but you truly get what you pay for. It’s hard for me to spend on higher price items (bargain shopper here!) but I’ve learned to prioritize over the years. Maybe I get cheaper clothes and home decor - things that impact my health a little less, and be willing to spend a little more where it counts. Think about it, skincare is literally made to be absorbed into your skin. Makeup sits on our faces for hours every single day. That alone is reason for investing in clean beauty!
If you're interested in shopping clean skincare and makeup, you can shop here! These are a few of the top products to try.
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