Latest news with #BestPicks
7NEWS
5 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
How an Aussie mum lost 11kg in 8 weeks with an affordable family-friendly program
If your diet journey has hit a standstill and no amount of working out seems to make a lasting difference, it might be time to turn to the professionals. But fear not, that doesn't have to mean extreme gym schedules or flavourless meals, because there are expert-led programs who promote a much more achieveable (and enjoyable) approach to health and fitness. Think simple yet tasty meals, short workouts and daily walks, all with the help of one easy-to-use app to track and maintain your progress. An Aussie mum, Monique, managed to lose an impressive 11kgs in just eight weeks, all by following a PT-certified '8 Week Challange' from the comfort of her home. Like many busy mums, Monique found herself snacking on 'half-healthy' foods while juggling the demands of parenting, leaving her feeling low on energy. Her turning point came during a simple family moment: 'I realised I was avoiding being in photos with my kids. I was disappointed in how I looked and felt. That's when I knew something had to change,' Monique tells Best Picks. Monique's journey didn't begin with crash diets or complicated gym routines. Instead, she turned to the 28 by Sam Wood app — a platform she'd used in the past but hadn't committed to. This time, she made it work for her whole household. 'I stopped snacking all day and started eating proper meals filled with protein, veggies, and good fats. My daughter even started picking meals from the app — and that's when it clicked. We could do this together.' In the 8-Week Challenge, Monique lost 11.1kg — going from 61kg to 50kg — purely through simple meals, short workouts, and daily walks. 'The 10-minute HIIT sessions with Anna and DanceFit with the kids became our new normal.' She now swears by a 'less is more' approach. 'You don't need fancy food or long workouts. You just need something realistic — something that fits your life.' Monique has since been 28 by Sam Wood's 8-Week Challenge winner where she received $5,000 for the most incredible transformation. 'I'm excited with my prize because the challenge has inspired me to invest it back into my health,' she says. 'I am looking to purchase, a medical grade air purifier, a sleep monitoring ring, and a membership to a longevity clinic to check out all the biohacking, anti-aging, and health promoting treatments they have'. Her advice to others starting out? 'Start small. Eat real food. Get your family on board. It doesn't have to be perfect — just consistent.' As for how she feels now? ' Energised, clear-headed, and proud. I'm no longer running on sugar spikes. I actually want to move my body.' The 28 by Sam Wood app is home to plenty of delicious recipes that are full of fresh flavours, and easy to prep and cook in your own kitchen. A typical day on a plate for Monique looks a little like this: Breakfast: Almond milk coffee with collagen protein; sometimes a breakfast shakshuka or bacon, eggs, zucchini, avocado, and sweet potato fries. Lunch: 28 Lamb Stir Fry loaded with veggies or homemade burrito bowls. Dinner: Sam's Satay (a family favourite!) or other meals from the 28 app. Snacks: Very minimal — the 28 meals keep me full. Tried & Tested Best Picks Acting Commerical Editor took the 28 app for a spin — here are her honest thoughts. The issue I'm often up against when it comes to kickstarting a healthy routine is lacking motivation and consistency, allowing myself way too many 'cheat days'. But having access to an app to track my progress helped to hold myself accountable and a reminder that you can still have delicious food in a balanced diet. While I'm not the most tech-savvy person, I found the app itself so user-friendly, easy to navigate between movement and meals and the automatic notifications give me a gentle nudge to make some time in my day to put my wellbeing first. I tend to seek out yoga and pilates workouts, but I was surprised at how much I've enjoyed more cardio-based training sessions too (hello HIIT making its way into my favourites). Across the board the instructors are super informative yet not intimidating, and keep the classes fresh and fun. And someone with a busy nine-till-five schedule, it's been surprisingly easy to incorporate the 30 minute workouts, and the fact that I feel great after every single one is a bonus!
7NEWS
23-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Best weight loss protein shake loved by hundreds of Aussies: The Collagen Co
As we move into winter, losing weight can be trickier than ever thanks to dark evenings and a drop in temperature. But it's also a great opportunity to kickstart your fitness goals before summer comes back around. That's why hundreds of people are swapping meals with a delicious Glow Shake from The Collagen Co to make a big difference. A crowd-favourite for Aussies, these delicious shakes have assisted with not only weight loss, but also added benefits of collagen for the hair, skin, nails, joints, and gut health. In fact, those who have stuck to the shakes have been able to drop 10 kilos, a remarkable achievement that highlights not only the effectiveness of the program but also the participants' dedication to transforming their health and wellness. Jessica F lost 15.4kg in just a one-month period; 'I started at 164.1kg and surpassed my 10 kilo goal, with noticeable body changes and improved health, including better sleep, reduced pain and increased energy for daily activities,' she told Best Picks. 'Thanks to The Collagen Co Glow Shakes, a calorie deficit, hydration, planning and achievable goals, I've transformed my lifestyle and feel healthier mentally and physically — here's to continuing the journey and celebrating progress.' Megan, a mother of three, managed to lose eight kilograms in the same period of time.'My clothes fit better and with two shakes a day, healthy meals, walks and simple workouts, I'm proud of this start around my three little ones,' she said. 'I'm still aiming to lose six kilos but loving how easy and effective the shakes are.' Amy W is down 7.5kg, saying: 'I'm truly speechless. I'm so proud of achieving a healthier relationship with food and building mental and physical resilience ... it's been tough but so worth it. 'Seeing everyone's amazing progress and support is so inspiring; I can't wait to continue my journey and share more along the way.' Power couple Erin B and Blake W lost a total of 25.15kg together. 'Even though the challenge has ended we will still be keeping up the same habits to stay healthy (we currently have eight bags of shakes and four tubs of peptides in the mail!).' Packed with 29g of protein per serving, the ridiculously satiating Glow Shakes shield you from those feels-like-my-stomach-is-eating-itself attacks between meals. They also contain 17.5g of hydrolysed collagen peptides to promote skin, hair, nails and joint health for a full-body glow you can see and are plenty of Glow Shake flavours to choose from including Chocolate Milkshake, Vanilla Milkshake, Strawberry Milkshake, Salted Caramel Milkshake, Cinnamon Churro and the brand new holiday flavour Merry Choc-Mint, all of which taste very much like their namesakes.
7NEWS
22-05-2025
- Business
- 7NEWS
Aussies favourite perfume brand unveils a new floral scent: Goldfield & Banks
Renowned Australian fragrance brand Goldfield & Banks has just launched a brand new perfume, Pacific Rock Flower EDP 100ml, $285, and it's set to be a signature scent for hundreds of Aussies across the country. Home to many familiar faces (Sunset Hour is one of the most sought-after scents), the latest arrival is floral, aquatic and woody, perfect for an everyday spritz. 'Pacific Rock Flower is a love letter to the coastline,' Goldfield & Banks Founder Dimitri Weber tells Best Picks. 'It captures the shimmer of sea spray, windswept blooms, and the rhythm of the tide. It's luminous, expressive, and distinctly Australian.' Currently retailing for $258 for a 100ml bottle or $50 for the travel spray, it's fresh and beautiful, ideal for those heading overseas for a Euro vacay. Crafted in collaboration with Master Perfumer Emilie Bouge of Robertet in Grasse, France, Pacific Rock Flower merges the precision of French perfumery with the raw beauty of Australia's coastal flora. With a potent 25 per cent perfume concentration, this genderless scent offers long-lasting performance and year-round versatility. At the core of Pacific Rock Flower lies Australian Coastal Tea Tree — a native wildflower known for its aromatic leaves and delicate white blooms. This central note is artfully entwined with sea salt, cocowax, coral flower, and creamy tuberose, evoking the sensory richness of ocean air and windswept shores. A warm base of patchouli and Australian sandalwood anchors the composition, providing both depth and softness. Famous for its fusion of French perfumery techniques and Indigenous Australian botanicals, the brand crafts scents that transport the wearer to the heart of the continent's diverse and evocative landscapes. Each fragrance is a sensory journey — a tribute to nature, artistry, and the spirit of discovery. With Pacific Rock Flower, Goldfield & Banks continues its legacy of olfactory storytelling — inviting the world to experience Australia's coast through scent.
7NEWS
22-05-2025
- 7NEWS
5 best check-in suitcases: Best Picks unveils the top models for your next vacay
It's May, and that can only mean one thing for keen travellers; Euro summer is just around the corner. If you're ready to escape the cold Aussie winter and bask under the sun in Greece, Spain or France, you're going to need a trusty suitcase to transport all your essentials from A to B. While I'm a big advocate for carry-on luggage, an international trip requires a larger case for all kinds of big and bulky items that are required on a two week (or longer) vacation. Whether you're in the market for a state-of-the-art model or ready to invest in the best of the bunch, there are three things you always need to look for in a good check-in suitcase: ease of use, design and functionality. Here at Best Picks, we've rounded up the best of the bunch that will safely transport your Euro wardrobe, shoes and all. 1. Samsonite C-Lite Suitcase 75cm, $999 at Samsonite We've written about this best-seller before — and for good reason. As one of Samsonite's most popular cases, the C-Lite is designed and made in Europe, with a strong hard shell from woven Curv material, its light enough to wheel through the airport, and durable to withstand a lifetime of trips. Shoppers say the best-selling case 'delivers on durability and performance,' and is 'great for longer adventures,' thanks to the 10 year warranty giving users a peace of mind with purchase. For a limited-time, save up to 40 per cent when you spend $299 or more, and that includes the new pearl/fuchsia colourway which can be easily be spotted on the carousel. 2. July Checked Expandable, $425 at July Aussie-made luggage brand July has long been a name on our radar, and you can spot thousands of travellers wheeling the recognisable trunk-like cases at the airport. Loved by the masses, the Checked Expandable can hold 80L in size, and has plenty of hidden features to make travelling days much more easier, including the expandle function for storing a few extra additions. Inside there's a laundry bag and a heavy-duty Y strap to compress your belongings and create more space. Thanks to the telescopic handles, it's easier than ever to wheel. 'Smooth wheels, distinctive colour, and great construction, ' says one shopper. 'Love the small little details like the smoothness or the telescopic handle, and quality of zippers - impressed.' 3. Monos Check-In Large, $485 at Monos With over 2,000 reviews, the Monos Check-In is a crowd-favourite case with nine different colourways to choose from. Deemed as a 'must-have' for any long-haul trips, shoppers says the case ' rolled smoothly over rough terrain ' when transporting across uneven paths in Europe. While it's on the heavier side, the Aerospace-grade, water-resistant outer shell offers high performance and extreme durability, with 360 degree wheels making it easy to roll, and gorgeous vegan leather detailing. As an added bonus, the Monos case comes with an ion-coated laundry bag, two shoe bags and a stylish vegan leather luggage tag. 4. American Tourister Aerostep, $399 at American Tourister A big player in the luggage game, American Tourister is home to hundreds of durable and functional cases from carry-on to check-in. That includes the award-winning Aerostep, an expandable large 77cm suitcase with double wheels, mesh pockets, and a TSA combination lock. Weighing in at 3.8kg, it leaves plenty of room (and weight) for all your holiday essentials, including heavier items like shoes, books and electronics. Thanks to an epic offer, you can save 40 per cent when spending $250 or more on a new case for your overseas adventure. 5. Antler Large Luggage, $399 at Antler Home to plenty of gorgeous colourways, Antler luggage comes highly-rated and recommended by thousands of shoppers across the country. With a lifetime warranty across all cases, it's hard to look past the British brand and the stylish designs on offer, especially the Large Luggage, a 78cm travel companion. ' Bought this case to take on long haul trips. Really good build quality so will hopefully withstand some of the rough treatment it's bound to get in transit,' one shopper commented. Thanks to the silent 360 degree wheels and bespoke comfort-grip handle, 'it's incredibly lightweight yet sturdy, making it easy to maneuver through busy airports and city streets,' another agreed. There's currently two offers up for grabs: spend $399 and save up to 40 per cent off, or build your own bundle with a matching carry on case for 20 per cent off.
7NEWS
20-05-2025
- Health
- 7NEWS
Best Australian-made serum for hydrating skin this winter: Dr Naomi Let It B
If your skin is already starting to feel the effects of winter, or you've noticed an increase in flakes and patches, consider it your sign to up your hydration. To battle the colder weather, hundreds of shoppers across the globe are seeking the help of an Aussie-made serum to rehydrate, plump and glow. Meet one of Dr Naomi's best-sellers, the Let It B serum ($129), a silky soft formula jam packed with niacinamide, panthenol and triple hyaluronic acid. Deemed as a 'must-have' as the temperature drops, it's a multi-level Vitamin B formula to soothe, nourish and restore the skin barrier. Perfect for all skin types (particuarly those with extreme dryness), it's lightweight and easy to apply, and can be added in your daily routine. Shoppers who have got their hands on the game-changing formula have described it as 'absolute heaven on the skin.' 'I have tried so many B vitamin, hyaluronic acid based serums over the years and this is by far my favourite,' one shopper commented. 'It absorbs quickly into the skin, hydrates without breaking me out and doesn't pill under other skincare and makeup. I will always repurchase this!' Perfect for applying first-thing in the morning before SPF or as the last step before a night cream in your evening routine, the Let It B serum acts as a soothing layer that dry skin will lap up. Founded by renowned Cosmetic Doctor Dr. Naomi, Dr Naomi Skincare has become one of the country's best-selling brands and a must-have for shoppers across the globe. Take one look at social media and you'll be indundated with product reviews and reviews with shoppers praising the formulas and the 'filter-like' finishes and 'real results.' As a certified cosmetic Doctor with years of experience, Dr. Naomi formulates each product to address real skincare concerns (including dryness and dehydration) with clinically proven ingredients. ' Skincare should be effective, but it doesn't have to be boring,' Dr. Naomi tells Best Picks. 'I wanted to create a line that combines the fun of beauty with the science of dermatology,' she explains.
