How To Pimp Your Run

Written by

Whether you’re a seasoned expert or a running newbie, we asked our editor Sadie Reid to reveal her top tips for taking your run up a notch. Over to Sadie…

Running is one of my favourite things to do, but I am the first to admit that it can become boring and in-effective if you get stuck in a rut. So if your usual route is getting a bit old, your gear is wearing thin or you just need a new idea to help you fall back in love with lacing up and heading out that door, then read on for my top five ways to pimp your run…

1. The Supplement: Pukka Vitalise Powder 

For anything herbal my go to brand is Pukka. So authentic, organic and beautifully packaged, as well as great-tasting and actually effective, I challenge anyone not to love their teas and supplements. Their Vitalise Powder gives me just the boost I need to get me out of bed and into my trainers three times a week. Blending 30 revitalising botanicals, which include performance-enhancing beetroot (its all in the nitrate) and energizing Gingseng (nature’s own stimulant), it has become an essential part of my running routine. Just add water! £29.00 for a box of 20 sachets.

2. The Gear: HPE Cross Seamless Long Sleeved Top

I find it impossible to enjoy a run when I am freezing cold! And there is no way to avoid this in sub-zero temperatures unless you invest in some key pieces of activewear. A sweat-wicking long sleeved top with thumbholes is key – worn directly on to your skin or over another sweat-wicking tank so that the sweat is drawn away from your skin and onto the surface of the fabric. Cotton DOES NOT do this so don’t go thinking you can get away with wearing your old hoodie from uni. You’ll end up running around in a heavy wet sweater that not only weighs you down but will cool you down even further. £70.

3. The App: Endomondo

If you need a personal trainer but can’t afford the time or money to invest in one then download the latest fitness craze app, Endomondo. Owned by sportswear giants Under Armour, this fitness app brings together more than 20 million like-minded cardio fans on one platform. It uses GPS to track your speed, distance and route and gives motivating audio feedback as you run helping you to achieve your workout goals.

4. The Gadget: Apple Watch

Not only does the above app sync seamlessly with your Apple Watch meaning that you don’t need to bring your phone with you, but the Apple Watch also has a host of other running-essential functions too. My fave, and most used, is the maps. When my usual route starts wearing a bit thin and I decid to change up the area in which I run, the map function on the watch comes in very handy – just set your destination and it clearly displays your directions right in front of you. No need to awkwardly extract your phone from your zipped back pocket anymore.

 The Podcast: The Tim Ferris Show

So a podcast is pretty personal. I LOVE The Tim Ferriss show (author of best seller Four Hour Work Week) as it covers an array of topics from building a business you love to interviewing Jamie Foxx (best episode ever – Foxx is such a cool guy) and health and fitness tips. Each of the guests who come on are seriously interesting and impressive and I learn something every time. But if this is not your bag, Elle Magazine have also launched a super cool Podcast called She Said that features short (around 30 minutes) episodes on topics that they might feature in the magazine (the one on Superwoman Syndrome is a great one to start with). And one more recommendation is #GirlBoss radio By Sophia Amoruso of Nasty Gal. Podcasts are the best way to make your run fly by as you become so engrossed in the conversation in your ears that you forget all about how tired your feet may be.

Words by Sadie Reid 

MORE: How To Boost Your Instagram Following | Top 5 Superfoods for 2016

FITSPIRATION: Victoria’s Secret Model PT Dan Roberts

Written by

Get excited Hip & Healthies – this week we caught up with Victoria’s Secret Model PT Dan Roberts to chat all things fitness, food and body confidence. Read on for the lowdown…

How did you get involved in the fitness world? Have you always been a workout junkie? 

I’m more of a sports junkie than exercise junkie. I captained a few of my university teams and I was sports coach for several years before getting into fitness. My fitness career started when I became a Strength & Conditioning coach in 2002.

When did you decide to take your passion to the next level and create your own business with it? 

Well I started freelance tennis coaching when I was 15 way back in the early 90’s so I was always self-employed. As trainer I’ve been very lucky and reached all my goals. This was around 2011/2012. So at this time I set up a real company with proper management and a coaching team in 2012. I still coach clients, which I love, but now that’s just one aspect of my day. Growing my company to become a world leading fitness brand is my main focus.

You have a super successful home-workout brand. Tell us a bit about it!

The workout is Methodology X, the 2nd edition has just released this January. The new edition contains a yoga meditation guide and practical lifestyle and nutrition tips from models, agents and nutritionists. This workout is a downloadable 28-day plan written for women but is inspired from my work training models that need to get in great shape and feel good about their bodies. It features models from around the world and is currently used in several global agencies as a resource for young models. It was wonderful to see the 1st edition grow from word of mouth within the industry and beyond which prompted me to create the 2nd edition. I’m very proud of Methodology X. It’s fun and stylish but also very ethical and scientific. It aims to empower women through helping them love their bodies and become fitter. You can download the new work out here.

Training Victoria’s Secret models must be pretty amazing! What are some of your favourite ways to ensure you are training them to be fit, healthy and confident within their own skin?

All clients are fun to work with! Everyone has their own story and has unique needs and it’s a pleasure to hang out and help such a wide variety of people. For Victoria’s Secret models and models who are training for Victoria Secret auditions, I do a lot of weight training and work on posture, and also Kick boxing. The trick of feeling great about your body isn’t in how it looks. I believe that to connect with your innate athlete nature helps you to see your body as in instrument, not just an ornament. This is why proper athletic training can really improve one’s body image. This belief flows through all our services and workout products.

Here at Hip & Healthy we are all about inspiring women to be the best and happiest versions of themselves, so we really love your #loveyourbodyfriday campaign. Tell us a bit about this campaign and why you decided to start it.

Well – it’s a natural extension of what my company does. I’ve gotten really into instagram over the last year (@teamdanroberts). I use it as a kind of daily blog to entertain myself and my followers. However, the way the world of fitness is displayed on there and on social media in general can be so one-dimensional and fitness is reduced to just a method of toning up. Fitness is so much more than the aesthetic benefits.

I may be wrong but when I see excessive pseudo-sexualised gym selfies of a pretty girl doing a squat, I don’t see that as truly empowering to other women – I just see it as thinly disguised need for validation. Sex sells and you will get more likes and followers if you show more skin, but that’s not really helping society in any way is it?

In addition, in my opinion, endless pictures of what you are eating isn’t interesting. Maybe I’m just getting old, but the narcissism of it all has become socially acceptable which is kind of shocking to me!

So I thought a weekly hashtag campaign where anyone can join and be part of the conversation would be a good thing! #loveyourbodyfriday is a platform for you to inspire your own followers, discuss body image, vanity and what loving your body really means. Words are powerful things and I think in a world obsessed with looks it’s important just for one-day week to think of your body as what it truly is, rather than objectifying yourself or treating yourself as a clothes hanger.

You must need to fuel your body really well to keep up with your busy days and hours of training! What do you typically eat in a day to ensure you’re powered up and ready to go?

My diet varies depending on what I’m doing each day. If I’m in the office all day then I won’t eat that much. .. On days where I’m training I’ll eat a lot more. I try and keep it simple. My diet is 80% real, fresh organic nutrient dense food and the rest of the time I just feed on the tastiest thing I can find, regardless of what’s in it! Food is more than just energy, it’s something to enjoy.

Anorexia, Orthorexia and obesity are all on the rise in the UK. I think that part of the problem is that we all think we about food a bit too much. There is too much information out there that people feel overwhelmed and literally switch off.

What are a few of the things that you suggest your clients eat to make the most out of their workouts with you?

The main thing is to ensure that clients are not becoming fatigued from a lack of calories or becoming sick from having too much! When I work with pro athletes, their diet is very strictly structured, when I work with models I am more relaxed. I hate calorie restriction – I meet so many girls who literally starve themselves and it’s so unnecessary. I know for fact you can get in amazing shape and not be hungry! (You just have to be a bit strategic)

You are a huge inspiration to us…but who inspires you?

Thank you! Loads of people. Most of my clients and friends are artists in one-way or another. I find them all very inspiring. They are always in a creative headspace. Being around creative people that are way more successful than me is always inspiring!

What’s next for the Dan Roberts Group? Any future plans or goals?

Lots of plans. We want to grow our Brand Ambassador program – We have some amazing ambassadors at the moment but I’d like more. So if anyone reading this thinks they have what it takes please let us know!

We will also be launching a new workout via DVD, which is very exciting. We will also be launching a Methodology X instructor course so personal trainers can get qualified to train fashion models.

We already have US trainers and do workshops in New York and Miami – We will be expanding our presence there next year – it’s all very exciting!

Interview by Isabella Stelle 

MORE: 5 Must-Read Books For Awaking Your Inner #GIRLBOSS | How To Create A Life You Love 

Top 5 Superfoods For 2016

Written by

Unleash your wellness warrior this year with these top five super foods that will help you to feel the hippest and healthiest version of you.

Matcha

Matcha tea is an easy and simple way to add powerful health benefits to your everyday diet. One serving of matcha tea is the nutritional equivalent of 10 cups of regularly brewed green tea, this is because when you drink matcha you ingest the entire leaf and receive 100 per cent of the nutrients contained within! Known to boost metabolism and burn calories, matcha energises the body, enhances mood and aids in concentration. When that all too familiar afternoon slump hits and you start to feel peckish, make a warming brew of Matcha instead! Rich in fiber, chlorophyll and vitamins, this month try swapping your coffee for a good cuppa’  matcha to wake up the mind and body.

Lucuma

Derived from an ancient Peruvian fruit, lucuma powder delivers an abundance of health benefits when added to your favourite food or beverage. Viewed as a symbol of fertility and creation, for thousands of years lucuma was referred to as the “Gold of the Incas” and was used for a variety of applications. Its unique caramel like flavour serves as a natural sweetener, and is perfect for adding to healthy desserts and baking! In addition to satisfying your sweet tooth, this amazing superfood is gluten-free and provides a source of antioxidants, fibre, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals necessary for bodily functions. As an added bonus, research shows that lucuma may be helpful for supporting skin health, blood sugar, and even cardiovascular health – what’s not to love!?

Camu

The camu berry is one of the world’s most abundant sources of vitamin C. This antioxidant-rich berry from the Amazon is also a plentiful source of potassium, calcium, protein, beta-carotene, amino acids and powerful phytochemicals. Camu fruits are the highest documented source of vitamin C – providing 200 times more than a banana, and 30-60 times more than an orange. Vitamin C has been linked with stronger immune systems and protection against viruses, helping you fight off those nasty colds. Try a tablespoon of camu powder mixed into a glass of water (instead of berocca!) for a healthy kick-start to your day. 

Bee pollen

Great for sprinkling over your porridge or blending into smoothies, bee pollen is one of our favourite all-natural energy enhancers. With just 2-3 tablespoons needed, the carbohydrates, protein and B vitamins can help keep you going all day, by enhancing stamina and fighting off fatigue. Also a skin soother – the beautifully golden granules of bee pollen are often used in topical products that aim to treat inflammatory conditions and common skin irritations, like psoriasis or eczema thanks to the amino acids and vitamins which protect the skin and aid the regeneration of cells. It also contains enzymes that can aid in digestion, and are good for intestinal flora, thereby supporting the immune system.

Birch Water

Considered the “Tree of Life” the Birch tree is said to have healing properties. Birch water has long been favoured across Nordic folk cultures as a spring detoxing elixir. Naturally diuretic, it supports kidney and liver functions and speeds up the process of elimination and weight loss. Its slightly sweet syrupy liquid is low in calories, naturally fat- and cholesterol free, and super hydrating, also boosting the immune system. For those needing a catalyst to continue burning excess fat: birch water helps balance the body and alleviates the problems faced by those retaining water.

Words by Georgia Barnett 

MORE: Warm Superfood Bowl Recipe | The Best Detoxifying Workouts

 

If You Only Do One Thing This Week… Take Your Workout To The Next Level

Written by

The beginning of a new year is a time when many of us try to get fitter, and whilst a new workout regime will certainly get you feeling healthier, you may find that after a while you reach a plateau and seem to be simply not progressing any further. It can be tricky to push through and achieve the final results you had in mind, but follow these tips to take your workout to the next level and you’ll be well on your way to being the strongest and fittest you’ve ever been.

  1. Pose

No, we’re not talking about your best instagram pout. You can intensify your usual workout simply by holding a strengthening position, such as a squat, which will engage the thighs, glutes and core. By holding the muscles in contraction, your body will gain strength and endurance that can’t be achieved through constant movement – studies have shown that we can typically recruit over 5% more muscle fibres whilst holding strengthening positions than while lifting or lowering a weight (resulting in a stronger and leaner physique). Start with holding for 30 seconds, and aim to increase the time with practice.

  1. Test Your Balance

Adding some instability into your routine will work wonders for your core. Exercises requiring balance ensure more of your muscles are engaged at once, helping to improve strength, balance and even your mental function as your mind has to adapt to moving on the unstable surface. Begin by adding a wobble board or BOSU to static exercises such as the plank, before progressing to performing more dynamic movements such as lunges and pushups.

  1. Try Interval Training

Popular with top athletes, and for good reason, just 2 weeks of interval training has been shown to improve your aerobic fitness by as much as 6-8 weeks of endurance training. Involving a period of very high intensity followed by a short period of low intensity or even rest (think sprinting for 2 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of walking), HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training – is fantastic if you’re trying to fit a workout in amongst a busy schedule. Even better, the sudden exertion performed puts your body into overdrive mode, meaning the positive effects of your workout will keep going for 24 hours after working out.

  1. Structure

Often overlooked, the structure of your workout is huge in terms of getting the most out of your training. Perform cardio first to warm-up and set your desired intensity, before moving onto resistance work – this has been shown to maximize its effectiveness. Finally perform any flexibility and neuromuscular movements, in whichever order you prefer. Of course none of this is set in stone, and its crucial to listen to how your own body responds to exercise, but researchers have shown that following an order similar to this can help increase your cardiorespiratory performance (how efficiently your body is transporting oxygen around), as well as maximising your metabolism.

  1. Switch It Up

Our bodies are amazingly adaptable, which although incredibly useful at times, is definitely not so great when we’re trying to improve fitness. Chances are that simply changing from the routine and equipment you’ve been using week in week out will be enough to boost you straight through that plateau. Not only good for challenging strength and endurance, you may even find your enthusiasm for exercise increases when you can look ahead to new challenges and be sure that you’re moving in the right direction.

Words by Meryn Turner 

MORE: Wellness Trends For 2016 | How To Boost Your Instagram Following 

How to Boost Your Instagram Following

Written by

Here at Hip & Healthy, we are self-confessed instagram addicts. We take pride in posting photos to instagram that we hope will inspire you to be the best versions of yourselves and we love keeping up to date with what our friends all over the world are up to. We often get asked about how we built up our strong social media following, so after numerous requests, we thought it was about time to fill you in on a few of our secrets. Read on for the lowdown…

  1. Consistency is key

The best instagram accounts are those that have a consistent theme or colour scheme throughout that inspires you to keep scrolling. For example, accounts that focus on healthy eating and fitness or on style and fashion, or that have a colour scheme – check out @basebodybabes for this – all their pictures are light, beautiful and focused around health – a winning formula (they have 578k followers and counting!).

  1. Take the Aussie’s lead

It is no secret that the BEST accounts out there belong to the Australians. So beautiful are their accounts that we want to live in them, and often find ourselves wondering if they all took classes in instagram as part of their syllabus. Well, we have an Aussie in our office and she confirms they did not. So what is it that makes them so great? Three things… 1.Their feeds are consistent (see point one!), 2. They never post a bad photo – nothing is out of focus, pixilated or lit badly, and 3. They are not afraid to play around with cropping and framing… which leads me to…

  1. Top of the Crops

When it comes to framing your subject try thinking outside the box – instead of placing a smoothie bowl in the centre, try it slightly off centre and maybe not fitting in the whole frame. When taking selfies, don’t assume you need to get your entire head, face, neck and shoulders in – some of the best selfies have the subjects forehead cropped out – check it out next time you’re scrolling insta.

  1. Go Pro with Props

Never underestimate the value of a prop. It can turn a mundane glass of water into a refreshing jug of hydrating goodness (enter lemons, mint, beautiful jug and marble surface). Stock up on props that you think will compliment your photos – and you don’t need them to always appear entirely in the frame, props work best when they look natural and don’t steal the limelight.

  1. The power of the #Hashtag

When used wisely, the hashtag can be a powerful thing. Instagram now includes the number of times a certain hashtag has been used when you search for it, and lists other popular similar hashtags below. This is brilliant as it helps you understand which hashtags are particularly popular and therefore, most searched for. Plus it also shows you a few that you hadn’t perhaps realized were searched for yet totally relate to your type of feed.

Now, whilst we know we have a strong insta-following, we quizzed our friend Mckel over at @nutritionstripped who currently boasts a whopping 193K about her top tip for insta-success…

“Be you. Simple as that! Find your unique style, content, and post just that- own your uniqueness! And remember, it’s just social media. Don’t take it too seriously, real life always trumps social media.”

Happy posting!

Words by Sadie Reid 

Follow our favourite top healthy Instagram accounts here 

 

MORE: 5 Must-Read Books To Awaken Your Inner #GIRLBOSS | How To Create A Life You Love

Hip & Healthy x Liberty ‘Be Well Box’

Written by

Here at Hip & Healthy, we are ambassadors for the current revolution in health and fitness. With a passion to inspire, we encourage our tribe to be masters of balance – between being fit and fashionable, busy and in a state of savasana, disciplined and self-loving and always on a mission to being the best version of themselves.

We created the Be Well Box in collaboration with Liberty because we believe that being well is not just about looking fantastic in the latest activewear trends – but about feeling fantastic in both body and mind. The following beauty and wellbeing products are a selection of those that have helped us to feel our happiest and healthiest and we hope that they can help you to do the same! Worth over £165 but priced at only £65, here’s what you can find inside…

Legology Exfo-lite (1 x 50ml scahet)

For perfect pins, we turn to Legology’s Exfolite scrub, a high performance skin smoothing and body contouring exfoliator that makes legs supple and softer whilst discouraging cellulite and rough skin. An all natural mix of sea salt, diuretic Himalayan pink crystals and a shake of Amalfi lemon peel – this energising scrub reinvigorates tired, heavy, post-workout legs, promoting confidence and a positive sense of wellbeing.

Dityque Mini Candle Jasmin Candle

Our bath-time ritual non-negotiable – Dityque’s Mini Jasmin Candle boats a sensual and soothing scent, reproducing the captivating atmosphere of a Mediterranean garden. Soothing, calming and revitalizing, jasmin has been renowned for centuries as an aphrodisiac, with the ability to bring out feelings of love and emotional warmth whilst soothing the nerves and restoring optimism and energy when we need it most!

Davines Nou Nou Mask

Our number one product for when our hair is feeling dry and damaged, NOUNOU Nourishing Repair Mask has been formulated with a wholesome selection of intensely hydrating natural ingredients such as Olive Butter, Jojoba and Cherry Oil. Especially beneficial for those with colour treated hair, NOUNOU Nourishing Repair Mask is packed full of natural anti-oxidants and protective properties that will leave your distressed tresses looking instantly shiny, soft and restored.

REN Instant Firming Beauty Shot

Freezing weather and a few too many happy new year tipples can leave skin looking dry and lackluster. When this is the case for us, we turn to REN’s Instant Firming Beauty Shot to firm, lift and plum for a smoother, tighter and more youthful complexion. What’s more – when used regularly, this cult product encourages elastin synthesis to firm and remodel the skin over time – what’s not to love!

Bare Biology Lion Heart Omega 3 Capsules

Hands down the best quality Omega 3 fish oil on the market – containing the highest levels of EPA and DHA, no heavy metals or nasty contaminants and a great taste – Bare Biology Lion Heart Omega 3 Capsules are a daily staple of our wellbeing routine. Featuring a wide range of anti-inflammatory and beautifying properties, Bare Biology Lion Heart Omega 3 Capsules deeply nourish and restore from the inside out.

Aduna Baobab Powder

Possessing the highest antioxidant content of any fruit, we love adding a serving of baobab to our smoothies or a sprinkling to our porridge to ensure we get our daily dose of this African superfood. Rich in vitamin C (a single dose provides 33% of your daily requirement), Baobab supports immune functioning, energy release, skin health and digestion!

Margaret Dabbs Foot oil

We always keep a bottle of Margaret Dabbs Foot oil in our beauty cabinets for when our feet need a little extra TLC. An intensive treatment, this luxurious dry skin saviour instantly rehydrates and transforms very dehydrated, cracked and broken skin, whilst giving nails long lasting nourishment and moisture. With the uplifting scent of lemon myrtle and unique dry oil texture, its no wonder Margaret Dabbs Foot Oil has gained global cult status.

Hey Holla Hair Ties

Having created a storm in the US, these hand-tied elastic hair ties look just as pretty on your wrist as they do in your hair, and even better, they leave no kinks! At last! You can pop your hair up for your workout and then let your tresses down again afterwards!

Healthy is the new black Tank

In need of some New Year fitspiration? Now you can feel and look hip & healthy wherever you go with our very own ‘Healthy Is The New Black’ Tank! Flatteringly shaped and super lightweight, you can be confident and proud when you work up a sweat!

SHOP THE BOX HERE

 

Wellness Trends for 2016

Written by

Here at Hip & Healthy we love discovering all of the latest and greatest trends in the ever-growing health scene. From mixing up your workouts to finding new ways to nourish, here’s our roundup of the next big things for wellness in 2016.

 Boxing

There’s a reason boxing has become the favourite workout of the likes of Gigi Hadid and Cara Delevigne: the workout challenges cardiovascular fitness, strength and stamina all whilst shaping a lean body – not to mention the benefits of having the opportunity to punch out all of that emotional tension. Why so effective? Boxing works the entire body, muscle-wise, but also in terms of aerobic and anaerobic (short bursts) fitness.

Beauty From The Inside Out

With so many companies now making various beautifying elixirs in the form of liquid supplements, we’re predicting that this years skin care regime is going to be all about what you’re sipping on. The nutrients and antioxidants present in certain ingredients are finally being recognised as having glow-giving, acne-eliminating and anti-ageing properties, so a few extra supplements should definitely be on the agenda for anyone looking to be rid of brittle nails, dull hair and dark circles. We love Bare Biology’s super fish oil, jam-packed full of healthy 0mega-3s, essential for brainpower, good vision and gorgeous skin. Symprove also has our seal of approval (as well as that of Calgary Avansino FYI) for their Liquid Probiotics. The supplement contains the 4 strains of bacteria essential for a healthy gut, and due to the liquid formula, unlike other products you can expect 100% of the bacteria present to arrive in your gut live and ready for healthifying action.

Transition Zone’s HiPer Zone

We predict big things this year for Transition Zone newest addition the HiPer Zone which challenges Endurance, Speed and Power classes using state of the art equipment and heart-rate technology. Push yourself to the next level using the extensive range of equipment available, including battle ropes, a squat rack and wall climbing ladder, and train like a professional athlete as you track performance during the sessions, meaning not a second will go to waste – you’ll also receive a breakdown of results via email after the class. Sessions last just 45 minutes, making them ideal to squeeze into a busy schedule. You’ll be feeling stronger, empowered and more confident in no time!

Working Out To Feel, Not Look, Good

All too often in the past exercising has been focused on dropping a dress size or creating that unattainable thigh gap. Finally people are seeing fitness for what it can truly be: an amazing form of stress relief, an antidepressant, a way to feel strong and empowered, and yes, even fun and enjoyable! Working out isn’t about getting skinny, and once you’ve let go of that and stopped beating yourself up about your appearance, there’s space to truly appreciate how amazing exercise can make both your body and brain feel.

E-Pulsive

A 20 minute full body workout that allows for 98% muscle engagement and equates to a full 6 hours slogging it at the gym, E-Pulsive is perfect for anyone who is stretched for time yet keen to see results. Electrical impulses (totally safe and not painful!!) are used to achieve controlled muscle contractions within targeted muscles without the need for any signal from your nervous system. The result? Just a few sessions a week can lead to stronger, more defined muscles, an increase in metabolism and decreases in back and joint pain.

Superherbs

So we all know about superfoods now, in fact it’s pretty impossible to avoid them! But 2016 is all about the superherbs and their stress relieving qualities. Some plants have been found to have superpowers that can help the body adapt to and handle its own specific needs, and work wonders for banishing stress and exhaustion. Superherbs can be used to improve all kind of health-related issues related to health, unlike any other food. You’ll see the herbs popping up in drinks such as juices, smoothies and superfood lattes, as well as making an appearance in beauty products and even your favourite bars of raw chocolate. We love Gingseng for its blood-sugar levelling affects, Holy Basil to fight off fatigue (its also known as an anti-ageing miracle cure in India) and Ashwagandha to ease anxiety.

Athleisure

Activewear is storming the world as the next big trend, however now it’s all about athleisure wear – activewear for real life that will happily take you from yoga to brunch to running your daily errands in perfect style. Even mega brand Levi’s have admitted that jean sales are down among women as everyone’s keen to get in on the legging-look; and who’s to blame them when we see the likes of Karlie Kloss and Jessica Alba rocking their street style workout wear. Shop the best of athleisure here.

Words By Meryn Turner 

MORE: Madeleine Shaw’s Healthy Food Philosophy | Warm Superfood Bowl

If You Only Do One Thing This Week… Create A Life That You Love

Written by

Here at Hip & Healthy we’re all about inspiring you, our lovely tribe, to be the best versions of yourselves and in doing so, to create a life you love! Below we have revealed our top 5 tips for getting yourself one step closer to living the life you have always dreamed of. After all, you create your own reality!

Do more of what you love

Hands down the most important step in creating your dream life is by making the time to do more of what you love. Whilst we know it’s not always easy to make time for yourself whilst juggling the everyday demands of modern life, we promise that by scheduling in at least a few hours per week to focus on what you’re most passionate about will make all the difference to your levels of happiness and fulfilment. If you happen to work in a job that satisfies you on this level – all the better, however we know that this isn’t always possible which makes it even more important to set the time aside each week to indulge your passions.

Surround yourself with like-minded people

Another important factor to consider when creating your ideal life is to surround yourself with people who share your passions, lifestyle choices and values. Whilst it’s great to make friends with people from all different walks of life, when it comes down to it, the people you spend most of your time with really do rub off on you! If you haven’t already, make it your mission to connect with like-minded individuals who are positive, inspiring and striving to be the best versions of themselves. If anything, by connecting with similar people, you’ll soon establish the types of friends that will inspire you to keep moving forward and reach your goals! Plus, it’s always nice to have a go-to yoga buddy!

Practise self-love

Here at Hip & Healthy, we’re always preaching the benefits of self-love, and for good reason! Cultivating a respectful, kind and loving relationship with yourself will not only change your life in the most amazing way possible, but will open up your heart to receiving love and friendship from all of those who you encounter. One big part of self-love is allowing yourself to be who you truly are, embracing your passions and letting go of the things in your life that no longer serve you. A self-loving person would never stay at a job they hated, or remain in a relationship that caused them more pain than happiness. Self-love is simply choosing love and kindness over fear and negativity. Our next tip explains how you can do this no matter where you are in your journey to creating a life you love.

Fake it ‘til you make it

If you’ve already fallen of the New Years resolution wagon and are feeling hopeless, weak and like you’re never going to make a positive change, take a deep breath and listen up. Just because you’ve slipped up once, twice, 50 times, doesn’t mean you should quit all together. One way to shift your perspective and start to enjoy the journey to your ideal life is to fake it ‘til you make it. If you find yourself dreading your week of healthy eating, exercise or work, telling yourself that you’ll only be happy once you lose 5 kg, have a six-pack or get that promotion or bonus, instead intend to live your life like you already have acquired what it is you dream of. Ask yourself these questions: What would I eat and how would I workout if I was fitter and healthier? How productive would I be at work if I got that promotion or bonus? Start living your ideal reality like you’re already there, and things will start to shift for the better.

Embrace change and just do it

Change is never easy, and when it comes down to it there really are no quick fixes. Once you know this, putting in the hard work to make a positive change in your life becomes much easier. If lasting change is truly what you seek, you need to be realistic. Set yourself goals, but don’t beat yourself up if you’re doing everything you can and don’t reach them in the time you set out to do so by. It is all too easy to fall into the quick fix trap when this happens, but unfortunately this will always do you more harm than good and in most cases will eventually send you right back to where you started. Lasting change is established over time, in order for it to be sustainable. So embrace the journey of change, put in the hard work, keep your head held high, your mind positive and you will create the life you’ve always dreamt of. We believe in you! <3

Words by Zsa Zsa Vella

MORE: Warm Superfood Bowl Recipe |  Madeleine Shaw’s Healthy Food Philosophy 

Recipe: Warm Superfood Bowl

Written by

The Frozen acai bowl needs no introduction, we know the Amazonian berry’s antioxidant benefits, its delicious taste: a little bit nutty and a little bit tangy! If you’re missing the wonders of the healthy ice-cream like breakfast in these cold months, we have just the thing. Our Australian friends over at GREEN PRESS, Melbourne’s first organic cold pressed juice bar, have a created a WARM Superfood bowl recipe. Winter mornings just got easier! Here, they show us that seasons won’t stop us enjoying acai.

This fibre filler will keep you satisfied all morning, natural antioxidants will fight internal pathogens and ensure that you have enough energy for work, workouts and wonderment through the day.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon of Amazonia Freeze Dried Acai Powder
  • quinoa flakes
  • almond milk (unsweetened)
  • 2 tablespoons frozen mixed berries
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar (or maple / honey / dates)
  • 4 tablespoons favourite sugar free granola (we use the Cereal Killer)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Warm Breakfast Acai Bowl Recipe – Paleo Vegan Low GI

Method

On the stove, warm up your almond milk on medium heat, stirring often.

Add your acai powder, frozen berries, cinnamon, coconut sugar, sea salt. Keep stirring.

Once the milk just starts bubbling, add your quinoa flakes and continue stirring.

The flakes only need about 30 seconds, removing from the stove as soon as they start to splat everywhere and soften.

Pour into a bowl and add the granola.

Enjoy with a smile that says your insides are warm and well and ready to face the winter cold.

Article courtesy of Green Press.

Green Press is an organic cold pressed juice and health food company located in Melbourne. A true pioneer in the health and wellness space, Green Press dispels the stigma that health is boring. Run by brothers James and Miles McLoughlin, Green Press was created to help people feel alive. Their flagship cafe, informative blog and online store offer an inspiring insight into the world of healthy living. Receiving their nutritional education in NYC, where Chef Miles worked at multiple Michelin Star winning restaurants in Manhattan whilst James managed both a Manhattan restaurant and a juicing food truck, the brothers decided they were ready to go out on their own and moved to Melbourne, Australia and open the city’s first organic cold pressed juice bar, launching Green Press in November 2013.

MORE RECIPES: Raw Gingerbread Bars | Cheesy Kale Chips 

 

Meet Spirit Junkie Gabrielle Bernstein

Written by

Ahead of her event in London this weekend, we caught up with self-confessed Spirit Junkie Gabrielle Bernstein to chat about all things spirituality, happiness and New Years Resolutions. Read on for the lowdown…

For those of our readers who don’t know, tell us a bit about yourself and what it is you do…

I’m a motivational speaker, self-help book author and self proclaimed Spirit Junkie. I’ve been on a spiritual journey my entire life. In 2005 I surrendered to the path of being a spiritual student and shortly after began to teach the tools I’d been applying to my own life. For the past decade I’ve committed my life to guiding people to shift their perceptions from fear to love and establish a spiritual awareness of their own understanding.

Define Spirit Junkie…

A Spirit Junkie is anyone who is committed to look inward for their happiness, peace and fulfilment.

What led you to embark on your Spirit Junkie journey?

As a child I was brought up in a very spiritual environment. My mother brought me to Ashrams, personal growth seminars and meditation retreats. My spiritual growth was greatly supported.

Then in my early twenties I turned my back on my spiritual upbringing. I chose to search for my happiness and self-worth outside of myself. I looked for it in my career credentials, my romantic relationships and my social status. In a short period of time I became addicted to the outside world. This outside search led me to crash fast. I was addicted to drugs, alcohol and the New York city party scene. At the age of twenty-five, I hit bottom.

This bottom was a turning point. I believe that when we realize that the outside search doesn’t work, we are guided to turn inward. I did just that. I turned to my spiritual roots and realigned with the tools I was taught as an adolescent. I picked up my meditation practice and I a became a student/teacher of the metaphysical text A Course in Miracles and Kundalini yoga. For the past decade I have been on a radical journey inward, unlearning fear and remembering love.

What does spirituality mean to you?

Living a spiritual life means that I consciously choose to see a world beyond my physical site. I’m open to receive creative possibilities and loving guidance from a Higher Power. My faith in this Higher Power gives me a sense of safety, security and peace.

Who or what inspires you?

I’m most inspire by people who are willing to grow spiritually.

What is your personal mantra?

Happiness is a choice I make.

What is your biggest piece of advice for prospective Spirit Junkies?

Be willing. Your slight willingness will open an invisible door that will offer you all the support, guidance and love that you long for.

With January coming to an end, what are some things we can do to make sure we follow through with our New Year’s Resolutions for the rest of the year?

Be disciplined and consistent. The reason we fall off the resolution wagon is because we’re not disciplined. You don’t have to do everything at once. Take daily small right actions towards your desire.

Is there a particular meditation or mantra we can practise to cultivate lasting change?

This exercise is very simple. Repeat the mantra Peace Begins With Me as you tap your thumb on your pointer, middle, ring and little fingers. Each word corresponds with a different finger.

Peace – Pointer

Begins – Middle

With – Ring

Me – Little

This meditation redirects your mind, reduces stress and supports your overall well-being by pressing on the different fingers which activate different meridians in your body.

Finally, what are some steps we can take to ensure that this year is our best one yet?

  1. Take lots of little actions daily. You don’t need to do it all at once.
  2. Measure your success based on how much fun you’re having.
  3. Lean towards joy and you will be led…
  4. Expect miracles

Gabby Bernstein will be speaking in London on 22nd and 23rd January and sharing how to make your resolutions stick and have the best year yet! To reserve your place go to hayhouse.co.uk/gabbylondon

Interview by Zsa Zsa Vella

MORE: Madeleine Shaw Morning Turmeric Milk | Fitspiration – Tara Stiles

MEDITATE With Madeleine Shaw’s Glow Guides

Written by

Often the most neglected part of any wellbeing regime, if you think you’re too busy or simply don’t have the time for meditation – Madeleine Shaw’s Glow Guides will make you think again. Featuring 8 meditation audios, led by Madeleine Shaw and designed to be done daily, this week we spoke to Madeleine about what we can expect from the MEDITATE component of The Glow Guides, how someone as busy as herself fits meditation into her day and her top 3 tips to stay motivated to keep it up…

 How does meditation fit into the healthy living equation?

I like to do it before breakfast – it helps calm my mind and prepare me for the day.

What areas of our lives can a regular meditation practice benefit?

Our work and personal lives, as well as the relationship with ourselves – basically everything!

Fill us in on your daily MEDITATE practice.

I like to sit still and watch my breath. I have created many great guided meditations in Glow Guides starting at 3 minutes in Week 1, building you up to 10 minutes.

What are your top 3 tips to keep us motivated to engage in a regular MEDITATE practice?

Do it straight after exercise – during stretching is a great time.

Schedule it in otherwise you won’t do it.

Realise that you will have thoughts in meditation, it’s not about being great and clearing your mind. It’s about showing up and giving it a go.

What can we expect from the MEDITATE section of Glow Guides?

The meditations are really cool, they tackle different issues like comparing yourself to others and self love. You will find a newfound peace and serenity in your life and far less mind chatter.

MORE: Free Circuit Workout From Madeleine Shaw’s Glow Guides | Madeleine Shaw’s MUNCH Philosophy 

MEDITATE Basics By Madeleine Shaw

Written by

Meditation is the third pillar of Glow Guides and an important step to take in wellness.

Lots of people worry it’s going to be all about sitting still and “om-ing”; they’re scared they will never be able to “meditate”, but try not to worry. Much like yoga, meditation is a practice and a process; it’s about finding time in your daily routine to be peaceful. The rest will soon follow – and you’ll be glowing from head to toe in no time!

Meditation has truly helped me to de-stress. I have seen for myself that stress in cities is endemic and it is widely thought to be a contributor to many serious health concerns. I would love to be able to just brush it away under the carpet for you but sadly I can’t; it’s a fact of life that we all have to cope with, things like exam stress, work stress, relationship stress and just life stress! Daily challenges are inevitable yet I can teach you some tools to deal with them so stress doesn’t damage your life and overwhelm you.

The eight mediations in the Glow Guides app each build on the last by slightly increasing in length, week by week, as you progress through the programme. They are all short but meditation has been proven to be powerful and highly effective so they are worth doing! We will work through different subjects such as body love, gratitude, trying not to compare yourself to others, and generally how to thrive at life.

I have designed the programme with the meditations immediately after the workouts for two reasons: firstly, so you actually do them! I know that meditation often doesn’t feel like a priority, there is always somewhere to be or something to do. My thinking was that if you look at meditation as the ultimate cool down after exercising, for reboot of body and mind, then you might just do it. Secondly, you are extremely open after exercise – all that stretching in yoga and sweating in your workouts has put you in touch with your body, making it easier to detach yourself from your thoughts and become wholly present.

Meditation is a miracle worker; it helps calm the mind, relaxes the body, improves creativity and focus, reduces anxiety and enhances your relationships. What’s not to love? Let’s get meditating!

HOW TO MEDITATE

It is very simple, and you can do it anywhere (no equipment needed). All you need to do is find a comfy seated position, cross-legged, kneeling or on a chair. Close your eyes, relax your body, listen to my voice and hopefully enjoy the benefits!

Words by Madeleine Shaw

 

MORE: Madeleine’s MUNCH Philosophy | Madeleine’s MOVE Philosophy