At our #HangOutWithLoveMomCa. All photos, Sheena Glen.
The Love, Mom community hung out with our friends at The Detox Market in Toronto’s King St. West ‘hood just a few weeks ago (shout-out to all our mamas who made it out on wintery April night). Like our past events, there was an intimate and feel-good vibe that brought together our creative and career-loving moms for a totally stress-free night to ourselves. Our V.I.P. guests included Bita Doagoo, a naturopathic doctor and co-owner of The Detox Market, Julie Clark, founder of Province Apothecary skin and body care and holistic nutritionist and author of Joyous Detox, Joy McCarthy. This pro wellness squad was in residence just for one night and they gave us the straight-up truth about how to detox your diet, your skin and your ever-present stress levels. Here are super easy-to-remember cheat notes to help you feel and look better.
Say no to sugar.
For so many reasons, it is bad for your overall health (it increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes and more) and cutting it out can lighten your mood, help you lose weight and brighten your skin. When you are craving something sweet, keep dried fruit handy or make a sweet that’s powered up with ingredients that give your more energy and even balance out your hormones like Joy’s Sexy Maca Balls. When you do indulge in the real stuff, Bita says make it occasion instead of mindlessly consuming it. Bake something with the kids and break out the good silverware and plates or even dress up and make a date at a café and bakery.
Take time out while you wash up.
Listen, we know it’s hard to eek out time for yourself especially when you’re packing up your passions and parenting all into one day. Julie, our panel’s skincare pro, says find the time in the morning. She loves giving herself a facial massage after applying her skincare, morning or evening. You can follow along with her to master this quickie ritual at this link. On those mornings when there isn’t time for anything, score an aroma therapeutic steam shower by grabbing your favourite essential oil and sprinkling a few drops in your shower. P.S. If you are using a citrus oil, be careful and avoid the sun because they can make your skin photosensitive (in other words, you’ll increase your risk of getting a burn or other skin reaction).
Province Apothecary is an all-Canadian company that boasts certified organic, biodynamic and wildcrafted ingredients. That means it has all of the good stuff and none of those chemical nasties.
Beat brain fog with brain food.
Some of Joy’s superfoods include wild blueberries, maple syrup, hemp and flaxseed which are all blender-friendly. She has smoothies every day because they’re quick to make and always healthy. It’s not only what you put in your body that makes a difference to your brain, but also how you give it a break from the daily buzz of your to-do list. Meditation is key and if that’s a challenge, try a 5-minute journal like Bita, who is juggling two businesses, two school-agers and a babe. “It helps me focus on an intention, whether it’s more patience for that day or more motivation to get things done, and those five minutes make a big difference in shifting my perspective.”
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Special thanks to all those who went above and beyond for our Detox goody bag: Appetite Random House (Joyous Detox), Flow Water, Freshii (at Bay/Wellesley), Graydon Skincare, Province Apothecary, Swell Made Co, Odacite, Printed Matter Paper, Some of The Parts and Seventh Generation.
Guests also received free samples from Seventh Generation. Did you know most conventional dish liquids are made of 75% petroleum? Seventh Generation powers up with 95% plant-based ingredients.
John Hickey and his team at Freshii at Bay and Wellesley served up healthy nosh and nibbles. In addition to their signature wraps, they spoiled us with their delish Energii balls.
We were also provided with a variety of reds and whites, courtesy of Select Wines.
