I'm turning 45 and this is what I'm spooning into my smoothies to boost my skin and health - among other things
Photographer: Stephanie Veldman
I’m willing to try most any thing that is fed to me as beneficial for the body, brain, mind and skin. Of course I try not to fall into the fad trap but my curiosity remains as boundless as it did in my years as a beauty editor. Usually swayed by regimes and recipes that follow ancient practices such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and our own indigenous African knowledge, tried and tested and proven is my schtick.
Nothing is guaranteed though because we know that even when something works for you, it may not work for me, and the other way around. And also that something that once worked, may not always work for good. Your body is constantly changing. And so, I am always trying and testing. And I guess, creating the perfect cover for an overflowing beauty cabinet and any accompanied vanity.
This year, I move into the 45+ age set. When people ask me how old I am, I’m no longer shy to tell them I’m what society says is middle-aged (more than fair if the world average age of death for women sits around 75 years). When they ask me how old I feel though, I usually respond with a number somewhere in the mid-thirties. While I definitely do not want to turn back the clock for a number of reasons, I do want to look and be as strong as I feel.
Give me a great serum and anything good for my gut and I’ll pop it into my shopping basket. So what am I slapping, slathering and sipping on or sucking in, as I sit on the mezzanine floor?
I’m spooning açai powder into my smoothies to help reduce inflammation and boost energy. And using another formulation of the berry in an exfoliating mask to slough off dead skin cells.
My kitchen has big jars of kombucha brewing in cool and dark recesses of my kitchen. Fermented foods like amasi and kombucha (great if you’re lactose-intolerant) are full of probiotics to help improve your immune system.
I roll out my mat five times a week for an alternating mix of barre, pilates and yoga - at least half an hour a day. That’s how I start each morning because exercise has been so important to relieve stress and form better breathing habits. Remind me that it’s a full moon and I’ll be setting intentions and burning pieces of paper that reveal just what I’d like to welcome in and let go of, all by the light of its celestial being. But I don’t wait for rarer moments to meditate.
Another essential and non-negotiable form of restoration is a seven hour slumber every night. I also take naps when I start to feel ill or overwhelmed. I’ve had a number of serious health scares in the past that have made me stop and listen more carefully to signs of fatigue and strain.
I’m popping curcumin (active ingredient in turmeric) capsules and zinc tabs and read up on which combinations of minerals, metals and vitamins improve the other’s bioavailability to avoid making expensive pee. And trying to remember to drink more filtered water.
On the whole, benefits that include anti-inflammatory properties pique my interest more than anti-ageing labels.
A few of my current favourite things. I’ve noted where I’ve been gifted a product I’m enjoying and would now purchase myself with an asterisk
Be Bright Açai Powder *
Suki Suki Naturals Açai Gentle Exfoliating Mask *
Theonista Kombucha Home Brew Kit
Kaylie Daniels The Glow Method
Micki Price Havard MickiPhit Method
Coyne Healthcare Bio-Curcumin BCM-95
Vital Zinc Complex
Kuro-Bo Charcoal Water Filter Stick
I must point out that this portrait was taken over a year and ago and so much has changed - what sits in the fore- and background. It’ll be fun to read this short post a year from now and check to see what in my wellness routine remains the same. Only the best and most audacious habits I hope.