Women Entrepreneurs 1/5: We found out how Carie made it happen. Get ready to feel inspired

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Women Entrepreneurs… The How’s, What’s, Why’s and Who’s that made it happen

We talk to Carie Barkhuizen, Founding Director, Seymour PR

 

Carie Barkhuizen, 27, is the Founding Director of Seymour PR, the ‘No Coverage, No Cost’ media relations agency. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Carie immigrated to the UK at 12 years old. She finished school in and around London before studying English Literature and Classical Studies at Royal Holloway University, with ambitions of becoming a reporter. Like many who wanted to become journalist, Carie fell into PR when she realised the prohibitive entry-level salaries journalism had to offer at the time. She started as a PR assistant at London-based agency Rain Communications where she learned her trade, reaching Account Manager level in three years. Carie then moved to a coveted in-house role at Debenhams Retail PLC where she worked across all areas of the business and helped the team to win an industry award for best in-house team. Having been frustrated throughout her career with PR agencies who work on an outdated model of talking a lot, charging a lot and delivering very little, Carie was inspired to set up on her own and challenge the way many PRs work.

Seymour PR prides itself on being straight talking and offering value for money. The ‘No Coverage, No Cost’ offer means that every pound clients spend on PR is based on tangible coverage. The agency specialises in news generation; creating conversation about brands by working collaboratively with journalists and understanding what consumers find engaging.

Why did you want to start your own business?
I have always wanted to run my own business – I love the idea of building something from nothing into a business that makes money and provides employment. I also saw an opportunity of offering a new model for the PR industry which inspired me to go for it!

When did you start it?
I have formally been up and running since June this year.

What challenges did you come up against?
One of the biggest challenges in the early stages is distancing yourself from the brand. You have to remember what your potential clients want to see and hear and not just what you like or feel personally. Communicating what your business stands for in a clear and concise way, is very important right from the start.

How did you overcome these?
I think everyone starting their first business needs a mentor. I was guided through this and many other challenges by mine, who has built a successful business of his own and recognises the pitfalls. Whether we like it or not, everyone needs someone to tell them when an idea is rubbish or needs development. However, I have also learned that you shouldn’t always act on other people’s advice. When you feel strongly enough about something, go with your gut.

What is the most exciting thing about running your own business?
The future! When you start out you have no idea how things are going to develop. Yes, you have a plan but it’s exciting to think about the possibilities and what the future will look like for something you have built.

Is it successful?
You can’t really reflect on success of a start-up until two years in, in my opinion. Yes, we are doing very well for such a young business, but there’s plenty more work to be done.

Would you recommend other women out there start something of their own?
Absolutely. Especially younger women. People think they need to get to a certain stage in their career before they will have the confidence, experience and contacts to step out on their own. But the further down your career path you go the more responsibility you accumulate – suddenly you’ve got a mortgage and maybe a couple of children. The stakes become that much higher and the risks no longer just affect you. While waiting till later life works for many, I don’t think young women should be put off if they have an idea and are ready to work hard.

What would you say are the benefits?
I love that my time is mine to manage. For the first time in my life I can fit regular workouts into my week! I always get the work done, if it means working all night or over the weekend, but I’m not chained to a desk.

And the cons?
At the beginning you might have a few sparse months on the money side of things. Worry about cash flow and keeping the business moving forward can be emotionally draining. You no longer just leave work at the end of the day, so while you are free to be flexible physically, your mind is always on your business. Also, the concept of a weekend no longer exists.

What advice would you give to someone contemplating setting up their own thing?
Before you do anything, write a business plan. Even if you are not trying to get investors on board, get a template online and work out the details of what your business will be and how it will grow. It took me weeks to finish mine and despite feeling it was low on my list of priorities at first, the process helped me to define what I was working towards and gave me real focus.

www.seymourpr.co.uk

Image by Holly Wren

Challenge Yourself in 2013 The Inca Trail in Peru

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I was working as the Director of Development at Chelsea Academy in London, when I decided to sign up for Walk The Walk’s Inca Trail Peru. My work-life was based around fundraising, encouraging support for a school in the centre of London, so I decided I could use these skills to raise money and support for a charity I knew could help so many people. It had been an ambition of mine for over ten years, to make this trek and in that time I had become well aware of the fantastic work Walk the Walk was doing in the fight against breast cancer, a cause dear to my heart.

I had previously supported and sponsored several of my friends as they took part in Walk The Walk challenges and knew that this was a charity I would support in every way I could. The Inca Trail Peru was a mixture of a unique experience and above all an opportunity to  challenge oneself, physically and mentally.

I remember the amazing feeling as we finally reached the Sun Gate and looked over the incredible Machu Picchu – so much had brought us to this point and not just the four day trek, but the preparation and hope that we would achieve our goal. Now more than ever it all seems poignantly worthwhile, every woman on our team had and has since, in some way, been affected by breast cancer and I am sure we all felt we had played our part in fighting against it.

Even at the start of the trek when we paraded in our Walk the Walk bras in a village that had never seen such a spectacle, we were told by some of the local women and the Major, that by doing this there were women and families in Peru who would know just a little bit more about how to watch for the signs for breast cancer. Most importantly it triggered curiosity – what were these crazy ladies doing?! To travel so far from home and still to be able to bring awareness was a huge encouragement at the beginning of what was to be an incredibly challenging four days.

I will never forget the breath taking view over the tops of the Peruvian mountains, the pink sky just sitting on top of them as the sun started to rise and the cloud sitting low on the peaks. I was on my own for just a few moments, exhilarated and feeling quite literally on top of the world.

The next challenge is to the arctic…. sign up here to find out more and find out what you’re made of: www.walkthewalk.org/Challenges

words by Sophie von Maltzan

 

Pilates Covert: One woman reveals how she fell in love with something she thought she’d hate

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words by Francesca Londono-Brasington

For me, it’s all about the sweat. I love it. Unless I sweat, working out seems pointless. I want to feel the burn and my blood pumping.  For that reason I’ve always concentrated on high intensity cardio training like swimming, running and spinning. Although truthfully, I’m envious of those yoga types with their long, toned limbs and dancer statuesque. I can’t deny it, I want to look like that! However I’ve tried yoga numerous times, attempted all kinds of classes but to no avail. The honest truth is; I find it the most mind numbingly boring exercise in existence. I wish I didn’t, I really, really do. There is nothing I’d like more than to experience that Zen like feeling people tell me about. But truthfully, the only time I feel vaguely Zen, is lying down on the mat at the end of the class thanking my lucky stars it’s all over. It probably doesn’t help that I’m embarrassingly inflexible (i’ll admit it, I can’t even touch my toes) and therefore every movement involving my hamstrings is a struggle and not enjoyable.

I was incredibly excited when Bikram became all the rage, I thought I may have finally discovered a joy for yoga; the heated room covered my love for sweating and the exercise would fulfil my limb lengthening, body beautiful ambition. Sadly, after many classes and parting with many of my hard earned pounds, I still found myself clock watching and my mind wandering. It was not to be. Although I loved the heat of the room and I had grown especially fond of snoozing on my mat before and after the class (the warmest place to be mid winter), the exercise itself was just too repetitive and I knew I couldn’t continue. I didn’t take it lightly, I am not a quitter. I just had to admit yoga was not for me.

In recent months, I’ve been plagued by lower back pain. A result of years of competitive swimming (butterfly being my main stroke, which is terrible for backs although ironically is the only bit of me which is flexible) coupled with sitting at a desk all day long. I complained constantly about my back and time and time again Pilates was heralded as the solution. It wasn’t that I didn’t believe in Pilates, I wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about it. Yoga had always hogged the limelight in the press and I assumed Pilates must basically be the same and I’d hate it just as much. Plus the only people I knew who did Pilates were my mother’s friends which led me to believe it must be easy and therefore pointless. How very wrong my initial view would prove to be!

My first foray into Pilates was at my gym and luckily for me, the teacher, Alison was fantastic taking the time to explain the breathing and how to do each movement. Despite thinking I had a strong core, I quickly realised I hadn’t been using all my small internal muscles correctly, if at all. Of course, we all hear about the importance of pelvic floor muscles but actually engaging them and using them properly makes a huge amount of difference to every movement, especially balance and also helps to protect the back.  As well as the core, we worked on our arms doing various push ups and squats for those all important glutes. Amazingly, I wasn’t bored, I loved the strengthening element as well as the lengthening and really felt my back loosen. And it certainly wasn’t easy! I’ve since been back each week and have been raving about it to anyone who will listen.

Since becoming such a Pilates convert, I’m making it my mission to try out different types. Yotopia have just opened in Covent Garden and together with Boutique Sport they hosted an event last week in which they invited 50 people to attend Hot Pilates. Of course, I jumped at the chance, my new love of Pilates coupled with a lovely hot room to sweat in – fantastic!  And I wasn’t let down, it was definitely hot (the room reached 53degrees) conducive for the all important sweat. As per my usual Pilates, the movements concentrated on the core muscles with variations of the exercises according to whether you’re a beginner/intermediate or advanced. I really liked the fact it catered for all levels and I found stretching out my legs with a band at the end of the class particularly useful for my tight hamstrings. The heat helps for a deeper, more intense stretch without the risk of injury.

I also managed to try out Reformer Pilates at the Fulham branch of Bootcamp Pilates.  The reformer machine looks a little like a torture device with pulleys, springs and ropes but do not let that put you off.  It was the hardest but most effective class I have tried yet!  It works every single muscle in the body.  I still ache all over!

 

 

A Hip and Healthy Cornish Retreat

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What a delightful surprise, after a five hour journey from London, to find The Llawnroc Hotel, a luxurious boutique property located in the tiny harbour village of Gorran Haven, a little known corner of Cornwall. If you’re looking to rest and revive post-party season this January, this tranquil weekend break has to be it.

A true chic retreat, the stylish design of the hotel contrasts perfectly with the majestic, almost magical setting of the coastline sweeping before your eyes from your contemporary suite. With just 18 bedrooms, each room has been individually designed and lavished with attention to detail; expect fluffy bathrobes, crisp white towels and possibly the best mattress you will ever have the pleasure to sleep on. After a long journey and the peaceful surroundings of the hotel calling us, it was an easy decision to hibernate and rejuvenate in the hotel’s restaurant, Gwineas Bar and Bistro, leaving the outdoor exploration for another day. A modern Cornish bistro, the menu is based on locally sourced produce, is freshly prepared, beautifully presented and clearly a firm favourite with the locals who we spotted arriving throughout the evening. We can highly recommend the fish, all caught by local fishermen, especially the grilled Mevagissey scallops lovingly dressed with fennel, lemon and homemade bread on the side; a light and healthy starter. Although we certainly didn’t hold back and indulged our every gourmet whim, we were not at all shocked by the bill – a luxurious yet affordable meal.

As we discovered the next day, this particular part of Cornwall has a lot to offer the active traveller, with sailing, surfing, coasteering, kayaking, mountain biking all on offer and even a chance to see the countryside at a unique angle: flying on Europe’s largest zip wire through a disused quarry – there are many activities for the adventurous to turn their hands to. However, after exploring the rugged Cornish coastline and the maze of fishing villages it was a relief to escape the drizzly, grey weather and come back to the comforts of The Llawnroc. It was at this point that we must admit we longed for a spa or treatment room to greet us, and although the hotel does not currently offer this service we were thrilled to hear that their spa will be launching in 2013 – a perfect excuse to come back next winter.

Another great reason to return are the hotel’s extremely popular Yoga holidays. A weekend break with a difference, this is the perfect combination of yoga and indulgence – all in an incredibly unique setting. Upon arrival you will be shown to your sea view room, a chilled bottle of champagne waiting, before being whisked off to  enjoy six hours of yoga classes in total over two days. But it doesn’t end there, the hotel also provide maps and a picnic for the intrepid to hike across the cliffs before returning to a three course bistro dinner to round off the day. We just missed the last retreat but the hotel informed us that as these breaks were so popular they will be running several in 2013. Make sure you call and book your place early to guarantee a spot.


Overall we were more than suitably impressed with what the hotel has to offer; the service was excellent, the staff were attentive and friendly, and all clearly committed to helping you enjoy your stay. The ethos of the hotel ‘attention to detail’ was evident in every service and gesture; they even bestow guests a parting gift of a bottle of water and an apple for the journey home – a touch we really enjoyed. If you’re looking for a unique winter break, which combines tranquillity with excellent food in unspoilt surroundings, you will not be disappointed. Equally for the yoga fans (from beginner to experienced) you can revel in all this luxury while practicing the thing you most love. Heaven.

www.thellawnrochotel.co.uk  Yoga Weekends start from £400

 

words by Caroline Wilks

Vitamin C Beauty Queens

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Discover the benefits of applying vitamin C to your skin this year

We have all heard of the benefits of vitamin C when it comes to keeping colds at bay, but perhaps what is less known is the positive effect vitamin C also has on our skin. Not only does it work from the inside out (so keep on taking those super C supplements) but it also has fantastic results when applied topically. In fact, Pauline Hili, founder of Nourish Skin Range, has done research which reveal that vitamins applied topically to the skin have a much greater effect. Vitamin C is a great free-radical warrior helping to fight signs of ageing and protect against the environment. It also helps heal the damage already done (now you’re talking…) – it has been scientifically proven to reduce pigmentation (for all you sun worshippers out there) and encourages the fading of scars (for the spot squeezers amongst us) and stops inflammation in it’s tracks. Hili also says that vitamin C is also really important in collagen production. And with collagen being the core protein in skin, it would seem that this mighty vitamin plays a huge part in keeping our skin supple, young and all-round gorgeous.

See below for our Top 5 in Vitamin C Skincare: 

Ren Radiance Perfecting Serum, £35
(http://www.renskincare.com/p/3386)

Herbalife Radiant C Daily Booster Gel-Cream, £24.20
(http://products.herbalife.co.uk/personal-care/radiant-c/skin-booster#)

Nourish Protect Hydrating Moisturiser, £14.95
(http://shop.nourishskinrange.com/ProtectHydratingMoisturiser.html)

Aesop B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel, £77
(http://www.aesop.com/uk/skin-care/b-triple-c-facial-balancing-gel.html)

Murad Essential-C Cleanser, £34
(http://www.murad.co.uk/essential-c-cleanser)

Have a Sugar-Free Year this 2013

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It’s time to let the sweet stuff go and live a life full of sugar-free fun…

We all know that sugar is bad for our teeth, but what about its effect on our health, skin and stress levels? Described as a “legal drug” by nutritionist and wellness warrior, Kris Carr, sugar may just be one of the most addictive and deadly killers out there. It works silently by alluring it’s victims into a false sense of sugary security (the sugar high) and then quietly but quickly plunges them into the depths of darkness of exhaustion, spots, stress and craving some more so that they can feel great again… sound like a drug now? We thought so.

You need only to look at the statistics to realise the horrid impact that sugar can have on our health. High sugar consumption is one of the most important and prominent risk factors of diabetes. A Harvard study recently reported that women who drank one or more sugar-sweetened soft drinks per day were 83 percent more likely to develop type two diabetes than women who drank less than one a month. And get this – sugar is also hidden everywhere – did you know that a 12-ounce can of cola has the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of sugar in it in the form of things like high-fructose corn syrup or HFCS – all code words for sugar.

So another year rolls by and somehow we all manage to consume even more of the sweet stuff than the year before, which makes us want it more. Make this the year that you say no to sugar. Once cut out, it’s amazing how quickly the body adjusts and no longer craves it. Suddenly you will find things like apples a haven of super sweetness and dried fruit will be almost too sweet for most.

Not totally convinced that you could have better, healthier (not to mention way hotter) lives if you ditch sugar for 2013. Here are a few more reasons:

Sugar hates our skin
When you are just about to consume a sugary sweet looking cupcake, please pause for a second and take a moment for your skin. As soon as you eat this innocent looking pink spongy thing just know that the sugar will enter your blood stream quickly, rapidly causing your blood sugar levels to go up. The sugar will then attach itself to collagen (the stuff that makes our skin look lovely and young) in a process called glycation which in turn makes the skin stiff and inflexible and yes aged! This is a sure-fire way to increase the amount of wrinkles you have. That sort of thing is irreversible. Not so keen to eat the pink, sweet cupcake now? Didn’t think so.

It makes us ill
Sugar puts a major strain on the immune system making us more susceptible to catching things like colds, coughs, or worse.

It fuels cancer
Cancer cells love sugar. They eat it up – literally – and it helps them grow, multiply and dominate. Cancer cells have a metabolism much higher than that of normal cells so they are extremely hungry and they need the sweet stuff in order to gain energy. In Kriss Carr’s book Crazy Sexy Diet, she explains how for those with any doubt about cancer cells and their love of sugar need only to consider how a PET scan works. Patients are injected with a tiny amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) and the test measures the parts of the body that absorb the most glucose to show them where the cancer is. As soon as the sugar reaches the cancer cells, the cancer cells start munching away causing them to light up like fireworks and showing the examiner exactly where the cancer is.

It makes us fat
Balancing your blood sugar levels is one of the most important factors in keeping your weight in check, as the level of glucose in your blood largely determines your appetite. When your level drops (like that experienced after eating something sugary) you feel hungary causing you to eat more. And probably more sugary rubbish at that. Not cool.

 

Have a Healthy January

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Not embarking on a detox programme but want to stay healthy this January? Naomi Murtagh, Co-founder of Atone, an award-winning, beautifully packaged range of six Natural Enzyme Supplements, gives us her tips on how to have a healthy January.

1. Regular Detoxing beats fatigue

Detox/Anti-Fatigue contains a blend of enzymes we need to extract energy and nutrients from the foods we consume. Within each capsule there is a formula made from 10 vital ingredients, all of which give our body the very best chance of detoxing safely, more effectively and without feeling lethargic and bloated. I try to do this along with eating lots of fresh fruits and vegetables once each season at least.

2. Eat healthy and in-season during winter

During the winter months I love to make a big pot of seasonal vegetable soup or a chicken tagine with preserved lemon & olive to share with friends. I love snacking on home roasted nuts and seeds and dried fruits, especially dates! I also take Digestion with probio all year round, which I find really beneficial for my system.

3. Care for your skin

On a trip to Fez, Morocco, a few years ago, a friend there told me about Argan oil which the French use on their skin and hair – it can also be used as a cooking oil. I have since used it on both my skin and hair and swear by it – it gives a healthy glow to the skin and is great used as a base before putting moisturiser on a few minutes afterwards. My skin is prone to dryness in the winter months so I use it more often then. (We love organic argan oil from www.nourishskinrange.com).

4. Boost your immune system with juice

I am a great fan of juicing fruit and veg – whatever is at hand – and I really believe this helps hugely with keeping illness at bay and boosting your immune system. I use a lot of cucumber, celery, radish, fennel, pears, apples, oranges and ginger – served over ice, it’s surprising how tasty and refreshing the most unlikely mix can be! Our Immunity supplement also combines a blend of components believed to encourage healthy circulation and normal blood pressure, to boost immune function, cleanse free radicals and help the body to both heal and produce energy through the metabolism of fat – exactly what the body needs in winter months.

5. Keep fit

I run all year round. I have completed a few marathons but find training for half-marathons more manageable to fit in. I love discovering new routes and we are lucky to live close to Victoria Park, Regents Canal and not far from the river Thames, all of which offer endless new routes to try out. During winter I also love to do Bikram Yoga – ideally a couple of times a week. I love how this makes me feel after a session, and with the added heat, it feels like it really does have substantial health benefits for the body both inside and out.

www.atoneonline.com

 

 

Heal Your Hangover the Healthy Way

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Heal Your Hangover the Healthy Way

How to heal a hangover

Big night out? Regretting that last final jager bomb? Scrap that… regretting all the jager bombs? We thought so. We’re not saying it is a good idea to knock back the booze this Christmas, but it is the season to be merry and getting drunk, for many, come part and parcel with the celebrations. So what do you do when you wake up feeling a bit worse for wear? We have a few ideas. Try the below tips to help you get through the holiday season unscathed…

Water / Coconut Water
We know you have heard it before, but we’ll say it again. A hangover is a result of being dehydrated. When you drink booze, it actually makes you pee out more than you take in and hence your body lacks in fluids when you wake up. The headache and dry mouth is a result of this. So drink a glass of water upon waking and continue to sip throughout the day. About half way through the day switch to coconut water as it is full of wonderful electrolytes and is brilliantly hydrating. The only reason we don’t suggest it first thing is that a lot of people can’t handle the taste when they first wake up.

Asparagus
A recent study revealed that eating asparagus after a night out was particularly effective in helping a hangover. This is because the vegetable contains enzymes that are brilliant in breaking down the alcohol in your body. The researchers at the Institute of Medical Science and Jeju National University in South Korea who analysed the effect of extracts of asparagus on human liver cells said that “cellular toxicities were significantly alleviated in response to treatment with the extracts of asparagus” in a news release from the Institute of Food Technologists. “These results provide evidence of how the biological functions of asparagus can help alleviate alcohol hangover and protect liver cells.” We suggest having eggs and asparagus for breakfast!

Yoga Twists
Many yogis believe that a good old yoga twist is essential to helping that hangover. The twists in particular massage and ‘rinse out’ the internal organs of the toxins. For a great yoga twist see yesterday’s elf4health advent calendar here.

Aromatherapy
The solution to one of the best hangover cures has been right under our nose all this time. It is thought that something as simple as aromatherapy can help ease a hangover symptoms such as headaches, nausea and that foggy feeling (you know what I am talking about!). Essential oils such as eucalyptus and lavender oil is said to help alleviate headaches and unblock the sinuses making everything feel a bit clearer, whilst peppermint oil is great for reducing nausea. Add to the bath or just to a bowl of boiling water.

Bananas
Just like the coconuts water, eating bananas the morning after the night before helps replace lost electrolytes in your body, which in turn  will help to get rid of that unwanted headache. It also replaces lost potassium (a result of alcohol’s diuretic effect). Kiwis are also potassium rich. For a super hangover healing smoothie recipe click here.

 

 

 

 

Time to Cleanse: Is it time you give your body a break? One writer finds out

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Cleansing your body is more than just cutting out alcohol during the week, an all over body cleanse involves pushing out all the toxins that create the problems your organs have to deal with on a daily basis. Whether it is green juices for a week or a ‘Paleo’ protein diet, the ultimate ‘reset button’ for your body is to cleanse it, there is nothing better for you than cutting out all the bad things you put into that temple that is your body. Think about all the functions that your body has to do on a daily basis, it is an amazing piece of live machinery and needs some serious TLC. The big question is how do you stick to a cleanse, the answer involves two easy steps, the first being ready within your mind and your body will always follow. The second involves planning, start with one week of pre-organised meals and go from there.

Have you ever gotten to that point when Monday swings around and you feel like Saturday nights hangover is still holding on, Vicki Edgson, leading UK nutritionist and co-author of ‘Honestly Healthy’ explains, “alcohol stays in your system well over forty-eight hours after you finish consuming it, you start the week feeling horrible while your body is still processing the alcohol”. This means that the champagne and few too many vodka, lime and sodas that was Saturday night is probably still moving around your system come Monday morning. Don’t get me wrong, we are all after that wind down after the working week is over but what you need to ask yourself is ‘do I need that extra drink?’ According to the UK NHS alcohol choices advice, ‘regularly drinking over the recommended amount of alcohol can have a noticeable impact on your waistline. Many women don’t realise that two large glasses of wine not only puts them over there daily limit for regular alcohol consumption, but also provides them with nearly twenty percent of their recommended daily calorie intake’.

Zoe Copsey, head of nutrition at Lomax Bespoke Fitness, Nutrition and Wellbeing explains, “binge drinking puts extreme pressure on your liver and kidneys to process huge amounts of alcohol at once, if you overload these vital organs they push the toxins that they can’t process back into your body, this can cause digestive, skin and general health problems”. Everybody reaches that point when their body is asking for a break, a body cleanse is the best way to kick start this off. As someone who enjoys a good few drinks and the food that goes along with it on the weekend I believed that when I exercised and ate healthy during the week it ‘cancelled out’ all the bad things I put into my body on the weekend. This is a huge misconception, as the saying goes, two wrongs do not make a right and in this case that phrase is certainly true.

There are many cleanse options out there, you can either do it yourself or have nutritionists, like Zoe and Vicki design a weekly menu for you. At Lomax Bespoke Health they provide a five or seven day cleanse where all meals and snacks are provided for the time period. Their cleanse menu is meat and wheat free; this includes no red or white meat and fish. After I had nutritional consultation with Zoe, she recommended I undertake the seven day cleanse to give my body a better chance to ‘reset’ itself and so it began.

A Lomax cleanse allows your body to focus on processing food that it will find much easier to digest. Your liver also aids digestion and this gives it a huge break too. ‘Cleansing’ means no coffee or alcohol, it is strictly water and green tea unless otherwise specified. They do not recommend exercise whilst ‘cleansing’. Jonathan Lomax, CEO and founder of Lomax Bespoke Health explains, “your body is already undergoing a big change in itself, it can be a shock taking away all the toxins that we put into our bodies and it can react in many ways, everybody is different”. Cleanses are different to diets. The main point of a cleanse is to rid your body of the impurities and toxins that we all put into it on a day-to-day basis. A diet differs from this and is usually used as a weight loss aid or if you suffer intolerances/allergies to certain food products.

The hardest part of ‘cleansing’ is the halfway mark, this is when the body has usually pushed out the previous toxins and is running purely on a new and improved cleansing body. The last toxins are holding on for dear life, in this stage emotions and cravings run high. Day four entailed me thanking my breakfast of muesli and berries with almond milk, you begin to connect and appreciate your food. After this stage you begin to realise how amazing you feel with this ‘cleansed’ body of yours.

My biggest struggle was eating every three hours, I come from a family of large portions three times a day, not small portions including two snacks. Throughout my cleanse I ate Mediterranean and hummus buckwheat wraps, vegetable frittatas with an array of delicious salads, mixed bean and tomato soup with stir fried vegetables and delicious fresh fruit smoothies and vegetable juices. Nuts and seeds were the majority of my snacks, but my favourite was the wild rice salad with avocado, quails eggs and fresh vegetables. These are just a handful of meals that Lomax provided for me fresh on a daily basis.

When you finally reach the end I guarantee you will never look at that muffin in the same way again. I did savour my first coffee after I finished my cleanse but it did not taste the same and I found myself determined to stick to the eating patterns I had made over the last week. By the end the previous weeks meal structure really drives you to integrate cleansing into your everyday life. My stomach had flattened out and I felt great, in fact one month on and I still do. I have the self-control to say no to sugar and alcohol. Don’t get me wrong I still enjoy a treat, I just have everything in moderation, which is the best way to enjoy most things – it’s just very hard to do. Doing the cleanse has made me respect my food and my body, helping me to make better choices and more mindful ones at that, which can only be a very, very good thing.

Fitness Phrases: We decode the fitness jargon

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Fitness Phrases: We decode the fitness jargon

 

We decode the fitness jargon so that you can go into 2013 hip, healthy and informed.

Aerobic: This translates literally as “with oxygen.” Aerobic exercise is the body’s process of producing energy with oxygen in the bloodstream. Byproducts are carbon dioxide and water (breathing and perspiration). Aerobic exercise is great for burning fat and strengthening your heart and lungs.

Anaerobic: “Without oxygen.” In anaerobic exercise, energy is produced without oxygen, usually because the exercise intensity is such that the heart and lungs can’t get enough oxygen to the muscles. Anaerobic exercise creates lactic acid, which causes a burning sensation in the muscles.

Body Mass Index (BMI): Your BMI number reflects your percentage of body fat in proportion to lean body mass by taking into account your height and your weight.

Catabolism: The destructive process that breaks down muscle tissue once the energy in your body has been exhausted. This starts to happen after around 45 minutes of intense exercise.

DOMS: Stands for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness.  It usually occurs 12-72 hours after new or strenuous exercise you feel it in the form of stiffness, tenderness, and dull aching pain.

Glycogen: The form carbohydrates take when stored in the muscles.

Interval Training: Consists of a short bursts of fast exercise alternated with a slower and easier level of fitness activity.

Lactic Acid (Lactate): A byproduct of anaerobic (or high-intensity) exercise that collects in the muscles and causes soreness, stiffness and fatigue.

TRX: A suspension training system that is made up of two pieces of nylon webbing, each attached to a handle. It originated from the US Navy Seals.

VO2 max: The largest volume of oxygen your body can take in and assimilate. This figure is very high in trained endurance athletes.

Our Top Five Healthy Restaurants in London

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Our Top Five Healthy Restaurants in London

words by Stephanie Matysiak

 

London is full of fantastic restaurants; the majority however can leave you feeling unhealthy, bloated and worrying about what exactly has been put in your meal. It can be quite tricky to find healthy restaurants that serve not only really great food but also provide nutritional benefits. I have put together a few of my best finds in London, which serve delicious yet healthy meal options. Bon appetit!

Saf, High Street Kensington
Saf is a Vegan restaurant with a great concept, they do not cook any food above 48c in order to preserve the highest amount of nutrients and flavours. Saf serves gourmet foods using plant based ingredients with the majority created in house providing a wide variety of healthy meal options. Their menu includes options such as a Green Master Detox salad, Massaman curry, the Saf Burger (organic gluten free bun of course!) and a Pad Thai. Saf is conveniently located above Whole Foods on High Street Kensington so you can pop in for a healthy nutritious meal after you have done your healthy food shop!

Mildred’s, Soho
Mildred’s is a fantastic Vegetarian restaurant in the heart of Soho. Mildred’s serves delicious and wholesome meals, offering a variety of gluten free, wheat free and vegan options. Mildred’s uses organic ingredients where possible and will always try to source from local businesses. A restaurant that serves a salad named the Organic Energising Detox Salad is sure to get a visit from me! I highly recommend their Cinnamon Spiced Stew, which is gluten and wheat free.

Granger and Co, Westbourne Grove
Granger and Co brings to us a taste of the healthy Aussie way of life! Brought to us by Bill Granger, Granger and Co is fantastic for breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Situated in the very stylish Westbourne Grove, this airy restaurant is a delight to dine in. The speciality on the menu is the Sweetcorn Fritters with roast tomatoes, spinach and bacon. Avocado on the side is a must to give the dish a true healthy Aussie taste!

Ottolenghi, Islington
Ottolenghi in Islington is the hippest and healthiest place to be seen in Islington! The menu provides a variety of delicious Mediterranean inspired dishes that are fantastic to share. The only problem with this restaurant is deciding which dishes to pick, as all options are incredibly appealing. The Roasted Aubergine with feta yogurt and crispy kale salad is a must as is the Five Spice Tofu. If you are feeling naughty, the cakes and desserts are some of the best in London!

The Gate, Hammersmith 
The Gate serves fantastic seasonal Vegetarian meals with an interesting twist. The menu is influenced by the owner’s Indo-Iraqi Jewish upbringing. The Gate succeeds in serving a variety of wonderful and nutritious meal options such as Root Vegetable Chickpea Tagine and Beetroot Ravioli. Time and time again I go back here as I have yet to experience a bad meal is always served at a very reasonable price. You can always to expect to try something different, the Lavender Crème Brulee was a first for me!