Hair Heroes: They nourish, they protect, they tame and they transform. Fighting the battle against bad barnets – all hail the Hair Heroes

Written by

They nourish, they protect, they tame and they transform. Fighting the battle against bad barnets – all hail the Hair Heroes, says Frankie Rozwadowska

For fine hair: Alterna Abunant Volume Shampoo (£16.75) & Abundant Volume Conditioner (£16.75)

Luxury, eco-friendly hair-care that many an A-lister swears by, Alterna’s cutting-edge professional formulations are free from sulfates, parabens, sodium chloride and other horrible chemicals. Instead they are infused with globally sourced sustainable ingredients, such as organic Bamboo and phyto-nutrient rich organic Maca Root. A winning combo for fine hair – they work together to add fullness, thickness and lift whilst strengthening and rebuilding hair from the inside out. There really is no Alterna-tive.

The boost: Moroccanoil Treatment Light (£30.45)

The mighty Moroccanoil Treatment has fast become a beauty phenomenon, pioneering oil-infused hair products and winning countless awards. Hence the immense excitement when the Moroccanoil Treatment Light was introduced – the ultimate boost for fine hair. Infused with argan oil, it’s instantly absorbed (no nasty greasy residue) to nourish, strengthen, protect, and improve elasticity to leave locks luminous and luxuriously silky.

For coloured hair: Rahua Shampoo (£26.00) & Conditioner (£27.50)

Deep from the depths of the Amazon comes Rahua – a highly potent, restorative oil that’s the secret behind the thick, lustrous hair Amazonian beauties are so known for. Now, thanks to these hair heroes, there’s no need to travel across the globe to reap the Rahua’s rewards. Unlike other botanical oils, Rahua (pronounced ra-wa) deeply penetrates the hair, both repairing and bonding whilst smoothing from root to tip – ideal of coloured or high-lighted hair. With a shampoo to fortify and regenerate, and a conditioner to soften and protect – there’s no product build-up, so colour remains bright and beautiful.

The boost: Bumble & Bumble Color Minded UV Protective Polish (£25.50)

Containing and array of antioxidants to nourish and sunflower seed oil to add lubricity and shine, this nifty little spray is the perfect way to illuminate and care for coloured hair. It protects against heat, contains UV filters to guard against damaging sun rays, and seals in colour with its clever colour preserving complex.

For lifeless hair: Ojon Volume Advance Shampoo (£18.00) & Volume Advance Conditioner (£19.50)

Limp, lifeless hair that needs some extra va-va-voom? Look no further than the Ojon Volume Advance range. It lifts  hair up, fills it out, and injects it with weightless volume, body and texture. The secret ingredient? Peruvian amaranth – South American seeds that are a rich source of protein to seal hair cuticles and provide essential nutrients, resilience and thickness. Working with these super seeds is Ojon’s unique oil – rich in lipids to boost the fortifying activity of Amaranth proteins and to help build up hair’s natural resistance to future damage.

The boost: Intelligent Nutrients Certified Organic Volumizing Spray (£30.00)

The name says it all really. It’s clever, it’s natural, and it injects your locks with a new lease of life. With no nasties or faux fragrances – this spray is the spring in your hair’s step.

For dry hair: John Masters Organics Evening Primrose Shampoo (£16.00) & Lavender & Avocado Intensive Conditioner (£22.00)

Founded on the philosophy that the earth deserves as much respect as our bodies, John Masters Organics shuns synthetics in favour of organic and wild-crafted care. The Evening Primrose Shampoo has been formulated for dry hair, made from the gentlest corn and coconut cleansers and an impressive 21 organic plant extracts, proteins and essential oils to hydrate, strength and soften. Used with this caring conditioner – an intensive hair moisturiser with shea butter, white tea and arnica – you can say a big bye-bye to dry. This stuff is so super, Jake Gyllenhaal even requested both products whilst shooting a movie, and he certainly has hair we’d like to run our hands through…just saying.

The boost: Davines NOUNOU Nourishing Repair Mask (£15.60)

The Davines range is made from more than 92% certified organic and sustainable ingredients and it ticks the eco-friendly box with its reusable and essential packaging that’s made with 100% renewable energy. But it’s this ultra nourishing and hydrating magical mask that’s a must. With olive butter to soften and moisturise, jojoba oil to counteract static and add shine, and cherry oil to add body, it combines natural anti-oxidants with protective properties to turn brittle, broken barnets into a healthy, moisturised mane. It’s a big YESYES for NOUNOU.

For frizz and flyaways: Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo (£16.50) & Smooth Infusion Conditioner (£18.50)

Frizz and flyaways – two words synonymous with fear and panic the world over. Save yourself the drama with Aveda’s Smooth Infusion shampoo and conditioner – a sure-fire way to smooth, sleek hair. With a Plant Infusion Blend derived from organic aloe, maize and guar bean, and a citrus-floral blend of organic bergamot, palmarosa, Bulgarian rose and Australian sandalwood, the blend deposits on areas of cuticle damage to help restore and repair the uneven surface. Tamanu oil restores hair’s moisture balance, working to soften and smooth by up to 60%. Even the must unruly of hair types can be tamed with this smooth operator.

The boost: Phyto Ultra Glossing Finishing Serum (£22.50)

Set your new shiny tresses with this very special serum. Infused with althea extract and provitamin B5, it hydrates and protects hair whilst banishing wild wisps (without weighing hair down). Each strand is coated in a synergy of smoothing, active ingredients for shiny, sleek luscious locks.

Beauty Rules with Abigail James: We quiz expert facialist, Abigail James, about looking after your skin

Written by

 

1. What should we look for in a good cleanser?

It totally depends on the skin, double cleansing is great, so a balm or milky cleanser to take of the surface then a wash to do a dealer cleanse, but there is no set rule for all skins. An acne skin should look for a cleanser with salycilic acid, where as a dry skin old need to look for something not too stripping.

2. Are there any facial massage techniques that are particularly effective?

At home if your skin is sensitive go gentle, if not go deep, lift, get involved and don’t be afraid of massage, getting the circulation going is great, lift and hold brow areas to open up the eyes.

3. Would you suggest using any flannels/ muslin cloths or is bare hands better to wash our faces?

Hands to start the cleansing process. Wash off with cloth or flannel, I would buy a handful of cloths just to use on your face which is why a muslin is often better as there is no confusion of your other half using it in the shower! Also use a fresh one at least every other day to keep them clean.

4. How important is serum?

These are great for added umph to your routine, some actives work better in a water or gel formula so they extend what your cream does without over clogging, and you can even layer up serums to suit your skin. If you are oily-skinned you might actually just choose to use a serum at night.

5. After how long can we tell if a product is really not right for one’s skin?

You will either have an immediate response, or give it at least 4 -6 weeks to make a decision, skin cells work on a monthly cycle you need to work with that.

Watch Abigail take you through a cleansing routine for more  top tips http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=010Zw-HZs4g

Reduce Work-Related Stress with AXA PPP healthcare – Plus Win a weekend break in Scotland

Written by

promo logo

Reduce Work-Related Stress with AXA PPP healthcare

Plus Win a weekend break in Scotland!

 VisitScotland Comp_blog

Are you grinding your teeth at night? Do you end the day with tight shoulders? Is getting out of bed in the morning an endless struggle? If you answered yes to any of these then you might be suffering from work-related stress. So many of us are finding it increasingly harder to wind down at the end of a day, not made easier by the array of technology that ensures we stay switched on at all times. So not only are we stressed at work but we carry that stress right up until bed time, only to wake up again and repeat the cycle all over again. So how does one manage this so that it doesn’t get taken out on our partner, family or friends? AXA PPP healthcare have a dedicated Stress Centre with experts on hand to give you tips and ideas on managing your stress. But here are a few Hip and Healthy ideas to start you on your way:

1. Give your jaw a massage before bed: This will help to ease any tension that has been building throughout the day.

2. Yoga: For one hour you will be hard pushed to think about anything other than holding a pose or your breath.

3. Running: Such a great cardio activity that will help release stress  whilst burning calories

Win A Break in Scotland (that’s one way to bust stress!)

Another great way to tackle stress is taking a break out of your daily routine and booking a break. And what could be more appealing than spending some all-important you-time in the gorgeous Scottish countryside. AXA PPP healthcare and Visit Scotland have teamed up to offer one lucky winner a luxurious two night stay for two at the five-star Stobo Castle in Scotland. Plus you’ll both receive a complimentary back massage and unlimited use of all the divine spa facilities. And all meals will be provided for as well £200 spending money and £200 towards the cost of travel.

ENTER: To enter the competition visit the competition Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AXAPPP/app_128546743959405

Competition closes on 31st March.

 

Three Ways to Walk Your Way to Fitness

Written by

promo logo

Walk Your Way to Fitness

blacks

Here at Hip and Healthy we often talk about our love of running. But let’s just slow the pace down a bit and shine a light on the health benefits of walking. Did you know that you can burn around 300 calories on an hour’s power walk? Plus it’s better on your knees and can provide an all over body workout depending on how much effort you put in. Defined, toned legs are just one of the healthy side effects, along with decreased stress levels, increased fitness and a boost in your happy hormone serotonin. Here are three ways to walk your way to fitness…

Buy a good pair of walking boots

Whether your rambling across hills in the countryside or replacing your daily commute with a new set of wheels (your feet!) buying a good pair of walking boots could be one of the best things you do for your health. Look for boots that match the route you’ll be taking. If you are in the country then you might need more stability and ankle support (watch out for those rabbit holes). If you are thinking of upping your mileage in the city then something that absorbs the shock of a flat, hard surface will help ease the impact from your knees. We suggest asking an expert at www.blacks.com to make sure you choose the right boot for you.

Embrace a new walking trend

There are plenty of new trends out there, but one that has caught our eye is Nordic Walking, which is about explode in popularity any minute now. Nordic Walking, also called Pole Walking, involves applying force to your poles (a bit like ski poles) with each stride you do and therefore gives more of an all-over body workout. It is estimated that Nordic Walking increases energy consumption by 46% when compared to normal walking. Susie MacLeod, a trained Nordic Walking expert, says the benefits are endless “in addition to working your legs, you are experiencing a full range of motion that engages the abdominals, arms, shoulders, upper chest and back muscles.” It can also be really sociable as you can chat as you go. Top tip: Why not suggest a quick ramble with a friend instead of coffee next time you want a catch up.

Incorporate walking into your daily life

If you are an early riser why not set your alarm half an hour even earlier to go for a quick pre-breakfast stroll. Keep your walking boots somewhere you will see them when you wake up as you are more likely to go. Or can your walk be part of your commute? In which case keep your walking boots by the front door for added motivation. Or if you get restless in the afternoon then maybe a walk in your lunch break will do you a bit of good? If that is the case, pop your walking boots under your desk. Make sure that whatever your intentions are, your walking boots act as a gentle reminder and you are more likely to follow through with it. It is one of the best tricks in the book.

www.blacks.co.uk

If you only do one thing this week… Recharge Your Body

Written by

It is that time of year when we are all getting a bit fed up with the cold weather and we are desperate for spring to come along to recharge our batteries and make us feel energised and happy again. Until then, here are a few things that you can do now to make you feel rejuvenated and ready for anything!

Start Your Mondays As You Mean To Go On 
I truly believe that by starting your Monday as you mean to go on sends the right message to  you and your body and you’re more likely to see your healthy regime through till Friday! I try and hit the gym before work, or kick off the day with a green juice (sometimes both when I’m feeling really angelic). You might prefer doing a yoga session or spending ten minutes meditating. Whatever you decide you want to do to give your week a proper Hip and Healthy kick, set the intention on the Sunday night and prepare for it. Lay out your clothes for the gym/yoga or organise the green juice ingredients as we all know that Monday mornings are busy at the best of times and if you can make it just that little bit easier the night before you are more likely to follow through with your healthy intention.

Stretch
Taking as little as ten minutes out of your day to stretch can reap amazing results. We suggest dividing this up to five minutes in the morning and five minutes before bed.
Morning Suggestion: Kneel with one knee on the floor (make sure your knee is supported by some form of padding such as a cushion). When steady in this position, tuck your pelvis under so you are creating a ‘C’ shape. Keep your back straight. You should feel this in your hip flexers and groin. Another major area it helps to stretch is the hamstring on your back leg.
Evening Suggestion: Backs get truly tight during the week so lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest and rock from side to side. This will help to loosen the shoulders and massage the lower back.

Don’t Skip Meals (and think carefully about snacks)
Many people skip meals as they feel they have over done it the day before and they want to cancel this out, but in fact this will just send the wrong sort of messages to your brain and you’ll end up feeling low in energy and depressed and then probably overeating on snacks later. Instead, eat properly and healthily each meal time and think about what snacks you would like to introduce. Have fruit before lunch (your body can digest it better), so an apple at 11am is a great way to starve off hunger for a bit longer. And then in the afternoon – if you feel you need something else – have a vegetable juice, a couple of gluten-free oat cakes or a Nakd bar (they are our fave!). Try not to snack on packets of nuts because if you are anything like me portion control can be a problem and before you know it the entire bag is gone!

Set Yourself a Bedtime
If you are going to work exhausted then this could be one for you! Tiredness can lead to over-eating (it makes your body constantly hungry by emitting the hunger hormone ghrelin), lack of exercise, poor decision making, grumpiness (no one likes grumpiness!), loss of sex drive, aged skin and a whole host of other really boring feelings! It has been reported that as much as 50% of Britons don’t feel like they get enough sleep. And women are three times more likely to have insomnia than men and another recent study performed in Tokyo revealed that those who don’t get a good night’s sleep are twice as likely to suffer from depression. Don’t be one of these people! Set yourself a bedtime and start properly winding down an hour and a half before then.

Also, check out our article on the joys of Personal Training. Click here.

 

Three Day Yoga Retreat in the UK: Hip and Healthy reviews Chaya Yoga Retreat in Kent

Written by

What do you get when you combine good healthy food, 8 hours of yoga and a good friend? Hip and Healthy’s idea of the perfect retreat

words by Sadie MacLeod

Chaya Yoga Image Retreat

I am ashamed to say that despite spending five years of my life in travel journalism, two of which I have focused more specifically on wellbeing holidays and, of course, editing Hip and Healthy, I have never been on a yoga retreat. In fact, I’m pretty bad at yoga full stop, but even if I wasn’t, even if I was the don of downward dog, I still think I would have resisted them for as long as I have. Why? Because they have always intimidated me. It’s not just that I can’t actually touch my toes on the best of days, I am also reluctant to do things like bridge pose as I am scared my back is not strong enough. And, am I the only person that runs through a list of what I need to get at Waitrose throughout Shavasana? Also, just the word retreat conjures up images of hemp wearing hippies eating very little and talking to each other in a whisper.

But now, 10 weeks before my wedding day, and in serious need of a wellbeing overhaul, it felt like the right time to see if all of that was really true. Can there be a yoga retreat that  is cool and fun and relaxed and yet also inspiring, healthy and set in chic and cosy confines? Enter Chaya Yoga Retreats and the effortlessly cool co-founder Daisy. Having suffered from Adult Acne, none of which is evident today, Daisy searched for a holistic way to heal her skin. She found that combining good nutrition, meditation, alternative therapies and yoga were the way back to clear skin. She then met two wonderful yoga teachers, Lucy Hill and Annabel Jones, and the trio behind Chaya Yoga Retreats was formed.

But there was no way I was going to lose my retreat v plates on my own, so I enlisted my Bridesmaid, Sophie, as well. We caught a super fast train out of London to Ashford, Kent where I had to prize the grande flat white out of Sophie’s hand. At the station we were met by Daisy and four of the other retreat goers. I soon learnt that these fellow retreaters all worked in London and led normal busy lives just liked us.

The cottage – a newly converted barn is set amongst acres of countryside and farmland. It was heavenly, and we settled in immediately. Greeted with green juice and kale chips, we then did our first two-hour yoga session. Asthere were only eight of us it allowed the instructor, Jo, to really help us individually. Jo started by asking us to set an intention for our practice, and instantly the word “acceptance” sprung to mind. Like many women in their twenties, I struggle to be happy in my own skin. There is always something to improve upon and frankly I am a little exhausted of always trying to better myself.

The classes were for beginners, thank god, and all previous misconceptions of being made to hold a headstand on the first day evaporated. In fact each of the yoga sessions, we did two hours in the morning and two hours at night, were totally doable, even for a novice like me. And each session ended in a 15 minute Savasana – the challenge of not falling asleep became increasingly easier as the weekend went on.

IMG_1075_2

The food was off-the-charts delicious and entirely free from dairy, sugar, wheat and gluten. Sophie and I filled our boots full of the delicious dishes Daisy made each mealtime. Buckwheat noodles with Tamarind Sauce (a Hemsley & Hemsley special, who Daisy knows personally), chickpea curry with flax seed crackers, red cabbage and beetroot salad with seeds and the pièce de résistance – an avocado chocolate moose. One completely crazy guest didn’t want theirs so Sophie and I managed to carefully find some space in our stomachs for a bit more. The breakfasts too were an inspiring mix of homemade granola, coconut porridge, with bee pollen and sunflower seeds, and buckwheat toast with almond butter.

On the Saturday, Daisy had organised for us all to have a kinesiology session with a practioner called Simon who has been practicing sincehe left his job as a lawyer. Simon usually practices just outside of London and is passionate about holistic health. For those who have no idea what kinesiology entails, it is an east-meets-west practice that involves muscle testing to helps identify imbalances in the body. After not very long at all, Simon was able to tell that my tummy area was all out if whack (I consistently suffer from stomach aches) and just a few moments later he told me that I had had a parasite (I challenge anyone to move to Hong Kong and not get one). Although the parasite had since been “dispelled” it had left damage that was in need of repair. The following day, I woke to an email from Simon with details of what supplements I could take to help with the healing.

We ended the day with a session of Yoga Nidra, also known as Yogi Sleep. To describe it best it is an hour-long savasana where you are guided into a deep meditation and the trick is not to fall asleep. I spent the time thinking about my intention for the retreat, acceptance, and used this key word to help form all my other thoughts. As soon as I started to go off track I would just picture the word acceptance and try to think about things I was really grateful for.

Sunday consisted of another two-hour yoga session followed by a massage with Daisy herself, which can only be described as 60 minutes of total bliss. Before we parted ways Daisy dished up some delicious butternut squash homemade soup with lime and coconut served with flax seed crackers followed by some raw chocolate, which we could all take home.

What I learnt on this detox yoga retreat was not so much about detox, or indeed yoga but more about myself. And my dear friend Sophie. Together we came away having spent some real, quality time together. Daisy gave us the backdrop in which to understand better our feelings, fears, and futures. Chaya gave us the tools through massage and kinesiology to explore questions that we had, and confirm truths that we knew. And we gave ourselves the time to just be present in the moment, happy and accepting.

The next Chaya Detox retreats are running from 8th – 10th March or  from 22nd – 24th March. www.chayayogaretreats.com/retreats

For more information on kinesiology visit www.kintreatment.co.uk

A Couple of Daisy’s Recipes

Raw Choc Recipe – serves 12

Base

12 oz cacao butter

4 oz coconut butter

12 oz cacao powder

8 oz dark agave nectar

Optional additions:

8 drops peppermint / orange oil

Raisins, chopped almonds, desiccated coconut

Method
Melt cacao and coconut butter using a bain-marie, stir in cacao powder, agave nectar and any optional additions, add to moulds and refrigerate for at least 1 hr.  So simple!

Mung Bean Curry – serves 4

1 tsp coconut oil

1 red onion, chopped

1 tsp finely chopped garlic

1 tsp grated ginger

4 small red chillies, finely chopped

1 tbsp white miso paste

1 tsp cinnamon

1 tsp paprika

2 dried kaffir lime leaves

3 plum tomatoes, chopped

1 sweet potato, diced

400ml coconut milk

2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

2 tsp Himalayan crystal salt

150g mung beans, cooked

2 handfuls spinach

1 handful coriander, chopped

Method
Heat coconut oil in a large pan. Add the onion, garlic, ginger, chillies and white miso paste and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens. Add spices, lime leaves and tomatoes and cook for a further 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften. Add sweet potato and cook for 3 minutes, then add the coconut milk, apple cider vinegar, crystal salt and mung beans. Simmer for 15-20mins until the sweet potato is tender. Stir through the spinach leaves immediately before serving and add the coriander to garnish.

Luxury Family Holidays – Yes! It is Possible

Written by

promo logo

When it comes to family short breaks in the UK, Luxury Family Holidays have got it covered

Picture this: It’s the weekend, you are just about to have your first spa treatment of the day, your little ones are merrily having fun at an expertly run Den and then later you’ll be reuniting in the luxury pool for some proper play time all together before you have lunch. There is no need to compromise on quality when it comes to family short breaks if you book a stay with Luxury Family Holidays. Doing exactly what they say on the tin, Luxury Family Holidays offer a discerning portfolio of hotels in some of the most beautiful areas of the UK all of which are family- (and in some cases – pet-) friendly.

From elegantly designed sumptuous bedrooms to sybaritic spas that offer a range of facilities catering for both adults and children, each hotel will make you feel completely at home and relaxed. Take Wooley Grange for example, a stunning Jacobean manor house in Wiltshire, which comes with five different dedicated play areas for children, including an Ofsted registered creche called Wooley Bears Den. Or Fowey Hall, which comes with a superb 12 meter indoor swimming pool and is just a stones throw away from the Eden Project. The Elms, located in rural Worcestshire, is another hit with families. The restaurant there, Brookes Restaurant, offers the perfect balance of family-friendly and fine dining, and if you fancy some all-important time with your partner they’ll even arrange high tea for the little ones leaving you to enjoy the Brookes Restaurant all on your own.

Although a family of all ages would love any of the site’s hotels, Luxury Family Holidays is particularly renowned for it’s intelligent approach to catering for the pre-school market and offers fantastic value for money for short stays both mid-week and in term-time periods. Fun, family-friendly, and luxurious? Pets welcome too? Discerning families need never leave the UK again.

Walking Challenge: You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk?

Written by

promo logo

Walking Challenge: You can talk the talk but can you walk the walk?

walk in her shoes

Having run the marathon, numerous half-marathons and several endurance races it is not uncommon for me to be looking for my next challenge! So when I heard about the CARE INTERNATIONAL Walk In Her Shoes Campaign, I was raring to go. The challenge invites women to walk 10,000 steps (about five miles) every day for a week to highlight the plight of women in the developing world who walk many miles every day for water. For me, this is the distance to and from work from home. Now, I can often be found running to and from work but only about twice a week and never on consecutive days. So this is going to be testing, and although all you really need to have in order to take part in this is a pair of trainers, I see it as a great opportunity to splurge on a few bits an pieces that will further enhance the experience.

Why you should get involved?

Burn Calories
Depending on how fast you intend to strut your stuff, walking can burn up to 600 calories per five mile.

Great set of pins
Walking is a great way of toning and sculpting the legs without applying the strain and pressure to your knees that running does.

Increased fitness levels
Although you may not think it but walking 5 miles a day will undoubtably raise your fitness levels, which will in turn help you out in other sports.

Save you money
If, like me, you are using your walk to commute home then you’ll save yourself a fair but of money. In fact, it will hopefully make you aware of how much money you spend on travel, which so many of us do absent mindlessly. Keep tabs on it and use the money that you save to so something like go to the cinema… You’ve totally earned it.

Raising awareness
By tweeting and face booking your way through the challenge as well as telling your friends and colleagues about it you’ll be doing a great cause by raising awareness. If you tweet be sure to hashtag #wihs

Feel inspired? Get involved. For more details on how to take part visit http://www.careinternational.org.uk/walkinhershoes/

The walk in her shoes week is from 4th -10th March 2013.

 

If you do one thing this week… Pimp Your Breakfast

Written by

Pimp Your Breakfast: A Healthy Breakfast Just Got Healthier

hip+helcookbook-399

The Alarm goes off, and the race begins. Shower, get dressed and somewhere in the mix grab a bowl of cereal before rushing to the tube. Mornings can be brutal. So why shortchange yourself when a few simple additions to your breakfast could make all the difference. Recently I have been taking a few more minutes in the morning to prepare my breakfast and am reaping the benefits. Not only do I want something fuelling, tasty and filling but I also want great hair, skin and nails. And of course I want energy, that’s a given, but is a souped up metabolism too much to ask for as well? With these small but savvy additions, no its not!

Add to Porridge and Oats: Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are one of nature’s richest source of the essential fatty acid Omega 3. Omega 3 is needed in our diet to maintain optimum brain function and a healthy heart. Containing all 9 Amino acids the benefits for your skin, teeth, hair and bones are endless. Add 30g (two tablespoons) to your porridge. We love adding Blueberries too, but if the fridge is bare experiment with Linwoods delicious range: Milled Flaxseed, Cocoa, Strawberries & Blueberries, Milled Flaxseed & Goji Berries, Milled Flaxseed with Probiotic and Vitamin D.

Add to Spelt toast: Almond Butter
Rich in monounsaturated fats (the good fats of course) almond butter helps to reduce your level of cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. It also helps to regulate blood sugar levels by reducing the increase of insulin present after you eat a carbohydrate-heavy meal. We like ours with crushed raspberries on top.

Add to Smoothies: Get up and Glow shake by Patrick Holford
This low GI breakfast shake contains a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. With a third of your daily protein requirements from the best quality whole-foods this is the perfect way to start your day. Add your favourite dairy free-milk such as oat, rice or almond, half a banana, berries and a handful of kale (go on – be brave) and drink up!

Add to Muesli: Pomegranate Seeds 
Although muesli often contains raisins, dates and other dried fruit, these can be high in sugar so try adding some fresh fruit such as the super-food pomegranate to take your breakfast to another level. Pomegranates are ranked ‘super-foods’ for a very good reason. Brimming with antioxidants, they contain no fat, are very low in fructose and offer five grams of fibre and 15% of your daily vitamin C recommendation. Enjoy drizzled with oat, rice or almond milk for a very hip and healthy start to your day.

Add to Hot Water and Lemon: Cayenne Pepper & Ginger
Lemon is raved about for its high levels of vitamin C, aiding digestion and cleansing the liver and kidneys of toxins. Cayenne pepper like lemon also has wonderful immune boosting, anti-fungal and detoxification properties as well as increasing the metabolism, regulating blood sugar levels and stimulating the circulatory system. For one more way to pimp your hot water and lemon add ginger. Fragrant and tasty it is an excellent anti-inflammatory and can bring relief to joint and muscular aches. It also aides absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body, perfect to fire up those digestive juices before reaching for the fridge.

What it feels like… to write a love letter to someone you don’t know

Written by

words by Lorna Clansey

It was a wet, windy winter night and for the first time in I can’t remember how long, I was writing a letter. I didn’t even know the surname of the person I was writing to and I will certainly never meet her. All I knew was that Henrietta was in her seventies, lived in a small town in America and, since the death of her husband, was pretty lonely.

In 2010, Hannah Brencher was at college and she was suffering from depression. The only thing that really helped her to get through the day were the letters sent to her by her mother. They lifted her spirits and she started to think how she might be able to do the same for other people. What started with an anonymous love letter that she left on a train in New York City soon became a mild obsession with planting letters wherever she went. She got a real joy from spreading some love to a world that really needs it. She decided to make it bigger and set up More Love Letters with some friends, encouraging as many people as possible to leave anonymous notes for people to discover and enjoy.

In just over 2 years, word has spread and Hannah has appeared in numerous articles, has been invited to speak on TED, the site dedicated to filming and sharing inspirational talks and More Love Letters now have over 3000 followers on Twitter. The original idea has evolved and More Love Letters also encourage friends to get together for a love letter party. A person can write to More Love Letters and nominate a friend, a family member or someone they know who is having a hard time. They might have had their heart broken, lost their job or just really need a boost and a reminder that the world is a good place after all. More Love Letters then match that person up with a group of ten friends who are all willing to  give a few hours of their time to scripting to a stranger in need. This was the reason why, on a bleak November night I found myself surrounded by good friends, stationery, coloured pens and sticky stars. One friend had brought poetry books as an inspiration, another had brought homemade soup and a third had found some amazing ribbon to tie around the bundle that we would be sending to the States. To begin with we all sat there feeling a bit blank, wondering how to begin, but one by one, we got started and gradually, listening to music, chatting a bit and thinking about Henrietta, we wrote.

At the end of the evening, folding our letters into envelopes, we agreed that we had loved the experience. It was an opportunity to do something sociable, creative and relaxing in a way that we never normally do. As an added bonus, being kind and showing compassion is good for your health. According to Dr David Hamilton PhD, when we show compassion to someone this lowers blood pressure, dissolves free radicals in our bodies and reduces inflammation. But for all of us, the best part about the whole evening was knowing that in a few weeks, across an ocean, our letters would make someone’s day.

www.moreloveletters.com
(www.drdavidhamilton.com)

Dairy-Free, Sugar-Free Raw Berry Tarts

Written by

Raw Very Berry Tarts

 recipe by Madeleine Shaw

I LOVE tarts (no pun intended). However I often find a get quite a sore stomach from the amount of sugar and cream shoved into these little delights. I feel we should never go without so I have created my own dairy- and sugar-free alternatives.

Instead of cream I have used cashews. These wonderful nuts work really well as a substitute for cream as they blend easily and have that wonderful pure colour. These beauties are mineral rich and full of magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and selenium.

I have added blueberry’s on top however feel free to get experimental add whatever berry or fruit you desire on top. Blueberries are little pieces of magic, they highly abundant in antioxidants. Make sure you get your berries from and organic source as berries can often be highly sprayed by chemicals to protect the fruit from pests.

Ingredients

  • 100g of almonds
  • 50g of dates
  • 50g of coconut oil
  • 50g of desiccated coconut
  • A pinch of fresh ginger
  • 200g of cashews (soaked for 4 hours in water)
  • 100ml of coconut milk
  • 1 lemon
  • 100g of blueberries

IMG_4471

Directions

  1. To make the tart shells: In a blender blend the almonds, dates, coconut oil, desiccated coconut and ginger.
  2. Once this has mixed together check them mixture with your fingers and make sure it sticks together when pressed with fingers.
  3. Scoop out a spoonful of the mixture and place it into tart shells or cupcake holders. Either place into paper lined cupcake holders or grease your cupcake mold with coconut oil.
  4. Push the base mixture down so that I covers the bottom and sides making sure it is even.
  5. For the crème: Drain the water from the cashews and place them with the coconut milk, juice of the lemon as well and the rind, blend at a high speed until the cashews are fully creamed.
  6. Dollop the cream inside each shell, then place the blueberries on top of the cream.
  7. Place the tarts in the freezer for half an hour then in the refrigerator until tasting time.

Welcome to The House of Yoga: the new way to sweat it

Written by

If, like me the thought of sweating away in a hot room for an hour and a half fills you with dread then it’s time to pay a visit to The House of Yoga, says Bex Fairbrother

Newly-established studio, The House of Yoga is a spiritual and relaxation haven. Set in the trendy south-west suburb of Putney, a 15 minute train journey from London Waterloo, The House of Yoga is a new, state-of-the-art infrared hot studio.

As soon as I walked through the door, I felt a sense of calm and was greeted by a smiley gent who was signing myself and fellow yogis in.  The studio space is clean and uncluttered-exactly how your mind feels upon leaving the centre. The House of Yoga has successfully managed to create an environment which is truly relaxing and where one is able to escape the hectic pace of modern, everyday life which we seem to have become so accustomed to.

The teacher Natasha was inviting, friendly and informative, giving us variations of the poses depending on how strong and dynamic we were feeling at that present moment. Like restaurants that only have a few dishes on the menu are often found to be the best, the same can be said for the House of Yoga. Since they are not over-fussy – what they do, they do well. They only offer a small selection of well thought-out classes and each there is one to suit all tastes and abilities. What’s also great about the studio is that there is also a fresh air ventilation system running through the studio so there are no unpleasant odours pervading the air.

Whilst Bikram yoga is practised in the oppressive, stifling heat of 40 degrees celsius, the classes at The House of Yoga take place in the bearable and arguably quite pleasant temperature range of 28-32 degrees. This is because the studio is heated using infrared panels, creating a soothing rather than hostile heat. There are numerous therapeutic benefits to practising yoga in infrared heat. In particular, the heat has a hugely detoxifying effect on the body as the movements coupled with the heat encourages the body to sweat thus promoting the removal of toxins that are stored in the body.

Normal yoga is championed for improving flexibility, joint mobility as well as reducing muscle stiffness and while yoga, which is practiced in infrared heat has all of these health-boosting benefits, it has in much larger quantities due to the added bonus of the heat. Hot yoga also promotes weight loss, improves our circulatory system, lowers blood pressure and reduces stress. Meanwhile the heat allows you to move deeper into your postures.

The type of yoga which is practiced in The House of Yoga is Hot Power Vinyasa Yoga.  As the name suggests, this form of yoga is powerful and dynamic. The word vinyasa means flow and this idea of fluidity in movement and breath transcends all the classes. It is an uplifting style of yoga that not only tones, strengthens and conditions the body but increases flexibility.

There are also classes ranging from one hour to an hour and a half so depending on how energetic and ambitious you are feeling, there is something for complete newbies to the more, hardcore, die-hard yogis.

What is fantastic about this type of yoga and the reason it has become so popular is the fact it leaves you feeling cleansed from the inside out, ensuring you leave the class on a natural high. If you are new to Hot Vinyasa Yoga and are slightly dubious about the prospect of holding challenging poses whilst enduring hot temperatures then the fantastic introductory offer of 14 days of unlimited yoga classes for £20 is the perfect choice. You will definitely get the yoga bug after the first class and will be definitely get your money’s worth.

There is a lovely community spirit within the studio and they also offer an exciting variety of workshops and programmes for those who are looking to deepen their practice. With expert tuition, affordable classes and flexible membership, it’s a no brainer. Rejuvenate your exercise routine and ensure you don’t fall off the new year’s resolution wagon with a class of Hot Power Yoga at The House of Yoga.

Visit www.thehouseofyoga.co.uk to find out more.