City Escape: Om Tribe Yoga Studio is just 5 mins from Canary Wharf, but you’ll feel a million miles away. One writer investigates

Om Tribe Yoga Studio is just five mins from Canary Wharf, but will give you the yogic headspace to make you feel a million miles away. One writer investigates.

words by Bex Fairbrother

Hidden beneath the sprawling mass of towering skyscrapers that is Canary Wharf, is the unassuming power yoga studio, OM Tribe Yoga. This quirky, bohemian exercise space is an exciting and positive addition to an area which is often seen as quite soulless and generic in its choice of buildings and shops. Not only is its presence in the area very much welcomed, the studio and staff are also approachable, charming and helpful, whilst the studio is a large, airy, inviting space with a high, beamed ceiling.

The name of the studio, OM Tribe Yoga is particularly apt as the classes are a unique fusion of calm (OM, the most sacred mantra) with dynamic, ‘tribal’ movements and asanas. There are classes to suit all levels of experience including Vinyasa Flow, Jivamukti and Power Vinyasa. Their signature class is Hot Power Yoga which was the class I tried. If you are looking for an invigorating and dynamic workout, I would highly recommend this class. It essentially takes place in a warm, heated chamber. However, as it is only heated to 28 degrees, it is much less intense than the stifling heat of Bikram Yoga and allows you to achieve a deep flexibility throughout your body.

Power yoga is vigorous and dynamic, forcing your body to challenge itself, pushing it to new limits. Great if you love trying new workouts and like mixing things up whilst also testing your body and your mind’s endurance. It is essentially a moving meditation. As there is a quick pace and rhythm to the class, there is no time for your mind to wander as you are constantly made to focus on the here and now.

There was a strong emphasis on the sun salutation sequence at the beginning of the class and then various, dynamic poses were added in which you challenged your body, pushing it to new limits. These simple movements practised in infrared, radiant heat has a detoxifying effect on the body whilst also enabling you to move deeper into the stretches with both comfort, ease and safety. The class was accompanied by upbeat, energetic music which was well synced to the postures whilst the teacher was easy to follow and passionate, giving modifications on various poses where necessary, whilst also helping certain students get deeper into their asanas.

At OM Tribe Yoga, it is not only the classes that strip everything back to basics, the studio building itself is essentially a disused wooden workshop which has been renovated to make a light, airy yoga space. It creates a strong contrast to the surrounding, polished structures that characterise this mini, financial metropolis.

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The studio is tucked away in a peaceful spot, just a short walk from Canary Wharf station. It is fully equipped with all the necessary yoga equipment including mats, blocks, straps etc, whilst the facilities, despite not being overly spacious are super clean and include toilets, showers and a changing area. At reception they offer free filtered water and herbal tea and there is also bottled water and other drinks to buy as well as towels to rent.

They also have a number of reasonably priced membership offers, including 3 weeks of unlimited yoga for £30 for new students, allowing you to come as many times as you like during that time period. If you’re not hooked after the first few classes, you definitely will be after 3 weeks.

As yoga is known for its stress-reducing qualities, this small, bespoke studio will ensure that even in the heart of the city you come away feeling relaxed, revived and more supple, oozing maximum health and vitality.

For more information visit: www.omtribeyoga.com/visit-the-studio

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Power Smoothie Recipe: Swap your porridge for something just as powerful this morning

Summer has arrived, so swap your porridge for something just as powerful. This insanely delicious smoothie for breakfast may feel like a treat, but, it is in fact, ridiculously healthy! What are you waiting for – blenders at the ready.

DF, WF, SF, GF, VG

(Serves 2)

Ingredients:

1 Banana

1/3 cup Cashew nuts

4 Medjool dates

2 tbsp Chia seeds

1 tsp Cinnamon

2 Cups Oat Milk

Method

Blend… thats all.

So what good are all these yummy ingredients?

Banana – Packed full of potassium, bananas decreases the risk of high blood pressure, increases strength and reduces stress.

Cashew nuts  – Lower in saturated fats then their other nutty friends, these babies contain 5g of Protein per ounce and are an excellent source of magnesium.

Medjool Dates –  This important fruit is used in Arab countries after breaking fast for Ramadan, as just a handful of dates immediately restores the bodies energy levels.

Chia Seeds – Not only are these little power houses packed with Omega-3’s; One serving of these super-seeds contains as much calcium as 1/2 glass of milk, two times the fiber of a cup of oatmeal and two times the magnesium of a cup of spinach. Time to get to know Chia?- We think so!

Cinnamon – Regulates blood sugar levels, boosting the metabolism, stabilizing energy levels and mood.

Oat Milk – A great health-conscious dairy-free alternative to milk, high in natural iron and fiber, low in fats and sugars.

SERVING SUGGESTION
If serving for breakfast top with a sprinkle of your favorite granola, muesli or seed mix for an extra crunchy element.

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Healthy Hot Spots in London: London’s top health hubs for health and fitness lovers

We have picked our fitness-studios-cum-healthy-restos that make us want to buy and do everything!

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Triyoga, Chelsea (and Primrose Hill)

Best for: Yoga bunnies and spiritual souls

USP: Their incredible range of yoga classes is unrivaled – plus their awesome café may be small but it packs a pretty awesome punch in the nutrition department.

Tell us more: Situated at the top of the King’s Road, Triyoga has become a Hip and Healthy favourite. It is clean, chic and light – everything you could ever want in a yoga studio. Plus the instructors are second to none. You can pay as you go or buy a block of classes. The changing rooms aren’t huge but they are lovely and cleaned regularly and the whole place smells of incense – heaven. The small, but none the less, brilliant café caters for all those dairy-free, gluten-free, sugar-free yogis out there (of which there are a lot). You can also pop in for a quick treatment. The acupuncture with Yuki comes highly recommended. www.triyoga.co.uk

 

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Equinox, High Street Kensington

Best for: Serious fitness folk

USP: It’s huge and varied but not too big

Tell us more: Having been around for more than 20 years in the US, and a huge following (both celeb and civilian!) Equinox finally felt that it was time to bring their fitness enthusiasm to the UK. And, boy, are we glad that they did! With a multitude of classes to choose from this really is the studio for everyone. Yoga, martial arts, cardio clubs – you name it, they do it and they do it well. Employing only the best fitness experts and wellness practitioners. Post work-out, spend some time getting to know the spa, where you can indulge in anything from a caviar facial to a chocolate massage (yes, you heard that right) or enjoy a fresh juice or extremely healthy lunch in their café. And if that wasn’t enough – one could also do some serious credit card damage at the shop, which recently (and exclusively) has just stocked Lucas Hugh’s new range of fitness getup. http://www.equinox.com

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BarreCore, Chelsea

Best for: movers and shakers

USP: All their very talented instructors are also qualified dancers

Tell us more: Brought to the UK by Niki Rein, personal trainer and founder of Barrecore, who, after seeing its success in the US, knew that it would do well in the UK too. And she was right. Since launching the first barre studio in London’s Chelsea, barre focussed workouts have sky-rocketed in popularity. Barrecore is at the forefront of this movement, and it’s new class BarreDance encourages women to dance their ways to a better body. You may feel a little silly at first as the instructor takes you through a routine to learn, but soon enough you realise that everyone else there is just as malco-ordinated as you are and nobody seems to care. It’s all about raising your heart rate and having fun. Although the studio doesn’t technically have a café as such it has a small area where you can buy that all important, fitness essential coconut water plus other drinks. It also offers a small range of health foods for the peckish punters leaving, of which you will be!
www.barrecore.co.uk

 Bulgari Hotel London www.jamesbedford.com

Bodyism at the Bulgari, Knightsbridge

Best For: the sytlish sybarite

USP: James Duigan’s Bodyism concept (that worked on Rosie Huntington-Whitely – need I say more)

Tell us more: The Bulgari took a bold step into the health and fitness world when they sign up James Duigan and his team of body experts. But it doesn’t stop there. The spa is one of the largest in London and is simply to die for with rooms simple but atmospheric. The pool is reminiscent of incredibly chic Roman baths that would have been fit for Ceaser – lavish but not ostentatious. But my favourite room of all is the cosy Yoga suite that fits 8 dedicated yogis and has a deliciously warm fire set behind glass. To make full use of the facilities book yourself onto one of their retreats (the next one is an Urban Yeotox Retreat led by Mercedes Ngoh from 20 to 22 September) where all the food served in the sophisticated iL restaurant is Ayurvedic inspired.
www.bulgarihotels.com

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Slice, Parsons Green

Best For: Yummy Mummies

USP: Their drop-in scheme that works a bit like an oyster card so there is no obligation to sign on the dotted line. Plus their facilities for kids are brilliant. So mummies can work out happy in the knowledge that their little ones are delightfully occupied

Tell us more: Made up of three recently renovated studios, a personal training zone, healthy cafe and an amazing creche this little piece of wellbeing heaven in Parson’s Green is the perfect place for yummy mummies to fit in their workouts. Classes include, yoga, Pilates, Zumba, 80s Aerobics, adult ballet and Barre Workout so there is more than enough to choose from. They have also just recently introduced a volley ball style based workout devised by the Team GB Strength and Conditioning coach. Then once you have sweated out your stresses in the studio, retreat to the café to meet with friends and have a gossip over a healthy herbal tea or smoothie. You can also attend fun, healthy workshops there, upcoming events include a raw food workshop, Rocket Yoga and healthy deserts demonstrations. www.slicestudios.co.uk

 

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Lomax, Chelsea

Best for: Made in Chelsea fans and luxe-lovers

USP: Their high-end approach to fitness, healthy food and beauty treatments – everything feels uber-luxe and lovely. Plus their health, beauty and fitness experts are ah-mazing

Tell us more: From the street Lomax looks like a gorgeous, light, healthy café, but venture further and you’ll soon discover the workout space upstairs (which you rent by the hour with or without a PT) plus divine treatment rooms, which use REN skincare, so the emphasis is on the natural. This is the ideal place to meet friends for a quick post-workout smoothie and then while away the afternoon having a treatment and using their showers. Trust me – you are going to want to use the showers! http://www.lomaxpt.com

 

 

 


Healthy Pudding Alert: Dairy-Free, Sugar-Free Mango Mousse

Mango Mousse

Serves 2

Ingredients

1 Mango

1/2 Cup of Cashews

1/4 Cup of Coconut Milk (not the canned one) or another dairy-free milk

2 Tablespoons of Goji Berries

Desiccated Coconut to Sprinkle

Method

Soak the cashew nuts until they are soft. You can do this in boiling water if you don’t have time to let them soak for a while. Then blend all the ingredients together. Then top with goji berries and the desiccated coconut.

 


The Best Healthy Holidays

Healthy holidays are the way forward. What better way to get your R&R than with some expertly-instructed yoga thrown in or deliciously healthy food to accompany it. We speak to Paul Joseph, co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel, and an expert in healthy holidays. As well as a love of all things travel, Paul’s other love is exercise, cycling and yoga. He is the perfect man to tell us exactly what we should be booking for our summer holiday right now!

Where would you recommend for the ultimate chill out?
If you’re looking for somewhere spectacular to de-stress, completely unwind and reconnect with nature, I recommend Zighy Bay in Oman, set in its own secluded bay. The contrast of the spectacular mountains and sparkling beaches makes it the perfect location to recharge your batteries and there are a number of activities, holistic classes and spa treatments to choose from. Enjoy a real sense of relaxation for total renewal.

Where would you suggest for a hard-core work-out week?
Our 38° North Fusion Fitness holiday at Aguas de Ibiza is the perfect place to shape up whilst enjoying some renowned Ibiza sunsets. From kickboxing to rooftop yoga classes, hiking to mountain biking, there is a full schedule of group exercise and personalised training for maximum results. If you are someone who is looking for a hard core workout week, then this fitness holiday is for you as it can be tailor-made to suit your preferences. You can also unwind with spa treatments, meditation and enjoy healthy meals.

Where is the best place to lose weight?
Longevity Wellness Resort nestled in the green mountains of Monchique has a structured weight management programme that is designed to guide you towards achieving and maintaining your ideal weight. They are also a pioneer in preventative anti-ageing medicine with an extensive timetable of wellness workshops and group activities from yoga and boxing, to nature hiking. The Longevity team will give you the tools and help to aid weight loss, helping you to manage your weight with a healthy diet.

Where should yoga bunnies go?
If you’re a fan of yoga, sunshine, delicious healthy food, fresh fruit smoothies and incredible juices then try Absolute Sanctuary, in Koh Samui, Thailand. This stunning Moroccan-inspired boutique resort offers five yoga classes a day including pranayama, meditation, Yoga flow, hatha, Ashtanga, yin, detox and hot yoga. The jungle studio, where all the classes take place has huge windows, so natural light can flood through, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful view. As well as the unlimited yoga offered in their yoga holiday programme, you also get the luxury of a daily aroma or Thai stretch massage at the spa.

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Where has a fantastic spa?
My favourite spa holiday is The BodyHoliday in St Lucia, the all-inclusive wellness resort at the northern end of this beautiful island has an impressive amount of holistic, fitness and sports activities with one daily spa treatment included. Having been voted Best Destination Spa in the world by Conde Nast Traveller readers, they offer a vast menu of spa treatments from Ayurvedic to reiki and extensive body and facial treatments with a specialised skin clinic. You will end your holiday feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and recharged.

Where have you been that has exceeded all your expectations?
Ananda in the Himalayas, 3,000 feet above sea-level and surrounded by vibrant green flora and valleys, brisk mountain air, and stunning scenery promotes a holistic approach to healing the mind, body, and spirit through its philosophy of combining Ayurveda and yoga. Bordered by the River Ganges, this chic destination spa nurtures a serene atmosphere and is a beautiful property with friendly staff, great rooms and fabulous food. Spa treatments, yoga, and meditation sessions stimulate spiritual well-being with adventure activities to invigorate physical health.

Is there anywhere new you would suggest people go?
The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort is a new destination spa in Malaysia offering a daily schedule of activities including tennis, golf, yoga, mountain biking, horse riding, hiking and jungle trekking to archery, exercise and dance classes, meditation and organic farming.

Paradis Plage in Morocco offers a good mix of yoga, surfing, spa and hiking. It’s not luxurious but offers good value and a relaxed atmosphere with spacious accommodation. The yoga studio on the beach is a perfect space to enjoy classes every day and the spa has two hammams.

Buccament Bay, located on the stunning Caribbean island of St Vincent surrounded by lush green mountains, and a beautiful white sand beach offers sporty holidays with a tennis, football and cricket academy to hone your skills or enjoy healthy lifestyle retreats to enhance your well-being.

How/why did you start up Health and Fitness Travel?
I’ve always loved to travel and had an interest in the health and fitness industry. I was never one for fly and flop holidays and always wanted an active and healthy break whilst away. When I used to search on the internet for these types of breaks I’d always find hippy-style yoga retreats and fitness holidays run from someone’s villa which didn’t appeal to me. I’d also find lots of spa holiday websites which would list many general spa resorts. I created Health and Fitness Travel for someone like myself who wants a bit of luxury and the right type of healthy holiday with a bespoke tailor-made experience. I always wanted to create a travel company which would appeal to both women and men, as men don’t want just a spa holiday.

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Where is your favourite place in the world?
Kamalaya in Thailand is fantastic for a detox and fitness holiday. Guest teachers and practitioners fly in from all over the world to this spectacular wellness sanctuary in Koh Samui. The spa therapists are world class and the food is so healthy but delicious. On arrival it’s like entering a different world, somewhere truly magical and calming where you end your holiday feeling totally restored in mind and body.

What do you never travel without?
Probiotics, my music and good reading material, along with lose fitting clothes for exercise, yoga and hiking. I always carry copies of my passport and holiday insurance, and leave the originals in my hotel safe as trying to get a passport replacement is not fun.

What’s your top tip for long haul flights?
Keep hydrated as the air inside a plane cabin is very dry, so make sure to drink plenty of water. The one bottle of water supplied by the flight attendants won’t be enough for a long haul flight, so to avoid the hassle of constantly having to ask for water, bring along your own filtered water bottle and refill it with tap water on the plane. Although it might be tempting to indulge in a glass of wine or cocktail to relax your nerves, try to avoid alcoholic or carbonated drinks, as they will only add to dehydration.

If money was no object what would you do for the rest of your life?
I would look to have a more spiritual lifestyle and train to be a yoga teacher. I’d build my own home overlooking the sea in a warm destination and practice yoga daily. I’d grow all my own healthy food, spend more time with my family, friends and give back to other people.

Paul Joseph is co-founder of Health and Fitness Travel, experts in tailor-made healthy holidays worldwide. For advice, guidance and booking visit www.healthandfitnesstravel.com or call 0845 5441936.


If you only do one thing this week… Discover the benefits of Green Juice

We are constantly hearing about how amazing green juices are. How they make our skin glow and fill us with goodness. But why, exactly, are they so brilliant. Find out below…

Chlorophyll
You may remember learning about chlorophyll in biology. It is what makes plant green. It’s also responsible for allowing plants to absorb light from the sun and convert it into energy. What does this mean for us? We then consume that wonderful energy, which is a powerful blood builder and enhances the cells’ ability to carry oxygen. Which in turn, improves circulation, builds a healthy and strong immune system and counteracts nasty free-radicals. Chlorophyll also helps neutralise the pollution that we breathe in every day. If you are a smoker (or have been in the past) or live in a busy, polluted city (we’re looking at you Hong Kong) it’s a fantastic supplement for your diet. We heart chlorophyll.

It Cleanses Us
Because of the increase in oxygen and the better circulation the body is much more able to cleanse itself. The increased oxygen levels help us to release the stored toxins in the body. So, organs like our liver and kidneys are much happier and cleaner and so can do a much better job themselves – hence the better skin and nicer hair.

Promotes Alkalinity
With so much sugar, processed foods, e-numbers and other unwanted substances going into our food these days, our bodies live in a permanent state of acidity. Not cool. By adding a green juice into your daily regime (and cutting back on the things above) you’ll be making some giant leaps towards bringing the pH balance back. Ideally, we want our blood to have a pH of around 7.365. Better get that litmus paper out.

Super Sexy Combo of Vitamins and Minerals
Depending on what actually goes into your green smoothie – it will be packed full of fabulous vitamins and minerals. Take ours for example: Kale (what we like to call our starry  ingredient – as it’s just so damn good for you) is packed full of vitamins B2,3,6 and 12. Plus it has a wonderful dose of vitamin C, E and K and is full of folic acid. The lemon too has lots of vitamin C and are a great source of flavanoids, which help vitamin C to be absorbed. Cucumber is well-known for its skin healing properties due to its ability to help the body cleanse itself and watercress has long enjoyed superfood status due to it’s award-winning combination of vitamins and minerals. And that is just four of the nine wonderful ingredients!

You Absorb It All Much More
Through juicing you are able to assimilate 95% of the nutrients compare to the mere 15-20% you absorb when just eating your greens. More for your money’s-worth! This is because juice is much more easily absorbed as the process of juicing breaks down the cell walls of fruits and vegetables so that they are pre-digested already. This means that the power-packed nutrients are getting directly into your system.

Our Green Juice Recipe

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The Healthiest Oil on Earth – What You Can Do With Coconut Oil?

by Kathleen Flemming

While I have been living in Nicaragua, I have fallen in love with coconut oil. Coconuts provide us with coconut meat, coconut water, coconut milk and coconut oil, each one of them packed with essential nutrients. Many populations in the world depend on the coconut tree for food and for economic reasons and as a result it is known as the “tree of life.”

Out of all of the coconut products, coconut oil is the most versatile. It is sold either in a liquid or solid form and has so many health benefits and medicinal uses that it has been dubbed the “healthiest oil on earth.” In Nicaragua, coconut oil is abundant and I have learnt about all the amazing ways in which we can use this super oil, including making delicious raw chocolate (more on that below). Here are a few of my fave ways with coconut oil:

Food
Previously coconut oil got a bad rap for being high in saturated fat. During the fat phobic 1980s and 1990s it was considered by many Western populations as a fattening food. However, over time and with more research, it has been shown that the saturated fat contained in coconut oil and other plant based oils may have a neutral or even positive effect on cholesterol compared to animal-based saturated fats such as those found in butter. Studies have also found that apart from breast milk, coconut oil is nature’s most abundant source of lauric acid and medium fatty chain acids. These fatty acids are rapidly metabolised meaning they are more quickly burnt as energy and less likely to be stored as fat.

Oil
Coconut oil has the longest shelf life of all other cooking oils. It has an average shelf life of up to 2 years and doesn’t have to be refrigerated. It can be stirred into soups, used to make a stirfry, pan fry fish or used in baking. Coconut oil is often used to replace butter in recipes. Coconut oil is also vegan and those on raw food diets use it to get their essential fats. I use coconut oil to make raw chocolates – just like a Bounty bar but healthy (recipe below). When buying it from the shop, look for unrefined, cold pressed oil.

Skin Care
Lots of people in Central America use coconut oil for skin care. I now slather it all over my body, which helps prevent dry skin and makes me smell like a tropical holiday! The oil really does make your skin feel silky smooth and it is also said to delay wrinkles. Many  people also use it to treat skin problems such as psoriasis,dermatitis and eczema.

Insect Repellant
Another great use of coconut oil is it can be used to make a natural bug repellant. You can make it by mixing it with lavender oil, eucalyptus oil and peppermint oil. It makes you smell delicious and keeps those nasty mosqutios away. Who knew!

Hair care
I use coconut oil as a natural hair conditioning treatment. Wash your hair, leave in the coconut oil for a few minutes/hours and rinse out. It has also been shown to kill head lice and help with dandruff as it has anti-fungal properties.

Dental care
Coconut oil’s anti bacterial properties are said to protect our teeth from decay. Many natural tooth pastes use coconut oil together with bicarbonate soda as their base. Gargling with coconut oil in the morning helps to remove the bacterial build up in our mouths which shows as white coating on the tongue.

Get That Holiday Feeling
As well as all of its amazing uses, coconut oil smells delicious. Your food will smell delicious and you will smell delicious. Using it makes me feel like I am on a permanent tropical holiday. You can buy coconut oil from most good health food stores and many supermarkets are starting to stock it too.

A Coconut Recipe:

Raw Bounty Chocolate Recipe

3/4 cup coconut oil

3/4 raw honey

1 cup raw cacao powder

1/3 tsp vanilla

Place all the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Spoon the blended mix into silicone moulds and place in the fridge or freezer for a few hours. The mix makes about 15-20 chocolates depending on the size of the moulds. Store in a fridge. These taste yummy with a glass of almond milk and are a great pre-workout energy boost! Enjoy!

Image: Teisha Lowry by Peter Coulson


Get Ready to Party like it’s 1999 with Fitness Freak and their new Fitness Rave… yes you heard that right

 

words by Harriet Chubb

We have discovered a new fitness gem guaranteed to get you back into your fitness classes. Fitness-Freak.com is the UK’s first online booking service of its kind to launch; and it has instantly gone to the top of our Hip and Healthy list. Want to go straight from work in the City to a boxing class? Or looking for a drop in yoga class in the West End before meeting friends? Just go online to their easy booking service, search, book and go. It takes the hassle out of long-winded and often fruitless Google searches and ensures that if you wanted to, you need never have to sign a gym contract again. They have also begun to launch their own fun, unique fitness events, starting with a one-off 90’s style rave class!! Reflecting their ethos that fitness can be fun, this cardio and conditioning exercise is set to 90’s dance classics and ravers in attendance will be provided with glowsticks to help get the fitness party started. The high energy, mass fun class lasts 60 minutes and will be hosted in the atmospheric Vaults under Waterloo station. With multiple teachers on stage and a crowd of 100’s, you’ll be sure to get your groove on and burn up to 500 calories. The pop-up rave sold out on the Wednesday 5th June and so has space on one night only on Thursday 6th June, with two sessions and limited tickets so make sure make sure you get your places now:

http://fitness-freakrave.eventbrite.co.uk/

And don’t worry, if you can’t make the date, Gymbox, Bank branch is launching RAVE classes exclusively for Fitness Freak members for £10 per session, which also includes trampolines to get you jumpin’ jumpin’. Visit the Fitness-Freak.com website to book your class now.

 

 

 


Overhaul Your Diet With Food Pairing

The Beauty Detox: How Beauty Food Pairing Works

 extract from The Beauty Detox by Kimberly Snyder

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The principle of Beauty Food Pairing is so powerful that it alone can change your entire life. When practiced properly, it will forever improve your beauty and health.

HOW BEAUTY FOOD PAIRING WORKS

In order to lose weight and look your most beautiful, you must free up energy from digestion. In addition to the foods we eat, we can increase or decrease Beauty Energy by the order in which we eat foods and the choice of foods we eat together.

One of the biggest ailments of the Western world is a chronic lack of energy. A lack of energy can lead to a viciously frustrating cycle of overeating, constant snacking, and reaching for sugary, caffeinated beverages, all in an attempt to feel more energetic and not have to struggle through the day. And, as you now know, a lack of energy makes you hold on to excess weight and look less beautiful. And why are we so tired? Because we’re not combining our foods properly.

Beauty Food Pairing is based on the science of how food digests optimally in the body. Different foods digest with different enzymes, and some call for more acidic or more al- kaline environments. Dr. Herbert M. Shelton is generally considered the foremost expert on food combining. He spent years studying the way digestive enzymes work to help break down foods, the primary basis for Beauty Food Pairing. As Dr. Shelton explains, “Every student of physiology is well aware that the digestive enzymes have certain well-defined limitations and that different digestive juices are secreted for use in digesting different kinds of food substances.”

During her thirty-five years of study in nutrition, Dr. Ann Wigmore, creator of the Living Foods Lifestyle, adamantly believed that “proper food combining is important for good health.” I took classes on food combining as part of the programs I attended at her institute in Rincón, Puerto Rico. The principles of food combining are also taught at the Hippocrates Health Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, a prestigious and world-famous natural healing center. Ivan Pavlov (well-known for his research about dogs and conditioned response) outlined the fundamental concepts of proper food combining in his book The Work of the Digestive Glands, first published in 1902. And Dr. Philip Norman, a prominent gastroenterologist and professor in his time, wrote about the principles of food combining and its key benefits, namely, making digestion more effective. The popular 1980s book Fit for Life, by natural hygienists Harvey and Marilyn Diamond, also advocates food combin- ing, as do many of Dr. Norman Walker’s writings.

So how does Beauty Food Pairing work? Let’s get right into it!

THE BEAUTY PAIRING RULES

BEAUTY RULE #1: OUR BODIES CAN PROPERLY DIGEST ONLY ONE CONCENTRATED, NON-WATER-CONTAINING FOOD AT A TIME

One way to think about eating simpler foods is to classify foods as concentrated and non-concentrated. Concentrated foods are foods that do not contain any water. They include all proteins and starches. Non-concentrated foods are water-containing foods. The only truly non-concentrated foods are ripe fruits and non-starch vegetables.

Non-Concentrated Foods
Ripe fruit
Non-starch vegetables

Concentrated Foods
All starches (grains, starchy vegetables, breads, etc.) All proteins (fish, chicken, meat, seeds, nuts, etc.)

To sum up, anything that is not a fruit or a non-starch vegetable is a concentrated food. Anything come to mind? Yes, I thought so! A few random examples are nuts, bagels, yogurt, toast, scrambled eggs, ice cream, flax crackers, peanut butter, lobster, etc.

The stomach secretes different kinds of juices when we eat different kinds of foods. Non- concentrated foods are much simpler for the body to digest than concentrated foods. We can handle most concentrated foods pretty well, but we can eat only one type at a time in order to maximize digestion. It is a huge Beauty Energy drain to ask our bodies to eat two different types of concentrated foods at one time. The two main types of concentrated foods that we will discuss first are starches and proteins, which leads us to the next Beauty Rule.

BEAUTY RULE #2: PROTEINS AND STARCHES DON’T MIX

As you read these words, perhaps some favorite or long-accepted food combinations pop into your head: bagels and cream cheese, turkey sandwiches, eggs with toast, sushi rolls, grilled fish and wild rice, filet mignon and potatoes au gratin, chicken pad thai. Yep, these are all improper food combinations.

To understand why protein and starches don’t pair well together, you have to understand how these concentrated foods digest.

PROTEIN: In the stomach a concentrated protein requires an acidic environment to be bro- ken down, an environment that includes hydrochloric acid and an enzyme called pepsin.

Now think back to high school chemistry class. What happens when an acid and an alkaline are put together? They neutralize each other. To use the words of Dr. Norman Walker, eating carbohydrates with protein at the same time results in a “serious chemical situation to contend with.”

Since the food is not breaking down naturally, what do our poor glands do next? Our stomach has to secrete more digestive juices to try to break down the food, but because there are still opposing digestive enzymes at work, they are neutralized again and again. The digestion of the carbohydrates is interfered with by the presence of the acidic digestive juices, and at the same time the proteins are prevented from digesting properly or completely in the presence of the alkaline digestive juices.

BEAUTY RULE #3: VEGETABLES ARE NEUTRAL

Vegetables are wonderful alkaline, non-concentrated foods. They are simple for our body to digest and are considered absolutely neutral. If you love roasted chicken or steamed tilapia fish, eat it along with some steamed vegetables and a raw green salad. If you are in the mood for a starchy dish, maybe some pasta salad or a baked yam, eat it with some vegetables.

BEAUTY RULE #4: MIXING TWO STARCHES IS OKAY
Even though starches are concentrated foods, they aren’t as complicated to digest as protein.

While simple meals are always best, two different starches are okay to eat at once.

BEAUTY RULE #5: MIXING TWO DIFFERENT TYPES OF ANIMAL PROTEIN IS NOT OKAY

Proteins as a whole are the hardest food group to break down. Proteins are comprised of complex chains of amino acids, each with a very different character and chemical makeup. Our bodies must break down protein into amino acids in order to digest or assimilate them. Since the body has to concentrate so much energy on breaking down each protein, only one protein at a time should be consumed. Otherwise, the proteins will not fully and efficiently digest, and they will putrefy in the digestive tract.

Animal proteins are much more complex and difficult to break down than plant proteins, which include seeds, nuts and sea algae, and this means this rule is really only applicable to animal proteins. You can mix plant proteins without a problem, so, for example, having seeds and nuts together is fine. But surf and turf, eggs with ham, or an appetizer contain- ing fish followed by a chicken main dish are all bad combinations. Two kinds of fish or two kinds of poultry eaten together at the same meal are okay, but remember to keep meals as simple as possible to preserve Beauty Energy.

BEAUTY RULE #6: FATS SHOULD BE EATEN MODERATELY WITH PROTEIN (ANIMAL AND PLANT) BUT ARE OKAY TO EAT WITH CARBOHYDRATES

Fat mixes well with starches but has somewhat of an inhibiting effect on the digestion of protein. You can pair minimal amounts of fat with protein, but it is best not to eat a large amount of fat with any protein. Even if you are eating an all-raw meal, it is best not to mix a lot of nuts (protein) together with a whole avocado (fat)! This could prevent efficient weight loss. A plentiful supply of green vegetables can be used to counteract the interaction between a moderate amount of protein and raw fat. For instance, if you are having a piece of fish over a nice green salad, it is okay to have a little oil on the salad, but go easy on it and eat up a good portion of the alkaline greens first. But if weight loss is truly the goal, it would be best to skip the oil altogether and let the protein digest perfectly on its own!

BEAUTY RULE #7: FRUIT SHOULD BE EATEN ONLY ON AN EMPTY STOMACH

The first time I talked publicly about how to eat fruit was on one of my segments for Good Morning America. Millions of people watched the show, and dozens of people wrote to me afterward, fascinated to know more about how to properly eat fruit. It’s very simple: eat fruit on an empty stomach.

Fruit is considered the most divine and pure food on the planet. Fruit increases our vitality and delivers key vitamins, minerals and pure, filtered water into our bodies. However, when we eat fruit is key.

I am so excited for you to try out Beauty Food Pairing and experience the spectacular results for yourself. I have done my best to present to you the research and science that are out there to support Beauty Food Pairing, but remember that the best study out there in regards to this principle is to try it out for yourself! In a short amount of time you will see how well it truly does work. And isn’t that the most important thing? There will always be conflicting and confusing reports of “scientific evidence,” or lack thereof, with regard to nutritional information. But if you try something for yourself, and you see that it truly helps you lose weight and look and feel amazing—the way Beauty Food Pairing does—who cares about all the “noise” out there? Use it to your personal beauty and health advantage.

 ‘The Beauty Detox’ by Kimberly Snyder is available from all good bookshops and the iBookstore from 3rd May

The-Beauty-Detox-Solution


Global Diets: Would you be healthier if you lived somewhere else in the world?

words by Kathleen Flemming

How Healthy Are You Really? We ask expert Nutritionist, Amanda Ursell, to analyse 4 healthy British girl’s diets, living in 4 different countries

Ever wondered if you would be healthier living somewhere else in the world? How do our diets in the UK compare to those of women living abroad? Four British girls, one living in London and 3 abroad, sent Hip and Healthy their food diaries so we can see if where we live affects our diet and lifestyle. Acclaimed nutritionist, Amanda Ursell, gives her opinion on each diet and provides ideas on how they can be improved.

Victoria is a 28 year old corporate lawyer living in London

Due to the nature of her job, Victoria spends long hours at the office and often eats at work or at restaurants. She tries to run home (8km) several times a week as well as walking to and from the station each day.

Breakfast: 1 slice of whole wheat toast with peanut butter, pear, skinny latte

Lunch: mushroom soup, bread, packet of low fat baked crisps, handful of blackberries

Dinner: prawn salad, steak and salad, chocolate pudding

Snacks: dried mango, banana

Drinks: water, 1 glass of wine, 1 glass of champagne

What do you think of your diet? I try to eat healthily, but sometimes it is difficult due to working long hours and I often have client lunches or dinners. As a result, I am not always able to prepare my own meals and frequently eat at my desk. I try not to drink alcohol during the week, but I will have a glass of wine if I go out with clients. On the weekends, I eat out Friday and Saturday nights and normally I have a few drinks.  Due to the fact that I spend a lot of time in the office, I try to fit in exercise several times a week such as running home from work in the evening.

Amanda says: As a one-day ‘snap-shot’, I feel that Victoria is doing well with her diet. She is getting 100% of her ‘five a day’ of fruit and vegetables and is eating from a wide variety of food groups. It is important that the soya milk Victoria uses is fortified with calcium, needed for strong bones and to try to include another calcium-rich food like a yoghurt, fromage frais, or another latte to keep intakes up to the 700mg a day target. It’s good to see a young woman eating lean red meat, which is rich in iron, a nutrient many women in this age group are eating too little of. This can lead to sub-clinical anaemia triggering stress, tiredness, poor quality hair and generally low moods.

Emily is a 26 year old freelance writer living in Sydney, Australia

Emily has been living in Sydney since November 2012. Before moving to Sydney, she was living in London and working as a PA to a CEO. She now writes freelance for various publications and websites in the UK and Australia. She walks, swims or does yoga several times a week.

Breakfast: ½ avocado, 2 scrambled eggs, 1 slice of sourdough bread

Lunch: a big green salad with halloumi cheese, chicken, carrots and pine nuts, yoghurt and honey

Dinner: pan fried fillet of white fish with quinoa and mixed vegetables (broccoli, kale, sweet peppers)

Snacks: apple

Drinks: 1 flat white coffee, water

How has your diet changed since living in Sydney? As the summer in Sydney is so hot, I don’t have the same cravings for carbohydrate heavy meals like pasta. There is a wider range of produce available in the supermarkets and markets and everything seems much fresher. As a result I buy a more varied mix of fruit and veg. I also choose to eat more meat than in the UK as there is a lot of grass fed meat available. I cook more from scratch as I have more time in the evenings due to not having a long commute to work.

Amanda says: I love Emily’s ‘three-solid meals-a-day’ approach to her diet. So often young women skip meals and then over do things with too many catch-up calories later in the day. Emily has a lovely balance of food groups, including plenty of fruits and vegetables and also reveals that she has plenty of variety in these, which is important to get a really good range of super nutrients, vitamins and minerals. I’m not a pro-meat lobbyist, but again, as with Victoria, it is good to see a young woman not giving up meat in the belief that it is ‘bad’ for you. Lean red meat eaten three times a week or so can be a great boost to the diet, providing not just iron, but important minerals like zinc as well, which we need for a robust immune system.

Helen is a 29 year old contract manager living in Washington DC, USA

Helen has been living in Washington DC for the last year. Prior to this, Helen was working in London as a contract manager for the same company as she works for in Washington. She tries to fit in an early morning gym session most days before work as there is a gym in her apartment block.

Breakfast: 2 slices of toast with peanut butter and an orange juice

Lunch: dim sum

Dinner: fillet of white fish, couscous, broccoli

Snacks: cheese after work

Drinks: black tea with milk, water, green tea and a glass of wine

How has your diet changed since living in Washington? The biggest difference is that I eat less bread, as bread in America is awful. In London I ate bread with every meal and I used to snack on toast in between meals. I also go out for lunch more in Washington as we don’t have a kitchen in our office. In London, I never used to drink alcohol during the week but I normally have a glass of wine in the evening here. However, in London I would drink quite a lot at the weekend, which I don’t do here. In Washington, I also do more exercise because I have a gym in my apartment block and another gym down the road. The gyms here are amazing and so I am really enjoying going.

Amanda says: I like Helen’s peanut butter breakfast start to the day. It is good for a range of minerals including iron and calcium along with ‘good’ oils. These, along with the protein it contains, helps to make it a filling choice on, what I hope, is wholegrain bread. To help boost Helen’s iron intake, it’s worth adding a glass of orange juice to her lunchtime or evening meal as the vitamin C it contains helps to absorb iron more easily. This is important because Helen’s foods look a little on the low side of this vital mineral. It would be a good idea to have some fruit after the dim sum to help reach her daily goal of five a day of fruits and vegetables. I like the fact that Helen has ‘evened’ out her alcohol intake and is not binge drinking at weekends anymore. One small glass of wine a night is fine and is better than have a big on-slaught in one go.

Kathleen is a 28 year old yoga teacher living in Nicaragua

Kathleen has been in Nicaragua for 9 months, living and working at a small hotel on the Pacific coast. Before living in Nicaragua, Kathleen was living in London and working as a lawyer for a financial services company. She teaches yoga several times a week and surfs about three times a week.

Breakfast: big bowl of fruit salad (papaya, banana, watermelon, pineapple, passion fruit), yoghurt with honey, freshly squeezed orange juice

Lunch: big bowl of lentil soup, 1 slice of homemade whole wheat bread with hummus, banana

Dinner: vegetable tagine (chickpeas, onions, carrots, tomatoes and raisins with Moroccan spices), bulgur wheat, green salad and hummus

Snacks: fresh banana and mango smoothie

Drinks: green tea and water

How has your diet changed since living in Nicaragua? There is very little processed food available where we live in Nicaragua so we make everything from scratch. In London I was lazy and I used to buy bottles of tomato sauce and cans of soup instead of making them. Here, I also eat different fruit and vegetables, as generally the only produce available is locally grown (papayas, mangos, avocados). I hardly ever eat sweets or chocolates as they don’t sell decent chocolate here and imported foods are really expensive. My lifestyle is also very different in Nicaragua as I no longer sit in an office all day surrounded by tubs of Marks and Spencer chocolate mini rolls (it was always someone’s birthday!). Now I am on my feet teaching yoga, cooking meals for the guests or doing things around the hotel. I do less intentional exercise like going to the gym but my lifestyle is more active.

Amanda says: Kathleen’s diet sounds as though it has been de-junked and is much healthier now compared to her London version. I do however feel that adding some yoghurt will help at breakfast time, by providing some much needed calcium to the diet. Other good ‘natural’ foods for this crucial bone-building mineral include sesame seeds, steamed tofu, dried figs and green beans. Apologies for banging on about iron, but if Kathleen avoids meat deliberately, it is important for her to be sure to have good vegetable sources each day. These include dark green vegetables, cashew nuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, peanuts, peanut butter, tahini paste, dried apricots and dried figs.


Spice Cupboard Cleansing Secrets: time to spice up your life

Spice Cupboard Cleansing Secrets

words by Harriet Chubb

spice image

Herbs and spices have long been used for detoxification purposes and can be traced back to traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Indian medicine, and ancient Egyptian practices. Combining spices with six glasses of water a day, eating fresh fruit and vegetables and limiting your intake of stimulants such as coffee and alcohol, will help you fight that sluggish feeling and put a spring back into your step. Used for a multitude of toxin fighting tricks, some herbs and spices support your internal organs, aiding the body’s natural elimination systems, which will help your body rid itself of fatigue and most importantly – lose weight naturally.

Food Writer and Historian Polly Russell advises, “Herbs and spices have long been believed to help enhance energy levels and aid weight loss. Around the world, people use different herbs and spices for a number of wellbeing reasons including helping to clear the skin, as a digestive aid and to give themselves more energy. Best of all, spices and herbs add complexity and depth to the taste of food and can turn a detox diet from a trial into a treat.”

Super Spices

We’ve picked our top five natural remedies, which when worked into a delicious recipe or drink will help you get back to your ideal beach body figure. Not all these detoxifying products are available all year round so dried herbs and spices are a great alternative. And as an added bonus – the essential oils are intensified in the drying process making them more powerful than their fresh equivalents.

1.       Ginger– Indispensable in any true apothecaries list, Ginger is a stimulant, antioxidant and physical cleanser, helping to clear you from the inside out and revive sluggish digestion.

2.       Fennel seeds– These seeds might be little, but their effect is big. The main ingredient within fennel seeds inhibits spasms in the smooth muscles of the intestine, leaving you with a flat tum.

3.       Fenugreek– This herb which has been hailed a “fix-all elixir”, is a rich source of antioxidants with powerful antiviral properties to keep the party going throughout 2013.

4.       Capsicum pepper– Packed full of essential nutrients such as iron, calcium, phosphorus and vitamins A, B and C, capsicum is rich in antioxidants, helping to kick start your metabolism stimulating weight loss and a healthy heart.

5.       Mint– well known for its cleansing properties, Mint also promotes healthy digestion by activating glands that have hidden important digestive enzymes over.

Healthy Habits

Why not try these yummy recipes with detox friendly herbs and spices, and start cleansing your system today. We recommend you use Bart spices such as Bart Ginger which is Fairtrade certified or Bart Mint – perfect to go with freshly dug new potatoes. Enjoy… 

Chilli Stuffed Peppers

Chilli Stuffed Peppers

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

·         8 Romano peppers

·         1 large onion, chopped

·         1 tbsp oil

·         1 tsp Bart Garlic in Sunflower Oil

·         1 tsp Bart Mild/ Hot Chilli Powder

·         30g blanched almonds, chopped

·         60g walnuts, chopped

·         70g raisins

·         2 celery sticks, chopped

·         4 tomatoes, chopped

·         2 tsp Bart Parsley

·         4 tbsp grated cheddar cheese (can be low fat)

·         seeds of a pomegranate

1.       Grill the peppers, turning frequently until blistered.  Place in a plastic bag until cool.  Peel off the skins and slice down one side.  Remove the seeds.

2.       Cook the onion in the oil until soft.  Add the garlic, chilli, nuts and raisins and fry for 1 minute.  Add the celery and fry for 2 more; Stir in the tomato, seasoning and parsley.  Cook until the mixture is quite dry.

3.       Stuff the peppers with the mixture and place in a heatproof dish.  Scatter over the grated cheese and cook under a hot grill until the peppers are browned.  Scatter over the pomegranate seeds and serve.

 

Carrot & Fennel Salad

Carrot & Fennel Salad  - Nigella Seeds 3.1.4

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

·         2 large carrots, peeled & cut into thin sticks

·         2 large fennel bulbs, quartered & thinly sliced

·         2 tbsp peanuts, roughly chopped

·         1 tbsp olive oil

·         ½ tsp Bart Fennel Seeds

·         1 tsp Bart Black Onion Seeds

·         juice of half lemon

·         2-3 tsp green chili pickle

1.       Peel the carrots, cut into thin sticks and place in a bowl.  Quarter the fennel bulbs and slice thinly.  Add to the carrot.

2.       Toast the nuts in a hot frying pan, stirring frequently until golden.  Tip onto a plate.

3.       In the same pan, heat the oil and fry the onion seeds for about 30 seconds, until they begin to pop.

4.       Remove from the heat, allow to cool for a minute then stir in the lemon juice and pickle.

5.       In a mortar and pestle, crush the fennel seeds and stir in.

6.       Toss together with the vegetables in the bowl and sprinkle with nuts to serve.

 

Kadhai Prawns With Chili & Ginger

Kadhai Prawns

Preparation Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Serves: 4

Ingredients

·         1 tbsp oil

·         1 tsp Bart Garlic in Sunflower Oil

·         1 tbsp Bart Ground Coriander

·         ½ tsp Bart Mild/ Hot Chili Powder

·         6 large tomatoes, roughly chopped

·         2 tsp Bart Ginger in Sunflower Oil

·         1 green pepper, cut into thin strips

·         20 large raw prawns, peeled & de-veined

·         salt

·         fresh coriander leaves to garnish

1.       Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a frying pan.  Add the garlic, ginger, coriander and chilli and cook for 30 seconds.

2.       Add the salt and cook for a further 3 minutes.

3.       Stir-fry for 1 minute then add the prawns and cook 3-4 minutes until almost cooked.

4.       Stir in the tomato mixture and heat through.  Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.

Take a look at the Bart website for more inspiration, we love the ‘How To’ videos and the incredible Periodic Table of Herbs & Spices, don’t worry, it’s far more interesting than your regular Chemistry table! www.bart-ingredients.co.uk

 


Flower Power Beauty: from fighting signs of ageing to diminishing blemishes, these products pack some serious flower power

This week sees the Chelsea Flower Show celebrate its 100th anniversary, so we thought it the perfect time to celebrate all things floral. From fighting signs of ageing and blemishes to repairing and firming, these products pack some serious flower power.

White Lilies

Not only do lilies work magic on pigmentation problems (they inhibit the melanin production in pigment producing cells of the skin), they contain glycolic acid (which helps to rid of you dead skin whilst boosting regeneration) and they smell divine. Providing a light, cleansing and soothing scent, they are also purifying and strengthening – a pretty powerful combination.  Inspired by the lilies and jasmine of summertime, the new fragrance from Cath Collins combines sizzling citrus with white lilies, jasmine and cassis. With an oriental base of cedarwood, patchouli and oakmoss – it’s the ultimate, seductive summer scent.

Cath Collins Lily Fandango Eau De Toilette – £35.50

Hibiscus

You too can look as beautiful as these bright blooms, for the hibiscus flower is nature’s answer to Botox. Really. A natural source of AHAs (alpha-hydroxy acids), they help to exfoliate, control breakouts, speed up cell turnover, increase moisture and improve elasticity. Try the Ushvani Coconut & Hibiscus Oil – it’s deeply hydrating, packed with vitamin C and can be used on hair too, so you can reap the rewards from head to toe.

Ushvani Coconut & Hibiscus Oil – £38

Sunflower

This flower isn’t named after the sun for no reason – it actually helps protect skin from harmful UVA rays as it’s rich in vitamin E – nature’s answer to SPF. It also contains fatty acids which help to calm, repair and soften skin, and antioxidant properties which can prevent signs of ageing. This sulphate-free and gorgeously gentle Tay cleanser provides a creamy wash bursting with botanical extracts to help even skin tone and repair damaged skin. The sunflower seed oil maximises water retention whilst minimising breakouts and blemishes with its anti-bacterial properties, and it removes excess oils so your skin is left squeaky clean, soft and supple.

Tay Sunflower & Grape Revitalizing Cleanser – £30 (Cult Beauty are currently offering 30% off Tay – yay!)

Jasmine

For dry, sensitive or inflamed skin – jasmine’s your gem. It’s a natural antiseptic, antidepressant and aphrodisiac, and helps reduce fine lines and wrinkles. For the ultimate way to boost its beauty benefits, look no further than the Woods of Windsor White Jasmine Moisturising Hand & Body Lotion. Originating from an 18th century apothecary, it is inspired by the charm and nostalgia of an English country garden. This light lotion contains shea butter and grape seed oil to leave you soft and smooth, whilst gently fragranced with exotic white jasmine and ylang ylang.

Woods Of Windsor White Jasmine Hand & Body Lotion – £8.75

BlueBells

These bright violet-blue beauties are making a mighty comeback on the scent scene thanks to their soft, sweet, smell and their power to invoke nostalgic memories of English springtime.  And now thanks to Neom you can indulge in bluebells everyday with their new limited edition Enchantment home fragrance. Recognising the need to protect our British woodlands and our heritage, £1 from each candle or diffuser sold goes straight to the Woodland Trust who work to plant more trees and protect the precious woodlands where bluebells bloom. In the words of Nicola Elliott, Founder of Neom Organics, it’s a “sparkling, sunny scent to make you feel renewed and uplifted”. A must-have for any home this summer.

Neom Enchantment Reed Diffuser – £37

Take a look at the story behind Enchantment here: Neom Video – Behind the scenes

words by Frankie Rozwadowska