For A Sun Filled Weekend: The Ultimate Salad Recipe

Written by

recipe by Saskia Gregson-Williams

Other than green smoothies there is nothing  that makes me feel healthier and happier than eating a rainbow of foods. Packing in as many colours as possible in my salad bowls immediately brightens my mood.  This bowl of rainbow goodness, is my idea of the ultimate salad, full of all my favourite veggies. Creamy cubes of avocado, raw diced asparagus, crunchy zuchinni pieces, roasted sweet potato, cherry tomatoes, spicy rocket, fennel, sprouts, sweet pomegranate seeds and toasted pine nuts with an awesome thick and creamy -tangy almond butter dressing. This salad is dreamy, so easy to make, it’s my lunch staple, but also satisfying for a slightly lighter dinner.

The salad dressing, almost steals the show (almost)  not only is it incredibly moorish but it is good for you, too. Made with almond butter, this dressing is full of nutty proteins and omegas. Im obsessed, and make it daily over salads, raw zuchinni fettucini, avocado and pomegranate salsa, and every other combination you can dream about! Although there are quite a few ingredients in this salad, it literally takes five minutes to prepare.  It keeps really well in the fridge too, so if your out and about during the week, or want to take it in for your work lunch you can make a big batch at the beginning of the week which will last you a few days!

Hope you love eating the rainbow as much as I do! Remember to share all your awesome recreations to instagram and twitter by hashtagging #hipandhealthy, and let us know how you get on!

IMG_8483

Recipe

(Serves 2)

1 avocado, cubed

1 sweet potato

1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

a few stalks of asparagus, diced

1 zuchinni chopped

a handful of chopped fennel

1/4 cup pomegranate seeds

2 tbsp of pinenuts, toasted

2 handfuls of rocket

Preheat the oven to 200 degrees celcius. Peal and cube the sweet potato, drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of cinnamon, roast  for 20-30 minutes until soft.  Mean while prepare all the other vegetables (as above). Place the rocket down first and layer the other veggies on top. Drizzle with dressing.

Sweet & Tangy Almond butter dressing:

1 tbsp almond butter

juice of 1-2 lemons

2 tbsp water

4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

Method: Simply mix together and stir well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Beauty Food Rules

Written by

words by Zoe Louise Cronk

In today’s beauty and youth-craving society, science in skincare has seen rapid development; empowering face creams and eye serums with proven-to-work ingredients that are often accompanied by hefty price tags. Look closely however, and it seems we could be reaping similar (if not better) benefits without forking out a load of cash, but instead loading our forks with delicious nutrient-rich foods.

According to Facialist & Skincare Specialist Julia Hart, it’s thanks to the “strong link between a healthy gut and healthy skin,” that “skin problems such as acne, eczema and skin-ageing can be triggered by inflammation in the body.” While it’s obviously advisable to take care of your skin with suitable cosmetics, it’s good to remember (and is helpful to our bank balances) that keeping your body healthy on the inside will show on the outside too, giving you the radiant glow and clear complexion we all so desperately crave.

Vitamins

Many brands promote vitamin C-enhanced skincare in terms of antioxidants and reducing free radicals, but in fact, eating foods rich in vitamin C can have comparable effects. As well as gaining the same anti-ageing antioxidants, you’re also providing your immune system with a vitamin C-induced boost. This increase in immunity is an obvious plus for maintaining nourished skin, as illness often coincides with a dull, lifeless complexion. Hence, avoid sickness; avoid sallow skin!

As for what foods to consume, Julia advocates green juices (kale, spinach, cucumber, apple and/or banana) in particular, as they contain an abundance of vitamins A, C and E; all of which are powerful antioxidants and protect skin against environmental stressors. Made up of nutrients and enzymes that help to repair tissue damage, antioxidants slow the effect of free radicals that cause cell dysfunction and ultimately, ageing. The protecting nature of antioxidants, paired with their ability to promote the growth and natural self-healing of cells, is what gives skin its healthy glow. Furthermore, kale contains a wealth of vitamin K, which Julia says, “strengthens blood vessels and increases circulation.” A daily green juice it is, then!

Similarly, vitamin D has been hailed as a miracle for reducing fine lines and inflammation. Our Skincare Specialist believes, “A lack of sunlight can lead to vitamin D deficiency, so try to expose skin in the morning or at dusk; avoid the damaging midday sun.” She reveals that without vitamin D, “Skin can look dull, breakout and age prematurely.” It’s important to remember though that while your bronzed tan might look good today, excess sun exposure ages the skin, so be sure to stock up on those all-important UVA and UVB-protecting sunscreens, and eat foods rich in vitamin D, like fish, eggs, cow’s milk and mushrooms.

Sugar

Moving onto the irresistible, beauty-ruining sweetener known to cause detrimental biochemical changes in our cells, Julia explains, “Problems arise when we have excess sugar in our body.” She lists negative effects such as stiff joints (as a result of glycation), loss of skin elasticity and the birth of deep wrinkles and saggy skin – none of which sound mild enough to warrant that extra slice of cake after dinner. She continues, “It also impacts circulation, leading to dry, dehydrated skin and lack of glow.”

But before you panic about the choco-biscuit in your hand and images of decrepit, sugar-induced skin scare you into starvation, Julia advises, “I generally just try to avoid processed foods that contain added hidden sugars, like cakes or ready meals.” She proposes enjoying an occasional treat and admits, “It’s impossible to avoid sugar altogether.” Phew!

It’s also good to note that alcohol is very high in sugar, and is notorious for dehydrating the body, causing dull, flaky skin – not to mention a thumping headache! If you must drink, opt for distilled spirits with low-sugar mixers.

Water

We have long since been advised to drink two litres of water per day, but are its benefits real? Oh yes, indeed.

Think of water as a moisturiser that nourishes your skin from the inside out. Just as you wouldn’t scrimp on your daily face cream, we mustn’t neglect our water intake or we run the risk of dehydration, which shows up on our face as dry skin and deeper-looking wrinkles. Water also helps to flush out acne-inducing toxins, too.

Julia cautions, “Never let yourself feel thirsty as that is a sign you are already dehydrated.” As for the amount, she explains, “Two litres is about what we lose throughout the day,” hence the suggestion to replenish what we naturally excrete.

You can also gain extra water-points by consuming foods that have a naturally high water content, particularly fruits such as watermelon (92% water), grapefruit (90% water and rich in fat-burning enzymes) and pineapple (85% water).

Omegas and Fish Oils

As well as improving heart health and lowering cholesterol, taking fish oil supplements and/or consuming a multitude of different fish means that our bodies receive a wealth of Omega 3 fatty acids that slow the ageing process by regulating skin’s oil production and boosting hydration. Omega 3’s have also been shown to reduce skin redness and inflammation, improve acne, ease the symptoms of sunburn and maintain skin permeability; all of which are important for a clear, youthful complexion and good skin health.

Julia adds, “I also love salmon for its skin firming ability, as it contains DMAE that actually helps lift muscles.” – Who knew?!

Change for The Better: A Special K Campaign that will get you putting those dreams into actions

Written by

words by Sadie Macleod

I read a quote recently “Big change is scary, but know what is even scarier? Regret”. Something in this rang true for me. I decided to share it on instagram where it got a lot of love. And many people commented that this was just the sort of thing they needed to hear to inspire them.

Then Special K asked me to pledge to make a change and to encourage the Hip & Healthy community to do the same. So that we can all strive to be the best versions of ourselves and support one another doing it. Why Special K? Well they have just made a change themselves. After 30 years of using the same recipe, Kellogg’s have changed the Special K recipe for the better. Originally 2 grains, the new cereal now contains 3, making it whole-grain (and healthier). The product contains rice, wheat and barley making it the perfect nutritional balance to start your day.

So, Special K made their change. Now I must state mine! I pledge that I will commit myself to yoga at least once a week for the next three months. I am determined to master a headstand – something I am not even close to doing. But I think that after three months of yoga commitment I should be able to get there! After all – I am pretty sure that a lot of it is in my mind and I will need to overcome those barriers before I can let go and take the pose.

Each month I will update you on my progress. And if I am feeling brave I may even share a few pics with you along the way.

Let us know what you are planning on doing. Is there a change you have always wanted to make in your career? love life? home life? or even fitness? Perhaps you need to change your diet, or you just need to change your attitude but you haven’t yet found the drive to do it. Let this be your drive. And let us know what you are up to by tweeting or instagramming us at  @hipandhealthyuk and hashtagging #changeforthebetter.

Visit https://www.facebook.com/myspecialkukandire?fref=ts for more information or to see what others are up to.

Women’s Wellness Week – #bekindtoyou

Written by

promo logo

WomensWellnessWeek1

The fast-paced modern world can take its toll on all of us, and with the modern woman expected to be able to ‘do it all’, it’s important to make some time for yourself. Thankfully, Women’s Wellness Week is being recognised across the country, with plenty of events taking place to be part of.

Spabreaks.com have already completed a 100-mile walk from London to Bath (and back again!) to raise money for the charity of the week, Look Good Feel Better. They were supported by Elemis, and even handed out vouchers and spa prizes to women along the way.

Meanwhile, the #bekindtoyou raffle will see winners claiming prizes such as a spa break, a golf break, lingerie, literature and much more!

Women’s Wellness Week takes place from the 16th September until the 20th, and the most important thing to do is to make some time for yourself. You can also take part on Twitter by tweeting at @spabreaks with #bekindtoyou, or you can read some handy hints and tips on how to make some time for yourself at the Hot Tub blog.

While work, family and friends can demand much of us throughout the week, nothing is more important than making sure you have some time to yourself. Whether it’s reading quietly by yourself, or taking part in a fun exercise class.

You’ll feel more refreshed and ready to take on the world, reduce stress and enjoy life much more. So find some time for Women’s Wellness Week and remember to #bekindtoyourself!

More information can be found here – www.womenswellnessweek.com

LookGoodFeelBetter

If you only do one thing this week… Burn Fat Four Ways

Written by

words by Alexandra Salisbury

I’m a runner, always have been. There’s no stress or frustration that I cannot dissolve by putting on my trainers and hitting the road. Yet, whilst running has done so much for my mental health, I have been trying to shift half a stone for about a year and, being fit and active, I had started to wonder why it was proving such a challenge. One Google search later and my suspicions were confirmed; running, it transpires, just isn’t the best way to burn fat. There, I said it. Gavin Walsh, fat loss expert and owner of www.walshthefataway.com, explains why- and how- it was time to train smart.

Squat, squat, squat

Burning fat isn’t about exercising for hours on end, the focus needs to be on short, intensive workouts and explosive movements designed to melt away excess fat. Gavin explains, ‘any exercise that works several muscle groups in one go is always a good idea’ and squats are fantastic way to target problem areas; bum, thighs, calves and the core muscles. You won’t just tone up these areas, you’ll burn fat from all over your body, too.

Sprints 

‘Most people focus on the calories burned during a workout, but the real key is to focus on how an exercise affects your body afterwards’ says Gavin. Say hello to your new friend ‘after burn,’ it’s a sure sign that your body is working hard to repair muscle and burning fat in the process. ‘Short sprints when repeated several times with a rest period, give your metabolism a serious kick up the backside.’ Running regular 10k runs had meant that my fitness had reached a plateau, hence my struggle to shift that pesky tummy fat.

Burpees

Love ‘em or hate ‘em, burpees are a great exercise for fitness and fat loss and don’t require any equipment. ‘It’s unlikely be able to do many of them of them in one sitting,’ Gavin advises, ‘but like the sprints, they’ll help with the after burn effect.’ These fast, explosive movements force your body to respond which accelerates fat loss as your body keeps on working post exercise. Why not finish strong by adding five burpees to the end of your regular workout?

Kettle bell swings  

Similar to burpees, Gavin recommends combining cardiovascular exercise and resistance training to tackle excess fat. ‘This exercise will tone those lower leg muscles and give your lungs a workout at the same time,’ which is another case of win, win.  If you do have access to weights, incorporate them into your usual workout routine to maximise the fat burning potential. What’s more, women produce a small amount of testosterone when compared to men so there’s no risk of bulking up. Result? Sculpting and fat burning all over!

 

Get Up & Glow Smoothie

Written by

Day 14 of the Hip & Healthy and Herbalife Smoothie Challenge

Swap your 4pm snack for a superfood smoothie and get ready to get your glow on…

Day 14: Get Up & Glow

Ingredients:

1/2 avocado

1/2 frozen banana

1 cup blueberries

1/2 cup pomegranates

1/2 cup ice

1/2 – 1 cup cold water or dairy free milk

Method: blend!

smoothie-114

GIVE IT A BOOST: Want to give your smoothie challenge a turbo boost? When you are not sipping on this delicious treat try Herbalife’s Instant Herbal Beverage with Tea Extracts, to stay hydrated and give you that added zest for the day. For more information visit: http://products.herbalife.co.uk/weight-management/herbal-tea 

0105_UK.EI.IC_Original 50g_High

Detoxing The Raw Way: Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna are all fans, find out why

Written by

words by Zoe Louise Cronk

Hot on the heels of the juicing craze, raw food is the latest detox trend to rise to dietary fame, thanks to celebrities such as Demi Moore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna whose slim, toned physiques signal to the masses the effectiveness of avoiding meat, fish, and cooked vegetables. Supposedly, it offers the perfect healthy alternative for those who struggle to maintain a regime that’s completely bereft of solid foods (e.g. juice cleanses).

The Benefits
Raw foods are known to provide more benefits than their cooked counterparts as they still contain the living enzymes usually killed off by heating. Consuming foods packed with these enzymes enables the body to conserve its own digestive juices, and use those gained from food instead. The body can therefore expend less energy on breaking down our meals (it’s been shown that digestion requires up to 80% of the body’s energy), leaving us with more vim and vigour for other, more fun things.

At last! A scientific explanation for the lethargy we feel after big meals; our digestive processes are sapping us of energy! Raw foods also help return the body to a more alkaline state, which is more conducive to the body’s natural repair process, which is the key for anti-ageing.

Furthermore, when adopting this diet, an increase in your consumption of fruit and vegetables is inevitable. The detoxifying nature of these oh-so healthy foods improves general wellbeing by flushing out the nasties and replacing them with a wealth of health, and will leave you with a glowing complexion too.

With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that businesses across the globe have jumped on the raw food bandwagon. Based in Hong Kong but also available internationally (via the website), Graciously Green offers supplements and support alongside your detox. Their 5-day Raw Food Cleanse is led by Board Certified Health Coach and raw food chef Mia Moore, and also incorporates an optional sixth day liver flush to completely rid the body of toxins.

The Cleanse
The package from Graciously Green includes an introduction session and daily support via phone and email, in which Mia provides motivation and raw recipes to inspire your meals. Also provided are the liver flush materials and salts, a detailed programme and explanation of what to expect throughout the cleanse, along with supplement tablets of enzymes (digestion), magnesium (heart health, bone density and blood pressure) and green tablets that contain a blend of cleansing superfoods like chlorophyll, wheatgrass, spirulina and other green-based phytonutrients. Enough hibiscus tea to last five days and more is also included, and is to be drunk with 1 tsp of malic acid (provided) to boost metabolism, three times daily. Heralded for its ability to heighten immunity and aid digestion, hibiscus tea is rich in detoxifying, skin-clearing antioxidants too. Having recently undertaken the five-day cleanse with Graciously Green, I would also endorse the tea’s other well-known advantage as a natural appetite suppressant.

‘So what to eat?’ I hear you ask. Well, I’m going to be honest – it’s not the most exciting food week you’ll ever have, but it’s bearable. Mia’s recipes gave a creative boost to my otherwise dull salad, and blending your veggies to make a green juice also adds much-needed variety. A particular favourite of mine was a dish inspired by a past Hip & Healthy article; julienned zucchini topped with a chunky mango, avocado and mint sauce (briefly blend and pour over zucchini). While usually enjoyed hot, it didn’t lose any of its satisfaction when eaten raw and cold. Preparing and planning meals ahead of time is key, and remember to vary your veg to keep your tastebuds sated.

The Verdict
I can happily report that it’s a fantastic and not too challenging way of dropping a few pounds, gaining a flatter stomach and feeling cleansed inside and out. I had more energy and felt much healthier with a positive mood, despite not looking forward to mealtimes as much as usual. As a great lover of my food (particularly if it’s healthy) I was surprised to find I had very little appetite, which could be a result of the supplements and hibiscus tea, or perhaps it was because my meals became less adventurous as the week progressed. Whatever the reason, I still ensured I had three meals (although I admit to skipping a few of Mia’s recommended apple/crudités snacks due to lack of hunger) and managed at least an hour’s moderate workout per day.

Knowing that the cleanse was to last just five days meant that my motivation only waned briefly midweek and remained otherwise in tact, which I’m sure was also partly due to Mia’s inspiring messages. As Mia recommends limiting sugar intake, I came to view fruit as a once-daily treat, which also helped maintain my motivation. Consuming so many different vegetables had a great effect on my skin, and the dreaded bloat was nowhere to be seen. The weight loss was a nice surprise too, and the energy boost would inspire me to undertake this detox again.

All in all, my raw food detox achieved exactly what I wanted: a flatter stomach and to be a few pounds lighter with a healthier-looking complexion. It’s ideal for those looking for a quick cleanse or to slim down healthily without depriving yourself of food, and is a great way to reap a multitude of health rewards in just five days. Go on, give it a go!

www.graciouslygreen.com

MANGO, AVOCADO AND MINT MARINATED RAW ZUCCHINI NOODLES 

Mint Chocolate Chip Smoothie

Written by

The Hip & Healthy 14 Day Smoothie Challenge Sponsored by Herbalife

Swap your 4pm snack for a superfood smoothie and get ready to get your glow on…

Day 13: Mint Chocolate Chip

Ingredients:

1 banana

1/2 avocado

1-2 cups spinach

1 tbsp freshly chopped mint

1/2 – 1 cup almond/non dairy milk

1 tbsp cacao nibs to top

Method: blend!

smoothie-84

GIVE IT A BOOST: Want to give your smoothie challenge a turbo boost? When you are not sipping on this delicious treat try Herbalife’s Peach Instant Herbal Beverage with Tea Extracts.For more information visit: http://products.herbalife.co.uk/weight-management/herbal-tea 

0105_UK.EI.IC_Original 50g_High

Green Goddess Smoothie

Written by

The Hip & Healthy 14 Day Smoothie Challenge Sponsored by Herbalife

Swap your 4pm snack for a superfood smoothie and get ready to get your glow on…

Day 12

smoothie-121

Green Goddess

Ingredients:

1/2 cup mango

1 pear

4 cups spinach 1 cup kale

1 tbsp chia seeds

1 tbsp almond butter

1/2 cup coconut water/ dairy free milk

Method: (you guessed it) Blend!

smoothie-128

GIVE IT A BOOST: Want to give your smoothie challenge a turbo boost? Add in some Herbalife Aloe Vera Concentrate (mango flavour). Great for cleansing, hydrating and may even help your skin achieve a clearer complexion. Whats not to love! Find out more here: http://products.herbalife.co.uk/weight-management/aloe-concentrate 

0165_UK.EI.GE.AU.IC_Aloe Mango_High

White Velvet Cashew Smoothie

Written by

The Hip & Healthy 14 Day Smoothie Challenge Sponsored by Herbalife

Swap your 4pm snack for a superfood smoothie and get ready to get your glow on…

Day 11: White Velvet

1 frozen banana

2 medjool dates

1 cup oat milk

1/4 cashews

1 tbs chia seeds

smoothie-100

GIVE IT A BOOST: Want to give your smoothie challenge a turbo boost? Add in Herbalife’s Formula 1, cappuccino flavour. This makes it into more of a meal as it is filled with protein and other nutrients. For more information click here: http://products.herbalife.co.uk/formula-1

1171_UK.EI_Cappuccino_High

Superfood Chocolate Energy Balls

Written by

recipe by Saskia Gregson-Williams

As a dancer I’m always looking for something I can nibble on, that wont’t bloat me (not a good look in a leotard) but sustains me and leaves me feeling completely re-energised. These babies do just the trick, they’re so quick to make, easily portable, and so delicious. I love doubling the batch and keeping them in the freezer so I have a constant supply of energy bites.

The caramel tone of the medjool dates mixed with the rich cacao and the nuttiness from the almonds and walnuts blend together to make the most divine raw bites of chocolate-fudgy goodness. They are also really high in protein from the walnuts and cashews, so not only do they make you feel fuller for longer, they are a brilliant pre- or post-work-out snack, and just a brilliant addition to your diet. You can boost the nutrient stakes even higher by adding your favourite superfood toppings. My favourites are goji berries, desiccated coconut, chia seeds, cacao nibs, freezing them in a layer of almond butter or rolling them in rich raw cacao and cinnamon. Everyone tastes amazing, and the combinations are endless!

So get creative and create your own superfood pick and mix box of delicious raw chocolate balls, and be sure to share your recreations with us by hash tagging #hipandhealthy on Instagram and Twitter!

Ingredients:

1 cup almonds
1/2 cup  walnuts
1 cup pitted medjool dates, chopped
1/4-1/3 cup cacao powder (how rich you like it)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla
1 tsp water

Method:
Start by grinding the almonds in a food processor. Add all the other ingredients and blend until combined and it the mixture sticks together. Scrape out of the blender into a bowl and roll the mixture into a ball. Roll in your favourite superfood topping and your good to go!

Sprouted Spelt & Honey Loaf | How To Snack Smart On Your Holiday

 

On a quest to get fit for Run to The Beat, Alicia enlists herself onto Barry’s Bootcamp Hell Week… find out how she did

Written by

HELL & HEALTHY WEEK

After an indulgent summer, Alicia Meinertzhagen signs herself up for Barry’s Bootcamp Hell Week, but when she sees her fitness and body improve, she starts to think it’s not so hellish after all. Here is her day-by-day account…

After a full-on summer of too much going out and surviving on unhealthy habits, it is great to finally be taking my finger off the self-destruct button this week. For anyone who knows me I am not a natural runner, and the prospect of my impending Nike Run to the Beat half-marathon has definitely been a persistent niggle in my brain whilst I have made my way through the summer and the umpteen bottles of rosé that go with it. So with a little under two weeks to go, I am combining the weekly academy at Barry’s Bootcamp with a clean diet to give myself the best chance I can to chase a solid time. I am also definitely intrigued as to how my mind and body will change and feel with such a shift in focus to my health and well-being.

I have been going to Barry’s Bootcamp since February, soon after it opened in London after being brought over from the States. It is an addictive hour’s indoor-workout class that I would essentially term as ‘interval’ training, set to great music and taught by highly motivating and personable trainers. For the past couple of months I have utilised it mainly as a way of keeping my shape intact and to combat the effects of letting loose, but this has been somewhat of a waste as I used the class more to just maintain my fitness levels rather than better them, which is the very thing that Barry’s is brilliant at. The incredible knowledge of the staff who work there and the ability to use the classes to push your fitness to new levels is undeniable, and this is what I hope to achieve with my 8 sessions in 7 days…

Day 1:

I wake up this morning still feeling the effects of the Notting Hill Carnival on the bank holiday weekend. Having got just a little bit over-excited on the Sunday the abstinence from rum punch began yesterday, but I definitely allowed myself to over-indulge in a few last foodie treats. Residual toxins from both are definitely contributing to my sluggish and slightly blue mood. Green tea, almonds and fresh fruit are my mantra in the office today. Which I mostly manage to stick to, apart from the addition of a little too much dried fruit with its high sugar content creeping in alongside. But I’m feeling uncharacteristically springy when I leave at 5.30, with no habitual headaches from excessive biscuit-tin raiding, and am raring to go when I reach Barry’s.

I have booked in with Faisal, one of my favourite trainers, to get the ball rolling. Knowing that this is the start of my challenge, he is extra supportive towards me during the busy class – particularly with my attempts not to coast at the ‘beginners’ speeds at all during the running segments (as I still do despite my months of attendance). I manage this all apart from one horrendous incline-focused few minutes, and leave feeling pleased that I have begun on a strong note.

Day 2:

Not-so-clever Alicia. Whilst reaching at an awkward angle in my car last night I have managed to wrench my neck. Cue arnica, Ibuprofen, Deep Heat, a hot water bottle and very little sleep. I have small doubt that this is to do with my body’s reaction to finally slowing down, and a sharp wake-up call to my need to take better care of it. Whilst I am determined not to be silly in my attempts to heal the pain and get back on track for this evening, a midday emergency chiropractic session works wonders and after an afternoon of icing (apparently heat is the WORST thing, oops!) I feel ready to tackle session two.

Yesterday was ‘Butts and Legs’ day so as predicted I lever myself up onto the treadmill feeling a little heavy of leg. I have my eldest sister with me this evening to keep me going, as well as the Barry’s London maestro Sandy taking the class. All the trainers are religious about checking for injuries and never mind if you adapt the floor exercises slightly for any niggles, so I get through the session with only a few small twinges. What comes after is almost harder – a quick visit to a friend’s house to catch up on honeymoon news at a dinner table laden with cookies! Luckily she is a Hip and Healthy fan so keeps me happily distracted with lots of fresh berries and mint tea.

Day 3:

I wake up this morning feeling pretty exhausted, but am boosted by the fact that my original and favourite trainer Olly Truelove (great name) is back in town! I manage to drag my 18 year-old nephew for an introductory session, and then swiftly whip his ass on a sprint by a full point-and-a-half in speed. This makes me realise the impact that support and a little healthy competition can have on my performance.

Out for dinner I fall slightly by the wayside on the ‘clean eating’, but the quality of ingredients used is evident so I don’t beat myself up too much. Especially given my strength of will in choosing a fresh ginger based ‘mocktail’, not even tasting a few exceptional-looking french fries (my downfall in life) from the other person’s plate, and ending the evening with another mint tea.

Day 4: 

Today’s session was with Anya, who is fantastic but has a penchant for my nemesis – inclines. This certainly wasn’t a strong class for me but I managed not to fall below the prescribed speeds, and loved the fact that she mixed it up by getting us to do some pair work as a challenge during the last floor section. Although I felt slightly sorry for the poor woman who got me as I was wearing my new Zaggora leggings which were absolutely drenched by this point (those who have tried them/read about the concept behind them will understand…).

The evening brought what I knew would probably send my week’s intentions slightly off-kilter – a very close friend’s hen do. Luckily the food her sister had made could have been taken from any ‘clean eating plan’, with delicious rare roast beef, roasted vegetables and a variety of salads. My plan to drink ‘vodka’ and grapefruit juice (i.e. just juice) was quickly spotted, but by sticking just to vodka without any nasty fizzy mixers, and dancing up a storm for two hours I got home to bed late but feeling surprisingly good for what could have been a disastrous evening.

Day 5: 

Waking up this morning I can feel the effect of even just a bit of alcohol – dehydration and a general feeling of ‘claggyness’, and I don’t like it. A lot of water, fresh juice and a brisk early morning supermarket shop involving heavy-bag-lugging before heading to the 10.00am Barry’s class with Olly works wonders. And whilst it doesn’t make sense, I had my best class of the week. It is always one of my favourites for some reason when I can make it, even if normally it’s just because I feel smug that I’ve started my weekend on such a positive note. I hit a personal best of 12mph for a sprint, and notice the sudden shift in my body that has occurred by this morning in terms of the feeling of strength and tone after five classes. My only guess is that psychologically knowing I want to get the alcohol toxins out of my body makes me work harder to get back to my normal balance. Whatever it was, I have a fantastically productive day in sunny London and am feeling confident that all this training is going to have an impact on next weekend’s run.

Day 6: 

So much for thinking I’d cracked the formula! It takes me quite a while to pull myself out of bed this morning – the build-up of so many days in a row is catching up. Still, I know the best thing for my energy levels is to get moving – I have exercised regularly since my late teens because I know that those weeks that I let it slide I actually end up feeling more lethargic. So it’s on with the Zaggora’s for a second attempt with a morning Anya. Again, not my best class but I get through it, and am sweating so much that the man next to me can’t stop staring in disgust/wonder! This is probably to do with the leggings, but I’m secretly hoping that I’m getting fitter and thus sweating more…The end is in sight, and with this focus I resist the delights of my habitual Sunday curry and head home to a fridge full of fresh vegetables instead.

Day 7:

Having left my double-day until the last minute, I determinedly get on the tube for 7.10am class pre-work. Luckily it is with Olly, who I find is my most motivational trainer if for no other reason than I have done so many classes with him and automatically feel comfortable and able to achieve what is set. It’s ‘Arms and Abs’ day, which I enjoy, and leave feeling that I’ll be able to get my body and brain in gear for the evening session. I end up taking the latest class – the 9.00pm – with Taylor. Having not had time before going in to explain that I was doing the week’s academy, and just saying that I’m doing a double-day, he calls me on it and seems determined to make me work to my hardest. It’s only half-way through that I realise he is using reverse-psychology by shouting encouragement and praise to everyone else in the small sized class but me! I am thus automatically pushing myself without even realising it, and finish the week on a high.

I’m not sure I’m in a rush to sign up to a weekly academy again… but I feel proud of myself for getting through it and have definitely added muscle and tone which can only be a positive for my half-marathon. I felt almost sad during the last sections of my last class that I wouldn’t be back for at least a week, so clearly I haven’t lost my Barry’s love! The clean eating side was definitely weaker and not perfect, but I got more vegetables in me than I have in a long time and was far more conscious of what I was putting into my body. Fingers crossed for the coming race!

The weekly academy costs £90, and classes range from £14-20 depending on the package you buy. Classes are one hour and run from early morning until the evening every day, apart from on weekends when there are less scheduled. www.barrysbootcamp.com.

alicia

Alicia (centre) with friends after completing London’s Run To The Beat