What to Wear to Work Out

(Photos: Sweat the Style, Vogue Italia, Nike)

Hauling your ass down to the gym or on a run is hard, so if you do do that, then I commend you, I really do. You're a sicko. One aspect of working out that I know I find particularly difficult is figuring out what to wear. It totally helps your gym-confidence if you're wearing something you look good in. Also, I have recently realised the importance of proper fitness gear - I used to just rock up in a tee and leggings - but you need performance wear. Tops and leggings that suck you in, keep you cool and don't show that much sweat. So ladies, here are some inspiring workout outfit ideas. Also check out the stunning Adrianne Ho's blog for tons of sporty fashion ideas. 

SHOP FITNESS WEAR

Fountain The Beauty Molecule

I was pretty excited when I was sent some of Fountain’s Molecules, but I’ve started with the now cult Beauty Molecule (£24.99) taking a teaspoon a day. This red liquid contains a shed-load of Resveratrol which is a potent anti-oxidant, found in the skin of red grapes. There’s the equivalent of about a million grapes worth of Resveratrol in here though so eating it in its natural form wouldn’t make a difference.

Anti-oxidants are good for your skin because they protect skin by limiting the production of free radicals, which damage skin cells. This in turn slows aging and lessens inflammation that can make your face look at big, well, haggard.

The Beauty Molecule contains the first water soluble resveratrol on the market, making it super easy for our bodies to absorb it, and use more readily. As well as the power of grape skins there are also anti-oxidants, in the form of black carrot, and hyaluronic acid (the skin's best hydrating ingredient) to give your skin a beautifying glow from within.

Having used it for about two weeks I think I’ve noticed a difference. My skin feels less dry than it usually is at this time of year and does look generally good, not that I really had problem skin to begin with. I think that it’s worth taking just as a vitamin supplement but it’s a bit sweet to take neat so I add it to my green juice. I can’t wait to try the other molecules and give The Beauty Molecule a few more weeks to see if there is a difference in my skin.

SHOP FOUNTAIN MOLECULES

The 4 Biggest Wellness Trends Right Now

*Article reproduced from Warehouse's Tales of The City 

Fitness and wellness are the new currency with Style.com devoting a whole week to the phenomenon, Missguided, Boohoo and Stellasport all launching new activewear ranges within days of each other and the Skinny Bitch Collective taking over our Instagram feeds. 

Being #fit and healthy can only be a good thing so here are the four wellness trends you need to know about!

THE URBAN TRIATHALON

If the word ‘triathalon’ terrifies you, then you’re probably of sane mind, they’re incredibly hard – but there’s a slightly more fun and less arduous version of the hardcore sport gaining popularity. The Urban-Tri, there’s no set formula for what this could be but typically it involves a hot yoga class, 5k run and a spin class, but can include circuits or other classes. Check your local gym for one, or get some friends together and create your own.

Urban-Tri at Frame Shoreditch 

GET SOME BONE BROTH DOWN YA

Last year’s juicing trend is well and truly over, to be replaced by the much more palatable and nutritious souping. Health aficionados from Hemsley + Hemsley to Natasha Corrett are championing this ancient food (the earliest recipes date back centuries). It’s easy to make at home simply boil down meat bones in a soup pot and when boiled long enough, they’ll start to disintegrate and release nutrients and proteins (including collagen) which lead to great skin, shiny hair and general healthiness. Say hello to your next superfood.

HULA HOOPING DIVAS

Who wants abs? All of us then. Well, the best way to achieve abdominals like Britney circa 2001 is with a hula hoop. There are classes springing up all over the UK and, as well as toning your tum and burning up to 600 calories an hour, it’s also a lot of fun. Buy yourself a hoop from any good sports shop (a tip to get the correct size for you is to make sure the hoop reaches just above your hip when stood on its side) and get practising! Once you have your hula hoop it’s free and you can do it anywhere you have space.

Hoop with The Majorettes

THE FERMENTED FOOD TREND

Another food fad that has actually been around for thousands of years; fermenting food. Fermented foods are the product of ‘lacto fermentation’ where natural bacteria feed on sugar in the food, preserving it and creating beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, enzymes and vitamins plus a shedload of probiotics. This makes fermented eats great for gut health and aiding digestion. Restaurants such as the Rawduck in East London serves a menu full of these foods already or try some Kimchi from your local Korean restaurant – it’s the original fermented meal.

The Raw Duck Hackney

SHOP ACTIVEWEAR

Black Bean Brownies Recipe

These 'BB Brownies' are taken from the Hemsley + Hemsley cookbook, they're a super-healthy alternative to brownies, being made mostly of the protein-rich black beans.

 I found them really easy to make but they're not very sweet so I've tweaked the recipe to include more maple syrup but maybe it would benefit from a dash of agave or even some organic chocolate chunks. 

They're filling, guilt-fee and hit the spot, though, so well worth a try. 

ingredients

2 x 400g tins cooked black beans, drained 

4 medium eggs 

230g unsalted butter 

85g unsweetened cocoa powder 

175ml maple syrup 

2 tbsp vanilla extract 

130g chopped walnuts, soaked and dried

Preheat the oven to 170°C. Makes nine to 16

method

First soak your walnuts for 10 mins, drain and then put in preheated oven for about 5 mins to dry out. Then rinse and drain your beans.

In a blender mix together the eggs, beans, cocoa, maple syrup and vanilla. Then melt your butter, leave to cool and mix into the bean mixture very slowly. Add the walnuts, leaving some to sprinkle on top.

Bake for 40-45mins until the surface cracks.

Serve with a nice cuppa.

Super Green Smoothie Recipe by Hemsley + Hemsley

I first tried this amazing smoothie recipe at a talk by the gorgeous Hemsley + Hemsley sisters and have since found it’s a go-to for a quick, filling nutrient boost.  So I thought I’d share it with you, I've tweaked theirs slightly to make it a bit simpler to make.

The benefits of this recipe are its alkalising, hydrating, cleansing, antioxidant-rich and easy to digest – the raw foods contains loads of vitamins, minerals and enzymes, undamaged by heat. Plus the leafy greens in it are among the most nutrient-dense foods in the world.

Also a tip I got from the Hemsley girls is to chew it well, yes, even chew smoothies, it aids digestion and makes you feel fuller.

Ingredients
1 apple
2 sticks of celery
Half a cucumber
70g spinach or kale
Half an avocado
1 inch ginger root
Handful Parsley
Squeeze of lemon
Water – add for desired consistency
1 teaspoon of super green powder (chlorella, spirulina etc)

You'll need a strong blender 

Recipe: Healthy Sugar-Free Chia Seed Cake

I love to bake… well, I love to eat cake, so they’re part and parcel of the same interest. However I’m a bit of a sugar addict and I’m actively trying to eliminate as much of the bad stuff from my diet as I can. So, I experimented in the kitchen and came up with this cake; it’s yummy if I do say so myself.

I’ve replaced the sugar with agave syrup which has a Glycaemic Index that is 5 times lower than sugar, meaning you don’t get blood sugar spikes. I also added healthy chia seeds that not only add a delicious crunch to the cake but are packed full of Omega 3s.

Ingredients.
4 Organic eggs
200g Natural Agave Syrup
225g Self-raising flour
2 tsp Baking powder
1 tbs Vanilla essence
10g Chia Seeds
225g Butter or Margarine

For filling.
Sugar-free raspberry jam, or make a coulis by reducing the a punnet of raspberries in a pan and adding agave to taste
Mascarpone or cream – add some powdered artificial sweetener to sweeten, or icing sugar if you feel naughty.

Method. 
1. Pre-heat oven to about 170c
2. Grease 2 baking tins
3. Blend all ingredients together (doesn’t matter about the order, just bung them in)
4. Bake for about 20-25mins or until a golden brown. *The agave will result in a darker colour than normal sugar, so don't worry if it looks overdone
5. Leave cakes to cool on a wire rack
6. Spread jam and cream filling on cakes and sand which together
7. Finish with a dusting of icing sugar or vanilla powder
8. Enjoy!!


I’d encourage you to mess around with this recipe, substituting what you like, trying to make it healthier… or more sinful. The basic recipe is a good base though, but mainly it tastes delicious!

RECIPE: 2 Ingredient, Gluten-Free Banana Pancakes

 I LOVE pancakes… in fact that's a understatement. On a weekend I will happily cook up a tasty batch but when you think about the ingredients (white processed flour, processed sugar, milk and butter) the allure dulls. Their nutritional value is practically nothing!

So when I heard you could use magical bananas and eggs and nothing else to make pancakes I was all for it!

INGREDIENTS

1 Large Banana per person

2 Organic Eggs

Pinch Baking Powder

Pinch Cinnamon (or vanilla)

METHOD

Mash the bananas really well then mix all ingredients together.

Fry in a frying pan on a low heat with a tiny bit of coconut oil.

Serve with natural Maple Syrup.

ENJOY!

BENEFITS

These pancakes don't contain sugar, gluten or lactose. Plus the eggs mean that they're high in protein.

Now, they're not quite as good as traditional pancakes because that's not the way the world works but they certainly do satisfy a sweet tooth and they're mega easy to make too.

VAPESTICK E-CIGARETTE REVIEW

 VAPESTICK MENTHOL

Sorry Mum, but I do occasionally partake of the odd toke (it’s really bad, I know). Smoking, although now losing fans left, right and centre and totally not en vogue, is still a favourite pastime amongst many in the fashion industry.

Seriously, hot-foot it down to any fashwan event, party or show season and you’ll see 90% of the people there puffing away (this is an estimate but I have quite keen observational skills).

In the interest of my health (and irrational fear of getting nicotine-stained teeth… actually, it’s not so irrational, is it?) I’ve decided to stub out my smoking habit. Even ‘social’ smoking is not really a hobby you want on your list; although it can be quite an enjoyable pursuit.

That’s why eCigarettes like VapeStick (other brands are available) are brilliant; you get the sensation and pleasure of smoking without the horrible smell and numerous death-causing carcinogens.

My favourite is the Menthol kind (a true fashionista) but the eShishas are pretty good too if you want to smoke without the nicotine. I’m definitely a convert to eCigarettes – my only worry is the economic impact on my purse (they don’t come cheap) but I think as they become more widely available, prices will be driven down. Oh, they also look pretty sleek too! 

Find out more here. 

Are you a social smoker, ex-smoker or completely against it all? Let me know in the comments below. 

JUICE RECIPE: HOT AS A CUCUMBER

(SERVES 2)

½ CUCUMBER

1 APPLE

2 LIMES (WITH RIND)

KNOB OF GINGER

1 PINT WATER

PREPARATION & METHOD

Wash all ingredients. Put all ingredients into a juicer (doesn’t matter what order), I use THIS ONE. I leave the rind on the lime as it really adds a nice sharpness; be sure to scrub the rind really well before juicing. Add water. Drink. NB: This tastes amazing chilled in the fridge.

THE HEALTH BIT

Cucumber is great for alleviating digestive problems like heartburn, acidity, gastritis or even ulcers. It contains an enzyme called Erepsin which aids the digestion of protein. Plus they’re super, super low in calories.

Apples have lots of Vitamin C which aids collagen production. You need collagen to aid wound-healing and to keep your skin healthy and glowing.

Lime has an irresistible scent which causes your mouth to water, aiding primary digestion. The fragrant oils in lime stimulate the digestive system and increase secretion of digestive juices, bile and acids.

Ginger is an excellent carminative (a substance which promotes the elimination of intestinal gas) and intestinal spasmolytic (a substance which relaxes and soothes the intestinal tract). It also has antioxidant effects, an ability to inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, and direct anti-inflammatory effects.

THIS JUICE IS GREAT FOR A SLUGGISH DIGESTIVE SYSTEM AND/OR BLOATING. IT’S ALSO GREAT FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT TO GIVE THEIR TASTEBUDS A KICK-START.

THE TASTE BIT

Cucumber in juices can be a bit overpowering (although I love it) but not in this one! The cucumber adds freshness, while the apple adds a sweet hint and the lime juice, lime rind and ginger give it a seriously spicy, zesty kick. It would probably taste good with tequila in it!

JUICE RECIPE: THE GRATEFUL RED

(SERVES 2)

1 PINK GRAPEFRUIT

1 APPLE

½ CARROT

½ BEETROOT

1 TSP CINNAMON

½ PINT WATER

PREPARATION & METHOD

Wash all ingredients (obvs not the cinnamon, how would you do that). Peel the rind from the grapefruit. Put all ingredients into a juicer (doesn’t matter what order), I use THIS ONE. Add water. Drink. NB: This tastes amazing chilled in the fridge.

THE HEALTH BIT

Grapefruit is an excellent source of vitamin which supports the immune system and also prevents production of cascade, therefore helping to reduce severity of inflammatory conditions, such as asthma (which I have). The rich pink and red colours of grapefruit are due to lycopene which fights oxygen-free radicals; compounds that can damage cells.

Beetroot can help reduce blood pressure and contains loads of potassium, magnesium and iron as well as vitamins A, B6 and C, and folic acid.

Apples have lots of Vitamin C which aids collagen production. You need collagen to aid wound-healing and to keep your skin healthy.

Carrots contain B-complex vitamins (riboflavin, thiamine, and vitamin B-6) - these vitamins are key in maintaining red blood cells and the nervous system in good health, they also give you energy. Carrots are also great for your eyesight and skin.

Cinnamon helps to maintain blood-sugar levels so is great for diabetics.

THIS JUICE IS GREAT FOR AN ENERGY BOOST THAT WON’T GIVE YOU A MASSIVE SUGAR SPIKE AND WILL PROMOTE FABULOUS SKIN.

THE TASTE BIT

This is one of my favourites; sweet and spicy with a bit of tang and the colour is great! Some people have said it tastes like a hot cross bun in a drink… weird, but kind of accurate.

3 DAY JUICE CLEANSE DIARY

So in a bid to embrace this ‘healthy lifestyle’ I’ve been hearing so much about I decided to buy a juicer last week and embark upon a three day juice cleanse. In case anyone is thinking about this I thought I’d share with you my diary and tips I picked up along the way.

PRE-CLEANSE: I did a test-run on Saturday as I didn’t have and plans that involved dinner or drinks. I got my juicer out of the box (I bought this one, it’s such good value for money, really powerful, and easy to clean) and had a play around, checking out recipes on the net (great site HERE). I’ve decided to do 6 juices per day.

Feel as though I have bundles of energy; in a weird way, I feel lighter I guess. Went for a 5k run in the morning then on another short 2.5k run later with my housemate. Discovered after 4 juices that I can’t bear to have another but I am totally not hungry at all. Strange. Usually on a Saturday I go HAAM on the food.

Caved at 8pm when housemate was cooking dinner and had a baked corn-on-the-cob. Yum… chewy. Bitey. 

Overall, feel great. Not too hard and haven’t had any hunger. Did have a disco nap at 3pm though.

So my tester day proved to me I could embark upon a proper 3 day cleanse and gave me some idea what I was in for. It also made every morsel of food I ate on Sunday taste like heaven. Now time for the cleanse proper. P.S: Day after I was GLOWING.

DAY 1: Wake up at 6.30am so I have time to prepare all my juices (and juices for my workout pal, Soph). Pretty easy. Decant them all into bottles. Feel good all day, intersperse juice with herbal teas. Lunchtime is hard as all colleagues are eating food around me. My mid-afternoon juice is so gross it makes me gag. Go to gym in evening but have no real energy. Early to bed. I feel okaaaaay. No hunger pangs which is what I was worried about.

DAY 2: Wake up looking and feeling pretty damn special. I look really… hydrated. Make an effort today to taste juices before bottling and make them more palatable. Morning is fine, no hunger, lunch is okay too. Then mid-afternoon… I turn into a zombie. Like I literally took about 7 minutes to answer the simplest questions. My brain has been liquefied; not so good for a writer. Nearly get run over cycling home. Cave and have some broccoli and onions sautéed. Go to bed about 8pm feeling sh*t.

DAY 3: Wake up late; too late to get the tube, so make an educated decision to eat some food so I have the energy to cycle to work safely. Have porridge and a banana; nearly snog the man at Pret. Feel amazing by the time I get to work. I’ve made 3 of THE most delicious juices for today (I’m really getting the hang of this). Juice until 7pm when I decide to have some salmon and veg so I can do a 5k run.

VERDICT: I’d definitely recommend juicing, I do feel like I have an ‘inner glow’ (consuming 27 carrots in 3 days will do that to a girl). I must say, I found juicing for one day pretty easy, a pleasure and a joy. 3 days was not so good. 

I think if you work in a role which requires any sort of brain-power (so everyone) then it’s not a good idea. I’m a writer and the words; well they don’t come so easy when your brain is running on cucumber water. Overall I liked it and I definitely want to incorporate juicing into my weekly routine. I think one or two days (spread out) over a week would feel great.

I’m running 10k in a few weeks so in order to train I’ll be giving the juice cleanses a rest for the time being. Juices really are good though so stay tuned for recipes (brownies honour, I will post some delicious ones over the Bank Holiday Weekend!

Let me know if you have any questions (juice-related or otherwise) in the comments below.