3 Healthy Changes to Make in the New Year

There’s a lot of talk about organic food, natural skin care and toxic cleaners all over the Internet and for me, I appreciate this madness. It helps inform others, show us new ways and bring us back to our roots of using nature for healing, cleaning and beauty.

But for some people, all of this information overload can be a bit overwhelming. You never know just where to start when you really want to begin making the changes. Should you start with your cleaners? Your shampoo? Your makeup?

Perhaps you read enough research that you have decided to start making some healthy switches or perhaps you’re facing a health battle of some sort right now that has you wanting to fight it naturally. Whatever it may be, just know that wanting to make these healthy changes is a huge, wonderful step and with small changes over time…it can become an easy process. I never recommend trying to switch everything in your life at once, that can be a bit overwhelming for most. Find some of the things in your life that you’re not as brand loyal over or that deem more important for your health and your families health. With that said, I will share my three major changes that I think are a wonderful starting point!

So join me to discover what I believe to be some of the best, first changes you can make for your health today!

3 Healthy Changes to Make in the New Year

Your deodorant. There is a lot of skin care, beauty and makeup products out there for women to try and honestly it can be a little bit overwhelming. So what is the first switch you should consider making? Your deodorant! Most women aren’t super brand loyal to a deodorant, they just want something that works. Here’s the thing though, deodorant is full of awful ingredients and you apply it right near your lymph nodes and right near the sensitive part of your body, your breast tissues. Why would we continue to knowingly apply cancerous ingredients to an area that is already a cancerous risk for many? Switching to a natural deodorant is one of my must haves. Now it won’t be easy at first, as most women have to go through a month long detox after switching. You may feel like your new deodorant isn’t working too well - but truth be told, after a month of detox and applying a few times a day, you’ll eventually enjoy the switch (and you won’t have to keep reapplying). Also don’t feel you HAVE to use an antiperspirant, you want your body to sweat because this is how you naturally detox your body of toxins. Overtime, your body can adjust. I use and love the Meadow Mist deodorant from Young Living. One of the things I love about it is that the deodorant doesn’t contain any baking soda, an ingredient that is commonly found in many other natural brands but doesn’t sit well with our skin. If you’ve ever tried a natural deodorant before and broke out in a rash, had redness or a slight burn feeling, it’s likely due to the baking soda in the product.
Your cleaners. More and more evidence is coming out stating that traditional, mainstream cleaners are no different than smoking multiple packs of cigarettes a day. The effect it has on your respiratory system, cancer risk and more, just isn’t worth it. Thankfully there are other companies out there producing plant based, non toxic cleaners. However you do have to be weary of green washing - companies who claim to produce a natural product but do not in fact do this. Unfortunately many companies are producing “better” products but still loading them down with artificial fragrances, an ingredient that acts as an umbrella terms for thousands of other ingredients. We love using Thieves cleaner from Young Living which comes out to less than $1 per bottle and is truly plant based and kills germs! You only need that ONE cleaner - for countertops, bathrooms, windows, mirrors, floors and even fabric stains! And the fragrances are from plant derived essential oils!
Ditch the fake smells. I get it, you want your home to smell fresh and clean. However have you ever been around someone that when you hug them doesn’t smell like their perfume or lotion, but instead like the plug ins found within their home? They smell exactly like their home! Even worse, have you ever received leftovers in a plastic tupperware from someone only to notice that the food has a strong flavor that resembles exactly like the plug ins around their home? I have. Many times! Plug ins, wax warmers, perfume oil lamps, candles and air sprays are the worst air pollutants you can have. They are damaging and contributing to our asthma rates, allergies, cancer rates and more. Sadly many of these products can even be damaging to our hormones and fertility. Switch to 100% therapeutic grade oils or homemade beeswax and soy candles fragranced with true oils. While your home may not have its own “smell” at least your air within your home can be a bit healthier.

Making these changes may seem overwhelming, but you know what is also overwhelming? A cabinet under the sink full of bottles, mostly all hazardous to children and animals and have to dig through each time for your cleaner. Imagine having one cleaner? Imagine not having to constantly buy plug in refills? Imagine knowing your doing the best you can for family?

There are always changes we can all make. Every day, we are faced with whether or not to use a product, eat a bag of cookies or drink a glass of wine. There is not one person who is doing things absolutely perfect - it’s just too hard. But when you’re making small changes here and there, you can feel good about the slow and steady progress you’re making for your family.