The Chattery ~ Is Clean Eating the New Eating Disorder?

There's been something weighing on my mind for a little while now that has inspired an impromptu Chattery - this Quartz feature titled 'Eating Well May Be the New Eating Disorder' puts into words just what I've been thinking and opens a debate I think is well worth having. 

If you're an Instagram lover, or even a social media user for that matter, you will have seen a huge influx of 'clean eating', 'paleo' 'raw food' & 'vegan' posts popping up, books printed and careers being launched, within the past 2 years especially. I doubt there's one among us that doesn't have a pal that's on a bandwagon of sorts, some even having changed their lives and their health 180 degrees for the better. 

Truth be told I've taken to the 'Whole Food' way of eating with gusto too. I initially joined Slimming World, to shed some poundage but found their predilection for snacking on processed food too much for me. I've since adapted my diet to include a majority of whole foods and worked up my daily lunchtime walking to 6k. I'm a new person for it, having shed 3 stone, annihilated my chronic IBS and improved my dodgy back exponentially. 

Here's the thing, I still occasionally slip, I have the odd tipple, the odd takeaway and I'm in no way dogged about what I'm doing but I can't say the same for a lot of people I know. We were only chatting about a pal yesterday who's Sister in Law has taken the zero sugar way of life so much to heart that she's fallen out with her parents and in laws for the want of 'educating' them too. There's something very wrong about a situation that damages relationships, regardless of how well intentioned she might be. 

There's no denying a move toward whole foods and away from the crippling use of refined sugar is a good one but has it gone too far? Is 'Clean Eating' the new eating disorder? 

Let's Chat!

The Thursday Chattery - Products So Good You Buy Them As Gifts? (With Giveaway!)

I can always tell my true grá for a product when I can't wait to pick it up for friends and family. It happens often with nail polishes, sometimes with make up and sometimes with more expensive prettiness, such as creams or palettes. 

This morning over on the blogs Facebook page I've teamed up with a brand to giveaway one such product - the Perfect White Black toothpaste with active charcoal. Honestly, when I see people hover over toothpaste choices in Boots I want to whisper at them - that's how much I love it. 

In the spirit of sharing and caring, I'm going to give away a goodie bag stuffed full of Beverly Hills Formula here too, including Perfect White Black, so you can see what I mean. 

To be in with a chance of winning just tell us: 

What's one product that you've loved so much you had to buy it for a loved one? 

Let's Chat!

The Tuesday Chattery - Top European Cities for Christmas Markets?

Before you take the safety off the gun, let me explain. I understand it's just gone September, I also understand that some of us, me especially, are hanging on to the last of the summer with our fingernails. BUT today we feature Tuesday's Travels and today 

my wonderful skin & blister is going to explain why we need to be thinking about this years Christmas market trips STAT. 

We go every year, sometimes the travel itinerary and the number of people travelling changes but Corrina & I always make sure to get away for some mulled wine and festive shenanigans. We're forever looking for inspo for the next trip, so my questions are thus: 

Have you been? Where'd you go? Would you recommend? 

Let's Chat!

The Thursday Chattery - Wholesome Food Blog Recommendations Please?

I've mentioned that I took a serious look at the way I've been eating a couple of months back. Not only has taking the time to consider my food choices meant changes in my weight and shape but my health, both mental and physical is unrecognisable from just a few months ago. 

In the pursuit of healthier, more wholesome food options I've been visiting a couple of sites and I'd love your suggestions to add to that list. My top five right now are: 

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1. Deliciously Ella Ella Woodward has literally fed herself back to health with delicious, natural foods. Her site, instagram and youtube are things of inspirational foodie beauty. Not a day goes by that I don't have a potter through her recipes. 

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2. Nom Nom Paleo With a New York Times best selling cookbook and a passion for wholesome, nutritious food, Michelle Tam is a gal I'd very much like to be pals with. Hell anyone with their own action figure is on that list. Her site is a work of art and her knowledge of good food a joy to behold. 

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3. The Nourishing Gourmet  Kimi Harris is a published author, a young mum and a serious lover of nutritious whole foods to feed your body and soul. Her site focuses on eating well on a budget, an ideal choice for those starting out (me) and those feeding a family (also me). 

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4. The Pioneer Woman Meanwhile back on the ranch, literally, there aren't enough superlatives to communicate my love for Ree Drummond. Her site, her humour, her awesome photo skillz and her passionate embrace of hearty, healthy food. Scoot over there and fall in love with her, her food and her life.

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5. Donal Skehan  Our cheeky chappy Donal's site is always one I'll pop by when I'm in need of a little dinner inspo. I love that his recipes include bright and simple to follow youtube vids. Nope, it's not strictly healthy eating but the majority of his food is natural, wholesome and easy peasy to put together. Those that aren't can be tinkered with. Isn't that half the fun? All that and his photography is tuh die fuh!

See any of your faves? Got any to add? I'd especially love some recs for Irish blogs? 

Let's Chat!