Fashion: Keep it natural

Evolu Brand Ambassador - New Zealand-based model, Grace Barcelos Owen

Pamper your skin inside and out and winter will be a breeze, says Leigh Matheson.

Eight weeks ago I started an experimental journey with the goal of finally losing baby weight-gain after well over three years. This has involved attempting a sugar-free diet, limiting my dairy intake and eating healthily. With less than a handful of minor sugar slip-ups I have been successful.

That first week was a little rough, then it became a habit I embraced. Funnily, the husband now eats his chocolate in the dark in the kitchen when he thinks I'm distracted.
However, one of the unexpected benefits is that with our little man bringing home every winter bug from daycare to share with the family, only little man and the husband are getting sick. So far, I've avoided three separate lurgies during these two months.

My milk habit has been the hardest thing for me to "give up" as I would think nothing of drinking a litre of milk at a time.

After working through a variety of non-dairy milks, I've found nut milk is now my preferred option.

Carew Kitchen, set up by Aucklander Sophie Carew, makes hand-pressed fresh almond milk that is without doubt the best available.

Angela Merries is behind Pretty Damn Good For You which is all about grain-free living and her muesli is absolutely delicious.

Next on my list to try is a holistic cleanse from Mt Maunganui-based Nomad Nutrition.

Holistic clinical nutritionist Jamie Smith has created a juice cleanse which includes fat, protein and fibre which means all your body systems are supported while you detox.

As important as what we put inside us is how we treat our skin. Natural beauty is on-trend and you can chose from keeping your products simple without man-made chemicals or using only natural organic ingredients. Alternatively try something using bee venom or sheep placenta.

Personally, I cannot live without my Tailor Skincare products. Yet another clever female, Sara Quilter, is behind the brand which produces beautifully presented skincare from only pure natural ingredients sourced locally. It's all about the girl power.

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