If You Only Do One Thing This Week… Eat Alkaline!

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Claiming to restore the body to its optimum state, the alkaline diet is filled with nutritionally rich food devoid of refined sugar, gluten, cow’s dairy and meat. Glowing A-listers from Elle Macpherson to Miranda Kerr credit alkaline eating as one of their secrets to maintaining a healthy physique. When managed successfully, this lifestyle can leave our bodies feeling lighter, cleaner and bursting with energy. Intrigued? Us too, and the best thing is it’s super simple to follow! Here are 10 ways to alkalize the body naturally…

Start The Day Right

Speak to any nutrition expert with glowing skin and we can guarantee they will say they start their day with a glass of warm water and lemon. Despite their acidic reputation, citrus fruits actually help clear the body of excess acids and create an alkaline forming state. Try to drink this combination within half an hour of waking to give your digestive system a kick-start before breakfast.

Eat Your Greens

Fresh vegetables should make up 70% of your daily food intake and filling your plate with leafy greens has countless benefits. Among the best sources of essential vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, these nutritional powerhouses are also filled with chlorophyll, a potent alkaliser and blood builder. Add spinach to your smoothies, kale to your salads and broccoli to stir fries for an instant energy boost. Leafy greens have also been proven to improve sleep quality, so expect a good nights rest.

Cut Down On Sugar

It will come as no surprise that refined sugar is one of the most acid forming substances for the body. All refined sugars cause inflammation and raise acidity levels, so try and swap your sweet treat for a healthier alternative. Be sure to cut down on fizzy drinks and fruit juices unless freshly processed in small quantities.

Be Mindful

It is not only what you eat that can cause the body to become out of sync – stress is highly acid forming. When the body moves into ‘panic mode,’ this causes the digestive system to shut down and cease to eliminate toxins. Try adding a yoga class to your workout routine, deep tummy breathing or download a meditation app to help reduce the effects of stress.

Less Meat, More Veggies

Meat is amongst the most acid forming foods, with red meat particularly high on the scale. It is not only difficult to digest, but recent studies have shown we are eating far more animal products than our body can break down. Try #meatfreemonday as an excuse to experiment in the kitchen and add more vegetarian meals into your diet.

Go Honestly Healthy

Widely credited with bringing the alkaline way of eating to the UK, Honestly Healthy’s Natasha Corrett discovered alkaline eating after visiting an acupuncturist for health issues. After being informed her body was extremely acidic, the 21 day alkaline cleanse she partook in has now inspired three bestselling books, an app and more, all ideal for those looking for an easy guide to alkaline eating.

Eat Your Fats

Avocado fans rejoice, the creamy favourite is one of the highest on the alkaline scale. This nutrient-dense superfood is filled with key antioxidants that have serious anti-inflammatory, heart health and blood sugar regulating benefits. Furthermore, the high-density of omega oils speed up the metabolism, leading to weight loss. Add to smoothies or mash it up for a creamy toast topping.

Hydrate

Keeping the body hydrated is essential for maintaining an alkaline state, so try to drink at least two litres of water a day to flush out toxins, improve all bodily functions (and even help you lose weight). However, try to ensure you have a filter to hand as regular tap water is filled with harmful chlorides. For an even better alkalising effect add a pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt to your glass.

Get Active

Exercise helps to get your digestion moving so your body can eliminate acidic waste products more efficiently. However take note cardio fans, excessive exercise can actually have the opposite effect due to causing a rise in stress levels, so try not to overdo it. Instead opt for a few yoga classes per week alongside your HIIT.

Cut the CRAP (that is caffeine, refined sugar, alcohol & processed food)

Caffeine, Refined sugar, alcohol and processed foods are filled with harmful, acidic chemicals that do no favours for your body (or skin for that matter). Instead fill your cupboards with fresh produce and notice the change in how you feel. Additionally, try to cook as much as you can from scratch, as this means you know everything that is going into your body. If you’re stuck for time, we swear by a Sunday prep session to keep you going all week.

By Harriet Tisdall 

Get The Recipe: Mango, Avocado & Mint Raw Zucchini Noodles

 

Get The Recipe – Orange Sorbet topped with Louola’s Superfood Quinola

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We love healthy granola, but it’s often hard to come across one that isn’t full of refined sugar, gluten and artificial flavourings. As here at Hip & Healthy we like to be all-inclusive and provide options for all of our foodie friends, gluten intolerant included, we are super excited to share with you a granola alternative that everyone can enjoy. Created by Nutritional Therapy student Louise Amy Lee, this week we caught up with the self-confessed cereal addict who was lovely enough to share a recipe she has on high rotation this Summer featuring her very own Superfood Quinola. Over to Louise…

I created Louola’s Superfood Quinola as a grain, dairy and unrefined sugar free cereal alternative, naturally high in protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, Louola’s can be enjoyed as a healthy addition to your meals and even desserts as you’ll see below.

An all time favourite summer dessert is homemade Orange sorbet. There’s nothing better than a delicious and refreshing treat to cool off on a warm summers day with the added benefit of our daily dose of Vitamin C!

Ingredients:

  • 1 Cup of Agave Nectar
  • 6 Oranges
  • 1/2 Cup of Lemon Juice
  • 1 Cup of Water

Method:

  • Begin by cutting the top of the orange. Cut enough away so you can remove the flesh from the shell with a sharp knife and spoon. Be sure to do this over a container to catch the juices and place all the orange flesh into a bowl. Remove any pips from the orange flesh or juice.
  • To prepare the shells rinse them under water and set aside to dry.
  • In a saucepan bring the agave nectar and water to boil on a low heat.
  • Whilst you are waiting, put the orange flesh and juice into a blender and blend until a liquid consistency.
  • Once the agave nectar and water has boiled, stir in the juiced liquid.
  • Poor the mixture into a dish and freeze for 4 hours.
  • After 4 hours, remove this mixture from the freezer and place into a food processor or blender. Blend the mixture until it is smooth.
  • Place the mixture back into the bowl and freeze again for 1 hour.
  • Once the mixture is ready, remove it from the freezer and fill the orange shells to round ¾ full.
  • Top the shells with a large spoonful of *Louola’s Superfood Quinola flavour #3: Mixed Nuts, Cranberry and Cinnamon. Sprinkle some extra Quinola over the edges.
  • You can add a swirl of Agave nectar if you are after an extra sweet treat!

Visit Louise’s website for more information & recipe ideas here: www.louolas.co.uk/recipe-ideas

 VIEW ALL RECIPES

Alfresco Fitness – Take Your Summer Sweat Outdoors

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You know what warm weather means – outdoor workouts! We love getting our fit on in the open air, and whilst nothing quite beats a beachside yoga session on a balmy summers morning, we’ve put together a whole host of outdoor workouts you need to be factoring into your fitness schedule this season…

Rooftop Hula Hooping When it comes to keeping fit we like to mix things up, so when we heard of Rooftop Hula Hooping, we were more than intrigued. In residence at the rooftop pool at the Berkeley health club and spa, this fun and summer-sensible workout offers a great mix of high intensity and toning exercises to sculpt waist and hips. Following each class, hula-hoopers can enjoy a relaxing dip and a well-deserved poolside lunch overlooking panoramic views of Hyde Park and bustling Knightsbridge.

Paddle & Prosecco Planning a beach holiday this sunny season? Make Newquay your healthy holiday destination. The perfect summer combo – Paddle & Prosecco launches on the 9th of July on Newquay’s beautiful Great Western Beach. Easier to learn than surfing but just as exhilarating, paddlers will be equipped with all necessary equipment and guided through the still waters of Newquay’s idyllic bay and surrounding headland, taking in the sights of beautiful coastline and marine life along the way. The evening ends with a post-paddle glass of bubbles on the terrace overlooking the ocean – pure bliss!

Aqua Physical You may have seen this innovative new workout popping up around London this Summer, but if you haven’t – wer’re here to give you the scoop. An effective and challenging way to enhance your yoga practise, Aqua Physical is a low impact cross training workout performed on floating inflatable boards that use the natural fluidity of water to help you achieve flexibility, stability and strength. Plus, it’s as much a workout for your brain as it is for your body thanks to the concentration and focus required to stay balanced and afloat! Stay peeled for our Hip & Healthy review coming soon.

Hyde Park & Yeotown Retreats Park lovers rejoice – The Royal Parks foundation is partnering with Yeotown Health Retreat to bring health, happiness and wellbeing to the masses in the heart of Londons beautiful Hyde Park. Ongoing until November this year, the park will host a mix of workshops in yoga, healthy eating and mindfulness – a perfect way to enjoy the great outdoors and keep fit and healthy whilst at it.

By Zsa Zsa Vella

Image Credit: Roxy

 STAY HIP & HEALTHY ON HOLIDAY | LOOKING FOR SOME SUMMER FITSPIRATION?

Stylish Sports Bras To Suit Your Shape

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Stay supported (and stylish!) with our pick of the hottest sports bras to suit all shapes!

Designed to provide optimum support and stop the bouncing blues, no matter what shape or size you are – the right sports bra can make a real difference.

Whether it’s for running, yoga or cycling, the best designs give you some lift, keep sweat at bay and flatter your shape. To help you find the bra to suit you best, we’ve picked out 7 of the most flattering sports-chic styles for summer.

We Are Handsome Chameleon T-Back Bra

When it comes to summer florals, the bolder the better! And nothing says bold and floral like We Are Handsome’s Chameleon T-Back Bra. Opting for a graphic print is a good trick for giving the illusion of curves for our smaller busted Hip & Healthies. Plus, it’s bang on trend for summer!

No Jiggle Millie Bra

If the sugary pastel tone wasn’t enough to sway you, the clever V shape of this bra that accentuates your waist will. The criss-cross straps offer extra support for bigger busts and a traditional hook and eye bra fastening. Don’t want the padding? Whip it out, it’s removable.

Tully Lou Nomad Crop

Phew! The high-neck of this sheer paneled bra stops everything from bouncing around. Whether you’re training for a marathon or looking for a fashion-forward crop top for yoga – this fits the bill for almost all shapes and sizes.

Pepper & Mayne Panelled Bralet

Make a statement with this chic black bodice bralet at the gym. It gives the most flattering silhouette and hugs curves in all the right places. What better way to inject some sexiness into your gym attire? We’re sold.

Alo Yoga Goddess Bra

Block pattern is so hot right now and this breathable strappy number gives plenty of support without restricting movement. A classic choice for that hot and sweaty Bikram class, the supportive elastic under band will be sure to hold ‘em in place while you strike a pose!

Striders Edge E-Padded Sports Hyacinth

This game-changing sports bra is about as comfy and supportive as they come! Made with sweat-absorbing premium Italian fabric that offers compression without digging in, this bra is our go-to for high intensity cardio work-outs. Great for all sizes, we find this bra looks particularly good on bigger busts.

Varley Leonie Burgundy Snake Crop

With a supportive and flattering cross-strapped back, this flattering Burgunday Snake Crop from Varley is fitness meets fashion at its finest. We love wearing ours to our Sunday morning yoga session and then slipping the slightly sheer Gloria White Tee over the top to make a subtle statement before heading out to brunch with friends.

by Leonie Eastwood

SHOP ALL SPORTS BRAS | SHOP ALL ACTIVEWEAR

Hip & Healthy Holiday: The Barn, Cotswolds

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Long weekends are the perfect opportunity to explore and escape but you don’t need to go far, as I discovered when I went with a group of girlfriends to the Cotswolds. It’s always tricky to find a holiday destination that suits everyone. Just sorting out a time when everyone is free and somewhere with the right budget can be difficult, as well as finding somewhere that fits everyones ideas of the perfect mini-break can be equally challenging. My personal idea of taking a break and having some well-deserved relaxation is to indulge in all things I love. Doing nothing much doesn’t provide the escape and rejuvenation I want, but keeping active and treating myself to those things I generally have little time for certainly is!

The Cotswolds is a stunning part of England at anytime of year, with beautiful countryside dotted with quaint little villages. It’s no wonder that celebrities choose to buy their country retreats here. However, don’t assume that you’ll see any A-listers on your trip, as luckily for them there’s plenty of space to hide in between the hills and valleys in the Cotswolds rural surroundings.

Now, I’m somewhat reluctant to share my ultimate find of all weekend getaways with you but I would feel selfish not to. It goes by the name of The Barn Cotswolds. Tucked away in the village of Lechlade, you’ll have access to the real country life; walks through vast open fields and along the banks of the river, cycle rides down winding lanes with gorgeous pubs and restaurants along the way. The Barn itself is a beautiful traditional Cotswold stone building and is owned and run by the lovely Deborah. It sits within the grounds of Bridge House, a 17th Century building with real period charm and a beautiful garden.

Travelling as a group of 5, I was pleasantly surprised that The Barn could sleep us all and even had room for one more! Having booked three nights, we were keen to get straight into the Cotswold way of life as soon as we arrived. We explored the property, eagerly noting the outdoor barn, a bohemian hang-out with snug cushions, candles and fairy lights. Under its beautiful beamed stone roof there was table tennis and other games we were inevitable to become experts at by the end of our stay! We spent our first evening reveling in the peace and quiet of the countryside, a welcome relief from our busy lives in London. Being able to sit outside, with a clear mind and clean air was the perfect way to kick-start our weekend. Deborah, the owner and our host for the weekend, had planned lots of activities for us over the next few days, so we went to bed excited about what lay ahead.

We awoke early the next morning and headed straight to another building on the property, a converted gatehouse turn gym! Small but well equipped with TRX’s, a running machine, a rowing machine, VipR’s and weights, we were looking forward to a spot of early morning exercise. Two of us opted for an hours workout and tuition on the TRX, which I had never used before but loved. TRX is functional training using your own body weight so is great for beginners as well as fitness gurus as you can challenge yourself as much (or as little) as you like. As a regular gym user, I was keen to try something new and I can assure you I felt the burn later on. It was a sunny day so we took the workout into the garden to stretch and cool down. It was so refreshing to be outside after all the indoor gym sessions I do at home. After a quick shower, we dressed and woke the others and were ready for our pre-ordered breakfast.

Breakfast was an optional extra which we threw in as a treat. With plenty on the menu to choose from, we decided to keep it Hip & Healthy with home made muesli and granola with yoghurt, an abundance of fruit, fresh juices, teas and coffees. I couldn’t think of a better way to start the day. The atmosphere and ambience at The Barn is both luxurious and yet at the same time, chilled. The birds are singing in the garden and the occasional flash of a dog’s tail (there are two, very friendly black labs belonging to the owner, who potter about) gives a true feeling of living the country life! After a couple of hours of reading, chatting and wandering in The Barn’s sizeable garden, we decided it was time to make use of the bikes available to guests and venture in search of our lunchtime spot. We were given a couple of suggested routes and set off through the village, stopping a few times to check out the local shops, before pulling up alongside a riverside pub – the perfect place for lunch.

With spa treatments booked later at The Barn, we eagerly cycled back, feeling very much entitled to some pampering. Although there isn’t a spa at The Barn, Deborah has a team of therapists on hand and had organized a range of treatments for us all. We had a couple of manicures and pedicures and a facial and I opted for an hour-long massage. It was lovely to be able to get straight into the robes provided, have our treatments and then just chill out in the gorgeous living area looking out onto the garden.

Having had a substantial breakfast and lunch, we took the opportunity in the evening, to test out The Barn’s well-equipped kitchen and rustled up a light dinner in no time. Feeling good from the workout, our adventures, some relaxing treatments and great food, we headed upstairs for a well-deserved 10 hours sleep.

So, if you’re looking for the perfect getaway, go to The Barn Cotswolds where there’s something for everyone! I know I’ll be returning.

MORE HIP & HEALTHY DESTINATIONS & TRAVEL TIPS

 

If You Only Do One Thing This Week… Try Spinning!

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Whilst a high intensity spinning class is an activity that at first you may dread, we’re here to tell you that it’s one class you’ll always walk out of with a newfound swag, beaming with a sense of accomplishment and euphoria. There’s a reason why this movement has quite literally ‘spun’ out of control – the feeling of achievement that comes from completing something you never thought you’d be able to do, simply cannot be beaten.

For prospective spinners and spinning newbies, here’s what you need to know:

 Push Your Limits

Whether you believe it or not, you will have enough energy to complete the full workout. Your body is a machine and in that critical moment of ‘fight or flight’, it doesn’t want you to fail. Whether it’s the music, the lights or the good-looking trainer keeping you going, you’ll be impressed with how far you can push yourself.

Full Body Workout

Spinning doesn’t just work your legs, it works your entire body. In most classes, you’ll also be using your arms to push yourself up and down on the bike and also your butt to squat!

Detox

If there’s one thing about spinning I will warn you about – it’s the sweat. However if you thought sweating (somewhat profusely) was gross, think again. Sweating actually detoxifies your body. Did you have a heavy weekend? Indulge in a fry up on Saturday and Sunday? Sweating is a natural way to help rid your body of all the impurities and waste that may have built up in your system over time. Additionally, it cleanses pores (flawless skin anyone?) and boosts your immune system!

3 Spin Studios We Love

Psycle 

If you’re looking for something a bit different to the usual run of the mill spin classes, try out Psycle. We know you wont regret it! The closest you’re going to get to riding a bicycle in a nightclub; the classes are high intensity, low impact, total body workouts with a twist. Based on the US version, Soul Cycle, you will find yourself energized as the room gets dark, fluorescent lights start up and the music gets pumping. Incredible playlists along with some equally incredible instructors ensure you get the most out of your workout.  Head down to Psycle Canary Wharf for a spin class this week and be sure to check out the Hip & Healthy retail space whilst you’re at it!

Ride Republic

Ride Republic is all about the whole lifestyle. It’s not just about what happens on the bike that is important. The food you eat and the level of stress in your life are all taken into account. Bringing together a community of people that care about healthy living, with classes designed to suit all levels, we love the measurable training methods utilised so you can work towards your own personalized goals and strive to beat your personal best every time you ride.

Boom Cycle

With cool and colourful graffiti adorning the brick walls and minimal clean changing rooms, this is the place to go for maximum efficiency, minimal faffing! Similar to psycle, the studio is dark and clubby. They have classes ranging from 30-minute express workouts up to two hour spinning sessions. No matter your preference or fitness level, your workout is totally up to you! Plus the sound system kicking out high energy music will totally sweep you away until it feels like nothing else matters; just you, your bike and your fitness goals.

By Rachel Harrison

 

This Just In: Revolutionary Personal Training at Claridges Hotel

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Here at Hip & Healthy we see fitness and nutrition as equally important, so when we heard of an all-encompassing workout combining the two, we couldn’t wait to share the details with you!

Imagine this: you arrive at the gym and are greeted with a shot of espresso before being taken through your warm-up. By the time you get to the main part of your training, the caffeine hit has kicked in and your body is approaching that crucial first stage of fat burning. Powering through your specially designed regime, you hydrate between sets with naturally isotonic coconut water. At the end of your workout you down a plant-based shake and are sent off with a raw energy ball to snack on later in the day. To us, that is the dream – a training experience that not only pays attention to your workout, but also takes into account the time before and after, enabling you to make the most out of your session every time you train.

A collaboration between landmark Mayfair hotel Claridge’s and one of our favourite fitness brands Freedom2Train, founded by elite personal trainer and nutritional expert Steve Mellor, Claridge’s state of the art gym with panoramic views over the rooftops of London will be home to this revolutionary way of training. If you’re not already  familiar with the Freedom2Train method, get yourself acquainted. Utilising Technogym equipment, the unique and effective blueprint of the method fuses the elements of HIIT, Metcon and Tabata with Yoga and Crossfit. Specially tailor-made for each clients needs and goals to create a lean, toned and strong physique whilst building up levels of fitness and stamina – what’s not to love?

Book in a session or find out more:

www.claridges.co.uk

www.freedoom2train.com

Our Top 5 Festival Recovery Essentials

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With festival fever in the air, we’ve rounded up our top 5 Festival Recovery Essentials to help you get back on track come festival end. From luxurious recovery packages to nourish mind, body and soul, tips on the best ways to reboot your system through food and fitness, the DIY natural beauty must-make for all sunshine seekers as well as our at-festival essential to ensure a smoother recovery upon your return – we’ve got all your bases covered. Read on for our top tips and enjoy (and recover) from festival season in style.

1. Well Aware’s Festival Recovery Packages: Our ultimate post-festival go-to’s designed to suit the needs of any recovering festival-goer, the clever packages that our favourite (and London’s only) healthy concierge offers, provide a fail-proof way to get ourselves back on track when the festivities end. Featuring 3 packages – The Mind-Body Reboot, The Reformation and The Savasana, each collection has been thoughtfully designed to restore and revitalise even the most burnt out of festival fiends.

2. Pump up the raw: When it comes to rebooting from the inside out, we love to pump up the raw. As festivals don’t usually offer the healthiest selection of food, excess sodium and sugar combined with alcohol can make for a bloated body and sluggish digestive system. Incorporating freshly made nutrient-rich and hydrating juices, smoothies and coconut water into our diets when we get home is something that always perks us up and gets us feeling more like our usual spritely selves. Additionally, enjoying lots of fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds and whole grains upon your return is a sure-fire way to get digestion moving along nicely, soak up toxins and put a spring back into your step!

3. Kiss The Moon GLOW Kit: If you’re jet-setting to another holiday destination after your festival fun, be sure to pack Kiss The Moon’s GLOW Sleep Recovery Set, a travel sized kit that will help you slip back into a more sensible sleep pattern before early mornings once again become the norm. Featuring Kiss The Moon’s GLOW signature blend – a 100% natural concoction of orange, geranium, myrrh and litsea essential oils – this clever kit will help you to sleep soundly, whilst vitamins A & E will infuse sun-exposed skin with much-needed nutrients. Treat yourself to a home spa experience by taking a long relaxing soak in a warm bath featuring GLOW After Dark Bath Oil, get into your favourite comfy pyjamas and follow up by applying a layer of GLOW After Dark Face Oil, before settling into bed with your luxurious silk sleep mask included in the kit as a bonus gift – heavenly!

4.DIY Coconut & Honey Hair Mask: Whilst we all pay attention to the suns effect on our skin, what we often fail to take into account is its effect on our hair. Hat or not, hair is mostly always exposed to the sun, so if your hair is feeling a little brittle and dry – chances are that over-exposure to harsh UV rays are the culprit. To restore hair to its natural vitality, we swear by this all-natural DIY coconut and honey hair mask that is almost good enough to eat! Mix 2 parts melted coconut oil, 2 parts honey and 1 part ACV and apply from roots to tips for 30 minutes before washing as usual. If you’re a frequent festival-goer or looking for a more intensive treatment, feel free to enjoy this mask weekly.

5. Neals Yard Festival Favourites Kit: Whilst not designed to help you recover from your festival antics, this handy collection of skin-loving mini must-haves will keep those festival blemishes at bay, giving you one less thing to worry about come festival end! Containing Organic Facial Wipes to refresh and remove the days grime, a multi-purpose Wild Rose Beauty Balm that can be used to cleanse, moisturise and repair tired skin, and last but not least, a Beauty Sleep Concentrate to recharge skin and fake a full night’s beauty sleep.

Fitspiration: Imbibery Girls Lily & Meryl

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So we know that Imbibery roots from your mutual love of green juice, and is influenced highly from your travels around Europe however, at which point did you realize that you were ready to tackle the juicing industry face on and set up the brand?
The second we decided we were going to live in Europe we knew we had no choice! We wanted a green juice we could drink all day every day and couldn’t find one that fit easily into our lives and were yummy!

How many times a year would you recommend someone to take part in an Imbibery cleanse?
It’s such an individual choice and you really have to know your body. We say a 3 day cleanse with the change of every season is good and a 1 day cleanse is a great way to flood your body with nutrients when in need. More than anything, we think it’s important to have a cold-pressed juice in your fridge so you can always grab it – when you’re living your life as normal and not on a cleanse!

And, we are dying to know.. is the “All green everything” collection perhaps not for the juicing novices?
Not at all! If anything it’s for people who are new to juice because it shows them all our green options and then they can choose which appeals to them from a flavor standpoint! We’d even say try one of each and figure out which one you’re #coldpressedobsessed with!

We all understand the basic benefits that drinking juice can offer, but why does making it cold-pressed elevate it to that next level of healthiness?
Because you get the maximum amount of nutrients possible. A centrifugal juicer creates friction which creates heat and once heat is applied vital nutrients and vitamins are killed. Because our juices are cold-pressed, no heat is applied. You also extract so much juice! There are about 2-3 kilos of produce per bottle. There’s also no fiber, which means your digestive track doesn’t have to work to break anything down- you get that immediate nutrient hit in your system!

…And we’d love to know what your individual faves from the juicy/mylky collection are?
It changes all the time! Right now we’re crazy obsessed with Hydro and Gazpacho.

Oooh and because we’re partial to a health kick just as much as a social beverage (if you catch our drift), we absolutely LOVE the partnership you have with Belvedere.. how do you see this escalating into a drinking revolution, and why?
We saw how much everyone in London drank! And we love to go out and have a drink with our friends. But the mixers and cocktail options are full of absolute garbage. We became close to Claire at Belvedere and learned all about how Belvedere makes their flavored vodka (through mascerations) and their commitment to making drinking as clean as possible. There was just a natural discussion of- oh my goodness! This is what we all want! It really was the same thing as starting our Detox line. We wanted something and realized we would just have to make it ourselves.

As we’re all becoming that bit more health conscious, do you see cold-pressed juice becoming something much more mainstream in the foreseeable future?
Absolutely! Our cold-pressed cocktail line with Belvedere Vodka is a total case in point. We worked with them to design the perfect balance of flavor and ingredients to be mixed with vodka. We know people are going to drink alcohol, but the options out there for mixers are so scary! This gives people an option to drink better. Of course, these can be consumed on their own as well. So we certainly think it will be much more mainstream and fit into all components of your life. We’re so excited for everyone to be able to Imbibe all day and all night! We think that’s pretty mainstream!

So aside from providing the UK with their daily health kick, how else do you like to spend your time?
We love to work out, so we go to Psycle and Lomax a lot! And we do enjoy going out for dinner with our friends and love love love the opportunity to dance!

Do you find it difficult to unwind in the evenings with such hectic lifestyles? If so, how do you manage to find the much needed balance?
Yes and no. We’re best friends and business partners and really don’t have a “switch off” mode. We’re always both.  So work and play are one in the same. And we truly love what we do and pinch ourselves everyday that this is our life. That for us is our balance.

Seeing as this is our Fitspiration after all, we would love to know just how you both love to work out?
We spin at Psycle all the time. We also really enjoy a killer blast class at Lomax. We’ve recently started doing Barrecore and that has been an awesome addition. It is so hard!

Do you have any mantras or tips you live by that you wouldn’t mind sharing with us? We could all use a bit of mantra(spiration) in our lives.. (We know that’s not a word, but we’ll go with it for now)
Have fun and laugh a lot- laughter is so incredibly important. It’s what gets us through everything. We also always say yes. When given an opportunity we’re always on board and then figure out how it’s going to get done.

Any beauty must-haves that never let you down?
At least one green juice a day and tons of water. Our exotic and ginger shot is also a necessity pre and post flight or if we’re ever feeling puffy.

We all have those days where waking up in the morning is possibly the most difficult prospect to face, how do you begin your day to ensure you make the absolute most of it?
Well, our Coffee Almond Mylk is made with cold-brewed coffee is such a happy pick-me-up! We both start our day with a green juice and get that nutrient hit pretty quickly. We also just try to get each other super excited for whatever is going on that day if we sense one is lagging. On the other hand, we also recognize when one of us is burnt out and say, it’s ok if you need a little bit of down time.   

With the idea of ‘Jet and Reset’ sitting at the heart of Imbibery, allowing people to take their juices with them all around the world, we wonder, if you could take Imbibery anywhere else in the world, where would it be, and why?
Ooh! That’s such a great question! No one has ever asked us that. Our friends and family in the states are always dying to try- so that would be great. Although, a desert island with nothing but Imbibery sounds pretty divine right now!

And finally, we can’t let you go without asking what’s next for Imbibery?
We’re really excited about our Cold-Pressed Cocktail line. Because it’s HPPed, it has a longer shelf life, which means it can be more accessible to a lot of people.  It’s been amazing seeing people’s reactions when they try it. At the same time, we’re always coming up with new flavors for our Detox line (not HPPed) and expanding that. Take our Gazpacho for example- it just embodies summer and was so much fun to create! To be honest, we truly take things as they come – so we’ll all see what’s next for Imbibery together!

DIY Kitchen Cupboard Skincare

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“Think how lucky you are that the skin you live in, so beautifully holds the ‘You’ within” -Tyler

Emma Coleman, skincare specialist and founder of Inner-Soul Organics, has helped her clients deal with a variety of skincare issues. Here she shares her favourite balancing facial treatments which can be made in your kitchen at home!

1. SENSITIVE SKIN MASK

Suffer from sensitive skin? This incredibly gentle and soothing mask can be used once or twice weekly at times when sensitivities such as eczema, rashes and redness are heightened.

METHOD: Place 2 dessert spoons of dry oats into a bowl or cup and drizzle in the same amount of naturally anti-bacterial honey – this doesn’t have to be the best quality honey, anything you have in the cupboard will work just as well. Stir well and leave to settle in for 5 minutes before delving your fingers in and applying over the face, using finger tips to press lightly onto any areas of concern.* Leave on the skin for 15 minutes maximum, before rinsing off with tepid water and patting the face with a towel.

TIP: If you have an Aloe Vera plant at home you can cut a section off and squeeze a little of the flesh into the mix for extra anti-inflammatory benefit

2. ACNE-FIX GREEN TEA AND SLIPPERY ELM MASK

This mask is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant-rich ingredients and acts on acne pustules and pimples to calm infection, but can also be used as a preventative to halt the blocking of facial pores. Slippery Elm Bark is widely available at Heath food stores.

METHOD: Moisten a green tea bag in tepid water, then tear open the bag and plop the leaves into a bowl. Add 2 teaspoons of the sandy-coloured powder to the leaves and then the same amount of honey. Stir well to form a paste and slather onto the face, paying attention to any pimples, red and inflamed areas.* This mask can be used twice weekly if infection is really bad and should be left on for 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

TIP: A poultice can be made by taking a muslin and popping a generous amount of the mask into the centre before folding up, securing and holding against affected areas of skin

3. PORE-REDUCING FACIAL WASH

As enlarged pores and skin with high levels of sebum (oil) tend to go hand-in-hand, this facial wash is designed to get to the root cause of stretched pores, balancing sebum production, deep cleansing skin to prevent pore blockage and toning skin naturally to reduce the look of pores.

METHOD: In a bowl blend approximately 20ml of tepid water with a handful of rose petals – which can be found just about everywhere at this time of year – and 5ml of rejuvenating Sweet Almond oil. Add 2 drops each of Geranium, Lemon Peel and Patchouli essential oils and stir well before allowing the infusion to settle for 5 minutes while you take a moment to enjoy the heavenly scent! This wash is best applied before bed to a makeup-free face with a face cloth, muslin or cotton wool and makes for a relaxing evening ritual*. Massage well into the pores over the top and sides of the nose, across the forehead and cheeks using light, circular motions, and leave in place for up to 10 minutes. Splash well with water to reveal deeply cleansed, toned and balanced skin.

TIP: Using cool water to remove this blend will further tighten facial pores to reduce their size

*Always avoid the eyes and should any skin reaction or stinging occur, remove the mask immediately.

To see Inner Soul’s full range of skincare visit: www.inner-soul.co.uk

Instagram:@InnerSoulOrganicsSkincare

Hip & Healthy Summer Recipes

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Ditch the slump and sugar crash that too much coffee and that second helping of ice cream induce with these two recipes from Innocent that we’ve been blending up this week…

Turmeric + honey and lemon tonic 

Immune boosting (ginger), anti-inflammatory (turmeric and honey) and rich in Vitamin C (lemon) – swap your morning coffee for this energy boosting elixr and get your day off to the right start. Featuring hydrating coconut water, we’ve been shotting this straight after our morning workout to replenish our electrolytes. Get sipping!

Recipe

  • ¼ coconut water
  • ½ tbsp. honey
  • 1/2 inch grated ginger
  • Pinch of seasalt
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • Pinch of turmeric

Method

Mix everything in a high-speed blender and serve in small glasses immediately.

Coconut, pineapple and banana ice cream (dairy-free)

We would never forbid you from enjoying your favourite summery treats, and for many, that treat just happens to be creamy, sweet, melt-in-your-mouth ice cream. Whilst the real thing is totally fine in moderation, what if we told you that you could enjoy this Summer delight for breakfast? With this dairy free fruity recipe, you can!

  • 1/3 frozen banana
  • 1/3 cup frozen pineapple chunks
  • ½ cup coconut water
  • Dash ground ginger
  • 1/3 tsp vanilla

Method

Mix everything in a high- speed blender and serve immediately (with a spoon). Should be of a thick consistency.

Follow Innocent on…

Instagram: @innocentsmoothies

Twitter: @innocent

 

#ENDEMBARRASSMENT Campaign from Vagisil

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Even though half the population have one, a new survey by Vagisil found that almost half of the women they spoke to reported feeling embarrassed when the word ‘vagina’ came up in conversation! At Hip & Healthy we fully support Vagisil’s latest campaign to #endembarrassment, especially when we discovered that 31% of the 2,000 women surveyed said they had never spoken to their GP about an intimate health problem and 15% said their problem had become worse because they didn’t talk to their GP. So we are here to help spread the word (the word being vagina and all that goes with it!) and put an end to the embarrassment around all intimate health related problems.

We took note that over a tenth of the women (11%) surveyed said they still had an embarrassing question they wanted to ask but have never done so. One such topic was related to sweat and odour issues. In the world of fitness, this is one thing of which we gym bunnies are well aware. We love to workout and wear our sweat patches as a badge of honour! But we admit that there are some sweat patches that we are more hesitant to flaunt.

It may surprise you to find out that the armpit is not the part of the woman’s body with the most sweat glands. That’s right, you guessed it… our lady parts (the vulvar area to be precise) have more sweat glands. Any exercises that raise your body temperature and especially leg-together workouts, like running, cause the most crotch sweat. This is totally natural and nothing to be embarrassed about. However, not dealt with can sometimes lead to vaginal irritation, odours or infection. There are simple ways to avoid this such as wearing cotton underwear and taking a quick shower and changing your clothes shortly after working out. Vagisil also offer a couple of products to help you feel and smell your freshest, especially post workout:

Vagisil UltraFresh Intimate Wash (250ml) RRP £5.50 Available from Boots, Superdrug, Asda and Independent pharmacies

Vagisil UltraFresh Intimate Spray (125ml) RRP £5.00 Available from Boots, Superdrug and Independent pharmacies

Vagisil pH Balance Intimate Wash (250ml)  RRP £5.50 Available from Boots, Superdrug, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda and Independent pharmacies

Vagisil Dual Action Intimate Wipes RRP £4.50 (for pack of 12 individually wrapped, flushable wipes). Available from Boots, Superdrug (online), Waitrose and Independent pharmacies

Check out more facts from the vagisil survey and help #endembarrassment: http://vagisil.com

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