Luxury Ayurvedic Healing At This Balinese Retreat

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Insta influencers, wannabe yogis and solo travellers might make you think that, when it comes to Bali retreats, you have read it all. Oh, morning yoga? Vegetarian food? Please do tell. Yet, there is a hidden gem of a retreat you might have not heard about yet – and it’s all about using the power you already have to stay hip and healthy, ayurvedic medicine style. Carolina Are from Couchsurfer Reviews gives you a sneak peek into Sukhavati Bali, only just over half an hour’s drive from Bali’s Denpasar airport.

The Area
Nested within the Bebengan village, Sukhavati is a stone’s throw from Balinese temples and rice fields. A sunrise walk led by the friendly and knowledgeable Sukhavati staff will show you village life at its most authentic, from community centres to local places of worship, from houses to never-ending rice fields. Walking behind the guide in the silence of the Balinese sunrise was the perfect start to our stay, allowing us to meet locals along the way and realise that there is way more to life than scrolling down on your news feed.
 

Ayurvedic Medicine
Ayurveda, or “the mother of all healing”, encompasses yoga, psychology, healing and herbal sciences. It provides an integrated treatment of mind and body by identifying the three doshas, or components of our being. These are Vata (air), Pitta (fire) and Kapha (water).

Our stay in Sukhavati started with a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor who identified our doshas and prescribed mind and body treatments to help us rejuvenate, reinvigorate and heal ourselves. These treatments included meditation, a specific diet and massages, which were tailored to each and every guest and made us feel personally looked after.

Saraswati

The Experience
Upon arrival, we were greeted with fresh coconut water and we received white yoga robes and flower garlands to start our healing journey.

Our days at Sukhavati followed a strict, busy yet pleasant timetable. Starting with the walk along the village and rice fields, we would then head to a one-hour morning session of intermediate yoga at 7 am.

Having practiced yoga in London, in Sydney’s hip Bondi and Coogee classes and around the world in California and Asia, we can honestly said no yoga experience has been as life-changing as the one we had in Sukhavati. Far from the show-offy yoga bunny vibe some centres around the world seem to give off, Sukhavati practices traditional Balinese yoga, promoting going at your own pace for a journey that is as spiritual as it is physical. Unlike most yoga sessions I have had so far, Sukhavati yoga prepared us for the workout by starting mellow with simple floor poses, to then move onto the more challenging stuff, always with an understanding of how certain poses can aid your physical and mental health.

Yoga happened twice daily – early in the morning and at 5 pm – and was always followed by a yummy meal. All our daily meals were included in Sukhavati’s plan and approved by the doctor to help us heal according to Ayurvedic medicine. They generally included a medley of vegetables cooked in delicious spices, tropical fruit such as papaya and dragronfruit, fresh juices, vegetarian mains and low-carb pancakes.

Meditation sessions were also part of the plan, led by the Sukhavati staff to help us get lost in this magical place’s vibe.

Saraswati

Sleeping Tight
We stayed in the two-bedroom Saraswati villa, complete with outdoor bathroom and private pool for swimming laps in the June Bali heat and the inevitable Insta shots. Our Queen canopy beds, accompanied with the staff’s five-star treatment, definitely added to our feeling like princesses in this outstanding estate.

Although it would seem impossible only a few days before, two city-living busy bees were completely defeated by days of yoga and treatments: in a relaxation process aided by our Sukhavati stay, we ended up sleeping way before the 9.30 pm bedtime outlined in the timetable.
 

Treatment
With different villas scattered around the estate, Sukhavati also had a river-facing health spa were life-changing treatments took place.

We challenge everyone to try the Abhyannga and Shirodhara treatments and not come back a different person. Imagine being massaged head to toe with essential oil by two people looking after each side of your body, as you hear the flowing of the river, birds and geckos sing just outside your windows, a treatment terminating in the Spa professionals slowly dripping warm oil on your forehead and hair melting your tensions and worries literally and symbolically through a treatment which will make every other massage feel inadequate. And, as a plus, your hair will look and smell fab afterwards.

All treatments were recommended by the doctor to help heal whichever ailment we had come to cure through Ayurvedic medicine at Sukhavati – in our case, a cold brought by excessive air con on our flight and a fair share of burnout. Needless to say, the treatments worked.
 

The Vibe
In Sanskrit, Sukhavati means “Abode of Peace”. No name could have been more appropriate: this retreat will give you a feeling of being lost in time, away from all your duties and worries, a safe space where you will feel looked after and content. Can we go back?

For more info on booking a spot at the dreamy retreat, click here!

 

Glowing Skin Tips From Holistic Facialist, Katie White

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It’s amazing how skin can affect your mood and your confidence, both positively and negatively. It’s all sunshine and rainbows when your complexion is playing game, but when it’s not, it can really knock you down. Luckily, here at Hip & Healthy, we have amazing access to experts in all industries of wellbeing so we can help inform you on ways to battle things like problematic skin. Today, we’ve got Holistic Therapist and Facialist, Katie White, to shed light on the power of food for healing your skin.

As a skincare specialist and nutritional therapist I am always delighted to see how amazing food in therapeutic use can be in terms of improving the skin’s condition and even eradicating long term issues such as eczema and acne.

First things first, with any skincare complaint you need to look at your gut and liver health. Your gut health influences every system in your body and a healthy gut is paramount for eliminating toxins, hormones and waste. If you are suffering from any skin issues, my advice is work from the inside out, starting with your tummy; whether that means keeping a food diary to see if any foods are causing bloating and discomfort or introducing a good probiotic if you have had prolonged antibiotic use in the past, it is the starting point of seeing good results.

In terms of foods to support digestion and detoxification, make sure you are getting lots of fibre rich foods such as beans, pulses, berries and oats. Include at least 2 portions of cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, cauliflower, broccoli and sprouts with lunch, dinner and even breakfast such as a handful of spinach in your smoothie. Introduce bitter foods to promote digestive enzymes such as rocket, chicory, artichoke and citrus fruits. If you have had any gut trauma (IBS, reflux, etc..) you can even include healing compounds such as chamomile, marshmallow and calendula teas and kefir.

I would also recommend cutting out dairy, sugar and refined carbohydrates such as bread and pasta at least for 6 weeks to see if this improves any skin complaints.

Second – but equally as important – is hormone balancing. Listen to your body. Have you noticed any changes? Do you suffer each month? Have irregular periods? Have debilitating cramps or breast tenderness? There is so much you can do in terms of diet to balance hormones which will improve your monthly struggle and in turn your skin.
I’m not going to give any blanket advice here as hormones are a little tricky and I would suggest seeing a practitioner for a protocol designed for you.

Acne
Acne is the worst, whether you have had it since your teens or it’s adult onset acne, it’s an absolute nightmare. A nightmare that is often accompanied by some very questionable solutions from skincare brands and GPs such as roaccutane and super strong topical creams that weaken skin where strength is already impaired. Here are some of the top nutrients to support acne prone skin:

Vitamin A for regulation of sebum production, normalisation of blood flow and increased rate of wound healing.
Top sources: carrots, papaya, sweet potato, spinach, kale

Vitamin C to fight infection, reduce scarring, redness and inflammation.
Top sources: bell peppers, dark green leafy veg, kiwis, broccoli, berries, tomatoes, peas and of course, citrus fruits

Zinc to reduce excess oil production, regulate androgens (male hormones as elevated levels can be one cause for acne) and amazing for wound healing.
Top sources: sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, legumes, cashews, prawns, quinoa

Omega 3 fatty acids which are amazing anti-inflammatories and reduce redness and swelling of cystic spots.
Top sources: flax seeds and flaxseed oil, walnuts, salmon, tofu, prawns, cauliflower

 

Rosacea
Rosacea, characterised by redness and flushing, but can often include blemishes and bumps as well which can be triggered by a variety of different factors such as temperature, spicy food, alcohol, stress and recent studies have shown strong links between gut health and rosacea.  Here are some top nutrients to reduce rosacea flare ups:

Essential fatty acids to reduce the inflammatory aspects of rosacea such as the redness and any spots or bumps that may be present.
Top sources: almonds, eggs, olive oil, whole grains, dark green leafy veg

B vitamins maintain day to day functionality of the skin by enhancing permeation of blood, and therefore oxygen and nutrients, to skin to keep skin cells fresh and healthy.
Top sources: chicken, fish, nuts, seeds, dark green leafy veg, avocado, mushrooms, peas, lentils

Probiotic bacteria – there have been some links between overgrowth bad bacteria in the small intestine and rosacea; one of the best ways to regulate this is via good bacteria found in food sources.
Top sources: yogurt, miso soup, sauerkraut, kefir, kombucha, kimchi, tempeh, red onions, apple cider vinegar

 

Eczema
Eczema is a very common condition, not only among children and teens, but also adults and once again can have a variety of different triggers such as allergies to either food or exterior stimulants such as dust or animal dander. For persistent eczema, possibly accompanied with other atopic reactions such as asthma or hay fever, I would suggest researching a low histamine diet.

Top nutrients for eczema include essential fatty acids and B vitamins as before and also fat soluble antioxidants.

Fat soluble antioxidants such as carotenoids and flavonoids deliver localised antioxidant activity to inflamed areas. Some aspect of the inflammation associated with an eczema flare up is linked to free radical activity so the antioxidants help to buffer this reaction and therefore reduce inflammation, redness and heat.
Top sources: carrots, tomatoes, pumpkin, kale, spinach, sweet potato, collards, apricots, blueberries, strawberries

 

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a little bit different to the conditions we have already looked at. Psoriasis is a long-lasting autoimmune condition that speeds up skin cell turnover and has no definitive cure, however, it can be treated and managed.

Essential Fatty Acids once again are great at reducing the inflammation associated with psoriasis.
The other benefit of Essential Fatty Acids in psoriasis is their ability to help the skin maintain moisture which reduces the appearance of dry, flaky skin associated with psoriasis.

Quercetin has been found to inhibit an enzyme in the body called phospholipase which is involved in the formation of arachidonic acid. By inhibiting arachidonic acid, the presence of pro-inflammatory factors are reduced and therefore there are fewer inflammatory skin lesions.
Top sources: apples, red onions, peppers, tomatoes, cruciferous veg, citrus fruits.

B vitamins, as we have seen, are great for maintaining skin health. In psoriasis, B9 or folate, is particularly effective as it is directly associated with regulating skin cell turn over and building and repairing skin cells.
Top sources: chickpeas, beetroot, asparagus, lentils, chickpeas, avocado, spinach

I hope these tips are useful for any of you suffering from the above complaints

For any further information on any of the above issues or any other skin issues please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me directly.

Katie x

 

Insta: @relaxldn

website: www.relax-ldn.com
Email: [email protected]

The Beach People – A Story Of A Sibling Start-Up

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The Beach People was founded by you and your sister and remains family-run, how has this affected the way you do business?
Family is a core value of our business. The fact that The Beach People is founded and operated by two sisters who are Mums themselves has a flow on effect to every area of the business. We value our team, their families, we value relationships with everyone we do business with.

 

What elements of your personalities would you say shine through the most in the design and production of your products?
Ha! This makes me laugh as we are completely different. Emma is highly creative and design focused so anything stylish and pretty you see comes straight from her. I am more jovial and laid back… so anything slightly cheeky is probably from me.

 

What is it about the beach that you and your brand connect so strongly with?
Emma was born and raised on a boat sailing around the Pacific Ocean, both our parents are sea lovers themselves. The original Beach People. Ha. I guess for us The Beach People is just who we are. Everything you see has flowed from our lives.

 

Which roundie would you consider your favourite and what is the story behind it?
Emma’s would be the Montauk as it’s inspired by a holiday we took there when we fell in love with the place. It’s the only place away from our home that has felt like home.

 

Our customers are in love with the idea of a circular towel – where did the idea originally come from?
Emma and I were sitting on the beach one day and she turned to me and simply said “I think I’m going to make some round beach towels, in beautiful patterns, lovely thick material… would you like to do that with me?” And I said “yes”… the rest is history… being raised by the ocean with entrepreneurs for parents, we believe The Beach People was always bound to happen.

The Beach People

As you draw design inspiration from your past travels, what future adventures are you looking forward to which will sow the creative seeds for your next collection?
Oohhh well with 4 kids under 5 between us we have been keeping our family trips close to home recently. We’re off to the South Island of New Zealand soon and can’t wait to explore. Our next collection is inspired by The Mediterranean and its surrounding lands so hopefully a trip there soon is on the horizon.

 

The beach not only inspires your design but also your social and environmental awareness. How does The Beach People give back to the beach?
We have partnered with The Great Barrier Reef Foundation to help restore and protect this area, we hope to achieve a lot with them.

 

The Beach People has received such success in all corners of the earth, where would you like to see your brand grow in the next 5 years?
Thanks for your kind words… we feel like we are just beginning. We are so excited to release our first bedding collection in the next few months. We have the most beautiful bags launching this Summer and our bath collection (that sold out in 3 weeks) will be re-released soon… we’re also creating lots of beautiful journal entries around travel and home inspiration that we just know sea lovers all around the world will enjoy… I also personally would like a few more babies, another puppy and some chooks.

Shop The Beach People on Hip & Healthy

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How To Pick The Right Juice Cleanse For You

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A juice cleanse is an effective way to reset your body if you’ve been feeding it differently from usual or you just feel the need for a refresh. By fuelling it with the goodness of juice, which is easy to digest, you nourish your body while giving it time to get back to normal and iron out any digestive stresses. Not all cleanses are the same though – here’s the low-down on which one might suit you based on your lifestyle.

 

The Working Woman
Have you been put off by juice cleanses because your life runs at 100mph and the thought of also feeling tired and hungry is a no go? Well, PRESS have got you covered! They’ll provide you with 8 different juices per day (which is a lot) so that you don’t ever feel hungry or deprived – every time that stomach starts to rumble, you can be sure it’s time for another delicious blend. Each cleanse includes two nut milks – which are divine – so you’ll feel as though you’re getting a sweet treat while still detoxifying your body, twice! Try PRESS’s Intermediate Cleanse for a wide range of different tasty juices.

https://press-london.com/collections/cleanses

 

The Party Animal – Post Summer Holiday Detox
Whether you’ve let yourself loose at a festival or had a few too many gelatos in Italy, Imbibery have the cleanse for you. Their ‘Post-Ibiza Cleanse’ will detoxify you back to reality when you return from your summer holiday. The cleanse includes 6 different juices, including a yummy cashew milk, and two hot shots – the perfect way to get your sparkle back after a week of indulging!

https://www.imbiberylondon.com/products/post-ibiza-juice-cleanse 

 

The Active Woman and the Beginner Juicer
If you lead a super active lifestyle then a juice cleanse are not always recommended due to the lack of protein and carbohydrates in them. If you like to keep fit, Nosh can provide you with a great detox. Their Beginner Cleanse contains 6 different blends as well as herbal teas to put your hunger at bay. The Nosh cleanse is different, though, because it includes a fresh protein smoothie to boost your energy and help repair your muscles after a workout. If you’re about to embark on this detox, perhaps have a lighter/rest day at the gym or workout in the morning of your cleanse and have a rest day the day after.

https://noshdetox.com/collections/juice-programmes/products/beginner-weight-loss-fast

 

The Ultimate Health Lover
Is feeling great from the inside-out a rule you live by (at least most of the time!)? Try Plenish’s Level 2 Juice Cleanse. It’s designed to boost your energy and improve skin health so you can feel on top of your game, get that healthy glow while detoxing at the same time! Plenish will provide you with six different juices including a raw cacao nut milk so you can go on a deep cleanse without going ‘all green’.

https://www.plenishcleanse.com/level-2-cleanse.html

 

words by Katie Hafner

How Lara Mead, Founder Of Varley, Built An Activewear Empire

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As long time stockists of cult activewear brand, Varley, we sat down with founder, Lara Mead, to discuss what inspired her SS/17 collection (which you can shop here) and how she juggles running a successful business with staying fit, healthy and happy!

You founded Varley in 2015, what was the driving force behind you creating an activewear brand?
Myself and my husband were on holiday in California and we both contemplating the thought of going back to our 9-5’s, we really wanted to build something together and create a legacy. I’d always been hugely athletic and after spending time in LA could see that activewear was becoming a larger part of women’s everyday wardrobes, but there was very little available. VARLEY was born on this trip.

Who is the Varley woman you imagine wearing your activewear?
The VARLEY woman is a plethora of people. VARLEY appeals to women of all ages. My mum and her friends all love VARLEY and they’re in their 60’s. The common factor is the VARLEY woman loves to be active and feels confident and comfortable when doing so. Whether it’s walking the dog or running marathons.

Your new collection breaks away from the prints and patterns we’ve seen in previous collections with more minimalistic block colours – what inspired the change?
The new collection is 1 of 4 collections we will launch this year. It’s not so much a move away from prints, more just an increase in our ‘basic’ offering. We wanted to provide great basics for women who are really focusing on the performance side of their workout. This collection still has a number of the VARLEY classics, but also has really great high-performance pieces that will withstand the toughest of workouts.

As a runner, do you design your products with running in mind?
Running was my childhood passion, but since having a baby I enjoy all types of physical activities now. I love lifting weights, spinning, pilates, boxing, and hiking with my husband and dog in the Santa Monica mountains. These are all such different pursuits and require different needs from garments. We make sure that the items can withstand all of these activities, including running.

You’re London born but now split your time between the UK and LA, how can we see the two different cities intersect in your pieces?
I currently spend the majority of my time in LA as travelling with a toddler became increasingly stressful. However much of my inspiration still comes from European fashion. This combined with the California way of life, creates a perfect combination of elegance and ease.

How do your wellness habits change according to where you are in the world?
They don’t really. Wherever I am in the world I like to ‘move’ at least once every day. In London, I always trained with Lee Mulins at The Workshop Gym at the Bulgari. Training there was a real treat. It’s the most beautiful gym in the world, and Lee and his team really understand how to shape a women’s body. In LA I do more classes; Platinum Pilates, SoulCycle, Barry’s Bootcamp, and Boxing. In London I used to run and walk around the Thames, and now I run and walk along Santa Monica beach.

Busy with two growing offices across two continents, how do you stay on track, motivated and prioritise your wellbeing?
I don’t see my wellness and health as a chore, it’s just a natural way of life for me. Like everyone I occasionally fall off the wagon and have a few too many tequilas, but the next day I’m right back on it. Since having a baby I have become aware of food produce and the quality of what I’m cooking with. I now tend to do all my shopping at the local farmer’s market in LA. The produce is all local without the added preservatives or being wrapped in plastic. I feel this has made a huge difference to mine and my family’s health. I’ve also become less vain and conscious of my body. I now fuel for health and well being, I need all the energy I can get these days.

My husband and I also try and make time to get away just the two of us, whether it’s for a long hike, or a night in a hotel. It’s really healthy to have some time away, and to switch off the phones and emails for a few hours.

Shop Varley’s new SS/17 collection, now online!

Scales… Is It Just A Number?

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There is a distinct obsession with the number on these cunning metal devices… why? The whole concept of healthy eating and living a balanced lifestyle should be as void of stress as possible, not another opportunity to put unnecessary pressure on ourselves.

So often I see people who let the number on the scales dictate their emotions. As the number goes down they experience euphoria, excitement, pride and a giggling smugness that it was worth sacrificing that dessert to get these results. However, when it goes up…batten down the hatches! The storm rolls in as does a range of emotions: plummeting morale, replaced by anger, self-hatred, self-flagellation, humiliation, embarrassment, guilt and for what?

When we think logically, it’s easy to see that this number is no direct reflection of our health. So why give it so much credit? Not only does the machine not take into consideration your body type, muscle mass, bone structure, metabolism, stress levels, water consumption, sleep intake or the time of the day and the list goes on…but most importantly the number DOESN’T MATTER. No one person is the same shape, weight, height, size etc, so to measure off against someone else when you think they look like you, is silly. Just as having an expectation of what you should weigh is silly. There is no competition to weigh more or less than someone else or society’s supposed expectations of us. The only competition we should focus on is giving ourselves the happiest, healthiest, loved life we can.

Saying that, I am aware this is quite a controversial topic for some people and the more I have spoken to people about this, there does appear to be various camps to ‘scale watching’. So I want to acknowledge that there are groups that embrace the scales as a part to play in their training regime and enable them to stay in a designated *zone* to aid their sporting need: Jockeys, runners, boxers etc. More often than not, when these athletes are performing at a high level within any activity, the sole purpose is to ensure that all parameters of their life are sensibly managed to not sway or alter their sporting performance and not as a crucifix to mental uncertainty. However, I’m writing this article for those who aren’t professional athletes but let the number on the scales rule their lives.

If this is you, I want to tell you that the perception that the higher the number the unhealthier you are is misguided! Muscle weighs more than fat, so the leaner, and more toned you become may lead to the weight on the scales increasing. Let’s go back to basics and focus on what is important: your health, your wellbeing, your sanity!

If you fall into the camp where your emotions are linked to the number on that scales, here are four top tips to help you see the bigger picture and find alternative ways to find that peace.

 

The clue is in your clothes
How you feel in your clothes is a great indicator and can highlight to you how your body is doing. If the clothes become a little snug (and we have all been there) then let them be the gentle guide encouraging you to focus on exercise, portion control and stress-relief. Equally, buying clothes you can’t squeeze into with the aim of fitting into them with an attitude that says “When I’ve lost X weight, I’ll fit these” is just setting yourself up to fail. Be real with yourself; find clothes that fit your body shape and make you feel fabulous.

 

Body Perception
At the end of the day, how you feel in your own skin and body is the utmost important factor to your wellbeing and nothing should sway you from tapping into positive self-perception on a daily basis. Love yourself first and foremost and love everything about you, all the lumps, bumps and embrace everything that makes you unique, because you are. Learning to love yourself is the most important project we as humans will undertake and when we start to achieve this (it takes time!) you’ll find that things you held so highly such as the number on the scales, simply fade away and your true beautiful soul will shine through.

 

Happiness
Similar to the above but geared more towards your general wellbeing, rather than your body image. The power of positivity is such a valuable and underestimated act that in this day and age can get lost between deadlines, expectations from ourselves and others and agendas. Being positive and thinking the best in all outcomes of life (even when part of you doesn’t want to) really does propel you into a better frame of mind, and will allow you the freedom to see more out of life than any number on a scale can.

 

Health & Fitness
Last but not least, your health and fitness are paramount. Having a strong body and mind is what matters most, we need to nurture and keep them both strong to deal with life’s ups and downs and make the most out of life. With a strong body we can overcome obstacles and when our mind is strong then, we can accomplish more than we ever dreamed. So rather than taking ourselves for granted and pushing ourselves to extremes (which we can all do), let’s be kind to ourselves. Build ourselves back to being strong and healthy so that we can embrace the best out of our lives and not be slaves to a machine.

 

Your happiness should not be tied to the number on a set of scales, so as hard as it may be… Throw them out and focus on what’s important: How you feel in your clothes, how you feel in general. The scales don’t deserve the credit, your commitment to health, wellness and self-love does! So start giving yourself back the credit, you’ve earnt it!

 

Remember this, you are perfect as you are, and most importantly you are unique, embrace this with everything you have.

 

Words by Carole Armitage: Personal Trainer, Wellness Consultant and Founder of Carole’s Kitchen

Instagram: Carolearmitage

Website: www.carolearmitage.com

The Downloadable Workout Routine Loved By Natasha Oakley

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We’re always in awe of our girl crush of the moment, Natasha Oakley, for her amazingly balanced approach to healthy living and keeping active. There’s no fad dieting or excessive workouts, she truly celebrates her body and it’s own unique and beautiful shape and we love her for that. It’s really inspiring to see someone living life to the max, enjoying food and just generally living a healthy and most importantly happy lifestyle.

It’s fair to say her and her beau, Gilles Souteyrand are major couples goals! (if you don’t follow them both on instagram then get to it!) Not only are they mesmerisingly beautiful but they love working out together! Come rain or shine, on holiday or at home, they’re always fitting in a sweaty workout! Ever wondered what their routine is or what exercises they do to stay in shape? Then you’re going to love what we’re about to tell you!

Gilles, a renowned model, personal trainer and lifestyle coach has excitingly launched his very own fitness programmes, Body by Gilles, consisting of “His” Body by Gilles and “Her” Body by Gilles. It won’t come as a surprise that the female programme was inspired by Tash herself and the workouts and moves she loves doing in her own routines.

This 12 week programme is brilliantly designed to transform your body, whilst celebrating and championing the female body and all it’s beautiful curves. This is not a programme that aims to break you until you’re on your knees, it solely focuses on helping you achieve your fitness goals and making you feel your absolute best and that is a programme we can get on board with! That’s not to say it isn’t challenging (our class with Gilles at Method Movement proved that!) but it’s full of fun and different exercises that really target all the right muscles whilst remaining sustainable and actually do-able! The beauty of Gilles’ programmes is you can pretty much do them anywhere! He and Tash travel a lot for work so the programmes had to be designed to fit around their lifestyle.

The good news is you can experience first hand, the Body by Gilles workout at Method Movement with Gilles himself. His energetic and motivating teaching style really does inspire you to push and challenge yourself further! He says,

“I am so proud of what it is becoming and there is more to come. Being part of Method Movement was also a fantastic opportunity for me, to be able to express myself in my classes and to really connect with my clients. They have trusted me and I am really grateful.”

 

Download the guides at bodybygilles.com

words by Molly Jennings

A Force To Be Reckoned With – The Twin Duo Behind APL

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Athletic Propulsion Labs founders, Adam and Ryan Goldston, aren’t known for following the rules. Since launching APL back in 2010 they’ve raked in a strong celebrity following, invented revolutionary technology to improve athletic performance, and even became the first and only sneaker banned in NBA history. For these L.A natives, this is just a warm up, we sat down with the brothers to discuss their growing company’s success and what’s in store for their brands future.

 

Here at Hip & Healthy, we’re always on the lookout for brands working to intersect style and performance and APL certainly do that! What were the priorities for your brand when it came to both style and performance?
For us, at the core of everything we do is performance. We start by focusing on creating product that can absolutely perform at the highest level. With that being said, we don’t believe you need to sacrifice aesthetics to create products that can perform at the highest levels. As a brand, we have always said that we sit at the intersection of where performance and fashion meet.

 

As business partners and brothers, working together must have its challenges and rewards, what are your favourite aspects of working together?
The fact that we are brothers (and twins) has been a huge advantage for us. We know that regardless of the situation, we have the same ultimate goals and truly have each others best interests at heart.

 

APL has a very specific aesthetic with its sleek and modern designs. Was this influenced through your LA roots?
I think more than anything it speaks to the transitional culture that exists in LA and at this rate, most cities. People are looking for products that they can be comfortable, fashionable, and can work for them in any setting that they’re in. We don’t use big emblazoned logos, we let the colours, materials, design, and technologies tell the story. Cody, our design director, was our first employee, so collectively we’ve built our design language together.

 

APL made headlines when your company became the first ever sneaker banned in NBA history – how did being branded the rule-breakers of the sneaker industry affect how you run APL?
This was a huge catalyst for the brand, as we were just beginning and on October 19, 2010
when it was banned, it became the #1 news story in the world, the #2, 3, and 17 most searched
terms on Google, there were over 1 million articles posted about the company and ban in 10
days. It was this amazing moment and while we had all the biomechanic testing to substantiate
the claim that our shoes instantly make you jump higher, there is no bigger or better authority in
basketball than the NBA and their exact wording was that our shoes “provide an undue
competitive advantage” which essentially means we make the world’s greatest performance
basketball shoe.

 

You have said that athleisure is not a trend but a cultural shift, how do you expect your brand to keep breaking boundaries and stay on the forefront in the years to come?
We believe that we were and continue to be at the forefront of the movement and we maintain
focused on creating products that we love and see a need in the market for. We’ve got some
fantastic innovations coming through the pipeline, so the future is really bright.

Shop our range of APL now available online below! 

APL

Need Some R&R? This Moroccan Yoga Retreat Has It All…

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Who would have thought that paradise could actually exists? That a vacation filled with sun, sand and surf would be located in one of the most sought after locations could actually be your next holiday. Well believe it! Hip & Healthy can happily report that wellness retreat company, AdventureYogi, has created the perfect vacation for the active traveler. In the lovely and scenic Moroccan beach side village of Taghazout, you will be encompassed in sunshine, waves and yoga for a luxurious 8 day and 7 night stay.

yoga retreat

Fitness

They say that exercise can produce one of the best natural bursts of happiness. Well how about waking up to morning yoga with a view you could only dream of? We’d consider this the best wake-up call ever! Luckily at Adventure Yogi, you’ll be treated to daily morning yoga taught by a senior instructor who has been teaching yoga for over 17 years – and is trained in the holistic therapies of reiki. Given a break to do what you like till the early evening, you will once again be spoiled with an hour and a half of yoga to restore the body and mind.

Want to do more than yoga on your holiday? AdventureYogi has got you covered – on your retreat you can surf your heart out or go swimming in either the ocean or swimming pool.

yoga retreat

What is there to eat?

One fear of going on vacation is coming home with a little extra weight. Sometimes you can’t help it, you’re on vacation and you want to indulge…we’ve all been there! Luckily, Adventure Yogi has got your back – serving meals that offer vegan, vegetarian, gluten- and lactose-free options. All meals coming with a Moroccan flair, you’ll be in love with the traditional cuisine and natural flavors. All provided in your stay you will be given six wholesome breakfasts, nutritious lunches, and gourmet vegetarian dinners. If you want something else, no problem! The always-friendly staff can suggest the best local restaurants for you to choose from.

yoga retreat

Your Adventure Awaits!

There’s never a dull moment here at Taghazout’s Banana Point and AdventureYogi plans on making the most of your vacation. Whether you want to keep it simple and lounge in the sun or explore the city around you, they are there to help. So treat yourself to the vacation your body deserves and come explore Morocco!

Book your trip Moroccan Yoga Retreat with AdventureYogi here!

HIP AND HEALTHY PROMO

Off To Glastonbury? Tips To Get Glowing Skin All Weekend!

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Glastonbury is one of the largest festivals in the world, with people across the world scurrying to get tickets and make their way down to Worthy Farm. This year, over 200,000 people are expected to join the Foo Fighters, Radiohead and Ed Sheeran, so whilst you’re getting excited at the chance of seeing some of your favourite artists, don’t forget to think about your check-list and ensure you’re prepped for the big weekend!

Whilst the focus will be on packing your wellies, loads of dry shampoo and a phone charger, we want to help you lighten your load by giving your skin the preparation it needs so you can leave behind the large make-up kits and let your natural beauty shine! We’ve spoken to Dr David Jack, Cosmetic Doctor & Surgeon, on the best drinks and nibbles to get your skin prepped for Glastonbury.

 

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The key to ensuring your skin is glowing and moisturised? Hydration! Dr Jack states, “Hydration is essential for skin health for multiple reasons, firstly to maintain a good blood supply for delivery of nutrients and removal of waste products from cellular processes but also to maintain the firmness and structure of skin, which relies on adequate hydration.”

If you find water to be a bit boring, try incorporating cactus water into the mix! It’s hydrating, is low in sugars and has a sweet, berry flavour. We love True Nopal Cactus Water! 

 

Berries
Dr Jack says, “Berries are fantastic sources of numerous vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C, which is one of the most important antioxidant molecules in the diet. Vitamin C works with Vitamin E in the skin to reverse sun related damage to the skin and help in the synthesis of collagen and other important structural molecules in the skin.” Not only that, but they fight off pesky hunger pangs with their high fibre content – so you can beautify your skin whilst filling your tummy!

 

Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of nature’s true superfoods, containing multiple vitamins (including vitamin A, B, E and K) and other micronutrients such as zinc, magnesium and copper, and high levels of polyunsaturated fats such as omega-3 amongst others. Dr Jack says, “These vitamins and minerals are important in maintaining structural integrity in the skin and also have strong antioxidant effects, preserving and protecting the skin against damage and having anti-aging effect on the skin. Zinc is known to reduce inflammation and is antibacterial so is believed to help acne.”

 

Embrace Dairy-Free
Dr Jack says, “Non-dairy milks have become majorly popular in the past few years because of their multiple health benefits (rich in vitamins A-K) and omega-3 in almond and coconut milk.” Dairy milk is difficult to digest and contains inflammatory substances which can clog your pores, so embrace almond, coconut or oat milk.

 

Banish Sugar
Not only does sugar lack essential vitamins and minerals, but it does detrimental things to your skin! Dr Jack says, “High sugar levels can cause excessive glycosylation of structural molecules and blood vessels supplying the skin. Overt time this can reduce the skins micro circulation and result in acceleration of ageing of the skin.” Not only that, but highly processed sugars cause a surge of insulin, which contributes to increased levels of testosterone, and can contribute to breakouts and acne.

Avoid sugar leading up to Glastonbury to ensure your skin is spot-free!

 

Oily Fish
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids, found in oily fish, are essential to our heart, brain and eye health, but they also aid in gorgeous, glowing skin! Dr Jack says “Fish oils and Omega-3’s can help the skin in many ways. Omega-3 is known to reduce harmful inflammation in the skin and also contribute to the normal structure and function of skin. This, and other oils, are important in maintaining the waterproof barrier of the skin and also for normal sebum production, which maintains moisture and hydration levels in the skin.”

Be sure to try Tom Oliver Nutrition’s Omega-3 supplements for your dose of Omega-3’s without the fishy aftertaste!

 

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That time of the month? Here’s 5 things that will make you feel better!

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So, your period is due? Ergh, we feel you. Is there a woman on earth who actually enjoys ‘that time of the month’? Sluggish, bloated, weepy, aggravated, sore, starving…all the feels, yuck. Whether you are someone that feels the effects in the lead up, the week of, or in the aftermath – everyone experiences some level of discomfort thanks to their monthly visitor. Here are our top tips to make you feel better!

Healthy Craving Cures

If you’re anything like us, you get your period and you just want to eat everything and anything. It has actually been proven! Menstruation increases your appetite and your desire for sweet treats (thank you fluctuating serotonin levels). But never fear, here are our period proof snacks;

Nice-cream, is the most amazing healthy alternative to ice-cream. Chop up a banana, freeze it, wait a few hours and then blend it…yep, that’s seriously it. The banana once blended takes on a creamy consistently that is honestly heavenly. Our favourite add in is frozen raspberries, topped with some shaved dark chocolate, but you can do any flavour you want – blueberry and vanilla, peanut butter and cacao.

Banana Bread, because there is nothing better than a warm gooey banana bread when you’re feeling a bit…ick and also because the potassium in bananas can help with muscle cramping. Who would have thought!? Thankfully, this is an easy, healthy one to do that packs as much punch flavour wise as the refined sugar-laden varieties. (Recipe by Cookie & Kate).

  • ⅓ cup melted coconut oil, ½ cup honey, 2 eggs, 1 cup mashed banana, ¼ cup milk (or water), 1 tsp baking soda, 1 tsp vanilla extract, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp cinnamon, 1 ¾ cups whole wheat flour.
  • Beat oil and honey together, add eggs then whisk in bananas and milk. Add soda, vanilla, salt and cinnamon and lastly flour (mix last ingredient until just combined)
  • Bake for 55 minutes in moderate oven

Apple Crumble, another warming favourite to curl up in bed with guilt free. Make a big batch at the start of your period week, and you’ll have a delicious afternoon snack or after dinner delight to look forward to every day. Yes, it’s that healthy you can have it every-day – it’s even good enough for breakfast!

  • 5-6 green apples chopped roughly and covered in boiling water on the hob, with a handful of saltanas and 1 tsp vanilla essence
  • Crumble: Blend together macadamias, almonds, oats, desiccated coconut, vanilla essence, honey, coconut oil
  • Put the crumble on top of the apple mixture in an ovenproof dish and cook for 35 minutes in a moderate oven.
  • If feeling particularly naughty, once served pop some shards of dark chocolate on top so they melt into the mix.

Choc-date boats, are a lovely little alternative to the sugary packaged chocolate bars you’re oh so tempted by when you enter craving mode. Simply chop some medjool dates in half, put a nut in the half (we love almonds – which are a great source of magnesium, an important mineral for women during time of the month!) and fill with melted 70% dark chocolate. Freeze and enjoy.

 

Exercise for every mood

Yoga, is the perfect way to de-stress, stretch out sore muscles and ease period pain. If you suffer badly from PMS, it’s best not to push yourself into any vigorous exercise so yoga is a good way to get moving while taking is easy. The cobra and camel pose are the best positions for period relief.

Boxing, is great for when you’re approaching your period, or nearing the end and just want to let go. There ain’t no better cure for the cranky irritable PMS emotions, than taking it out on a punching bag!

Note: Try Boxing Yoga, if you’re feeling like you’re in a little bit of column A, little bit of column B.

And lastly – Sex, yes sex! Is actually a great cure for period pain. So grab your partner, and get busy. During orgasm, the female body produces a chemical called oxytocin, which can help ease PMS symptoms.

 

Relaxing Treats

Bath time, is age-old advice for a reason. Cramps and heat go hand in hand. Add in a combination of, or any of the following for even greater relief; eucalyptus, Epsom salts, peppermint oil, ground ginger.

Face masks, are a lovely way to indulge and spoil yourself. With PMS often comes pimples, so this is a good little trick to do in the week leading up to your period, when your skin is most susceptible. This recipe penetrates deep into the skin, promotes elasticity and reduces blemishes:

  • Tsp extra virgin olive oil, ½ tsp honey and 1 tsp baking soda mixed into a thick paste. Apply and relax, you’re on your way to glowing skin!

 

Lavender oil, on your pillow, helps remove restlessness making you sleep more soundly. Not only that, lavender oil helps headaches, acne, fights bacteria, sunburn and stress. As well as on your pillow cases, if you are having particularly bad cramps, rub it directly into your abdomen.

Get to the hairdresser, for a wash and blow-dry. Because nothing feels better than a head massage and a lovely fresh wave to give you a renewed bounce to your step.

 

Ditch the Coffee, Up the Water

Drink more, it’ll make you feel so much better. Staying hydrated is even more important during your time of the month. You might be tempted to steer clear, due to period-time bloat, but upping your H20 will actually decrease your chances of water retention, and help prevent cramping.

Wash your face, more often! Especially in the week leading up to your period. Jawline pimples? yep, they’re period related. Wash and clear your pores twice a day to keep your skin nice and clear, and try to wear a little less foundation in the lead up so your skin has room to breathe.

Ditch the coffee, or reduce your intake. Unfortunately, your long black actually exacerbates uncomfortable period symptoms. Caffeine restricts blood vessels and ups tension and anxiety, which is exactly what you want to avoid, when you’re on your period.

 

Get Dressed Up

Usually during period week, you feel a bit gross and a little bit sorry for yourself, so putting on a nice dress and a pair of heels is the last thing you feel like doing. But slapping on a bit of lippy, or wearing your favourite outfit can make the world of difference. This month, don’t hibernate from your social calendar during that week – embrace it! Organise date night, or plan a BFF catch up. Distraction and a good giggle with your girlfriends can go a long way.

 

Words by Gemma Bath @gembath www.sunliteyes.com

Gluten Free Zucchini Fritters

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Picnic recipes don’t get better than this! Here’s a delicious zucchini fritters recipe from A Conscious Collection!

Last week I visited my friends fruit and veggie farm just outside Swan Hill in country Victoria. Whilst the land was dry, and fruit harvesting was coming to an end, Zucchini’s were in abundance and the crops of vibrant green and yellow covered acres of land and were being hand picked one by one in preparation for distribution to our local markets in Melbourne.  You can imagine my excitement when offered a tour of the farm and factory, eating fruits straight from the trees and snapping photographs like a junior journalist on her first assigned field trip.

Coming home with lots of zucchini’s in a  literal “farm to table” manner – we ate zucchini in all forms for days, finding ways to include it in just about every dish, resulting in zucchini and basil soup, zucchini pesto pasta, zucchini bolognaise, roasted zucchini boats, and my favourite; these delicious zucchini fritters.

The secret to making a well held together fritter is draining all excess water from the zucchini. Zucchinis hold around 95 percent water which makes it an excellent food for skin and hydration, however for the fritters sake, wringing out the juices is paramount.

Enjoy your fritters for breakfast, lunch or dinner, top then with smoked salmon, natural greek yoghurt and poached eggs to form a complete nutrient dense meal full of fibrous vegetables, omega 3 and protein.  If you are a vegetarian, these also make a great veggie burger option; wrap them up in lettuce and add some sliced tomato, beetroot, pickles, and goats cheese.  YUM!

 

Ingredients:

3 medium zucchini

1 tbs fresh parsley, chopped.

1 tbs  fresh coriander, chopped.

1 tbs dill, chopped,

2 large eggs, beaten.

1/2 cup almond meal

Salt and pepper to taste.

Coconut oil for frying.

 

To serve. (optional)

Extra Dill,

Greek yoghurt,

Smoked salmon

Poached eggs

Rocket.

Drizzle of balsamic vinigar.

 

Method: 

Wash and finely grate 3 medium zucchini and a place in a large mixing bowl. Using a clean tea towel, grab parts of your zucchini mixture and wrap the tea towel around it.

Fold up the edges and wring all excess water out.. Repeat with other half of the mixture.

Add the parsley, coriander, dill, almond meal and beaten eggs in the mixture and mix until well combined.

Heat a large frying pan on the stovetop and add a tbs of coconut oil.  Spoon out 8 large scoops of mixture and mould into balls with your hands. Place in the fry pan and carefully flatten with a spatula.

Cook for around 3 minutes each side until golden brown.

Recipe by Brooke Meredith, founder of A Conscious Collection

 

More recipes below! 

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