We’ve all started to become label readers but so often we still fall for the marketing of ‘healthy’ brands and omit to read the small print. The so-called marketing ‘health halo’ is here to stay so if you’re looking for an energy bar that truly provides energy, instead of zapping it, you better start looking at the ingredient labels. No two bars are equal! The key is trying to choose a bar that ...
Read MoreWhether it’s working on a business or school project, balancing your finances or maintaining your focus on a long drive, we all need a little help focussing and keeping our attention on the topic in hand sometimes. Well now I have your back covered. I’ve been trialling an amazing new product from the Arbonne Essentials range and love it. Mind health is a great tasting cherry-lime flavoured ...
Read MoreThe body is constantly cleansing itself of toxins from the foods we eat and drink and the environment we live in. So how will a 7 day cleanse support your body’s natural cleansing ability? The body is constantly filtering out waste using several organs including the skin, intestine, liver and kidneys. Of these the biggest detox organ is the liver and modern life puts pressure on it. Toxins like ...
Read MoreWhen I first posted the negative side of the kids favourite spread Nutella I had mums clamouring for me to devise an alternative recipe. Well months later,and tasting after tasting I can honestly say I have cracked it (excuse the pun!). My own daughter has been the guinea pig for my batch testing and when I gave her the jar with a spoonful of this on it she beamed and exclaimed – mummy you’ve ...
Read MoreYou ’ ve probably all worked out that we all love oats in this house. Being gluten intolerant I ’ ve found it important to create interesting breakfasts to keep me away from pining for toaste and crappy cereal. This month has been all about oats as it ’ s cold on a Saturday morning when Miss H takes to the rowing lake and getting something warm inside her (and me if I ’ m using the time she ’ s ...
Read MoreThis was a delicious experiment when we had some unexpectedly huge prawns delivered in our fish box from Fish For Thought . We love the ethos of this company and get pretty much all our fish delivered fresh from them. Use friends and family at the till for a discount. Although made with prawns this dish will work just as well with white fish cut into bite size chunks, monkfish is particularly ...
Read MoreWe love these tasty seedy crackers straight from the tin but they are equally nice with a spicy topping. You can experiment with the flavours but I’ve found the sweetness of the molasses and the fiery nature of the chilli work really well. Ingredients 125g quinoa flakes 50ml rapeseed oil 250g pumpkin seeds 130g sunflower seeds 50g linseeds 3-4 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary ¼ tsp salt 1 – 4 ...
Read MoreVegan Chickpea Wraps These versatile Chickpea wraps are perfect as an accompaniment to curries or stews but work equally well as a salad wrap or with fajitas. I got the inspiration from the wraps they make on the Italian coast of Liguria. Here they are cooked on a super hot griddle often to great proportions and cut into triangles to serve along side fresh fish and salads. They are delicious on ...
Read MoreI got into Matcha last year after discovering Matcha Latte (made with almond or coconut milk). It made a refreshing change from peppermint tea when I wanted a warm drink that felt more indulgent than a herbal tea. Having given up caffeine 4 years ago I don’t miss the taste or the ritual of it (or the headaches I used to suffer) but I do sometimes miss the warmth of a creamy drink. These protein ...
Read MoreI’ve been experimenting with overnight oats for a while but I think it’s important to get the flavours right and add some texture too or all you end up with is a mushy goo. If that’s been your experience too, give these three delicious flavours a try – they have become staples in our household. The brilliant things about Overnight Oats is that they’re so easy to make, all you need to do is throw ...
Read MoreI love a home made granola where I know what’s gone into it and how much healthier it is than the shop brought stuff. This is the king of Granolas. It’s gluten free and made with coconut so is great for those who are oat intolerant too. Coconut is a fantastic source of good fat and helps you metabolise bad fat. Cocao, the purest form of chocolate without any added sugars is packed with anti- ...
Read MoreNew Year is the time that many wannabe fitness enthusiasts get their gym shoes on and take out a gym subscription only to fall by the way side by mid-month. But for the hardened gym fanatic it’s sometimes just as difficult to get going post New Year. You know the feeling; your leggings feel a little tighter round your waist and thighs (and you thought lycra was forgiving); when your heart races a ...
Read MoreI know from first hand experience that losing weight can seem very tough. It often feels like you’re doing everything right, yet still not getting the results you desire. I’ve found that you’re often preventing your own progress by following old, often misguided advice, Here are the 15 most common mistakes people make when trying to lose weight. 1. Only focusing on what the scales say It’s very ...
Read MoreI’ve been experimenting with gluten free American style pancakes for ages. The mixture was either too thick to cook all the way through or so runny it became a flat pancake rather than a fluffy American style. These are pretty much perfect in every way. Packed with protein, vitamins and minerals, due to the addition of a plant based protein powder, they are super delicious. They make a perfect ...
Read MoreWhen I first suggested these as a brunch snack Mr H looked a little perplexed. I don’t know what he was expecting but they turned out much better than either of us anticipated. They are little dollops of yummy-ness on a plate. I like to serve them with a green salad, salad leaves or watercress, when in season. Half a sliced avocado and a poached egg on top really complete the dish. You could of ...
Read MoreI love beetroot but no one else in the Hutchinson house will touch it. I’ve tried adding it to smoothies, chocolate brownies, soups but they still detect it so I’ve now given up and have to eat a whole bunch to myself. Shame! This beetroot hummus recipe came out of necessity. I had cooked some beetroot that had arrived in our organic box but had far more than I needed so was wondering what to do ...
Read MoreOh these little bars of heaven are oh so good. When I first made them they were devoured within minutes so if I want to keep them for more than a few days I have to double the batch ingredients (which fits in my tin better too) and pop them in the freezer, ideally with a label no one can read but me! They are super easy to make and because they are 'no bake' you could even get your kids making ...
Read MoreI love a refined sugar free protein bar that is also gluten free and these are just one of my best inventions. Not only are they packed with protein and super foods but they are super tasty – they’ll keep for a week in an airtight container (if you’re lucky) – they never last that long in our house! Give them a try and let me know what you think. Ingredients ½ cup quinoa flakes ½ cup gluten free ...
Read MoreThere’s nothing worse than buying a new dress which fit perfectly in the fitting room only to find that the first time you put it on your tummy is twice the size it was when you bought it and it now feels uncomfortable and pulls in all the wrong places. Here’s my top tips for prepping your body to feel your best from the inside out thus minimising tummy bloat and ensuring you feel comfortable all ...
Read MoreSometimes you need cake that really feels indulgent. I've loved watching The Great British Bake Off over the years but i'm mostly left feeling hungry and disappointed that so many of the gluten free alterntives to traditional cakes are so dense, tasteless or packed with refined sugar. This was a superb exeriement that i undertook after I had a can of pineapple pieces left over from a birthday ...
Read MoreEver had that sinking feeling when you put your trainers on post holiday and head back to the gym? You know the feeling; when your leggings feel a little tighter round your waist and thighs (and you thought lycra was super stretchy); when your heart races a little faster at just the thought of the stair stepper and you haven’t actually chosen a programme yet; when hovering at the vending machine ...
Read MorePancakes always give a breakfast the feeling of having a treat but now you can feel good about it too. Packed with energy, these chia and flaxseed super soulfood pancakes really pack a punch. They are filled with healthy omega 3, fibre and protein. It’s quite literally rocket fuel for a plantpowered diet. Ingredients For the flaxseed egg 3 tablespoons ground flaxseed 6 tablespoons filtered water ...
Read MoreI came back from 10 days of glorious sunshine in Italy to a wet and cold UK summer! Burr… where did the beautiful weather I left behind go too. I even lit the wood burner on Monday evening it was so chilly! I also returned home to a lavender hedge which is nearly over but for a few fresh flowers. Not wanting my lavender to go to waste I’ve been cooking up some treats in the form of these luscious ...
Read MoreEver felt like a terrible mother? That was me two weeks ago as I put Miss H on the school bus which was taking her to the airport and a 10 hour flight to Sri Lanka for a hockey tour. I know what you’re thinking, how lucky is she? And yes she is, so why did I feel so bad? She had everything she needed for the trip, new bikini’s, tour kit, hockey stick, my favourite mineral suncream and tonsillitis ...
Read MoreStaying fit and healthy when I’m traveling is a must so I make sure I travel with essential nutrition and stretch as I go so I don’t arrive stiff and jaded. Here are my favourite stretches which you can do at the airport, on the plane, in the arrivals hall and by the pool. These are great for anybody and at any time but especially when you’re on a long haul flight. Make sure you keep moving on ...
Read MoreI just love a plant based smoothie for breakfast or lunch. They fill me up, satisfy my hunger for hours and are packed with plant based protein, vitamins, minerals and probiotics. For me a smoothie used to be fruit and veggies alone but I was always starving a couple of hours later. Then I discovered Arbonne Protein powder and i've never looked back. I use a combination of their flavoured protein ...
Read MoreI love travelling, it’s one of the reasons working for myself is so great. I really do get to plan my diary and take off when and where I like. When Miss H first started at a private school I was so shocked by the length of the school holidays and wondered how anyone with a ‘proper job’ would ever cope. For me working from home and being able to be there for her into her teens has been so ...
Read MoreWhen it comes to eating healthy lunches when I’m busy my ‘Go To’ is a favourite shake. I love the way a Vegan protein shake fills me up, satisfies my hunger and helps me stay energised all afternoon and into the evening. But I sometimes feel that talking about healthy shakes isn’t for everyone. For those of you who still want a healthy lunch and who prefer to have a breakfast shake here’s a few ...
Read MoreWe’re about to break up for summer. The dreaded GCSE exams come to an end and the summer is ours to play with. For me that means fun, unexpected opportunities to socialise with friends, family and my gorgeous Arbonne team and an increased pressure on how to eat and stay healthy especially when travelling. That’s why it’s important to always keep some essentials with me at all times so I know I ...
Read MoreAre you ready to take your wellness to the next level with an exciting, fast-acting programme that will help you have more energy, lose weight, feel better, sleep more deeply, breathe more freely, think more clearly, and feel more vibrant and healthy? My 14-day programme will help you achieve optimal wellness with delicious, fresh plant-based food, nutrient-dense shakes, and easy wellness ...
Read MoreIs Cauliflower Pizza really as good as the hype? I've read a lot about Cauliflower Pizza and to be honest I was a bit sceptical. Miss H loves Pizza. She's a teenager so despite our healthy living lifestyle if given a choice she would opt for a pizza as a treat every time. Perhaps because I’ve probably always been gluten intolerant but never realised it or had it diagnosed I’ve never been a big ...
Read MoreWhen I first had a stab at being vegetarian in my 20s it was a disaster. I ended up anaemic, under nourished and ill. I was advised to return to eating poultry by my doctor, who, to be honest probably had no nutritional facts to back up his suggestion that poultry was the answer, but I duly did it. I tried it again some years late with better results having educated myself on all things nutrition ...
Read MoreWhen it calls for a really super quick supper I can prep before I go out of the door In the morning, or even the night before, and have on the table in less than 10 minutes these are my go to favourites. We all love Salmon in our house and it’s so good for you too. It’s a high source of protein, one of the body’s building blocks, is packed with omega 3 fatty acids as well as being full of ...
Read MorePan-fried gurnard with broad bean, spinach and mint stew Many moons ago, before we adopted a healthy wholefoods lifestyle, we used to have a similar dish to this from a top UK chef which called for a whole pack of butter and mashed potato. It was delicious but not something we ate often as we knew, even then, that it wasn’t really doing us any good. We’re real foodies in our house so the supper ...
Read MoreAre you curious about what the gluten in your diet is doing to you or worried that you may be gluten intolerant? It's believed that 50% of the population has some level of gluten intolerance. I’m currently reading a book called Wheat Belly by Dr William Davis. It’s fascinating and explains just how different modern wheat is from the wheat we consumed in the 1930’s let alone in the 18th century or ...
Read MoreDo you ever get that 3pm slump when you need a little boost and a simple Energy Fizz Stick alone won't do? I love to have some healthy treats in the fridge for just such emergencies. Homemade Energy Balls are a great snack to have on the go, pre a workout or in my desk draw. They keep me going and ensure I dont reach for the really unhealthy stuff that's in the vending machine. Raw Dried Cherry ...
Read MoreWant to eat a more Plant based diet? Here’s a few great ways to start. Plant-based foods are becoming more and more popular in people's diets today. More and more individuals are looking for ways they can include aspects of the plant-based lifestyle in their own everyday lives, even if they don’t want to go completely vegan. This is certainly true for me and my family. I eat a pretty much vegan ...
Read MoreI have a new healthy treat in my lunch box this week! I’m always looking for healthy, low or no sugar snacks which I can eat when I feel the need for a quick pick me when out and about or on the go. Sometimes a homemade bar wrapped in foil or in a plastic container just doesn’t cut it and you need a more portable bar. If you do have the time to make your own, here’s my go-to recipe for protein ...
Read MoreArbonne have just launched their new Rescue & Renew range to reinvigorate and help detox your skin and your mind. Having just returned from Las Vegas and Arbonne’s Global Training conference I really see the power of detoxification. My skin is in a mess. My legs and arms are really dry from sun exposure, chemicals in the swimming pool and generally over doing it! You know what I say - put ...
Read MoreCounteract office life and sitting at a desk with these health tips Staying healthy at the office can be a challenge for everyone. There’s always something to tempt you to fall out of your healthy eating routine from Friday cakes, to sweet treats at the coffee machine and Birthday celebrations. That’s before all those beige foods at catered lunches and meetings too. Staying healthy in the office ...
Read MoreHave you ever considered cutting down dairy or going totally dairy free? I'm not entirely dairy free but I've pretty much cut it out of my diet with the exception of the occasional piece of cheese. I know cheese is my downfall and after I've indulged I often wake up the next morning with a sore throat and feeling all mucus’ey’. Often, going dairy free starts as an infant milk allergy but there ...
Read MoreDiscover how you may be able to treat allergies with natural remedies and lifestyle changes. It’s the time of year when allergies are a favourite topic of conversation in homes and offices but over-the-counter products aren't your only option for treating allergies. Here’s my take on some common alternatives which have been seen to have great results. Supplement with ‘friendly bacteria’ Adding a ...
Read MoreIt’s time to get fit and active this Spring! If you broke your ‘Go to the Gym’ resolution back in January, don’t fret. Spring is the perfect time to set a new goal and get fit and healthy before the summer season. I generally work out five times a week and if I’m not at the gym or in a class I’m walking the dog or on the cross trainer or trampette – my latest crazy fad! But I haven’t always been ...
Read MoreCan’t sleep, struggle to get to sleep, or just want a better night’s sleep? After the birth of Miss H I recall saying “sleep deprivation, it’s a form of torture in some countries!” While that might not be true for what you’re suffering from, lack of sleep can significantly affect our overall lives. Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being and getting enough quality sleep at the ...
Read MoreAre you getting enough protein in your diet? Most of us in the West eat far too much carbohydrate and not nearly enough protein according to health authorities. Manufacturers have become rich on the back of high carb, high sugar products and we’ve become fat on them! So how do you get the right amount of protein? When I was a vegetarian in my 20s and 30s I had no idea of the value of protein and ...
Read MoreGiving up sugar is one of the greatest things that I have done to improve my health. Quitting sugar was also one of the most difficult things I have done. Not just personally but for people around me too. There’s a sugar conspiracy in the UK. When I first started to say I didn’t eat refined sugar people tutted at me. It’s was as if not eating sugar made me less fun! Yet they don’t react in the ...
Read MorePucker up your pelvic floor this Valentine’s Day It’s true, I did almost spill my herbal tea when Diane, one of my lovely Arbonne team and a physiotherapist started chatting with me about puckering up my pelvic floor for Valentine’s day. Really! Was I actually having this conversation in a public space? But when you think about it, this is exactly the sort of conversation what we, as modern women ...
Read MoreAre you one of the thousands of women who are Tired All The Time? According to statistics, we’re in the grips of an energy crisis. 20% of women are said to have suffered with fatigue that lasts for at least a month. A fifth of us say we don’t shower daily, purely because we’re too tired, and records show that 10% of GP appointments are to investigate unexplained tiredness. Doctors even have a ...
Read MoreOne of the things I love about working with Wellbeing Clients is the growth that they experience in all areas of their life as they start to take a more holistic approach to their health and wellbeing. When I first joined Arbonne as an Independent Consultant, they taught me about the power of personal learning and it is something I have fully embraced. We now have so much information at our ...
Read MoreMost people overindulged in December, right? Although we didn’t have a tin of Quality Street there was certainly more chocolate and other sweet treats brought into the house over the Christmas weekend than I would normally get through in a month! For me January is a great time to detox. This year my health goal is to lose the excess around my middle which has built up over Christmas. Detoxing is ...
Read MoreWant a quick exercise routine to help keep you fit when you’re short on time? If I really need an energy boost and a super-fast workout I do this quick exercise routine (10-15 minutes) which works every part of my body. It’s not easy but it certainly gets results, and the good news is - it only lasts a few minutes. My aim is to repeat a single exercise for 30 seconds then rest for 10 -15 seconds ...
Read MoreWant to feel less tired and increase energy levels? Most people feel a lack on energy as we head into winter and light levels fade. I’ve found that changing a few simple things in my life can really make the difference between feeling tired and lethargic, or full of life. If you want to find out how you can get more energy, keep reading. Fuel yourself for success I nearly put petrol in my Diesel ...
Read MoreThe Government has warned that those aged 40 – 60 face the biggest health crisis. If you’re worried you’re not the healthiest you can be, you may be wondering what you can do about it… The Government has faced up to the fact that we are becoming an unhealthy nation and it’s not just childhood obesity that is to be blamed. Experts have said middle-aged people in England (those of us falling into ...
Read MorePeople have been making New Year resolutions for over 4,000 years. While many of us will pledge to get fitter or lose weight, by 15th January, chance are that many of us will have returned to our old habits. We may start with the best of intentions but we can’t always get to the gym five times a week and the last of the Christmas Chocolate still needs eating up! Sound familiar? It’s time to start ...
Read MoreIf your celebrations got a little out of hand last night then it might be a good idea to give your digestive system a little rest and help your body to alkalize and detoxify. Drink an Alkalizing green drink One of the easiest things you can do is to start your day with something that is alkaline, detoxifying, very nourishing, easily digested and easy to make. A green smoothie is ideal. Either mix ...
Read MoreWhen I decided it was time to get back in shape it was a mental, as well as a physical challenge, to make myself do it. I really didn’t like the idea of going to the gym and exercising for exercise’ sake, as I saw it, so looked for something that I could relate to, but which would get me back into doing some exercise too. I had been a dancer right into my late 20’s. I went to a school where they ...
Read MoreIt’s 3pm and my energy has just disappeared. Sound familiar? If you regularly feel that you’re lacking energy and need to reach for a pick me up then read on, I may have the answer. That was me a few years ago. I would crash about 3pm, just before I was about to do the school run, or when in the office while I still had a mountain of paperwork still to complete. I still get the odd 3pm slump but ...
Read MoreSo you’re interested in eating clean. It seems to be a new buzz word and about time too. When we see food as medicine, rather than simply fuel for our bodies, then our whole attitude to eating changes and with it our health, our sleep patterns, our energy levels and our weight! How do I know all this? Because I’ve been on quite a transformational journey to better health myself over the last few ...
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