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Recipes

Coconut Tofu Curry With Courgetti | Recipes

Coconut Tofu Curry With Courgetti

Delicious, Nutritious, Low Calorie, and Full of Good Fats and Protein! 

Coconut Tofu Curry

This meal is perfect to throw together when you get in from work! Its really easy and takes no time at all. There are little shortcuts which make this recipe perfect to make your family, friends or housemates without breaking the budget! Its completely clean, gluten free, dairy free and sugar-free – so you are ticking all the healthy eating boxes with only a handful of ingredients!

Difficulty: Medium

Lasts: 1 day

Travels: In Tupperware

Storage: Fridge

Coconut Tofu Curry With Courgetti

Ingredients:

  • Courgette – 1 spiralized (to make this easier you can buy prepared from Courgette Spaghetti from Tesco)
  • Tofu – 1 Pack
  • Sugar Snap Peas – Few handfuls
  • Peppers – 1 red
  • Onion – 1 white
  • Garlic – 1-2
  • Coconut Milk – 1 400g can
  • Chilli – 1 red
  • Ginger – 1 knob
  • Coconut Oil – 1 tbsp
  • Lime – 1 lime

Coconut Tofu Curry With Courgetti

Method:

#1 Heat a wok to a medium heat and add your tbsp of coconut oil

#2 Chop Tofu into small squares and shallow fry in the coconut oil until slightly crispy. Remove from wok and place in a bowl on the side. (try not to pick 😉 )

#3 Chop up your onion, pepper and garlic into small chunks and put in the wok. Simmer these on a low heat for a few minutes.

#4 Add can of coconut milk and turn the heat up to a medium. Chop the chilli an garlic into small pieces and add to the wok.

#5 Grab the courgette spaghetti. Heat a frying pan to a high heat with a little drop of coconut oil and pan fry the Courgetti for about 2 minutes.

Coconut Tofu Curry With Courgetti

#6 When the mixture is simmering nicely – taste – if you have a well-rounded taste with hints of garlic, chilli and ginger – add your sugar snap peas.

#7 Once the sugar snap peas are looking cooked (they should still snap but not be raw) add the tofu and season with a squeeze of lime.

Dish out into a bowl and enjoy this little spicy healthy treat to warm your belly

 Coconut Tofu Curry With Courgetti

Let me know if you try this recipe! @cyntra.in.the.city on Instagram or share with me on facebook! I love getting your feedback!

For More Stress-Free Recipes Click Here: Nourish

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Recipes

Homemade Cacoa Protein Balls | Recipes

 

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

Chocolate Lover

Anyone who knows me knows I am a sucker for Chocolate!

When having a healthy lifestyle it is all about making the right choices but also allowing yourself the things in life that you love but might not be so good for you… That flat white moment!!

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

You can get your little chocolate fix the healthy and clean way by making Homemade Cacoa Protein Balls!

These balls are made using cacao instead of chocolate which is full of anti-oxidants which protect cells from free radicals! Cacao helps the body protect itself. Do not get Cacao mixed up with Cocoa though… Cocoa has been roasted and therefore loses these wonderful anti-oxidants… so make sure you check the label!

These protein balls will give your body a much-needed energy boost and keep you fuller for longer. They also contain Maca – a superfood that boosts vitality as well as libido – loaded with nuts and sweetened with antioxidant-rich honey, these balls are the perfect snack to get you up and going and keep you full.

Recipe

Difficulty: Medium

Lasts: One Week

Travels: In Tupperware

Storage: Fridge (longer in freezer)

Ingredients:

  • 50g raw cacao
  • 100g oats
  • Tablespoon of Vega Essentials Protein
  • 150g almonds
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tbsp maca powder
  • 3 tbsp raw honey
  • 100g almond butter
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil
  • 100g of 85% chocolate

Makes 12-15 balls

Method

#1 In the food processor, blend the oats, protein and almonds for 1–2 minutes, then add the cacao, maca and salt.

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

#2 Blend for 1 minute, then add the honey, almond butter and coconut oil.

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

#3 Blend, then roll the mixture into balls and put them in the fridge to set for a few hours.

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

#4 Melt chocolate in a bowl on the hob, grab a skewer and stick in the middle of the ball. Rotate the ball in chocolate to cover evenly

Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

#5 Allow to cool and store in fridge till required

 Homemade Cacao Protein Balls

Tada – a stress-free snack loaded with protein, full of anti-oxidants and perfect if you need that little moment.

These balls are also great if you need a quick snack before a workout. Great for carrying in your bag to munch on your way to the gym after work!

For More Stress-Free Nourishing Recipes Click Here: Nourish

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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 Pukka – any 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.

5 Ways to Cure Sore Muscles after the Gym

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

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5 Ways To Stop Mindless & Emotional Eating

Stress-Free Lifestyle Tips

You’re sat at your desk and all of a sudden your inbox is full to the brim, that colleague of yours is constantly asking questions, your boss is putting pressure on you… not to mention all the washing, chores and other odds and sods waiting for you at home.

5 Ways To Stop Mindless & Emotional Eating

StressBrain

You thought this week would be the week you start eating healthy and ditching the crap. You’ve realised you skipped breakfast for the caramel latte and all of a sudden its 11 am and you’re stressed, hungry and about 10 seconds from hitting the vending machine!

STOP!

Here are some top tips of how to stop emotional and mindless eating at work.

Say “No” and Supply Alternative

Stop yourself.

Pause and say to yourself – will this sugary sensation help?

Will it get me closer to getting my jeans to feel comfortable?

Will it make my day less stressful?

Saying no means sometimes eating what you know will make you happy later on even when you really want chocolate cake now. 

Fill your bag and desk full of healthy alternatives. Pull out those carrot sticks and homemade hummus.

Go and get a glass of water or make a cup of tea. Get up and go for a walk. Distract that pang and focus on what will truly make you happy.

5 Ways To Stop Mindless & Emotional Eating

Healthy office snacks

Chocolate Won’t Make Stress Go Away

The sweet sensation of sucking on a piece of chocolate may make you have a few minutes of taste but this will be followed by a sugar rush.

You will have a brief period of increased energy followed by a severe low.

You may even go through the guilt cycle of “I shouldn’t have had that” “I was supposed to have a healthy week” etc etc.

Sugar is never the answer to a stressful situation – in fact, it can make it a thousand times worse.

Find out what is triggering your stress at that moment. Pause. Take 5 minutes to deal with it. Acknowledge the want for the chocolate and then let it go.

5 Ways To Stop Mindless & Emotional Eating

Spinach

Don’t want to eat like a rabbit? Then don’t!

Unless you love salad, in which case, crack on, however, if you’re like the majority of the human race, we associate eating lettuce leaves with “being on a diet” and that automatically makes you feel restricted.

Instead, fill your lunchbox with some delicious whole food recipes. Try new things. Find out what you like and try out something off the wall. Get some new recipe books in and have a research.

5 Ways To Stop Mindless & Emotional Eating

emotional-eating-21

Love Your Body Its The Only One You’ve Got

Right now is your prime! This second is the youngest you will remember.

You will look back at photos and look at this time and wish you still had that youth. When mindlessly eating or feeling stressed out and grazing… think about the future.

avocado

You are what you eat and you will want your body to be full of the most nourishing foods out there.

Think skin: avocados

Think hair: coconut

Think body: lean protein and these triggers will guide you

Think Cellulite… yes vending machine I am looking at you!

Pip N NutGet Support From Your Friends

Making the right choices can sometimes be hard if people around you are not making the same choices. Share with a friend.

Make yourself accountable to someone at work… someone who can stop you mindlessly reaching for the 3 pm biscuit tin, or when you’re out for coffee saying the no-way to the Hazelnut Latte!

5 Ways To Stop Mindless & Emotional Eating

Beetroot Hummus

For More Stress-Free Lifestyle Tips Click Here: Balance

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Is Massage Good For You?

Massage

This week I have been thinking a lot about massage. Not the cheeky ones you pinch off your other half – I mean the sports, Thai and deep tissue offered around. Most of us have had a massage at some point in our lives – usually as a treat at a spa weekend or when we manage to coerce our partners into giving us a little back rub but have you ever considered the benefits of this little treat?

Why is massage good for you?

Research suggests that regular massages are actually very important to our bodies. They help relieve stress, aid with inflammation and can actively help promote health and well-being.

Our poor little backs take on so much pressure from our day to day lives. We rarely get the opportunity to look after our back because we cannot reach it ourselves. Unlike the rest of our body, we cannot reach all areas of our back which consist of some of the biggest muscles in the body.

 So let’s have a look at what regular massage can do for our bodies…

  • Back Ache – Regular massage can help with rehabilitating back problems. Sitting at a desk all day and using computers puts a strain on our neck and shoulders. Many of us do not sit correctly at a desk and do not get the opportunity to move around. This can lead to poor posture and muscle strain. Regular massage can release the muscles that become tight over time. This makes you feel less tired and relieve the aches that you may be feeling on a day to day basis

 

  • Stress and anxiety – For the same reasons that a massage is relaxing, it can also soothe anxiety and depression. Massage reduces levels of the stress hormone cortisol, resulting in lifted spirits and often lower blood pressure. It can also boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in depression.

Click here for more stress-free tips

Is Massage Good For You?

  • Weight-loss and Performance – Spending time in the gym lifting weights and doing HIIT can often lead to fatigue and muscle ache. When you have muscle ache your performance in the gym goes down by about 40%. Regular massage and sports massage can relieve muscle tension and elongate the tight muscles. This then allows you to push harder, faster and stronger in the gym and stay committed to your goals

Is Massage Good For You?

  • Sleep – For those who have had a massage – ever fallen asleep while on the table? Research suggests that massage promotes deeper sleep as it has an impact on your delta waves (the waves associated with a deep sleep)

 

  • Immunity and lymphatic drainage – Regular massage helps with lymphatic drainage. The lymph system carries waste products away from the tissues in the muscles and body back to the heart. Regular massage also helps with the build up of toxins in certain muscles in the body and breaks these toxins down in order that they can flush out of the system. It’s also great if you have PMT!

Massage should be a regular occurrence in our lives – much like getting a facial!

However, if you are like and are thinking – I don’t have the time or money to find a good massage place near me. Or you may be worried about having a wonderful massage and then having to commute home – adding more stress to your day… well I have a little treat for you…

Let me introduce to you Urban Massage

Urban Massage is London’s top-rated mobile massage company. They deliver a range of professional massages on-demand, direct to your home and the best news is that they can be with you within the hour. You can choose your preferred treatment and therapist as well as treatment length, date and time.

What else is also great… you can get £20 off your first massage using this code: 

GET YOUR DISCOUNT HERE

I’ve been using this company a long time and I absolutely love them. They are a small company in London made up of a really cool team. They go above and beyond for customer satisfaction and will make you feel comfortable in any surrounding.

Free those muscles release your back and love your body. Make massage a regular part of your health and well-being. When work is taking it out of you, you need to take time out for yourself.

Happy Massaging.

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Recipes

Anti-Inflammatory Vegetable Coconut Curry

Anti-Inflammatory

You may have heard the word Anti-Inflammatory thrown about. It usually comes in the same sentence of alkaline and alkalise but not really know what it means?

Do not worry you are not alone. However, if it is one new word you can put into your mind this month I would highly recommend

When we talk about inflammation and the body we are talking about: joint pain, chronic fatigue, acne, digestive issues or any amount of pain in the body.

Inflammation is one of the largest root causes of disease today. Diabetes, heart disease and other major health problems all stem back to inflammation in some way or another. When the body is out of balance, the pH levels of the blood are affected. This not only disturbs the body’s natural processes but also makes you feel pretty horrible in the meantime.

Many people are even suffering inflammation and possibly don’t even realize it.

What can you do to minimise Inflammation?

Well, first things first an alkaline diet helps with inflammation.

Broccoli

Filling your body with:

Ginger
Garlic
Turmeric
Broccoli
Avocado
Salmon
Walnuts
Almonds
and of course lots and lots of greens!

avocado

The main culprits that cause inflammation are the usual CRAP

C – Caffeine
R – Refined Sugar
A –  Alcohol
P – Processed Food

So if you cut down on these and boost on the others your body will start to feel refreshed and vibrant.

Anti-Inflammatory Coconut Curry

Here is a little recipe I make when I am feeling a little inflamed to put my body back in check.

I cook this up, package it up and take it to the office with me to keep my body de-stressed even if it’s stressful at work!

Coconut curry

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, crushed
  • 2cm root ginger, peeled and grated
  • 3 tablespoons curry powder
  • 4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 fresh chilli, seeded and sliced
  • 500g butternut squash, diced
  • 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 5 tablespoons coconut milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Method
Prep: 15min Cook: 30 mins Store: in fridge or freeze

Heat the oil in a large pan and fry onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, turmeric and chilli for about 2 minutes.

Add in squash and allow to brown slightly.

Stir in tomatoes and coconut milk.

Simmer gently for 20 minutes until thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

For extra leafy goodness – add some spinach at the end when cooling.

Spinach

The Turmeric which I use for this recipe is Wunder Workshop Organic Golden Turmeric Powder.

A Notting Hill based food brand focussing on health promotion & disease prevention.

Set up by Tom & Zoe, WUNDERWORKSHOP is inspired by Ayurveda – the Science of Life, whose principles are based upon a preventive approach to health. WUNDERWORKSHOP uses functional ingredients to maximize life‘s potential, enabling you to live better, work harder and to be stronger (for longer!).

What are you waiting for! Tackle Inflammation head on!

For more stress-free recipes click here: Nourish

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Balance/ Recipes

5 Tips To Fat Loss Without The Gym

If you are like me and have a full-time job it can be hard to get to the gym before work (in the pitch black) or after work (in the pitch black) or you may not have a gym membership.

Don’t stress yourself too much about this comparing yourself to others. A stress-free lifestyle is about balance.

Here are my 5 tips to fat loss that require No Gym – Little Time – Maximum Results

Start your day with a Protein Shake

Many people do not have time for breakfast in the morning.

It’s understandable – with all the other things going on and getting up in the pitch black the first thing most people want to reach for is a hot cup of the good stuff.

BUT

9 times out of 10 – when you skip breakfast you play tricks on your blood sugar which can lead you to reach for crappy choices later on

If you start your day with a high-quality protein shake: you have hit your protein goal for breakfast, will feel fuller till lunch and will be helping yourself keep those energy levels high to tackle the new year!

My Protein Recommendations are:

Vega Essentials

  • Packed with fruits and veg, and full of greens
  • High in 16 essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, B12 and calcium
  • High in Omega-3 fatty acids from flaxseed
  • High in protein, made from a complete multisource plant-based blend of pea, flaxseed and hemp

5 Tips To Fat Loss Without The Gym

Clean and Lean

£49.95 – Body Brilliance – I have this with some of their Ultimate Clean Fibre with Coconut Milk in the morning when I need a protein boost and want to get my extra fibre. It is really filling and tastes great.

5 Tips To Fat Loss Without The Gym

20 Minute Home HIIT workout

Get up 20 minutes early – whack on your favourite radio station or playlist and just thrash it out.

It’s 20 minutes!

I have spent longer checking my Instagram feed in the morning so I have no excuses and neither do you!

Try DailyOm for the workout that suits you or YouTube is the perfect solution.

Walk to Work

Getting your 10,000 steps a day has never been so important in a society where we spend most of the day sat on our behinds.

This leads to poor posture, big bellies, flat bottoms and a whole host of other health problems

By getting your 10,000 steps – the weight will drop off you. Being continually active throughout the day keeps your body being an efficient burning machine.

Download Pacer App

Water – Hydration – Water

Really – do you really need to be told – drink water

It will transform every aspect of your life from letting go of toxins held in your body, letting your skin glow and look glorious, helping with water retention and not to mention the calories you will burn from those extra trips to the loo!

5 Tips To Fat Loss Without The Gym

Take the stairs – 2 at a time

Right now you are probably thinking I am mad. Quite Possibly!

But… hear me out. If you make small changes every day to your routine you will start to see the difference.

Steps are incredible for your glute muscles. Taking the stairs helps increase blood flow and engage those muscles in your backside. When you take two steps at a time you are bringing together two gym moves which are fantastic for shaping that behind of yours.

You don’t need to be negative, drastic or restrictive to achieve your goals!

Remember to smile and make the little changes to see those big results!

Lead that Stress-Free Lifestyle you deserve

For More Articles on Stress-Free Fitness Click Here: Stress-Free Workout

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Balance/ Recipes

Mocha Choca Protein Oats

p oats 3

This delicious combination of Chirpy Choca Mocha Protein, oats, dark chocolate and blueberries is the perfect post-workout treat when you are feeling a little indulgent.

When you have a tough session in the gym you need to reward your muscles.

Protein is important to support muscle growth. This means turning your bottoms into beautiful pert round muscle and keeping your abs strong.

Carbohydrates post workout take energy to your recovering muscles and boosts your glycogen levels to give you energy. Chocolate – well chocolate is wonderful in its own right – but it also boosts serotonin levels. Blueberries, as we all know, are a Superfood so the perfect addition to this wonderful treat.

protein

Ingredients:

2 scoops of That Protein Chirpy Chirpy Choca Mocha Protein Powder

1 cup of Oats

Couple of cubes of Dark Chocolate

1.5 cups of Coconut/ Almond / Alternative Milk

0.5 cups of Water

A handful of Blueberries

Method:

Place protein, oats and milk in a pan and bring to a simmer

protein mix

When the mixture is fully mixed together add the cubes of dark chocolate

When the mixture has simmered and starts to look like delicious porridge take off the heat and add to a bowl

Top with Blueberries

protein oats

Delicious and nutritious this perfect little pot of goodness is a sure fire way to leave your stomach feeling happy and your body feeling nourished.

For More Stress-Free Nourishing Recipes Click Here: Nourish

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Balance/ Recipes

Healthy Homemade Hummus

Stress-Free Homemade Healthy Hummus

Delicious and stress-free healthy hummus recipes. These easy recipes are great go-to for lunches, snacks, dinner parties or just to have in the fridge when hunger strikes.

Beetroot Hummus

Beetroot Hummus

  • 1can of chickpeas
  • 4 beetroots – cooked and peeled
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • a squeeze of lemon
  • olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of 0% Fage yoghurt
  • cumin
  • salt and pepper

Put all in a pot and blend. Season to taste

 Caramelised Red Onion hummus

Homemade Hummus

  • 1 can chickpeas
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • a squeeze of lemon
  • olive oil
  • 1 red onion
  • Paprika, salt and pepper
  • Tahini
  • Water

Caramelise the onions in balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Leave to reduce and simmer down. Blend all other ingredients together – season to taste.

Place in fridge to cool and when onions have cooled – add onions and leave to cool again.

For More Stress-Free Recipes for healthy snacks:

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Balance

Mid-Morning Snacks for the Office

It’s 11 o’clock and your stomach starts to grumble…what do you do?

Here is a list of healthy snacks which are my go-to to keeping hunger at bay and stress levels on point.

1. Water

Sometimes our minds do not know if our bodies are hungry or thirsty… before reaching for a snack – have a pint of water to quench your thirst. Easy Snacks for the Office!

Healthline

2. Fruit

The super snack – fruit – tasty, easy to transport and satiate the smallest of grumbles. Easy Snacks for the Office!

Fruit Bowl

3. Nuts

Don’t reach for crisps! Nuts are packed with good fats and protein, nuts are a sustainable alternative to crisps and other junk.

Always choose raw varieties and keep an eye on quantity because of their high-fat content. Easy Snacks for the Office!

nuts

4. Muesli, Natural Yoghurt and Berries

This combo is a great alternative to cereal bars which are often packed with sugar.

Berries provide a shot of antioxidants and are powerhouses of vitamins. I use Spoon Cereals to make my life more stress-free but you can also make your own muesli from oats, nuts, dried fruit and seeds which you can bake in large quantities so you always have to hand. Easy Snacks for the Office!

5. A Cup of Soup

When water is blended with food it stays in the stomach longer and keeps you feeling full.

To make your own soften a mix of veg in a little oil, add water, simmer until tender and blend.

I recommend asparagus soup! Easy Snacks for the Office!

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Take the stress out of snacking with these little tips.

For more healthy snacks click here: Nourish

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Stress Free Style

The Handbag Essential

A simple handbag essential to keep me feeling on top till I drop

Screen Shot 2016-09-06 at 19.44.28

The HandBag

I don’t know about you but sometimes I feel like I become the ‘bag lady’ when I choose to add anything to my schedule other than just work. You know that person who tries to squeeze on the tube loaded with bags crashing into the other poor commuters who just wanted a easy and quiet journey.

Screen Shot 2016-09-03 at 07.19.27

I plan my outfit to look sharp and savvy and pick out the perfect handbag and then all of sudden I realise I want to hit the gym and bring my lunch to work and all of a sudden I start looking like a donkey (an ass!) loaded with bags killing the #girlboss vibe I was after.

Until now… Enter the Gymtote… the Handbag that everyone is talking about.

Screen Shot 2016-09-06 at 20.34.54

The perfectly designed number has a slot for your sneakers, your gym clothes and your daily essentials.

You can slide your lunch into one compartment keeping it away from your clothes. The delegate compartments mean you can keep work and play separate and not end up pulling out your sports bra in a meeting instead of your note pad!

You can mix this up for an overnight bag when staying with the mister or a change of clothes if you’re heading out after work.

Screen Shot 2016-09-06 at 20.35.24

I personally love the slick designs and it sits nicely between my other handbags without giving it away.

My favourite is the Eva: what’s yours?

Check out the story behind the bag at Gymtote.

There you have it – my top hand bag essential to keep me in #onpoint and on top!

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Balance

Fitness Friday’s: Fitness Fusions

After a hard week in the office which has often been stressful and exhausting it has become the societal norm to head out in the evening and go for drinks. Often than not this can take a greater toll on our mental and physical well-being than the week at work we have just had resulting in us returning to the office the following Monday without have the adequate R&R. Perhaps it is time for a re- think of your weekend activities and focus on something that will restore clarity, strength and a sense of well-being.

Exercises classes these days have transformed from the 1980’s aerobics class into a much more social event with fun names like Destiny’s Child Dance Workout or Light Meditation. They build community and friendships and add an activity to your evening which will leave you in a much better state than other alternatives. Try it this weekend. Make a change to your usual routine and try something new.

This Friday is all about: Fitness Fusions: Class Reformer Pilates

This small Yoga and Pilates business is based in Clapham High Street. Tucked by the side of BetFred really close to Sainsburys. The venue is cute, small team and has beautiful flowers supplied by Bloomon which really brighten up the place.

Reformer Pilates is a different kind of pilates to mat Pilates. Its on a Reformer Machine (see pictures). Reformer targets both large and smaller supporting muscle groups, toning you up like no other exercise. Once your muscles are worked to fatigue by the springs and pulleys you can use small equipment on the reformer gives you that little bit of extra stretch. Because of the extra focus on stretching out your muscles, Reformer Pilates gives you long, lean and toned limbs without adding bulk which other exercises can. By correcting posture in your back and shoulders you’ll be walking taller and leaner.

Come and try it out this week. It is on most days but I will be heading to the 18:15pm class.

Download the Mind Body Online App and get booked in! They are offering your first reformer class free to try! Bargain!

Comment below if you go! I will see you there. Places fill up quick so get booking.

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Explore/ Stress Free Style

Monochrome Mondays: Travel Style

1Style while Travelling

When you travel for work it can be quite difficult looking the part but also making sure you are being realistic with your outfit.
Commuting across london, getting to the airport, the plane journey and then finding your bearings the other side, you need to be prepared so you don’t turn up flustered, sore feet and a little disheveled.

Here is my guide for looking like a Girl Boss no matter the Time Zone.

 

Preparation

Pack and plan the night before. I can’t emphasise how important this is. You will be calm, level headed and prepared. If you don’t you make up on the day stressed, tired, late and forget those key and important documents.

Keep all your travel documents in a slip together. Keep your toiletries in a plastic bag to save time and searching at the airport. Separate your work clothes from casual for a quick change. Bring something extra in case of delays.

If you are going to a business meeting in another country remember you may be asked out for dinner that evening so remember to pack an alternative outfit.

 

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Footwear

Trust me it is not a good idea to travel in heels. Rushing about even in the smallest heels can wreak havoc on your knees.
You may have to run for you plane, or make a long walk the other side, and you don’t want to be one holding your colleagues back. There is nothing worse than watching someone rush in heels.
Flat shoes don’t need to be the odd thing out on your outfit: edge up your corporate style while travelling.

These Nike Cortez are sleek, monochrome and stylish can be worn with a suit to give it a nonchalant edge of style while keeping you in a position where you’re ready for anything. You can even use those in the evening when exploring the new town you are in and racking up those 10,000 steps.

IMG_3542[1]Accessories

Don’t think outfits – Think Accessories.

How can you make the outfit you’re wearing look completely different? This helps you save on space in your suitcase. A different chunky necklace or a scarf can transform how an outfit looked.
Bring two tops and one set of trousers. Wear your hair-up and long earrings.
This trick is particularly great if you want to sacrifice space to bring your workout gear.

These trousers are my go-to whenever travelling as one day they are high waisted the next they are peg trousers with a sweater.

Workout Gear

Always chuck in a sports bra, leggings, swimsuit and top.

You never know after a long day your hotel may have a gym/ spa. You may even find a local yoga class and then head back for a sauna.

It’s better to be prepared than miss out.

Handbag

Headphones, book, charger, healthy snacks, water and money.

You never know with travelling whether there will be a delay.
Don’t always rely on technology because when the power is gone – its gone.
Keep snacks on you in-case you don’t find a place to grab a bite, you don’t want to be the one with the growling stomach or low energy.

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Travelling can take its toll on you. Tired, rushed, busy and stressed. If you can take the pressure off yourself in certain areas then you can focus on the job in hand.

What are your tricks for travelling? Would love to hear
Comment Below

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Balance/ Recipes

Q&A with Pollen + Grace

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Making lunches can be so difficult when you are trying to eat healthy. Sometimes you open your lunch box and you have a bit of kale and quinoa looking up at you and you start to feel slightly depressed…
Well let me introduce you to Pollen + Grace this beautiful little company that serves gluten free, dairy free and free from refined sugar beautiful lunches to keep our stomachs happy and full of flavour.
I wanted to find out more about this wonderful company so I met with Steph the founder to have a Q&A
1) How was Pollen + Grace born – where did the idea come from?
Pollen + Grace came foremost from a love and passion for cooking healthy, delicious food but secondly from the frustration of never being able to find a healthy, free from lunch option when working in London and having to prepare lunch each night. 
2) What makes you passionate about Pollen + Grace, did you start by eating that way and became a passion…?
Pollen + Grace was such a huge risk to take, but it was something I(Steph) had to do as I felt it was what I was meant to do. I started eating this way due to gluten and dairy intolerances, then learnt how exciting it was to make delicious options that actually made you feel good. 
3) Who was your first customer?
Our first customer was the brand events office, but our first customer who found us without being a friend was Amanda Cauldwell – she would order 3 lunches a day from us, one for her lunch then two for dinner (one for her and one for her daughter)!
4) Where was your first pop up?
The Old Street pop up has actually been our first, but we definitely plan on doing more now!
5) Where are you based – how big is your team?
Our kitchen/office is based in clapham junction and we have a full time team of 6 now – 3 office and 3 kitchen!
6) What is your favourite product?
This one’s easy, definitely our paleo banana bread, it’s delicious!
7) If you could give people one piece of health advice – what would it be?
Focus on eating delicious wholesome food that makes you feel great, but learn that it’s also about balance – if you want the ice cream, eat the ice cream! 
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If you have a bit of time at lunchtime and you are near Old Street Station you must pop on down and meet the lovely Steph and try out her delicious food.
If not check out their beautiful website over at Pollen + Grace
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Balance

BOXING: Work Out like Gigi Hadid

 

GIGI HADID

Right…who hasn’t heard of Gigi Hadid? The beautiful blonde with legs up to the heavens who turns her middle finger up to those who fat shame!

This gorgeous goddess – daughter of Yolanda Foster – is the focus for this blog post.

One of the things that is inspiring about Gigi is that she is not your average model. She walks high end fashion runways and is a Victoria’s Secret Model yet she sports a curvy lean physique with strong thighs.

Hell Yes – a real woman!

This world is full of images that lead us to believe that our shape isn’t good enough. Unrealistic images are pumped into our day to day lives. It is refreshing to see someone strong bold and well relatively normal – storm the top runways.

So I dug a little deeper and looked into what this young lady is doing to look so gorgeous yet remain lean and strong

The answer: BOXING!!!

Boxing as a sport requires a high level of athletic prowess: strength, speed, agility, hand-eye coordination, endurance, nerve, and power, just to name several required attributes.

Gigi trains with a boxer to burn through calories, shed excess fat, and remain agile which all leads to her lean physique.

Boxing can be off-putting as it is deemed a male sport – but this empowering exercise really can attribute to some serious body changes!

Here are some reasons why you should try out boxing

Total-Body Strength

All that punching, kicking, and jumping requires a surprising amount of strength. Think about it – most professional heavy bags weigh at least 100 pounds. During a boxing workout, you may punch or kick a bag hundreds of times, requiring your upper body, lower body, and core to engage as you make contact with the bag.

 

Cardio

You hear it all the time: You need to do cardio to protect yourself from heart disease, burn calories, and lose or maintain your weight. But “doing cardio” doesn’t have to mean hopping on a treadmill to log your required minutes – how boring is that?

The whole point of cardio is to place a moderate amount of stress on your heart and lungs so that they’re challenged enough to make beneficial physiologic adaptations to support the higher level of physical activity. As long as you keep your heart rate up during your workout, there’s no reason you can’t punch, kick, and jump your way to a healthy heart at your local boxing gym.

Body Composition

Boxing is great for improving body composition – and some might say it’s great for weight loss. The technique means you are pushing your body burning up to 13 calories a minute!

Less Stress

Almost any form of moderate to intense physical activity can decrease stress. Exercise increases endorphins, boosts mood, works as a form of meditation, and improves sleep, all of which help reduce stress.

Boxing is a great outlet for stress! You can literally fight your way out of the stress zone!

It’s a win win situation!

Be inspired by the strong women in this world and learn from their tricks. If she can do it so can you.

Go and find your nearest boxing centre or get into the gym find those gloves and get practising!

Speaking of BOX – ing… I am very excited to open my new FITTY London box!

FittyLDN

Packed to the brim with Healthy Goodies to start February the right way!

From Spiralizers, to coconut oil to delicious superfoods to sprinkle on my breakfast. This perfect little box never ceases to surprise me. So chic and beautiful – its really does give you that monthly buzz to keep on track!

fitty box

Delivered to my door every month (along with my Vogue) its like my birthday happens every month!

Happy February!

Check out Fitty London here

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