If you only do one thing this week… Turbo-Boost Your Workout With These Foods

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Whether you want to pimp your breakfast or soup up your soup, here are three ways to make your meal and your workout go that extra mile

Add Omega 3

In the form of Eggs

Not just a fabulous form of protein, eggs are a great source of omega 3s which will help to protect your joints, so they’re great for runners. And because of the other nutrients in eggs you absorb 100 per cent of the protein a opposed to only half of other protein fuelled foods such as porridge. They will also fill up that post-workout appetite. We love ours teamed with spinach (not just Popeye’s favourite food) and rye bread which is low GI, making it a great post-gym carb.

Add Protein

In the form of Quinoa

Yes, so we just said how great eggs are for that post-cardio burn, but another protein that is less raved about amongst gym goers is quinoa. Often regarded as hippy food, these little grains pack a punch when it comes to your protein content. The reason it’s so brilliant is that it is a complete protein and easily digested by the body. Why not try something different and have it for breakfast with steamed almond milk and fruit.

Add A Metabolic Booster

In the form of Cayenne Pepper

This ancient spice is known for both its healing and metabolism boosting properties. It contains capsaicin which increases circulation of blood around the body. And it’s also full of vitamin A which is great for the skin. Nothing to do with your metabolism but good to know anyway. Add it to your soup, stir dry or even salad dressing. But be careful as its hot!

 

4 Reasons to Love Apple Cider Vinegar

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Apple Cider Vinegar is rich in vitamins, minerals and wonderful enzymes, but it’s benefits know no bounds, says Sadie Macleod. Here is how the wonder liquid can help you…

Detox

On a detox? Make Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) your friend. For centuries, mankind has been using ACV to purify the blood and detoxify the liver. The liquid is made by fermenting the juice of crushed apples with yeast and sugar to make a powerful smelling (!) alcohol. The unique acids in this are said to be able to bind to toxins in order to help eliminate them more quickly. By getting these toxins out of your body faster and more efficiently it gives them much less time to cause any damage. So far, so good.

It Will Love Your Skin Back

Acne, hyper pigmentation, eczema: you name it, ACV heals it. I discovered this wonderful stuff whilst looking for a cure for my recently acquired melasma and I am telling you that this stuff is amazing (but more on my personal journey another time). Both ingesting it and applying it topically will help whatever situation you are dealing with, and some like to pour a few tablespoonfuls into a hot bath (if you do this mix with Epsom Salts for a double whammy of wonderfullness). Apple cider vinegar will help your skin restore its natural ph balance, it may even help to reduce scars so use as a toner in the evening before bed (be warned: you may smell like a freshly dressed salad.) Oh and avoid the eye area! And by the way, Scarlett Johansen swears by it for her complexion.

To Encourage Weight Loss

A recent study found that those who dipped their bread into ACV ate way less bread as they felt much fuller on the same amount as those who did not dip their bread in the vinegar. Also, ACV is known to be very good at balancing blood sugar levels preventing you from reaching for the nearest packet of biscuits every time you experience a sugar crash. Even Megan Fox has jumped on the ACV bandwagon, as she reportedly used it to cleanse out her system and lose a bit of weight (but not too much we hope as Megan Fox is smoking hot the way she is!).

Eases Joint Pain (Hello Runners)

Many miracle cases have been reported of people completely curing their arthritis by taking ACV and some even started seeing improvements in how they felt even after just one week. Sir Ranulph Fiennes also apparently swears by the stuff after seeing his mother feel better on it. It’s richness in potassium helps prevent calcium build up in joints and as we have already discovered, it is great at eliminating toxins, which can get trapped in joints and cause stiffness or pain. Try adding to your bath.

 

Worldwide Wellness on your Doorstep: East Meets West in London and beyond

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East Meets West

Looking for the benefits of an Eastern treatment without setting foot out of the country? You’ve come to the right place says Frankie Rozwadowska

With practices and traditions dating to over 2,000 years ago – Thai techniques are a unique form of body therapy and are a true, authentic art of healing. They combine the four fundamental elements of life (Earth, Water, Fire and Air) to ensure we are balanced and healthy on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. And anyone who’s had a Thai treatment knows that you not only feel amazing, but you look amazing too – for they nourish both the mind and the skin. So why not escape to the orient (without the 12 hour flight or the jet lag) with our top two Thai-inspired spas – where East meets West at its best.

East meets West meets London:

Thai Square Spa – Covent Garden, London. Visited by Sadie Macleod

Tucked away behind busy Covent Garden is this little slice of Thailand. Deceptively small from the entrance, once inside you’ll discover this spa occupies two floors – complete with a small garden and separate shower room at the back. It feels exotic; perhaps because it conjures up memories of all the Asian spas I have been to. I was there to experience the signature facial, which uses organic products sourced from Thailand and then made in France. They smell divine, earthy and natural. After being led downstairs through cavernous walk ways lined by red brick ceilings and slick black walls, I change and am given a pair of bamboo flip-flops. The wonderful Thai stuff are discreet and soft spoken by nature, and my therapist doesn’t speak English – perfect. Total silence for a whole hour almost seemed too good to be true. After cleansing and applying the mask she then preceded to give me the most sensational head massage. The mask was then removed and a serum and moisturiser was applied. Nothing ground breaking happened – it was a traditional facial that didn’t try to do anything clever or over the top. I think that sometimes simplicity is exactly what we want. If it is then Thai Square is perfect – it’s traditional, tame and, overall, authentically Thai. They’ve just opened one in the city too – what better place to go after a hard day’s work.

Thai Square Signature Facial – 1hr 15mins | www.thaisquarespa.com

East Meets West Meets Country:

SenSpa at Carey’s Manor. Visited by Frankie Rozwadowska

Nestled in the beautiful New Forest countryside is SenSpa – an award-winning spa that prides itself on its unique fusion of Eastern and Western treatments. And take pride it should, for this really is where country break meet exotic escape – the perfect combination for a truly unforgettable experience.

Upon arrival at Carey’s Manor, it’s almost impossible to believe that a taste of Thailand is just down the corridor from your room. The hotel itself is cosy and homey, with traditional touches and country charm – complete with a two rosette restaurant serving up the best of British fine dining. But if you’re really here for the true Thai experience, including gastronomy, you will not be disappointed. The Zen Garden is a low-lit, atmospheric restaurant that will tantalise your taste buds with Thai curries, stir-fries, noodles and salads. Everything is sourced locally and there’s organic wine to help wash it down. Perfect.

The spa itself is unexpectedly large, housing an indoor ozone treated pool, 19 treatment rooms, relaxation rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a herbal sauna, crystal steam room, tepidarium, laconicum, experience showers and an ice room. You’ll find yourself spending so long enjoying one area that you’re forever in fear of not having time for them all! There’s even a ‘Thai Temple Studio’ where you can practice Pilates, yoga and meditation. If you can drag yourself away from your herbal tea and day-bed, that is.

My personal favourite had to be the hydrotherapy pool – like your own giant bath with various bubble jets that work to relax muscles, improve joint mobility and ease tension. You can be super lazy and lie back at the side to feel the vibrations work through your whole body, or there are more powerful jets around the pool that target specific areas (shoulders, neck, thighs and bum). The experience showers are also something to try – with various settings that change the water temperature from freezing to blissfully hot whilst lights flash and thunder roars around you (the Sea Storm setting was particularly dramatic). This not only helps boost circulation throughout the body, but also increases lymphatic drainage and leaves you feeling awake and invigorated. Although be warned – you’ll be disappointed by your first shower back home when there are no flashing lights or tropical sounds. Boring.

All the therapists here are Thai-Trained (mine was actually Thai, making the experience even more authentic) so they understand the true value of complete relaxation. Using the spa’s own product range, all certified organic and natural, they work their magic with facials, massages, wraps and body polishes galore. Not to mention the rhassoul mud treatment which leaves your skin totally transformed using mud from the Moroccan Alas Mountains. Opting for the SenSpa Fusion Signature Massage, I had the best of East meets West meets massage. Combining Thai, Shiatsu, Ayurveda, Swedish and Aromatherapy, it was a heavenly blend of deep and relaxing techniques, leaving me both refreshed and relaxed. An hour and a half of total rejuvenation in my oriental inspired room and twinkling Thai music, I really did feel as though I had been transported to somewhere far, far away.

From the food to the pool, the array of treatments, country views and ridiculously comfy beds – just one night at Carey’s Manor and SenSpa left me feeling like a new person. Whether you’re looking for a day away or a weekend somewhere a bit more exotic, SenSpa is the place for you. Just be sure to pack your wellies as well as your fisherman pants.

SenSpa at Carey’s Manor | www.senspa.co.uk | 01590 624467

 

Coming Clean: Top Tips to Surviving a Cleanse

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words by Philippa Maples

When I agreed to commit to a seven day body cleanse I didn’t realise what I was getting myself into in terms of my self-restraint and coping mechanisms. My first thought was  ‘great I will eat all this healthy food and throughout the seven days I will feel amazing,’ little did I know the challenges I would face while taking part in this, sugar and food cravings, blood sugar levels and mood just to name a few.

When undertaking a cleanse the first step is that you must like and agree with the premise of the cleanse you are taking part of, whether you prefer juice or food cleanses it is totally up to you, just make sure you agree with it otherwise you spend the whole time thinking, ‘what is this really doing for me?’ Leading UK nutritionist and author of ‘It Must Be My Hormones,’ Vicki Edgson explains “You have to get in the right mind frame, this is not for now this is for life, ask your self the question, how fit can I really get if I applied myself to this? Be mindful that you know what is going to come and know that you may not feel one hundred percent.”

Set a Goal
There are certain things I found that helped me get through cleansing my body. The first was to set a goal, a before and after always helps with this. Measure and weigh yourself, write down what you would like to achieve and then work your way towards it. When you reach or even exceed your expectations it drives you to stick with it and be the fittest and healthiest person that you can be.

Get Minty
Zoe Copsey, head of nutrition at Lomax Bespoke Health in Chelsea had a top tip for getting rid of your sugar cravings that arise during a cleanse, “I have a cup of fresh mint or peppermint tea when I feel like something sweet, I also brush my teeth after every meal and the fresh mint taste distracts me from feeling like that after meal treat”.

Light Exercise
My other coping mechanism was light exercise, I decided that I would go for a walk in the park everyday, this cleared my mind and gave me the time to reflect on how I was feeling and to forget about the stresses of work and everything else that seemed magnified when cleansing. Understanding how you feel and why plays a huge role in staying on track to reach your goal.

Don’t Go it Alone
Another I would recommend is to persuade a friend to take part in the cleansing process with you, whether it is a work, personal or gym friend do it together. It helps immensely having that support and to compare notes with each other. My cleanse buddy was a co-worker and as we compared our thoughts and feelings I realised our bodies were reacting completely different to our cleanses, both in a positive way.

A Little You Time
My fifth coping tip is to spend some time with you, ask yourself ‘how do I feel?’ I know this may sound pointless but it really works! On day three (which is the hardest day as your body is holding on to those last toxins) I ran myself a bath, lit some candles and sat back and relaxed, the smallest relaxation methods can have the biggest impact. Clear your mind or if you find that hard read a book and you will forget that you are even cleansing, as far as your mind is concerned you are relaxing in the bath without a worry in the world.

Stay Motivated
Motivation is the key! My final tip is to be motivated, if you want to fit into that pair of jeans that has been hidden in the back of your closet for a reason then use that as your motivation, Zoe’s motivation is her wedding, “I want to look good for my wedding, you only do it once” she said. Motivation can drive you to do anything that you put your mind to.

Think positively and you can achieve that amazing feeling, physically and mentally after completing a cleanse.

image from www.lomaxpt.com where you can also get more cleanse and juice tips!

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Long Haul Health: How to stay healthy on a long flight

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words by Kathleen Fleming

Recently I have been travelling a lot on long haul flights. At the end of every one my whole body feels stiff and swollen and more often than not, my throat is dry and my nose is running.  These feelings got me thinking about how to stay healthy on board a cramped, cold plane where breakfast is eggs made from powder, the whitest roll you have ever seen and strawberry (sugar packed) yogurt. And to top it off you probably won’t get any sleep (unless you are lucky enough to fly business class and your seat turns into a bed).

Below are some tips on how to disembark an epic flight feeling healthy.

Hydrate
The air inside an aircraft cabin has significantly lower humidity levels than a normal comfortable indoor environment. This can result in dehydration which can leave you feeling sick and dizzy. To combat dehydration, drink water and lots of it. Hydrate your body with lots of water and/or coconut water the night before your long flight. Try to avoid drinking alcohol, tea, coffee, fizzy drinks and sweet fruit juices which can make dehydration worse. I know a lot of people love a glass of wine to help them fall asleep but try sticking to one glass followed by water. Buy a big bottle of water and some coconut water at the airport (after security) to take on board with you.

Drinking water will hydrate your skin from inside but it is a good idea to pack a good moisturiser in your hand luggage as well (make sure it is less than 100ml!). Every few hours apply some moisturiser to your face and hands to keep them feeling fresh.

Nourish
After a rubbish sleep in a tiny seat, the last thing you want to eat is a powdered egg omelette. There is no way you will feel good after a long flight if you eat this food. My top tip is to order a vegan meal. With a vegan meal you normally get food such as fresh fruit, salads, ratatouille and little bags of nuts and raisins. Who knew economy class food could be so healthy! Most airlines allow you to request a special meal online either at the time of booking or at least 72 hours in advance of your flight.

In addition to your vegan meal, you may want to pack a few snacks for the journey. I normally make myself a little snack pack of nuts and seeds, a couple of pieces of fruit and some chopped carrot sticks. If you are really organised and have space in your bag, you can avoid eating any plane food and pack your own healthy, light meals. Be aware that you have to eat it all on the flight as you probably won’t be allowed to take it into your destination country.

Move
Moving around in economy class on a 12 hour flight is easier said than done. You don’t want to be one of those annoying people who continuously walk up and down the aisles or congregate around the toilets but you do need to move. However, if you don’t move, you will disembark feeling stiff and swollen. Not moving around also increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis, blood clotting in the deep veins, which is potentially fatal.

The best thing to do is to get up every hour and walk around the plane. At the same time do some stretches. You can also stretch in your seat. Most yoga teachers can give some tips on good postures to practice from your seat or in a confined space like a plane.

If you can afford it, try booking an emergency exit seat. Although these seats are normally a little pricier, you get significantly more leg room and a little space to do some yoga.

Dress Comfortably
Our legs, ankles and feet often swell on long flights due to compression against the seat, inactivity and the fact that our legs are dangling down for a long period of time. The swelling can be painful and uncomfortable. Try wearing compression stockings which can be bought from most pharmacies as these will reduce swelling. I would also suggest packing a pair of tracksuit bottoms or loose trousers to wear on the plane as these will be more comfortable and won’t impede blood flow in your legs.

Sleep
If your flight is at night, sleep is the hardest thing to do and probably the most important if you don’t want to feel terrible when you land. Unless you are very small or blessed with the gift of being able to sleep anywhere and everywhere, you probably won’t be able to sleep for 7 hours straight in that tiny seat. My suggestion is to try to take regular short naps throughout the flight and get up to move around in between. I find that I normally wake up about every hour with a sore neck or the arm rest poking into my back. See this as a gentle nudge to move and then come back to another hour’s sleep. If I am really struggling to sleep it is normally because of something bothering me mentally so I try to do some breathing exercises to calm my mind. This normally helps me get to sleep.

Try to avoid taking a sleeping pill. Even with very little sleep if you hydrate, eat well and dress comfortably you will still feel better on landing than someone who downed two sleeping pills with a whisky.

We wish you a Hip and Healthy flight!

image from www.vogue.it

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If you only do one thing this week… Learn to love lemons

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words by Rose Dahlsen

There’s a lot to love about lemons. Combine the citric juice with rose water for an anti-bacterial face wash or mix two tablespoons with one part olive oil for a crafty shoe polish. Shavings of the peel add zest to dressings and desserts, or place the outer rind on a windowsill to deter uninvited insects.

Boost vitamin C
The welcome arrival of spring brings an abundance of yellow daffodils. Add another flash of yellow this week, and start each day with a cup of lemon tea. The ingredients are minimal, but the benefits are boundless. There’s nothing quite as refreshing as the zesty fusion of a lemon slice soaked in hot water to awaken the senses. Bursting with vitamin C, the citric fruit boosts the body’s immune system which helps stave off nuisance colds. Acidic in its natural state, the tangy beverage generates an alkaline effect within the body which helps to balance our all-important pH levels. The vitamin C component also offers a host of healthy skin benefits. Working as an effective antioxidant, it helps to decrease unwanted wrinkles and bothersome blemishes, as well as providing relief to sore sunburn. The vital vitamin also maintains collagen levels and repairs damaged tissues. Lemon water purges toxins from the blood, which ultimately contributes to a clearer complexion. By directly applying the concoction to scars, the zesty mixture can also help reduce their appearance.

Cleanse
Combined with its natural detoxifying properties, warm water with lemon juice is a great remedy for treating urinary infections. It works as a diuretic to purify and cleanse our inner-temples, releasing toxins from the system at a faster rate.

Improve Digestion
But the benefits don’t end there. Lemon juice also significantly contributes to a healthy digestive system. The formula encourages the liver to produce bile, a necessary acid required for digestion, which allows the bowels to eliminate waste more efficiently. An effective digestive system also markedly reduces heartburn and bloating. High in pectin fibre, the citric blend makes the body feel fuller, reduces cravings for food and aids weight loss.

Calm Yourself Down
Lemons are packed full with vitamin C’s soothing properties. The vitamin absconds the body, as soon as it’s subjected to stress or anxiety, so the lemon formula works brilliantly as a calming concoction.

Improve IQ
Oh, and they’re also high in potassium – a chemical element that works effectively to control high blood pressure, strengthen capillaries and reduce palpitations, whilst also stimulating our brain and nerve function.

Suggested Recipe: The zesty juice of half a lemon to one cup of warm water.

image from: Bodyandsoul.com.au

What’s the Hype with Hypoxi? This writer lost 6 pounds and 22cms… we’re all ears

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One writer, Justine Board, lost 6 pounds and a total of 22cms… we’re all ears

 We’ve all been there, cowering in a changing room with mercilessly unflattering  down-lighters  (step forward, Topshop), trying not to catch a glimpse of your own thighs before whatever you’re trying on is firmly in place. A mis-timed glance has been known to ruin a whole day for me, as what I had thought were a standard issue pair of thighs are transformed into a porridge-y lunar landscape of craters. So with this in mind when I was given the chance to sample a new training method called Hypoxi, which promised to not only help lose inches from hips, bums and thighs but also visibly improve cellulite, I jumped at the chance.

Here comes the science bit…

Hypoxi training is described as a “body shaping method” which combines gentle exercise with its USP – vacuum technology – to directly target fat in areas specifically prone to storing it, namely stomach, waist, hips, buttocks and thighs. The training method was developed in 1998 by Dr Norbert Egger, an Austrian sports scientist, who linked stubborn fat deposits specifically to poorly circulated areas of the body; areas that also traditionally prove the most resistant to diet and exercise.  The only way to burn this fat is by exercising the muscle – this we all know – but by simultaneously increasing blood circulation to problem areas, we can speed up the breakdown of concentrated fat deposits.

The Hypoxi machine is very similar to a regular exercise bike but encased in an egg shaped pod which closes at the waist as you sit on the bike (there is also a reclining version). A gentle vacuum system lowers pressure within the pod and encourages blood flow into the lower half of the body. Treatment consists of twelve 30 minute sessions over a 4 week period and involves gently cycling while the vacuum does its thing.

It couldn’t be more straightforward. Wearing loose fitting clothes so as not to restrict circulation – pyjamas are even recommended as an example of how laid back the process is – you climb headfirst into a neoprene skirt that fits snugly at the waist. The hem of the skirt is a plastic hoop that clips onto the pod as you sit on the bike, sealing in your bottom half. Once clipped in, you cycle at a leisurely pace for half an hour while a heart monitor ensures you’re not over-exerting yourself and a rev counter checks your pace. The sensation is strange at first when you feel the gentle pull of the vacuum, and faintly comical when the vacuum intermittently reverses and blows air back into the pod, (to ensure blood continues to circulate in your top half) causing the neoprene skirt to balloon up like a mini-mushroom cloud. Everyone else in the room is wearing some form of elaborate neoprene though and having air sucked and blown about around them, so there’s no need to feel embarrassed.

This is not a sweat-inducing spinning experience, think more a gentle wheel down a country lane. I genuinely found it a calming, therapeutic process, a chance to relax with a magazine or a chapter of a good book and I looked forward to the appointments. And three 30 minute sessions over a week is not a huge time commitment.

There is a nutritional plan to follow alongside the training that focuses on healthy eating. It’s suggested that you don’t eat for 2 hours after training and no carbs for 4 hours afterwards (but carbs only before training, to fuel the body). If you are training in the evening, the plan includes protein shake recipes instead of an evening meal. Apart from this the plan is straightforward and sensible – lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, steer clear of saturated fats, sugar and processed carbs, don’t mix protein with carbs and drink plenty of water.

And so after 4 weeks, what was the verdict? First, a confession: I followed the diet, but not to the letter of the law and I didn’t worry too much if I was out for dinner, or over the weekend. Notwithstanding, I lost a total of 22cms from my waist, bum and thighs and although Hypoxi doesn’t promise weight loss, I still finished 6 pounds lighter. Being stricter with the diet would have led to an even better result I’m convinced. More importantly, the skin tone on my thighs was definitely, noticeably smoother and firmer. I admit to being somewhat cynical at the outset but by the end was convinced. And I think that my skin tone has continued to improve even now the actual training has ended, and I am learning not to cringe so much at the mirror in Topshop.

My Top 5 Tips for Hypoxi Success

  1. Follow the diet. This will give the most dramatic results and it is not so draconian that it can’t be followed for 4 weeks. And drink lots of water – there is seemingly no situation where this is not good advice.
  2. Build the sessions into your working week. I found that going first thing in the morning before work had the least impact on my life, but find a structure that works for you. It is much less time consuming that the gym and you don’t need to shower afterwards.
  3. Take a book. Everyone has busy lives and this is the perfect opportunity to tackle the Tolstoy you’ve been putting off (or Grazia). Workaholics don’t need to ditch the Blackberry.
  4. Wear loose fitting clothing. A t-shirt and loose fitting sweat pants are ideal. Or pyjamas if it’s an early start!
  5. Try body brushing  alongside the diet and exercise. This will improve blood circulation and help improve skin tone. I recommend the Sae-Sei Mineral Loofah Body Polish Soap (£15, exclusively from Space NK), that combines a moisturising soap with a natural loofah for exfoliation.

Hypoxi treatment costs £496 for 12 sessions at peak time and £446 off-peak (9am – 5pm).

Hip&Healthy readers can take advantage of an exclusive 30% discount by quoting “Hip&Healthy” on booking.

Hypoxizone is at 27 – 28 Clement Lane, EC4N 7AZ

Tel. 020 7283 7070

www.hypoxizone.co.uk

A Hip and Healthy Guide to Sydney

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Sydney is my healthy haven. It is the city of dreams where I plan to end up in the near future. The energy is amazing and yet relaxed. Days flow organically with little planning or organisation. Everyday you find yourself surrounded by beautiful open people in idyllic locations. With such a wonderful climate and outdoor lifestyle health is a prominent concern for many sydney siders, here a few hot spots to check out when you are over that way.

Cafes/Restaurants

Suveran
I first came across Suveran a few years ago. As a health nut it is the first location to hit up. This restaurant is sugar-, gluten-, dairy- and grain-free, friendly to vegetarians, vegans and even paleos. Owned and run by an amazing man called Pete, you are sure to not only to get a dose of healthy goodness, but also walk away with a whole bucket full of knowledge. My favourite dish is the lamb salad, be sure to get some of the raw chocolate and a fresh young coconut to sip on! 244 Oxford Street Bondi Junction NSW 2022, Australia +61 2 9369 4040

About Life
This is a slightly more conventional health food store/café making delicious smoothies, salads and wraps. Always bustling with people and huge smiles you are sure to feel mentally and physically clear after your experience here. Their breakfast menu is amazing, my favourite is the omelette or almond hot cakes they make.

(2 Locations)

31-37 Oxford Street  Bondi Junction NSW 2022, Australia
+61 2 9389 7611

605 Darling Street  Rozelle NSW 2039, Australia
+61 2 8755 1333

Earth to Table
An amazing spot for raw and veggie fans. I would take many trips here for the desserts. Their raw cheese cakes are like heaven on earth! If you are in need of a healthy treat head down here for some raw goodness. 87 Bronte Road, Bondi Junction NSW 2022, Australia (02) 9029 1755

Love Fish
The most scrumptious fish restaurant in Sydney! All sustainably caught fish and organic veggies. The couple that run this joint are amazing. The fish comes really simply with a whole host of salads, all fresh tasty and nutritious. If its a nice evening get some take away and go sit at the end of the water in Balmain overlooking the harbour, its such a treat! 580 Darling Street  Sydney NSW 2039, Australia +61 2 9818 7777

MuMu Grill
If you are craving a good piece of meat then head straight here. All the meat is grass fed. They recycle all their waste, grow their own herbs and donate part of the bill to a local charity. I met the head chef who is so passionate about nutrition and health. This place oozes love! Try the slow roast pork it is out of this world!! 70-76 Alexander Street  Crows Nest NSW 2065, Australia +61 2 9460 6877

The Boat House
My favourite cafe in the entire world, the magic of being up at palm beach is one thing but to top it off this cafe is abundant in tasty goodness. My signature dish is green eggs and ham, being a fan of Dr Seuss and having a love affair with eggs and pesto this place is my haven. Go for brunch or lunch, it can get busy on the weekends so aim to get there early and do the lighthouse walk after. Governor Phillip Park  Palm Beach NSW 2108, Australia +61 2 9974 3868

Other amazing places worth checking out:

www.threeblueducks.com

www.porchandparlour.com.au

www.organicus.com.au

Markets

Eveleigh Markets
Open Saturday mornings 8am to 4pm, this buzzy market houses the most amazing fresh organic local produce. The market is extremely spacious and open with a whole flurry of different stalls. You can get every kind of veggie there and there is a great stand selling grass-fed lamb. Defiantly check it out one saturday morning even if you just go down for a fresh juice, crepe and take in the atmosphere. 243 Wilson Street  Darlington NSW 2008, Australia +61 2 9209 4735

Bondi Markets
Another cool place to get off on the veggies as well as the  vibes. Be sure to go grab some eggs around Bondi before getting your weekly veggies or a yummy sausage roll. Located: at Bondi Beach Public School on Campbell Parade across the road from Bondi Beach, Sydney

Bondi Wholefoods
An amazing cafe and store stocking all the top brands and delicious treats you may need! 30A Hastings Parade, North Bondi

OVViO Organics
This is a wonder land for fresh organic tea, natural beauty products and herbal remedies. Be sure to have time for a cup of tea and some wonderful organic deserts made fresh. The owner (Anthia) is an amazing naturopath so if you are in need of any fixing she is your girl. 2 Heeley Street  Paddington NSW 2021, Australia +61 2 9380 7863

Other great places

www.wholefoodshouse.com.au

www.tasteorganic.com.au

www.healthemporium.com.au

Fitness

Origin of Energy
This is where I used to work and where most of my inspiration for health and nutrition came from. Run by the best trainer in Australia… maybe even the world, Aaron changes bodies like no one else. His principles are similar to a cross fit style of training. He takes a very holistic approach, focusing on natural movement and efficient training. The atmosphere there is amazing, with so many beautiful people working out together. It is very inspiring. You can also eat there after, with amazing meals served fresh every day!! There are classes as well as one on ones throughout the day, the daily workout can be moderated to any level so if your in need of getting a beach body this is your place! Shop 12/422 Oxford St Bondi Junction NSW 2022 Sydney Australia

Power Living
The most lively place to do yoga, with an energy that will leaving you ommming for the rest of the day. They have taken on a power vinyasa style of yoga, with some classes being more dynamic and other more soft and restorative. They are scattered over three locations in Sydney so you are sure to be able to pop down for a class or two.

1/420-422 Oxford Street  Bondi Junction NSW 2022, Australia
+61 2 8065 7315

1/135 Military Road  Neutral Bay NSW 2089, Australia
+61 2 9904 4874

15 Sydney Road  Manly NSW 2095, Australia
+61 2 9977 5001

Other Yoga hot spots:

www.dharmashala.com.au

kmyoga.com

www.bodymindlife.com.au/Home

Other great holistic gyms:

momentumforlife.com.au

www.enlivenfitness.com

http://springwellness.com.au

Other healthy activities

Start your day off with a Swim and Sauna at Icebergs – http://icebergs.com.au (the perfect way to start the day)

Take a stroll on the Bondi to Bronte walk – http://short-walks.com.au/new-south-wales/sydney/bondi-to-bronte-walk/ (the most iconic and wonderful walk) 

Rollerblade the streets of Manly – https://www.skaterhq.com.au (rent some skates and cruise the streets) 

By Madeline Shaw

Night Run Anyone? It’s time to trade a night out for a night run…

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Night Run Anyone?

It’s time to trade a night out for a night run…

running-at-night

We love hearing about different ways to have fun with your exercise, which is why we got very excited about Boutique Sport’s Energizer Night Run on Saturday 13 April in Battersea Park. Runners can take part in either a 5 or 10km challenge and then reward themselves with a red carpet finish and after party! You’ll also be able to celebrate in true hip and healthy style with a Vita Coco, 100% coconut water and nibbles.

For further information about Energizer Night Run please visit: www.energizernightrun.co.uk

 

Health Speak with Tom Kay, Founder of super-cool surf company, Finisterre

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 interview conducted by Kate Prince

Tom Kay is the founder and managing director of cold water surf company Finisterre. The brand is committed to designing innovative products for cold water surfers around the world with products ranging from Merino underwear, base layers to insulation jackets, all with a strong environmental ethic and loved by non-surfers too. The brand started in Tom’s bedroom in St.Agnes and is now based in a workshop on the cliffs above St. Agnes and consists of a team of 14 (and 3 dogs).

What is the first thing you do in the morning? 

I get up and have a large glass of water … and try not being in so much of a rush that I cannot have a good stretch!

What do eat for breakfast? 

I usually have Gluten free muesli and soya although I love scrambled eggs, bacon and coffee at the weekend.

What is your work place like? 

It’s in a beautiful place; on the site of an old tin mine on the cliffs in St. Agnes, Cornwall. It’s an open plan office with boards and wetsuits, ready and waiting, by the door because we surf when we can. There are of the guy’s dogs running around too as well. I love it.

What do you eat for lunch? 

Salad/fish if possible, we eat outside at the back of the workshop in the summer. Best effort was making some mackerel pate from mackerel that I caught and smoked!

Do you snack? If so, what on? 

Yes, I have quite high energy levels so have to eat every few hours. Fruit and nuts but usually I need a hit of chocolate later in the day! Often a Freddo frog– does the trick…

What do you have for supper? and why 

I tend to mix it up really – I like cooking so all kinds of things but my favourite things are Thai curry or fresh fish of some sort (Sea Bass caught by me, ideally!)

What is the healthiest thing you do every day? 

I’m really lucky in that I can (and try to) surf or swim most days. Summer sea swims are awesome around here and a great way to switch off.

Why did you create Finisterre? 

I wanted to create a cold water surf company that represented my passions and was committed to making innovative technical product for cold water surfers. Our products now range from Merino base layers and underwear to insulation jackets, hard-wearing shirts and knitwear. We’ve also resurrected a rare breed of British fine fibre sheep – the Bowmont – that is used in some of our products.

What is the most interesting thing about creating sports and outdoor clothing? 

Coming up with really innovative product for our customers and being passionate about what Finisterre stands for – it’s committed to designing innovative product for cold water surfers with a strong environmental and ethical agenda.

What is your favourite piece of Finisterre clothing and which sport do you use it for? 

I wear my Finisterre Merino long johns, most days; they are great to get into after cold surf or keep you warm on a cold day.

Which three celebrities (dead or alive) would you invite to dinner? 

Mohammed Ali, Charles Darwin, Sienna Miller

Which three things can’t you live without? 

My 1972 old Land rover, going into the sea when I can and my lovely dogs (Daisy and Beetle – golden retriever and flat coated retriever)

What gets you up in the morning?

Early surf or sea swim is always a good way to start the day.

And what do you go to bed thinking about? 

Usually funny things that have happened that day

What is your motto for life? 

This is it…

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A Scent-Sational Journey: Escape the misery of England with our favourite exotic fragrances

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“The first condition of understanding a foreign country is to smell it.” Inspired by the words of Rudyard Kipling, Frankie Rozwadowska, discovers the scents that will transport you to the exotic

If you, like me, are looking out of the window, dreaming of far off lands and exotic places whilst counting down the days ‘til your summer holiday, then this is for you. Okay, so it may not a plane ticket to Bali or a cruise around the Caribbean, but just a sniff of these scents and you’ll be transported to somewhere far, far away…

Smell is our most powerful sense (it’s a whopping 10,000 times more sensitive than the others), and this is because our olfactory process is immediate. Taste and touch, for example, have to travel through the body via neurons in order to reach the brain, whereas smell extends directly to it via our olfactory bulbs. This also means that smell is incredibly powerful in conjuring up memories, as our olfactory bulbs have very direct connections to both our amygdala and hippocampus lobe structures that control emotion and memory. Therefore, the next best thing to actually being on holiday is to smell things that remind you of them, allowing you to create images in your mind of distant beaches or snow-capped mountains. So on that note, here are our top 10 travel inspired fragrances that will take you on one scent-sational journey

Canada – ‘Rogart’ by Molton Brown – £60.00

This woody fresh fragrance effortlessly captures the essence of Nova Scotia’s Cobequid Mountains. Notes of juniper berries, sweet maple and icy angelica sit on a base of fir balsam and gaiac wood, leaving you dreaming of roaring fires in rustic log-cabins, surrounded by snow-topped peaks.

Dominican Republic – ‘Santo Domingo’ by Oscar de la Renta – £105.00

Having lived in this cool, colonial, Caribbean capital, Santo Domingo holds a very special place in my heart – as it does for Oscar de la Renta. He himself said, “Smell is the longest recall of all senses”. So in homage to his birthplace, he perfectly captured the city’s smells – the rich warmth of tobacco and spices, the fresh citrusy top notes, and the touch of patchouli that brings the island’s tropical flowers straight to you.

Brazil – ‘Batucada’ by L’Artisan Parfumeur – £55-£78

Think Brazil and think beating drums, samba tunes and bronzed beauties? Now you can be joining them with a spritz of Batucada. “This perfume is packed with joy and spontaneity, like Brazilians dancing and singing to the rhythm of the music…” says co-creator Elisabeth Maier. It’s refreshing – with a burst of lime, fresh mint and cachaca (aka a Caipirinha – yum). There are notes of ylang ylang and coconut, creating that heady, holiday scent of sun cream on glistening skin. And there’s the added sprinkle of sea salt – beautifully bottling Brazil’s beaches.

Morocco – ‘L’Air Du Desert Marocain’ by Tauer Perfumes – €78.70

Using the highest quality natural oils, Swiss chemist turned perfumer, Andy Tauer, draws his inspiration from distant lands and exotic substances. Musing on memories of a night in Marrakesh, this is his favourite of all his creations – and it’s not hard to see why. With a warm heart of rock rose and a hint of Moroccan jasmine, there’s also a splash of bitter orange and a touch of cumin and coriander, all resting on a lightly spicy base of dry cedar, vetiver and ambergris. It will send you straight to the Sahara in just a sniff.

England – ‘Earl Grey & Cucumber Cologne’ by Jo Malone – £38-£76

If you’re abroad and want a taste of home, this is the next best thing to actually eating a cucumber sandwich washed down with a good old cuppa. A burst of bergamot, distinct to Earl Grey, blends perfectly with the cool succulence of crunchy cucumber and the sweeter base notes of beeswax, vanilla and musk. It’s Blighty in a bottle.

Italy – ‘Fico di Amalfi’ by Acqua di Parma – £52-£74

In a bottle as blue as the Mediterranean itself, this eau de toilette centres around the fig – a fruit found growing in abundance on the Amalfi Coast. It’s therefore no surprise that at the heart of the fragrance lies fig nectar, surrounded by notes of pink pepper, jasmine petals, and crisp citrus fruits. Coming through you’ll smell fig wood, cedar wood, and benzoin – perfectly capturing the fig tree from root to fruit.

The Middle East – ‘Sahara Noir’ by Tom Ford – £100 (on counters in May)

Is there anything this man can’t do? Nope, didn’t think so. Mr Ford has done it again, captured our noses with his latest scent – an ode to the precious desert resin, Frankincense. As he himself says, “Middle Eastern culture has an extraordinary appreciation for the luxurious, emotional and memorable qualities of fragrance; perfume is worn there in a way that feels very familiar to me. Sahara Noir is my interpretation of this heritage.” With notes of cinnamon, rose absolute, cool papyrus and vanilla bean – it’s as though you’re really walking through the souks of the Arabian Peninsula and not around Marks & Spencer’s.

Mauritius – ‘Songes’ by Annick Goutal – £60-£79

Everything about this perfume is romantic, from the beautiful bottle to the story behind it. Camille Goutal wanted to capture the spellbinding scent of frangipani that hung in the air during an exotic garden walk on the island of Mauritius. So taken by the sweet smell, she made it her aim to immortalize the precious memory – creating an exotic bouquet of frangipani, jasmine and gardenia. Add to this the rare essential oils of ylang-ylang and French vanilla, and what do you have? A sumptuous, spell-binding scent.

Thailand – ‘A Shot of Thai Lime Over Mango’ by Jo Loves – £45-95

Jo Malone is, quite frankly, the Queen of Fragrance – and her Jo Loves fragrances deserve their own thrown. Each one of them. She herself says, “Everyday I’m struck by different smells which evoke emotions or memories that inspire me to be creative.” Inspired by her travels and by the art of cocktail making (the crushing, shaking, and stirring of ingredients to create something truly unique) – this scent was created. “Thailand is a very special place for me and a constant source of inspiration. I love the sharp, zesty qualities of Thai Lime and when shot over Mango it creates a very clean, cologne-like scent. Combining a culinary fusion of fresh Mango, Kaffir Lime and Black Pepper with herbaceous Thyme, Mint and Vetiver, this fragrance can be worn night or day.” Make ours a double.

Japan – ‘IKI’ by Florascent Parfumeurs – £39.50

Made from pure, natural, organic essential oils and aromatic waters, IKI is inspired by the beauty and mystery of Japan’s geishas. Like these beautiful traditional performers, the fragrance’s creators treat each scent like a work of art. After carefully distilling and extracting the precious natural materials, they are then matured for several months – allowing scent compositions to properly develop their distinctive character. IKI’s is woody and aromatic – making it perfect for men or for women who like to wear more masculine scents.

Image by the amazing Daeja Fallas – check out his website for more fantastic shots: www.daejafallas.com

Cyclebeat: The new two-wheeled fitness craze promising to get you fit and fabulous

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words by Nick Reid

Like many people, I have taken up cycling following the great success in recent years of Bradley Wiggins, Mark Cavendish and the other Team GB cyclists. Their performances have inspired a generation to take to the roads on two wheels, to don the lycra and to hit the hills. But during this particularly cold, wet and snowy winter/spring that we are having

here in the UK, going outside on our bikes requires serious dedication and, to be frank, is often too risky. So where to then, when like me, you have some gruelling sportives in your diary that are now fast approaching? There is a new answer to this question: Cyclebeat. Cyclebeat is a new fitness studio focused on providing the best spin class experience for everyone from the serious cyclist to those without a bike. I recently visited Cyclebeat to experience a class for myself. Now, like most cyclists, spinning is my go-to answer when the roads are slippery and the wind is biting. I went into the class expecting the normal drill – 45 mins of spin with the odd change in resistance and position. Cyclebeat, however, is anything but your standard spin class.

Located in the City of London at 8 Lombard Court, London EC3V 9BJ, the Cyclebeat studio is a positive reincarnation of an old pub. What was once a dreary pub is now a super cool, club-like spin studio with high quality speaker systems, light machines and state of the art spinning bikes. The changing rooms are well maintained and the fresh paint job and design features give the whole studio a clean cut stylish ambiance.

After pirchasing a coco water and energy drink from reception, I went into the studio for the start of my class, which was to be taken by Delvin Clarke, one of the leading spin/fitness instructors in the country. Co-Founders, Justin Crewe and Greg Allon, gave a brief introduction to the background and concept of cyclebeat and, most importantly, explained the “Beatboard”. The Beatboard was my favourite thing about cyclebeat and the thing that really sets it apart from any other spin set-up – basically it is a scoreboard displaying certain information about your ride to the whole class. As the class starts the data from our bikes (35 in the room being used) is projected up in front of us on the Beatboard (which is actually two giant flat screens). The race is on! Speed, power and energy data is displayed in a scoreboard format to introduce a sense of competition to the class. When the warm-up is finished, Delvin pumps up the tunes and the lights start flashing to the beat. Delvin is no ordinary spin instructor and within a matter of minutes, he has the class bouncing, turning, leaning and sprinting to the beat, in sync. The effect is awesome, the whole studio is moving, working hard to the music and, most importantly having fun. The serious cyclists are having their own race putting in the extra effort to stay at the top of the board while the rest of the class is having a good all body workout on a spin bike. The class runs for 45 minutes but it feels like 20. Most importantly, I want more at the end of the class and of course that means I want to work out again soon – which is great for maintaining a fitness routine. Following the session, we are informed that all the data from our bikes will be emailed to us after the class automatically, a very cool feature and helpful to those keeping a training log.

The Cyclebeat team have been very clever to achieve what they have. The flexible membership structure and use of technology and online interaction services make this a great option for those looking for a new aspect to their training or for those who are looking to put in some miles in the saddle (just be prepared to spend as much time out of the saddle, bouncing to the beats). Overall, a great positive addition to the fitness world – the trouble will be making sure you can get a seat given how popular the classes have been. Of course, Cyclebeat have thought of that too with their online booking system!

For more information please visit www.cyclebeat.co.uk. Introductory offers start at just £30 for 30 days.