Wellbeing Editor: Emma Rice The Veto Diet available exclusively from Love Yourself is great way to kick your body into its fat-burning mode. Based on a combination of Keto and Vegetarian, it has been exclusively formulated by their in-house nutritionist to bring nutritious meals with less than 20g of carbohydrates per day (based on 1700kcal option). The menu has been curated by Love Yourself and the award winning, Chef Director, Michal Snela with different menus created weekly. The simplest definition of the Veto Diet is: a diet high in fat and very low in carbohydrates. Typically Keto dieters have been very reliant on animal proteins fats. With our Veto diet we have turned this around and rely on plant based proteins as the main element of this diet. The only animal proteins we use are from eggs and dairy (no meat of any kind is included in this diet). Fortunately, you won't be eating sticks of butter and dozens of eggs everyday. Love Yourself have included plenty of healthy plant-based food products as well as MCT oil. These foods will help you meet your fat, vitamin, mineral, and fibre needs simultaneously, making them a vegetarian keto dieters’ best friend. Important to mention, that it takes 3-4 days for your body to go into Ketosis before it starts burning fat as its main energy source, and we recommend not to eat anything outside our meals until you are very familiar with carbs. Benefits:
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The Veto Diet is freshly prepared and ready for you daily. Each day includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and a healthy snack. The Love Yourself Keto Diet costs from just £25. Visit Loveyourself.co.uk
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MAKE A STATEMENT WITH THIS SLEEK DESIGN
BY SARA DARLING I think toothbrush owners fall into two camps. You either love the leccy or you don’t. I am a big fan of the whirly bristles, but always seem to get caught out on a press trip, when I’m somewhere remote and exotic, but my brush attachment has come to the end of its tether and the brush is splaying at the seams. Not a good look, or good for my gums. So when I heard about the Foreo toothbrush which is made of silicone bristles that are designed to last for six months (and replacements costing around £17), my ears perked up, and my mouth started salivating. When my new toy arrived, it was indeed a plaything! Coming in delightful packaging- from a Swedish company, natch, and looked like something out of Star Trek, and on further delving, I found out it actually had been used in Star Trek: Discovery! With a sleek outline, the toothbrush has curves in all the right places, and the charging point is a well hidden flap at the rear of the device, which is powered by a USB-powered adapter. It’s a little fiddly to get open – but you shouldn’t have to do this often: a single charge can last up to one year- which is a pretty good plus point. Never having used silicone bristles, my first time was an interesting experience- but in actual fact it wasn’t too different from a normal electric. For my maiden voyage on the Foreo ISSA 2, I kept the vibrations on low, and the brush rotated around my mouth with ease. With just three buttons: on/off, and ‘+’ and ‘-‘ buttons for adjusting the power, this is definitely an autopilot brush, complete with a two-minute timer with 30-second pulse to tell you when to move on. Not only does this electric toothbrush do all the work for you, the ISSA 2 uses sonic technology for higher density pulsations to shoot water between your teeth, and your halo can be intact knowing that you are not one of the people who chucks out a manual toothbrush, which is verging on the million mark of wasted plastic every year. If you didn’t have a cheesy grin before - after using the ISSA 2, you will be well on your way! Buy yours here BY SARA DARLING
Lockdown has meant massive changes for everyone- especially freelancers like me. No longer am I zipping up to London for meetings, events, openings and exhibitions, or trotting off to the airport for press trips to somewhere fancy. In fact, my life had literally turned upside down. I moved back to my mums in Wales for some company- and to try and stop the demons at night who kept telling me the world was going to end. A huge lifestyle change was occurring, as work dried up and I, along with the rest of humanity paid attention to social media (or the news). Feeling completely out of control- which is a new concept for me, I knew I needed to ground myself. Signing up for countless meditation and yoga zoom sessions, starting to draw and knit and like the rest of civilisation, baking banana bread, I was still a bit twitchy. So I looked outside of the bog-standard self-help box and discovered a herb called Ashwagandha- also known as “Indian Ginseng” and widely used in Ayurvedic practices, which ticked my yoga box. A small evergreen shrub that grows in India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa, its root and berry are said to provide ingredients that help calm the brain, reduce swelling, lower blood pressure, and assist the immune system, which have been part of the culture for centuries. Classified as an adaptogen, it is widely used around the world to help the body manage stress- which is ultimately what I was feeling. Stress and anxiety manifest themselves internally, so although you may be coping to an outsider, your brain might be fighting symptoms of depression and a darker internal dialogue. Keen to try something natural, I began a course of one month tablets which I took after food. With so many benefits, I wasn’t sure if all (or any) would be evident, but what I did notice almost immediately, is that I had more energy and could stay up later than usual. I have completed the course, and I don’t feel different - different. In fact, from a hormone level, I am still feeling emotional, but I am much more positive in my outlook, and more confident in facing the ‘new normal’ whatever that might be. If I felt like my moods were looking bleak, I wouldn’t think twice about using this tongue twister of a tablet again. Available from LinkNutrition.com JOIN THE CONSCIOUS FESTIVAL FROM YOUR HOME
By Sara Darling We might be in lockdown, but that doesn't mean you can't socialise with like-minded people and The Conscious Festival has switched up its physical presence to a virtual one, which will take place online on 12-14 June. Organised by Green Is The New Black, previous editions have taken place in Singapore and Hong Kong, and have gained a reputation for guests to learn how embrace a more sustainable lifestyle; reconnect with themselves, others, and the planet This year's virtual festival will introduce a range of speakers, change makers, businesses and brands who cover four core themes, focussing on wellbeing, business, fashion and the planet. THE TALK STAGE & LIVE SESSIONS If you have an interest in purpose-led business, up-cycling for a circular economy, or how to clean our oceans, there is something for you. VIRTUAL MARKETPLACE ‘EXPO’ The EXPO is the hub of The Virtual Conscious Festival, and the marketplace will now showcase over 70 different conscious brands and retailers (across lifestyle, art, food, beauty, fashion, and wellbeing), ensuring consumers understand the importance of supporting small businesses and their aims. NETWORKING Sustainability needs conversation in order to break down the walls. Visit this zone to meet like minded individuals, dive into thought-provoking discussions, and make positive connections. THE SHOW A late afternoon or evening (depending where you are on Earth!) party with DJs and artists from Paris, London, Singapore, and Hong Kong. You'll be able to interact with them live, so put on your most eco-friendly, craziest get-up and party! From food, shopping sustainably to fashion brands, dip in and out to pick up the most up to date tips and advice from passionate industry experts. Book your tickets here Wellbeing Editor: Emma Rice
A natural, delicious, dairy free indulgence to be enjoyed as a snack or alternatively a topping for your choice of yogurt, porridge and even salads. Enjoy and don’t forget the key ingredient which is love! Ingredients
Wellbeing Editor: Emma Rice
For many city dwellers myself included, lockdown and the vastly slower pace of life we are currently experiencing provides the perfect opportunity to fully connect with nature and the beauty which surrounds us within our urban lives. None can deny that these are indeed anxiety inducing times. However, how we choose to view and use this time is an opportunity for us to take the power back and find joy in the natural wonders which may otherwise pass us by. With the time we are now allowed outdoors having been relaxed somewhat and the weather favourable, take advantage and explore the beauty of the natural environment which surrounds you. Tune into yourself, consider unplugging from technology wherever you are willing and able and embrace any green space available to you or perhaps consider walking or cycling further afield. The modern city, in my case London is a vibrant fast moving hub of ideas to spawn creativity, expression and innovation. We are drawn to the noise and excitement - simply put we are very much tuned to it’s pulse. Frequently city life can make us feel overwhelmed, less than and more often than not it may drive the need to constantly busy ourselves and ultimately this disconnects us more so from the natural world. We have had no other option in recent weeks than to slow down, take stock and find ways in which to fill our days in order to remain physically and mentally well. Research has shown that reduced access to nature is a contributing cause to the emotional and mental strain that many feel from urban life and undoubtedly the same feelings will be expressed during these challenging times. Therefore, the addition of regular access to nature is vital to our wellness and self care routines, we must strive to become more mindful of incorporating this where available to successfully navigate our way through our feelings of uncertainty. London's array of parks and nature walks provides us with this access, we owe it to ourselves to structure our time to enable us to tap in. Nature therapy, sometimes known as forest bathing has been used as part of preventative medicine for centuries, is a broader term which describes the practice that combines a range of exercises and tasks in an outdoor environment. Being in nature can restore our mood, give us back our energy and vitality, refresh and rejuvenate us. My take away message is to tap into the divinity of mother nature and allow her to expand the divinity within you <3. AndBY SARA DARLING THE BENEFITS OF THIRTY MINUTES EXERCISE A DAY Whatever your thoughts on fitness, being banished to your home for the past six weeks it might not have been the first thing on your mind, whilst the biscuits are so close. However, rather than turn into a couch potato, there is still time to get inspired to move. Brazilian personal trainer Juliana Campos, who was formerly a fitness coach to the Abu Dhabi Royal Family, is a big believer of this: “Exercise decreases stress hormones like Cortisol and increases ‘feel-good’ Endorphins. It also helps to distract you from negative thoughts and emotions, which is pivotal during lockdown." Along with a healthy diet, incorporating garlic, ginger, citrus fruits, broccoli, spinach and almonds and Turmeric (which can be added to juice), which help your immune system, Campos says this will help your mental health too, "daily exercise, even for just half an hour, also improves cognitive function and can help to lower the risks of stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes and arthritis.” It is actually quite easy to work out at home, and Campos is streaming fun, easy to follow workouts on YouTube for adults and children. Check her out and follow her here https://www.instagram.com/julianacamposlondon/ And tune in for her workouts
World Sleep Day 2020 Editor: Emma Rice When you’ve had a long day the only thing you want to do is to drift off to sleep and relax, but sometimes this can be hard. The two key steps to falling asleep is to relax your body and shut down a busy mind. In order for your brain to feel at ease, you need to detach yourself from the stressors of the day, if you are thinking about your day and what you have planned for tomorrow this can trigger the release of stress hormones. Stress hormones can elevate your heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. These elements all prevent your mind to switch off so your body can rest, so just how can we relax our minds before we sleep? In light of World Sleep Day on Friday 13th March 2020, the experts at Forest Healthcare have shared their top tips for clearing your mindset for an uninterrupted sleep. Pre-sleep routine The same as you have a wake-up routine you should have one in place for winding down. Our body craves routines and likes to know what is coming next, by creating a pre-sleep ritual you can establish a clear link between certain activities and sleeping. For example, reading before bed will help your body know that reading means sleep, the aim is to relax your mind and body and set it up for sleep. Leave aside 30 minutes for pre-sleep time. Mental exercises If you are stressed or worries it can be hard to distract yourself from it. A mental exercise helps your brain to focus away from your worries, it can be as simple as ‘name every animal starting with B’. Another technique is to recite lyrics from a favourite song. Relaxation methods Methods which involve physical activities will really help you to reduce your anxiety and racing thoughts. The most effective method is progressive muscle relaxation, which is going through each muscle group, tensing and then relaxing it – this is followed by deep breathing which will help link your brain to calm settings. Write down Each day spend 10 minutes writing down what’s on your mind and what you’re doing about it. When you’re in bed you can use this to ask yourself what you’re worrying about at night. Any thought that has been dealt with in the day can be checked off – this will help to create a ‘sense of relief’ but avoid writing any lists before bedtime since you need the separation from these thoughts at night. No screen-zone Any screens that are in your bedroom are a sign off distraction. Your phone, tablet and other screens can mess with your sleep. This is because the screens give off a blue light which signals your body to stop making melatonin (the hormone that controls when you feel sleepy). This light is keeping your brain alert alongside any noises the device is making. By having a no screen-zone you can rid any disturbances. Warm milk Milk contains an amino acid called tryptophan; this nutrient is critical in helping the body to release a hormone known as serotonin. Serotonin is key to make you feel relaxed, the hormone aids the body to sleep and as milk is rich in calcium and magnesium it helps you to maintain that deep sleep all night. Mental vacation Picture your most relaxing place to be, it could be on a tropical beach or it could be in your family home next to the fireplace. Visualise yourself in that peaceful setting, see and feel everything that will be in your surroundings. This tricks your mind to be focused of your happy place and will make you feel at ease and content. Arrrrrr. Im just going to lay down for an hour. Sleep well tonight SoWell team brought to you by the experts at www.foresthc.com PICK UP YOUR LAST PACK OF TISSUES WITH LASTOBJECT
By Sara Darling Have you ever thought about the impact on the environment when you blow your nose? LastObject has, and they are committed to creating sustainable alternatives to single-use essentials. By creating everyday necessities that are reusable, the founders of LastObject are aiming to make reusable the standard, and eliminate the need for throwaway products. By buying a LastTissue pack, you will not only save the planet from more than 2800 single-use tissues (as well as their plastic packaging) you will also produce less waste. While tissues can decompose, they involve cutting down trees. Every year around 8,000,000 trees are cut down to make facial tissues for the US alone, and the paper and pulp industry is the third largest industrial emitter of global-warming gasses. The removal of trees significantly pares down food, shelter, and the breeding habitat of lots of wildlife, as well as eliminating the carbon emissions which provide breathable oxygen which helps to prevent climate change. That is why LastObject is bringing back the handkerchief! Each pack of LastTissues contains six organic cotton hankies separated with a silicone logo that acts as a barrier between the used and unused. With a dedicated mission to creating sustainable alternatives to single-use items in pursuit of a cleaner environment, the warriors behind LastObject want to make products that last and are kind to the environment. Pick up your pretty pack and rest assured that your tissues will last a lot longer than your sniffles! Buy yours here https://lastobject.com/ Review: Christopher George Living well is also about how you utilise the earths resources. And our love of disposable products has rapidly changed into a hatred of waist and the usage of plastic. This being no more prominent than the waisted usage of plastic water bottles. So we are ecstatic to see a huge and happy surge in the usage of reusable containers that are durable, stylish and versatile. Non more so than the range of water bottles from Ohelo, coming in lots of different colours to match all your different colourful moods! Their range of insulated stainless-steel products are designed in the UK with modern life in mind. Designed with vacuum insulation, keeping drinks hot for 12 hours and ice-cold for 24. This really is the future (not that we didn't actually do this in the past!) Unlike the plastic versions, that again are made of plastic which we are trying to avoid. The stainless steel versions do not leave that after taste retained in plastic after being used several times. The bottle has a soft carry strap which moves on stainless steel pivots, so its easy to attach to your bag, belt, or even your dog! Personally I have several in different styles, so I am never without one at hand. My water intake has gone up, and my usage of water disposable bottles has ended. Built to last, Ohelo has gone one step further than most, whilst being BPA free, they are also BPS and BPF free. The Ohelo bottle is made from double walled high grade 18/8 stainless steel. Its coating is slip free and is lead-free whilst the powder coat finish gives a chip-resistant, slip-resistant and high-quality finish. Their electropolished interior provides a high resistance to bacteria build up and is also easy to clean and stain free. YEA !!! Im a happy water drinker. And a handy tip, it holds wine too and keeps it cold. The Ohelo bottle holds 500ml and is available in a range of colours. Ohelobottle.com Priced from £29 |
Sø•wellStaying positive, healthy, focussed and self-aware, both internally and externally.
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