The Femme Files

A Story of Phenomenal Proportions: HYPOXI Review

Nicole’s Weight Loss Journey

Nicole Voorhout is not a super model, nor is she a TV soap star or socialite with a personal trainer and nutritionist on hand. However, thanks to personal dedication and visits to Hypoxi, Nicole has achieved inspirational results that we at the Femme Files would like to share with you.

At size 24 and only 35 years old, Nicole struggled with the daily tasks of carrying the shopping up a flight of stairs, was apprehensive about finding love and deeply affected by her appearance. With her health at risk, Nicole realised she needed to take back control of her life. That was only 18 months ago. Through self discipline and Hypoxi treatments, Nicole is now a fragment of her former self- a petite size 10 who despite dropping from a size 24 much has gained more and is an inspiration to others.

Nicole tried Hypoxi in an attempt to lose kilos from her stubborn areas and help tighten and tone her skin which had lost elasticity due to her weight loss. Although a sceptic at first she was quickly proved otherwise “Even when my weight loss should have been slowing down, I was losing 37 cm from my hips, bum and thighs in 12 sessions of Hypoxi. Hypoxi kept me motivated to reach my final goal.”

So as you start setting your 2011 New Year resolutions, perhaps keep Hypoxi in mind as a tool to help you reach your weight loss goals. If Nicole can drop from a size 24 to a toned and terrific size 10 to take back control, there is no reason you can’t achieve anything you dedicate yourself to next year.

Exercise – better than an anti-depressant?

Anti-depressants are common place in this day and age. While these little pills are rarely broadcast in every day social circles, I can assure you that at least one close acquaintance, friend or family member relies on these for the sake of sanity.

There is without question some people who need anti-depressants in order to function day in day out. For those who know that their anxiety and stress is indeed, ‘all in the mind’ take heart with the mounting body of evidence that reinforces the importance of exercise and mental wellbeing.

In fact, research evidence on the affects of exercise and mental health demonstrate that your daily sweat session can be more effective than your prescription when it comes to stopping anxiety in its tracks.

Beauty Profile: INDAH

Australian entrepreneur Teisha Lowry is the brains and natural beauty behind INDAH, a deluxe range of all natural and purely organic body care, fragrances and virgin coconut oil.  Teisha is passionate about creating beauty products that are honest; the INDAH range is produced in Australia using only certified organic ingredients. Sustainable beauty and ethical values are at the heart of the brands identity, which makes her the perfect Inspirational Femme! We caught up with Teisha for a chat about her holistic range…

What motivated you to create INDAH?

The organic industry has reached a whole new dimension where the effects of pure ingredients are being exploited by so many beauty brands. I realised this when I was studying Aromatherapy, and how important it is to put ‘real’ organic ingredients such as pure essential oils on our skin. It’s taken me a long time to discover the psychological and physiological effects toxins have on the body, I’m still learning but my brand allows me to voice my knowledge and experiences with my customers.

Does INDAH have a mission statement, if so, what is it?

INDAH provides Australian made, beautifully Australian made body care products, perfume and virgin coconut oil. By respecting and working harmoniously with humanity and the environment.

Who is your biggest female inspiration?

I love Stella McCartney, her approach to sustainable fashion and ethical values are the heart of her brand’s identity. Like Stella, we try and communicate our beliefs through our entire product range. I hope to follow in her footsteps one day.

What are the best aspects of running your own business?

I’m fortunate enough to do what I love – I’m very passionate about INDAH, because it’s like an extension of my personality, and that’s why its not just another beauty brand sitting on the shelf, it’s everything that I love all rolled into one. There are so many elements of running my business that I love, but mostly I like to know who my customers are, I like to have a personal connection with them, because it helps me to help them help themselves.

What is your ‘must-have’ product in the range?

Virgin Coconut Oil, it’s my No.1 beauty secret. I have been using this miracle oil for years, it has worked wonders for my skin and it keeps my insides healthy too. It’s organic, affordable, smells delish, you can eat it and cook with it. It’s the base of all of my products, I use it as the base for the whole collection, because it carries the ingredients into the bloodstream where it can detoxify and help replenish and renew cells.

What are your greatest tips for looking good and feeling great?

Looking at things as a whole, so taking a step back and taking a look at your whole life is crucial for feeling and looking great. So not to focus on one or two areas, but understand that it all flows into each other. Some of my tips are:

• Eat organic free-range grass fed foods
• Find ways to deal with stress on a spiritual and emotional level.
• Give back to the environment and humanity.
• Seek natural and alternative medicines.
• Apply pure ingredients on your skin – that means reading your ingredients list.

For further info visit: www.indah.com.au

8 Different Ways with Quinoa

Quinoa has been ‘in grained’ into the healthy hipsters club for the past year or two, and there is little reason to debate its popularity.

 Out of all the grains, quinoa has one of the highest amounts of protein – similar to a glass of milk.