Natural living has been my passion for over a decade, and I’ve gradually implemented changes over the years. Creating a healthy and beautiful home is more achievable than you might think. Here are some practical tips to embrace a more natural lifestyle this year.

My Journey to Natural Living

My journey began with my oldest child. When I started researching baby food, I transitioned from organic store-bought options to homemade baby food, which eventually led to making our own shampoo and conditioner.

These changes didn’t happen overnight; they were gradual as I learned more and found time to make adjustments.

Similarly, my bread-baking journey evolved. I started with store-bought flour and eventually learned about milling fresh wheat to bake our bread.

Today, I create new sourdough recipes monthly for my family.

What is Natural Living?

Natural living means different things to different people. For my family, it involves consuming foods and using products with minimal ingredients. It’s about getting back to nature and keeping things simple.

Where to Start with Natural Living?

Natural living involves both introducing beneficial elements and eliminating harmful ones. Begin by identifying areas for improvement and start by removing negative influences.

For example, to improve your kids’ diet, stop buying unhealthy snacks. It’s challenging to improve health with a pantry full of chemical-laden products. Start small with elimination, then introduce positive changes like a nutritious breakfast with eggs instead of sugary cereal.

How to Live a Natural Lifestyle

Creating a natural lifestyle is a long-term journey with many twists and turns. Start small and be kind to yourself. Avoid following every trend blindly.

For instance, while feeding my young children organic produce, I realized our budget couldn’t sustain 100% organic. I opted for the Dirty Dozen organic and bought regular veggies, washing them thoroughly.

Make choices that fit your home and prioritize simple, natural ingredients.

Natural Living Food Changes

Healthy food choices are a fundamental part of a natural lifestyle. Consider these steps:

• Identify the most unhealthy foods you consume.
• Eliminate harmful foods immediately.
• Introduce healthier options into your kitchen.
• Determine if you need any special kitchen tools for these changes.
• Make these changes cost-effective.

Food Choices for a Natural Lifestyle

• Opt for organic produce when possible.
• Shop the store perimeter for less processed food.
• Read labels and choose products with the fewest ingredients.
• Support local farmers or start your own herb/vegetable garden.
• Cook from scratch to avoid chemicals in processed foods.
• Save by buying in bulk or from small sellers.
• Find a local farmer for meat and budget for it monthly.

With all of these changes, be sure to always be flexible and set small goals. 

Create a clean and delicious kitchen routine, but don’t let it keep you from enjoying your occasional dinners with friends that aren’t living the same way as you.

Natural Living Cleaning Changes

Cleaning products are often filled with harmful ingredients. This was the first area I chose to overhaul. Why negate healthy efforts with toxic cleaning products? Consider these tips:

• Start with an infused cleaning vinegar.
• Use reusable microfiber rags.
• Scent your home with essential oils instead of air fresheners.
• Clean with basics like vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide.
• Download a Simple Cleaning Guide with homemade, healthy recipes.
• Swap laundry products for healthier alternatives like prewashing new textiles and using wool dryer balls with essential oils. Look out for my Natural Living Laundry Routine blog post.
  

   

It is so easy to get drawn in to beautiful packaging with lots of green and botanicals on them, but that doesn’t mean they are okay for your body.

Raising my kids, I have taken care to teach them about products and how to choose wisely.

It can be expensive but it doesn’t have to be. A few diys makes a big difference. Look at what you can do with your budget. Small steps is the best way to make changes.

Personal Product Natural Living Choices

After addressing food and cleaning products, focus on personal care items. Packaging can be misleading, so scrutinise ingredients. With two kids, I prioritise safe products without breaking the bank. Assess your budget and make gradual changes.

Healthy Skincare Products and Natural Acne Solutions

• Use Dr. Bronner’s lavender castille soap, which lasts long when diluted. When it’s half empty, put some water in the bottle and use it diluted.
• Try simple essential oil DIYs for shower fizzers, room sprays, face serums, and bath salts, body wash, deodorants, moisturiser and more.
• Explore clean perfumes. There are now more and more ranges of beautiful perfumes available. I like to make my own with essential oils, my fave is stress away + sacred mountain.

Quick Tip: If you can’t find a clean alternative for a beloved product, limit its use instead of eliminating it entirely. For example, wear your favorite perfume only on special occasions.

Natural Living Habits

In addition to food, cleaning, and personal products, consider your daily habits. Small changes can create a healthier environment:

• Reuse jars, rags, and containers.
• Establish a healthy morning routine.
• Engage in hands-on activities instead of excessive screen time.
• Eat seasonally and take regular walks in fresh air.
• Reflect on the memories you create with your children to guide necessary changes.

Natural Living Resources

If you’re unsure where to start, check out these simple resources for homemakers:

 

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By incorporating these steps into your routine, you can enjoy a healthier, more natural lifestyle in 2024 and beyond.