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clean living

Recipes

Avocado and Pomegranate Tabbouleh | Recipes

Pomegranate and Avocado tabbouleh, cyncityAvocado and Pomegranate Tabbouleh

It’s Sunday and you’re planning your lunches for the week ahead!

The buzz words in your head are CLEAN LEAN PROTEIN GOOD FATS LOW CARB VEGAN

and then your mind goes blank…

Well here is a perfect little dish that you can make ahead of time and will last up to 3 days in the fridge! It is easily transported in Tupperware and just tastes better and better…


Ingredients:

80g quinoa – read packet instructions on how to make nice and fluffy.

6 tomatoes, diced into small chunks

1/2 cucumber

5 large handfuls of roughly chopped fresh, flat-leaf parsley

1  handful of chopped fresh mint

1 large ripe Hass avocado

2 tablespoons of toasted flaked almonds

Pomegranate seeds (you can buy these at most supermarkets pre-seeded if you need) If you can’t find pomegranates sultanas can be used as a substitute

2 large handfuls of leaves such as watercress, spinach and rocket


Dressing

6 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil

1 grated garlic clove

2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice

2 teaspoons of good quality honey

Sea salt and Black Pepper

Pomegranate and quinoa, cyncity, Cyntra


Method

Drain and rinse the quinoa well – make sure there are no bubbly bits in the water as these are the natural saponins which are not good for digestion. Cook according to packet instructions, usually 15 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool. Run a fork through it to lightly fluff up the quinoa

Put all the ingredients for the dressing in a jam jar (if you have one) and shake or grab a glass and whisk with a fork

Chop the tomatoes and cucumber – remove the seeded bit of the cucumber as this can make the salad go quite wet. If you cut the cucumber in half then half again lengthways – grab a spoon and run it down from top to bottom you will find the seeds will pull out quite easily.

Combine the warm quinoa, tomatoes, cucumber and herbs with the dressing.

At this point, if you wish to save for lunches this week – leave to cool till cold. Then seal in Tupperware and keep in the fridge (see more info below)

Make a gorgeous bed of salad, place the tabbouleh on top, and add chopped avocado and pomegranate

Dry fry the flaked almonds few minutes on a medium heat until toasted and scatter over the tabbouleh.

Serve warm or cold


Pomegranate and Avocado tabbouleh, cyncity

Transport

Keep the tabbouleh in the fridge

On the day of lunch: chop the avocado and place in a container with a squeeze of lemon/lime on top (this will stop from going brown) and place pomegranate.

Grab some toasted almonds (you can buy them pre-toasted) and sprinkle on top – just before eating for extra crunch

Place salad leaves on top in order to keep them fresh


Nutrition

Quinoa is full of protein

Avocado is a great healthy fat

and the rest is made up of beautiful skin nourishing herbs, fruit and veggies

Delicious, Nutritious and Perfect for anyone on the run!


For More Stress-Free Nourishing Recipes Click Here: Nourish

Balance

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

Do your muscles ache the day after the gym?

Struggle with the stairs?

Does it put you off going the next day?


5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

Here are 5 tricks I use to make sure I keep on track of my workouts and to keep those sore muscles at bay.

Rehydrate

This one is a bit of a no-brainer. You must replace the water lost in workouts so your body continues to function. When you put your body under stress it needs to be consistently hydrated.
Make sure you are getting at least 2 litres of water a day. You can make this more funky by having herbal teas (my favourite are Pukkaany flavour) or by putting lemon and mint in your water to add flavour!

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym


Foam Rolling

Foam Rolling lets you roll out those tight muscles. This is crucial when training with weights when your muscles are getting stronger. Foam Rolling allows you to take the pressure deeper – really working into those tighter areas. This allows you to work the tightness and get you back in the weights section quicker.
If you don’t have time to foam roll in the gym (plus you can look and sound very strange when you find the tighter spots)

I recommend buying a roller for home and spending 20 minutes when catching up on your favourite show.


Massage

There will be times, especially when starting a new routine, when you may need to bring in a professional.

Massage not only makes you feel better and relax but it also helps with muscle recovery. Knots and tightness can really impact your workout – so getting a professional to relieve the pressure can really help.

Having a massage can really help you identify injuries or potential problems which could be exacerbated by certain exercises.

I recently have been having trouble with my legs and neck. My neck and legs were stiff, sore and it was affecting my sleep.

I was recommended to get a massage ASAP!

I booked a sports massage to my house (amazing – I know!) using Urban Massage App!

The masseuse worked through all the layers easing the tension. I had no idea how tight some of the larger muscle groups were. Her hands were magic and by the end of the massage, my muscles had melted.

If you don’t have the time to go to a spa or are nervous about booking a massage – try using Urban Massage App
I have the app on my phone and have now started booking massages every couple of months to help re-align from training

For a little treat click here and get 10% off your First Massage!


Warm Bath

Grab those Epsom Salts and Lavender Oil and fill up the bath with warm/hot water and soak those muscles. If you have time the optimum time to relax those muscles and detoxify is 30-40mins.

If you find it hard to sit still for that long and wind down… take in a good book or listen to a podcast while you unwind.

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym


Sleep

The vital ingredient to any recovery!

No excuses: if you are not getting 8 hours you are not allowing your body to recover.

Sleep and hydration allow your body to work at its best.

Switch off your phone, turn off the tv, get into bed an hour early and read…meditate…relax and wind down and give yourself enough time to get in those 8 hours.

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym


For More Stress-Free Workout Tips Click Here: Stress-Free Workout

Recipes

My Recommended Supplements | Stress-Free Health

There are often mixed responses when it comes to supplements but I truly think the right ones can support you against the natural stresses of our world. 

Often, we are all so busy running around from meeting to meeting, client to client, work to the gym that we often miss out on vital nutrients and minerals. This is where I believe supplementation can support our modern lifestyles.

Here are my Recommended Supplements to give you that Vital Boost and Keep you Balanced!

VITL Supplements

VITL

VITL are a home delivery supplement service bringing to you all your vital vitamins and minerals in handy day packets which means no fussing with tonnes of pots of pills everywhere!

They have an app where you update your details, complete an assessment of your lifestyle and needs and then they recommend the correct vitamins and minerals for you.

Here’s How It Works…

1) In-App Consultation

Find out your wellbeing scores across five key pillars of health:

Digestion

Energy

Mood

Immune system

Detoxification status

This will pinpoint which area of your well-being to focus on to improve your health.

2) Bespoke Content & Reminders for You

Receive a free, fully personalised well-being plan with the latest advice and health tips relevant just to your scores.

3) Personalised Vitamin Packs

A nutrition pack will be formulated according to your unique nutritional needs. You can order your pack directly from within the app and you’ll be reminded to retake your consultation so your pack adapts as you progress.

4) Integrates with Your Apps

Connect the Apple Health App and your 23andMe profile to seamlessly integrate your sleep patterns, activity levels, and genetic markers to help our experts perfect their recommendations

All this for £10 for your first month with code: CYNCITY

You’ll get your first month supply of personalised vitamins on the monthly plan for just £10

VITL packaging is very easy to use and you can throw the daily packets in your handbag – I couldn’t be without mine!


Pukka Turmeric Lifekind

Pukka

Pukka Herbs are an incredible brand who’s products, teas and supplements are organically created here in the UK. From Sleep to Stress they have a solution to support your daily needs. Due to Pukka’s phenomenal popularity, many people do not realise how committed they are to ayurvedic medicine and organically and naturally produced herbs. This is a company that cares.

Turmeric Lifekind

Is one of my favourite go-to’s to support my daily needs. It naturally supports my system with its anti-inflammatory properties. It comes in a handy little capsule that I pop in my bag to take just before breakfast and morning cup of Detox Tea.

The BBC did a report that found that increasing your intake of turmeric (curcumin) has shown to affect the cells responsible for depression, eczema, asthma and cancer.

“It was really exciting, to be honest. We found one particular gene which showed the biggest difference. And what’s interesting is that we know this particular gene is involved in three specific diseases: depression, asthma and eczema, and cancer. This is a really striking finding.”

There was evidence turmeric is lipophilic which means for it to be absorbed it is best taken with fat…roll on those coconut turmeric eggs!


Supplements-daily

Sönd Skincare

Have you heard about Sönd? Sönd is a new skincare system for sensitive skin, which harnesses the incredible natural power of silica. Their Energise + Activate supplements are incredible for dull skin and are formulated to replenish your skin with collagen forming silica, and to improve the overall health, function and appearance.

Their packaging is simple and chic and they pride themselves on looking after your body from the inside out as well as topically.

The tablets contain minerals which are also really good for promoting healthy sleep – which is also an added bonus for our skin.

I will keep you updated with my results but anything that will brighten my skin and help me sleep better is always a bonus.

 (I showed the ingredients list to a biochemist who was impressed and said she would take these)

Sond-Energise-Activate


Conclusion

There are lots of brands out there pushing vitamins to us that are low quality or full of fillers. Do your research prior to taking supplements and make sure the brand you use know their ingredients.

I hope you find my recommendations useful and informative. I am open and honest with my suggestions and would only recommend products I have tested and used myself. I have run all ingredients past a qualified biochemist to investigate.

Recipes

Review: Press London Juice Cleanse

Press London Juice

Every now and again life can come a little unbalanced.

Late nights, too much coffee, client lunches and general burning the candle at both ends can often leave your body like it needs a reboot.

Following the Christmas Festivities, I was starting to feel a little unbalanced and therefore decided to try a juice cleanse to feel more alkalised.

I decided to do Press London 3 day Juice Cleanse and diary the ups and downs for y’all so you know what to expect before you begin!

Continue reading my detox diary…


Before you start:

  1. Read the booklet about the Juice Cleanse
  2. Come off coffee and other stimulants
  3. Eat lightly – try to have no big heavy meals
  4. Plan your week to avoid dinners out
  5. Plan your work week to avoid breakfast/ lunch meetings
  6. Practise yoga – no heavy exertion

Press London Juice Cleanse


Day One

The juices arrived in a cooler box ready to go! I would recommend getting the delivery when you’re at home or somewhere you can immediately store the juices to keep them fresh.

Clearly labelled with the order that you need to take the juices – it could not be easier to start!

There is a guide sent to you to get you prepared prior to the cleanse – I would highly recommend sticking to this as it really does help you set up ahead of the cleanse.

Pros

  • Enough juices that you do not feel hungry
  • Lots of flavour variation and incredible flavours to enjoy
  • Beautifully packaged and the colours are incredible

Press Juice Cleanse CynCity Cyntra

Cons

  • You need to forget about meal times which can be hard especially if you work in an office where there is lots of food around. Try and keep yourself distracted and go for a walk when you know there may be temptation
  • You feel cold – it’s an odd sensation but I felt really chilly
  • ATTENTION: Read the booklet prior to starting day one. Otherwise, the coffee withdrawal catches you out!

Day Two

Day two began and it felt calmer knowing what to expect. You know what the juices taste like and you can start to plan when best to have the different juices and mylks to suit your day.

Pros

  • You will start to feel less bloated
  • Leaves more time to focus on other things
  • A natural sense of feeling lighter
  • You feel sleepier in the evenings

Press Juice Cleanse CynCity Cyntra

Cons

  • Caffeine – this part really sucks – the caffeine withdrawal is bad and this is why I cannot stress enough to wean yourself off prior to the cleanse
  • Saying no to friends and events
  • No gymming

Day Three

By day three you will be really in the swing of things. Your stomach would have shrunk and the benefits of no bloating will be noticeable to you.

There is a sense of pride as well knowing you have stuck to the challenge.

This is the day I would say it would be wise to look at the post cleanse instructions which give you advice on how to re-introduce foods back into your diet to help maintain your new alkalised state.

Pros

  • No hunger pangs – your body really gets used to it quickly
  • There is a sense of achievement which makes you feel great about sticking to something

Press Juice Cleanse CynCity Cyntra

Cons

  • None by day three – you really do feel like you’re winning!

Top Tricks

Also discovering incredible ways to ‘juice’ up the cleanse…

Top tricks:

  • if you have a Nespresso milk frother or hand held gizmo… set it on the cold milk and froth up your nut mylks! Oh my game change
  • Add ice to the juices
  • Add some accessories… a little cocktail umbrella… why not!
  • If you can get to a sauna and steam – do it! Help cleanse yourself from the inside out – you will be positively glowing

Press Juice Cleanse CynCity Cyntra


Reflection

Also, there will be people who want to sabotage you… the people who make comments…

‘Oh you’re not eating’

‘Oh go on it’s only vodka’

‘Life is for living’

And all that jazz

Just remember you’re doing this for you. To reset. To re-alkalise. To re energise. Quite frankly what you do has nothing to do with anybody so keep calm and stay positive.


Juice Cleanse

This part is almost as important that sticking to it

Go veggie to start: light soups, salads and keep it easy. Your tummy has been hibernating to don’t scare it back into action

  • this is your time to start with new lifestyle changes – so maybe lay off sugars, alcohol, creams and fried food
  • Enjoy that post cleanse glow
  • Treat yourself / you’ve earnt it

Press London Juice Cleanse

Recipes

Review: Saffron Soul Healthy Indian Cuisine

Saffron-Soul-Mira-ManekMira Manek

I am more than excited to announce the book launch of Mira Manek  Saffron Soul: Healthy, vegetarian heritage recipes from India

Mira Manek is the Indian cuisine equivalent of Deliciously Ella. Her recipes are light, flavourful, exquisite and did I mention absolutely mouthwatering. She hosts yoga events, supper clubs and bespoke Indian feasts to show how tasty and healthy the world of Indian inspired cooking can be.

Her recipes change traditional views that Indian food is based on heavy curries and introduces a world of flavours that many of us have yet to explore.

I am excited to take this next voyage of discovery…!


Healthy Indian Cuisine

I met Mira two years ago after I attended a delicious feast which she hosted at Shoreditch House. The spread was incredible… if you don’t believe me read this! 

The variety of flavours and ingredients filling the table were incredible. From chickpea flour pancakes with coriander chutney and chilli beet to Divine Mocha Cake with Nutmeg & Mocha Cashew Frosting, Raw Mocha Flapjacks with Nutmeg, and Almond Cocktails. Nutritious and delicious.

The main event for me though was the Saffron and Cardamon Cheesecake

Now can you see why I have been eagerly awaiting this launch!


Where to buy

If you are looking to buy this for yourself or to share with others then you can find it here!

 

 

Recipes

Peanut Butter Cups

Peanut Butter Cups

Another little stress-free treat from me to you. This delicious recipe was inspired by the incredible Joe Wicks from The Body Coach.

Its the perfect weekend indulgence that is full of protein and great after a hard slog in the gym.

Really simple to make and incredibly tasty.

Peanut Butter Cups


Ingredients:

Dates
Mixed Nuts
Protein Powder (I used That Protein)
Cacao Powder
Coconut Oil
Natural Peanut Butter
90% Dark Chocolate


Method:

Blitz all the ingredients except the peanut butter and chocolate in a food processor.

Heat your oven to 150c

Grab a cupcake tin and grease the bottoms

Spoon a nice dollop of all the mixture into each cup

Then add a nice layer of Peanut Butter

Place in oven for 10 minutes – then remove from oven

Melt the dark chocolate and drizzle over the top

Voila – delicious and nutritious

Peanut Butter Cups


These Little Cups are Perfect to Take to Work!

If you store in an air-tight container in a cool dry place these should last a few days. Take them to work in Tupperware and enjoy a little treat when you need.


For More Stress-Free Nourishing Recipes Click Here: Nourish

Recipes

Ras El Hanout Chicken Wraps

This World is full of amazing Recipes waiting to be discovered

The cultures, the knowledge, the old wives tales… there is a wealth of discovery awaiting us! I love cooking dishes from all over this beautiful planet. Drawing inspiration from flavours, colours and ingredients not found in my own lands. Over the years I have accumulated quite a few Clean Eating and Worldly Cookery Books.

One of my favourites at the moment has to be Persiana by Sabrina Ghayour.


A British-Iranian, her book invites you to discover the flavours of the middle east and incorporate those in your daily cooking. From Salads to Mezze, Stews to Grills and rounding up with delicious desserts; Sabrina captures the flavours that will entice the palette without piling on the calories. Add this beautiful book to your collection – you will not regret it.


Ras El Hanout Chicken Wraps 

Ease: Medium

Storage: 1 day

Transport: Tupperware for lunch

IMG_6960


Ingredients: (for two people)

3 large chicken breasts, chunkier side cut & spread out to even out size for cooking
2 heaped tablespoons of Ras el Hanout spice (Can be found in most spice isles but I made my own using…

  • 2½ tbsp cumin seeds
  • 2 tbsp coriander seeds
  • 1 tbsp ground cinnamon or 1 cinnamon stick
  • 2 tsp ground ginger
  • 2 tsp black peppercorns
  • 1 tsp ground turmeric
  • ½ tsp cardamom pod (seeds from about 10 pods)

Olive oil
Pomegranate molasses
Rocket/lettuce leaves to garnish
4-6 flour tortilla wraps – (I use gluten free wraps from Wholefoods) 
Maldon sea salt
Pomegranate seeds

IMG_6953

Ingredients for yoghurt sauce:
400g Total full-fat Greek yoghurt
1 small bunch of fresh mint
2 tablespoons of sumac
Maldon sea salt


Method:

1. In a small bowl, mix the Ras el Hanout (or homemade) spice mix with approximately 4-5 tablespoons of olive oil to create a quick paste and smear the paste over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are well coated.IMG_6954

Season each piece with just a pinch of Maldon sea salt and if you have time, allow to marinate for as long as needed (overnight being the maximum).

2. Finely chop the fresh mint and add it into a bowl along with the yoghurt, sumac and a generous pinch of Maldon sea salt and some black pepper and mix well until the sumac and mint are evenly incorporated.

IMG_6955
3. Preheat a large frying pan over a medium flame and then drizzle a good amount of olive oil and add the chicken breasts in and fry them for about 8-10 minutes or so on one side and 6-8 minutes on the other side. You can check cooking progress of the flesh by prodding the fattest part of the chicken strips with your finger. If it feels very springy then it needs to cook a bit longer, but if it feels firm, then your chicken is cooked and ready to serve.

IMG_6956
4. Place your cooked chicken on a chopping board and allow to rest for a few minutes so the juices can flow back through the meat, ensuring it remains moist and tender. Then slice the chicken up into strips and put a few generous strips into a tortilla wrap, dollop some of the yoghurt onto the chicken and then drizzle with some pomegranate molasses and add in some rocket or lettuce leaves of your choice and serve.
IMG_6957

It is such a tasty, clean and filling lunch, snack or dinner. Mix up some lemon quinoa or a salad and you have the perfect meal.


For More Stress-Free Nourishing Recipes Click Here: Nourish

 

 

 


Explore

Review: The Retreat Kitchen, Richmond

A Delicious Vegan Brunch Spot nestled in the heart of Richmond – The Retreat Kitchen.

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

The Retreat Kitchen

Nestled in the quaint streets of Richmond you will find The Retreat Kitchen. This earth loving cafe, which opened in February, is run by duo Maggie and Claire. Maggie & Claire were on a BBC programme called The Retreat with DIY SOS’s Nick Knowles (now on Netflix if you want to watch it!) hey went to Thailand for a

They went to Thailand for a 28-day detox retreat and had their lives transformed. Prior to heading to the retreat, they were both burnt out.

The girls returned with a new lease of life. They wanted to spread the vegan love back in the UK. They launched The Retreat Kitchen to bring tasty plant based dishes straight to you.

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

“For us a plant based diet wasn’t about giving up meat, it was about taking up eating a wider variety of vegetables and putting in the time and effort to make them stand out. ” – Maggie

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

Healthy Smoothies

Their menu boasts a plethora of tasty coffees, juicy juices and smoothies for every occasion. The girls recommend the Green Giant smoothie to reduce tiredness, fatigue and maintain healthy skin – exactly what you need after a long weekend.

Green Giant: Spinach, Kale, Banana, Mango, Kiwi, Apple, Spirulina, Chlorella, Wheatgrass, Barley Grass. 

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

Vegan Breakfast

Enough about the smoothies… let’s get down to BREAKFAST!

As you all know, Brunch is my favourite meal of the day, with that in mind, I took ordering very seriously.

To start, we tucked into an English Breakfast Muffin (Spinach, Mushroom, Avocado and Vegan Hollandaise). Having never tried Vegan hollandaise I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat bewildered how they had managed to create such a delicious alternative. Zesty and fresh, I would recommend just to try the hollandaise.

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

Vegan Brunch

After mange-ing our way through our v-eggs benedict, we were presented with the Brunch Plate (Scrambled tofu, homemade beans, vegan sausage, tomato, mushrooms, hash brown and Sourdough).

Hands down one of the best veggie sausages I have tasted which paired beautifully with the homemade smokey beans! Delicious.

This vibrant plate really brings food alive!

Still not 100% convinced by the scrambled tofu (however my brunch date loved them) #eggsaremyfavouritefood – this tasty Brunch really hit the spot.

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

Pancake Stack

BUT and this is a big BUTT if you are going to have one thing on this menu… The Fresh Fruit Berry Pancake Stack with berries, coconut yoghurt and maple syrup is THE ONE.

Presented beautifully and with a little pot of maple syrup on the side.

This pancake stack needs to be served with a PG13 sticker… as it is naughty!

Ah the indulgence and flavour, the levels melted in your mouth. The fresh coconut ice cream paired perfectly with the berries and compote.

After making the people on the next table feel very uncomfortable from my excitement at every mouthful, I wandered up to the counter to chat with the girls and peruse their array of cakes.

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity   The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

Tasty vegan sweet and savouries to take on the go.

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

After picking up a delicious Polenta and Orange Cake I decided to get one last treat… a tasty black americano.

Roasted to perfection due to the delicious beans from Old Spike Coffee. 

The perfect finish to an earth loving morning.

The Retreat Kitchen Richmond Cyncity

You can find The Retreat Kitchen at;
16 Hill Rise, Richmond TW10 6UA
Open Mon – Sun until 5pm!

Recipes

Easy Cream of Asparagus Soup

  Cream of Asparagus Soup

Asparagus Soup

Asparagus is a treasure trove of vitamin k, which your body needs to bolster bone strength and regulate blood clotting. The carotenoids found in asparagus make for its pretty green hue and double as anti-inflammatory compounds. Asparagus can also claim high levels of glutathione, a powerful antioxidant that guards against cell damage from intense exercise and everyday living. 

Cream of Asparagus Soup


To make this delicious and nutritious soup you will need:

  • Half an onion
  • Bunch of Asparagus
  • Pint of Vegetable Stock

Cream of Asparagus Soup

This Asparagus Soup recipe is healthful and low calorie but filling all at the same time.

  1. First, chop the onion and sizzle till soft.
  2. Grill the asparagus to with a little salt a pepper to bring out that beautiful flavour.
  3. When soft and slightly charred chop and add to onion
  4. Add Stock, bring to boil, then simmer until all is tender
  5. Whizz

 

Cream of Asparagus Soup

There is no cream added as the asparagus soup does this all by itself

PER SERVING

• Calories: 74

• Protein: 6g

• Carbs: 7g

• Fat: 3g

• Fiber: 3g


For More Stress-Free Healthful Recipes Click Here: Nourish

Balance/ Recipes

Pip The Queen of the Nut Butters | Selfridges

Pip and Nut


Peanut Butter

For many years Peanut Butter has been one of those condiments that came out at breakfast. Usually a weird camel colour and an ingredient list that went on for miles. Used predominantly on toast – it was just another kitchen cupboard lurker in between the marmalade and jam.

Then came the PB and Jelly phase – many of which us Brits found confusing until we realised that Jelly was Jam – something that the more adventurous people would go to this side of the Atlantic!

Roll on to 2017, Nut butter is now becoming a superfood! Smear it on celery, dip in your apples or enjoy a dollop on a spoon – the ideas have been growing each year for more innovative ways to use these nuts.

Nut butter used to have a bad rep – loaded with chemicals and palm oil – until Pip Murray entered the scene!


Pip and Nut Cook Book

The Nut Butter Cook Book

Pip Murray and Pip and Nut came on to the scene in 2015. Fuelled with her ideas from her marathon running days, Pip created a unique, fun and original set of nut butter’s, which have been growing in popularity.

Intertwining ingredients and introducing new flavours, you will find an array of choice from Limited Edition Crunchy Maple Peanut Butter (personal fav!) to delicious Coconut Almond Butter.

Not only has she brought flair and originality, Pip has now opened the world to a variety of new dishes to use these butter rather than just being relegated to a slice of toast! In her new cookbook, Pip shares a number of recipes including:

  • Coco-Nutty Banana Pancakes and Cashew
  • Blackberry and Pear Porridge
  • Peanut Soba Noodle Salad
  • Vegan Almond Fudge
  • Baked Peanut Butter and Raspberry Cheesecake

As nuts can be used across a variety of cuisines, the range provides you with a pot of flavour that can be mixed into a variety of dishes from sweet to savoury.

Vegan-friendly, environmentally friendly and sustainable – making this the ultimate cookbook for people looking to give a healthy, protein-fuelled boost to their diet.


Fruit Peanut Butter Pip and Nut pip and nut recipe book

Selfridges Pop-Up Nut Bar

Want to try some of the delicious recipes straight out of the book? Head over to Selfridges Food Hall to try!

With flavours ranging from Almond, avocado and spiced seeds to Peanut, chilli, lime and coriander you will be left wanting more! (see picture)

Available until February 12th, I would head down before the Nut bar hits the road! In the mean

In the mean time you can grab Pip’s book from a number of places including here for any of you who cannot make it.


Nut Butter Pip and Nut Peanut Chilli Coriander Lime Nut Butter Pip and Nut Cookbook


 Buy the Cookbook

Balance

How to become lean for life!

 

lean for life Louise Parker Method


January

The time of year for new starts and new years resolutions. High hopes after the Christmas cheer of shifting those extra squidgy bits that came from the cheese platter…guilty!

Many of us start out with a plan to start eating better and to shift Christmas pounds but when we go to search for the plan that will suit our needs we are bombarded with so much information it can become very confusing.

“No Carbs”

“More Fat”

“Gluten Free”

There are many different plans to follow however most people will find that these plans may make us reach our goal but what next… you will never have a carb the rest of your life?


 Lean is a Lifestyle

On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of joining a talk hosted by Lauren Armes, Welltodo, with Louise Parker from the LPM to discuss her new book Lean for Life: The Cookbook. The Louise Parker Method is well known as being the fame and celebrity go to for all things ‘weight loss’ and lifestyle chance. This perked my interest and I went along to get the inside scoop of this method.

I loathe dieting and I’m on a mission to end it!

The opening line from her book was read aloud to the crowd – this really perked up my interest! Louise started to tell us about her journey through health and lifestyle and how the Louise Parker Method came about. Contrary to this ladies slim physique she explained she had battled with weight and yo-yo dieting for years and is well aware the different ‘diets’ that women put themselves through in order to look great.

Letting go of the all or nothing approach

Louise explained that to be lean for life you have to accept that some days you won’t get it right. If you indulge a little too much just get back on it with the next meal or snack. It is all about mindset and lifestyle. The odd glass of wine here, or steak and chips for dinner there won’t impact you, as long as the majority of your decisions are good for your body. Operating at a 70:30 ration means that it will give you the longevity mindset to continue.


The Louise Parker Method

Lauren and Louise continued to discuss how the Lean for Life: The Cookbook can support those who are following the LPM method and then introduced the four pillars that make up the Louise Parker Method.


Think Successfully

To achieve your goals and make the right choices to become the best you – you need to change your mindset! Once you get the method and the principles behind making the right choices, you have fundamentally taken one of the hardest steps in the right direction. With this new mindset and belief in success you will set yourself up for success on your goals!

Your brain is the most important muscle there is in your transformation, and you are going to train it consistently, as you would your body.


Eat Beautifully

No gimmicks, no ‘free froms’, no fads just filling your plate full of nourishing whole food that will give you all the right energy you need. The recipes in the book will provide you the tools to make excellent meals that will make life and living lean easy and part of your lifestyle

With a lower calorie diet you need to make sure you pack those calories full of nutrition

There will be days where you indulge and may be a little naughty – but that is fine as long as 70% of the time you are nourishing your body with simple, healthy and beautiful foods!


Work Out intelligently

Very simply, you’ll move more. You’ll also exercise in the most intelligent way, combining the maximum amount of fat-burning and toning, while boosting your metabolism and making you feel fabulous.

There is no point wasting your time with exercises that you will not keep up or enjoy. With any goal in sight you need to keep moving (even if it is just getting in those 10,000 steps a day)

Remember if you don’t enjoy it, find something you do. When you want to change your lifestyle and incorporate exercise in – it has to be something you enjoy otherwise you will not stick to it!


Live Well

The last foundation is about your Lifestyle. Making changes that apply to your wider health. Sleep, Digital Detox and starting to change those patterns that cause you to make bad choices.

When you get a bad night’s sleep it puts your hormones out of whack and this can impact everything from feeling low to how hungry you are.

We are surrounded by digital – even now writing this – my phone is buzzing, the screen is bright and I have my favourite episode on.

We can all take a leaf out of this one!


Become Lean for Life

Listening to Louise talk, it really struck a chord with how much information we are bombarded with, and how many do this, do that, eat this, stop that there are in the world… when actually it is all very simple.

By following simple principles of eating protein, fat, good carbs and balancing that with exercise you really have set the foundations for a life of ease.

We can all do with a bit of guidance, which is why I would recommend taking a look Louise’s new book, which offers recipes and meal guidelines to give you an idea of how you can live your life a simple way and achieve your lean goals.

Personal Rant!

From a female perspective, we are born into a World where how we look is discussed every day!

Magazine front covers are filled to the brim with crap to make us feel bad! The new fad to make you a size zero, drinking some tea that will ‘detox’ you (a.k.a a laxative), don’t eat a carb or you will look like a whale or gobbling keytones will be the be all and all!

All in all, generally confusing the f*** out of us – when all we really need are simple positive principles, regular ways to exercise, a confident and chilled mindset, which when followed the majority of the time will allow us to be free of the negativity and allow us to live lean and happy lives.


The above article was written with my own opinions and values

Balance/ Stress Free Style

Do you check your Ingredients?

Do you check your Ingredients? Answer majority is usually Yes

However

Do you check your ingredients in your Beauty Products? This often leads to a few less in agreement.

Green for All Seasons is hosting a series of events to investigate, educate and discuss the importance of Clean and Organic living through in the products that we use on a daily basis.

First in the series was to discuss Organica and Clean Beauty. In attendance were a  panel of experts to discuss Wellness and How your beauty regime is a key player when talking about holistic Wellness.


Victoria- Anne founder of Green for All Seasons opened the session by calling out some harrowing facts.

11% of the 10,500 products approved by the FDA have actually been tested for safety”

“2000 new chemicals are registered daily in the US to be used in beauty products”

“An average woman uses 12 personal care items a day…exposing yourself to 168 chemicals daily”

We often spend time making sure the food we put inside us if of the top standard but may forget to check the finer print when it comes to our beauty regime. We went on to discuss the importance of skin and how we can make small and simple changes to thrive and seek wellness holistically in our day to day routines.


Looking after your wellness and well-being is a holistic action. It is all about living without extremes and operating in a balanced way. We often hear the remark that you can’t live a healthy life if you smash hours in the gym but fill your fridge full of processed food. We check labels, search for organic food, are on a quest to reduce sugar and fighting against the big companies to be honest with us yet we seem to be missing out on some crucial items that we put on our skin everyday.

Victoria-anne opened up her questioning to the expert panel – Here is what the experts had to say

The panel started with Tanya Hawkes from Therapi. Tanya was a bee keeper and found her passion for skincare and bee-keeping and combined these to create her product line.

“Honey is Nature’s liquid gold, a precious elixir containing the nutritious nectar and therapeutic essences of a thousand flowers in just a single drop. Our certified organic products combine honey with active botanical extracts in exceptionally pure and gentle formulations, using cold-pressed organic oils and nourishing plant butters to keep your skin looking beautifully radiant and healthy day after day” 

She expressed Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy food as she handed around a shot glass filled with Therapi toner which we proceeded to sip. One should not put anything on their face which one would not put in their mouth.

Tanya’s top skin tips: Radiate with Wellbeing: Balance Work, Love, Exercise. Secondly use Japanese Konjac Sponge and Honey Gel Cleanser to clean the face leaving your skin soft and hydrated.

 

Next to discuss Clean Beauty was creator and founder of Twelve Beauty: Pedro Catalá

Pedro started as a pharmacist and through his passion created Twelve beauty. Pedro used his extensive research and knowledge of plant extracts to develop and create TWELVE BEAUTY, his revolutionary range of nine skin care products which are highly suitable for various concerns, especially stressed, sensitive and reactive (allergy-prone) skin.

His values revolved around: Simplicity.

He expressed how you should keep it simple with only a few products that your skin likes. There is no need to own a whole range of products. Find something that works and keep to the basics.

TWELVE Beauty range is a divine and has a simple yet sophisticated branding. Using powerful anti-oxidants and beautiful elixirs – his products are recommended by experts. You can find him online or at Content Beauty in Marylebone.

Pedro’s top skin tips: Don’t be stressed. Relax – and be happy and your skin will Glow

Next on the panel Natalie and Marie from Aevi

They are the ladies behind a beautiful Wellness Box (see above). Filled with gorgeous products which are natural and good for your skin.

Marie was very passionate about Wellness. She and Natalie created the boxes having both suffered from skin problems caused by high street products.

Look after your heart, mind and skin
You have to be the healthiest version of you

This echoed the feeling of the day where it was not about forcing you to take on certain products but find something kind and natural for your skin in order to flourish.

Aevi’s top skin tips: Stay Hydrated, Eat foods high in Vitamin E (nuts, avocados) Exfoliate – all over

Finally we moved to our last panelist Sjaniel Turrell from Chemistry of Wellness

A nutritional therapist and holistic make up artist she spoke of the importance of making sure your products are a reflection of health and not chemicals.

She gave us a live demonstration on Chessie King and showed us products that will make you glow without putting harmful chemicals on your skin.

If you are un-sure where to go with making your make-up more natural and kind to your skin you can book consultations with Sjaniel Turrell here


The day was rounded off with some light refreshments and divine teas provided by Pukka Tea and Charlotte Pukka discussed with us their new Turmeric range and the power of healing herbs such as Matcha and Turmeric. Their new Turmeric range is in store now.

Join the turmeric revolution.

Turmeric Revolution


Caring about your skin from the outside in can really make a change to your overall well-being. From a mental health point of view: when you feel and look tired it can often bring you down. You may eat all the right foods and hit the gym but if you expose your skin to the wrong and harmful products you can lose your radiant glow and be left feeling dreary and washed out.

Don’t feel you have to go to your cupboards and throw everything out, this should be a transition. Start by reading the labels, asking the questions and sourcing the right products.

The Soil Association has a list of products which have been certified clean and organic to start your education here.

Check out some of the Chemicals to look out for and where you will find them!


Love the skin you’re in

If you have any questions surrounding clean beauty or any other questions raised in this article please feel free to comment below and I will get back to you or put you in contact with the right people

Recipes/ Stress Free Style

Eat Pizza and still look like a Victoria Secret Model?


One of those days when only a big slice of cheesy pizza will let go the pressure of the RatRace?
Then you remembered that this weeks goal was to lose half your body weight and look like a Victoria Secret Model?

Well check out this little recipe to hit both goals in a tasty delicious slice.


Gluten Free Pizza

Pizza – one of the best exports from Italy. Comforting, tasty and the ultimate indulgence – there is never a dull moment with Pizza involved. Unfortunately I am allergic to wheat which kind of puts a dent in my pizza escapades until I discovered this tasty recipe. Its perfect if you’re making it for flatmates or boyfriends who may be a little bit adverse to the healthy way of life. All round belly pleaser.

Simple and easy to make after a long day in the office. You can let go of the stresses of the day while tucking into some comfort food. Bring the flavours of Italia right to your home.


 Ingredients 

29

Base:

2 1/2 cups cauliflower, grated (about 1/2 a large head)
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 1/4 cups shredded light mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
Salt  and freshly ground black pepper

Toppings:

1/4 cup tomato sauce/ paste
Mozzarella cheese
Fresh Basil
Chilli flakes
Spinach
Olive oil


DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 220c

Find a pizza slate or a baking tray and line with parchment paper

Grate the cauliflower using a box grater until you have two cups of cauliflower crumbles. Place in a large bowl and microwave for seven to eight minutes, or until soft.

Remove from the microwave and let cool.

Strain through a dish cloth by putting all the mixture inside a clean cloth and squeezing out the excess water

Mix in the egg, one cup mozzarella, parmesan cheese, and salt and pepper.

8 7

Using your hands roll into the amount you need for base and then put the ball in the middle and push out mixture until you make a circle

Bake for 12-15mins or until golden

6 5

Remove from oven and add your toppings – this is where you can freelance from vegetarian to meat pizzas

Cook for a further 10 mins or until the cheese has that perfect glow and brown shade

4 3


And there you go – low carb – delicious treat for you when you fancy a little naughtiness.

You can package it up for work the next day and serve with a side salad or save it for about 2-3 days in an air tight container in the fridge.

As it contains no nasties and all fresh ingredients its best not to leave it too long.

1

Recipes

Healthy Easter Bunnies

Healthy Easter Bunnies

Easter is just around the corner and it is time to celebrate the end of lent and meet up with family. Easter weekend is the perfect weekend to spend with family and celebrate life but it is also the weekend that is also full of naughtiness with chocolate coming up to the eyeballs.

This year I am going to do something different.

Instead of chocolate, I am looking into healthy alternatives which are equally as indulgent.

So after some investigation I have selected two perfect alternatives:

Bloomon

and

Tabitha James Kraan


 

Bloomon

Bloomon cut out the middlemen, delivering straight from the grower to your home, in utterly modern, straight-to-vase arrangements.

They launched their flower delivery subscription service to London on the 4th February 2016. Spreading beautiful and unique flowers to us Londoners.

Bloomon began life in their hometown of Amsterdam, in the heartland of the flower-connoisseur. By using their own growers, Bloomon carefully select the best quality of flowers, they then use their own drivers to deliver fresher flowers that last longer.

Bloomon have created a delightful subscription where you can get these beautiful and original flowers delivered to your house without the hassle of sourcing them yourself. You can also order gorgeous vases that display the flowers magnificently. If you’re a flower lover like me then this is a no brainer. Each delivery is different and unique.

I just adore my blooming Bloomon Flowers.


 

Tabitha James Kraan

Tabitha James Kraan is a wonderful organic haircare brand that treats your hair with the natural love that it needs.

Her products span from haircare to skincare.

The products are designed to treat your hair with organic products – eliminating the chemicals you find in mainstream products. This helps keep the natural equilibrium of your hair and keep your locks luscious.

Their range is perfect for gym bunny’s as they have an amazing dry shampoo and hair perfume designed to keep your hair looking and feeling fresh – eliminating the need to wash it as often.

Believe or not – your hair is happier un-washed!

These products and gift sets are the perfect way to spread the love in the family – for both men and women. Tried and tested the hair oil transforms even the most prickly of beards into a soft and kissable chin.

Check out their gift sets on www.tabithajameskraan.co.uk

Big smiles from my locks!


 

Easter doesn’t need to be the time you fill up on calories and spend huge amounts on chocolate. Do something different. Be original. Buy a lasting gift that puts a smile on someones face longer than chocolate does.

Or…treat yourself… spends the pounds you’ve saved on a treat for you.

Balance

Tips for Succeeding in an All Day Meeting


All Day Meeting

We have all been there. The dreaded all day meeting.

Training
Clients
Workshops
Sooner or later you will have to endure the lengthy meeting.

These meetings can take their toll on you mentally as well as physically.
Sitting down for a long period of time in a dimly lit room staring computer screens and being fed by platters of carb loaded sugar inducing crap that catering have provided.

Before you know it you have taken less than 200 steps all day, your body is dried out from filter coffee, your blood sugars have been on a rollercoaster and you feel like a little bit of your soul was left behind.

Well these are my tricks for smashing a meeting, keeping your a-game, keeping healthy and still have enough energy to get home


Catering

Plan ahead for this one. Most companies that offer catering will come in price brackets and the cheapest is usually the worst ones for you.
For this reason take your own food.

Grab a porridge or eggs on your way in to the meeting.
Take snacks such as fruit, nuts and seeds to keep your energy up.
Bring in some tupperware and have a delicious home prepared meal.

 I have been in meetings before when I came in and was greeted with Croissants.
Next break biscuits
Lunch Sandwiches and Crisps
Cake

This is a danger zone. You blood sugars will be going up and down as your energy will.
How can you possibly try and engage in a meeting when you a flying from passing out to bouncing off the walls.

If you are the one organising the meeting – think outside the box.
Many external caterers are sometimes cheaper, healthy and ten times more delicious than in house.
Give people regular breaks and suggest healthy options nearby.
If you can pick up a big fruit platter with nuts and see if you can expense.

The level of activity and engagement you will get from the yourself and the people in the meeting if catered correctly can improve your productivity.


Hydration

Keep hydrated through these meetings.

There are always jugs of middle range filter coffee which if you drink too much of will lead you to go into flight or fight mode, de-hydrate you and leave you feeling exhausted.

I always carry with me herbal teas. Water is only fun for a while so finding an alternative to keep hydrated is always good.

My go to is Pukka Tea

Image result for pukka tea range

They have green and pure herbal so you have the option of a caffeine kick!


Move

However way you can.

If you are presenting stand up to present.
If it is a workshop stand up and listen – there are no rules about sitting down.
If you get a break go for a walk – get some fresh air and move.

Sitting down is literally killing people. As humans we are natural hunter gatherers and designed to be mobile.
Stretch your legs, get the blood moving and get some fresh air.

You will return to the room with a clear head, more energy and ready to be productive.


The Wellness in the Workplace

Wellness at work is crucial and we all have a responsibility to take. You spend the majority of your working life there you should make sure that its benefitting your health not taxing on it.

People worry about suggesting new ideas but many managers or leaders out there just haven’t thought about the idea.

Next time you are running a meeting or you have a regular all day meeting make the positive suggestions to make these sessions healthier.

Don’t let the All-Day Meeting Drain you – make the small changes to get the positive results.