Healthy Options Shopping Haul (September 2016)

It’s been said that money can’t buy happiness, but spending money for retail therapy certainly makes me feel good. 🙂 We waltzed into the temporary store of Healthy Options in Shangri-La Mall last month and shopped for items which did not only make us happy but also safe and secure. 😉 Opposite the temp store was a large banner which read “COMING SOON: HEALTHY OPTIONS BIGGEST STORE IN THE PHILIPPINES.” High-five to everyone who’s excited for this! How big will it be as compared to the one in Glorietta 2 in Makati? It’s only a matter of months until we all find out. Meanwhile, in this post, I’m sharing the items we got in September.

Healthy Options Shopping Haul (September 2016)

Personal Care

I’ve always wanted to have whiter teeth for a brighter smile. 🙂 Instead of going to the “laser teeth whitening” route, I’m more open to try toothpastes with natural whitening agent. I’m happy that Healthy Options carries Jason Toothpaste Powersmile Vanilla Mint Fluoride-free Toothpaste. This prevents the formation of cavity causing plaque build-up with grapefruit’s seed extract, while freshening breath with smooth vanilla flavor followed by a kick of peppermint. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is present as a natural whitener that aids in the removal of stains, promoting a beautiful smile.

I’ve read so many good reviews about the T.N. Dickinson’s Witch Hazel Natural Astringent online, so it’s easy to fall in love with it at first glance. Witch hazel is the only toner you will ever need. It has a gentle, non-drying formula. It removes impurities and conditions the skin without disturbing its natural moisture balance. I use it after my facial cleanser and it works fine. Can’t miss this one! I love that it also comes in travel-size packaging.

I told my sister about the known dangers of using deodorant with aluminum chlorohydrate (which I shortly discussed here), and she was convinced to try out an aluminum, parabens and propylene glycol-free deodorant from Healthy Options. Lafe’s Deodorant Spray (Aloe) is odorless and it does not contain harmful chemicals. It sprays on easily, doesn’t cause itching, and doesn’t stain on clothing.

Ideal for damaged hair and split ends, Nature’s Gate Chamomile and Mimosa Bark Replenishing Shampoo smells really nice. The main reason why I got it was because this hair product assists in restoring color-treated hair and leaves it shiny, clean, and soft. Best of all, it’s sulfate-free! My sister uses Nature’s Gate Chamomile hair conditioner to take care of her ombre hair (see pic above).

Other things we got were Nature’s Gate Liquid Soap (very moisturizing and well packaged), Nature’s Gate Pomegranate Sunflower Velvet Moisture Body Wash, and Nature’s Gate Tea Tree Calming Shampoo. Yes, we’re such big fans of Nature’s Gate! 🙂

Grocery


Christmas is fast approaching and Mom just wanted to try out Healthy Options’ sparkling juice so she can have a “taste test” before giving bottles away as gifts to friends in the holiday season. We chose the Sparkling Red Grape Juice. It’s non-alcoholic but refreshing nonetheless, a great alternative drink to champagne when celebrating a special occasion.

Other grocery products we brought home were: Bissinger’s Resealable Blueberries (I love eating these especially when I’m unhappy or stressed), Ocho Dark Chocolate Covered Peppermint (as a boost for lazy days), Beanfields Bean & Rice Chips Nachos (a perk-me-up snack while analyzing data at work), Popcorners Sweet Chili (my super fave gluten-free popcorn chips), American Honey (in cute bear packaging), Pacific Natural Foods Hazelnut Non-Dairy Beverage, and Natural Nectar Almond Coconut Spread (perfect to enhance toast, croissants, waffles, crepes, apples, bananas). 🙂

 

Comments

33 responses to “Healthy Options Shopping Haul (September 2016)”

  1. Franc Ramon Avatar

    I like the healthy snacks available at Healthy Options. It gives you a lot of options and you get more nutrients than the regular snacks.

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Eating snacks from Healthy Options also makes me less guilty haha especially chocolates!

  2. Bhushavali Avatar

    That was worth the wait, isn’t it!!! That’s a lot of options in the entire product range…

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      A big product range–that’s what I love most about shopping in this branch. Soon we will be able to witness and visit the biggest one, the bigger and better Healthy Options at Shangri-la Mall. 🙂

  3. Fred Avatar

    Of all these items you have featured in this article, the one I was most interested in was that Witch Hazel astringent. I will definitely seek this out and try this product. The cleanliness of our face is important, but the astringent we use should be safe.

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Right. I think men and not only women should take proper care of their skin. Having a trusted astringent that’s gentle and cleans the face well from the dirt and oil helps a lot.

  4. Tiffany Yong Avatar

    The barkthins looks delicious, something I will love to have despite my painful sorethroat… Maybe the Aloe Vera Gel instead… So what did you get for yourself?

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Jason Toothpaste Powersmile Vanilla Mint Fluoride-free Toothpaste, Nature’s Gate Chamomile and Mimosa Bark Replenishing Shampoo, and Bissinger’s Resealable Blueberries are my favorites in this bunch. 🙂

  5. Mum Tuscany Avatar

    I’ve visited Healthy Options a few times here near my place in Alabang. They had the stuff I needed at that time (magnesium salts and a few organic chips) but their prices are a bit steep for me. I haven’t checked the others on your post though. Hopefully next time, when I pass by its branch after doing my groceries. 🙂

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      There’s no denying that prices are more expensive than regular groceries. but these brands and healthy products are unique and hard to find just about anywhere else. I think you’re paying the value for quality and also the great ambiance of the store and friendly assistance of the staff. 🙂

      1. larry marin Avatar

        For that reason Healthy Options really need to have competition similar to Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s in the U.S. For those looking for alternative stores to buy imported supplements from I’d recommend Cash & Carry stores on their mezzanine level. There are about 6 stores there that carry supplements. You can haggle too. Aside from supplements, they do sell many imported (mostly from the U.S.) products too. They sell lots of supplements there at slightly lower prices than the prices at H.O.. But you may not find some of the hard-to-find supplements there that Healthy Options may carry. Also, S&R and Landers do carry supplements also but I think their prices are higher than H.O.’s. Plus they require membership fees to purchase there.

        I have a question: does Healthy Option carry Food-Grade 35% Hydrogen Peroxide, Colloidal Copper and Colloidal Silver? I found Colloidal Silver being sold at the Sunday-only tiangge at Centris (cor Quezon Av & EDSA) by an American. He also sell other hard to find supplements there. I should try the community markets in Makati over the weekend.

  6. Chelsea Klassen Avatar

    Wow, that’s a good selection! I have never seen a Witch Hazel Astringent before. I would love to try it as I have read so many good things about Witch Hazel.
    It’s nice to see a variety of brands I know and trust and some new things I would like to try.

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      High concentrations of tannins in witch hazel make it an excellent astringent which means it has the ability to remove excess oil from skin and shrink down pores. Health-wise, those who are exposed to lots of environmental pollutants may apply witch hazel to the face in order to reduce the amount of contaminants that enter pores and, consequently, the amount and severity of blemishes.

  7. Jenn @ EngineerMommy Avatar

    I always love browsing the aisles of health food stores. I almost always find delicious, nutritious foods that are new to me. It looks like Healthy Options has a wide selection of yummy foods. I would love to go shopping here one day!

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      I was overwhelmed the first time I visited a Healthy Options store. I thought I wanted to bring everything home! 🙂

  8. Vicky Avatar

    Healthy options sounds like a great place to go to find all kinds of good for you treats to eat and products for your body. It must be so much fun to wander through there with your cart and check out products that you might not be able to find somewhere else. Natural Nectar Almond Coconut Spread sounds perfect to put on some warm toast. Yum!

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Natural Nectar Almond Coconut Spread is very tasty. It’s a good alternative to peanut butter for breakfast in the morning. 🙂

  9. Censie Sawyer Avatar

    Great products. I recently started using the Nature Gate line. i really enjoy it and think it is a great product. Thank you for these ideas. I will be checking out more new brands for our family.

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      You’re welcome! From toothpaste, shampoo, hair conditioner, bath soap, Nature’s Gate is a brand I highly trust. 🙂

  10. Amanda Love Avatar

    There are so many choices available! I’m curious about the toothpaste and the deodorant. I’ve been looking for chemical free options.

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Schedule a visit to Healthy Options with a friend or jot it on your calendar so you won’t forget. 😛

  11. nicol Avatar
    nicol

    this would be my heaven. i would want everything from there

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Oh yes, me too! I actually dream of having a home filled with Healthy Options products from food supplies, soaps we use, to lotion, hand wash for guests, and all other items. 🙂

  12. Stephanie Jeannot Avatar

    I have to say that money may not bring happiness but it can be a temporary fix sometimes. Stressed, go shopping. Then get stressed at the bill. LOL!

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Haha yes, that comes later though since more and more people nowadays have credit cards. 😉

  13. Bites for Foodies Avatar

    Would you believe that seeing all of these awesome, natural, organic products makes me want to run over there now and buy everything on the shelves?!?

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Haha yes, I sometimes also feel the same way whenever I really want to get my hands on products that are highly recommended and raved by many forums and online communities.

  14. Kristy @ Mommy Hates Cooking Avatar

    Buying healthy products for our family is something that I’m just starting to put more energy into. This store looks like a great place to shop! You got a lot of awesome products. My kids would love to have some of the Sparkling Grape Juice for the holidays.

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Sparkling Grape juice tastes nice but I prefer the Gold Apple and Peach flavors more. 🙂 There’s also Rose and berries!

  15. Jasmine Avatar

    Ive just recently started to make a more conscious decision to buy healthier. Wish we had a store like this near us for me to shop. I love the pretty bottle of sparkling grape for the holidays!

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      The sparkling juice drink is a great gift option also for friends and family. You would not have to worry about the presentation of packaging because these bottles look decent and attractive. 🙂

  16. Elizabeth O Avatar
    Elizabeth O

    Wow, I heard that witch hazel is a nice product for the skin. I am looking forward on trying it.

    1. Rochkirstin Santos Avatar

      Witch hazel is one of the most effective natural acne treatments known today. It’s even been shown to protect against skin cancer! 🙂

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