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Healthy Options in Amsterdam | Travel

Healthy In Amsterdam

IAMSTERDAM

From the second you step off the train at Amsterdam Centraal you are thrust into the middle of the tram and cycle highway in the hustle and bustle of Europe’s eclectic cities.

Each of the little alleyways leading to a new corner to explore.

It can be a little daunting when you first arrive in Amsterdam as it is highly catered for tourists and you may end up in the equivalent of pizza hut in a crap part of town just because you don’t recognise the chain.

On my last trip I searched high and low to find the creme de la creme of what Amsterdam has to offer for the more health conscious traveller.

Here we go…

First: Coffee

Screaming beans

Hartenstraat 12, 1016 CB Amsterdam, Netherlands

healthy in amsterdam, screaming beans

Amsterdam has a plethora of amazing coffee shops but Screaming Beans really hits that caffeine spot.
Its a cute little spot to grab your morning fix while taking in the city. If you are a serious coffee lover you can also purchase their beans to take home to make your own cup of Wake Up!

Head First 

Westerstraat 150, 1015 MP Amsterdam, Netherlands

headfirst, amsterdam, health in amsterdam

Get on down to Headfirst for a wonderful coffee experience. They offer two different roasts for differing coffee palettes.

With a fine selection of freshly made food and cakes which appeal to those who follow more specific diets or Raw, Gluten Free and Alternative.

Their flat white was divine – a true blessing when you need a little perk in your day.

Friendly and helpful staff.

healthy in amsterdam

Second: Food

Dr Blend 

Herenstraat 23 1015 BZ Amsterdam

This is DEFINITELY for the HEALTH CONSCIOUS

My wonderful followers on Instagram recommended Dr Blend.

If you are in Amsterdam on business – I would highly recommend this is where you stop in to make sure you stay on top of you health goals.

Even if you’re not on a strict plan – when living out of a hotel it can be hard to get those necessary greens in your system therefore its worth having a health cafe on the radar to make sure you keep on top!

 healthy in amsterdam

Their menu has every kind of juice from Green to Fruity and will help you wake up to a really healthy start to the day.

The staff are delightful and are really keen to meet any dietary need. For those who are allergic to wheat Dr.Blend uses rye bread so you can enjoy some traditional dutch sandwiches

Their Dr Green Metal is a sure fire way to boost your body alkalinity and make sure you are starting the day as you intend to go on.

If you are staying in Amsterdam for an extended period of time and fancy doing a detox – check out their range on their website. If you have overdone it and your body needs a break this is the perfect way to re-balance. Just because you’re not at home don’t let those standards slip.

healthy in amsterdam

Bagel & Beans 

Various locations

You will find this chain popping up all over the city. The reason I have called it out is because they have gluten free and wheat free bagels. This means if you’re in a rush and need to grab a quick bite to eat but are panicking due to allergies – then run on into one of these and choose a savvy snack to take with you

The Hoxton Hotel 

Herengracht 255, 1016 BJ Amsterdam, Netherlands

healthy in amsterdam, hoxton hotel, amsterdam

For home away from home.

If you travel a lot for work sometimes you just want a little bit of familiarity… well the Hoxton Hotel has it for you.
Immediately after you walk in… the decor, sights, smells and service has a Shoreditch vibe to it which immediately brings you home.

The Hoxton Hotel has a cute bar to catch up with friends, a restaurant with delicious classics and also hosts events for you to attend.
This is great if you are in this city alone and want to meet new people. You should make an effort to get yourself out there and enjoy new things. There is nothing worse than sitting in a hotel room by yourself. The events cover a plethora of activities from yoga to vodka infusing so the perfect excuse to burn some calories and make some friends!

p.s. When you go to the restaurant there is a photo booth upstairs! Needless to say I was in there like swimwear!

healthy in amsterdam

Third: Workout

Well you have a very obvious two options here:

Get a bike
Walk

This city has the most amazing architecture, hidden alleys, cool shops and local spots so get out there an explore. Don’t get a tram card and use those legs!

healthy in amsterdam, hoxton hotel, amsterdam, cyntra in the city, cyncity

The city is run by bikes so if you are staying here for a while make sure you rent or buy a bike

For renting bikes check out: http://www.iamsterdam.com/en/visiting/plan-your-trip/getting-around/rental/bike-hire

If you are staying in Amsterdam for a long term project or trip then sign up to F45 or VondelGym 

Fourth: Accommodation

healthy in amsterdam, hoxton hotel, amsterdam, cyntra in the city, cyncity

Again, The Hoxton Hotel ticks all the boxes for me

If you live in Amsterdam and have an recommendations please comment below! I will definitely check it out!

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Brunch Cafe Fleur, Wandsworth

cafe fleur Wandsworth Cyntra charlesworth cyncityCafe Fleur

The weekend is here and it is time for Brunch!

I would say this is one of the most important meals of the week – up there with the Roast.

Well let me introduce to you Cafe Fleur, Wandsworth
198 St Ann’s Hill, London SW18 2RT


cafe fleur Wandsworth Cyntra charlesworth cyncityCafe in Wandsworth

This beautiful little cafe is nestled just off Wandsworth High Street is the perfect little stop for a weekend brunch.

As you enter the cafe you are welcomed by warm and friendly staff and cute decorations which invite you in… ready for the treats ahead.

As we sat down we were welcomed by Lucy, the owner and manager of the cafe, who talked us through the menu.

We started with some smoothies to get the juices rolling…


Banana Espresso Smoothie

As a lover of coffee, I had the Banana Espresso Smoothie

cafe fleur Wandsworth Cyntra charlesworth cyncity

Delicious and flavourful – a perfect way to start the meal


Clean Coconut Smoothie

My partner in crime went for the Clean Coconut

cafe fleur Wandsworth Cyntra charlesworth cyncity

If I could devote a song… “so fresh and so clean”

We asked Lucy to recommend the best dishes on the menu…


Fleur Bubble & Squeak

We had The Fleur Bubble with a twist of salmon instead of bacon

cafe fleur Wandsworth Cyntra charlesworth cyncity

Nothing better than a runny yolk…

cafe fleur Wandsworth Cyntra charlesworth cyncity

Next, to delight, our senses were the Avo, Chilli and Feta on Toast…

cafe fleur Wandsworth Cyntra charlesworth cyncity

cafe fleur Wandsworth Cyntra charlesworth cyncity

There are no words to describe the beautiful mix of flavours. Bold, colourful and delicious – this is an absolute must when visiting.

Cafe Fleur Brunch Cyncity Review Cyntra Charlesworth


About Cafe Fleur

I chatted to Lucy further to find out the origins of the cafe…

It was first established in May 2013. Lucy was always fascinated by food from a young age. Growing up in a family where her father was a raw foodist, mum a veggie and brother a vegan – she learnt to use food in a different way to the usual “meat and two veg”.

She provides her customers with a variety of flavours from the typical “full English” to vegan pleasures to cater to every client.

She aims to cater to all her customers… so if you fancy a variation let her know… she is more than willing to help.

I asked her what she would recommend to any new customer “Fleur Bubble with a Ginger Tea… and if you’re still hungry the Clean Coconut Smoothie”

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SouthWest London

If you are in South West London, this cafe is a must!

And for those who fancy a naughty brunch… Cafe Fleur are now stocking Organic Wine, Locally Crafted Beer and the old favourite Bloody Mary to start the day right!

Cyncity Review Cyntra Charlesworth Stress-free Blogger

We left Cafe Fleur with full bellies and big smiles and decided to walk off our meal walking back to Brixton.

Needless to say… When I saw the gorgeous Autumn Leaves I re-visited my 5-year-old self and ran around kicking leaves in pure joy!

5 stars for this cafe! Get involved!


For More Top Brunch Spots in London Click Here: Brunch

Balance

Today’s London – Jackson and Rye…

Some close friends of mine have unfortunately had to up root and move back to Essex due to some annoying circumstances related to their house move…

In light of this we decided that we should commiserate their leave with a dinner out at the new Jackson and Rye restaurant. It was a “mixed bag” experience…

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Nicolas and I arrived before our guests and were seated. Nicolas decided to jump in with a Bloody Mary – simple, delicious and well a Bloody Mary

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I grew a little nibbly waiting for our guests so ordered the bar nuts – which were quite frankly disgusting…on the menu they were “pecans, cashews and peanuts” we received something that didn’t taste to dissimilar than sugar puffs…£3.50 wasted.

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Our friends Rosie and Ben had arrived and we started chatting and reminiscing over past fun occasions and our beautiful friends wedding.

After about 10 minutes the waitress took our drink order (well half the tables – I think she thought Nicolas and I were done after our one drink?) we also ordered some calamari to share…crunchy and yummy – definitely try it

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We then set to order. The menu is all-american food so “shrimp” “steak” and “fries” inter mixed with chowders, grills and burgers. The boys ordered “steak and eggs”. Nicolas ordered Medium Rare, and Ben ordered Rare. I choose the Market Fish which was Tuna steak – I choose Rare also. Finally Rosie decided on the Cod chowder.

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The ambiance was created by dim lighting, all american music and a speak easy interior. It made good lighting for a date to fuel a bit of romance. Who doesn’t love a bit of soft lighting…

However the service does not make for a good evening… Getting a drink was like trying to catch a fly Mr Miyagi style.

The food was nice, true to its american style and there was not any complaints – Rosie’s chowder was “delicious” the boys steaks turned out to be Bavette’s and my Tuna came served on a bed of delicious green beans.

Following our meals a kind chap visited our tables and let the boys sample the Rye Whiskeys – explaining all about them and letting us try and wee sip

Ben ordered a Rye while I ordered a hand dripped Guatemalan coffee. Not sure what was hand-dripped about it – ben said it tasted like kenco – but it wasn’t too bad so couldn’t complain.

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Perhaps I need to visit Jackson + Rye for brunch rather than dinner. The experience was…well…fine but the service was lack lustre. Could I put this place in the list of “oh so pretentious” average diners…possibly but I will give it a second chance and try brunch

  Atmosphere: 4/5

Price: 3/5

Service 2/5

Food 3/5

Overall: 3/5

Balance

Today’s London – Sticks and sushi – Covent Garden

It was my two year anniversary this weekend so we ventured out on the hunt for new restaurants in London to celebrate the occasion.

We stumbled across sticks n sushi – and what a fantastic stumble it was!

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Sticks n Sushi is a Danish restaurant. It is sleek, with the perfectly designed interior which gives it a very Scandinavian feel. The black interior is stylish and works perfectly with the sushi dining experience. It is set on Henrietta Street in Covent Garden and is the perfect escape from the buzz from the square!

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The menu is perfect for both sushi and non sushi lovers as they also provide sticks which are ordained with delicious meat and vegetable delights. Nicolas and I are anything BUT sushi lovers – so let the banquet begin!

We started off with a bottle of bubbles which our delightful waiter Adres T served us – (perfect waiter) all the staff were especially friendly, welcoming and looked after all our needs – including me being a little fuss pot and getting our table changed 🙂

We started off our evening with Spicy Edamame, Maguro Tataki and Ebi Bites. Delicious, crisp and served to perfect – every bite was heaven

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10Maguro Tataki – (the sauce for this is to die for)12

Ebi Bites

Following our starters – we then delved into some sushi and some sticks.

I am – unfortunately very allergic to avocado – which by the looks of the menu was going to prove a problem – however the lovely Adres overheard me saying this and let me know that the chef will make any sushi I want without it in – as it is all made fresh to order – now that was FABULOUS!

So we went on to order Hells Kitchen rolls, Soft Shell Crab in rice paper and Goats cheese with dried ham.

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Hells Kitchen Rolls and Soft Shell Crab

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Goats Cheese and Dried ham

The sushi rolls were incredible. Perfectly crafted and each bite full of flavour. The Goats cheese was an ordering mistake on our part – it just didn’t go!

Finally as our night drew to the end… we were presented with a little gift from Sushi and Sticks. Andres T had over heard us toasting our 2 year anniversary and presented us with this beautiful sweet present as a gift…

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It was a Marcel Chocolate Cake

It was chocolatey, crispy, popping and delicious and definitely left both of us with a sweet souvenir taste in our mouths.

Atmosphere: 4/5, Food 5/5, Price 4/5, Experience 4/5 – absolutely perfect for dates and intimate dinners with friends