South Africa’s Premium Lifestyle Magazine for the ... · Yellow multi top, Karen Millen R2400 La Bamba earrings, Pichulik R750 Ivory, Karen Millen R2100 Julia stripe paperbag short,

WE ARE FAMILY

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MOTHERKIND

LAID BACK SUMMER STYLE

• Dealing with obesity in Children• Get fit by cycling together

mamaSouth Afr ica’s Premium Lifestyle Magazine for the Discerning Parent

ISSUE 5 2019/20 • R49.00 (VAT incl.)

SITTING

THE P WORD

pretty

DISCOVER THE LAND OF SIESTAS, PAELLA & VINO

SpainHAZY DAYS IN SUNNY

Moulding eco-warriors for a GREENER FUTURE

Debunking myths surrounding plant

based diets

8 absolute mama | ISSUE 5

ISSUE 5

Contents

DIGEST 16 Mama Love Must haves for this

season

18 What’s On Dates & events not to

miss for the coming months

110 New Books Delightful reads for you and

your little one FASHION & BEAUTY 22 Summer Fling Fabulous Summer fashion

for Mom

28 Make A Splash Embrace cool colours and

striking prints for your little fashionista

30 Beauty Notes Natural skin essentials to keep

your skin beautiful this summer

PARENTHOOD 34 The Perfect Alignment The importance of

chiropractic care and ergonomics for your child

44 A Global Epidemic Thefightagainstchildhood

obesity

50 Eco-Mom to the rescue Moulding the eco-warriors

of the future

HEALTH & WELLNESS 56 The Buzz in Beauty &

Wellness

Collagen,thescaffoldingtoyour complexion, an aid in tissue repair and an essential in overall gut-health

60 The P Word Busting the myths surrounding

a plant based diet

66 Superfoods Thebenefitsofincluding

Superfoods within your diet

FOOD & FITNESS

70 Pedal Power Cycling as a family 76 A Different Spin on the

Traditional Braai Yummy recipes to broaden the horizons of every ‘braaier’


contents | ISSUE 5

82 Sweet Treats Delicious sugar-free dessert

recipes to try this holiday

HOME DÉCOR 86 “Nou Gaan Ons Braai” Spruce up your entertainment

area with these top tips and latest décor pieces

TRAVEL 96 Old-Fashioned Towns

Re-Discovered We visit the Overberg with its breathtaking natural wonders and quaint towns.

102 The Kingdom of Spain The land of Siesta, Paella, over

8000 kilometres of beach and a family friendly destination!

DAD’S CORNER 108 The Year of Living A satirical entry into our

resident Dad’s diary


Editor’sLETTER

HelloAnd just like that another year has passed and the crazy season rushes us into the holiday we have been dying to have the whole year, a time to celebrateandreflecton all that we have achieved this year.

When I recall summer holiday memories they include – The smell of my Mom’s famous Christmas cake baking; playing “I-Spy” while waiting in anticipation to collect my next Caltex Bunny sticker as we refuel on our trip down to the South Coast - hours frolicking in the warm Indian Ocean with my Dad and brother, ending the day on a ‘lekker’ family braai at our caravan.

I also remember big family gatherings with all the cousins, aunts and uncles, grannies and grandpa’s and us kids, singing Christmas carols before opening our ‘prezzies’ that we totally deserved after our ‘good behaviour’ throughout the year.

Isn’t it funny though, how the roles have changed? I am now the one baking the famous Christmas cake and creating those lifelong memories for my children who hopefully will pass them on to their children.

This is my favourite time of the year and I am delighted as our 3 year old is beyond himself with excitement for the bearded man who will be climbing down our chimney to leave him all the presents his little heart desires.

And after a year that felt like it had

730 days, I can’t wait for the warm summereveningsinfrontofthefire with my family playing board games, just relaxing – no deadlines, no school projects and no lunch boxes to pack. I have also been thinking about my New Year’s resolution for a while and I have discovered that the biggest gift I can give myself is time….time to do what I feel like doing and a lot of self-love!

In this issue we discuss the importanceoffightingchildhoodobesity.We bust the myths surrounding a plant-baseddiet,wealsolistthebenefitsof including Superfoods daily and take a look at the impact good spinal and muscular health has on your child’s cognitive development. We rediscover old fashioned towns in the breathtaking Overberg and take a trip to the land of siestas, Paella and over 8000 kilometres of beach, the Kingdom of Spain! We have also included gorgeous fashion for you and your kids, curated all the best events for this season and have a selection of delectable sugar-free desserts, made with Freesweet, the ultimate 1:1 sugar replacement and so much more this issue. Grab your copy or your tablet, sit back and enjoy!

A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality – John Lennon

The benefits of includingSuperfoods within your

diet page 66

Join me online

Absolutemamamag Absolutemamamag www.absolutemama.co.za Absolutemamamag

Spruce up your entertainmentarea with top tips and latest

décor pieces page 86

Summer Flingpage 22



digest | WE LOVE

Treasures from the ocean, a flavour explosion and ceramics celebrating self-love are amongst our top picks this season

WE LOVE

BE NATURALLY NATURAL Afro Sundae is a premium South African hair product company, offering 100% organic hair products that are free from chemicals

like sodium, lauryl sulphate, parabens and chlorine, which are found in nearly all conventional conditioners and shampoos.

Afro Sundae Natural Hair Products are made with safe, gentle plant-based ingredients, which help to improve the health of

your hair and scalp and are also 100% environmentally friendly. They are committed to offering women and men of all ages

beauty hair products that combine everyday safety with effectiveness for the unique natural hair market. Go ahead, give

into your fro’s craving for a natural boost! www.afrosundae.co.za

Happy Tot, Happy Family

Got a picky eater? You’re not alone. Happy Family Organics offer trusted organic snacks & meals for your little one’s budding palate. Their Superfood Super Stars contains choline which supports brain health and chia. Small but mighty, chia seeds are packed with essential Omega 3’s (ALA) and also contain protein, calcium and fibre. Ranging from Superfood pouches, Oat Bars, yummy puffs – snack time can be fun and healthy.www.happyfamilyorganics.com

LA LUNA SUMMER COLLECTION Dynamic mother and daughter team, Dawn and Lauren Smorenburg, creates unique bespoke jewellery of unmistakeable quality and gorgeous design. Money can’t buy happiness, but it can buy beautiful jewellery and their latest range is sure to do just that. The La Luna Summer Collection celebrates treasures from the ocean and captures the essence of ancient times through exquisite and timeless earrings, bracelets and necklaces. www.adawnment.co.za

From the South of Spain Farah Hernandez Ceramics’ unique contemporary

style is both elegant and light hearted.She uses porcelain as a canvas, creating once-

off pieces where the emphasis is placed on

the illustrations. Leaving the shapes

simple and clean, she creates intricate

hand-painted designs following patterns that

evolve into shapes and landscapes. In a search to

love her breasts again after more than 2 years of

breastfeeding, she started making the boob cups, a

celebration of our uniqueness, our perfect

imperfections. We are absolutely smitten with these cups of self-love!

www.farahhernandez.co.za

Perfect Christmas GiftAncient Coin

Toggle Necklace

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digest | WE LOVE

absolute mama | ISSUE 5

Ou-ma Goodness

Dynamic mother and daughter duo, Karien and Ananja of

Nanas Baby Wear brings you beautiful knitted wear, summer wear and wooden toys for the

trendy baby. Nanas is an initiative to equip a selection

of grannies across South Africa with the necessary tools to

regain purpose after retirement by creating unique handmade

products with love. Their collection consist of gorgeous

linen, knitted and velvet baby and kids clothing.

www.nanasbabywear.co.za

REVOLUTIONISE YOUR LIFESTYLE

Looking for all the flavour without the restriction of Dynamic alcohol?

Lautus De-Alcoholised Wines are crafted using cutting edge

technology and techniques to retain all the beautiful flavours

from fermentation. Lautus De-Alcoholised Wines comes in a Savvy White, Rosè, Savvy Red and a gorgeous Sparkling. You

should never be limited by choice,

choose Lautus, the finer choice! www.drinklautus.com

Ed’s Choice Orange

Chamomile Green Rooibos

Tea

For the Tea Connoisseur

Carmién Tea’s story started in 1998 in an old farm shop on the historic Brakfontein Estate

near the small town of Citrusdal. Offering superior quality products direct from the farm,

whilst ensuring total food traceability in the food chain, Carmién Tea takes the art of tea-drinking to the next level. Their latest Pyramid tea range of rooibos tea leaves

blended with floral, fruity and spicy elements is beautifully showcased in see-through pyramid

teabags. A taste and flavour explosion that sets the trend for a new era of tea enjoyment.

www.carmientea.co.za

Pass on Plastic In the midst of the plastic

crisis we should all be making the swap to

reusable shopping bags and start playing your part in eliminating single use plastics.

Kiwinet’s POP bags are great for weighing and carrying fruit and vegetables, could be used for carrying shoes while traveling or even as a lingerie bag and make for

a great re-usable gift bag. Made from off-cuts and empowering a local community, these POP bags are an absolute must for any grocery shopper! What are

you doing to make a difference? [email protected]

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fashion & beauty | MAMA FASHION


Summer Lovin’Our selection of this season’s must have fashion pieces to for the perfect summer wardrobe

Mellow Yellow

Electra C3 sunglasses, ZEMP Naturals R995

Maia gem necklace, JADE R1895

Yellow multi top, Karen Millen R2400

La Bamba earrings, Pichulik

R750Ivory, Karen Millen

R2100

Julia stripe paperbag short, PoetryR599

Yellow dress, H&M R429

Boyfriend jeans, Trenery R899

Naledi hammered disc ring, Woolworths R89.95

AMalia sandal, Rare Earth available at Poetry R499

Audrey waxy tan bag, ZEMP Naturals R2890

Rafella sandal, Rare Earth available at Poetry R1099

fashion & beauty | MAMA FASHION

23absolute mama | ISSUE 5

Lake Como dress - Chartreuse, Bena Women

R1250

44

parenthood | OBESITY IN CHILDREN


Fighting Childhood

ObesityChildhood obesity is a growing epidemic globally, and the World Health Organization has called it “one of the most serious public

health challenges of the 21st century.”

BY MARIZA HALLIDAY




besity during childhood is a serious matter that can lead to several medical problems,

including diabetes, asthma, sleep apnea and high blood pressure. In addition, being overweight can also take an emotional toll on children, resulting in depression and low self-esteemcausedbydifferentpsychological pressures. The World Obesity Federation released statistics predicting that 3.91 million South African school children will be overweight or obese by 2025. South Africa has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity in the world with an alarmingfigureof13%.Theglobalaverage stands at 6%.

DEFINING CHILDHOOD OBESITY Childhood obesity occurs when a child has excess body fat and, as a result, falls well above the recommended weight for his or her height. The body mass index (BMI) scale is the most commonandeffectivetoolusedto

later in life. The causes of childhood obesity are complex. The most obvious causes are overeating and not getting enough exercise, fuelled by energy-dense foods and increased screen time. Other reasons obesity may occur include poor sleeping patterns, poverty, poor gut health and genetic predisposition as well as social and environmental factors.

Psychological issues can be caused by obesity, but they can also lead to obesity. Children who are stressed, sufferfromanxiety,areboredordepressed may become emotional eaters.

Child therapist, Gill Liprini, says that it is common for children who are overweight to have a low self-image. “Not only do overweight and obese children get teased, but they also sufferthehumiliationofnotbeingableto excel or participate in sport because of their weight. They feel ashamed of their bodies. They either become withdrawn to go unnoticed, or adopt bullying behaviour and become angry and aggressive, as they are often bigger than others,” she says.

estimate a child’s appropriate weight.A child’s BMI score is determined

differentlythanthatofanadult.Ratherthan using a mathematical formula, growth charts from the CDC are used to determine a child’s BMI. Growth charts are used because they factor in a child’s growth patterns as they age andaccommodategenderdifferencesthrough the maturation process.• Obese children will have a BMI at or

above the 95th percentile• Overweight children will have a BMI

at or above the 85th percentile and lower than the 95th percentile

WHAT CAUSES CHILDHOOD OBESITY? One of the main causes of South Africa’s childhood obesity rate is the rapid growth of the country’s commercial food industry. This has resulted in enhanced consumption of low-cost, readily available and ultra-processed food. Studies show that both children of overweight parents and children subjected to malnutrition during pregnancy or infancy are likely to become obese

O



56

health & wellness | COLLAGEN



The Buzz About

By Lori Cohen

Collagen


lump. That’s how we all want our skin to look, and it’s collagen that acts as‘scaffolding’that

keeps our complexions looking full and juicy. Elsewhere in our bodies, the protein makes up parts of our connective tissue in tendons, ligaments and muscles. It’s pretty importantstuff.

The issue is that as we age, our collagen production drops and the collagen we already have starts to break down. For our faces this means asaggingeffectstartstotakehold,and wrinkles begin to appear. Can you replace lost collagen? The issue is that pure collagen molecules are too big to penetrate the epidermis (skin) and the dermal layer below it.

To sidestep the size issue, most

P products contain collagen peptides instead. This is collagen that has been broken down into smaller chains of amino acids. It’s these that penetrate the dermis to provide the building blocksforfibroblaststomakenewcollagen.

TOP UP THROUGH YOUR TUMSome research shows that oral collagen may improve skin appearance. However, for most people this is unnecessary. If you’re eating a balanced, protein-rich diet, you’ll be getting all you need. Other nutrients that aid the process of collagen production include zinc, vitamin C, and copper. So, fruits and vegetables high in vitamins and minerals are also a friend to supple skin.


derived from vitamin A which promotes new collagen formation, by ‘turning on’ genes and cells involved in collagen production. They can be found in over-the- counter creams or prescription-only products based on their strength. They can include irritation and sun sensitivity, and shouldn’t be used when pregnant or breastfeeding. It’s recommended you introduce retinoid use into your daily skincare cream slowly (a couple of days a week in low doses), allowing your skin to build a tolerance.

Dermatologistsalsoofferavarietyof specialised treatments. ‘In my opinionin-officecollagenstimulationis far superior to any tablet or cream one can use. Collagen boosting treatmentsincludethoseofferedthrough various devices such as IPL, non-ablative fractional lasers and skin needling as well as skin booster treatments combined with platelet-rich plasma,’ says dermatologist Dr Genevieve Marks.

Inflammationistherootcauseofarange of conditions and diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Finally, it also promotes the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut. These macrobiotic critters are critical to a healthy digestive system and a healthy digestive system is key to a healthy body and mind, it’s a no brainer.

TURN UP THE VOLUMEThen there are the beauty products that help to produce or maintain collagen. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps the skin maintain its elasticity and collagen levels. It does this by protecting the skin from oxidative stress that triggers collagen breakdown. (Smoking, pollution and sun exposure are the big three culprits here, so avoid all three if you want to keep your collagen levels in their prime.)

Themosteffectiveproductstohave in your beauty cabinet are those based on retinoids. Retinoids are

Alcohol and a poor diet will work againstyourskinbecausetheyaffectthe stability and production of the collagen protein. They do this by activating pathways that damage collagen and reduce its formation.

Feel like you’re lacking? In Japan, marinecollagenhashadafirmfollowing for over 300 years. As the rest of the world’s caught on, it’s sparked a trend for smoothies, snack bars and supplements infused with collagen. These supply the body with the amino acids that your body needs to repair and rebuild all types of collagen throughout the body. In particular,athletesandfitnessfollowers have taken to collagen supplementation, enjoying the benefitsitgivesthemintissuerepairand injury prevention.

Then there’s gut health. The collagen provides the amino acids needed to repair and rebuild the intestinal wall. It also has anti-inflammatoryproperties–anessentialpart of the puzzle in overall gut health.



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food & fitness | PLANT BASED RECIPES


Yummy recipes to broaden the horizons of every braaier!

my vegetarian braaiHARISSA TOFU

& GRILLED PEACH SALAD

MY VEGETARIAN BRAAI With more than 90 tried-and-tested, delicious and easy recipes, you will be able to satisfy the taste buds of every guest that sits at your table, whether you are vegetarian or vegan. Even meat eaters will be seduced by these tasty vegetarian and vegan recipes which make brilliant side dishes to accompany any meal. My Vegetarian Braai by Adele Maartens is published by Struik Lifestyle, an imprint of Penguin Random House. Available at bookstores nationwide at the recommended retail price of R325.

food & fitness | PLANT BASED RECIPES


MOROCCAN-STYLE CHICKPEA KEFTAS WITH LEMON & MINT RAITA & MINI FLATBREADS

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South Africa’s Premium Lifestyle Magazine for the ... · Yellow multi top, Karen Millen R2400 La Bamba earrings, Pichulik R750 Ivory, Karen Millen R2100 Julia stripe paperbag short,