Three of the best… In flight beauty tips

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It is summer (supposedly) and the season to be jetting off to sunnier skies and beachside living. Besides being absolutely terrified of flying (even though I have enough stamps in my passport to rival George Clooney in Up In The Air) I also hate what flying does to my skin, eyes and immune system. It is an unfair fact of life that when I get off the plane I will look tired, pale, spotty and often disheveled where as the air hostesses all bound through customs looking well rested and ready for the day. With that in mind here are my top three in flight beauty tips:

Rescue Remedy

If you are a bit of a white-knucle rider like me, than Bach’s Rescue Remedy is a great way to calm the nerves and help you relax. It is made up of five individual flower essences that help you cope with different stressful situations; rock rose helps one deal with feelings of panic and terror and the cherry plum assists with irrational thoughts and lack of self control. Just add a few drops to your tongue every couple of hours on the flight.

Hydration

Top of the list has to be keeping yourself well hydrated. As soon as you step foot in an airport you begin to get dehydrated – this is because of two things; the air-con and the stress of travelling. Staying well-hydrated is so important, as it can lead to all sorts of nasty things if you don’t such as DVTs and kidney stones. So, make sure that you drink loads of water the day before you travel – giving your body the best possible chance to begin with and then constantly sip on a bottle of water throughout the flight itself. A great tip is to pack a lemon or some fresh mint leaves in your carry on and add this to your bottled water to give your water some taste.

This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray

Lack of sleep is something we all struggle with on planes, but This Works may just have the solution. Scented with sleep-enhancing lavender, vetivert and wild chamomile this is a fantastic solution that masks the unpleasant smells of plane headrests and pillows. Spritz once settled in your seat and the therapeutic fragrances will have an almost sedative effect, calming the nerves and relaxing the mind, and then ease you into a deep,uninterrupted sleep. Top tip: start spraying it on your pillow a few nights before you leave so the smell becomes comforting and something you are use to.

 

Health Speak with Evie Leatham

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Be inspired by health and beauty guru, Evie Leatham, as she talks to Hip and Healthy about how to make healthy choices, keeping fit and stealing beauty tips from the models at Fashion Week

What do you eat for breakfast?
I’d love to say porridge with pumpkin seeds, berries and maple syrup. In reality it’s a skinny flat white and Greek yogurt with apple and almonds gulped down at my desk! I’m not a morning person and I’m afraid my breakfast suffers.

How do you keep fit?
I’ve just brought a Brompton bike so that I can cycle to and from work. Although it’s toned up my legs and bum it’s not an especially good cardio work-out; London, where I’m based, is pretty flat and the traffic slows me down. I combine it with three fitness classes a week but I keep it varied to avoid boredom setting in, so it could be anything from TenPilates to jogging in the park or trying a totally new work-out trend for the health pages. My rule is not to book classes too far in advance otherwise I start dreading it. Motivation is often lacking so I’d love to have a 24/7 health minder telling me what to do diet-wise and kicking me out of bed and on to the treadmill every morning.

What motto/advice do you try and live by?
Avoid anything that your great grandmother wouldn’t recognise as food. I’d much prefer to have a smaller knob of unadulterated butter than lots of something masquerading as butter.

How is your diet?
I have my five a day but my sweet tooth sometimes over-rides the voice telling me to buy the healthy snack. The only supplement I currently take is Vitamin D over the winter months. I’ve recently taken an at-home test to assess my Omega 3 vs Omega 6 levels. Omega 3 is an anti-inflammatory and key to healthy, disease-free ageing while high levels of Omega 6 can promote disease. Western diets are very high in Omega 6; one nutritionist told me that he regularly sees women with twenty-five times the recommended levels. I haven’t had the results yet but watch this space.

What is your skincare routine?
I have very sensitive skin so I keep it simple. I cleanse with Cor Silver Soap (www.corsilver.com), then I use Darphin Organic Rose Aromatic Care followed by Aromatherapy Associates Triple Rose Renewing Moisturiser (www.aromatherapyassocaites.com) on top. When my skin is rebelling, Skinceuticals Phyto Corrective Gel (www.skinceuticals.com) calms any redness – I discovered it backstage where it’s a staple used to soothe model’s fashion week weary skin.

What song do you listen to when you work out?
Titanium by David Guetta is a current favourite. My play-list is based around hi- tempo songs that last about five mins. I work-out to my maximum during the track and reward myself with a few minutes breather at the end.

What do you love to snack on?
Dark chocolate on a naughty day. Berries on a good day.

How do you relax?
Sometimes relaxing can seem like a chore; we add it to our to-do lists only to feel guilty if we don’t make that meditation class. I try to spend some time doing not-very-much except for digesting the day whether that’s in the bath or sitting on my roof terrace. No book, no TV, no music and no yoga class to rush to, which only heightens my stress-levels.

What three things can you not live without?
Books. Baths. Bed.

What beauty product do you swear by?
Fake tan – it has a slimming, firming quality that my summer dresses require. Chopping and changing is part of the job but my current favourite is He Shi as the colour isn’t too dark for my pale skin.

What is the reason you got into the health and beauty industry?
Diet and fitness have a hugely positive impact on the way we feel about ourselves. And while make-up won’t change the world the feel-good factor is often underestimated. I get lots of letters from readers whose confidence is transformed by simply wearing mascara or their favourite red lipstick.

What’s the best thing about being a Health and Beauty Editor at Easy Living?
I’m always amazed how many health myths, misleading headlines and contradictory information there is out there. I thrive on discovering the bottom line advice from trusted health experts. My first question is always ‘what would you do?’

 

If you only do one thing this week…. take your vitamins

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We have heard it before, and i’ll say it again – we know how important it is to take vitamin supplements. Vitamins turn on enzymes in the body which in turn make all the body processes happen. They balance, protect and nourish the body as well as (and more specifically) boost the immune system, keep skin healthy and slow down the aging process. What’s more, it doesn’t seem that getting your recommended daily allowance (RDA) is enough anymore. Renowned nutritionist, Patrick Holford, suggests in his book Optimum Nutrition that these RDAs (which are set by governments) are set to prevent deficiency diseases like scurvy – not for optimum wellness. So when you look at the vitamin bottle make sure that the quantitates of the type of vitamin you are after quantitates that say things like 300% rather than 40% of your RDA! Hip and Healthy has pulled together our recommended list of supplements that will help you on your path to a happier and healthier life…

Top Skin Supplement: Vitamin E
Why is it good: Use topically on scars or skin conditions such as eczema as it promotes healing. It also protects cells from damage. Taking it as a supplement can really improve the appearance of your skin.

Top Hair Supplement: Biotin
Why is it good: Biotin helps your body to use the essential fats correctly, which in turn encourages healthy and strong hair.

Top Immune Boosting Supplement: Vitamin C
Why is it good: Don’t ever underestimate the power of vitamin C just because it has been around for some time now. It is a total miracle cure and helps boost the body when it is run down and can even tackle things like cancer.

Top Brain Supplement: Essential Fatty Acids (especially Omega 6)
Why is it good: As well as promoting a healthy heart, EFAs improve the functioning of the nervous system and help with neurotransmitter balance and reception making it an essential brain nutrient. It is also a great mood booster as it can relive depression and has also been found to reduce signs of attention deficit disorder.

Top Fertility Supplement: Zinc
Why is it good: Not only good for preventing infections, zinc also controls hormones and aids growth in the brain, bone and teeth of foetus. Lots of people who have trouble conceiving need to up their daily dosage of zinc.

Make sure you consult your doctor or pharmacist before beginning starting any vitamin or supplement regimen!

Behind the Scenes of a Hip and Healthy Shoot

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By Saskia Gregson-Williams

6:45, the alarm noisily reminds me its time to get up, get changed and get out on location for the next hip and healthy shoot. Slight problem, it’s raining, our location is outdoors and we were kinda, sorta, definitely relying on the sun joining us. H&H editor Sadie and I go into lock down panic mode (a tad over dramatic but situations like these often call for a theatrical performance of sorts). Sadie made a few calls and in the end decided to go ahead with the shoot in the park, in hope that it would clear up when we arrived. The team for the British-themed shoot (this is the year of Britain after all) consisted of myself – the shoot assistant, our gorgeous model, Sophie, the man behind the cam, Sam, Stuart the other man behind the camera but in this instance a different camera and of course Sadie, the inspiration for everything Hip and Healthy.

After we polished off a plate of organic pastries and a latte each we headed out to Bishops Park by the Thames in Fulham. On arrival the team’s vibe was lacking in enthusiasm somewhat, with such high hopes for a flawless, sunny shoot it appeared the grey skies were not going to give way. But in true Hip and Healthy style, within around 10 minutes of  being at the location the sun was beaming and the team was full of optimism.

The location was great and presented us with so many different aspects and areas to work with: From the man-made beach to the playground’s red and blue climbing frame, and the wonderful scenic river – we had found a great backdrop for the beautiful British clothes that were on show!

After a productive few hours, numerous outfit changes, and thousands of photos, we all felt we had what we were after and called it a day. Thank you Sadie, Sam, Sophie and Stuart for making it such an enjoyable shoot, I can’t wait to see the finished article!

 

How To Love Mondays

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Five top tips to help you start loving your Monday mornings by Eve Menezes Cunningham 

When you think about the coming Monday morning, notice how it makes you feel. Do you feel fine or experience a sinking sensation in your heart? Really allowing yourself to think about Monday morning and being mindful of the bodily sensations it brings up for you, as well as giving you clues about your approach to Mondays, can demonstrate the link between mind and body and the importance for your health to change the way you feel about 1/7 of your working life.

What is it that you don’t like about Mondays? Maybe you no longer love your job? If retired, perhaps you miss your partner as she or he heads out to work leaving you alone? Make a few notes listing everything you currently dislike about Mondays.

Who in your life loves Mondays? No matter how much they love their Mondays, these people will have their share of challenges but have clearly figured out how to avoid letting them get them down. Whether they’re family, friends or you just know them through facebook, what can you learn from them? Imagine them facing your typical Monday morning. What might they do differently? Perhaps you can ask them for advice as well as imagining their responses.

Revisit your own Mondays and make a few notes of things you can start doing differently this week. They may include actions (from beginning to get things organised for Monday morning on the Sunday evening or even Friday evening as this can help make the weekend feel longer to reassessing your life and seeking new work you’ll enjoy more) or thoughts (like immediately thinking of at least one good thing in your Monday ahead and training yourself to focus on such positives).

Experiment. Depending on how long you’ve disliked Mondays, it may take longer than one day to change your attitude. By noticing what helps you feel better and what doesn’t work for you over the coming weeks, you’ll be in position to create Monday mornings that will have you leaping out of bed in anticipation in no time.

For more information why not ‘like’ www.facebook.com/WellbeingAtWorkFeelBetterEveryDay, ‘follow’ www.twitter.com/WellbeingEve or visit www.wellbeing-at-work.co.uk

Smoothie for Smooth Skin

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This week we are having a bit of a skin moment here at the Hip and Healthy headquarters. I made this amazing smoothie that is fantastic for keeping skin clear and glowing. It is super easy and makes a great breakfast or mid morning snack and is packed full of antioxidant-rich berries. But my secret ingredient is the Viridian Clear Skin Oil. It not only makes the smoothie taste slightly nutty (which I love) but it keeps skin fresh and blemish free. This is due to its amazing list of ingredients that read like a dissertation in healthy oils; avocado oil, flax seed oil, pumpkin seed oil, argan oil, rose hip seed oil – the list goes on. I know I have harked on about this oil before – but it really is pretty great – and for someone that has struggled with their skin since their teens this could be the missing part to their diet. I also included MyProtein’s Spirulina powder which is a powerful ingredient with plenty of health benefits. Spirulina is a rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals as well as essential fatty acids and antioxidants. If all that is not enough its high content of B Vitamins makes it a fantastic spot fighting product, and it also has detoxifying properties too.

Ingredients:

Raspberries

Blueberries

Banana

Apple Juice (organic and no added sugar)

MyProtein Spirulina Powder

Viridian Clear Skin Oil

Eat for Clear Skin

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We talk to Dale Pinnock, author of The Clear Skin Cookbook, about how you can eat yourself beautiful and his own journey to beautifully, clear skin…

I met Dale (also known as the medicinal chef) in his clinic at London’s Nutri Centre just opposite Regent’s Park. Having just written and released his Clear Skin Cookbook, Dale has created a bit of a stir in the UK. His skill is tailoring food, and recipes, to suit you and your specific health problems and he has become the go to guy for all things medicinal in the kitchen, in other words he is the Trinny and Susannah of the nutrition world. He is also one of the nicest guys I have ever met. Approachable, kind and honest he is there to help, and help he does. I was there to discuss his latest venture, The Clear Skin Cookbook, and one of the things I found most interesting was his skin story that opens the book. Dale first experienced spots when he was just 10 years old and by the time he had reached 15 years old he was all consumed with thoughts of self-loathing due to his acne. After visiting a series of doctors and specialists, which didn’t amount to much, he was then given a book on nutrition by one of his mum’s friends. He read the book in a weekend and completely overhauled his entire diet – he cut out red meat, dairy and introduced fruit, veg, and whole grains supplementing it all with zinc, omega 3 and B vitamins. The changes were remarkable and eventually his acne completely disappeared not even leaving a slight mark, leaving Dale with the glowing, healthy skin he has today (he doesn’t even have wrinkles!) Here are just some of the lessons we learnt from him and his cookbook, and we have even included a recipe to boot!

The Top Four Acne-Fighting Foods
Pumpkin Seeds – for their source of zinc and fatty acid
Prawns – rich in zinc and selenium
Red Bell Peppers – for their anti-inflammatory properties
Sweet Potatoes – as they support the immune system

Vital Vitamins 
Dale says that B Vitamins are some of the most important with regards to skin health. No other group of vitamins support the skin in such a diverse range of ways as the B Vitamins do.

Skin Boosting Recipe for Tomato and Fennel Soup:

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 large red onion, finely chopped,

2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped

1 small fennel bulb, finely chopped

1 teaspoon crushed fennel seed

2 x 400g/14oz cans of chopped tomatoes

3 tablespoons

orange juice vegetable stock (organic is best)

1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

freshly ground black pepper

Method: 1. Add the olive oil, onion, garlic, and fennel, along with a generous pinch of sea salt to a saucepan, and sauté until the onion and fennel have softened. 2. Add the fennel seed, tomatoes and orange juice. Then add enough stock just to cover. 3. Simmer for ten minutes then blend into a soup.


Health Speak with Christine Bleakley

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Hip and Healthy talks to Reebok CrossFit ambassador Christine Bleakley about keeping fit, running with Frank and what inspires her to stay healthy

How long have you been doing CrossFit for?
I’m quite new to CrossFit and it was Reebok’s collaboration with CrossFit that first caught my attention. CrossFit is unlike any other form of exercise I have done before. I like to mix up my exercise regime as it helps me to stay focused and that’s why I like CrossFit.  You’ll never do the same workout more than once.  Not only is that great for me because it helps me to stay motivated but also because it constantly works all your muscles, so you really feel the benefit.

Do you feel it has had a profound effect on your body shape? If so, in what way?
I really like to see the physical benefits of CrossFit and the way in which it helps me to stay toned. CrossFit is a great all over body workout. I’m also able to do things in CrossFit classes that I couldn’t do before when I first started, so it’s great to see that improvement as well.

What is it that you enjoy about CrossFit?
I really enjoy the community feel, which is at the heart of CrossFit. It’s great fun working out with friends and I prefer it to working out on my own, as it adds a spirit of competition. Also, the great thing about CrossFit is that it’s scalable and therefore anyone is able to do it, regardless of their fitness level.

You must be one very busy lady, how often are you able to work out?
It can be difficult fitting exercise into my day but I try to workout twice a week. If I can fit in more sessions then that is a bonus. The great thing about CrossFit is that I can do a WOD (workout of the day) in less than 20 minutes but feel like I’ve done a full body workout by the end of it. It’s a great way to fit in a short burst of exercise into your day.

Do you do anything else to keep fit?
As well as CrossFit I like to go running. I find it not only helps me to stay fit but it’s also a great way to clear my mind and stay focused. Also, I like to make the most of the good weather when we have it and be out in the fresh air.

Do you and Frank ever get the chance to workout together?
Frank has his own training schedule that he has to follow but we do sometimes go running together.

What time of day do you like to exercise?
Sometimes I fit exercise into my day whenever it’s possible but ideally I like to exercise in the morning. It’s just a great way to start the day and really makes you feel awake and ready for the day ahead.

What is your diet like? Do you try to eat healthily?
I always start my day with a healthy breakfast to give me a good start to the day. I love making smoothies, especially with bananas, milk and a hint of vanilla essence. Porridge is also great for breakfast and ensures a healthy start to the day. I also enjoy eating steak, fish and jacket potatoes for either lunch or dinner. If I do snack between meals I try to eat something healthy like fruit, seeds or nuts.

In your business do you feel pressure to stay svelte?
I think it’s important that women try not to get hung up on how they look. There just isn’t much point in doing so. I’m quite a relaxed person anyway so for me as long as I’m fit and healthy, that’s the main thing.

You really have never looked better, is that all down to exercise and healthy eating or where you blessed with great genes?
Well I’m not sure about that but as I said I do try to lead as active a lifestyle as possible. I do make an effort to try and eat healthily but I do also allow myself a treat as I don’t think people should deprive themselves. As long as you get the balance between a healthy diet and exercise that’s the main thing.

What motivates you to exercise?
My mum says, ‘Your health is your wealth’ and I quite agree. When you see the benefits of living a healthy lifestyle I think that’s the biggest motivation.

What is your top exercise track?
Faithless – Insomnia.

Who inspires you in life?
My sister. After reaching a UK size 24 at 18 years-old, she lost an incredible seven stone and maintained her new current weight through regular exercise.

How do you relax?
When I have time to relax I enjoy simple things like a Sunday roast dinner or even going out for dinner with friends.

What three things can you not live without?
My iPad
My mascara
My engagement ring

Visit www.reebok.com/fitness for further information about CrossFit.

Which Dosha Are You?

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Kapha: The Kapha body is prone to fat and finds it difficult to loose weight.

Ayurvedic Advice: Kapha’s should eat hot and spicy food, and avoid cold and raw meals. Snacking is discouraged, instead go for a walk after eating.

Pitta: Pitta bodies are medium build, often athletic and maintain a balanced weight.

Ayurvedic Advice: Drink lots of cool water and eat raw as much as possible. Pittas should avoid stimulants and alcohol, and are advised to stay out of the sun.

Vatta: Vatta’s are slim and often find it hard to put on weight.

Ayurvedic Advice: Vatta’s operate best on warming foods that taste sweet, salty and acidic. Too much activity can just create more stress for Vattas, so yoga is suggested in place of rigorous excersise.

A hip and healthy proposal in Florence by the editor

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 words by Sadie Macleod

The view of the Ponte Vecchio from the Lungarno Hotel’s Restaurant Balcony

Florence – my absolute favourite place in the world, and somewhere I have returned to again and again. Needless to say I was exstatic when friends of ours announced that they were getting married there. My boyfriend and I booked our trip just under a year ago, which gave me ample of time to seek out the hippest hotel with the healthiest offerings, but because we were heading to Florence, I also thought a bit of culture would be necessary too. After quite a bit of research I came to the conclusion that Italian royalty Salvatore Ferragamo’s Lungarno Gallery Art Hotel would suit us perfectly. Situated a stones throw away from the touristy but undeniably picturesque Ponte Vechhio, the hotel makes a fantastic base for exploring the city’s must-see areas and shops.

A suite at the Hotel Gallery Art

Our hotel room, the penthouse suite, was a tranquil haven of cool beige and white furnishings teamed with natural materials and all the mod cons. I was delighted to find that our rooftop terrace (a sunbather’s dream come true) overlooked the pretty Florentine rooftops, the Duomo and the unmistakable Tuscan hills. Everything had been thought of and designed with comfortability, functionality and style in mind, and the brains behind this was no rookie either: Italian born and bred  Michele Bonan was the architect for all four Lungarno hotels in Florence (as well as the effortlessly chic JK Place).

The jogging route suggested by the Ferragamo family

With the hip part of our Florence trip established already, we then embarked upon the healthy bit. Guests at the Lungarno are encouraged to explore the city by running or cycling, and in each of the rooms you can find a small card that has Ferragamo’s suggested running routes. We chose the greener of the two and set off for the exquisite Boboli gardens.

Dotted with typical Italian statues and buildings, the Boboli gardens are built on a hillside and are abundant with beautiful roses, tree lined pathways and romantic fountains. After running for around 40 minutes we found ourselves in a lemon tree grove that overlooked the cityscape beyond. It was here, whilst taking a short rest on the step, that my boyfriend proposed to me. Sweaty, out of breath and shaking with shock, I said yes.

We celebrated with a peach and a bottle of water from the nearby grocery store and went about ringing our families. Then we sat on our rooftop drinking in celebration as the sun went down. For dinner we had sushi and champagne (a meal I will never get bored of) in the hotel’s restaurant, which also positions itself as a hip hangout for Florence’s young and beautiful.

The rest of the week was full of champagne, celebrations and lots of fantastic italian food. And on our last day we were feeling a lot less healthy than when we arrived. It seemed as though the city agreed and we had our first day of cloudy weather. Brilliantly, we were able to retreat to the Lungarno Continentale that had the only spa and relax room of the four hotels. The Spa, which is still in its soft opening stage, had two discreet treatment rooms and a small gym. But we spent all our time in the relax room that acts as a complete haven from the hustle and bustle of the Ponte Vecchio whilst looking on to it, and where guests are encouraged to lie amongst the plush cushions and slick but comfy beds to read, work or just have a snooze… The perfect end to an unforgettable trip.

Five Hip and Healthy things about the Lungarno Florence collection of hotels:

1. The breakfast at the Hotel Lungarno is the perfect way to start the day. Four different types of nuts, three different types of berries, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, dried fruit and muesli as well as soya yogurts and the towns biggest and best soy latte macchiato. Eat outside whilst overlooking the river and famous Ponte Vecchio bridge in the sun. Heaven.

2. The yoga on the roof of the Hotel Continentale offers some of the best possible views of the city.

3. Rent bikes from the Hotel Lungarno and ride around the city taking in the sites.

4. Stop for a green tea (the highest quality I have seen in a long time) on the roof of the Hotel Continental whilst overlooking the Florence skyline.

5. Check out the fantastic art hung around the lobby and dining room at the Gallery Art Hotel. Next up: exhibition of Marilyn Monroe photographs from 20 June – 15 September 2012.

Yoga with a view at the Lungarno Continentale

 

 

 

 

HEALTH SPEAK with Lululemon’s Danielle Hetherington

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Top athletic and yoga clothing brand, Lululemon, is fast becoming a Hip and Healthy favourite. Well established in the US and Australia (especially in Sydney and California where every toned bottom is blessed with a pair of Lululemon leggings), they have just made the move to the UK with their first showroom in London’s Chelsea. We talk to Danielle Hetherington, the Chelsea Showroom Manager, about her favourite london healthy haunts, keeping fit and of course, Yoga.

What is your favourite healthy restaurant in London?
I adore two places that are local to our showroom: The Grocer on Kings & Daylesford Organic. They do deliciously mouthwatering food that is healthy and thoughtful for the body, mind and soul! You can be good but also indulge, if you desire!

Where is your favourite place to do Yoga in London?
It’s hard to pick just one! However, I do love practicing with Elizabeth Reumont from The Life Centre and Indaba, as she’s insightful, powerful and fun. I also love to get sweaty at an event called, Funk the Buddha, created by Rachel Okimo. This workshop pops up in the quirkiest locations around London and is one to look out for. Beyond the mat, I adore pumping my endorphins at Kari McCreath’s spin classes and I dabble in personal training with Matthew Miller, both from Gymbox.

How else do you keep fit?
“A daily hit of athletic-induced endorphins gives you the power to make better decisions, helps you be a peace with yourself, and offsets stress”. My ideal day includes spinning or a run in the morning, followed by yoga in the afternoon. We have some unbelievable ambassadors that make you love your life when you sweat.

What was the scariest thing about making the move to London?
Moving away from my man who is still living in Montreal, Canada. He’s my better half but has been unbelievably supportive.

And the most exciting?
That I am living my big, hairy, audacious goal (BHAG). It has been my goal for three years to open lululemon athletica’s showroom (a company I whole heartedly believe in) in London (the city I love most). Lululemon allows me to live a great lifestyle and I continue to pinch myself everyday that this is really happening! Bliss.

Favourite place in the whole world?
London, England. Hands down. You can’t get any better than this!

Favourite work-out track?
Oh! It changes so frequently. I can go from Florence and the Machine’s ‘Dog Days Are Over’ to Lady Ga Ga’s ‘Marry the Night’.

Most treasured Lululemon item?
My Run: Inspire Crops. The fabric (luxtreme: lightweight, breathable and inherently moisture wicking) takes me from hot yoga to pounding the pavements to the spin bike to everyday wear. It feels and functions beautifully.

How do you relax?
By either sweating it out on the spin bike, pavement or yoga mat OR treating myself to a massage (yes, please!).

Must-have beauty item?
Hoola Benefits Bronzer. It makes me look sun kissed when cloudy London makes me pasty white. It’s a saviour!

Cant live without…

  • My man. I am so in love.
  • My iphone. I love only being a phone call away from friends and family, plus I am directionally challenged so it helps me find my way.
  • Sweating once a day. It makes my body, mind and soul happy.

If you every fancy joining Danielle for a sweaty date, please feel free to follow the Lululemon facebook page: Lululemon athletica Chelsea and take a peek at our weekly sweaty schedule. Furthermore, they offer complimentary yoga each Wednesday night from 6:45-7:45PM & Sunday morning from 11:00am-12:00opm.

If You Do One Thing This Week… Beat The Bloat

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Bloating tummies are never fun and often have you wondering where you’ve gone wrong. If you have ruled out a food intolerance (wheat, dairy, gluten are just some of the culprits) then here are some other things you can try to deflate a bloated stomach:

Eat little and often: This helps to regulate blood sugar levels as well as keep the stress hormone, cortisol, to a minimum. When cortisol is high in the body it tends to slow the metabolism down, which can lead to bloating.

Eat bananas: They are packed full of Vitmain B6 which helps manufacture the happy hormone, serotonin (which in turns combats cortisol).

Avoid beans and nuts: They can be hard for the body to digest and may cause gas – which is both hugely uncomfortable and unattractive! If you must eat nuts, ground them first.

Reduce the stress in your life: It is amazing how much our tummies can be effected by stress – especially if you are prone to storing your emotions there. Anything stressful will instantly aggravate the bowel if you are this way inclined, which lots of us are. Introducing exercise also helps with this as a way of giving your stress another avenue. Or try yoga.

Avoid fizzy drinks, alcohol and coffee: Instead introduce peppermint or fennel tea – especially if you feel the symptoms coming on as they have an instant calming effect. Peppermint tea has never failed me in times of need.

Once you have beaten that bloat – get yourself to Seafolly to buy one of the most beautiful bikinis you will have ever seen (pictured above): http://seafolly.com/