(Serves 4)
4 sweet potatoes
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tsp rosemary
Drizzle of olive oil
Method:
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Peal the sweet potato and cut into large wedges. Drizzle with olive, cinnamon and herbs. Make sure the sweet potato is covered well. Place in the oven and cook for about an hour until the wedges are gooey on the inside and starting to crisp on the outside. Toss them twice during that time, to make sure they don’t burn.
Click here for more Christmas recipes.
Kale, roasted brussel sprouts, pecans and cranberries dressed in a sweet orange-tahini dressing
(Serves 4)
200g of kale
200g brussels sprouts
1/3 cup pecans (toasted, if you prefer)
1/3 cup dried cranberries
Dressing:
juice 1 orange
1/3 cup tahini
1 tsp honey/agave
Method:
Start by preparing your brussels sprouts. Remove the leafy outside, and chop them all in half. Place on a baking tray, drizzle with olive oil and roast for 30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile mix all the ingredients for the dressing and pour over your kale leaves in a large bowl. Now time for a massage – no not for you, for your kale! Massage the dressing into the kale for 3-5 minutes until the kale has wilted. (This not only makes it far easier to digest, it makes it so incredibly delicious). Once the brussels are done, let them cool and add them to the kale with the cranberries & pecans.
Click here for more Christmas recipes
(serves 4)
Ingredients:
100g cooked chestnuts
400g butternut squash
Salt to taste
Method:
Peal the butternut squash and chop into cubes. Now you can either place on a baking tray and roast for 30 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius, or add to a pan of boiling water and boil until cooked. When the squash is cooked add to the blender or food processor with your chestnuts and sprinkling of salt. Blend until smooth.
Click here for more Christmas Recipes.
Mini Christmas Puddings
(serves 6-8)
220g medjool dates
200g dried apricots
50g sultanas
150g ground almonds
2 tbsp orange juice
Zest of 1 orange
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
‘White Chocolate’ Drizzle
1/2 cup cashews (soaked)
1/2 cup coconut milk
2-3 medjool dates
Method:
For the cakes: Add all ingredients apart from the apricots and sultanas to your food processor. You may have to work in batches, scraping the bottom as you go. Once the medjool dates start to combine creating a dough in the blender add in the sultanas and chopped apricots. Keep on pulsing until all is combined and a dough forms again in the blender. Take out the blender and divide the mixture into 6-8 parts. Mould into desired shape, I like the bottom and top to be fairly flat so the white chocolate drizzle can easily sit on top.
When done place in the fridge until ready to serve.
For the white chocolate drizzle: It couldn’t be easier: add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and… Blend! When your ready to serve, generously drizzle over the white chocolate, garnish with dried or fresh cranberries and serve.
Click here for more Christmas recipes!
We know that Christmas is not the easiest time to make diet conscious decisions. With the winter weather outside who doesn’t like to wrap up warm and enjoy a few indulgences. Fortunately there are ways to enjoy delicious comfort foods whilst also taking proactive steps to help lower your cholesterol and maintain a healthy heart.
Tanya Footman, the resident nutritionist at Flora pro.activ has compiled some easy to follow ‘top tips’ to help you with you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Opt for healthy snacks: Why not make up your own mix of seeds, nuts and dried fruit for healthy snacking at your fingertips. Or to get in the festive spirit, try roasting nuts for that delicious Christmas aroma
Choose the right meats: Opt for fish and poultry over fatty meat products. Or try replacing fatty meats with beans, lentils, fish, and poultry without skin or lean meat. Turkey is a great lean meat packed with flavour.
Get active: Even everyday activities can be turned into moderate exercise. All that extra housework during the festive period is a great way to keep fit. Small changes such as taking the stairs instead of the escalator and even hand washing your car all make a difference.
Plant Sterols: Plant sterols are found at low levels in everyday foods like vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, grain products, fruit and vegetables. But to get a significant cholesterol lowering effect include foods with added plant sterols like Flora pro.activ* in your diet.
Salt: eat no more than six grams of salt a day – Experiment with herbs and spices instead and avoid salty snacks like crisps.
Baked apples with ginger and orange
Ingredients:
For the orange and cinnamon spread:
Method
1. Preheat the oven to 200°C, 180°C fan oven, gas mark 6.
2. Score carefully with a sharp knife around the middle of the apples, and using an apple corer remove the core and pips. Place on a baking tray.
3. Combine the dates and stem ginger together and fill the centre of the apples with the mixture. Add the water to the dish. Bake for 30–35 minutes until soft and cooked through.
4. Meanwhile blend Flora pro.activ spread, orange zest, ground ginger and honey. When the apples are ready, serve with the flavoured Flora pro.activ spread and allow to melt over the apples.
Serves: 2 people
Preparation time: 40 minutes
Cooking time: 195 minutes
For more tips and recipes please visit www.floraproactiv.co.uk
The Buzz on Bee Pollen
words by Saskia Gregson-Williams
Bee Pollen is made by honeybees and is considered to be one of natures most nourishing and complete foods as it contains almost all the nutrients required by our bodies. It’s richer in proteins than any other animal source, contains more amino acids than the likes of eggs, beef or cheese and is rich in vitamin B and folic acid.
5 reasons why bee pollen should be sitting in your cupboard:
1) Immune Booster– It is rich in antioxidants and has antibiotic-type properties that can aid the body fight viruses, making it essential for this time of year.
2) Energizer – Bee pollen is brimming with a range of different vitamins and minerals. The proteins, carbohydrates and B vitamins replenish and energize your body fighting off fatigue and enhancing stamina and mental performance.
3) Skin conditions– Bee Pollen is not only edible, it is also used in creams as an anti-inflammatory. Its high content of amino acids aid the re-growth of skin cells.
4) Aiding Digestion– Bee pollen also contains digestive enzymes that help your body to absorb all the essential nutrients you need from your food. This is especially beneficial for those that suffer from bloating after meals.
5) Fertility– Bee Pollen stimulates and helps to restore ovarian function and can assist you when trying to get pregnant.
When is it most beneficial to eat Bee Pollen?
Bee Pollen is best eaten with a meal, and is most effective when eaten alongside fruit at breakfast.
SMOOTHIE TIME
Now you know what all the buzz is about its time to get your digestive juices flowing with this Blue-Bee smoothie:
This smoothie is full of antioxidants, Vitamin C, Omega 3, protein and potassium. All ingredients culminate to add wonderful nutrition and taste factor to this recipe, but the flavour of Bee Pollen surpasses the rest making it the main attraction. Its not only incredibly good for you (as you may have gathered) but adds a manuka honey- esque flavour and a delicious natural sweetness.
Ingredients:
Serves 1 large
1 cup blueberries
2 tsp bee pollen
1/2 cup pomegranate
1 banana
1 tbsp chia seeds
2 tbsp ground flaxseeds
1 cup oat milk
Blend up and enjoy, this smoothie truly is the bees knees of smoothies!
Energy
Just like a car engine needs fuel so does your body’s organs need water. If you feel sluggish in the afternoon you could be hydrated. When our body does not have enough water in it, it starts to causes your body to conserve energy by decreasing blood circulation. This starves your muscles of oxygenated blood and causes you to become tired. Next time you feel the 4pm slump, maybe it’s time for another glass of water.
Skin
How many times have you heard a supermodel claim that her youthful, glowing complexion is down to her skin? Well, they might just be right, hydration is key for great looking skin. A recent study in The Journal of Dermatology revealed that healthy hydrated skin aged just 22% over an eight year period, compared with a staggering 55% over the same period for dehydrated skin. Drinking water really does keep all our organs in check and working efficiently, and our skin is the biggest organ we have.
Detox
The best way to detox is to drink more water as it literally flushes toxins naturally out of your body, which is why it is so important to keep your fluid intake up when you have contracted a virus like a cold – to get rid of it as quickly as possible.
Aids Weight-Loss
We often mistake thirst for hunger and reach for the biscuit tin when we should be helping ourselves to a glass of water. Our body sometimes masks our thirst by telling us that we are hungry, when you feel thirsty you have in fact already crossed over into dehydration. So, next time you feel hungry try drinking some water first to see if that satisfies your craving.
It’s easy to forget to drink enough water, but with the new drink alarm apps you can get you’ll always be drinking enough water!
A new season means one thing – time for a new scent. And with an array of new olfactory offerings to choose from, there’s something for everyone… says Frankie Rozwadowska
The Floral: Jo Malone Peony & Blush Suede – £78, 100ml
This feminine, floral scent brings a bloom of peonies to your perfume with a bursting bouquet of petal power. Combining sensual, soft blush suede with floral notes of jasmine, rose and gillyflower and a cheeky bite of juicy red apple, it’s flirtatious, luxurious and seductive.
The Musk: AERIN Amber Musk – £85, 50ml
In the words of Aerin Lauder, “Amber Musk is a warm, inviting scent you want to wrap yourself in – like a soft cozy blanket on a cold snowy night”, and we couldn’t agree more. Creamy, comforting musk is enveloped in amber and sensual florals to create a rich, velvety scent, contrasted by a succulent burst of coconut water and delicate rose absolute. This is one sublime scent you will want to slip into this season.
The Oriental: La Perla Just Precious – £45, 50ml
Inside this beautiful bottle you will find one precious perfume. Inspired by the multiple facets of a gemstone, this is no ordinary Oriental. This is a woody, floral oriental, where top notes of mandarin, bergamot and orange blossom blend with a floral heart of jasmine and ylang-ylang to reveal a dry-down of sweet vanilla, warm amber and sensual sandalwood.
The Citrus: Shay & Blue Sicilian Lime – £55, 100ml
Hand-made and full of fragrant, natural ingredients – this is a citrus lovers dream. Sharp, sparkling and as refreshingly crisp as a citrus cocktail, it will transport you right to the salty sea air of the Mediterranean coast. A rush of lime, rosemary and masculine moss cut with a hit of salt margarita – with just one sniff you’ll be sipping one too!
The Oud: Tom Ford Oud Fleur – £140, 50ml
The latest offering from Mr. Ford celebrates all things Arabia with this ode to oud. Using the most highly regarded, precious Middle Eastern materials, rich oud and smoky birch tar create a sultry scent reminiscent of burning incense, combined with a heady blend of rich rose, patchouli and warming sandalwood. A bazaar in a bottle.
words by Molly Jennings
Christmas is now in sight! I love London this time of year. Christmas lights are beaming, winter wreaths are decorating front doors, street musicians are playing jolly tunes and the air is filled with the smell of pine from the guy selling Christmas trees on the corner. It’s a time for Christmas spirit, connecting with family and friends and plenty of laughter over mulled wine and delicious food. Yeah… lets talk about food. Christmas just wouldn’t be the same without a little indulgence! And let’s be honest, mum’s probably been slaving away in the kitchen preparing lots of yummy nibbles so the least we could do is try a few! But where do we draw the line? How do we still enjoy Christmas with all the deliciousness it brings without ending up looking like Santa in the New Year? Here are H&H’s tips to surviving the Santa belly!
Keep Moving
No matter what, stay active. Now I’m not saying you should pack in an hour of hard-core intervals every day, but just keep your body moving. Winter is such a beautiful time of year so get outside in the fresh air and plan a family walk… or run if you’re that kind of gal! (Yes, I just said gal!) Or if you can’t bear the thought of venturing outdoors incorporate some exercises into your daily life. While you’re waiting for those mince pies to come out the oven, grab a chair and do some tricep dips, swipe a cushion from the sofa and hold some planks or do some mountain climbers. Or if you want, stick on some Christmas tunes and get boogying! You’ll be having so much fun that you’ll forget your even burning calories! Anyways, my point here, is that nobody’s exactly going to lose weight over Christmas. These are just some simple and super easy ways to keep your body and muscles activated and to help minimize damage.
You Booze, You Lose
Watch your alcohol intake. This is one of the most common reasons for Christmas weight gain. It can be a bit of a tricky one as drinking has become closely associated with socialising. If you’re going to drink alcohol don’t do it on an empty stomach as it can lead more quickly to intoxication. It’s important to slow down the absorption of alcohol into the blood stream as much as you can as this helps the liver to do its job of processing it. Try having some good fats like nuts or avocado before heading out to a party as studies have shown that the higher the fat content of the food you consume before drinking, the longer the absorption process takes. When our Editor, Sadie, has a couple of drinks over Christmas she makes sure she drinks one glass of water for every glass of alcohol. This is such a great way of staying hydrated, as alcohol, along with caffeine, is a natural diuretic.
Pick Your Indulgence
Like I said earlier, indulging is kind of inevitable at Christmas. But a great tip I learnt is to pick your indulgence. If you decide that you would like a pudding at dinner, then make sure your day is filled with lots of nutrients. Kara Rosen, founder of Plenish Cleanse, recommends starting the day with a green juice. By feeding your body with all the vitamins and nutrients it craves in the morning, you’re giving it the best possible start and actually, it will help keep you on tract throughout the day. And for goodness sake, enjoy the pudding! Where’s the fun in eating a lovely piece of chocolate cake or Christmas pudding if you’re just going to sit there and feel guilty about it. Let go of the guilt and relax. Life’s about living after all and it’s not like you eat it all year round!
Nibble Control
A bit of an obvious one but controlling the munchies is key to warding off that Santa belly! And it’s always the nibbles that rack up the most. Nibbles, in my opinion are kind of silly. You’re just about to sit down to a big meal so why would you want to be full of sugar coated nuts and smoked salmon blinis! It’s most certainly guaranteed that you will feel like you’ll have to be rolled back home! Ditch the nibbles so you can fully appreciate and enjoy your main meal. And it’s never just one blini is it?
Minty Fresh
Our final tip is something simple. Always have mints on hand. This tip is great for nibble control and limiting alcohol consumption. Pop a mint just before you get to a party and it will really help with the urge to devour the nibbles going round or knocking back a glass of wine. Even when you’ve finished the mint, you’ll still have that lingering mintyness like after you brush your teeth. Nobody feels like eating anything after they’ve cleaned their teeth! Another way to use mints is to eat one whilst doing all that Christmas cooking. Pamela Anderson does this to stop herself from picking at food while she’s cooking! We think this an awesome tip… Thanks Pam! We like to suck on these sugar-free, aspartame-free mints from Peppersmith!
Above: Athlete Workout Vest, £29, sweatyBetty; Grey top, £7.99, Golddigga at Sportsdirect.com; The Veronica Black Shorts, £30, Lexi at www.hipandhealthy.co.uk; Terry Wristband, £3, American Apparel
Pacesetter Run Tank, £55, Sweaty Betty; Leggings by Lexie, soon to be stocked at www.hipandhealthy.co.uk. Bum Bag, £35, Sweaty Betty; Minimus 10V2 Trainers, £79.99, New Balance
Futura Racer Tank, £18, Nike , JD Sports; Sports Bra, £6, Lonsdale, Sportsdirect.com; Stardust Run Tights, £65, sweatybetty; Adizero Split Shorts, £33, adidas
The Gloria Hoodie by Lexie Sport available at www.hipandhealthy.co.uk, £65
Sabrina Razor, £60, Splits 59 at www.hipandhealthy.co.uk; Bra, £30, Shock Absorber
Photographs Ian Derry www.ianderry.com
Styling Kellie Daggett www.kelliedaggett.com
Hair & Make Up Nadine Wilkie www.nadinewilkie.com
Interview by Frankie Rozwadowska
How do you keep Hip & Healthy?
I guess I drink less than I used to, I exercise whenever I can fit it in and I try to take vitamins whenever I remember!
You recently completed the Great North Run – congratulations! Any tips for those about to embark on a big fitness event?
Without a doubt do the prep. I’ve always been one of those who do their homework at the last minute and there was a risk that would happen with the Great North Run, but I was in mortal dread of it hurting too much if I hadn’t trained and embarrassing myself – so I just knuckled down and hit the road!
You’re a mum to four and are looking amazing! How do you keep in such great shape?
I genuinely feel much happier when I do exercise which is my main incentive. There are often times when I don’t exercise because I’m too busy or too tired but that’s when I get grouchy so I try and squeeze in a swim or a jog. And believe me – make up and baggy clothes conceal a multitude of sins!
What does a typical day in the life of Jo Whiley involve?
School run in the morning – taking Coco to school. I don’t see the kids in the evenings because I’m on air with my show on Radio 2 so it’s worth getting up early to spend time with them. After that I never know what the day holds. More often than not there are interviews or sessions to record for my radio show so I head to London to do whatever’s necessary – sometimes I manage to squeeze in some retail therapy [more often than not] – then I’m on air at 8pm.
What’s in your makeup bag right now?
Lancome definicil mascara, Sisley lip balm, Nars eyeshadows and foundation.
Who is your ultimate beauty icon?
Kristen Scott Thomas is elegance personified and Helena Christiansen does natural beauty in such a cool way.
What is your skin saviour?
Sisley moisturiser and black rose cream – Can’t live without either. Also Ren Moroccan rose otto sugar body polish and rose body oil for ultra moisture.
What’s the best beauty tip or secret you swear by?
Teeth and eyebrows! Tinting my eyebrows generally stops me from looking like an alien and a great smile is absolutely priceless. If you flash a big beaming smile, you look fabulous and it makes everyone you meet feel good too. Hence the need to look after your teeth. What works for me is new Oral-B Pro-Expert Premium Gum Protection.
What’s your signature dinner party dish?
Heated up pizzas.
How do you relax and spend your free time?
Vegging in front of the TV and eating out with the kids and my husband.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Smelly cheese, Jack Daniels, Dr Who and Diptyque candles
Last but not least, the old classic – if you could take three things to a desert island, what would they be?
Fountain pen, a beautiful leather bound diary, a Wind up turntable with some vinyl. Umm…that’s cheating isn’t?
Jo Whiley is the face of Oral-B Pro-Expert Premium Gum Protection, RRP £3.99. To find out more about loving your gums, visit www.oralb-loveyourgums.com
Neom Organics Christmas Wish Candle – £42
There’s nothing more comforting than a house filled with Christmasy aromas! This year, we’re loving Neom Organics Christmas Wish candle! If you can imagine mulled wine, chocolate truffles, warming spices and soothing fruit notes all packed into one candle, this is it! Neom prides itself by using 100% vegetable wax and aromatherapy oils rather than paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances. Also, Neom are offering FREE UK delivery on orders over £40 as a festive bonus!
http://www.neomorganics.com/christmas-wish-home-candle-2013.html?icn=christmas2013-page&ici=wish_home-candle
Cowshed for Sweaty Betty Gift Set £18
We couldn’t wish for a better collaboration! Each Cowshed for Sweaty Betty Gift Set includes a sumptuous body lotion and a bath and shower gel, with an invigorating scent of Lemongrass, Ginger and Rosemary, that will leave you feeling fresh and renewed!
http://www.sweatybetty.com/cowshed-gift-set-prodsb556_multi/
White Company Cashmere Hot Water Bottle £60
Snuggle up to this gorgeous cashmere hot water bottle this winter. Embellished with three tiny silver buttons and styled like a cable knit jumper, who says hot water bottles couldn’t be a bedroom fashion statement?
http://www.thewhitecompany.com/christmas/luxury-gifts/cashmere-hot-water-bottle-cover–silver-grey/
Stella McCartney Yoga Mat £55
Stretch in style with this chic yoga mat from Stella McCartney, featuring a dotted Stella McCartney logo along one side. The savvy carry handles means no matter where you are in the world, you can also find time for some OMs.
http://www.net-a-porter.com/product/371234
Teapigs Super Christmas Cheeky £20
This one’s for all you tea lovers out there. Teapigs are celebrating Christmas this year with 6 festive teas! Your Super Christmas Cheeky bundle will include Chai tea, Chocolate Flake tea, Rooibos Crème Caramel, Chilli Chai, Liquorice and Mint and Spiced Winter Red! Mugs at the ready!
http://www.teapigs.co.uk/christmas_gift_shop/product_slug_89.htm
Senspa Detox Collection £5.95 – £6.95
Christmas can (and will!) be a time for indulging so why not detox yourself beautiful? H&H loves Senspa’s Detox range that includes a body scrub, deep clean hand wash, bath salts and body wash. They all contain nine essential oils that work together with detoxifying seaweed, Dead Sea salts and marine extracts to deep cleanse your body and re-awaken your senses. All the products are 97% natural and contain no artificial fragrances or harsh chemicals, so you’ll be guaranteed to have a truly H&H Christmas!
http://www.senspashop.co.uk/categories/SenSpa-Natural-Body-Therapy/Detox/
Jo Malone Christmas Stocking £180
We know, we know…£180 is a bit of a hefty price tag but we couldn’t help ourselves! Introducing the charming Jo Malone Christmas Stocking! Peak inside, and you’ll find a Pomegranate Noir 30ml Cologne and travel candle, plus a Lime Basil & Mandarin Body & Hand Lotion. This quirky stocking will make a fabulously luxurious gift as well as a stylish decoration for the home too!
http://www.jomalone.co.uk/product/10050/28513/Limited-Edition-Christmas-Gifts/Christmas-Stocking/index.tmpl
Liz Earle Men’s Everyday Skincare £40
Award winning skincare brand, Liz Earle, have got a little something for the H&H man out there. The Men’s Everyday Skincare gift combines a face and body wash, sensitive shave cream, after-shaving moisturiser plus a complementary Cleanse and Polish hot Cloth Cleanser thrown in too! And just so you know, if you bought all these items individually, it would cost you around £20 more! A man loves a bargain, and this certainly is one!
http://uk.lizearle.com/new-offers/mens-everyday-skincare-autumn-2013.html
Ren Mini Gift Set £15
We’ve found the perfect stocking filler! This super cute REN Gift Set features best-selling scents Neroli and Rose to create a sublime four piece travel set. What you get – Rose Otto Body Wash and Body Cream, and Neroli and Grapefruit Body Wash and Body Cream. Time to pamper!
http://www.renskincare.com/p/3741/Mini+Gift+Set
Ciate MinI Mani Advent Calendar £42
Trying to ditch the chocolate advent calendar this year? We’ve got the perfect replacement…The Ciate Mini Mani Advent Calendar! Lying behind each door is colourful surprise that every beauty guru will love! Sparkles? Glitters? Festive reds? Just try and resist opening them all at once!
http://www.ciate.co.uk/mini-mani-month
Pepper and Mayne Over-sized Limited Python Bag £75
This is the perfect tote for any fittie who’s always on the go! The cotton python detailing makes this gym bag a stylish accessory to any outfit, whether it’s your gym capris or jeans! Practical and super lightweight, it’s ideal for toting around post workout gym gear or even your yoga mat!
http://www.hipandhealthy.co.uk/product/pepper-mayne-sized-limited-edition-python-bag/
Nike Rose Gold Fuel Band £139
Track your progress in style with this amazing Nike Fuel Band in Rose Gold! We thought fuel bands couldn’t get any cooler! This makes for a super trendy Christmas gift that will satisfy any sporty luxe-lover!
http://store.nike.com/gb/en_gb/pd/fuelband-se-rose-gold/pid-1057885/pgid-1057888
The Radiance Cleanse Beauty Box £90
Send this beauty box to someone who deserves to glow from the inside out! These luxury gift boxes contain six 500ml juices – Alka Green, Ginger lemonade, Root Boost, Super Green, Vital Green, and Deep Roots. A great way to kick off the New Year H&H style!
http://radiancecleanse.com/programmes/
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