VEGAN ESSENTIALS GUIDE

GET GLOWING FROM THE INSIDE OUT

At The Body Shop, we create naturally-inspired beauty products using sustainably sourced ingredients from all around the world. Our products are always cruelty-free and are all vegetarian. Most of our newest creations are 100% vegan, including some of our favourite body yogurt flavours: Strawberry, Mango, Moringa, and British Rose.

We’ve partnered with vegan and plant-based food YouTuber, Liv B, who has helped create our Essentials Guide, if you’re keen to live a more vegan lifestyle. From delicious vegan juice recipes (thanks Liv!) to vegan moisturizers and other vegan skincare tips, we’ve got you covered.

VEGAN INGREDIENTS FOR INNER BODY GLOW

It’s never been a better time to learn about foods that will help give your hair, skin and nails a boost, and give you a glow from the inside out, when we are more conscious than ever of what goes in to our bodies. Below is a list of 5 vegan foods that are not only delicious, but have major health and beauty benefits as well!

Avocados

Avocados are one of the most well-known beauty foods. They are terrific for hair, skin and nails due to their monounsaturated fatty-acid content. Avocados also contain fibre, magnesium, folate and more potassium than a banana! Many hair and skin products now contain avocado or avocado oil because of its moisturizing effects.

Spinach

Everyone knows it’s important to eat your greens, but some are definitely more palatable than others. Spinach is a leafy green that is mild in flavour and easy to add to many types of meals. It is high in vitamin A, a nutrient necessary for the growth of all body tissues including skin and hair. Spinach also contains vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene, which can help protect the skin from premature aging. Add a handful of spinach into your next smoothie and you’ll be surprised at how little you can taste it!

Oats

Oats are an amazing source of complex carbohydrates for vegans and non-vegans alike. They are a source of fibre and iron which are key components in a healthy vegan lifestyle. They are also low in fat and free of cholesterol, which is how they have earned their heart healthy reputation. Aside from being healthy for your insides, oats are also a great ingredient when used in body products. Oats are soothing to the skin and are effective in lotions and face masks to calm and reduce irritation and dryness.

Berries

In addition to being delicious, berries (such as strawberries, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries) are high in antioxidants which can minimize the damage caused to the skin by free radicals. Berries are also high in vitamin C - a vitamin that is involved in the production of collagen which helps with keeping skin looking young and firm. Try adding a mix of berries to your morning smoothie or on top of some oatmeal for an extra boost at breakfast!

Chia

Chia seeds are a vegan’s best friend. They contain a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids, which are often lacking in many people’s diet. Chia seeds are also a good source of protein and fibre which fill you up and keep you full longer. They absorb up to 12 times their weight in water, and create a gel-like substance which can be used to replace eggs in vegan baked goods. Another way to enjoy all the health and beauty benefits of chia seeds is by simply adding them to a smoothie or oatmeal.

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VEGAN JUICE RECIPES

Juices are a brilliant way to get a boost to your vitamin intake, a natural source of energy and aren’t too tricky to make. They can be vegan too! These recipes are sure to provide extra hydration, and give you a boost of easily absorbed nutrients. A juicer works best to produce the smoothest pulp-free juice, but if you don’t have a juicer, no worries! You can blend the ingredients in a blender and strain the juice through some cheesecloth (similar to how almond milk is made) to separate out the juice from the pulp. Happy juicing!

EACH RECIPE SERVES 2

ENERGIZING GREEN COCKTAIL

Can you believe that something so hulk-like actually has amazing beauty benefits? Green juice is a great way to get in some extra nutrients while giving you a boost of energy. Make this green juice the next time you feel that 3pm slump coming on. It is sweet thanks to the pineapple and apple, hydrating from the cucumber, and packed with essential nutrients from the kale. It really is the perfect mix!

2 apples
3 leaves of kale
1 cup chopped pineapple

WATERMELON BLAST

This juice is perfect for an afternoon by the pool or a picnic with friends. Watermelon is a great fruit to make juice with because of its high water content- you can get a lot of juice out of a watermelon! This recipe also incorporates blueberries and basil which add a nice mellow flavour to the sweet, hydrating watermelon. If you like the combination of sweet and tangy, try adding some lime as well! Serve this with some ice cubes for an extra-refreshing healthy drink.

1/2 watermelon
5 basil leaves
1 cup blueberries
1/2 medium lime, peeled (optional)

SUNSHINE IN A GLASS

You know that feeling when you step out of the shade into the sun and feel the rays beaming down on you? That’s how you will feel when drinking this juice. The colour is a gorgeous vibrant orange from the carrots, which means it is packed with beta-carotene, a vital nutrient for your eyes and immune system. This juice is also packed with vitamin C from the oranges which is excellent for healthy skin and a functioning immune system. The ginger adds a zing of spice and is known for boosting the immune system as well.

2 navel oranges, peeled
1-inch knob of fresh ginger, peeled
3 carrots
1 cucumber

VEGAN BODY CARE: STEP-BY-STEP

WASH

Lather yourself with shower cream or gel, depending on your preference - we'd recommend our British Rose Shower Gel. A bath lily can make a little go a long way.

EXFOLIATE

Buff away old skin and stimulate your circulation for a healthy, glowing appearance and super soft skin. For a natural exfoliant with no harmful microbeads, try the Fuji Green Tea™ Body Scrub.

BODY MASK

The skin is one of your largest organs, so give it a treat with our Spa Of The World™ Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay. The charcoal draws out impurities and has been known to draw out tensions from the mind too.

BODY MASK

Last but by no means least, moisturize to help rejuvinate skin cells and keep skin looking good during the warmer months. Our Strawberry Body Yogurt is gel-based and dries in just over 15 seconds, which makes it one of the best body moisturizers for summer.

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MOISTURE ON THE GO

ANIMAL-FRIENDLY PLACES TO VISIT

We all know Canada’s a beautiful country, but did you know it has a ton of animal-friendly locations to offer, too? From burrowing owls and brown bears to puffins and whales, take a look at the wonderful variety of wildlife on offer this summer. Here are The Body Shop’s recommendations of eight animal-friendly spots to venture to this season, all year round.

MINGAN ARCHIPELAGO

This island is home to land animals like the adorable Atlantic puffin, and is a great place to go whale watching.

Source: Parks Canada.

JASPER NATIONAL PARK

Breathe in the fresh area and beautiful scenery while you're on the wildlife tour, and maybe even bump into some wild cats...!

Source: Jasper Wildlife

RIDING MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

The perfect place for a picnic on a warm day - just make sure the elk or bald eagles don't steal your food.

Source: Wildlife Worldwide.

POINT PELEE NATIONAL PARK

If you want to do a spot of bird watching, then Point Pelee is the place. It's host to a range of endangered and rare birds, including the vibrant Scarlet Tanager.

Source: Point Pelee National Park

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE

Cross a bridge suspended in the tree tops, 70 metres above a river, and amongst the array of birds and other wildlife... as long as you're not scared of heights.

Source: Cap Bridge