These cheesy broccoli waffles really are a game-changer for brunch. Even those that are on the fence about broccoli are likely to love these thanks to the light, fluffy waffle batter, the tasty dairy-free cheese, and the crispy golden outside. We like to serve these with a quick “sour cream” (lemony yoghurt), avocado, and some greens.
INGREDIENTS – Serves 4-5
2¾–3 cups (200 g) broccoli (florets and small stems)
1 cup (140 g) all-purpose or gluten-free flour
1 cup (100 g) chickpea/gram flour
2 teaspoons (9 g) baking powder
1 teaspoon hot smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic granules
¼ cup (20 g) nutritional yeast
2 cups (480 ml) of unsweetened plant-based milk
⅔ cup (80 g) grated dairy-free cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil, for the waffle iron
For Topping
½ cup (120 g) thick, unsweetened, dairy-free yogurt
1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
2 avocados, peeled and sliced
2 handfuls arugula
Fresh parsley or cilantro
A pinch of chile flakes
METHOD
1. Chop the broccoli very small. Grate it, or add it to a food processor and blitz until it’s very small.
2. To make the waffle batter: Sift the flours into a large mixing bowl. Add the baking powder, hot smoked paprika, garlic granules, and nutritional yeast. Whisk to mix.
3. Pour in the milk and whisk until almost fully combined. Add the grated cheese and broccoli. Stir to combine the batter and season with salt and pepper.
4. Let the batter rest while you heat the waffle iron. You will be making waffles in batches; to keep them warm set the oven to a very low temperature or have a covered plate ready.
5. Once the iron is hot, brush or spray with oil. Add around ⅓ to ½ cup (a few tablespoons) of batter per waffle; the amount will depend on the size of your waffle maker. Cook the waffles according to your waffle iron instructions, until golden and crisp outside. I like to wait until most of the steam has gone which is always longer than the machine says.
6. When the waffles are finished, keep them warm. Repeat to make 8 to 10 waffles.
7. To make the toppings: In a small bowl, stir together the yoghurt and lemon juice with a pinch of salt. Peel, de-stone, and slice the avocado.
8. Serve the waffles warm and topped with the lemon yoghurt, avocado, arugula, herbs, and chile flakes.
9. Leftover waffles will keep in a sealed container for 2 to 3 days in the fridge or up to 1 month in the freezer. Warm them back up in the oven, in a hot pan, or in a toaster.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS AND VARIATIONS
If you don’t have a waffle iron, make these into pancakes by cooking them in a greased nonstick frying pan and flipping them over once golden and cooked through.
From the softest bed linen to the perfect mattress and bedside table essentials like pillow mists and candles, here’s our sleep heroes shopping edit for the ultimate wind-down routine and peaceful night’s slumber.
Founded by one of Australia’s most well-loved health and wellness experts and Nutritionist, Jessica Sepel’s supplements are an amazing way to boost sleep and support relaxation. JS Health’s Sleep kit duo contains two amazing formulas to prepare your mind and body for a restful night’s sleep whilst also calming and soothing your mental wellbeing, so you can sleep tight and awake feeling fully rested (yes really!).
PM+ is formulated with a special blend of herbs and minerals including magnesium, lavender and passionflower, designed to support a deeper sleep, relax the body and help calm the mind.
Anxiety + Stress helps you find your inner zen with ashwagandha and passionflower to help your body to adapt to stress and promote calmness.
Emma is one of the UK’s best-selling mattresses and it is their mission to help people understand the importance of sleep. Their mattresses are designed to give you the best support so you can sleep through the night and don’t wake up with any aches and pains. The Emma Premium Mattress is the ultimate hybrid mattress for support and temperature regulation. With five different layers of specially designed foam along with Emma’s amazing sleep technology to keep you cool and dry there’s no doubt that the Emma Original Hybrid will bring you your most comfortable night’s rest.
This bedtime beauty boost will replenish your skin whilst you sleep. A luxurious multi-vitamin night cream designed to help stimulate the skin’s natural regeneration process, this decadent night cream irons out the appearance of wrinkles and reduces age spots leaving you with a softer, healthier-looking morning complexion and a youthful glow. It is your beauty sleep in a bottle.
White Company believes premium bed linen is worth investing in as it really does transform the way we sleep. Having searched the globe for the best fabrics from the finest cotton, linen and silk to create the very best in bedding, there is something for everyone. Whether you want a cool crisp feel or a super cosy brushed flannel fabric White Company has become renowned for producing the softest sheets in the finest fabrics. This gorgeous high-quality 300-thread-count Egyptian-cotton sheet feels perfectly smooth and silky to touch with an elegant sheen. Night Night.
Luxe + Hardy believe downtime moments are worth celebrating. The ritual of enjoying a cup of tea or reading a book, these are some of the special moments we often take for granted. Luxe + Hardy create the most beautiful sleepwear to celebrate and enhance sleep. Designed in the most luxurious and comfortable natural fibres to keep you cool and comfortable, whether you’re sleeping or simply lounging around the house they are the must have to take your relaxation to the next level.
A convenient, deliciously fruit-flavoured way to get your daily dose of feel-good CBD. With 25 mg of the highest quality CBD, CBII’s gummies are an easy way to combat life’s daily stresses, boost focus and calm the mind and body. Terrible sleepers will find these are the best supplements to help you drift off at night and get your best sleep.
We often hear how important getting 8 hours of sleep a night is, however, it’s not always as simple as knowing what you should be doing. There are so many factors that can impact the duration and quality of your shut-eye, as well as how easily you are able to drift off in the first place. Below Jessica Sepel (founder of JSHealth) shares her routine for getting the best night’s sleep.
I have struggled with insomnia during different periods of my life. What I have discovered is that having a nighttime ritual is key. Here is my tried and tested 5-step ‘Sleepy Routine’ that I personally use to fall into a deep sleep each night.
Switch off from social media and technology 1-2 hours before bed
This can be hard at first but it is so important when it comes to sleep. Our phones and laptops emit blue light which can disrupt our sleep patterns. Disconnecting from social media and my emails around 8.30-9pm each evening is also incredibly grounding and allows me to be present with myself and my loved ones.
Epsom salt bath
I love having a bath with a few drops of lavender essential oil and Epsom salt. This really helps the body to rest and decompress, signalling time for bed. It’s such a beautiful act of self-care that I highly recommend.
Use support
Supplementing with lavender, passionflower and magnesium has changed my sleep! These herbs and nutrients can help support deeper sleep, relaxation, nervous system health and muscle relaxation, plus relieves restlessness.
Herbal tea
Next, I have a cup of chamomile apple tea. Enjoying a cup of tea at night supports sleep in 2 complementary ways. Firstly, many herbal teas contain compounds that help to calm our nervous system. Secondly, the simple ritual of taking time out to stop and make a tea can be a calming process in itself.
10 minutes of legs up the wall
Yes, this is exactly as it sounds! Before bed I take 10 minutes to lay down, shuffling as close to a wall as is comfortable and then sliding my legs up, allowing the weight of them to rest on the wall itself. I lay there and focus on breathing in through my nostrils and out through my mouth. This is an incredibly calming pose and soothes the nervous system, preparing me for a night of deep sleep.
In general, a varied Mediterranean diet is recommended for getting the best night’s sleep, but there are some specific nutrients which have been linked to a restful slumber. These include sleep-enhancers such as Tryptophan, Magnesium (a deficiency of which can cause insomnia), Vitamin D (deficiency associated with daytime sleepiness), Potassium (deficiency leads to difficulty staying asleep), Vitamin B (especially B6) Calcium and Antioxidants such as Vitamin C +E. Let’s take a look at some awesome foods to add into your sleep-enhancing diet, plus some delicious recipes to include them in!
Spinach Spinach, along with all green leafy vegetables is a fantastic food all round and contains tonnes of nutrients for sleep including magnesium, Vitamin B6, calcium, folate and Tryptophan. All of these are used as co-factors for synthesising Serotonin, a precursor of Melatonin, our sleep hormone. It also contains Potassium.
Bananas Contain potassium, magnesium, B Vitamins, and tryptophan as well as carbohydrate which can make you sleepy. They are regarded as great muscle relaxants.
Kiwi Fruits In a test at Taiwan university adults who ate just two kiwifruits I hour before bedtime over a four-week period fell asleep 35% quicker than those who weren’t given the fruit. Kiwi fruits are especially rich in Vitamin C, which is an antioxidant and also contains Serotonin, which may be why they helped improve sleep. Kiwis are also rich in folate with insomnia a condition which occurs with a deficiency of this Vitamin
Chia Seeds Chia seeds are full of dietary fibre and contain high levels of calcium, zinc, potassium, and omega-3 fatty acids which all are key sleep nutrients. They also contain twice the amount of tryptophan than turkey.
Yoghurt (especially Greek) Yoghurt is a great source of calcium and vitamin B12, which are both important for a good night’s sleep. You can also buy yoghurt that is fortified with vitamin D and potassium which can be even more useful in helping you sleep. Yoghurt is also a source of friendly gut bacteria which are vital in good sleep.
One word about tryptophan Tryptophan is an amino acid that’s linked to good quality sleep as it is a precursor to the sleep-inducing chemicals serotonin and melatonin, in the brain. For tryptophan to be effective it has to cross the blood-brain barrier where it competes for absorption which other amino acids. The problem comes in that the amount of Tryptophan in protein is normally a lot lower than the other amino acids it competes for absorption with. However, when we eat carbohydrates with protein the other proteins can be blocked by the insulin which is released, meaning that more Tryptophan is absorbed.
Win £250 to spend at The Sports Edit online or in-store plus a year’s free Membership to Madeleine Shaw’s digital wellbeing platform, The Glow Space, worth £83. All you need to do is enter your details below to be in with a chance of winning.
About The Glow Space The Glow Space is a digital platform that brings Madeleine’s philosophy directly into your home – with unlimited access to her invigorating yoga classes, nourishing recipes, integrated meal plans and guided meditations. The Glow Space has a community forum to cheer you on, connect with other Glow Space members and answer your questions. From meal plans to yoga classes, breathwork to meditation you can get ready to feel the best version of yourself.
About The Sports Edit The Sports Edit scours the globe to bring you the world’s best activewear. From Alo Yoga to Varley and Hoka to Nike, you’ll find the best styles here to get you moving. Also look out for expert guides, fitness tips and exclusive events too – everything you need to support your active lifestyle.
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Our Commercial Partnerships Director has been in the beauty, wellness and fashion industry for 15 years. Here are her tips on how to elevate your wellness from skincare products to self-care heroes.
Since Covid, we all spend a lot more time at home. Home became our sanctuary and escape during a time of uncertainty. It is also the place where we can retreat and spend time with the ones we love the most, and rediscover life’s simplest pleasures. I for one love nothing more than indulging in time spent at home with my little family or entertaining friends. These are a few of my favourite home comforts to turn my sanctuary into my own little personal haven.
MIND
I have always loved food, but when I met my now husband I also became interested in cooking. It became my love language, and the way I most enjoy expressing my love for him, as well as for my friends and family. I always put a lot of thought into the food for any dinner party. In fact, every detail is considered, from table scaping to the wine and the food. It is also a great way for me and my husband to reconnect on weekends, while our son naps, and enjoy this time and indulgence together. My husband is the most decadent cook and never holds back on the good stuff. I am so looking forward to him making us the Cheese and Marmite Souffle from Sky McAlpines new gorgeous book “A table Full Of Love”. With chapters devoted to how food can Comfort, Seduce, Nourish, Spoil and Cocoon, Skye McAlpine has exactly the right recipe for every moment of connection be it, An elegant dish to make someone fall in love with you, A satisfying family meal or- A go-to dish for a very old friend. This cookbook has it all.
Since falling back in love with cooking I have also fallen in love with Our Place. Seriously needing new cookware, I discovered this amazing brand, which has introduced a whole new way of cooking at home, with their incredible pots and pans. Their cult duo; The Perfect Pot and Always Pan were thoughtfully designed to replace 16 pieces of traditional cookware. Together, they’re an entire cooking system in just two pieces. From baking to sauteing, crisping to boiling, this duo gives you so much more with a whole lot less. Its purposeful design is hassle-free, enabling you to spend less time fussing with equipment and more time around the dinner table with loved ones. While it’s cold and a little dark outside I am super excited to start making some amazing recipes from my new Bocca cookbook, which is full of Italian regional recipes out of the restaurant and into the home. Their gnocchi sausage pasta ( which my best friend prepared for me the other weekend… and why I desperately needed to get this book) is honestly out of this world.
BODY
I have forever been on the hunt for the perfect pyjamas. I won’t deny I can be very fussy with my clothes…but pyjamas, they need to tick so many boxes. I want them to be soft and comfortable but also look smart and tailored. Most Pyjamas have looked the part but in turn, have been so uncomfortable to sleep in, so I have always just slept in my birthday suit. Honestly, it’s taken me 39 years to find the perfect pair, but now I have. Enter Eberjey. Eberjey was a revelation and a relief. At last, sleepwear could be sensual and comfortable, tailored and perfectly undone. They are the at-home comfort I needed.
In the mid-2000s, Eberjey set out to create the world’s softest pyjamas for a beautiful night’s rest. The Gisele delivers, merging a classic men’s PJ silhouette with sustainable TENCEL™ Modal fibres. Their luxurious, temperature-regulating knit fabric is so gentle on the skin and drapes and falls in all the right places. I am honestly so excited to get into my pyjamas that by 4 pm I get into serious comfort mode. Changing into my pj’s sets my mind up for my son’s bedtime shenanigans in the knowledge that soon the evening is all about me and pure cosiness.
SOUL
Coffee, coffee, coffee… there are very few things I love more than my morning cup of coffee. In fact, I am not really worth talking to until I have had it (Just ask my husband).
My mornings have become a ritual that feeds my soul. Where better to start your day than with a perfectly brewed cup of coffee? I get up early enough to allow myself time to enjoy a nice morning cup in bed, so I can start the day feeling strong and centered before heading out to my 7 am workout class. Beginning each day slowly with intention helps me tune into my mind, hone my focus and establish my priorities for the day ahead. It is the magic of a quiet morning before anyone else gets up.
As much as I always loved my little Nespresso machine (pop a capsule in, press a button and hey presto) my coffee game changed entirely with the De’Longhi La Specialista Arte, which opened up the world of authentic coffee shop experience at home. Any Coffee lovers dream. The Arte espresso coffee machine is so easy to use. It bridges the gap between being a semiautomatic and a fully automatic espresso machine which allows you to have more control over the brewing process. You can choose the beans, (I am totally obsessed80 Stone which our local coffee shop use), the grind, the strength and the temperature and it also features a built-in steam wand to froth your oat milk, for the perfect Oat Milk latte ( enter excited emoji here). My morning ritual is now made. No matter what your preferred coffee is you can enjoy barista control and precision and make it exactly the way you like it with this amazing little machine. It is the whole beautiful process and the intentional slowing down that results in a perfect cup of coffee. The fun is now definitely in the coffee-making process thanks to De’Lohngi.
SKIN
Is there anything better than a good night’s sleep? Like the kind of sleep, you only get from the gorgeous bedding in a 5-star hotel? For me, it’s the feeling of clean, cool, crisp sheets on my skin that brings comfort like nothing else. I get so excited to crawl into fresh linens and love the ceremonial changing of the bedding ( which my husband does because there is nothing I hate more than actually changing the sheets).
But how can I turn my bedroom into 5-star luxury? Well, let me introduce you to Tielle Love Luxury, used by 5-star hotels including the Pig, the Dorchester, the Gorin, The Lanesborough and Royal Garden Hotel. Tielle Love Luxury was born after frequent calls from interior designers and guests of the hotels (aka me) asking where they got their linens from. With 30 years of experience advising, manufacturing and supplying top-quality products to world-class hotels, now you can enjoy the same level of luxury, quality and style in the comfort of your own home.
It’s the little things in life, such as the quality of your pillows and bed linen that make a big difference to your day and your sleep, and we all know how much happier and healthier we are after a good night’s rest. I am the sort of person who likes to sleep with the window open, whatever the weather ( It might be the swede in me, but I do love the cold) with a nice cool breeze and I am the same with my bedlinen. My husband in an ideal world would have brushed cotton but for me, it is all about cool crisp bedding, so that is what we have (sorry darling.. happy wife, happy life ). I am obsessed with Tielle’s cool, crisp 200-thread count bedlinen to create my perfect zen den. Made from the finest long-staple cotton and woven into beautifully crisp, smooth percale sheets to give you that cold feeling when you crawl into bed, guaranteeing luxury hotel standard sleep every single night.
We’re back with our current foodie favourites, from collagen-spiked coffee creamer, pesto-drizzled hummus, quality beans that transform meals, gluten-free snacks ideal for on-the-go and lots of Easter treats…
Gone are the days when proper skincare maintenance required a trip to the Dermatologist’s clinic – now at-home tools are providing us with everything we need to look after our skin at home. From anti-ageing to pigmentation, acne and everything in between, there really is a device for every skin concern and for a range of age groups. Beauty device experts, CurrentBody, have scoured the globe to find the very best skincare tools out there – that actually make a difference. CurrentBody offers the largest selection of safe, clinically proven electrical health and beauty products in the world, supported by a team with exceptional product knowledge who can guide you every step of the way of your skincare journey. We were more than happy to try out some of their incredible products, which had even more incredible outcomes… to say we’re now hooked on at-home skincare tools would be an understatement – our skincare routines are no longer complete without them.
Loved by both celebrities and Editors across the world, and famed for being the “5-minute Face Lift” I was very excited to try out The NuFace Trinity, which uses a low level of microcurrent (similar to the one naturally produced by our bodies) to energise facial muscles, boost elastin and collagen production. This handy little tool is a three-in-one as it has a microcurrent head (Facial Trainer), an LED head (Wrinkle Reduction) and an ELE head – the sort of antenna-looking head that I found was amazing for getting rid of crow’s feet and giving brows an instant lift. First I tried the microcurrent head, which feels so gentle and I genuinely noticed a difference in my skin just 15 minutes later – my skin felt smoother and tighter. I love me an LED head – which I find is incredible for healing. I had a spot that was on its way out and I used the LED head on it consistently and it didn’t scar or mark in anyway, plus I noticed my wrinkles were visibly less defined in just a week of usage. For best results, before you start your treatment, apply the NuFACE Hydrating Leave-On Gel Primer, which is also included in this complete set. It’s completely hypoallergenic, free from oil, alcohol, parabens, sulfate, gluten and fragrances. Plus, it’s packed with key ingredients hyaluronic acid and Phytomoist Complex to plump the skin. After I finished with my NuFace I just massaged the serum into my skin for an extra moisture boost. Reader Offer: 10% Off NuFace with code “HIPNU”
Having seen this recently on Emily in Paris, I was desperate to try the LED Light Therapy Mask from CurrentBody and I can report that I am thrilled with the results. So easy to use, the mask is completely hands-free, just charge it up and you are ready to go – and one charge lasts ages – I am still yet to recharge it weeks later. As I have gotten older (I am now at the grand old age of 38) I have noticed the loss in collagen and my skin taking longer to heal if I get the odd spot, but this mask has really helped me get my glow back. With the perfect balance of near-infrared and red-light wavelengths, this anti-ageing device stimulates collagen production, boosts circulation and cell renewal for visibly healthier and fresher skin. Both instant (red light) and long-lasting (near-infrared) transformative results are achieved due to the ability for the wavelengths being able to penetrate deep under the skin’s surface. The mask is flexible and therefore allows the LED light therapy to access all the nooks and crannies of my face to give a full coverage treatment, plus it feels comfortable to wear (I have been known to nod off when wearing it – don’t worry it automatically switches itself off after its 10 minute treatment is complete). Clinically proven to deliver wavelengths on a professional salon level – I feel like I have had a facial instantly after using it and 4 weeks later, after using it 4-5 times a week I can report that my forehead 11’s are noticeably smoother. Result! Reader Offer: 10% Off all CurrentBody LED Devices with code “HIPCB”
You feel a bit like a superhero when wearing this mask – and if like me you have a sensitivity to some eye creams, this award-winning Eye Perfector tool will get super-hero status in your beauty cupboard as it is a great way to target dark circles, eye bags, wrinkles and improve elasticity. The treatment stimulates collagen production by triggering cells to repair and regenerate in as little as three minutes. It is suggested to use the skincare tool 6 times a week to see results in two months, but I also felt that I saw results in much less than that. I wore mine before bed whilst listening to a podcast – such a heavenly way to relax and unwind at the end of the day. Reader Offer: 10% Off all CurrentBody LED Devices with code “HIPCB”
As an overbrusher who loves coffee, I have long been looking for a teeth whitening kit that actually works and after just one use I fell in love with the CurrentBody Skin Teeth Whitening Kit as I instantly noticed a difference. This device uses clinically proven light wavelengths to penetrate deeper than the surface of the gums to promote blood circulation and stimulate skin rejuvenation resulting in healthy white teeth, oxygenated gums and better oral health. It is super simple to use and doesn’t cause any problems for my sensitive teeth. It’s so good that I literally don’t stop banging on about it and all my friends noticed a difference in my teeth and have started using it too! Obsessed. Reader Offer: 10% Off CurrentBody Skin Teeth Whitening Kit with code “HIPCB”
A tool that can boost relaxation as well as reduce your fine lines sounds too good to be true but here’s one that gives your beauty sleep a boost. Clinically proven to help you sleep deeper the Dr Harris Anti-Wrinkle Sleep Mask looks like a normal sleep mask but has these very clever raised silicone dots around the edge of the mask that stimulate receptors in the skin, which have a dual effect of helping you sleep better (67% of trial participants reported increased relaxation – a lovely side effect I also experienced) and also reducing the fine lines around our eyes by helping the face whilst wearing the mask. Although you can sleep in it, I noticed a reduction in the wrinkles around my forehead and eyes in just 15 minutes. It is the perfect in-flight treatment as I found wearing the mask so relaxing – I nearly always fall asleep and I like to rub the little balls on the mask to help stimulate the pressure points below it. This sleep mask uses 2R Technology (referring to resistance and relaxation) where the silicone dots gently grip your skin to prevent any creases from underlying muscles contracting – hence creating a much smoother appearance on waking. Welcome to your new bedtime beauty tool. Reader Offer: 10% Off with code “HIPMASK”
Smoothies are an easy way to pack a lot of goodness into one delicious breakfast, but why not up the anti and swap your pill tray for liquid supplements that can add even more nutrition to your morning? If you struggle to swallow tablets you should consider liquid or powder supplements that often have better bioavailability AND better absorption. There are plenty to choose from, it all depends on what nutritional needs you want to fulfil. From Vitamin D drops to collagen powder, a superfood elixir and vanilla protein, here are the best supplements you can add to your smoothie.
A vitamin D supplement is something many people can benefit from, particularly those who live in the northern hemisphere and don’t get as much sunshine! Viridian are a great supplement brand that offers lots of liquid versions of essential vitamins and their best-selling liquid vitamin D comes with a pipette so you can drop it into water or your smoothie of choice.
The closest thing you’re going to get to waking up looking like Elle McPherson is her supplement, The Super Elixir. A wonderfully potent greens powder, it contains over 40 naturally-derived ingredients from herbal extracts to vitamins and minerals all designed to boost skin health, improve digestion and support the immune system.
A high-quality protein powder is a bit of a staple but why not double up and get your money’s worth with Dose & Co’s Collagen-infused protein powder? It blends muscle-repairing protein with collagen peptides which aren’t just good for your vanity reasons! Collagen is vital for your ligaments, muscles and tendons and unfortunately as we all age, collagen levels deplete meaning a supplement can be a great addition to your regime. With Dose & Co, you get a handy 2-in-1!
If you read our 2023 trends piece you’ll have seen that shrooms are having a bit of a boom. Mushrooms, and in particular Lion’s Mane, are thought to be great for cognitive function, thus making this a brilliant supplement for mornings when you need your sleepy head sharpening up! Mixed into your coffee or smoothie, it can also help boost your mood and stimulate digestion.
Let’s be honest, does anyone really enjoy taking a ginormous fish oil every bloomin morning? Um gag central. We can do better than that, and thankfully, Bare Biology have just the product. Omega 3s are great for heart and brain health and can even lower your chances of getting certain cancers like breast cancer as well as reduce the risk of developing cognitive diseases like dementia and Alzheimers.
A powerful herbal tonic is just what you need if you’re struggling with stress and low energy. The Organic Pharmacy’s Super Tonic Plus is a potent blend of herbal superstars like immunity heroes Elderberry and Cats Claw as well as Holy Basil and Rhodiola, both of which help with stress and stamina. Balancing metabolic rate, this unique blend will provide a kick start to your energy in the morning.
This month, more so than ever, I’m really channelling the wellness rituals that work for me. My wellness habits usually always stem from the standpoint of promoting self-care, self-confidence and self-love and it seems fitting this month is a bit pink in theme! Below I’m talking about how to make your bathing go further, an important health lesson from a truly inspiring lady and a new pre-holiday prep routine that’s making me feel happy and confident!
I’ll admit it, I’m a self-confessed cookbook hoarder and I love adding beautiful, inspiring (and most importantly delicious) books to my expanding collection. Flicking through recipe books is one of my favourite Sunday morning pastimes and they’re really important for keeping me inspired to try different meals and ways of cooking some of my favourite foods. The Imperfect Nutritionist by Jennifer Medhurst is all about breaking down the principles of healthy eating and features some stunning recipes that make meal times much more interesting and tasty.
If you’re looking for a natural wax candle that doesn’t skimp out on the gorgeous scent and luxe packaging then you can’t do much better than NEOM Organics. Their regular staples like their Perfect Night’s Sleep candle and their Complete Bliss candle are always winners but I do love their Limited Edition candles they release every year. The new Three-Wick “You Rock” candle is infused with one of my most loved scents, Ylang Ylang as well as Patchouli and Frankincense and it has a whopping 50-hour burn time which is going to get me through many relaxing baths!
Make The Benefits Of Bathing Go Even Further…
Well, speaking of baths, that brings me to my next topic! Making your bathing go further. 2023 is the year to embrace pimping your bath with something other than your almost empty, likely out-of-date bubble bath. We’re talking seaweed, magnesium, herbs and flowers. Bathing is a proper self-care ritual and deserves to be embraced to its full potential so you can maximise the wellness benefits. Magnesium is wonderful for relaxing tired minds and bodies whereas herbal infusions can provide soothing benefits to the skin and can even aid an illness. I love lavendar and eucalyptus for when I have a stinking cold. The rising steam is full of sinus-clearing aromas and can help take the edge off my foggy head. I’m also getting into seaweed baths too! Not only does the salty stuff have many health benefits when ingested, but it also adds another wellness element to your sacred bath time. Bathing in seaweed has lots of benefits… it’s helpful for relieving skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema due to its soothing properties and it’s also widely known to help ease muscle aches and pains. I love Voya who sells detoxifying seaweed bundles delivered straight to your door from their home on the Irish Atlantic Coast. If you want to take it one step further, their traditional seaweed bath house is a must-visit.
Get Fanatical About Fibre…
I’m on a massive mission to get enough fibre in my diet this year. I was privileged to meet the late Dame Deborah James a few years ago who, after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016, spent the remainder of her life campaigning about the importance of gut and bowel health. I met her at an event with Ryvita where she brought home the truths of being diagnosed with bowel cancer at such a young age and how much fibre plays a role in keeping your digestive organs healthy. It really opened my eyes and research shows most of us struggle to meet the 30g daily criteria. So, that’s what I’m focusing on and I’ve found it to have quite a positive impact on my well-being in general. Of course, regular bowel movements are an obvious benefit but it has also helped with my periods. I sometimes struggle with irregular periods (although not at all recently) and I have researched that it can sometimes be a cause of too much estrogen in the second part of your cycle not being effectively eliminated from your body. The easiest way for your body to get rid of excess estrogen is through your bowel so I definitely think upping my fibre intake has helped regulate my cycle.
I love a good vitamin gummy. My pantry cupboard is always well stocked with my faves and one I’ve recently started taking is the Apple Cider Vinegar gummies from wellness Queen, Jessica Sepel’s supplement brand, JS Health. Firstly, they are absolutely delicious… be real, the taste of ACV is pretty horrendous so why wouldn’t you choose a berry-licious gummy instead? Great for skin and gut health, this is the answer to your daily dose of ACV minus the baby-eating-a-lemon-for-the-frist-time grimace every morning.
I’m off on holiday at the end of the month and I’m trialling a sunless gradual tan in a bid to have a bit of a glow already going by the time I strip off and get into my bikini on day one. I have been recommended Tan-Luxe products for a while by a lot of my friends and I decided to plump for their gradual tan lotion and, so far, I am enjoying the results and ease of the process. I am a fake tanning newbie so wanted to start off with something buildable and non-drying and this has worked a treat at building a decent layer of golden glow that evens out my skin tone and makes me feel confident baring a little more skin. I am reasonably fair so I feel this would work for skin tones that don’t naturally tan easily. It’s not overly orange, doesn’t fade patchy and one application just gives a subtle glow. Equally, the product is buildable for more of an obvious tan… you can decide how far you want to take it! It will definitely be coming with me on hols!
These are the creamiest and best vegan overnight oats I’ve made—and they are so easy. They take five to ten minutes to prepare, and breakfast is ready when you wake up in the morning. Choose any of the three variations here, or make this recipe with your favourite flavours. The oats will keep for two to three days in the fridge so they are a great choice for meal prep and for on-the-go breakfasts.
• ½ cup (120 g) coconut or another thick, dairy-free yoghurt
• 1–1½ cups (240 –360 ml) plant-based milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Strawberries-and-Cream
• 1 cup (160 g) chopped strawberries, plus extra to serve
• 2–4 tablespoons (30–60 g) coconut yoghurt
For the Mocha Caramel
• 2 tablespoons (11 g) cacao powder
• 2 teaspoons (4 g) espresso powder or 2 shots of cooled espresso
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) maple syrup, divided
• 3 tablespoons (48 g) peanut butter
• A pinch of salt
• 2–4 tablespoons (30–60 g) coconut yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon (9 g) chopped peanuts
• 1 tablespoon (5 g) coffee beans, for decoration
STRAWBERRIES & CREAM OATS
1. In a mason jar, stir together all the base ingredients. Start with 1 cup (240 ml) of milk; add more, as needed. Gently stir in the strawberries.
2. Cover and leave overnight in the fridge.
3. Serve the oats layered with yoghurt in two jars. Top with more strawberries.
MOCHA CARAMEL OATS
1. In a mason jar, stir together all the base ingredients with the cacao powder, espresso powder, or cooled espresso, and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of maple syrup. Start with 1 cup (240 ml) of milk; add more as needed.
2. Cover and leave overnight in the fridge.
3. To make the caramel sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of maple syrup, and salt.
4. Serve the oats layered with yoghurt and caramel sauce in two jars. Top with some peanuts and coffee beans.
For the Chocolate Coconut
• 2 tablespoons (10 g) dried coconut
• 2 tablespoons (22 g) cacao nibs, plus extra to serve
• 3 tablespoons (48 g) peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
• A pinch of salt
• 2–4 tablespoons (30–60 g) coconut yoghurt
• 1 tablespoon (4 g) coconut flakes
CHOCOLATE COCONUT OATS
1. In a mason jar, stir together all the base ingredients with the dried coconut and cacao nibs. Start with 1 cup (240 ml) of milk; add more as needed.
2. Cover and leave overnight in the fridge.
3. To make the chocolate sauce: In a small bowl, stir together the peanut butter, maple syrup, cocoa powder, and salt until smooth and sticky.
4. Serve the oats in two jars layered with yoghurt and chocolate sauce. Top with flaked coconut and extra cacao nibs.
As we approach spring, the world of wellness has a myriad of new launches, giving a fresh insight into the season ahead. From new lunchtime workout classes, the yoga studio set to break boundaries, bespoke menopause plans and more, this is what’s new in wellness this March.
The New Skincare Range For Blemish-Prone Skin
Oskia’s result-driven skincare roster is growing once again with the launch of its new Violet Water range. Targeting blemish-prone skin, the Violet Water collection uses the latest in skincare innovation to reduce blemish count, post-inflammatory pigmentation, excess sebum production and scarring, whilst at the same time promoting a healthy skin biome. Featuring a refreshing Clearing Cleanser, 2% BHA Treatment Tonic, Daily Moisturiser Gel and D-Spot Clearing Blemish Treatment, the Violet Water collection harnesses 35 actives that generate results after just 2 weeks.
The Tech-Driven Retail Space To Find Your Perfect Running Trainers
Fastest-growing running brand in the world, On Running has just opened its new three-story flagship on Regent’s Street. Boasting earthy, understated interiors, the innovative store showcases apparel and shoes for both men and women. The Swiss brand is renowned for its impressive performance technology, with a range of trainers to suit different needs. The ‘Magic Wall’ installation helps runner navigate their perfect match, based on gait-cycle analysis. Londoners should be chuffed with the first standalone European store on their doorstep, having the right trainers makes or breaks your runs and at this slick new establishment you’re guaranteed to find the pair to transform your game.
Scent-Based Night Rituals Are The Key To Drifting Off
Sleep deprivation affects 1 in 3 adults, which is why Vocā set out to reappraise our relationships with sleep. The new 100% natural aromacology-based brand of natural scents combines the therapeutic and sedative properties of 15 of the finest botanical ingredients, from three different continents, to help prepare your mind and body for a good night’s sleep. These natural scents envelop your senses to restore your body’s natural rhythms, soothe your over-stimulated nervous system and help prepare you for sleep. The three powerful aromas; Dreams Of Africa, Mediterranean and Oriental Lullaby come in the form of a pillow spray, diffuser elixir and roller ball.
The Speedy Kitchen Appliance That Makes Healthy Cooking Easy
Air fryers have taken the kitchen by storm and Ninja is the brand that is rivalling the rest with its range of cooking appliances designed to make your life easier and healthier. Taking things up a notch, their brand new Speedi 10-in-1 Rapid Cookerhas an impressive roster of features that will completely transform your cooking routine, ideal for quick mid-week dinners. The ten functions include Steam Air Fry, Steam Bake, Steam, Grill, Air Fry, Bake/Roast, Dehydrate, Sear/Sauté and Slow Cook. Retaining up to 90% of nutrients when steaming and using up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods, this versatile kitchen essential comes with an extensive list of healthy recipes to get you inspired to cook with the Speedi, enabling you to really get to grips on how to get the most out of it. As the name suggests, cooking time is cut down by nearly half with meals taking only 15 minutes to cook, ideal for quick-fix dinners that are nutrient-dense! It guarantees fail-safe cooking that gives delicious flavour and texture, the options are endless from fluffy grains, tender vegetables and juicy proteins, all on the go at once in the nifty compartments.
The Superfood Supplement Powered By Ayurvedic Health
Powered by Ayurvedic health principles, erba is the first flavourless superfood supplement that promises to elevate your daily wellness routine. The plant-powered functional supplements can be added to any drink at any time without altering the flavour to seamlessly fit into your daily rituals. Launching with three core blends, erba utilises natural remedies harnessing ingredients such as Supershroom Reishi, Ashwagandha, Horsetail extract, Rhodiola and Ginseng. Woke & Focus gives you your daily energy fix, without the jitters. Glow & Flow supports collagen production, healthy hair, skin and nails. Calm & Clarity aims to calm the nervous system to give you a moment of quiet.
East London’s All-Inclusive Yoga & Movement Space
Creating a new framework in which yoga and movement can flourish, Mission is the brand-new studio in Spitalfields which holds the title of the largest of its kind in Europe! Mission’s aim is to make yoga as inclusive as possible, with accessibility to all. Fostering a diverse teaching faculty, the hope is that the student body will follow suit. The space compromises five lofty studios, three treatment rooms, a sauna and a restaurant with a rooftop terrace overlooking the City’s skyline. The choice of classes is extensive, featuring Rocket, Iyengar Yoga, Vinyasa, Mysore-style Ashtanga, Hot Yoga, Kundalini, Dharma, Meditation, Pilates, Breathwork, Calisthenics, Capoeira, Handstands, Mobility and Strength Training. Using a unique pricing policy, Mission is well aware of the current economic situation, and to truly make their classes accessible to all, they’ve introduced a sliding scale. There are three tiers on offer, each with different prices for monthly memberships, class passes and drop-ins to reflect the individual’s financial status.
Personalised Menopause Support Is Finally Here
We’re well aware that there’s no one size fits all when it comes to our health, and the menopause is no different. It’s time for a new, personalised, evidence-based approach…Enter WomenWise. Delving into your midlife health, WomenWise run a series of blood, DNA and urine at-home tests to create your bespoke Menopause Plan. The results will determine what’s contributing to your menopause symptoms and using the latest evidence-based menopause knowledge, the plan will advise you what the best route for treatment is to get you feeling back to yourself. The menopause journey is complex, which is why WomenWise provides ongoing support for 12 months should you encounter any changes or have any queries.
Get Rid Of Unwanted Hair At Home
Laser hair removal is quite literally life-changing, but endless appointments are a bane that can lead to many giving up the ghost. Bondi Body is the strongest at-home permanent hair reduction system. Not only does the at-home IPL device permanently reduces unwanted body hair but it also works to rejuvenate skin functionality by improving texture and reducing pigmentation, sun spots and broken capillary veins. The new Bondi Body 2.0 uses the latest updated technology to get to work faster, with 8 intensity settings to choose from. This non-invasive solution to getting rid of unwanted hair for good requires zero downtime and is pain-free. Depending on the thickness of hair, you can expect visible results in as little as 4 weeks.
The Brand That Is Skin-Kind, Human-Kind & Planet-Kind
Advocates of mindful beauty and ageing well, Sacred set out on a mission to create glow-getting skincare, but not at the expense of people, animals and the planet. Each formula actively works to strengthen the skin’s natural ability to protect, repair and regenerate using 100% natural, vegan and cruelty-free ingredients. Created in small batches by hand, the range includes face oils, body balm, bath and body oil and a lip balm alongside candles made of 100% vegan wax and lead-free wick. Minimal quantities ensure Sacred never slip up on quality and nothing goes to waste.
Goldbergh The Club
Luxury sportswear brand,Goldbergh coined for their prestigious ski wear has launched an active collection; The Club. Redefining themselves across the sportswear category, the new Club collection brings sport, festivity and femininity together in outlandish pieces to take you into spring/summer, suitable for all kinds of activities. Using innovative materials and of course their signature logo print, The Club is divided into three themes; Dream Destination, featuring lilac and vibrant green; Court Lines, which follows a monochrome palette; and Golden Resort, with a neutral and metallic aesthetic. The Club blends athleisure and performance wear, from tracksuits and baseball caps to tennis dresses and tech-fabric leggings, and accessories to match.
Turn Your Lunch Break Into A Workout
Like to squeeze in your workout on your lunch break? London’s rowing studio, ROWBOTS, has introduced their new lunchtime express classes that are just 30 minutes. This quick hit is an intense session, expect a dynamic warm-up phase, which seamlessly flows into the main section of high-output work using a combination of functional exercises and rowing. Running at both the ROWBOTS Fitzrovia and City every weekday, these classes are ideal for anybody who struggles to find time to get a workout in before or after work hours.
The US Minimal Clean Beauty Brand Arrives To The UK
Demonstrating just how chic clean beauty can be, MERIT has taken the US make-up market by storm and sets to replicate its success in the UK. Stripping your make-up bag back to basics, MERIT has mastered well-edited essentials that will become everyday favourites in your non-fussy beauty routine. The ingredients are as clean as they come, with added skincare benefits. If you’re after a minimal, balmy make-up finish, MERIT is worth checking out, their cream-based range will flush your complexion for a glow-giving finish.
The New Fitness Class The Tests Your Threshold
New to the KXU timetable is Threshold, the high-intensity workout using a myriad of machines and equipment to get your heart pumping. The concept is designed to utilise the principles of threshold training, working within 80-90% of your max heart rate for bursts of time to test your fitness. Threshold involves the ski-ergs, assault bikes, dumbbells and body weight movements, to build muscle in tandem with working the cardiovascular system.
