Vegan Mango-Lassi Bar Recipe

recipe by, Food Editor, Saskia Gregson-Williams

After observing the new Cadbury phenomenon of the ‘Cake Bar’ an energy bar, loaded with sugar in the style of a slice of cake, I new I had to pimp it – make it raw, sugar-free, vegan and most of all natural and delicious! I am obsessed with making raw mango tarts so I had to take this flavour and create something even more rawmazing… Meet the Mango-Lassi Bar.

I’m so excited to share the recipe for these bars with you all, they are probably one of the easiest, and yet most delicious snacks, I’ve ever made. They also incorporate some of my favourite foods: mango, cacao (aka chocolate), medjool dates, cashews and almonds – all packed into one batch of incredible bar sized bites.

The base is made from almonds, pecans, medjool dates and cacao, it is full of wonderful plant-empowered nutty proteins and instant energy from the sweet medjool dates. The cacao not only makes the flavour rich and chocolatey, but it is brimming with antioxidants and anti-cancer properties! The top is made by blending mango and cashew nuts. Both bursting with fibre, great for maintaining a healthy digestive system.

Imagine biting down into these bars: softness from the mango-cream layer and the chewy finish from the raw fudge brownie. The best part about it is you can enjoy them knowing your body is glowing from inside out, and your soaking up tons of amazing plant powered nutrients.

Remember to hashtag #hipandhealthy on Instagram and Twitter and share your awesome recreations with us!

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Recipe

Chocolate Brownie  Base

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds
1/2 cup  pecans
1 cup pitted medjool dates dates, chopped
1/4-1/3 cup cacao powder
a pinch of salt
1 tsp water

Method: Start by grinding the almonds in a food processor. Add the remaining ingredients and process to combine into a dough. Keep blending until completely combined and sticky. Press rectangularly/ or in to a square on the bottom of a tray lined with parchment paper. Set aside while you make the topping.

Mango-Lassi Top
Ingredients:

2 large mangos, pealed and cubed
1 cup cashews (soaked)
1/3 cup water
1/3 cup coconut oil (melted)

Method: Throw everything into the blender and blend until smooth. Spread evenly on top of the crust and place in the freezer to let set. When you’re ready to eat, remove from the freezer and let melt for 5-10 minutes decorate with your choice of coconut, cacao nibs or goji berry topping. Or why not add all three!


If you only do one thing this week… make room in your kitchen for these superfoods

I used to associate the word “supplement” with tubs of manly, muscle building whey proteins that had a guys perfectly waxed torso plastered on the front. It means something totally different to me now. To me, it means nourishing your body and giving yourself that extra boost, totally naturally. No un-pronounceable ingredients allowed! So this week, Hip & Healthy want to tell you about four brilliant food supplements that, along with a healthy lifestyle, will help make you feel beautiful, inside and out!

SPIRULINA
Spirulina is a vibrant, green-blue algae that has been living on our planet for 3.6 billion years! It contains an arsenal of nutrients that nourish the body. Benefits – The beta-carotene and iron help strengthen and support the immune system, while the chlorophyll aids in alkalising your body for a better digestive system. Spirulina is also rich in easily digestible protein (60-70%), and is four times more absorbable than the protein in beef. Research also suggests that spirulina can help cleanse the liver… a big yes if you fancy taking part in a detox. For an extra green boost, try adding a teaspoon in to your favourite green smoothie!
Our Favourite Brand: Viridian (http://www.viridian-nutrition.com/Shop/Organic-Spirulina-500mg-tablets-P597.aspx)

MACA
Maca is a root vegetable which grows at a very high altitude in the Andes mountains of Peru. This caramel tasting powder helps improve strength and stamina, and unlike coffee, offers energy in a non-caffeinated way that supports the body. Also, Maca is an Adaptogen, a plant that has been know to help decrease cellular sensitivity to stress. As well as containing an abundance of minerals, enzymes and vitamins, Maca also contains substantial amounts of calcium, a great factor if you suffer from a dairy intolerance. Add 1 teaspoon to your morning porridge or smoothie for a natural energy boost.
Our Favourite Brand: BonPom (http://www.bonpom.com/products.html)

WHEATGRASS
This very well known superfood is pretty awesome. Here’s why…Wheatgrass is extremely high in chlorophyll, reducing over-acidity in the blood. Research shows that it can also treat gastrointestinal problems like ulcers which form when there is excess acid in our stomachs. A pretty cool fact for you here, Just 1 teaspoon weighing a tiny 3.5 grams, is nutritionally equal to 50 grams of spinach! Small but mighty! Wheatgrass also stimulates the metabolism, so its the perfect pre-workout supplement. The classic way to take Wheatgrass is in the form of a bright green shot! 1 teaspoon in a splash of water should do the trick!
Our Favourite Brand: Naturya (http://www.naturya.com/products/wheatgrass-powder_)

BAOBAB
Baobab is a fruit that originates in Africa. One of the many amazing benefits of this superfood is its’  fibre content. Baobab is almost 50% fibre! Besides fibre helping to achieve a flat tummy, it also promotes good digestive health, which in turn, promotes healthy skin. Not only this, Baobab happens to be one of the highest ranking fruit in the antioxidant section! With almost 5 times the antioxidant capacity of acai berries and 6 times the vitamin C of an orange, it’s immensely powerful at stimulating collagen production and helps fight free radicals. Baobab packs a punch! With its’ sweet, berry flavour, add 1 teaspoon to any fruity smoothie of your choice!
Our Favourite Brand: Organic Burst (http://www.organicburst.com/baobab/)

Words by Molly Jennings


The Best Plum, Blackberry & Apple Crumble: dairy, sugar and wheat free (of course)!

 recipe by Saskia Gregson-Williams

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Ever since I can remember, making an apple crumble has been a family tradition. We would venture out blackberry picking in the the frost-bitten sun, with a big empty bowl, and a whole lot of hope. Growing up in the countryside, this kind of outing I would look forward to for days, I have always loved nature and knowing that I had harvested (almost) every ingredient myself was such a thrill and still is. This crumble, unlike the ones I used to make when I was little, is made with plums, too. We all forget about the sweet and juiciness of the plum, they are so delicious, and take this crumble to a whole new level. They’re in season at the moment in England too, so if you can’t find them where you live, you’re sure to be able to find them really cheaply at your local farmers market or supermarket.

The crumble itself is completely sugar- and gluten-free, made with gluten-free oats, flaxseeds, dates and cinnamon. It is so incredibly moorish, I could eat it all on its own. But once it seeps into the sweet and juicy fruit layer, boy oh boy – it melts in your mouth! It’s also incredibly easy to make, and takes no time at all, which means if you love it as much as I do, you can make it again and again with no fuss!

This crumble has been classed by my friends and family as ‘The Best’ crumble, and let me tell you they have had a lot of crumble tasting experience. They were all finding excuses to go back in the kitchen, and pick at a bit more! I absolutely devoured my helping(s) with a generous drizzle of sweet cashew cream, complete bliss.

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Recipe:

Serves 8-12 (easily halved)

The Fruit filling:

6 Bramley Apples

3 Cups Blackberries

12 plums

1/2 cup Sultanas

2 tsp cinnamon

2 Tbsp Agave (optional)

Topping:

3 Cups gluten free oats

1-2 Cups Oat flour (by grinding the oats) or 1-2 cups Brown rice flour

1/3 cup Flaxseeds

1 tsp cinnamon

Date Paste:

1/3 Cup Medjool Dates

3/4 cup water

For Vanilla- Cashew Cream:

Blend:

2/3 cup Cashew nuts, soaked for 1 hour

1/4-1/2 a cup of water

1 tsp of Vanilla extract

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Start by making the date paste: place the dates in a saucepan with the water and boil until soft enough to blend. Blend until smooth. For the topping: pummel, or slightly pulse 3 cups of gluten free oats. If your using oat flour, grind the oats until a floury consistency and add to bowl until the right texture. Mix in as much of the date paste as you need until everything sticks together, without being too sticky. For the filling: peal and slice the apples, and slice the plums. Add the Blackberries, Plums, Apples, Cinnamon and Sultanas to a saucepan with 1/4 cup water. Stew until the fruit softens. Pour into a crumble dish, and top evenly with the oat topping. Then put it all in the oven and bake for up to 30 minutes, until the topping is golden brown.  For the vanilla cashew cream: simply blend! Serve with a drizzle of vanilla cashew cream!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


New Wave Water Workouts: We have rounded up some of the best new ways that you can work out in water

Just because the sun has gone in, doesn’t mean the pool has to see less action. Water workouts are a brilliant way of keeping fit, toning up and can be done by just about anyone. We have rounded up some of the best new ways that you can work out in the water.

Aqua Zumba
Pool party or fitness class? We can’t decide. Fun, exciting and guaranteed to leave you feeling completely exhilarated and just a tad exhausted. Aqua Zumba will give you an amazing full-body workout to some classic pumping tunes. This class is a mix of traditional Zumba moves combined with aqua water exercises to tone, condition and boost cardio. Not for the faint hearted. http://www.zumba.com/en-US/party/classes/class-aqua-zumba 

Aqua Spinning
The future of spinning or a fad? I was unsure when I first heard about this, but once I tried it I realised it was neither. Aqua Spinning at Hydrofit claims a category all of its own. It’s spinning for the sybaritic spa goer that doesn’t mind getting a bit wet to get results. A spin session here will see you riding a bike that is submerged into a luxury hydro bathtub, being gently massaged by water jets, whilst watching your own personal flat screen TV. A 30 minute workout will see you burn 300 calories and it does wonders for cellulite too. http://www.hydrofit.co.uk 

Aqua Jogging
Yes. Apparently Aqua Jogging is indeed a thing. In fact, Jessica Ennis and Jennifer Anniston have both been reported as fans of the exercise. For those who love running but find that the impact can get a bit too much this could be for you, since the water resistance makes it much easier on the knees (whilst giving you a bit more of a workout too). It’s great for keeping in shape – regular runners will burn about 8 calories per minute, where as aqua runners will burn up to 11.5. You can buy your own personal auqa jogger treadmill, but for £15,000 it’s not cheap, so we suggest you start off in the pool.

H2y0ga
Yoga in the pool – genius. Developed by Sue Gisser in LA, H2y0ga combines traditional yoga poses with water weights and woggles in saline water to create a weightless workout for body and mind. Every muscle is engaged as even basic yoga poses can become challenging when balancing in water. http://www.myh2yoga.com 

Water T’ai Chi
Created in California by Carol Argo, Water T’ai Chi takes the principles from traditional T’ai Chi and transfers these to the pool. The term T’ai Chi literally translates to “the river of energy that constantly flows” and often T’ai Chi students are asked to imagine their body slowly moving through water so what could be better than actually feeling it. It’s also a perfect exercise for those looking to relax and de-stress as there is a lot of concentration on the breath and the slow movement of your limbs. It helps to have some understanding of T’ai Chi before trying it in the water.

 

 

 


For A Sun Filled Weekend: The Ultimate Salad Recipe

recipe by Saskia Gregson-Williams

Other than green smoothies there is nothing  that makes me feel healthier and happier than eating a rainbow of foods. Packing in as many colours as possible in my salad bowls immediately brightens my mood.  This bowl of rainbow goodness, is my idea of the ultimate salad, full of all my favourite veggies. Creamy cubes of avocado, raw diced asparagus, crunchy zuchinni pieces, roasted sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, spicy rocket, fennel, sprouts, sweet pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts with an awesome thick and creamy -tangy almond butter dressing. This salad is dreamy, so easy to make, it’s my lunch staple, but also satisfying for a slightly lighter dinner.

The salad dressing, almost steals the show (almost)  not only is it incredibly moorish but it is good for you, too. Made with almond butter, this dressing is full of nutty proteins and omegas. Im obsessed, and make it daily over salads, raw zuchinni fettucini, avocado and pomegranate salsa, and every other combination you can dream about! Although there are quite a few ingredients in this salad, it literally takes five minutes to prepare.  It keeps really well in the fridge too, so if your out and about during the week, or want to take it in for your work lunch you can make a big batch at the beginning of the week which will last you a few days!

Hope you love eating the rainbow as much as I do! Remember to share all your awesome recreations to instagram and twitter by hashtagging #hipandhealthy, and let us know how you get on!

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Recipe

(Serves 2)

1 avocado, cubed

1 sweet potato

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

a few stalks of asparagus, diced

1 zuchinni chopped

a handful of chopped fennel

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

2 tbsp of pinenuts, toasted

2 handfuls of rocket

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celcius. Peal and cube the sweet potato, drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of cinnamon, roast  for 20-30 minutes until soft.  Mean while prepare all the other vegetables (as above). Place the rocket down first and layer the other veggies on top. Drizzle with dressing.

Sweet & Tangy Almond butter dressing:

1 tbsp almond butter

juice of 1-2 lemons

2 tbsp water

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method: Simply mix together and stir well.

 

 

 

 

 

 


The Beauty Food Rules

words by Zoe Louise Cronk

In today’s beauty and youth-craving society, science in skincare has seen rapid development; empowering face creams and eye serums with proven-to-work ingredients that are often accompanied by hefty price tags. Look closely however, and it seems we could be reaping similar (if not better) benefits without forking out a load of cash, but instead loading our forks with delicious nutrient-rich foods.

According to Facialist & Skincare Specialist Julia Hart, it’s thanks to the “strong link between a healthy gut and healthy skin,” that “skin problems such as acne, eczema and skin-ageing can be triggered by inflammation in the body.” While it’s obviously advisable to take care of your skin with suitable cosmetics, it’s good to remember (and is helpful to our bank balances) that keeping your body healthy on the inside will show on the outside too, giving you the radiant glow and clear complexion we all so desperately crave.

Vitamins

Many brands promote vitamin C-enhanced skincare in terms of antioxidants and reducing free radicals, but in fact, eating foods rich in vitamin C can have comparable effects. As well as gaining the same anti-ageing antioxidants, you’re also providing your immune system with a vitamin C-induced boost. This increase in immunity is an obvious plus for maintaining nourished skin, as illness often coincides with a dull, lifeless complexion. Hence, avoid sickness; avoid sallow skin!

As for what foods to consume, Julia advocates green juices (kale, spinach, cucumber, apple and/or banana) in particular, as they contain an abundance of vitamins A, C and E; all of which are powerful antioxidants and protect skin against environmental stressors. Made up of nutrients and enzymes that help to repair tissue damage, antioxidants slow the effect of free radicals that cause cell dysfunction and ultimately, ageing. The protecting nature of antioxidants, paired with their ability to promote the growth and natural self-healing of cells, is what gives skin its healthy glow. Furthermore, kale contains a wealth of vitamin K, which Julia says, “strengthens blood vessels and increases circulation.” A daily green juice it is, then!

Similarly, vitamin D has been hailed as a miracle for reducing fine lines and inflammation. Our Skincare Specialist believes, “A lack of sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency, so try to expose skin in the morning or at dusk; avoid the damaging midday sun.” She reveals that without vitamin D, “Skin can look dull, breakout and age prematurely.” It’s important to remember though that while your bronzed tan might look good today, excess sun exposure ages the skin, so be sure to stock up on those all-important UVA and UVB-protecting sunscreens, and eat foods rich in vitamin D, like fish, eggs, cow’s milk and mushrooms.

Sugar

Moving onto the irresistible, beauty-ruining sweetener known to cause detrimental biochemical changes in our cells, Julia explains, “Problems arise when we have excess sugar in our body.” She lists negative effects such as stiff joints (as a result of glycation), loss of skin elasticity and the birth of deep wrinkles and saggy skin – none of which sound mild enough to warrant that extra slice of cake after dinner. She continues, “It also impacts circulation, leading to dry, dehydrated skin and lack of glow.”

But before you panic about the choco-biscuit in your hand and images of decrepit, sugar-induced skin scare you into starvation, Julia advises, “I generally just try to avoid processed foods that contain added hidden sugars, like cakes or ready meals.” She proposes enjoying an occasional treat and admits, “It’s impossible to avoid sugar altogether.” Phew!

It’s also good to note that alcohol is very high in sugar, and is notorious for dehydrating the body, causing dull, flaky skin – not to mention a thumping headache! If you must drink, opt for distilled spirits with low-sugar mixers.

Water

We have long since been advised to drink two litres of water per day, but are its benefits real? Oh yes, indeed.

Think of water as a moisturiser that nourishes your skin from the inside out. Just as you wouldn’t scrimp on your daily face cream, we mustn’t neglect our water intake or we run the risk of dehydration, which shows up on our face as dry skin and deeper-looking wrinkles. Water also helps to flush out acne-inducing toxins, too.

Julia cautions, “Never let yourself feel thirsty as that is a sign you are already dehydrated.” As for the amount, she explains, “Two litres is about what we lose throughout the day,” hence the suggestion to replenish what we naturally excrete.

You can also gain extra water-points by consuming foods that have a naturally high water content, particularly fruits such as watermelon (92% water), grapefruit (90% water and rich in fat-burning enzymes) and pineapple (85% water).

Omegas and Fish Oils

As well as improving heart health and lowering cholesterol, taking fish oil supplements and/or consuming a multitude of different fish means that our bodies receive a wealth of Omega 3 fatty acids that slow the ageing process by regulating skin’s oil production and boosting hydration. Omega 3’s have also been shown to reduce skin redness and inflammation, improve acne, ease the symptoms of sunburn and maintain skin permeability; all of which are important for a clear, youthful complexion and good skin health.

Julia adds, “I also love salmon for its skin firming ability, as it contains DMAE that actually helps lift muscles.” – Who knew?!


Change for The Better: A Special K Campaign that will get you putting those dreams into actions

words by Sadie Macleod

I read a quote recently “Big change is scary, but know what is even scarier? Regret”. Something in this rang true for me. I decided to share it on instagram where it got a lot of love. And many people commented that this was just the sort of thing they needed to hear to inspire them.

Then Special K asked me to pledge to make a change and to encourage the Hip & Healthy community to do the same. So that we can all strive to be the best versions of ourselves and support one another doing it. Why Special K? Well they have just made a change themselves. After 30 years of using the same recipe, Kellogg’s have changed the Special K recipe for the better. Originally 2 grains, the new cereal now contains 3, making it whole-grain (and healthier). The product contains rice, wheat and barley making it the perfect nutritional balance to start your day.

So, Special K made their change. Now I must state mine! I pledge that I will commit myself to yoga at least once a week for the next three months. I am determined to master a headstand – something I am not even close to doing. But I think that after three months of yoga commitment I should be able to get there! After all – I am pretty sure that a lot of it is in my mind and I will need to overcome those barriers before I can let go and take the pose.

Each month I will update you on my progress. And if I am feeling brave I may even share a few pics with you along the way.

Let us know what you are planning on doing. Is there a change you have always wanted to make in your career? love life? home life? or even fitness? Perhaps you need to change your diet, or you just need to change your attitude but you haven’t yet found the drive to do it. Let this be your drive. And let us know what you are up to by tweeting or instagramming us at  @hipandhealthyuk and hashtagging #changeforthebetter.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/myspecialkukandire?fref=ts for more information or to see what others are up to.


Women’s Wellness Week – #bekindtoyou

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The fast-paced modern world can take its toll on all of us, and with the modern woman expected to be able to ‘do it all’, it’s important to make some time for yourself. Thankfully, Women’s Wellness Week is being recognised across the country, with plenty of events taking place to be part of.

Spabreaks.com have already completed a 100-mile walk from London to Bath (and back again!) to raise money for the charity of the week, Look Good Feel Better. They were supported by Elemis, and even handed out vouchers and spa prizes to women along the way.

Meanwhile, the #bekindtoyou raffle will see winners claiming prizes such as a spa break, a golf break, lingerie, literature and much more!

Women’s Wellness Week takes place from the 16th September until the 20th, and the most important thing to do is to make some time for yourself. You can also take part on Twitter by tweeting at @spabreaks with #bekindtoyou, or you can read some handy hints and tips on how to make some time for yourself at the Hot Tub blog.

While work, family and friends can demand much of us throughout the week, nothing is more important than making sure you have some time to yourself. Whether it’s reading quietly by yourself, or taking part in a fun exercise class.

You’ll feel more refreshed and ready to take on the world, reduce stress and enjoy life much more. So find some time for Women’s Wellness Week and remember to #bekindtoyourself!

More information can be found here – www.womenswellnessweek.com

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If you only do one thing this week… Burn Fat Four Ways

words by Alexandra Salisbury

I’m a runner, always have been. There’s no stress or frustration that I cannot dissolve by putting on my trainers and hitting the road. Yet, whilst running has done so much for my mental health, I have been trying to shift half a stone for about a year and, being fit and active, I had started to wonder why it was proving such a challenge. One Google search later and my suspicions were confirmed; running, it transpires, just isn’t the best way to burn fat. There, I said it. Gavin Walsh, fat loss expert and owner of www.walshthefataway.com, explains why- and how- it was time to train smart.

Squat, squat, squat

Burning fat isn’t about exercising for hours on end, the focus needs to be on short, intensive workouts and explosive movements designed to melt away excess fat. Gavin explains, ‘any exercise that works several muscle groups in one go is always a good idea’ and squats are fantastic way to target problem areas; bum, thighs, calves and the core muscles. You won’t just tone up these areas, you’ll burn fat from all over your body, too.

Sprints 

‘Most people focus on the calories burned during a workout, but the real key is to focus on how an exercise affects your body afterwards’ says Gavin. Say hello to your new friend ‘after burn,’ it’s a sure sign that your body is working hard to repair muscle and burning fat in the process. ‘Short sprints when repeated several times with a rest period, give your metabolism a serious kick up the backside.’ Running regular 10k runs had meant that my fitness had reached a plateau, hence my struggle to shift that pesky tummy fat.

Burpees

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, burpees are a great exercise for fitness and fat loss and don’t require any equipment. ‘It’s unlikely be able to do many of them of them in one sitting,’ Gavin advises, ‘but like the sprints, they’ll help with the after burn effect.’ These fast, explosive movements force your body to respond which accelerates fat loss as your body keeps on working post exercise. Why not finish strong by adding five burpees to the end of your regular workout?

Kettle bell swings  

Similar to burpees, Gavin recommends combining cardiovascular exercise and resistance training to tackle excess fat. ‘This exercise will tone those lower leg muscles and give your lungs a workout at the same time,’ which is another case of win, win.  If you do have access to weights, incorporate them into your usual workout routine to maximise the fat burning potential. What’s more, women produce a small amount of testosterone when compared to men so there’s no risk of bulking up. Result? Sculpting and fat burning all over!

 


Get Up & Glow Smoothie

Day 14 of the Hip & Healthy and Herbalife Smoothie Challenge

Swap your 4pm snack for a superfood smoothie and get ready to get your glow on…

Day 14: Get Up & Glow

Ingredients:

1/2 avocado

1/2 frozen banana

1 cup blueberries

1/2 cup pomegranates

1/2 cup ice

1/2 – 1 cup cold water or dairy free milk

Method: blend!

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GIVE IT A BOOST: Want to give your smoothie challenge a turbo boost? When you are not sipping on this delicious treat try Herbalife’s Instant Herbal Beverage with Tea Extracts, to stay hydrated and give you that added zest for the day. For more information visit: http://products.herbalife.co.uk/weight-management/herbal-tea 

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Detoxing The Raw Way: Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna are all fans, find out why

words by Zoe Louise Cronk

Hot on the heels of the juicing craze, raw food is the latest detox trend to rise to dietary fame, thanks to celebrities such as Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna whose slim, toned physiques signal to the masses the effectiveness of avoiding meat, fish, and cooked vegetables. Supposedly, it offers the perfect healthy alternative for those who struggle to maintain a regime that’s completely bereft of solid foods (e.g. juice cleanses).

The Benefits
Raw foods are known to provide more benefits than their cooked counterparts as they still contain the living enzymes usually killed off by heating. Consuming foods packed with these enzymes enables the body to conserve its own digestive juices, and use those gained from food instead. The body can therefore expend less energy on breaking down our meals (it’s been shown that digestion requires up to 80% of the body’s energy), leaving us with more vim and vigour for other, more fun things.

At last! A scientific explanation for the lethargy we feel after big meals; our digestive processes are sapping us of energy! Raw foods also help return the body to a more alkaline state, which is more conducive to the body’s natural repair process, which is the key for anti-ageing.

Furthermore, when adopting this diet, an increase in your consumption of fruit and vegetables is inevitable. The detoxifying nature of these oh-so healthy foods improves general wellbeing by flushing out the nasties and replacing them with a wealth of health, and will leave you with a glowing complexion too.

With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that businesses across the globe have jumped on the raw food bandwagon. Based in Hong Kong but also available internationally (via the website), Graciously Green offers supplements and support alongside your detox. Their 5-day Raw Food Cleanse is led by Board Certified Health Coach and raw food chef Mia Moore, and also incorporates an optional sixth day liver flush to completely rid the body of toxins.

The Cleanse
The package from Graciously Green includes an introduction session and daily support via phone and email, in which Mia provides motivation and raw recipes to inspire your meals. Also provided are the liver flush materials and salts, a detailed programme and explanation of what to expect throughout the cleanse, along with supplement tablets of enzymes (digestion), magnesium (heart health, bone density and blood pressure) and green tablets that contain a blend of cleansing superfoods like chlorophyll, wheatgrass, spirulina and other green-based phytonutrients. Enough hibiscus tea to last five days and more is also included, and is to be drunk with 1 tsp of malic acid (provided) to boost metabolism, three times daily. Heralded for its ability to heighten immunity and aid digestion, hibiscus tea is rich in detoxifying, skin-clearing antioxidants too. Having recently undertaken the five-day cleanse with Graciously Green, I would also endorse the tea’s other well-known advantage as a natural appetite suppressant.

‘So what to eat?’ I hear you ask. Well, I’m going to be honest – it’s not the most exciting food week you’ll ever have, but it’s bearable. Mia’s recipes gave a creative boost to my otherwise dull salad, and blending your veggies to make a green juice also adds much-needed variety. A particular favourite of mine was a dish inspired by a past Hip & Healthy article; julienned zucchini topped with a chunky mango, avocado and mint sauce (briefly blend and pour over zucchini). While usually enjoyed hot, it didn’t lose any of its satisfaction when eaten raw and cold. Preparing and planning meals ahead of time is key, and remember to vary your veg to keep your tastebuds sated.

The Verdict
I can happily report that it’s a fantastic and not too challenging way of dropping a few pounds, gaining a flatter stomach and feeling cleansed inside and out. I had more energy and felt much healthier with a positive mood, despite not looking forward to mealtimes as much as usual. As a great lover of my food (particularly if it’s healthy) I was surprised to find I had very little appetite, which could be a result of the supplements and hibiscus tea, or perhaps it was because my meals became less adventurous as the week progressed. Whatever the reason, I still ensured I had three meals (although I admit to skipping a few of Mia’s recommended apple/crudités snacks due to lack of hunger) and managed at least an hour’s moderate workout per day.

Knowing that the cleanse was to last just five days meant that my motivation only waned briefly midweek and remained otherwise in tact, which I’m sure was also partly due to Mia’s inspiring messages. As Mia recommends limiting sugar intake, I came to view fruit as a once-daily treat, which also helped maintain my motivation. Consuming so many different vegetables had a great effect on my skin, and the dreaded bloat was nowhere to be seen. The weight loss was a nice surprise too, and the energy boost would inspire me to undertake this detox again.

All in all, my raw food detox achieved exactly what I wanted: a flatter stomach and to be a few pounds lighter with a healthier-looking complexion. It’s ideal for those looking for a quick cleanse or to slim down healthily without depriving yourself of food, and is a great way to reap a multitude of health rewards in just five days. Go on, give it a go!

www.graciouslygreen.com


MANGO, AVOCADO AND MINT MARINATED RAW ZUCCHINI NOODLES 



Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

The Hip & Healthy 14 Day Smoothie Challenge Sponsored by Herbalife

Swap your 4pm snack for a superfood smoothie and get ready to get your glow on…

Day 13: Mint Chocolate Chip

Ingredients:

1 banana

1/2 avocado

1-2 cups spinach

1 tbsp freshly chopped mint

1/2 – 1 cup almond/non dairy milk

1 tbsp cacao nibs to top

Method: blend!

smoothie-84

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0105_UK.EI.IC_Original 50g_High