3 Steps To Glossy, Summer Hair!

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Our precious locks can easily get forgotten about this time of the year… We are all (rightly so) extremely focused on making sure we have the best, most advanced SPF’s that protecting the delicate strands of hair on our heads often falls by the wayside. In reality, though, our hair needs just as much care and attention as our skin as summer holidays can wreck frizzy, damaged havoc on our hair. Here is our 3-step guide to achieving beach-worthy, glossy, summer hair that even the likes of Natasha Oakly would be proud of!

 

CLEANSE
Rule number one… cleanse properly. Hairdressers don’t double cleanse just to waste your time! After a long day at the beach, you’ll want to rid your hair and scalp of salt and sand, so taking some extra time to cleanse your hair twice will definitely be worth your while. We love Duck & Dry’s Up, Up & Away Feather Light Shampoo. It’s incredibly light, deeply cleansing formula will help you achieve extra voluminous roots and, packed with essential oils, this shampoo will completely nourish your hair from top to bottom. Another awesome shampoo is Maria Nila’s True Soft Shampoo. This formula is particularly well suited to those with dry, brittle and coloured hair as the smoothing argan oil acts as a nourishing barrier from the salty air. Fighting frizz and static electricity, the Colour Guard Complex will also help protect your hair from UV rays and free radicals. Perfect for sun-worshipers!

 

CONDITION
Maintaining good hair condition on holiday can be tricky, especially when battling against humidity and chlorine! Aside from good quality conditioner, we recommend including some deeply hydrating masks into your routine to lock in moisture and create thick, shiny locks. We swear by Gielly Green’s Repair Mask to restore and nourish our hair. The sumptuous combination of oils and natural emollients provide a catwalk-worthy shine right from the hair cuticles down to the ends. This is a real treat for your hair! Another product we can’t recommend enough is, more likely than not, sitting in your kitchen cupboard! Can you guess?… Yes, it’s multi-tasking wonder, coconut oil! Simply cover your hair from top to bottom in this sweet smelling oil overnight and wake up with lusciously soft, healthy hair!

 

STYLE
So, you’ve cleansed and conditioned your hair for protection and nourishment… now it’s time to style your healthy locks for real Rosie Huntington-Whitely waves! Try Aveda’s Thickening Tonic for bigger, bouncier, fuller hair! Proven to thicken and expand hair after just one use, this 97% naturally derived formula will effortlessly create a Hollywood-worthy do in half the time! Another nifty product that will help create the tousled beach look with out causing any damage is OUAI’s Wave Spray. Formulated with rice protein instead of traditional sea salt, this ultra-fine mist will create loose, beachy waves minus the “crunch”. We love!

 

BONUS PRODUCT
A beach bag essential we won’t be leaving home without this year has to be Aveda’s Sun Care Protective Hair Veil. This lightweight, water-resistant UV defence mist will form an invisible layer of protection from sun exposure to minimize damage, dryness and colour fade. Cinnamon bark and wintergreen will help to provide a barrier against UVA and UVB, whilst the anti-oxidising blend of green tea, certified sunflower seed oil and vitamin E will help protect from free radical damage. A small but mighty product!

words by Molly Jennings

The Power Of Protein

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Let’s face it. A lot of us associate a high protein diet with bulky gym obsessives that work out to look like a super-sized version of the Hulk. However, what we don’t realize is that there really is a reason why everyone is so keen on including more protein into their diets, and it’s not just for muscle growth.

As plant based diets become more popular over the last few years, protein (specifically animal based protein) has earned a bad rap. But if you aren’t aware of how to pair your plant based proteins (as many aren’t complete proteins) or if you rarely include animal proteins into your diet, you are more likely to have protein deficiencies.

We’ve done some research and reached out to one of our favourite nutritional therapists and Equilondon Founder, Alice Mackintosh to help shed some light on why getting enough protein (plant or animal based) in your diet is important.

 

Protein Defined
Protein is one of the macronutrients in your body essential for form and function. It is composed of amino acids that ensure your body functions optimally. Meat, fish, seafood and eggs deliver all 22 different types of amino acids – making them what is known as a ‘complete’ protein. However, very few non-animal based proteins contain a whole complex of amino acids. But have no fear, plant based friends! If you combine your protein sources correctly (i.e. nuts with beans or soy with lentils), you can still get the nutrients you need.

 

The Importance of Protein
As well as being structurally vital, protein is required for immunity, detoxification, hormone balance, brain function, gut function, sleep and a whole host of other functions.

 

Protein Deficiencies
If you’re not feeding your body with enough protein, then you put yourself at risk of deficiency. Flaking nails, imbalanced hormones, low mood, reduced immunity, low sex drive, bad skin and poor concentration are all signs of protein deficiency.

 

Protein and the Aging Process
In addition to being a source of amino acids, protein contains many different micronutrients that help with keeping our skin plump and taught (and who doesn’t want that?) including collagen, zinc, and omega 3/6 fatty acids. Many people have now jumped on the collagen supplements band-wagon, however, one of the best sources for collagen is in protein.

We certainly aren’t suggesting you make a Monday through Sunday roast, but if you are looking to add more protein into your diet in the form of meat, we can’t recommend highly enough to go down the organic route and, even better, to check the welfare standards of where you buy your meat from.

 

For those who are following a plant-based diet, you may have to be a little more conscientious than meat-eaters, but nevertheless, getting enough protein in your diet is still totally possible! Some great sources of plant-based proteins are quinoa, beans (hummous, anyone?), nuts, buckwheat, and chia seeds. The important part is that you combine plant-based proteins as very few are complete proteins. For example, we’re sure many of you have been know to shovel down the odd spoonful (or 10!) of peanut butter straight from the jar, but it would be much wiser to have it as a spread on some flaxseed pancakes in the morning to get a more rounded protein meal (bonus! With this recipe, you also get your omega 3’s!). Another great source of your omegas if you are plant based is walnuts.

Plant based protein powders are another great way of supplementing your diet. Sun Warrior’s Raw Protein and Warrior Blend are great options made out of pea protein that taste delicious. If you don’t want to commit to buying a large container, shops like Whole Foods usually have single serving packages of different proteins so we suggest trying a few to see which you like best.

 

If you’re struggling for ideas for meals, check out our recipe corner that has loads of plant based recipes. One of our favourites is this butternut squash and black bean burger recipe. Give it a go and when you do, don’t forget to take a snap and tag us on instagram!

words by Nadia Liu

Samantha Angelo – Fitspiration

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What was your inspiration behind starting your blog, The Eye Travels?
Legendary style icon, Diana Vreeland was my inspiration behind the name and nature of my blog, The Eye Travels. I wanted to infuse her style, which is really a zest for life, vividly descriptive, and fantasy driven.

 

Can you describe your day on a plate?
What I do everyday is different so my eating patterns tend to reflect that. If I don’t have breakfast, I go into “hangry” mode by 12pm; and I love lunch because it’s a luxury since a lot of the time I’m running in and out of meetings. 3-4x week I start my day with an intense hour long workout so I’ll have some Greek yogurt (I don’t believe in non-fat) with fruit: strawberries, raspberries, peaches and mango are my favourite.

Since my business partner and I work out of Soho House, I always order the shishito peppers and avocado toast for lunch. We’re big on sharing a bunch of plates since we’re both foodies. If I’m writing for my blog from home, I’ll add some scrambled eggs with dill to the mix or order a chicken salad from the various places near me in Soho that deliver in less than 15 mins!

If I’m out, I’ll always have walnuts or pistachios in my bag to snack on. And I’m obsessed with matcha lattes at the moment because they give me a jitter-free buzz. There’s a great bar that opened up on Broome St. recently called Cha Cha Matcha and I’m dying to try the matcha soft serve. For a pick me up, I love a cortado – La Colombe makes the best one.

I’m an early dinner eater (my husband hates that!). My ultimate summer meal is salmon (with a miso glaze) and an heirloom tomato salad. I love food and I love eating out since New York has so many amazing restaurants – Jerk Chicken from Miss Lily’s, ravioli from Emilio’s Ballato and sushi from Zuma – my all-time favorite restaurant in NYC, Miami and London.

 

What are your go-to workouts?
SLT. Strengthen. Lengthen. Tone. I’ve found it’s the best workout for my body type. They are small reformer-based classes which are harder than they look! I’ve been doing this religiously for nearly two years and I now even have my name on a plaque there as I did over 100 classes. I’ll supplement my week with a Soul Cycle or Bikram Yoga class because sometimes you just need to sweat it out. In the summer, I love to paddle board – not only is it great for the core, it’s a great time to clear your mind. All in all, the most important thing is to never give up.

 

How do you balance out your work and personal life?
For myself the balance is found in combining work with my personal life. I surround myself with good friends (who now also work with me on The Eye Travels) and good people who have not only helped me become a better person but who genuinely care about my business so I don’t feel the need to separate the two. I feel very lucky but it’s definitely come with a lot of hard work and perseverance. Being a musician for 8 years as part of the “President’s Own” United States Marine Band in Washington instilled this work ethic in me.

 

What are your top tips for people who struggle to find the time to exercise?
Unfortunately, there is no replacement for a hard work out. If you don’t put the work in you don’t see results. I think you have to make time for those things that you find to be important in your life. Even walking or biking instead of taking transportation is making an effort to be healthier.

 

What’s your favourite way of winding down after a busy day?
A warm chocolate chip cookie and a glass of milk, while cuddling with my husband and two cats. I would pick a cozy night at home any day of the week.

 

What are your gym bag essentials?
Voss water, hair ties, socks that grip and gum. I actually chew gum during SLT as the burst of flavor takes my mind off of the (good) pain I’m putting myself through.

 

What would you like to achieve within the next five years?
I strive to create with likeminded people. I do this because I have a passion for the artistry of it all. I’m excited by the idea of designing, styling and imagining original material that speaks to others.

My five year goal is all about continuing to pave my own path in life and surrounding myself with genuine, good-hearted people who share the same values and embody a desire to make a difference in some way. I have been so blessed to work (and play!) with two incredible ladies, who I consider to be my close friends and confidants, photographer Keziban Barry and business partner Marina Beaumont. I can only imagine what the three of us will create over time.

 

How does your morning routine play out?
Every morning like clock work my sweet garfield cat Dublin wakes us up to be fed anywhere between 5am and 6am. I get up and immediately make an espresso. It might sound cheesy, but my husband and I take a moment in the morning to be thankful and appreciate each other and the life we’ve built together. The first words out of our mouths are always, “I love you.”  I feel like that’s the best morning routine, it sets a powerful foundation for the day, because no matter what happens throughout the day you will have an appreciative base to stabilize you. Knowing what is truly meaningful and important in life helps get you through the daily challenges and annoyances of others trying to bring you down.

 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Everything in moderation.

 

Shop Samantha’s curated workout edit!

SAMANTHA-EDIT

 

Samantha Angelo of The Eye Travels @samantha_angelo 

Based in NYC, Samantha is a creative consultant, writer, stylist, model and founder of www.TheEyeTravels.com

Transform Your Wellbeing At Work

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Is your desk life causing havoc on your wellbeing? Many office workers are completely un-aware of the huge impact their job is having on their health so we think it’s time to do something about it! Some might be in the position to simply pack up and leave their desk jobs well and truly behind them, but for those who don’t have that option, we’ve teamed up with The Happy, a consultive, holistic company who aim to bring wellbeing into the workplace, to give some top tips on how you can transform your mind, body and wellbeing at work.

 

Move everything you’ve got in all directions! Whatever your favoured exercise is, indulge in that, especially if your job involves a lot of desk time. Sitting has been hailed the new smoking did you know?! It’s also a great idea to bring more 3D movement into the mix if your chosen tends to be planar. Yoga is great for this, particularly those styles that flow… check out Strala Yoga with Pip or Bess (both trained by the inspirational Tara Stiles) for a really easy going moving mediation that relaxes you into all of your body. Or head to your local gym or workout studio on your lunch break to kick some positive energy in to your day!

 

Digital detox. Take some time out away from technology. Let a day be all about you, no regard for anybody else. Be present and enjoy your time free from comparison of your life through a screen – Life-coach Lucy Sheridan recommends to stop looking at the lives of others in order to become clearer on what you actually want for yourself. Having just one day a week (say a Sunday) where you remove yourself from all things techno, will help you feel much more prepared and revived for another working weekend ahead.

 

Hydrate. We all know that the body is made up from a huge percentage of water, so fill up, drink up! A big glass of water tends to fix most ills – energy levels low? Drink water. Headache? Drink water. Dull skin? Drink water. Such a quick and easy fix! Keep a water bottle (we love our toxin-free brand, S’well Bottle) by your desk and don’t forget to top it up through the day.

 

Meditate. Give yourself time out from the screen. Watch your productivity and creativity increase exponentially after you have done this. Meditating on your breath is something you can do anywhere in almost any circumstance. Jody Shield recommends starting your meditation journey with a guided meditation to support you along the way. Lunchtimes have never felt more calm and zen-like!

 

Sleep. Rest is one of the fundamental components to wellbeing and it’s worrying to know that a lot of us are lacking in this important activity. Ensure you check in on your “sleep bank” every once in a while. We should be waking naturally without an alarm as part of our routine so if that’s not happening in your household, maybe it is time to consider a change of routine! Why not try using a Lumie Light to naturally wake you up? The light will gradually get lighter which will allow your body and mind to wake up refreshed, ready for the day, not in an alarm-induced panic!

 

Evaluate. Step back and check out where you are really looking after yourself, and areas that you could be better, as recommended by  Creative Living Coach, Kate Taylor. Get help – if you aren’t sure where to start with your journey, seek out a wellbeing coach who can assist your direction and journey; sometimes the act of reporting in on how you are doing can really motivate you to bring about action. It is also a good idea to re-evaluate from time to time. The happy has a team of coaches to assist you do just this, each specialising in something slightly different from the next we will have a coach that fits with you.

 

Treat yourself as an individual. What works for your wellbeing may be completely different to your partner/friends/dog sitter, suggests Health Coach, Suzie Bartle, aptly known as The Guts Gal . Embrace this and find your own recipe for wellness… sometimes what we learn along the journey can be as important as finding ourselves at the destination.

 

Pip Roberts is a British Wheel of Yoga and Strala qualified yoga teacher. She has worked with the likes of Elle Macpherson through Tara Stiles and Julie Montagu. She is taking wellbeing into London’s workplaces with a team of wellness stars from this September under name of The Happy. For more information on Pip and The Happy – see website here: http://the-happy.co.uk/ 

Hip & Healthy Guide To Richmond

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Richmond, in the Suburbs of London, is fast becoming a little gem of beauty, tranquility and health. With its gorgeous walks, boutique shops and health spots, it is no wonder that people are now flocking to this leafy London town to get their health fix. Richmond, a mere twenty minutes from Central London and the last stop on the district line, is not only hailed as one of the safest places to live in London, it also maintains it’s picturesque and quaint atmosphere. Here at H&H, we are lucky enough to have our HQ’s in Richmond, so we’ve rounded up our favourite haunts that keep us hip, healthy and happy!

 

WHERE TO WORKOUT

Bhuti
Bhuti, is a gorgeous new yoga studio and healthy cafe, offering a wide varietiy of yoga classes as well as a HIIT classes. Nestled on Richmond high street, Bhuti, is a home away from home. Relax and unwind in their beautiful relaxation room, satisfy your hunger with their nutritious food and indulge in their offering of holistic and beauty treatments, from manicures to massages! Bhuti, caters for all your needs, making it the perfect place to find balance and calm.

Digme Fitness
Digme Fitness, is a brand new spinning studio which we are already obsessed with! Their high energy classes taught by inspirational instructors and their modern and innovative design, will certainly give your motivation an all-important boost. Their HIIT classes will super-charge your metabolism, take your fitness to the next level and bring you one step closer to aching your goals!

Barreworks
Barreworks is an exercise studio completely dedicated to barre and ballet-based classes. These low-impact, high intensity sessions are perfect for anyone desiring a leaner figure, but want to avoid heavy impact on their joints. Each class will give your body and complete workout, challenging both your endurance and intrinsic muscles, whilst helping you achieve a toned, sculpted physique.

 

WHERE TO EAT

Muriel’s Kitchen
Inspired by traditional family cooking, Muriel’s offer healthy, wholesome food with a modern twist. Whether you’re picking up one of their take-away quinoa bowls or catching up with friends over a lazy weekend brunch, Muriel’s take pride in sourcing fresh, local ingredients to provide extremely yummy dishes!

No.1 DUKE ST
A lunchtime fave of ours, No.1 Duke Street is chic, cosy and features a sun-trapped outdoor area for alfresco dining when the sun makes an appearance! All their food is home-made with a focus on well-sourced ingredients; from breakfast and brunch, to social snacks and Sunday roasts. The dish we always resort to is their Coconut Poached Chicken Salad!

 

WHERE TO SHOP

Wholefoods
Having a Wholefoods right next to your office is quite dangerous…not for your health, but for your wallet! Whether we’re popping in for a quick Matcha Latte and Ombar (we have all become addicts!) or picking up last minute dinner ingredients on our way home, Wholefoods has it all.

Richmond Farmers Market
Richmond Farmers’ Market can be found at Heron Square (just by Richmond Bridge) on Saturdays 11am to 3pm. Aside the normal meats, fruit and vegetables, you can often find homemade honey, cakes and pastries if you’re looking for a little treat! This little market is perfect to stock up on fresh and organic fruit and vegetables to keep you going all week!

Activewear
If you’re on the hunt for some fresh, new activewear then Richmond couldn’t be a better place! Not only are our offices here (we love meeting customers so why not pop in for a shop to save on shipping!?), but also Lululemon, Sweaty Betty and Reebok all have stores on the high street! You are bound to leave with some killer fitness wear!

Walnut Brownie Recipe

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Recipe makes 16 walnut brownies

INGREDIENTS 

  • 150g pitted dates
  • 325g raw walnut pieces
  • 65g raw cacao
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Walnuts should really be combined with something that has a lot of water in it – such as a salad – so including this recipe is a bit of a cheat. On the other hand, these brownies are outrageously delicious, plus they contain no gluten or refined sugars – just skin-friendly dates for a touch of natural sweetness – and they need no cooking. Take them with you to work, as a snack, or invite some friends round to enjoy them – they’ll be clamouring for the recipe!

METHOD

Cover the dates in warm water and leave to soak for 10 minutes to soften.

In a food processor, blend the walnuts and cacao powder until the nuts are finely ground.

Drain the soaked dates, squeeze out any excess water and add to the food processor with the vanilla extract.

Process until the mixture sticks together and forms a ball, adding up to 2 tablespoons of water, if desired, for moister brownies.

Line a 20cm square baking tin with baking parchment and press the brownie mixture into the prepared tin.

Cover the tin with cling film and place in the fridge to chill for at least 2 hours or until set. Cut the mixture into 16 squares to serve.

The brownies can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 weeks.

This Walnut Brownie recipe was created by Wendy Rowe, Author of Eat Beautiful – Get your copy here!

Crazy For Coconuts!

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Hip & Healthy contributor, Edward Hancock, reports on how coconut obsession could be affecting the environment and what we can do to reduce our coconut-carbon footprint.

I’ve just eaten a homemade quinoa salad followed by some coconut yoghurt and I’m feeling pretty chuffed with myself. My body seems delighted with the pure goodness coursing through my system. I’ve practically got a six-pack already.

The question is, though, could the pleasure I reap from my new health kick cause potential damage to the journey my food takes to get onto my plate?

You would be hard pressed to find someone who didn’t know that palm oil production is destroying the rainforests. A few people know that quinoa’s popularity hasn’t been ideal for the Peruvian farmers, who can no longer afford the very crops they grow. Perhaps, however, it’s only the minority that know that we’re running out of coconuts. Does Rihanna know? We all know that we’re doing lasting damage to the environment in a variety of ways, but how much of that is down to our efforts to eat the right things?

It’s too much to ask the British public to survive only on seasonal produce without at least a couple of treats flown from the other side of the world. Some massive blackberries. Or blueberries. Or any fruit really. We’ve been doing it for centuries: tea, coffee, sugar, rice, bananas, olives, oranges etc. Is it possible to import these goods without having a detrimental effect on the farmers in the countries of origin and their land? If not, should we go without?

Coconuts are truly excellent in many ways but they’re hard to produce. On average it takes seven years for a coconut tree to produce fruit and it is most efficient after 20 years. In Indonesia and the Philippines a great deal of the trees are over 50 years old, past their prime and need to be replaced. At their best they can easily produce 75 coconuts and as many as 200 in perfect conditions, but they normally produce fewer than 40. The areas that export coconuts to us are already suffering, and will suffer more deeply, from our unquenchable thirst for coconut water. Supply simply cannot meet demand.

In ideal circumstances a producer should benefit by charging more and more – they grow more coconuts and make more money until supply meets demand again and the price plateaus. The producers, however, rarely benefit in these situations and we know that. They destroy their own habitat to enable monoculture farming. They use chemical fertilisers to increase productivity causing long-term damage to the water table and soil. Most of the time, they see very little of the profit because there is a middleman between them and the market.

They will suffer further down the line too. As countries like Indonesia, which heavily rely on coconut production, fail to satisfy our demands, other countries like Brazil can take advantage. Current production often takes place on smallholdings and benefits many individual growers but they can easily be undercut by large plantations that utilise economies of scale, driving down profits. Which could in turn destroy more rainforest and cause the extinction of yet more species of animal.

Some larger companies prioritise their profit margins above the health of our planet. Others are reacting to this in an eco-friendly and responsible way, for which they deserve praise. Bethany Eaton, the Managing Director of Coyo – a coconut yoghurt manufacturer, is very open about their ethical approach. Coyo is a small business but still spends extra time and money making sure their suppliers use no chemicals or fertilisers in production. A plantation in Indonesia, where the workers are provided with housing, food and schooling, supplies 130,000 coconuts every week. This is the only acceptable model, and it means we can all eat Coyo guilt free.

Let’s not let ‘sustainability’ be merely a buzzword that is thrown around the health scene. We can all play our part in promoting sustainable farming by taking our healthy habits one step further, becoming more conscious of choosing to shop and eat more responsibly.

words by Edward Hancock

Superfood Spotlight – Baobab

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The buzz around Baobab has been building and we predict 2016 is the year things really take off for the hottest superfood on the block.

 

The origins
Blossoming as one of the most nutrient-dense foods in the world, the Baobab tree is an icon in many parts of southern Africa. Traditionally used in African medicine, since approval for sale in the UK in 2008 demand for the plant and the legend of its’ nutritional powers have rocketed.

 

The benefits
As a natural medicine it’s easy to access and affordable. Baobab fruit, seeds, roots, and oil are used to treat pain, infections, and malaria-induced fever. The pulp contains a whopping 50% fibre so it’s also ideal as a treatment for an upset stomach too.

As a food, the Baobab stands up against some nutritional heavy-hitters, offering six times more vitamin C than an orange, twice as much calcium as a glass of milk, and more iron than a steak! Besides being full of fibre – which acts like a hoover for any nasties hanging around in your digestive system and slows the rate that sugar is absorbed into the bloodstream, which makes you feel fuller for longer – Baobab has prebiotic qualities too (prebiotics are a food source for probiotics; the “good bacteria” you’ve probably heard of).

Besides being deployed in traditional African medicines, Baobab has been used for centuries for cosmetics. The oil contains loads of fatty acids (many of which occur naturally in our skin) so it’s great as a bath oil, body moisturiser and hair conditioner.

Whilst it was used in traditional medicine as a wound ointment, the natural anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for those of us wanting to fight acne or just the occasional zit without resorting to harsh chemicals.

 

How we use it
How does this exciting ingredient fit in to our everyday eating habits? Baobab is an acquired taste on its own, but it’s also easily mixed in to smoothies and juices (the pectin content means it works like a natural thickener, so you might want to dilute your drink with more water or milk than usual).

Though everyone interprets the taste slightly differently, we think Baobab is a little bit like a mixture of pineapple and grapefruit. If you start the day with a mug of hot water with lemon, try adding a spoonful to for a fruity tang. The powdered form of Baobab is ideal for sprinkling on to cereal, porridge or yogurt at breakfast, too. You can even add it to coconut water for a post work-out electrolyte kick!

 

How else can I use it?


K West Baobab

Superfood connoisseurs can go a step further in incorporating this impressive food in to their wellbeing routine by being scrubbed, massaged, and pampered with them too…

Nestled in a quiet corner of bustling west London, the K West hotel’s subterranean spa is one of the first luxury establishments to harness the fruit’s goodness in a full-body beauty treatment, so we headed down to find out how this superfood can offer much more than just a tangy addition to your morning smoothie.

The Baobab Feel Good treatment began with a combination of holistic methods to prise our minds and muscles away from the packed schedule and the chilly, unseasonal weather that day. The therapist deployed warming aromatherapy and pressure point rebalancing to get our energy flowing more calmly and to transport us to a more centred place almost immediately.

The ritual features products packed with the wonder fruit. Used in traditional medicine as a wound ointment, its’ natural anti-microbial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties make it perfect for those of fighting acne or skin inflammation. Vitamin A boosts retinol, which supports even tone and Vitamin E repairs damaged or tired tissue, whilst Vitamin C supports the production of firming collagen, all of which make it the perfect ingredient on which to base a beauty treatment.

First a gritty seed-filled scrub gives an invigorating full body exfoliation to reveal fresh, smooth skin before essential oil (infused with the superfood of course) is used to massage in deep, broad strokes which encourage your lymphatic system to detox. In order to support the circulatory system, the lower limbs – which play a vital role in healthy circulation – receive an energising leg therapy using cooling Baobab gel. To get the digestive system involved in the holistic therapy too, the ritual is completed by sipping down a fresh Baobab smoothie!

Whilst the Feel Good treatment in itself is enough to make you feel fantastic on the outside and inside, it’s worth knowing that £2 is donated from each treatment to the Aduna Foundation which supports African small scale producers of Baobab fruit. When it comes to ‘feel good’ factor, it doesn’t get much better than that.

 

words by Caroline Kent – Twitter @carolinekent carolineannekent.com

Louisa Drake – Fitspiration

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How did you become interested in wellness/nutrition/fitness?
Throughout my childhood I suffered with health problems and was regularly placed on antibiotics – these reacted badly with me and unbalanced my gut. On top of this, I was consuming 80s children’s food and drinks, these were filled with food colourings and E number additives; it didn’t take long for my mother to realise that to increase my wellness she needed to change my diet and overall wellbeing. This was quite radical for the 1980s; I remember we’d go on long car journeys to track down soya milk!

A natural interest in food, fitness and healthy eating was born and this childhood lifestyle change generated immediate improvement to my health. I began dancing and found it not only to be a strength building discipline, but also therapeutic. Food is now my fuel, it helps me stay energised and strong when training I can share my experience and knowledge with my clients.

 

The Louisa Drake Method is based on a fitness fusion approach – why is this technique so effective?
My Method fights fitness fatigue, it’s a dynamic workout that keeps the mind and body guessing, the sessions do not allow you to get bored and your results will never plateau! An LDM session combines the most transformative elements of a whole host of fitness disciplines – cardio, conditioning, resistance and stretch. You’ll go from mat, to ball, and then onto the barre, before grabbing weights and transitioning to resistance – an LDM session always ends with stretching. It’s a surprisingly mindful way to workout and clients leave energised, not exhausted.

 

How can people access the Method?
There are several ways to access The Louisa Drake Method, you can attend newly launched monthly LDM Pop Up Studio Sessions across London, hosted in some of London’s most prestigious fitness studios and workout spaces, but they may pop up further afield – watch this space! The Method can also be accessed in your own home or local studio by booking a private or group session. My online video series allows users to purchase signature LDM sessions via louisadrake.com

 

What results can you expect from The Louisa Drake Method?
The Method is a shape-changer that generates a longer, leaner and strengthened body. You will sleep better, have glowing skin, lowered stress levels and increased metabolism. Clients discover muscles they never knew existed. You’ll find stubborn areas shape up and confidence increases!

 

LDM promotes a balanced approach to fitness, what does this mean?
The Method is not just about fitness and training, it also offers bespoke wellbeing guidance from lifestyle choices through to nutrition to maximize the effect of the LDM training, it’s important to connect the mind to the body, both need taking care of for optimum results.

 

What’s your secret fitness weapon?
The resistance band! I love using resistance bands as they are lightweight, portable, kind on joints and they create a new way to stimulate muscle growth. It’s an effective piece of the LDM kit and people are always surprised by how many varied movements I have created with just one band!

 

What’s the most important thing a fitness trainer should ask their clients?
‘How are you?’ Some fitness trainers neglect to find out what’s going on inside the mind and lifestyle of their clients. I’m so aware that mood affects how you train and how the body responds to exercise. Movement can be hugely therapeutic. I’m a trainer but also a guide and confidant, the LDM team are trained and experienced in so many disciplines that fuse together, we can re-program your session in the moment and offer up modifications to make things work for you. Every day is different and sometimes less is more.

 

What can we find in your gym bag bag?
A lot! I always travel with a resistance band or two and my trusty wellbeing products. Neom Organics intensive stress relief roller ball when travelling, these are great minis to keep in your bag and double up as fragrance. REN’s Vita Mineral moisturising cream and Flash Defence mist which is a genius product that shields your skin from pollution and free radicals – a must have for city living. I swear by Bare Biology’s Lionheart fish oil and always have some capsules on me to keep my omega 3 levels topped up. You’ll find scrunched up Detox Kitchen receipts after I’ve stopped off for a refuel. My gym bag is scattered with hair ties and I always carry Better You’s magnesium spray for post workout relief.

 

 

What are the three foods we can always find in your kitchen?
Eggs, a selection of nuts and seeds and avocados.

 

When you’ve had a busy day, how to you like to switch off and wind down?
A long soak in a bath with a lit candle and I will always stretch out on my yoga mat, it’s a nightly ritual for me. I try and avoiding getting too caught up with social media and emails and instead spend time catching up with my boyfriend, reading a book or watching Netflix.

 

How do you maintain a healthy, active lifestyle when travelling?
I always travel with essentials to keep me balanced for the journey. I am that person that stocks up with green juice sachets, Chia seed sachets, Pukka tea bags, nuts and healthy snacks. I don’t travel light and have been known to pack ankle weights in my holdall! I always have a travel mat, Lululemon’s (Un) Mat is great when on-the-move.

Depending on where I’m flying from I’ll head straight to the nearest Pret, Itsu or Leon to grab something for the flight. I’m not a fan of airplane food so I prefer to stick to whole foods, make sure I stay hydrated and avoid caffeine. I always keep a moisturiser and lip balm handy too.

 

Shop Louisa’s Edit of our activewear store!

 

Louisa Drake Edit

Beach Bag Essentials You Should Stock Up On!

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With a bit of luck, most of us will all have a holiday, be it big or small, this summer to get our toes wiggling with excitement and every one knows that, when it comes to the beach, it’s essential to have a fully stocked, straw, pom-pom bag (because they are all the rage right now!) to make sure we feel and look our best! Like always, we have got you covered! Every possible essential you will need we have found the very best of, from refreshing face mists to the best sun protector!

de mamiel

De Mamiel Exhale Daily Hydrating Nectar SPF30
This delicate, luxurious tinted cream is perfect for long days spent on the beach or by the pool where you want a bit of coverage but not a full face of makeup. This silky cream, containing SPF 30, creates an ethereal shield protecting your skin from any pollutants, whilst giving you an antioxidant kick with glowing natural essences. Filled with skin-loving ingredients and suitable for ask skin types, The Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide mineral formula will work to protect your skin from free radicals and toxic compounds. This nifty miracle worker also doubles up as our in-flight handbag essential!

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Neal’s Yard White Tea Facial Mist
This Gentle face mist is sure to become your best friend when the heat gets too much. No one likes to feel hot and bothered on holiday so a couple of spritz of this fragrant and cooling spray is certain to leave your skin feeling completely refreshed. Infused with antioxidant white tea and calming aloe vera, this product is great for calming redness and irritation.

liberty Havaianas

Liberty for Havianas
This exciting new collaboration is hot off the press! Popular flip-flop brand, Havianas, has teamed up with one of our favourite department stores, Liberty London, to give us some of the prettiest flip flops of all time! With their ultra-comfortable, cushioned soles these babies will go the extra mile and add a touch of Brazilian glamour to any summer look!

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Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser
You’ve gotta love 2-in-1 products when travelling abraod. They save time and valuable luggage space! This Aveda Sun Care Hair and Body Cleanser is fragranced with beautiful organic neroli and ylang ylang essence, and anyone with highlights can breath a sigh of relief as this product is colour-safe. Designed to work away chlorine, salt and residue from lounge-y beach days, this is a must have for us this summer!

happy plugs

Happy Plugs Headphones
Forget packing your mundane and plain headphones, life’s too short to be boring! With Happy Plugs’ chic and stylish headphones, these show stopping accessories combine superb quality with style and, let’s face it, there is nothing better than lounging on the beach and letting your cares drift away with your favourite summer tunes! We’ll also place a bet that you’ll get loads of compliments too!

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Mark Hill Sun, Sea, Frizz-Free Anti-Humidity Spray
So, unfortunately not all of us are blessed with sleek, straight and frizz free hair! Some of us got the short straw! However, there is a way we can defy the frizz, once and for all! Mark Hill’s amazing Sun, Sea, Frizz-Free Spray is full of humidity-fighting ingredients which will keep your locks smooth and tame, even in the height of the heat.

s'well bottle

S’Well Bottle
Hydration is Key. Fact. There is nothing more important than staying hydrated when you’re in the sweltering sun. So kit out your entire family with our gorgeous S’Well Bottles! Guaranteed to keep your drinks cold for up to 24 hours (even sitting in the sun) they make the perfect beach bag essential to ensure you’re never far away from a fresh sip of water. But these S’well’s aren’t just for water! Hey, if you want to buy a spare to keep your martini chilled, well, why not? You’re on holiday aren’t you?!

 

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words by Olivia Fantoni

Lentil & Sweet Potato Burger Recipe

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Lentil & Sweet Potato Burgers, surrounded by a bed of greens! This dish is so rich in fibre and magnesium – two ingredients I encourage everyone to consume plenty of daily. Fibre helps us stay regular and keeps our blood sugar and hormone levels in check, while magnesium is mother nature’s relaxant – keeping us calm in this often stressful world!

 

Ingredients

100g cooked lentils (add ½ tsp cumin powder to cooking water)

50g cooked quinoa

1 small sweet potato, steamed and lightly mashed

1 medium red onion, finely chopped

2 medium carrots, grated

1 large garlic clove, crushed

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp ground cumin

1 tsp salt

2 tsp extra virgin olive oil

35g sunflower seeds

A good grind of black pepper to taste

A pinch of salt

4 cups mixed greens such as asparagus, courgette, broccoli, bok choy

Juice of one lemon and 3 tbsp olive oil combined

 

Method

  1. Heat a large skillet over a medium heat with 1 tsp oil.
  2. When oil is hot, add garlic and onion and sauté for about 2 minutes.
  3. Add the grated carrot and cook until soft.
  4. In a large bowl, stir together the cooked lentils, quinoa, mashed sweet potato, garlic, onion, carrots, sunflower seeds, spices, and salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
  5. Let the mixture rest for a few minutes, before shaping into four round burgers.
  6. Steam the mixed greens.
  7. Heat a nonstick skillet on a medium heat for about a minute.
  8. Add 1 tsp of olive oil.
  9. Add the burger and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, flipping and repeating until browned.
  10. Drain your steamed vegetables and serve on a warm plate.
  11. Drizzle with lemon and olive oil, and top with your burgers.

Recipe: Nutritional Therapist, Angelique Panagos

Hip & Healthy Guide To Los Angeles

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America’s second biggest city can be unforgiving to tourists. The lack of public transport and a global fixation with the Hollywood strip define the city for many, meaning a multitude of gems stay undiscovered to visitors.

Yet for those in the know, this urban sprawl reveals itself to be much more than just a movie set. With miles of beaches, a quirky arts scene and an obsession with wellbeing quite like no other, Los Angeles is a city with plenty to explore.

A car is essential to navigate the 80 districts and neighbourhoods which generally follow a grid pattern. Avoid Hertz: while they may come out cheapest on paper, we had unauthorised charges added to one of our bookings and were mis-sold insurance we didn’t need on another. Try Enterprise, Sixt or Avis instead.

Read on for our guide to the hottest, healthiest places to discover in the City of Angels:

 

SLEEP

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Shutters On The Beach, Santa Monica
If waking up with a jaw-dropping ocean view, and nothing but white sand and the sound of the crashing waves as your alarm, is your idea of heaven, then Shutters On The Beach is the place for you. Each of their rooms is designed with you in mind… beautiful, peaceful and they create the perfect environment for you to relax in. With three different restaurants, Shutters On the Beach, caters to all your wishes, from your perfect brunch to bespoke cocktails for Happy Hour. This beachy hotel is also renowned for it’s sublime Spa and Fitness Centre, it’s luxury feel will ensure you won’t want to miss a workout, even on your holiday!

Beverly Hills Hotel, Beverly Hills
The all-time classic Beverly Hills Hotel, an oasis of luxury, is located on Sunset Boulevard. Surrounded by breath-taking gardens and flowers, The Beverly Hills Hotel will offer you a slice of heaven, with flawless service, endless luxury and a whole lot of glamour. With a huge array of deluxe rooms and sensational suites, each room is carefully designed to encapsulate both beauty and comfort, featuring full marble bathrooms, luxurious, bespoke bed linen, and a range of complimentary extras.

After a restful night’s sleep, you can relax by the palm-tree lined pool, complete with luxury private cabanas. You can also wine and dine in style at the acclaimed Cabana Café and experience the best in al-fresco eating experiences from their signature menu. If that’s not enough to tempt your luxury taste buds, they also, have a top of the line Fitness Centre, with yoga classes, state of the art equipment and personal trainers on hand, ready to help sculpt and tone your bodies!

The Viceroy, Santa Monica
This beach retreat boutique hotel sits in tranquil grounds that belies its convenient location just minutes from the chi chi shops and restaurants of Santa Monica’s boutique strip. For those who need to unwind, the hotel’s two swimming pools offer poolside cabanas for a little extra privacy while the in-room and poolside spa service with 100% natural ingredients will leave you feeling blissed out. If you prefer to sweat it out, the 24-hour gym offers personal trainer appointments while free yoga and beach boot-camp sessions are offered seasonally. The hotel can recommend good running and cycling routes while guided running sessions are available at $125 for 60 minutes.

 

DO

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Hire a bike at Marina del Rey
The seaside community of Marina del Rey is home to the world’s largest man-made small craft harbour with 19 marinas housing up to 5,300 boats. Situated close to Venice Beach, you can charter yachts and enjoy watersports including paddle boarding here. The budget friendly option? Hire a bike from Daniel’s Bicycle Rentals at the colourful Fisherman’s Village ($24 a day) and pedal down to the beach. From here, cycle along the seafront for 45 minutes until you reach Manhattan Beach, which has a good choice of bars, shops and restaurants.

Run along Venice Boardwalk
Venice Beach is a chaotic experience that you simply can’t miss. Go for a jog along its epicentre, the Venice Boardwalk, to get a feeling for the anarchic spirit of the place. You’ll encounter a cacophony of people: skateboarders pulling ollies at the skatepark, joggers and punk rockers who have seen better days. If you have time, run up to the Venice Canal Historic District for an altogether quieter experience.

Indulge in a visit to ONE Spa at Shutters, Santa Monica
This breezy beach retreat offers a top notch spa just steps from the sands of Santa Monica. The white and slate grey shingled building has a fitness room, pool, beach activities centre and private yoga classes held on the beach. The spa features six multi-purpose treatment rooms with a nautical influence. Relax with organic body treatments by red flower and facials by Omorovicza, enjoy a tropical rain shower or a mani/pedi all while listening to the waves of the Pacific outside your door. Take a wander down to the historic Santa Monica pier afterwards and take in sights of Muscle Beach – a well-known outdoor gym – along the way.

 

EAT 

The Butcher's Daughter part II

The Butcher’s Daughter, Abbot Kinney
Set in a street so hip it hurts (full of artisan coffee shops, yoga moms and concept stores) the Butcher’s Daughter has a casual, airy feel thanks to the baskets of plants hanging from its ceiling. This self-described juice bar, cafe and ‘vegetable slaughter-house’ offers vegetarian food with vegan options to please even the heartiest meat-eater. Try the Spicy Kale Caesar which comes with avocado, crispy shallots, almond parmesan, sourdough croutons and harissa caesar dressing. The stone-baked pizzas with vegan mozzarella are perfect hangover fodder, as are the raw smoothies.

Cafe Gratitude, Venice
This small chain of restaurants has five sites across LA, serving up 100% organic, sustainably sourced, plant-based cuisine that is both tasty and nourishing. Try the Bonita, a breakfast taco plate with sprouted probiotic brown rice or quinoa, black beans, pico de gallo, avocado cashew nacho cheese, spicy pepitas and corn tortillas. Wash it down with a juice. Our favourite was the Cheerful: peach, strawberry, chia seeds and basil.

The Springs, Arts District of Downtown
After a mooch around the stylishly dishevelled streets of the Arts District (LA’s answer to Shoreditch), make your next stop the Springs. Billed as a wellness centre, this 13,000 square foot complex features a juice bar, yoga studio, holistic healing centre and a raw vegan restaurant and wine bar. The restaurant, which reopened in June 2016, has an industrial feel with high ceilings and raw materials. Led by Executive Chef Jasmine Shimoda, who has worked under a handful of NYC’s top Michelin-starred chefs, the Springs features an entirely organic vegan menu – with no food being heated over 118 degrees. Try the blue potato pie: whipped sweet potato, blueberries, cocoa nibs and coconut. Sample some organic, biodynamic wine and beer from the wine bar and sit back and people watch: this place is made for it.

 

GRAB A COCKTAIL   

Perch, Downtown
At the top of an unassuming building in Downtown LA you’ll find Perch, a 16th floor rooftop bar with unrivalled views of the LA skyline and a relaxed, unpretentious crowd. There are firepits and heaters to keep warm while you enjoy the 360’ view as well as live music on certain nights. The cocktail list has a French influence, mirroring the French bistro one floor below. Try the Spicy Concombre, a fresh and fiery mix of Greenalls gin, St Germain, lime juice, cucumber and jalapenos. Definitely a fun way to get your five a day.