What is a Naturalista? The answer can vary from woman to woman.💃🏽 For me, as a breast cancer thriver, it means several things. Here are a couple and a few I intend to work on: 

Natural
My hair is natural. No color, no straighteners, etc (right now). I use only jojoba oil on the scalp and Aveda brilliant Humectant to help moisturize my locs.

I took a picture of myself a few days ago with only 💄 on – no eye liner, mascara, eyebrow stenciling, blush or concealer to hide dark circles. (Do not look too closely.)  I am doing all this to mark the beginning of a healthier, more natural lifestyle.

Taboo – Until Now
I primarily use natural products. But there were some areas I considered taboo – until now. I’m going to further reduce the toxic load from my head to my toes and in my house.This is the beginning of that change. (cue MJ’s “Man in the Mirror” ) 

1. I used to get my nails done 💅🏼 on a regular basis, maybe every two or three weeks. I used SNS powder (no light machine required) recently, because it was supposedly safer than acrylics, gels or regular nail polish. However, I decided to go all in on the natural exploration.

I had the SNS product removed and now I am wearing nothing. 

On special occasions, I’ll use Zoya nail polish (base and colors) and get them buffed every now and then. (Zoya is one of the few safe nail polishes.) Check out the Environmental Working Group – EWG Cosmetics  

2. I’m lowering the toxicity level in the house, by using environmentally safe products and opening windows everyday or so. (The windows get opened when I remember!)

I prefer using environmentally safe cleaning products in my house. I also like to use products that are safe for me.  “Why do the safe ones, not clean as well as the unsafe 😱products?” Or is that my imagination?

3. Lastly, I am drinking more water, juicing & preparing more green drink smoothies. I’m also eating more vegetables (especially green ones), some fruits and no meat for a while (especially after watching What the Health on Netflix).

In conclusion, I decided to kick things up a notch (a tiny notch), starting with body products, then moving on to my physical environment and food. I usually start these things and continue some aspects long-term, while others are short-lived. Since I am announcing my changes, I am hoping this accountability will improve my success rate.

This is the beginning. Do you have any Naturalista goals?

What Counts?
What challenges are you working on? What have you changed to make yourself and your family healthier? How do you stay the course?

More on nutrition and very brief updates on my progress in upcoming blogs.

Aretha Franklin’s Natural Woman here

Man in the Mirror here

Dr. Harriette