Hip & Healthy Guide To Marylebone

Nestled in the city’s centre, Marylebone is undoubtedly one of the most hip (and chic) neighbourhoods in London. This corner of the capital might be small, but it’s undoubtedly mighty with an array of things to do, classes to take, things to shop and delicious food to eat. If you wanted to live the ideal London life for a few days, you would find everything you might desire within its buzzing streets. From the best fitness classes and places to stay to the most interesting independent shops and fabulous restaurants, we have created the ultimate H&H Guide to Marylebone.

Stay

The Prince Akatoki

An oasis of calm in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city, The Prince Akatoki is a relaxing and fuss-free luxury hotel just minutes away from Marble Arch and Hyde Park. The ethos of this Japanese-style sanctuary is to make its guests feel relaxed and pampered during their stay. The natural materials and neutral tones used throughout the hotel convey a feeling of calmness while in the room. The wonderfully comfortable kimonos provided and the plushy bed invite you to stay in, take a bath using the delightful MALIN+GOETZ products and perhaps even enjoy a private yoga session before enjoying a well-deserved restorative sleep. The hotel might not have a spa, but their gym is a lovely place to start the morning with state-of-the-art equipment and even a Peloton bike. Of course, visiting The Malt Lounge for a cup of Japanese tea or a drink before heading to Tokii for fresh sashimi and maki rolls is a must.

The Zetter Marylebone

If your style is more ‘home away from home’, this Georgian house transformed into a fabulous hotel will be just what you need to make the most of your time in Marylebone. The Lear’s Loft is the crown jewel of the hotel, a spacious, elegant and flamboyant suite that includes a private rooftop terrace with an outdoor bath – the perfect place to use all the lovely Verden products provided. Outside the comfort of your room, you’ll find that the Zetter is a buzzing pillar of Marylebone’s social life. Their iconic Parlour is the perfect place to spend some cosy time, from breakfast and afternoon tea to drinks and nibbles or a nightcap before bed.

Chiltern Firehouse

Chiltern Firehouse has become one of London’s elite favourite hangout spots, transforming the red bricks of this former London fire station dating from 1887 into one of Marylebone’s modern emblems. The rooms are charming, elegant and cosy, providing everything you need and expect from a 5-star hotel with a touch of sober glamour. The real stars of the show, though, are the incredibly popular and impossible-to-book Firehouse restaurant and The Ladder Shed bar. But reserving a room might make it easier to get a table at their coveted eatery where you could find yourself sitting opposite the next big thing in British cinema, some undetected foreign aristocrat, or even David and Victoria Beckham. Most importantly, you could finally get to try their popular mini crab doughnuts that seem to have the whole of London under their spell. 

Wellness

Chi Yu

This small wellness centre combines Japanese and Western methods with holistic therapies to bring clients a sense of balance and relaxation. The treatments range from classic massages and facials to reflexology, acupuncture, aromatherapy and even craniosacral therapy. For first-timers, we suggest starting with Chi Yu’s Japanese Cosmo facial, which combines a massage with facial reflexology, acupressure and lymphatic drainage to detoxify, energise and nourish the skin, leaving you glowing after only thirty minutes. Chi Yu means ‘healing’ in Japanese, and the idea of healing the body, mind and spirit before any aesthetic concern is primordial for the team, making this wellness centre a little slice of zen in the middle of the busy city.

Townhouse

Sometimes, we need to nourish our souls, other times, we just want to feel chic and put together, and, in this case, nothing beats a new set of nails. One place you can always rely on for any nail needs is Townhouse. Located minutes from Marble Arch, this Marylebone salon is spacious and elegant, boasting enough space to host a whole nail party if you feel so inclined. Dedicate one hour to yourself before dashing off to explore Marylebone’s endless boutiques.

Anatomē

Anatomē is the ultimate wellness destination in the neighbourhood. After having enjoyed a day of treatments and pampering, it’s time to take care of your long-term health. As we all know, true wellbeing starts from the most basic habits, nutrition and sleep, and Anatomē has most of it covered. A lovely staff member will welcome you in their modern apothecary on Chiltern Street and ask you a few questions to understand your concerns and find the best products to support you through your health journey. Anatomē offers a limited number of product lines, still all are targeted to the specific problems that are most important for our wellbeing, such as sleep, hormonal balance and gut health. From this autumn, the brand is also organising workshops on various topics, like sleep health and menopause, to further help their clients reach their best, most balanced selves.

Fitness

KOBOX

Are you seeking a fun, high-intensity class to unwind after a long week? Then put your boxing gloves on and look no further than KOBOX. The tagline ‘where fight club meets fight club’ could not be more appropriate. For fifty minutes, you will be jumping, punching, ducking, and squatting, all to the rhythm of dance music, with strobe lights included. The atmosphere is electric, and you will feel like you are in the perfect place if you want a class that pumps up your endorphins while working every single muscle in your body. After the effort, you can always grab one of their delicious smoothies to regain some strength. If you are not quite sure if this is for you, the intro offer of four classes is only £49, while the monthly unlimited subscription starts from £160.

Tracksmith Running Club

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced runner, this is THE club you need to join if you are looking to meet like-minded people, join a community or simply find a way to hold yourself accountable and step up your running game. Tracksmith, the Boston-born sports brand, organises an array of free events weekly for runners of all levels. You can join one of their running groups on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays and stick around after the workout to enjoy coffee, pastries or bananas and maybe even meet some new running buddies. These well-organised, inclusive and fun community-led events will add friendly competition to your running routine.

Nobu Pilates

The most coveted pilates class in London could only be in Marylebone. And what’s a better way to start your day than working on your core in a lovely 5-star hotel? Nobu Pilates is the ultimate address for newbies and Pilates girlies alike. Nobu Pilates’ Creative Director Marsha Lindsay’s technique has London’s elite hooked. A-listers Maya Jama, Girls Aloud’s Nicola Roberts and Rochelle Humes swear by it, and Marsha has grown a real cult following thanks to her results-driven programs. Classes start from £37, and a package of 10 group classes is £400, so on the pricier side, but the location and quality of the classes more than justifies the price tag. If you are in the mood to push yourself, you can even book a one-to-one class with Marsha and, after the effort, you can enjoy the studio’s terrace with a green juice in hand.

Eat

Uli

If there is something about the food offering in Marylebone, it’s that it will be impossible to be bored of it. The variety of choices in such a small pocket of the city is incredible, and the quality of the food scene is nothing short of spectacular. Uli, for example, is a sleek pan-Asian restaurant serving mouth-watering food inspired by Chinese, Thai, Malaysian and Singaporean traditions with plenty of healthy options. Holding on to the taste of summer for as long as we can, we suggest ordering the Thai sea bass fillet, steamed with chilli and lemongrass, accompanied by a bang bang chicken or tofu salad and some fresh Vietnamese summer rolls for the most fragrant and delicious meal. During colder nights, curries, wonton soups and dim sums will hit the spot.

The Italian Greyhound

No London neighbourhood is complete without a local Italian eatery. On Marylebone’s Seymour Road, The Italian Greyhound is a bar and a restaurant open all day, serving simple and delicious Italian food in a relaxing yet chic environment. Sip a sober martini or one of their other lovely mocktails – the Calabrian is one of our favourites – on their terrace in the sun or in their cosy dining room and enjoy an Italian feast. We would start with a creamy burrata with grilled peaches (the fruit used changes depending on the season) and hazelnuts before the main event with the delicate sea bream accompanied by artichokes, tomatoes and olives or their rib eye steak with polenta and greens. For the ones with a sweet tooth, their pistachio tiramisu will be the perfect end to a fabulous meal. 

Jikoni

Jikoni boasts a fabulous mix of flavours from the four corners of the world. Asia, the Middle East, East Africa and Britain come together at Jikoni and the results are succulent. The restaurant is just as perfect for a romantic dinner as a big happy lunch with family and friends, but we love it even more as an alternative brunch destination. Out with the avocado toast and in with a flavour-packed buckwheat dosa, flavourful aglio e olio butterbean, delicate prawn toast scotch eggs and the unforgettable chickpea panisse. If you still need to satisfy your sweet cravings, then the banana cake is the one to get.

Things to do

Moco Museum

After Amsterdam and Barcelona, the hottest independent modern and contemporary art museum just opened in London, in the heart of Marylebone. A must-visit for all art lovers, Moco has an incredible collection of modern, contemporary, and street art with pieces by iconic artists like Andy Warhol, Banksy, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst and lesser-known but equally remarkable Tom Wesselmann. Moco has three floors of incredible art to explore, just seconds from Marble Arch.

Independent boutiques

Chiltern Street is home to many lovely independent boutiques. From flower shops and small British designers to innovative wellness brands and cool concept stores – there are plenty of things to see and buy on Marylebone’s most charming street.

For the home, Niwaki is a Japanese craft heaven. The shop specialises in garden accessories, from ladders to buckets and secateurs, but also carries a selection of home goods and small accessories that include chef-level Japanese knives, waterproof bags and cool denim jackets. Since the devil is in the detail, you might want to give your kitchen more ‘pzazz’. In this case, Sabre is the shop for you. A space completely dedicated to cutlery where you can build your own set choosing from colours, materials and shapes on offer – a concept so chic it could only be found on Chiltern Street. The last stop is Grandirosa, a lovely florist that only sources seasonal flowers, to get a fresh bouquet and maybe a luxurious Trudon candle to bring the chic spirit of Marylebone to your home.

If you are looking for a little personal shopping, your first stop should be Isabell Manns for the ultimate sartorial luxury. Isabell created an independent British brand with sustainability at its core. All prints are designed by the founder and printed in Italy, but all products are made sustainably and ethically in the atelier shop in Marylebone. Most of her designs are reversible and, when producing, Isabel sticks to a zero-waste policy, meaning that every inch of fabric is reused to make accessories like headbands and scrunchies. Just a few steps away, Cox & Power jewels are something to be witnessed. Showcasing both their own designs and guest artists, Cox & Power offers a variety of styles while maintaining the idea that jewellery should be sustainably made with ethically sourced materials. From concept stores like Monocle and Mouki Mou and conscious brands like Monc Eyewear, there is so much to discover that it would be very easy to spend the whole weekend shopping!

words by Alessia Armenise


7 Innovative Drink Launches To Know About This Month

This month brings a host of intriguing new drink launches that cater to a variety of tastes and needs. From innovative and sustainable alternatives to refreshing options packed with health benefits, there’s something to please every palate. Whether you’re seeking a boost for your wellness routine or simply want to try something new and exciting, these new beverages offer a fresh take on refreshment and nourishment. Dive into the latest offerings designed to enhance both your enjoyment and overall well-being.

Juno Bamboo Water

This autumn, switch to Juno Bamboo Water as a sustainable alternative to your usual soft drink. Available in Juicy Mango, Zesty Yuzu, and Passionfruit flavours, it’s sustainably sourced from fast-growing bamboo groves and packed with natural antioxidants and vitamins. Low in sugar and high in vitamin C, Juno supports conservation efforts and eco-friendly practices. Enjoy a refreshing, ethical beverage that’s mindfully made in the UK, with minimal environmental impact.

Wow Cacao

Wow Cacao is a new super drink rich in vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, electrolytes, and antioxidants—perfect for hydration or as a pre/post-workout boost. Made from cacao fruit pulp, it’s a sustainable alternative to coconut water with no added sugars or sweeteners. Each bottle contains the juice of nine cacao pods, offering a naturally fruity, eco-friendly, and hydrating beverage gaining popularity in the UK.

Vitamin Well Enhance

Vitamin Well Enhance is a refreshing drink designed to boost your immune system and energy levels. Packed with vitamin B6, it supports normal energy metabolism and immune function. It also contains vitamin C, niacin, and pantothenic acid to help reduce fatigue, while vitamin C enhances iron absorption. With added Zinc, known to boost immunity and shorten colds, Vitamin Well Enhance is the perfect daily health boost for busy lifestyles.

One Living Cold Pressed CBD

Jonny Wilkinson, sporting icon and mental health ambassador, introduces a new addition to his One Living drinks brand: a lightly sparkling Cold Pressed CBD product line. Using an ancient, chemical-free cold press extraction method, One Living preserves the plant’s natural compounds like terpenes and flavonoids. This process offers a purer, more natural CBD experience compared to traditional methods, ensuring the full benefits of the plant are retained.

Zooz

Zooz stands out in the non-alcoholic beverage category with its unique blend of mushroom energy and distinctive taste. Unlike overly sweet or caffeinated drinks, Zooz offers remarkable well-being benefits and a refreshing alternative. Created by Daniel Soos, a former competitive swimmer and personal trainer to celebrities like Harry Styles, Zooz combines exceptional flavour with functional ingredients for a truly unique drinking experience.

Biotiful Gut Health Organic Kefir Drinks

Biotiful Gut Health, the UK’s leading Kefir brand, is expanding its Organic range with two new flavours: Blossom Honey and Vanilla Chai. These additions address growing consumer demand for organic options, as 20 million UK shoppers seek better choices. With Chai Tea sales up 93% and honey trending, these new Kefirs complement the award-winning Biotiful Organic Kefir Drink Original, celebrated for its creamy taste and recent awards.

The Turmeric Co XTRA Ginger

The Turmeric Co., founded by former footballer Thomas ‘Hal’ Robson-Kanu, has launched a new Raw Turmeric & XTRA Ginger shot. Using natural ingredients and a proven formula, it helps reduce aches, lower blood sugar, and boost energy. Available from 22 September exclusively at Sainsbury’s, this health-boosting shot meets consumer demand for convenient, science-backed wellness products.


Ask An Expert: Your Collagen Questions Have Been Answered

Curious about collagen and its benefits? In this edition of “Ask An Expert,” we’ve gathered your most common collagen questions and enlisted Dr Dinuk Dissanayake, a former NHS specialist gastroenterologist and now founder of Correxiko, to unveil the hows, whys and whats of taking collagen. From uncovering its benefits for things like gut health and menopause to its effect on skin health and how to choose which supplement will work best for you, find out everything you need to know to boost your collagen knowledge and support your wellbeing.

What are the benefits of taking collagen?
Many visible signs of ageing, such as fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, dry skin, weak hair, brittle nails, joint pain, weak bones, and poor gut health, are often associated with a deficiency in collagen. While ageing is a natural process, the decline in collagen levels can be accelerated by external factors such as excessive sugar intake, alcohol consumption, smoking, and pollution. Stress and a diet high in processed foods can also contribute to collagen damage. Taking collagen peptides helps stimulate the production of new collagen, which can reverse the effects of ageing and alleviate these symptoms.

What is the difference between collagen in gummies, powder, or liquid?
Collagen supplements are available in different forms, including powder, gummies, and liquid, but the active ingredient in all of them is the same—collagen peptides. Collagen powder contains pure collagen peptides, whereas gummies and flavoured liquids often contain added sugars, synthetic flavourings, sweeteners, and artificial colouring, which may cause inflammation. Many people are now aware of ultra-processed foods, and these types of supplements could be considered ultra-processed as well. In terms of cost, gummies and flavoured liquid collagen are generally more expensive per serving than unflavoured collagen powder, with an additional cost of around 80p to £1.00 per day.

At what age should I begin taking a collagen supplement?
Collagen is essential throughout all stages of life, but its decline becomes more noticeable in our late 30s and 40s. At this stage, many people begin to notice the early signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, skin changes, and physical symptoms like joint pain, fatigue, and longer recovery times after exercise. While it’s never too late to start taking collagen, starting earlier can help build up reserves, which is particularly important for women, who lose a significant proportion of collagen during menopause. Even those in their 70s, 80s, and 90s can benefit from collagen supplements as it helps combat accelerated ageing at that stage of life.

Are there any lifestyle factors that reduce collagen production?
Yes, several lifestyle factors can negatively affect collagen production. Excessive exposure to the sun (UV radiation), smoking, alcohol consumption, and a poor diet—especially one high in sugar and low in antioxidants or protein—can lead to collagen depletion. Chronic stress, poor sleep, pollution, a sedentary lifestyle, rapid weight loss, and excessive exercise, such as endurance running, also contribute to collagen loss. Many athletes take high doses of collagen to support endurance and prevent injury.

How long does it take to see the benefits of collagen supplementation?
The timeframe for seeing results from collagen supplementation can vary depending on factors such as lifestyle, but with a high-quality collagen supplement, most people notice improvements in their skin within 1-2 weeks. Nails may strengthen within 3-4 weeks, and hair growth typically improves after 2-3 months. Internally, you may experience benefits such as reduced joint stiffness, improved mobility, stronger gut health, increased energy, and enhanced immunity over time. The longer you take collagen, the more benefits you’ll notice.

Can taking collagen help with gut health?
Yes, collagen can significantly benefit gut health. It helps strengthen the gut lining, particularly through amino acids like glutamine, which promote the regeneration of damaged tissue. This can help prevent “leaky gut,” where toxins and bacteria pass through the intestinal wall, causing chronic inflammation. Collagen peptides also have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing gut inflammation and symptoms associated with conditions like IBS. Additionally, collagen supports digestive health by enhancing stomach acid production, improving nutrient absorption, and promoting a balanced microbiome.

Can I take collagen to support perimenopause?
Yes, collagen offers many benefits during perimenopause. The drop in oestrogen levels during this time leads to decreased collagen production, which can result in thinning skin, wrinkles, and joint discomfort. Collagen supplements help restore skin elasticity, reduce joint pain, and maintain bone density, which is crucial as bone loss accelerates during perimenopause. Collagen also supports hair and nail strength, gut health, muscle mass, and even mood and sleep, making it an essential supplement during this phase of life.

Can I heat collagen?
Yes, collagen peptides are heat-stable and can be added to hot drinks or baked goods without losing their effectiveness. There’s a misconception that collagen denatures when heated, but this only applies to collagen as a protein. Collagen supplements, however, consist of collagen peptides, which remain stable when exposed to heat, allowing you to mix them into hot beverages or bake them into foods like bread, biscuits, and granola.

What does double hydrolysed mean?
Double hydrolysed collagen refers to collagen peptides that have undergone two rounds of hydrolysis, a process that breaks down collagen protein into smaller peptides. The second hydrolysis results in more uniformly smaller peptides, which are more easily absorbed and provide faster, more effective results. Compared to single hydrolysed collagen, double hydrolysed peptides offer enhanced benefits, making a 10g serving of double hydrolysed collagen more potent than the same amount of single hydrolysed collagen.

Can I take collagen long-term?
Yes, collagen is a natural protein and can be taken long-term, much like any other protein. However, it’s important to choose a high-quality product that doesn’t contain sugars, synthetic sweeteners, or additives, as these can cause chronic inflammation if consumed over time. Correxiko collagen, for example, contains pure collagen peptides from fish skin and is safe and effective for daily use to replenish collagen in the diet.

What’s the difference between taking collagen powder versus pills?
The primary difference between collagen powder and pills is the serving size. Collagen powder allows for larger servings (typically 10,000mg per serving), whereas capsules or pills only contain around 500mg of collagen each. This means that to match the effectiveness of the powder, you’d need to take around 20 capsules per day. Capsules also often contain additives, so it’s important to check the ingredient list and choose a product free from unnecessary additives.

Will collagen help my arthritis?
Yes, collagen can be beneficial for arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, which results from the loss of bone density and cartilage. Collagen peptides support joint health by aiding in the repair and maintenance of cartilage, reducing joint pain, and improving mobility. The anti-inflammatory properties of collagen also help reduce arthritis-related inflammation, easing pain and stiffness. Regular collagen intake has been shown to help slow the progression of joint degeneration in individuals with arthritis.

What’s the difference between bovine collagen and marine collagen?
There are key differences between bovine and marine collagen. Marine collagen, derived from fish skin, is generally better absorbed by the body than bovine collagen, which comes from cattle hides and bones. The extraction process for marine collagen is gentler, using hot water and enzymes, whereas bovine collagen often requires the use of harsh chemicals. Some concerns have been raised about potential chemical residues in bovine collagen products.

Is there a suitable vegan substitute for collagen?
As collagen is derived from animal sources, there is no direct vegan equivalent. However, there are vegan supplements that can help boost the body’s natural collagen production. These often contain Vitamin C and plant-based amino acids. While these supplements are helpful, they are not as effective as animal-derived collagen, as they lack the specific peptides found in collagen, which are crucial for its benefits.

How does the body process collagen when ingested?
When you ingest collagen, your digestive system breaks it down into peptides and amino acids, which are absorbed in the small intestine and distributed throughout the body via the bloodstream. These peptides stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen, helping to repair and maintain collagen in the skin, joints, bones, and other connective tissues. As we age, collagen becomes harder to digest, which is why taking hydrolysed collagen peptides is more effective.

Can you dispel a common misconception about collagen supplementation?
A common misconception is that liquid collagen is better absorbed than collagen powder. This is untrue, as liquid collagen is simply collagen powder dissolved in liquid. The absorption rate is the same whether the collagen is in liquid or powder form.

Can I take collagen while pregnant or breastfeeding, and are there any benefits in doing so?
Collagen is a natural protein and is generally regarded as safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, but it’s always best to consult a doctor before taking any supplement. During pregnancy, collagen can support skin elasticity, reduce the likelihood of stretch marks, promote joint and bone health, and strengthen hair and nails, which can be affected by hormonal changes. Additionally, collagen can help with gut health and muscle mass maintenance, both of which are beneficial during and after pregnancy.

For more information visit correxiko.com


I Took A Nutritionist-Approved Mushroom Supplement For 3 Months… Here’s What Happened

When it comes to wellness, I truly believe that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Thankfully, the wellness market is catching on that personalisation is the way forward when it comes to optimising our health needs. Supplements are the epitome of this – I often find that what might work for one person does not always work for another. However, there are a few brands and products out there that seem to defy this in that they are so effective that nearly everyone who tries them swears by them to such a degree that they end up recommending them to all their friends, family and even social media following. One such brand is Hifas da Terra

Founded by world-class researchers and scientists who specialise in producing superior-quality organic medicinal mushroom supplements, Hifas da Terra is one of the most highly recommended out there. And not just by its customers; numerous high-profile medical doctors, holistic therapists, naturopaths and nutritionists from all around the globe also use and recommend their range of supplements to stay well and boost vitality. 

For 25 years, Hifas da Terra has been a leader in the field of Mycotherapy, harnessing the power of medicinal mushrooms to promote harmony and health. Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to be a guest at their London launch to learn about and try its newest women’s beauty and wellness supplement, OPTIMUM. After three months, the results are pretty astonishing.

The Results: Three Months of OPTIMUM – Goodbye afternoon slumps and hello calm 

One of my biggest issues as I approach the big 4-0 has been energy. I often feel really lethargic first thing in the morning, when in my 20s I would consistently leap out of bed to go for a run at 6am, now I find it hard to get up to get the kids to school on time! I told myself that the exhaustion was probably due to having very energetic, young boys and that there was little I could do about it. But I was wrong. Within one month of taking Optimum I found getting out of bed so much easier and totally avoided the normal 4pm slump I was used to. This, I am told, is due to the Cordyceps extract, combined with spirulina and chlorella as Cordyceps are thought to increase the body’s production of the molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is essential for delivering energy to the muscles. By the third month, not only was I still feeling much more energetic (I ran my best ever half marathon times – beating the times I did it in my 20s and early 30s), but as the formula also contains Reishi, Lion’s Mane and Saffron, I also felt much calmer (aka less shouting at the kids!) and my immune system was tip top (I am scared to write this for fear of tempting faint but I haven’t had a single cold or illness since taking Optimum). In the words of KT Tunstall “Suddenly I see” just why Hifas de Terra supplements are backed by so many experts – as their clients are seeing and feeling real results. 

Backed by Science

One of the hallmarks of Hifas da Terra’s products is their commitment to scientific validation. Optimum is no exception. The supplement has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its efficacy, with clinical trials showing promising results in improving energy levels, cognitive function, and stress resilience. The company’s dedication to research, combined with its use of high-quality organic ingredients, ensures that Optimum is not only effective but also safe for long-term use. Optimum is formulated with a blend of bioactive compounds, including antioxidants and beta-glucans, to enhance the body’s natural defenses and promote overall well-being. The supplement works holistically to balance energy, enhance cognitive function, and fortify the immune system, making it the perfect antidote to a busy, working mother of two like me who currently has zero time to get ill or take daytime naps!

Not All Mushroom Supplements Are Created Equal – What’s the Difference? 

Located in a dense tranquil forest in the Atlantic region of northern Spain, Hifas da Terra don’t only grow their own organic mushrooms on their land, but they are all hand-picked and sun-dried to maintain optimum nutritional value, keeping vitamins, proteins, and enzymes intact. As adaptogens, these miraculous fungi help the body to harmonise itself and provide an array of essential nutrients, some of which you can only get from mushrooms. Beyond the health benefits of their products, Hifas da Terra is also committed to environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The company employs eco-friendly farming practices, ensuring that their mushrooms are grown without the use of harmful pesticides or chemicals. Plus, there is a strong emphasis on corporate social responsibility. They collaborate with various non-profit organisations and contribute to health-related causes, particularly in the area of cancer research, where medicinal mushrooms have shown promise in supportive care during treatment.

Whether you’re looking to boost your energy, sharpen your focus, or build resilience against stress, Optimum offers a holistic solution that addresses the needs of modern life. 

H&H Readers Get EXCLUSIVE 10% Off Optimum

Use the code “hh10” at checkout to get 10% off your Hifas da Terra OPTIMUM purchase.

Terms and Conditions: Code applies to all Hifas da Terra products apart from Onco products.One-time use coupon, starting 25th September and ending 12:00 pm on the 31 October

words by Charlotte Dormon


This Iconic Facialist Shares Her 10 Beauty Must-Haves

Justine Masters, a highly sought-after facialist in the industry, is known for her transformative approach to skincare. With years of experience and a client list that includes some of the world’s most famous faces, Masters has perfected the art of achieving radiant, youthful skin. Here, she shares her top ten beauty must-haves, from advanced skin technology to powerhouse treatments, each carefully selected to address a variety of skin concerns and elevate your skincare routine to the next level.

Kanyen RF Facial Device by Ante Beauty, £399

This is the creme de la creme of cutting-edge skin technologies that will visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The results are truly astonishing – it’s all down to the Radio Frequency Technology and Self-Adaptive Microcurrent EMS, which effectively combat ageing concerns.

Face Cups, £26

Face Cupping is a great way to boost lymphatic drainage, decrease puffiness, boost collagen production and relax muscle tension. These cups are eco-friendly and come with a 6-step face protocol for you to follow.

Lunacare Eternal Under Microcare Eye Patches, £35

These are the world’s first clinically proven and most award-winning micro-needle under-eye patches for your solution to dark circles, under-eye bags, fine lines, and wrinkles. Designed to deliver concentrated, active ingredients deeper under the skin, expect more youthful eyes instantly.

Inkey List Pimple Patches, £18

These pimple patches are amazing – they work within 4 hours of applying them making them the fastest-working pimple patches on the market. They also have a blurring effect to lessen the appearance of the breakout underneath, so whether wearing with or without makeup, blemishes stay invisible until they’re gone.

Wildsmith Energising B5 Gel Cleanser, £35

This gel-to-foam cleanser is great for cleaning skin but also for increasing the skin’s hydration, this is down to its high levels of Vitamin C and B5. In trials, 89% agreed that skin felt soft and supple after 30 days of use. 

Made of More Brightening Day Shield, £58

This moisturiser is perfect if you’re prone to hormonal breakouts, it is also richly hydrating and packed full of effective, skin-loving ingredients including CBG which is a powerful antioxidant; Hemp Seed Oil, which is rich in Omegas 3,6, & 9; and Tri and Tetra Peptides which fights dull skin.  

Adipeau Active Face Cream, £70

Active Face Cream is super fuel for your skin’s root structure. A recent new formula sees long-chain fatty acids from non-comedogenic safflower oil stimulate regeneration, while Kaempferia Parviflora amplifies regeneration and nourishes a toned, productive root structure.

Inlight Superfood Face Mask, £44

Packed full of superfoods for the skin and rich in Vitamin E – this mask is a great anti-ageing treatment. Plus, the high antioxidant activity tackles blemishes and redness and will leave skin glowing.

ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops, £6.99

ConcenTrace is a concentrated complex of more than 72 trace minerals that boost energy, support mood, help restore electrolytes, and support healthy joints, bones and even teeth.

Liminal Gut-Instinct, £36

Especially brilliant for those around perimenopause and menopause age, Gut-Instinct helps support the gut microbiota that is affected by hormone shifts as we age. 100% of people who tested this product reported a reduction in symptoms experienced due to a shift in their hormones.


Winter-Proof Your Hands: Essential Care Tips for Dry Skin and Brittle Nails

As the crisp air of autumn transitions into the biting chill of winter, our skin often takes the brunt of the changing weather. One area that tends to suffer the most during this time is our hands, which are constantly exposed to the elements. With the decrease in temperature and humidity, hands and nails can become dry, cracked, and brittle. Taking extra care of them as the colder months approach is essential for maintaining healthy, hydrated skin and strong nails.

Common Problems During Colder Months

As temperatures drop, so does the moisture level in the air, which leads to several issues with your hands and nails.

Dry, Chapped Hands: The skin on our hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands, making it especially vulnerable to the drying effects of colder weather. This can lead to tightness, rough patches, and painful cracking.

Brittle Nails: Lower humidity levels can strip nails of moisture, making them more prone to breaking, peeling, and splitting. Constant hand-washing, especially in the flu season, further contributes to dry, weakened nails.

Cuticle Damage: Cold, windy weather can leave cuticles dry and ragged, which not only affects the appearance of your nails but can lead to painful hangnails or even infections.

Post-Summer Recovery: After a summer filled with sun exposure, chlorine from swimming pools, and perhaps a more relaxed beauty routine, hands and nails may already be in need of extra attention. UV exposure can cause hyperpigmentation (sun spots) and a loss of elasticity in the skin on your hands.

Why Post-Summer Hand Care is Important

The transition from summer to autumn is the perfect time to reassess your hand care routine. Sun exposure, while enjoyable, can accelerate ageing and dehydrate the skin. By the time colder weather arrives, the natural oils in your skin have already been depleted, and the additional stress of wind and cold can exacerbate these issues.

Neglecting your hands during the cooler months can lead to long-term damage, including cracked skin and weakened nails. By doubling down on your hand care routine early in the season, you can prevent these issues before they worsen, ensuring that your hands stay soft, smooth, and healthy all winter long.

Hand and Nail Care Tips for Autumn and Winter

Moisturise Frequently: The key to preventing dryness is to moisturise as often as possible. Look for hand creams that are rich in nourishing ingredients like shea butter, jojoba oil, and glycerin. These lock in moisture and create a protective barrier against the cold.

Wear Gloves: To protect your hands from the elements, always wear gloves when you go outside. Choose insulated gloves for warmth, but opt for natural materials like wool or cotton that allow your skin to breathe. Rubber gloves are also essential when doing the washing up to prevent your skin from becoming even drier.

Exfoliate Gently: Dead skin cells can build up on dry hands, making them feel rough and flaky. A gentle hand scrub once a week can help to slough away these cells, allowing moisturisers to penetrate more effectively.

Nourish Your Nails: Nails need extra attention during the colder months. Use a nail oil or balm rich in vitamin E or almond oil to keep them hydrated and strong. Cuticle oils are also important to nourish the skin around the nails, preventing hangnails and cracking.

Avoid Hot Water: Hot water strips the skin of its natural oils, which can exacerbate dryness. Wash your hands in lukewarm water and use a moisturising soap to prevent stripping away essential oils.

Hydrate from Within: Drinking plenty of water is crucial during the colder months. Hydrated skin starts from within; consuming enough water can help maintain moisture levels in your skin and nails.

Use a Humidifier: Indoor heating can dry out the air, leaving your skin parched. Using a humidifier in your home or office will add moisture to the air and help prevent your hands from becoming too dry.

Products to Protect Your Hands and Nails

OPI Repair Mode™ Bond Building Nail Serum
OPI’s new Repair Mode™ Bond Building Nail Serum uses Patented Ulti-Plex Technology™ to penetrate the nail’s surface and rebuild keratin structure by forming new bonds inside the natural nail. The results? 99% keratin repair, 94% protection from damage, and smoother, stronger nails resistant to breakage. Ideal for nails damaged by acrylics, gels, or seasonal dryness. Get an exclusive 20% off Repair Mode until 26th September 2024 using the code “HHOPI20”.

REN Moroccan Rose Sugar Body Polish
This scrub is a luxurious exfoliating treatment infused with natural cane sugar and Moroccan rose otto oil. It gently buffs away dead skin cells while deeply hydrating, leaving skin smooth, soft, and delicately fragranced with rose. It’s also perfect for exfoliating and rejuvenating dry hands.

Pai Skincare Heavy Mettle Hand Cream
Pai’s hand cream is formulated with nourishing sea buckthorn oil and fragonia, making it ideal for soothing and repairing dry, irritated skin. It’s rich in omega fatty acids to strengthen the skin barrier, while its clean, vegan formula aligns with the clean beauty ethos.

Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Defence Hand Cream
This luxurious hand cream contains organic ingredients like olive oil, sunflower oil, and aloe vera to deeply moisturise and protect the skin. Its non-greasy formula makes it perfect for everyday use. Plus, it’s certified organic and free from synthetic fragrances and preservatives.

Nailberry Oxygenated Nail Lacquer
If you love having polished nails but want to avoid the damaging effects of harsh chemicals, Nailberry’s Oxygenated Nail Lacquer is a great option. This award-winning polish is free from 12 toxic ingredients commonly found in nail polish, and its breathable formula helps to keep nails healthy and hydrated during colder months.

Tropic Skincare Superfood Hand Therapy
This rich hand cream from Tropic Skincare is packed with superfoods like mango butter, macadamia oil and kokum, offering deep hydration for dry, cracked hands. The formula is 100% natural and certified cruelty-free, ensuring that it’s as kind to the planet as it is to your skin.

Omnilux Contour Glove
The Omnilux Contour Glove is an FDA-cleared red light therapy device specifically designed for your hands, offering clinically proven relief for joint pain and skin rejuvenation. It reduces inflammation, pain, and irritation while boosting cellular activity and circulation. This non-invasive, painless glove improves the appearance of sunspots, wrinkles, and dry skin, providing a natural, targeted solution for healthier hands.


Leek, Pea & Potato Soup with Buttery Cornbread

In a Liverpool kitchen not altered since the early ’80s, Grandma digs out her trusted saucepan and clicks on the temperamental stove. Me and my brother have slept during the 4½-hour journey and are recharged, while Mum and Dad nurse a hot cup of tea and shake off the stress of the M1. We eagerly await the ladles of rich leek and potato soup – it engulfs us with a warm hug and we dip in hunks of crusty white bread spread with an inch-thick slab of butter. It turns out the secret to her legendary soup is a metric ton of butter. And yes, it nourished our souls, but here’s a version that nourishes our bodies, too.

INGREDIENTS – Serves 4 Takes 40 minutes

FOR THE CORNBREAD

Oil or softened butter, for greasing

140g (5oz) wholemeal (wholewheat) flour

100g (3½oz) polenta (fine cornmeal)

3 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp fine salt

250ml (9fl oz/1 cup) skimmed milk (or dairy-free alternative)

30g (1oz) butter, melted

2 tbsp runny honey

1 medium free-range egg, lightly beaten

FOR THE SOUP

2 tbsp olive oil

4 large leeks, finely sliced

1 brown onion, finely chopped

2 garlic cloves, crushed

2 large red potatoes (about 450g/1lb), unpeeled and cut into 3cm (1¼in) cubes

½ head cauliflower (about 400g/14oz), cut into small florets

1.2l (40fl oz/5 cups) vegetable stock

200g (7oz) frozen peas

2 tbsp reduced-fat crème fraîche or sour cream

1 tsp lemon juice

Salt and ground black pepper

METHOD

For the cornbread, preheat the oven to 210°C (190°C fan/410°F/gas 6–7). Grease a 20cm (8in) springform cake tin (pan) with a light layer of oil or softened butter and line with baking paper.

In a medium bowl, mix the flour, polenta, baking powder and salt. Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients and pour in the milk, melted butter, honey and egg. Stir into a smooth batter. 

Scrape the batter into the cake tin and bake for 20–25 minutes until a skewer poked into the centre comes out clean. Set aside until ready to serve (let the cornbread cool for 10 minutes before slicing).

Meanwhile, for the soup, place a large pot over a medium heat and add the olive oil, leeks, onion and a pinch of salt, stirring to coat with oil. Pop on the lid, turn the heat to low and sweat for 8–10 minutes until soft. Remove the lid, stir in the garlic and cook for a few minutes more so the vegetables catch a light tinge of golden colour.

Add the potatoes, cauliflower and stock, bring to the boil over a high heat, then reduce to a light simmer for 15 minutes, or until the cauliflower and potatoes are tender. Add the peas and cook for a further 2–4 minutes.

Using a hand blender (or food processor or blender) blitz your soup until smooth. Add the crème fraîche, lemon juice and a generous amount of freshly ground black pepper, then blend again. Taste and season with salt, if needed. Ladle the soup into bowls and serve with wedges of warm cornbread alongside.

NOTES

The soup will keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer. 

Store the cornbread wrapped tightly in a cool, dry place for up to 3 days. If wrapped securely it will last up to 10 days in the fridge, or 3 months in the freezer.

Everyday Comfort by Katie Pix (Quadrille, £25) – Photography Izy Hossack


10 Great Things For Parents To Know About This Month

Parenting is a journey that evolves every day, and staying updated on the latest launches can make all the difference. From innovative baby gear to nourishing skincare and educational resources, this month brings an exciting array of new launches designed to support both parents and children. Whether you’re looking for cutting-edge technology to simplify feeding, skincare solutions for sensitive baby skin, or tools to empower your parenting journey, these ten new releases are here to help.

Bugaboo Noir Limited Edition
Iconic parenting brand Bugaboo unveils the Noir Limited Edition—its latest exclusive launch, taking the renowned all-terrain pushchair to new heights of style and functionality. Elevated in three nightfall-inspired shades and detailed to perfection, this limited-edition design brings a fresh, sophisticated look to the iconic Bugaboo Fox 5. Crafted for exceptional comfort, the Noir Limited Edition offers the smooth manoeuvrability Bugaboo is known for, along with premium finishes that enhance both its aesthetic and practical features. Designed for parents who want both elegance and performance, it’s the perfect combination of luxury and innovation.

Nala’s Baby
Made in Britain, Nala’s Baby Skincare is a plant-based, 99% natural skincare range designed to nourish and protect your baby’s delicate skin. Created with sustainability in mind, Nala’s Baby products are free from harsh chemicals and crafted using gentle and paediatrician-approved ingredients. Each product in the line is scientifically-created, ensuring it is safe for even the most sensitive skin types. With its commitment to ethical sourcing and eco-friendly packaging, Nala’s Baby Skincare promotes both skin health and environmental care.

Flourish by Kirsty’s
Flourish by Kirsty’s Kids Food offers a range of wholesome, nutritious meals designed to support growing children, including those with food allergies and intolerances. Crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients, these meals are free from common allergens, providing essential vitamins and minerals while ensuring safety and enjoyment. Flourish emphasizes convenience without compromising on nutrition, making it easier for busy parents to provide balanced, allergy-friendly meals that support children’s overall well-being.

Ember: The World’s First Self-Warming Baby Bottle
The Ember Baby Bottle revolutionises feeding time with its cutting-edge self-warming technology, allowing parents to warm milk to the perfect temperature in minutes without the need for external devices. Designed for on-the-go convenience, this innovative bottle ensures that your baby’s milk is always ready, whether at home or out and about. Its sleek design and easy-to-use features make it a must-have for modern parents, reducing the stress of heating milk and ensuring consistent warmth for baby’s comfort.

The Birthing Class by Jacqui Kingswell
The Birthing Class by Jacqui Kingswell is an empowering, comprehensive online course designed to support expectant mothers through every stage of pregnancy and childbirth. Jacqui’s expert guidance combines mindfulness techniques with practical birthing tips to help women feel confident, prepared, and calm as they approach labour. The class covers topics such as pain management, breathing exercises, and postpartum care, offering a holistic approach to birthing that celebrates the strength and intuition of the mother.

Motherhood Collection x Luna Daily
The Motherhood Collection by Luna Daily offers a luxurious microbiome-balancing skincare line specifically designed for mothers, addressing the unique skin challenges that pregnancy and postpartum periods can bring. This collection is formulated with natural ingredients, free from harsh chemicals, and is gentle enough for both mom and baby. Luna Daily’s Motherhood Collection promotes healthy, nourished skin while offering a soothing, self-care experience that embraces the beauty and transformation of motherhood.

The Birds, the Bees, and the Elephant in the Room
“The Birds, the Bees, and the Elephant in the Room” is an engaging and age-appropriate children’s book that delicately introduces the topics of body awareness, reproduction, and consent. With clear, easy-to-digest language, this book helps parents navigate the often awkward conversations about where babies come from, empowering kids with the knowledge they need in a gentle and educational manner. It’s a valuable resource for families looking to create open and honest dialogue with their children.

NAYDAYA Victory Oil
NAYDAYA Victory Oil is a luxurious, multi-purpose oil that nourishes and restores the skin during pregnancy and postpartum, offering powerful hydration and repair. In addition to minimising the appearance of stretch marks and improving skin elasticity, it is specially formulated to help soothe postpartum vaginal dryness, a common issue many women experience. Packed with essential vitamins and plant-based ingredients, this lightweight, fast-absorbing oil provides deep nourishment for sensitive areas. Whether used to soothe stretched skin or to alleviate discomfort caused by dryness, NAYDAYA Victory Oil is a versatile, natural solution that supports a mother’s body through every stage of recovery.

Mamacita Collective: Launching in October

Get ready to say goodbye to uninspiring baby shower gifts and hello to Mamacita Collective, the brand-new online destination that puts the spotlight back on the mamas. Founded by dynamic duo Olivia and Jessica, Mamacita Collective is set to launch with a bang, offering an exciting range of unique, stylish, and tongue-in-cheek gifts for mums and mums-to-be. As mums themselves, Olivia and Jessica were tired of the same old generic baby gifts. “We both received a lot of the same generic gifts and felt there was a gap in the market for a brand that focused on celebrating the mama,” says Olivia. “Motherhood doesn’t mean sacrificing your personal style or individuality,” adds Jessica. Their shared vision was to create a brand that offers innovative, stylish products that cater to the modern mum’s needs and celebrates the journey of motherhood with a touch of fun and quirkiness.

Childs Farm OatDerma
Childs Farm OatDerma Moisturiser is a gentle and effective solution for babies and children with sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Infused with colloidal oatmeal and designed to soothe and hydrate, this dermatologist-approved formula provides long-lasting relief from dryness and irritation. Free from parabens and artificial fragrances, the OatDerma Moisturiser is a trusted choice for parents looking to nurture their child’s skin with a naturally derived, safe product.


3 Mid-Week Dairy-Free Dinners For Kids

Finding tasty and nutritious meals that kids will love can be challenging, especially when catering to dietary restrictions like dairy-free diets. To make your weeknights easier, we’re sharing three simple and delicious dairy-free dinners from Kate Lancaster’s new cookbook, Feed Your Family Dairy-Free. Also known as The Dairy Free Mum (@thedairyfreemum), Kate has crafted these meals to be quick to prepare and packed with the nutrients growing children need. Whether your child has a dairy allergy or you’re just looking to switch things up, these recipes are sure to become mid-week favourites!

Fish Pie

Tender chunks of iodine-rich fish in a creamy sauce, topped with fluffy mash – for me, this is the ultimate comfort food. It’s also a lovely dish to serve guests – when my Canadian mother-in-law first visited, I made this to introduce her to British food. Luckily, she loved it!

Serves: 4 adults and 2 children Prep: 40 minutes, Cook: 35 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 leek
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 pack of fish pie mix (340g/12oz) or 4 fillets of skinless, boneless mixed fish (e.g. cod, smoked haddock and salmon)
5g (1/8oz) flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp oil
50g (13⁄4oz) butter alternative* or margarine*
50g (13⁄4oz) plain flour*
500ml (18fl oz) plant-based milk alternative*
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
1 tbsp nutritional yeast
75g (11⁄2oz) frozen peas (or sweetcorn) juice of 1⁄4 lemon

FOR THE TOPPING

1.25kg (2lb 12oz) floury potatoes (Maris Piper work best)
2 tbsp butter alternative* or margarine* 50ml (2fl oz) plant-based milk alternative*

METHOD

1. Start by making the topping. Peel and chop the potatoes into big chunks. Add to a large saucepan of boiling water and cook on a medium heat for 18 minutes or until cooked. Drain well, then add the other topping ingredients and mash well until smooth and there are no lumps. Set aside to cool.

2. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare your sauce. Wash the leek, discard the white root and tough green tops, cut lengthways and then slice finely. Dice the garlic. Chop the fish into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop the parsley.

3. In a saucepan, heat the oil on a medium heat, then add the leek and garlic and cook for 3 minutes. Remove on to a plate.

4. Add the butter alternative or margarine into the pan and when melted and bubbling, add the flour and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Gradually add the milk alternative, whisking constantly, until combined.

5. Add the mustard (if using), nutritional yeast, peas, lemon juice and parsley, stir well and cook for a further minute. Turn off the heat and add the fish chunks, plus the leeks and garlic, folding into the sauce gently.

6. Preheat the oven to 200°C/ Fan 180°C/400°F/Gas Mark 6 while leaving the sauce to cool.

7. Assemble the pie. Pour the sauce into a large ovenproof dish, ensuring the fish is distributed evenly. Take a spoonful of mashed potato at a time and add to the top, starting with the border of the dish, then filling in the middle. Spread out the topping until it’s flat and even, ensuring the edges of the dish are sealed.

8. Using the back of a fork, drag it along the topping in a criss-cross pattern to create ridges.

9. Bake in the oven for 30–35 minutes until the edges of the potato are browning.

STORAGE

Keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.


Cheezy Leek & Spinach Orzo

Creamy and comforting, with the added goodness of green veg. Orzo is a great pasta for weaning and young kids, as the small shape makes it easy to scoop. This dish will be a hit with everyone at the table though.

Serves: 2 adults and 2 children Prep: 8 minutes, Cook: 22 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 leek
1 garlic clove, peeled
100g (31⁄2oz) baby spinach leaves
100g (31⁄2oz) Cheddar alternative*
1 tbsp oil
300g (101⁄2oz) orzo pasta
700ml (11⁄4 pints) hot (low-salt) vegetable stock*
150ml (5fl oz) plant-based milk alternative* zest and juice of 1 lemon

METHOD

1. Prep your ingredients – wash and dice the leek, discarding the roots and tough green tops. Finely dice or grate the garlic. Chop the spinach roughly. Finely grate the Cheddar alternative.

2. In a large, lidded saucepan, heat the oil on a medium heat. Add the leek and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until softened. Then add the garlic for a further minute.

3. Add the orzo and cook, stirring, for 1 minute until coated in the oil.

4. Add the hot stock and milk alternative, stir and bring to the boil.

5. Cover the pan with its lid, reduce the heat to low and simmer for 12 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.

6. Add the spinach to the pan along with the lemon zest and juice, stir well, then cover the pan for another 2 minutes until the orzo is cooked.

7. Remove from the heat and stir through the grated Cheddar alternative until combined, then serve.

STORAGE

Keep covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Freeze for up to 3 months.


Thai Coconut Chicken Noodles

Ever since I went travelling to Southeast Asia, Thai has been my favourite cuisine. It’s not always child-friendly, but this easy sauce has delicious, fragrant flavours without the fiery chilli kick for kids. I do love adding some sriracha to the adult portions when serving though!

Serves: 2 adults and 2 children
Prep: 10–15 minutes, Cook: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS

1 red (bell) pepper
125g (41⁄2oz) green beans
100g (31⁄2oz) broccoli florets
200g (7oz) rice noodles (pad Thai-style ones work best)
1 tbsp oil
500g (1lb 2oz) chicken breast strips (or diced)
coriander leaves (optional) lime for garnish (optional)

FOR THE SAUCE

300ml (10fl oz) canned coconut milk (shake well before use)
1 tsp ginger paste
2 tsp garlic paste
1 tsp lemongrass paste
2 tbsp low-salt soy sauce* or soya-free coconut aminos*
juice of 1 lime
1 tsp fish sauce (optional)
11⁄2 tsp maple syrup (not required if using coconut aminos)
1⁄4 tsp chilli flakes (optional)

METHOD

1. First, prepare your sauce. Add all the ingredients to a bowl and stir for a minute to combine. Taste and adjust the flavours as you wish by adding more of the different ingredients. The aim is to get a balance of creamy, sour, sweet and salty.

2. Top and tail the green beans, then cut into 2.5cm (1in) pieces. Slice the pepper into thin strips and chop the broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces.

3. Cook the rice noodles as per the packet instructions and drain. Meanwhile, cook your stir fry.

4. In a large wok or saucepan, heat the oil on a high heat, then add the chicken. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring regularly, until coloured on all sides.

5. Add the pepper, green beans and broccoli and continue to cook, stirring often, for another 5 minutes until the chicken and veg are cooked.

6. Pour in the sauce and cook for 1 minute, then add the drained noodles, toss together to combine.

7. Serve, garnishing with torn coriander leaves and slices of lime if you wish.

STORAGE
Keep covered in the fridge for up to 1 day.

Not suitable for freezing.

Extracted from Feed Your Family Dairy Free by Kate Lancaster (Yellow Kite, £25) Photography by Jen Rich


Raising Healthy Eaters: 10 Nutritionist-Approved Tips for Your Kids

As parents, our children’s health is always our top priority and the food they consume, significantly influences their short-term and long-term wellbeing. Educating them about the importance of nourishing their bodies for optimal functioning, concentration, physical activity, and mental health is one of the greatest gifts we can offer. As a mum of two young children and a nutritional therapist, I understand the challenges parents face in guiding their children’s eating habits and the frustration parents can feel having spent time cooking delicious healthy meals, only to be met with ‘I am not eating that’. Here are my top 10 tips for raising healthy eaters that can make a real difference and help support your child’s nutrition:

Snack wisely by offering raw cut-up vegetables and fruit sticks when your children are “starving” and you’re frantically preparing their dinner.

Encourage them to explore new flavours and foods by reminding them, that they cannot say they do not like it if they have not tried it.

Reduce the consumption of ultra-processed snacks in your every day at-home foods and save them for special occasions like parties or holidays. Instead, enjoy homemade, balanced snack alternatives such as protein bars, energy balls, veggie sticks with hummus, greek yoghurt with homemade compote and chia seeds, and nut butter and berries on sourdough.

Establish consistent meal and snack times to create a routine that ensures your child is hungry and ready to enjoy lunch and dinner.

Empower your child by allowing them to choose one vegetable per meal, while you select another. This promotes variety and encourages acceptance of new foods. It also makes them feel empowered as they have a say in what they are eating.

Make family dinner time a priority a couple of times a week. This not only sets a positive example but also encourages connection and reduces distractions. Eating together can influence their willingness to try new foods, promote mindful eating, and aid digestion.

Design each plate with a focus on achieving a healthy balance. Include protein, healthy fats, and ample servings of vegetables, and ensure carbohydrates are nutrient-rich, prioritising whole-grain options and starchy vegetables over refined white rice, pasta, and bread.

Embrace the importance of variety in your child’s diet. Introduce different types of pasta such as lentil pasta, pea pasta and whole-wheat pasta, varying their shapes and sizes. Explore rice alternatives like quinoa, pearl barley, brown rice, farro, and buckwheat. Aim for a diverse range of colourful vegetables, incorporate different types of fruits, and include nuts and seeds for added variety.

Involve your children in the cooking process. Let them use their own utensils to prepare meals and snacks alongside you. This fosters their interest in nutrition and empowers them to make their own food choices.

Educate your children about the power of nutrition by introducing the concept of nutrients as superheroes. Explain how protein provides super-strength, carbohydrates offer super-speed, healthy fats support super-brains, and fibre promotes super-tummies.

When it comes to your children’s diet, remember to strive for progress, not perfection. Focus on making each meal and snack more nutritious. Children naturally prefer sweet foods due to the sugar receptors in their mouths, so to shape their taste preferences towards less sugary options, gradually introduce healthier alternatives. For instance, instead of buying jam from the store, make your own by reducing berries with chia seeds. It’s also crucial to find a balance. Completely avoiding refined sugar and ultra-processed foods might make these treats more tempting simply because they are forbidden. Educate your children about the difference between everyday foods and occasional foods. Prioritise whole, nutritious foods for daily meals and reserve ‘treat foods’ for special occasions like birthdays, weekend movie nights, and family gatherings.

Jessica May is a registered Nutritional Therapist and the Founder of Jessica May Wellness and offers children and adult nutritional workshops and services. To learn more, visit jessicamaywellness.com
@Jessicamaywellness_


Hip & Healthy Mini Edit Awards 2024

Welcome to our 2024 Mini Edit Awards. As a parent or parent-to-be, you always want the best for your baby and in equal measures, want to get the inside scoop on clever products that will keep you feeling your best too. We’ve tried and tested some fantastic brands all geared towards making life as a parent a little easier so, without further ado, here are this year’s winners!

Best Pregnancy Must-Have – Westlab Balance Bath Salts

Bath salts are a fantastic way to relax and boost your mood during pregnancy. Westlab Balance Bath Salts offer a superb blend of magnesium, mood-enhancing neuroscents, essential oils, and organic extracts. They are perfect for easing aches and pains, supporting restful sleep, and allowing you to take a little time for yourself.

Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Brand – Weleda

Developed in collaboration with experienced midwives and pharmacists, Weleda’s pregnancy and mother-and-baby range uses only pure, natural ingredients. These products protect your skin and support it through the changes of pregnancy, so you can feel confident knowing your skin is well looked after.

Best Prenatal Vitamins – Purolabs Pregnancy Complex

Purolabs is renowned for their pure and potent natural supplements designed to support any wellness goal. Their prenatal vitamins are ideal for supporting you through every stage of pregnancy. With 28 science-backed nutrients, including folate, vitamin D, and magnesium, these supplements are free from synthetic additives, bulking agents, or fillers.

Best Omega 3 – Heights Vitals+

Heights Vitals+ helps fuel your body and nourish your brain during pregnancy. With 20 essential nutrients, including key vitamins, omega-3s, and antioxidants, this supplement is created by scientists and approved by experts. Just two daily capsules can help you feel better from within.

Best for Stretch Marks – Dr Hauschka Blackthorn Toning Body Oil

This beautifully fragranced Blackthorn Toning Body Oil contains delicate blackthorn blossoms, birch leaves, sun-drenched St. John’s wort, and jojoba oil. It supports your skin’s elasticity and natural renewal processes, helping to minimise the appearance of stretch marks while also combating exhaustion. It’s sure to become a staple in your beauty routine, even after pregnancy.

Best Baby Bubbles – Little Butterfly Free To Foam Kids Bubble Bath

Enriched with a patented plant-based prebiotic and probiotic, along with a balanced omega 3-6-9 oil blend, this bubble bath is 100% natural and kind to children’s skin (aged 3+). It’s the perfect way to wash away the day with a nourishing blend of rosehip, flaxseed, and marula fruit, leaving your little one’s skin cleansed and moisturised. Plus, the bottle is simply adorable!

Best Nappy Cream – Tropic Little Emy Nappy Cream

Say goodbye to nappy rash with this 100% naturally derived and organically certified nappy cream, which gently soothes soreness and inflammation. Healing tamanu oil calms irritation with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, while Emu apple extract, native to the Australian outback, protects and nourishes the skin with its potent blend of antioxidants, vitamin C, and natural waxes. The bottle’s cute character, Emy, is inspired by this remarkable ingredient.

Best Baby Balm / Best Baby Oil – Tropic Little Roary Baby Oil

Perfect for post-bath time, this blend of simple, organic ingredients soothes and softens your baby’s skin. Tiger Grass is highly anti-inflammatory, calming any skin issues and providing extra TLC. It’s even ideal as an indulgent makeup remover or massage oil for you!

Best Baby Bath/Shower Product – Frida Control The Wash Rinser

Hair wash days are so much easier with this clever little rinser. The dual-flow rinse cup features a soft rain shower spout, suitable for newborns, and a waterfall spout perfect for cleaning toddlers. The soft pitcher also directs the water flow away from little eyes and ears, ensuring a tear-free bath time.

Best Baby Hair Wash – Bamford Baby Chamomile Hair and Body Wash

Bamford’s luxurious baby bath products feature the purest natural and organic ingredients, gentle on mother, baby, and the planet. This hair and body wash is perfect for cleansing delicate hair and skin, and it’s fragranced with a soothing blend of chamomile, geranium, lavender, and tea tree, leaving the skin feeling soft and hydrated.

Best Supplement Brand for Kids – Bimuno Kids Immunity

Bimuno, known for its probiotics, offers a great way to support your child’s immune system with this immunity supplement, containing vitamins C, D3, Zinc, and their award-winning prebiotic to support gut health. The sachet contains soluble powder that can be easily mixed into any food or drink, making it simple to incorporate into your child’s daily routine.

Best Follow-On Milk – Nannycare

Nannycare specialises in goat milk, focusing on creating the highest quality goat milk formula for babies and toddlers. Every step is carefully considered, from selecting the goats to their grass-fed diet, ensuring the best quality milk for your little one.

Best for Sustainability – Eco Warrior

These gentle natural soaps are perfect for sensitive skin and have a strong focus on sustainability. These eco-friendly, multifunctional soaps are plastic-free, so you can rest easy knowing you’re using a product that’s gentle on your little one and good for the planet.

Best Mother & Baby Newcomer Product or Brand – Luna Daily

This incredible brand has created microbiome-balanced body care for all skin types, perfect during and after pregnancy. Clinically tested and developed with dermatologists and gynaecologists, Luna Daily offers a range of products to support your skin through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. You’re sure to find something that will help care for your skin during this special time.


Practical Ways To Prepare Your Relationship For Parenthood From A Couples Coach

When I was pregnant with my daughter, my preparation went into overdrive. I worried about packing a hospital bag way before my third trimester, consumed myself with books (Emily Oster’s Expecting Better was essential pregnancy reading), and listened to podcasts like Jessie Ware’s Is It Normal religiously. I also spent hours online searching for tips. Amidst researching baby gear, I saw a pelvic-floor physio, an acupuncturist, a chiropractor, and a nutritionist to prepare for labor. And of course, given my work as a couples coach and having seen the impact of parenthood on my clients first-hand, I was especially keen to prepare my relationship too.

The trouble was, other than a couple of books, I came up short with how my husband and I could prepare our relationship for the changes we knew were coming. (Side note: the best book I found was Jancee Dunn’s How Not to Hate Your Husband After Kids, but I’d recommend it for once you’re already in the throes of parenting as it might be a bit confronting otherwise!) I wanted something structured to guide us through conversations to stay connected, feel like a team, and navigate the wild ride of parenting together with as much joy and as little sleep-deprived induced arguments as possible. Oh and something that felt empowering and positive too. Sadly, most antenatal classes barely touch on the impact having a baby will have on your relationship – and often it’s only to say ‘expect it to be hard’. Most of us know it’ll be challenging already – we’ve seen the depressing stats about relationship satisfaction plummeting after children! What we need is someone to tell us what to do to avoid becoming another statistic.

So, fast forward a year and armed with my own experience, plus interviews and surveys with new parents, I created the Pre-Baby Relationship Bootcamp. It’s the relationship service I wish had existed for us. And I want to share with you some resources and exercises for three areas I cover in the Pre-Baby Bootcamp. My hope is that it encourages you to prioritise preparing your relationship for parenthood because it isn’t a side-note to labour and newborn care education – it’s fundamental to your whole family’s wellbeing.

Preparing Your Relationship for Parenthood:

1) Discuss Sharing Childcare and Household Responsibilities

There’s an awful lot to talk about when it comes to the division of labour in parenthood. A great starting point is to sit down together and consider all of the tasks you need to manage. Not sure where to start? I have a checklist which you can copy, edit and make your own. It includes practical tips and suggestions for how to streamline tasks (for example, why didn’t we set up food deliveries and subscriptions?!) The Fair Play resources are also fantastic for getting the conversation going. We have the cards, which are great at making it feel more tangible.

An aspect of what makes dividing chores challenging is having different standards to our partner. If one person is happy serving instant noodles each night, while the other expects nutritious home-cooked meals – you can probably see why there’s still conflict, despite task division. Here’s a podcast episode with author Kate Mangino (Equal Partners) which helps to explain this and the concept of ‘maternal gatekeeping’ – a common stumbling block in parenthood. And an exercise to bring this home (pun intended) is to go around each room together and talk about your expectations regarding tidiness and cleanliness. I recommend discussing how to lower your minimum standards even further when your baby arrives so that you can focus on bonding instead of cleaning. Being intentional and explicit about the division of labour will help your transition to parenthood, especially if it’s already a source of disagreement.

2) Plan to Maximise Sleep and Prioritise Rest

Most expectant parents worry about sleep so having a conversation about how you plan to maximise it and cope with night-time care is incredibly useful. My husband and I had a plan for his paternity leave, but we didn’t discuss what would happen after that. We accidentally slid into me doing all the night time care by myself which I ended up feeling extremely resentful about. Even if the outcome was the same, had we thought about our options ahead of time and been intentional about it, I’m sure I wouldn’t have felt so aggrieved. Ask friends and family members with children how they shared night time care. Come up with the strategy you’d most like to try and consider how circumstances could change it.

Just as important as maximising sleep is making sure you both have breaks from childcare. It protects your mental wellbeing and in turn, your relationship. The most useful framework I’ve found for thinking about this is to consider the different types of rest we need. Yes, you might need more physical rest (sleep) but looking after a little baby might also be mentally or socially draining, for example. Watch this video about the seven types of rest together and talk about which kinds of rest you might need in parenthood, what activities you can do to achieve that rest and how you can support each other to prioritise it.

3) Consider How You’ll Manage Relatives

You’ll become mum and dad, but a new baby can also create grandparents, aunts, uncles and other family roles. Managing other relatives who are invested, excited and keen to get involved can sometimes be challenging for couples. Make sure you’re on the same page about visitors post-birth and communicate your boundaries early to help manage expectations. Another useful conversation is about phone use during labour. When do you plan to notify family members? Labour can be long, especially for first-time mums – so what expectations do you have around your partner updating relatives awaiting news?

Sometimes grandparents have a lot of their own advice and opinions to share. Some of this wisdom might not correspond to modern day parenting, so how can you bring them up to date? Would gifting them a book, sending them articles or even asking them if they’d want to do a grandparent course (yes such a thing exists!) bring them into the conversation in a positive way? A useful reframe for me was: ‘advice is a form of nostalgia’. We asked our parents for their tips before our baby arrived to give them their moment to relive their memories. It was a nice way for them to feel important, valued and appreciated and it made it easier to handle their input later.

I hope that’s given you a few ideas of ways to prepare your relationship for parenthood. There are many more conversations to have together before you become a three and I could go on and on… But in case you’re interested, the other topics in the Pre-Baby Bootcamp include: staying connected as a two, appreciating parenthood, communication, physical intimacy and juggling work-life-baby.

Remember, it’s common for couples to find their relationship more strained in parenthood because their focus, previously just on each other, gets diverted to a new little person. I say that to normalise the relationship challenges in parenthood and to encourage you to take a few proactive steps now to set yourselves up for success.If you’d like even more practical tips, you can check out my blog post here!

words by Ellie Baker