mama
South Africa’s Premium Parenting Lifestyle Magazine for Healthy Living
NEW TO SA
BODYROLL
THE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE AND RECOVERY THERAPY
SPILLED MILK
1O
REASONS TO GO DAIRY-FREE
ORTHODONITCS...
IS IT A MOUTHFUL? DENTAL PRODUCTS TO KEEP YOU SMILING
MOULD TOXICITY
A SPREADING CONCERN
PARENTING CHILDREN IN THE DIGITAL AGE
IS IT ALL BAD?
BEAUTY
LOVE YOUR SKIN, INVEST IN IPL
Here’s why your diet needs iron
9 772617 450004
IRON DEFICIENCY?
22012
Morocco A PLACE TO DREAM
ISSUE 12 2022 • R59.00 (VAT Incl.)
THE KINGDOM OF
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THE SMILE SHOP
Contents ISSUE 12
DIGEST 16
WE LOVE
Must haves for this season
110
NEW READS
Delightful books for you and your family
112
STOCKISTS
Your little black book
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FASHION & BEAUTY 20
STYLE
Fabulous fashion to complete your wardrobe
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KIDS FASHION
All the latest looks for the kids this season
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ONE LIFE, ONE SKIN
We explore the causes of premature ageing and the benefits of IPL
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ORTHODONTICS
We unpack the nitty-gritty of Orthodontic treatment for children
Our favourite dental products to keep you smiling all year round
PARENTHOOD 38
PARENTING CHILDREN IN THE AGE OF SCREENS
What is your child getting from digital media, that they could be getting from you?
HEALTH & WELLNESS 44
THE KEY TO STAYING HYDRATED
The wonders of water – the vital nutrient of which you probably need more
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CONTENTS ISSUE 12
54 82
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64 48
A CLOSER LOOK AT INDOOR AIR QUALITY We examine indoor air quality, mould toxicity, mould remediation and the impact on your health
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CHRONIC INFLAMMATION
We delve into when good inflammation goes bad, how to spot it and the treatment thereof
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IRON WILL
The importance of iron for your overall health
FOOD & FITNESS 64
GOING DIARY-FREE
We count down the top 10 reasons to go dairy free
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90
We look at the latest lymphatic drainage and recovery therapy to hit our shores
We have rounded up some of our favourites to make your master suite fragrant and cosy
BODY ROLL
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RECIPES
A collection of delicious recipes from Lucy Tweed’s latest recipe book, Every Night of The Week
HOME DÉCOR 82
ABANDONED BEAUTY
Bring love into your home with the leftovers of nature and second-hand treasures
DÉCOR PRODUCTS
TRAVEL & ACTIVITIES 92
THE LADY STANFORD
We explore the magic of this gem in the Overberg
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EENDRACHT HOTEL & APARTMENTS
Old world charm meets true South African hospitality
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THE KINGDOM OF MOROCCO
A place to dream - plan and explore an adventure in the sands
Clean beauty products for you and your littles, a delicious meat alternative and delightful fragrances for your home are amongst our favourites this season ED’S CHOICE: Skinny Tan Coconut Water Face Serum Tanning Drops
Sunkissed All-Year Round
With the cooler weather setting in, it can be difficult to maintain your tan. Get your glow on by indulging in Skinny Tan’s unique range of self-tanning products and accessories and be bronze through all the seasons of the year. Skinny Tan started as a true homegrown tanning brand created by women for women with the passion to make a range of tanning products that could be enjoyed by every shape, size and skin type. Their range of skinnourishing products contains 99% naturally derived ingredients, are cruelty-free and vegan friendly. They are also paraben and sulphate free. Their range includes Pre-Tan Primers, Exfoliating and Tanning Mitts, a choice of different Mousse shades suited to your skin tone and their unique Tan and Tone Oil, which reduces the appearance of cellulite. Their refreshing Coconut Water Mist Spray is a must-have! There’s a Skinny Tan for Everyone! www.skinnytanshop.com
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Get Glowing/Spring in a Bottle
Men’s Skincare, Served Neat
Using plant-based skincare products can make all the difference for your skin and health and the environment. Litchi & Titch focuses on plant, seed, fruit, and flower oils to create powerful skin-boosting formulations essential oils play a vital role in the beautiful fragrances found throughout their range. Their serums have nutrients that enhance the skin’s natural barrier and support the skin microbiome, delivering brilliant results due to their active ingredients found in nature. Their products are not tested on animals, and all their products except the Beeswax based products are vegan friendly. They also contain no chemicals, fillers, fragrance oils or carcinogenic ingredients and their range of serums is suitable for all skin types. www.litchiandtitchnaturals.com
Australian skincare label, Charles + Lee skincare products don’t just look good, they are affordable, effective and contain natural and organic ingredients. The range is the brainchild of two Melbourne locals who set out on a mission to bridge the gap between women’s spin-off ranges and ridiculously priced niche brands, giving men the tools, they need to keep their skincare neat. The range of products is not tested on animals in any way and proudly carries the RSPO certification (Certified Sustainable Palm Oil). Men aged 18-40 who are interested in grooming and want to step up from using ‘just a bar of soap’ on their face and The Perfect body will love this charming Gift for range. Our resident ‘Dad’ is Father’s Day very taken with the Face Scrub – a gentle exfoliating face scrub with AHA + Walnut Shell to promote healthy skin rejuvenation. Over 97% natural, this beautiful scrub is infused with Witch Hazel, Vitamin A and Goji Berry to help cleanse and condition your skin. It also smells bloody amazing! www.charlesandlee.co.za
AGENDA
The Bra We Have All Been Waiting For
Leading South African fitness icon, wellness celebrity and entrepreneur, Lisa Raleigh has recently introduced the Body Kind Sports Bra - her latest creation in her range of premier wellness and fitness products. The first and only of its kind in South Africa, the Body Kind Sports Bra is fully adjustable to individual body shapes, making it the ultimate in sports and casual comfort for women of all ages and sizes. Bras are one of the most frequently discussed items of clothing on every woman’s journey through different stages of life, and especially on their fitness and weight loss journeys. From the first body changes during puberty to hormonal pregnancy and postpartum changes, and exciting weight-loss transformations, every woman faces her own unique challenge of finding a supportive bra that gives her the confidence to work out, move freely, and achieve her best. Proudly curated, tested and personalised by Lisa herself, the Body Kind Sports Bra provides relief from the breast discomfort linked to rigorous exercise, while aiding with back and neck aches often associated with poor support. Joining Lisa’s Body Kind Athleisure range, the innovative sports bra is soft to the touch, offers perfect support and provides absolute peace of mind with its hook and eye lacing system. The bra size is adjustable across both straps and around the chest area, and is available in eight different sizes, from small (S) to 5 x extralarge (5XL) – delivering comfort to women of all shapes. A comprehensive sizing guide allows women to find the perfect fit, in just minutes. www.lisaraleigh.com
Available in 4 sublime colours Onyx Powdered Sage Khaki Copper Dust
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AGENDA
Naturally Protected Right from the Start
Green Beauty brand and market leader, Weleda’s Baby Calendula Range is nourishing and mild, perfect for your little ones developing skin. Made with only the best ingredients from nature, crafted by using the gentlest botanical extracts. Within the petals of the calendula flower, commonly known as marigold, dwell calming essences that are mild enough for newborn skin. Few plants are as adaptable and effective as calendula, which is precisely why Weleda has been cultivating its soothing powers in their gardens for over 80 years. The range is free from parabens, phthalates, synthetic preservatives and fragrances and is certified natural, by NATRUE, Europe’s leading natural certifier. www.weleda.co.za
Happy, Healthy Pits
For over 10 years Pure Beginnings’ offering of natural roll-on deodorants (Forest, Scent Free and Monsoon) have featured as bestsellers within the natural deodorant category in South Africa. We are thrilled they have added to this ever-expanding range with two new stick deodorants in 100% biodegradable packaging. Developed with sodium bicarbonate which targets the bacteria that cause malodour, their two new stick deodorants, Bloom and Orchard, are a first for Pure Beginnings as the packaging is entirely plastic-free and 100% biodegradable. They come in solid stick format, perfect for those who prefer a drier application. Bloom and Orchard contain the same long-lasting soda protection we have come to love in their roll-on deos. www.purebeginnings.co.za
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A Delicious Meat Alternative You Will Crave
Infinite Foods added plant-based meat alternative, Upton’s Naturals to its repertoire earlier this year. The range includes Seitan Bacon, Chorizo Crumbles and Traditional Chunks. Upton’s Natural plant-based bacon, chorizo crumbles and traditional chunks have a delicious porky taste and meaty texture (or extra crispy for bacon), they are non-GMO, kosher, and high in protein, low in fat and with zero cholesterol, unlike animalbased meat. The main ingredient in these products is seitan (pronounced say-tan) which is made from wheat protein with an impressive texture and robust flavour. Seitan is a centuries-old technique stemming from ancient Japanese culinary traditions and is all-natural. The Chorizo crumbles are perfect on tacos, nachos, pasta or your favourite breakfast scramble and the Bacon, can easily be incorporated into your favourite dishes such as salads, pasta, and pizzas or as a breakfast side. For a recipe that requires whole muscle cuts, the Traditional Chunks easily take on the seasoning and flavour of the dish, endless possibilities! www.infinitefoods.com
AGENDA
Must-Have for All Teens
Cool, Calm & Collected
“The teen years are the springboard into adult life and by giving our teens the correct support, they’re able to explore their full potential from high school to tertiary studies and on to their early adult years,” says Leith Whitesman, Chief Growth Officer for Bioteen Teen Nutrition. Adolescence is a time of phenomenal growth - the rate of growth in height is second only to the first two years of life and every system in the body is altered. Yet there is little attention paid to providing the necessary nutrition to sustain teens through this profoundly transformative phase. In response, new dietary supplement, and functional foods brand, Bioteen has launched, focusing specifically on the requirements of teenagers aged 13 to 19. Their range has been formulated with only quality-assured, all-natural ingredients, mixed in the correct quantities for teenagers, with no fillers, artificial colourants, and no unhealthy additives - scientifically formulated to support teenagers both mentally and physically so that they can be the best version of themselves. The products are packed full of the good stuff to ensure it works and is tasty so teens can enjoy them. Teens deal with overwhelming demands and an influx of hormones that affect their mood, performance, and energy levels. Bioteen products are designed to give them support where needed – whether that be during their studies, to support their sports performance or to help manage stress levels. Each product in their range has been formulated using 100% food-based high quality and ethically produced active ingredients, in the exact quantities needed. The range consists of four targeted categories: health and wellness; study; mood and stress; and sports and exercise. www.bioteennutrion.com
Fragrance Inspired by Africa
Introducing the Heritage Unity Basket Collection - where spicy Patchouli combined with earthy green apple, a hint of musk and rich amber meet. The collection was born from a desire to share South Africa and Africa’s deep and meaningful history with the world. These patterns represent the symbols, attributes and traditions used as an expression of self and culture; those aspects of our heritage that have shaped our understanding of the world and our place in it. Offered as a traditional gift at Zulu wedding ceremonies, the elaborate and intricate basket pattern symbolises a new union and represents the wealth and power of a family. The collection consists of the Small and Large Diffuser, Room Spray and Classic Candle. www.heritage-africa.co.za
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W W W . Y O U F E M I S M . C O . Z A
What does being a woman mean? It means having a strong sense of identity. It means accepting your body as one that adapts and changes over time. It means being confident and building up the people in your life. It means you have the wisdom to be grateful for what you have while still being hungry enough for growth. Being female today should mean freedom, equality, and safety. A hundred years ago, women were expected to be wives and mothers, tasked with raising good, moral citizens and keeping comfortable homes. Except for teachers, nurses, seamstresses, maids and others who performed jobs considered to be appropriately feminine,
“What no one tells you about being a woman”
women didn’t have careers. Being a woman isn’t about genitals, femininity, or fitting into one specific mould. Each of you have your own experience that’s uniquely yours. This is not about that awesome aspect; this is about being a woman from a physical sense. Can you remember wondering as a teen when your period was going to start? Do you remember thinking something’s wrong with you? When WILL you become a woman? Did your mom sit you down and explain how your body works and what to expect? Or maybe you just touched on the subject in Natural Science class? If you’re like most, it’s a bit of both and you may have reached your stage in life accepting the rhythm of your monthly cycle and managing symptoms like irregular, painful and heavy periods with the help of prescribed or over the counter medication. Sound familiar? Let’s skip the details of external femininity, since it’s the internal mechanism you’re focussing on. Let’s jump right into getting to know more about hormones and the importance of balance.
Hormones are chemical messengers that coordinate different functions in your body by carrying messages through your blood to your organs, skin, muscles, and other tissues. These messengers tell your body what to do and when to do it. They’re essential for life and your health and over 50 of them are working hard to control different bodily processes including:
hormones constantly and uses them for 2 types of communication. Firstly, between two glands. For example, your pituitary gland releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This triggers your thyroid to release its hormones. This then affects various aspects of your body. Secondly, it’s communication between the gland
through the mood swings. Anxiety, weight gain, headaches/migraines may all be a result of hormone imbalance. Each monthly cycle should come and go with ease right up until your eggs are finished and pregnancy is no longer possible. Then the conversation turns to menopause and what happens when your ovaries stop producing estrogen and progesterone. Why is it important you know this? Remember, hormones are chemical messengers. If you consider that chemicals react, you should also consider the effects or benefits of what you put into your body, onto your body and the very atmosphere surrounding your body. It’s a positive effect you’ll want to encourage to reap the benefits How do you do this? By making healthier choices. For example: • • • • • • • •
• •
• • • • •
Metabolism (process of converting food and drink into energy) Homeostasis (constant internal balance) such as blood pressure and blood sugar regulation, fluid (water) and electrolyte balance and body temperature. Growth and development. Sexual function. Reproduction. Sleep-wake cycle. Mood
Glands, including your ovaries release hormones into your bloodstream and form part of your endocrine system. Other body tissues that release hormones include: • • • • •
Adipose tissue (fat tissue) Kidneys. Liver Gut Placenta
This seems boring and irrelevant right now but bear with me…Your body produces
and the target tissue. For example, your pancreas releases insulin. This acts on your muscles and liver to help process glucose. Think of hormones as keys. And cells of the target tissues as specially shaped locks. If the hormone fits the lock it’ll work. Your hormones deliver messages that cause the target site to take a specific action. To function at healthy levels, it makes sense that ALL your organs and tissues continue to send and receive messages for optimum health. In another word, homeostasis, a state of constant internal balance. Are you still with me? Great… So how does this tie into becoming a woman and what is it that no one tells you? Quite simple! You shouldn’t suffer symptoms of hormone imbalance. You shouldn’t suffer irregular, painful, heavy periods. You shouldn’t bleed for days or weeks on end. You shouldn’t go
Cut out sugar. Drink more water. Exercise daily. Avoid or quit smoking Avoid caffeine and caffeine products. Limit alcohol consumption (or avoid it entirely) Eat as healthy as possible. Fresh fruit and veggies with protein for balance. Choose natural skin products
Hormonal balance is important for your health no matter your age or stage in life. And prevention IS better than cure. Youfemism can neither prevent nor cure disease. What it can do is help you achieve your hormonal balance, so you don’t suffer. This natural product is a unique combination of herbs and essential oils proven effective in alleviating female reproductive issues for centuries. And it goes to work straight away. You may hope never to have to juggle hormone balance. It’s our hope for you too. If you do find you’re battling with symptoms, Youfemism can help you out, NATURALLY.
DENTAL CARE
THE
smile
SHOP 3.
Our favourite products to keep you smiling all year round
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2.
1. 5.
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SOOTHE SORE GUMS
Contains natural anti-inflammatory ingredients, liquorice and marshmallow root thereby 3+ assisting in reducing MONTHS swelling, inflammation and the corresponding pain associated with inflamed gums associated with teething. Pure Beginnings Soothing Teething Gel 15ml R54,99, Woolworths
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FRESH BREATH HEALTHY HABITS START YOUNG
Designed for children 3 years and older, this delicious, mildly spearmint-flavoured 3+ toothpaste is fluoride-free, YEARS making it non-toxic if swallowed. Pure Beginnings Fun Time Vanilla Mint Toothpaste 75ml R42,95 Dis-Chem
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Cleanses and protects the oral cavity while supporting your mouth’s natural flora. This Sage Mouthwash contains no added fluorides or surfactants and is suitable for permanent use. Dr Hauschka Med Sage Mouthwash 300ml R295, Wellness Warehouse
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seriously TOUGH TAPE
Luxurious wafer-thin dental tape designed to improve your oral hygiene. Soft to land gently on your gums with a fresh mint aftertaste. Queen of Clean Floss Dispenser 100m R650, Takealot.com
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GENTLE EVERYDAY WHITENING
The vibrant colours. The zesty, fresh flavours. Gentle whitening with a natural enzyme that also takes care of your tooth enamel and gums. [BE YOU.] Beautiful inside and out. Take the boring out of brushing. Curaprox [BE YOU.] Toothpaste 60ml R180, www.curaprox.co.za
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DENTAL CARE
SLIM STYLISH DESIGN This sonic toothbrush offers an ultra-gentle brushing experience, massaging your gums, leaving you feeling fresh and cleaner for longer perfect for sensitive teeth and tender, swollen gums. Sonic vibrations help you brush and remove plaque effectively, with little effort required on your part. GUM Sonic Sensitive Toothbrush R320, IvoHealth
THE NATURAL TOOTHBRUSH
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Good for you and the planet. 100% biodegradable MOSO bamboo handle diverts your brush from landfills and prevents environmental damage. Simply Bamboo Toothbrush R79,99, Checkers & Checkers Hyper
PROFESSIONAL DENTAL CLEANING AT HOME
With the Hydrosonic Pro you get that professionally cleaned feeling every time you brush – even with braces, implants, sensitive gums… and those hard-to-reach spots. Sonic toothbrush with innovative Swiss Brush Head Technology. Give your teeth and gumline professional-standard cleaning – at home. Curaprox Hydrosonic Pro Toothbrush R3 400, www.curaprox.co.za
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GOOD FOR YOU AND THE PLANET
A marriage of great functionality, modern design and sustainable materials carefully selected with the environment in mind. The new Green Clean ultrasoft toothbrush is extra gentle to teeth and gums. Jordan Green Clean Toothbrush R49,95, Dis-Chem
HELLO PEARLY WHITES
Detox your body and improve your dental health naturally in just 15 days - say hello to brighter teeth, and healthy gums and know that you have helped your body to cope with the daily influx of toxins. CocoBaci 15 Day Oil Pulling Program R390, Faithful to Nature
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PARENTING
PARENTING CHILDREN IN THE AGE OF
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creen
PARENTING
What is your child getting from digital media, that they could be getting from you? We spoke to human potential and parenting expert, Nikki Bush, about protecting the relationship between children and their real-world community in this digital age. BY CELESTE STRYDOM
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PARENTING
ALEXA, WHAT’S THE TIME?
You swipe up to check the weather. You swipe right to check the news. You Google search recipes. Google Map your destination. Technology has made life a lot easier, but it’s also drastically reduced our need to consult with others. An overload of information is at our fingertips, and we use our wisdom, and gut instinct to process it all. The scary reality is that our kids, with far less experience, also have access to all of this info, and chances are that they too are more inclined to ask Siri than anyone else.
IS IT ALL BAD?
Any media can impart both positive and negative outcomes. Nikki Bush, award-winning speaker and bestselling author of Future-proof your Child for the 2020s and Beyond, and Easy Answers to Awkward Questions, says that parents need to accept that “it’s not an either-or, it’s a case of both-and”. There is value in digital media, and denying our children access to this is not and cannot be the point. Studies have not been definitive in terms of the effects of digital media on children, but newer research has been taking a more detailed look at the use of screens. Studies are inspecting the environment and parental involvement concerning usage. It would seem that researchers are becoming more concerned with the capacity to lose connections and relationships with our children. Nikki stresses: “It is more important than ever that parents maintain open communication with their children, and that they have real conversations daily. Communication needs to happen in the car, at the dinner table…it should be clear that there is always time to talk. Children need to feel that you are available to answer their questions, and you should be posing questions to
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them yourself about things that are going on in the world, like what’s happening on social media, and in the world. The things you’re hearing about, they’re hearing about and potentially participating in.”
MODERATION
It’s up to parents to regulate the content consumed by their kids. You need to make sure your child has time for valuable activities, such as eating healthily, reading, homework, writing, physical and extracurricular activities, etc. Children are at risk of being exposed to information that they are not equipped to process, and forming
an addiction to being online, and this threatens the bonds of real-world relationships.
HOW MANY HOURS A DAY IS TOO MUCH?
There’s no magic number. We need to raise children with a healthy foundation built on human connection. Nikki says: “Children are multisensory beings. They take in everything around them as they make sense of the world, and this is not limited to
visual or auditory senses that come from a screen. Children require a tactile, interactive, immersive experience with real people and real-life to understand the world.” It is this realistic understanding of the world that will encourage your child to want to participate and remain in it. When balance becomes your measuring stick, (did my child read, run, play, talk to me today?) we can worry less about a number. “There’s a risk and there’s a promise with technology.” Nikki recommends that parents follow her BEEPP checklist to avoid becoming overreliant on screens in their parenting.
WHAT THE BEEPP? ARE SCREENS ACTING AS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR HOME? B- Babysitter E-Emotional Crutch E- Experience Thief P- Pacifier P- Prompt Welcome to the real world. The gold standard will always be human connectedness. How much time has your child spent watching a
PARENTING
screen today? Will dinner be shared around the table without distraction? “Children hear and see a lot online and from friends. Parents need to be up for the conversations that follow, which may take you by surprise. Show up for your children and be available, even if you have to find the answers together.” Join Nikki on Radio 702, just after 8 am on Saturdays, and at 6.15 am on SABC3’s Expresso on Wednesdays.
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Signs that your child may be developing an online addiction:
• Stays online longer than intended • Lies about time spent on the Internet • Disobeys rules set in relation to Internet time limits • Becomes angry and/or agitated when interrupted while online • Prefers being online than being around real, live friends and family • Checks social media and emails frequently throughout each day • Forms new bonds with people met on the Web • Loses all interest in activities previously enjoyed before becoming obsessed with being online
HYDRATION
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HYDRATION
THE WONDERS OF
water
THE VITAL NUTRIENT OF WHICH YOU PROBABLY NEED MORE Sick of hearing that sipping on eight glasses of water per day is essential? It’s probably one the most repeated pieces of advice ever; however, water is essential for our bodies work; and that’s the start of it!
BY HELEN CLEMSON
I
t’s reported that over half of us don’t sip on enough H20. We simply forget. We also like to drink other things. We seem keen on cappuccinos, fizzy drinks and for the virtuous – super smoothies – but there’s nothing like plain ol’ water to keep you properly hydrated. While you only get up to 20 percent per day of the water you need from your food (and yes some from your coffee), a crunchy salad or an iced latte isn’t nearly as hydrating as a simple glass
of water. Let’s break it down: 60 percent of your body is made up of water and therefore it makes sense that you need to replace what just existing takes out. Every system in your body depends on water and it’s used in all of your cells. So if you’re skipping the water, you’re going to feel it. Cue dehydration, dizziness, confusion and even seizures.
THE ANATOMY OF WATER
We know its important – ok, vital – but
it’s not just a plain, clear liquid in a glass or bottle - water is well, rather magical. Made up of hydrogen and oxygen, water is one of the most essential natural liquids we can find on Earth. Every sip includes trace electrolytes like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Understand though that the concentration will differ greatly from source. Plant waters – like coconut water – often considered nature’s sports drink, will have plenty. Water also contains
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HYDRATION
natural sugar. Want to keep your sugar intake in check? Stick to the plain stuff. After all, your body needs it for survival. Water literally keeps every cell, tissue and organ working properly. It’s also a superhero as it regulates your body’s temperature (keeping it even), is needed for waste removal and joint lubrication; and let’s not forget carrying nutrients to all cells in the body and oxygen to our brain. Glug on that!
WATER AND SKIN: THE GREAT HYDRATION DEBATE
Considering our skin is the body’s largest organ, how much of an impact does drinking sufficient water make on its health? Cape Town dermatologist, Dr Dilshaad Asmal reports that while water is important for good health, to say water is the elixir of the skin, is a myth. “Perking up skin and minimising wrinkles comes down to an overall healthy lifestyle,” she adds. A study looked at drinking 2.25 litres of water daily for four weeks and the results were mixed, says Dr Asmal. “People who didn’t drink a lot of water before the study showed a slight increase in skin thickness.” However she feels there is still a lack of research showing that drinking extra water has
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Here are 11 great reasons to up your water intake 1. Improved brain performance 2. More energy 3. Digestive harmony 4. Decreased joint pain 5. Weight loss /management 6. Decreased joint pain 7. Kidney stone prevention 8. Better temperature regulation 9. Improved detoxification 10. Healthier heart 11. Fewer headaches
any impact on skin hydration or appearance. This is her guideline: “If you aren’t maintaining proper hydration levels, more water can help with skin health, but if you are sufficiently
HYDRATION
When is Enough, Enough?
With water, it’s important to remember simply to drink it. There is no perfect goal for any of us as it’s vital to factor in what your body is going through on any given day. Outside temperature, exercise and even your weight means your water should be adjusted. Dr Asmal recommends, as a rule of thumb, 3.7 litres of water for men and 2.7 for women. That volume changes if you’re sweating heavily (then you need to sip on up to three cups per hour) or if you’re breastfeeding, then you certainly need to up your water intake. Think of it this way - every time you breastfeed your baby, you need to drink a large glass of water.
hydrated, drinking more water won’t likely improve the look or health of your skin.” Her takeaway is this – especially as colder, drier conditions start to hit – if your skin feels thirsty, drink more water, use moisture-boosting creams (generally, the thicker and greasier, the more effective it’ll be), limit hot baths (these can dry out and irritate skin), exfoliate and use allergen-free and fragrance-free soaps and cleansers. Now you know.
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RECIPES
Every. Night. Of. The. Week. Sanity solutions for the daily grind 1 tablespoon olive oil
1 litre chicken stock
50 g butter
sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 leek, white and pale green part only, cut into 1 cm thick slices 2 parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped 1 head of cauliflower, roughly chopped 2 zucchini (courgettes), roughly chopped
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS herb thickener
CRUNCHY TOPPING 3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons baby capers, patted as dry as possible ½ cup (30 g) fresh breadcrumbs
1 head of garlic, halved horizontally
LIKE EATING A CLOUD DREAM. Low carb (if that’s your thing) but rich and seemingly full of cream. It’d be pretty easy to veg or veganise this too.
garlic head and cook for 15 minutes until the vegetables are starting to soften.
Heat the oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
Add the stock and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the garlic and squeeze the soft flesh back into the soup. Blitz. Season to taste.
When the butter has melted, add the leek, parsnips, cauliflower, zucchini and
For the topping, heat the oil in a large frying pan until hot and add the capers.
These will spit and generally behave badly so keep an eye on them. Once they blossom open crisply or begin to brown, add the breadcrumbs and continue to fry, stirring, until golden brown. Enjoy the soup with a handful of crumbs and capers on top. Serves 4
Every Night Of The Week by Lucy Tweed
A wildly entertaining and practical cookbook filled with shortcuts and permission to do it your own way. A collection of ± 100 delicious and adaptable recipes, tools and techniques to ease one’s way through the week of meal preparation. Some days you want to cook; other days the goal is simply ‘food in mouths’. Welcome to Every Night of the Week, a cookbook for people who don’t like hard-and-fast recipes, by food and recipe writer, stylist and Instagram genie Lucy Tweed. Every Night of the Week is published by Penguin, an Imprint of Penguin Random House SA and is available at bookstores nationwide at the recommended selling price of R340.
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RECIPES
silky soup
This is the kind of soup that I imagine eating while wearing velour sweats when I retire. This soup and martinis.
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RECIPES
Broccoli and Cheese Pie
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Mum was great at pastry. She used to tell me, ‘Loody, you should pay attention; I am great at pastry.’
RECIPES
1 head of broccoli, florets chopped 1 onion, finely chopped 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 lemon 3 tablespoons chopped chives ½ cup (50 g) finely grated parmesan 445 g good-quality short crust pastry
250 g frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed 1 cup (25 g) oregano leaves 500 g fresh ricotta, crumbled
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
world peace, extra parmesan, extra lemon zest ... actually these are ALL essential
5 eggs, lightly beaten (reserve 1 teaspoon for the egg wash) sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 cups (120 g) loosely packed basil leaves
LIKE ANYTHING WITH which you grow up, you have no idea how good it is until you go forth into the world and learn only by comparison. I am taking a similar approach with my children, although I expect them to deliver unwarranted statements declaring the many reasons that I am great. Mum was right - making your own pastry is a calming, meditative ritual, although one for which I rarely have time. Therefore this recipe gives good store - bought ingredients a homemade character.
Fold and knead the chives and parmesan into the pastry. Bring it together into a ball then wrap in plastic wrap and set aside to rest.
Place the broccoli and mix in the middle and top with the herby ricotta, leaving a 7 cm pastry band around the edge.
Blitz the basil, spinach, and oregano until fine in a food processor.
Fold the pastry up and over the filling as much as you can, pinching and pleating it to seal.
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Saute the broccoli and onion in the oil over medium heat for 10 minutes, then remove from the heat.
Roll out the pastry to a 40 cm round about 5 mm thick and place on a pizza tray.
Grate the zest of the lemon over the broccoli mix as it cools.
Combine the ricotta and beaten egg (except the teaspoon you’ve remembered to keep back) in a large bowl and fold through the blitzed basil mixture. Season with salt and pepper if you think it needs it.
Whisk together the reserved egg and 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush the egg wash over the pastry. Bake for 30–40 minutes, until the edges are golden, and the centre is springy to touch. Serve warm or cold. Serves 6–8
absolute mama | ISSUE 12
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RECIPES
Salmon with Dill Sauce & Spring Spaghetti
I hope the sun is shining the day you make this.
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absolute mama | ISSUE 12
RECIPES
1 kg whole salmon fillet, skin on, pin-boned 1 tablespoon olive oil sea salt 3 zucchini (courgettes), julienned 2 bunches asparagus, julienned (or if you don’t have the patience, halved lengthways, or quartered if fat)
Dill sauce 3 tablespoons grated parmesan ½ cup (125 ml) vinai-no-regrette handful of dill, finely chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil Optional ingredients dill sprigs
250 g angel hair pasta
Preheat the oven to 220°C and bring a saucepan of heavily salted water to the boil. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush with oil and season with salt. This goes in for a total of 15 minutes (or 20 for more well done). Place your divinely julienned vegetables in the colander into which you intend to drain the pasta. Add the pasta to the boiling water. I always cook angel hair for 1–2 minutes less than it says on the box.
Break the salmon into chunks and nestle around the pasta (if you don’t like the skin wet you could pan-fry that separately for crisp shards, or I’m pretty sure if you cut eye, nose and mouth holes into it it’d be better than most peel-off face masks). For the sauce, blitz all the ingredients in a small blender. Drizzle generously over the salmon and spaghetti.
Serves 4
Drain the pasta over the veg. Place this beautiful tendrilly mess on a platter to create a nest for the salmon.
absolute mama | ISSUE 12
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mama S o u t h A f r i c a’ s P re m i u m L i fe s t y l e M a g a z i n e fo r t h e D i s ce r n i n g Pa re n t