Here are the top 10 supplements you could take to bolster your health for the year ahead.

1. Huel

Although it can be used as meal replacement to help manage your weight, Huel powder can also be consumed alongside regular meals to give you an extra, balanced load of 26 essential vitamins and minerals. Shake it up with milk and have it as an on-the-go drink commuting to work or on the way to the gym, and it won’t even feel like you’re taking supplements – just having a delicious milkshake. It comes in a variety of flavours and you know how many calories are in each scoop.

Find out more at huel.com

2. Roman Daily

Sorry ladies, this one’s for gentlemen only. Roman Daily manufacture multivitamins for men, creating a balance of 23 vitamins and nutrients that men might be missing from their diets. It also contains ingredients that may help prostate health, so it’s an all-rounder in terms of supporting a healthy male immune system.

Find out more at getroman.com

3. Athletic Greens

This one may sound like it’s for Olympians or track runners, but it’s for anyone who wants to improve and balance their overall health. One daily serving of Athletic Greens contains 75 vitamins, minerals, whole-food sourced superfoods, probiotics, and adaptogens and is only 50 calories. Just add 250ml of water to the powder and you’re set up for the day.

Find out more at athleticgreens.com

4. NOURISHED

These gummy vitamins aren’t just full of fantastic healthy ingredients, 100% plant-based and sugar-free, they are also tailored to your needs. Take the quiz on the Nourished site to personalise your gummies and start your new health journey, finding out exactly what it is your body needs.

Find out more at get-nourished.com

5. Goli Superfruits 

Combining healthy living and delicious superfruits, Goli have made a great daily multivitamin full of essential nutrients that will give your body the boost it needs. These tablets have collagen in them to support your skin, plus a big dose of vitamin B9 and B12.

Find out more at gnc.com

6. Ritual Essential for Women

Build this multivitamin into your daily ritual to improve your overall health. This supplement is tailored to women’s health and contains vitamins such as vitamin B12, vitamin K2 and iron to support women’s bodies and brains. These aren’t suitable for teenagers or women over 50.

Find out more at ritual.com

7. Mindbodygreen D3+

Everyone benefits from vitamin D, but not all of us have the good fortune to live in sunny countries where we can absorb it into our skin every day. Mindbodygreen has a fantastic vitamin D supplement to cure one of the more common vitamin deficiencies, with a high level of vitamin D in its capsules. They also give you omega 3 and omega 9 fatty acids to help support your overall immune health.

Find out more at mindbodygreen.com

8. Hux

Plant-powered protein, superfoods, antioxidants and enzymes – Hux is an all-in-one supplement that supports normal cognitive function, gut health, energy and immunity. With no added sugars or sweeteners, there’s just 100% good stuff for your body and brain.

Find out more at huxhealth.com

9. Skin Accumax

Do you want to boost the appearance of your skin, beyond the usual routine of scrubs and creams? Skin Accumax is a supplement that can help your skin health from the inside out. It contains cell-protecting antioxidants and has been designed to improve the look of blemishes naturally.

Find out more at advancednutritionprogramme.com

10. NUE Nootro Focus

These capsules aim to support gut health, help manage your stress levels and ease muscle tension. Using natural nootropics they can help support normal cognitive function keeping you concentrated throughout the working day.

Find out more at thenueco.com

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It’s not as easy as popping on your newly gifted fitness gear and doing a lap around the block, and some of us need a little encouragement – whether that’s from family, friends, or tech support. Here are some apps that will help see you through your fitness and weight loss journey.

1. My Fitness Pal

This is a great calorie counting and fitness tracking app that breaks down the nutritional value of your food so you know the ratios of carbs and proteins you are consuming per day.

You can scan barcodes in supermarkets to retrieve your shopping list’s nutritional information, too, so it’s easy to log all of your meals even when you are on the go. This easy-to-use app will help you monitor what you’re putting in your body and help you not to exceed your calorie limit per day.

Find out more at myfitnesspal.com

2. Noom

Noom uses behavioural science to help reprogramme your attitudes towards food and exercise, encouraging you to achieve your health and weight loss goals. Although the app started as a weight-loss tool, it has expanded to help people with chronic conditions and mental health problems, too.

Find out more at noom.com

3. Strava

Favoured by the competitive and recreational runners and cyclists among us, Strava tracks your stats as you exercise outdoors. It can keep score of your PBs, distances and favourite routes through its GPS software and allows you to boast to your friends via its social-media style image and info sharing. Your friends can applaud you for your route, too.

Find out more at strava.com

4. MyNetDiary

This is a great app for people with the discipline to stick to keto, paleo or other strict diets that involve lots of nutrient balancing and calorie counting. The premium version gives you access to recipes and other content, allowing you to record your fitness and weight loss journey and increase your cooking repertoire at the same time.

Find out more at mynetdiary.com

5. Lose It!

Have you been promising yourself you’ll lose those extra pounds for a while now? Lose It! might be the push in the right direction you need to succeed. Set your goals, track your food, your calorie intake and your macros and you’ll be on the way to the svelte silhouette you’ve been dreaming of.

Find out more at loseit.com

6. Interval Timer

Are you into HIIT training, but hate having to set timers on your phone to track your intervals? This handy app is designed for those exercising in short bursts.

High-intensity interval training is proven to improve heart health and help you lose weight quickly, so this handy app will monitor how many seconds are on the clock and alert you when you have to rest or switch up exercises.

Find out more at intervaltimer.com

7. Fooducate

If you’d like to learn more about what you’re putting in your body, Fooducate is an app that grades the nutritional value of your meals and snacks and explains each rating it dishes out. It gives a breakdown of daily calories and nutrients so that you can work out the best way to balance your diet.

Find out more at fooducate.com

8. Second Nature

The NHS-approved Second Nature app aims for long-term, sustainable healthy lifestyle changes to ensure crash dieting is a thing of the past. Second Nature gives you access to a peer support group and a qualified nutritionist to keep you on track, helping you analyse your eating and exercising behaviours and make improvements.

It contains lots of recipes and meal planners so that you can organise ahead, and gives you an insight into the psychology and science behind your eating habits.

Find out more at secondnature.io

9. Lifesum

Are you the competitive type that likes to work to targets? Build up your Life score on the Lifesum app – the harder you work, the higher your score. Log healthy meals, hydration and fitness to gather points and show how much your health has improved. It also has an incredible database of recipes to suit all diet types.

Find out more at lifesum.com

10. Carb Manager

A good one for followers of keto, this app tracks ketones and glycemic load, as well as your calorie and carb intake. This app connects to your Fitbit or Apple Watch and allows you to make custom grocery lists to suit your diet’s needs.

Find out more at carbmanager.com

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This goes into a continuous cycle and we disappoint ourselves when we cannot reach it no matter how hard we try. However, below are 10 companies offering you the services and products you need to try in order to finally achieve your goals.

1. Get in shape with JLL Fitness

JLL Fitness can help you build the ideal home for you. Gym bunnies and fitness enthusiasts across the UK have more recently had to come up with creative ways to maintain their routines, with home gyms being a popular solution.

JLL Fitness treadmills are perfect for any level of fitness and mostly have entertainment options included, and speakers as well as Bluetooth Connectivity, so you can stream your favourite tunes to work out to. If you’re after strength and toning solutions, they can also offer weights and accessories.

If you’re looking for a solution to your fitness needs that’s safe and easily accessible, building a home gym of your own with JLL Fitness could be the answer.

Find out more at jllfitness.co.uk

2. Quit smoking with Nordic Spirit

Nordic Spirit are Swedish 100% tobacco-free nicotine pouches for existing adult smokers and vapers. The product can be popped straight into the mouth and enjoyed without you having to step away from events, important meetings or miss a moment doing the things you love.

It is available in three different flavours – mint, Bergamot Wildberry and Elderflower. These pouches sit under your top or bottom lip where they release nicotine in a matter of minutes, and can last for up to an hour.

Find out more at nordicspirit.co.uk

3. The Alcohol Free Co

Giving up or cutting down alcohol this year could be the best thing you’ve ever done. Ditching booze can help aid sleep, improve your skin, boost your mood, help your immune system as well as keeping some cash in your wallet.

The Alcohol Free Co stocks the largest range of alcohol-free spirits in the UK. It makes missing your favourite tipple more bearable. With non-alcoholic alternatives for whiskies, rums, gins, wines and beers, there is a drink for everyone.

The brand was formed with the aim to fill a gap in the UK market for non-alcoholic products. The growing team have sampled every drink they sell and all products have been carefully selected to offer the same taste you are used to – without a sore head the next day.

Find out more at thealcoholfreeco.co.uk

4. Let Boombod help you slim down

Boombod was designed to aid in weight loss and reduce bloating while helping to banish naughty takeaway and junk food cravings that we are all guilty of having.

But we’ve all been eating more snacks and moving less in lockdown, so there’s some extra weight to shift this year. These are the months when slimming down is a top priority in preparation for our summer bodies.

They understand the struggle that losing weight is not easy. Each 10 calorie shot contains a unique vitamin blend and a natural fibre that works to reduce your appetite and is clinically proven to aid in weight loss.

Find out more at boombod.co.uk

5. Maintain your health with Chuckling Goat

Chuckling Goat is the number one producer of kefir and prebiotics in the UK. Get an entire year of this top-rated probiotic drink and probiotic supplement, shipped to your door each month.

Their kefir has been found to be a significant source of vitamin B12, calcium and phosphorus and vitamin A which contributes to the normal function of your immune system and digestion.

The simplest way to improve your gut health is by drinking a daily gut health smoothie, which can be personalised for you by a Chuckling Goat nutritional therapist.

Find out more at chucklingoat.co.uk

6. Health Hub

Look after your health this coming year, by fixing problems before they can crop up and ruin your week.

We are all born with tonsils. But up to a quarter of us will suffer from them, with sore throats, time off work or study, tonsil stones, snoring and bad breath. These problems can trigger confidence issues and social isolation.

As seen on the TV show Embarrassing Bodies, it is clinic-based, with experienced ENT surgeon Mike Dilkes, and requires only numbing spray – no injections needed. It takes about 15 minutes and prescription painkillers are not required afterwards, just paracetamol which means you can return to your studies or work the same day.

Find out more at healthhub.london

7. Access Training

Access Training UK provides bespoke industry-leading fast track training in three stages. The first is live online learning theory training with industry professionals. The second is intensive practical in-centre practical training and assessment. And lastly, there is career and employment support, a three year guaranteed support with a dedicated member of the team.

It is time to invest in yourself this year. Train to become an electrician, plumber, carpenter, plasterer, or gas engineer. At Access Training they also know that you can’t just leave a job at the drop of a hat. That is why they work tirelessly to make sure training is flexible and is available to anyone willing to put the hard work in to make a positive change for their future.

Find out more at accesstraininguk.co.uk

8. LOQBOX

LOQBOX helps you to build your credit history while you save money, for free. They’ve already helped hundreds of thousands of people. From buying a house to getting married, to going on holiday or buying a new car, doing the things we want in life often requires a lump sum of cash and good financial health.

If you’re hoping to borrow money you’ll need a good credit history. This helps you get approved for the best deals from lenders, saving you thousands on loans, credit cards and mortgages.

They lock away a 0% APR loan for that amount in your LOQBOX. Pay off the loan over 12 months, growing your credit score as you go to unlock better borrowing.

Find out more at loqbox.com

9. Celebrity Slim

If you’re trying to shift the lockdown pounds, then Celebrity Slim is a convenient, flexible, nutritionally balanced partial meal replacement programme that can help you lose weight and keep it off for good.

There’s no calorie-counting, no points system and no gimmicks. It’s just weight management.

Celebrity Slim is not a ‘quick fix’ that will send your weight yo-yoing. It’s about changing the way you think about food and helping you change your eating habits.

Choose from a whole variety of products and flavours, including meal replacement shakes, smoothies, soups, bars and porridges, snack bars and ready meals. There are great vegan product options and money-saving starter packs and bundle available too.

Find out more at celebrityslim.co.uk

10. CV Pilots

CV Pilots is an award-winning CV writing firm with a proven track record of securing interviews for clients across all major sectors and experience levels, from CEOs to recent graduates.

Perhaps you haven’t been out in the market for some time or are not seeking a new appointment by choice. The quality of your CV is paramount. Studies show that recruiters spend an average of seven seconds deciding whether your application makes the cut.

The team will optimise your CV to help it beat the bots and craft an achievement-based document that sets you apart from similar candidates. They also provide a cover letter and LinkedIn preparation services.

Find out more at cvpilots.co.uk

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Despite most people failing to keep their resolutions, many are planning to make 2022 their healthiest year yet. In fact, improving fitness is the most common new year’s resolution in the UK, with losing weight and diet improvements taking second and third place. 

With this appetite for an improved lifestyle in mind, the medical director of men’s health platform Manual, Dr Earim Chaudry,  has revealed the top new year’s resolutions that can be achieved and maintained throughout the year, for those looking to become a little bit healthier.  

1. Manage stress levels

When stressed, our bodies produce chemical which suppress the functioning of our immune systems. Whilst these chemicals are used for the treatment of conditions such as asthma and arthritis, they reduce the ability of the immune system to do its job. 

Keeping a lid on stress – through meditation, mindfulness, or exercise – is an important way to get your immune system working as it should again.

2. Adopt better sleeping habits

A lack of sleep hampers your ability to fight infection. This is because, during sleep, your immune system releases proteins known as cytokines, which target hostile germs and microbes.

Simply speaking, if you don’t get enough sleep, you don’t produce enough of these vital infection-fighting chemicals. Generally, seven to nine hours of sleep a night is recommended. 

3. Try Veganuary, or eat less meat  

Switching to a plant-based diet can be a great option for those looking to lose weight or those wanting a healthier lifestyle. Red meats are often high in fats and cholesterol, which can cause weight gain. 

A vegetarian diet can also do wonders for your skin as fruits and vegetables are high in antioxidants. Skin imperfections can also be reduced with a plant-based diet, as red meats and dairy can contribute to acne.

4. Exercise more

Exercise can improve many aspects of life, from improving mental health to keeping the heart in good condition. Recent studies have found that regular exercise can promote the growth of good bacteria in the gut, reducing inflammation and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease and type-2 diabetes.

If you can, aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, but always consult with your GP before entering into a new exercise regime.

5. Quit smoking

 No matter what sort of lifestyle improvements you want to achieve health-wise, quitting smoking will always rank highest on the list of priorities for overall health and longevity. Where poor circulation is concerned, it’s the nicotine found in cigarettes and e-cigarettes that’s the main culprit.  

Nicotine harms the walls of your arteries while making your blood thicker, meaning it can’t flow as effortlessly around your body. Quitting can be hard work, but in the end, it’s always worthwhile. Check-in with the NHS for a range of services to help you stop the habit, and remember, you’re never too old to stop smoking. 

6. Prioritise your mental health  

Workplace stress and financial worries can negatively affect your mental health. Prioritising your mental health can be a great resolution to adopt in 2022.

Reaching out to a friend or even a mental health professional can be a great place to start if you’re not feeling your best. You can also try practising more mindful exercises such as meditation which can help with your mood.  

7. Cut down on the booze 

Alcohol consumption can have negative impacts on many other aspects of your life, including your mental and physical health, finances and relationships with other people.

Cutting down on alcohol can lower blood sugar, increase fitness levels and also help with weight loss. Drinking less can increase your energy levels and keep you clear-headed. Not to mention the money you can save.

8. Socialise

The importance of regularly socialising with your peers cannot be understated. Especially after the pandemic, the impact of limited social interactions can have its toll.

Making more time for your friends is a brilliant goal to boost your mood and make the most of your free time in 2022. Sustaining friendships and developing new relationships is a worthy goal to pursue this year.

9. Pick up a book

The benefits of regularly reading are many. Mental stimulation and non-technological entertainment can develop your thought processes.

Educating yourself and delving into a new world are a great aspiration to attain in the future, and can only help you better yourself.

10. Spend more time with family

The importance of our relatives and the family unit has been emphasised by the separation felt during the pandemic. Limited social interactions have had their lasting impact on people’s craving for spending time together.

Relaxing and enjoying quality time with your family unit can have a positive effect on your mental health and improve your mood.

To see your company in any upcoming features we are arranging please email laura@hurstmediacompany.co.uk or editorial@hurstmediacompany.co.uk

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When you regularly try new vegan foods, the ones you like quickly work their way into your everyday diet. However, our classic favourites can always take a little persuading.

Here are some companies offering amazing vegan alternatives that you need to give a shot.

1. Plenish

Award-winning plant-powered drinks brand Plenish has launched a new range, Enriched M*lks, that are the most nutritionally complete plant-based m*lks on the market.

Their Enriched M*lks are fortified with calcium, iodine and vitamins B12 and B2, as well as essential nutrients that many are deficient in, like vitamin D and omega 3.

Created by expert nutritionists, they come in almond, oat, and soya. They can take your latte, breakfast and baked goods to the next level.

Doing something good for the planet has never been easier!

Find out more at plenishdrinks.com

2. Miami Burger

Plant-based health hackers Miami Burger declare they have created ‘probably the healthiest burgers in the world’. With their Classic imitation beef patty containing just a fraction of the saturated fat of other burgers and only 167 calories, it’s hard to argue with them.

Miami Burger’s patties are free from cholesterol, heme, palm oil, and coconut oil, and unlike some other vegan burgers, they are made in northern Europe, reducing their burgers’ total carbon footprint.

The burger makers also offer a plant-based Louisiana chick’n patty with a panko crumb. The Louisana is wheat-based and has 17 grams of protein while still only 0.7 grams of saturated fat.

Find out more at miamiburger.co.uk

3. Banhoek Chilli Oil

The idea for Banhoek Chilli Oil stemmed from a fear of average-tasting chilli oils. When chillies are mixed with olive oils, the taste of the olives gets in the way of the pure chilli flavour. That’s why they use high-quality rapeseed oil – it does not get in the way of the chilli taste.

On the other hand, made-to-fresh or dried chillies served in oil never quite cut it consistency-wise and so they infuse the chilli flavour to keep the chilli flavour and hotness consistent.

Find out more at banhoekchillioil.co.uk

4. Crazy Bean

Crazy Bean aim to be the world’s number one online platform for buying and selling vegan products. They support producers by enabling sellers to list products and sell completely free. They know how hard it is to start a business and want vegan sellers to secure market share and beat the bigger companies.

They want to support these new startups by helping them through their first steps to market. Crazy Bean also aim to create a vegan seller community where forums and events will bring people together to tackle challenges that all new businesses face. Sharing stories and solutions will help businesses through the risky and difficult first years.

Find out more at crazy-bean.com

5. Faith in Nature

One of the original pioneers in natural beauty, hair and skincare products, Faith in Nature has been creating recipes from naturally derived sources for over 40 years, and from humble beginnings at the kitchen sink.

Established in 1974, they believe in harnessing the raw power of nature without harming it in the process. They don’t use animal ingredients in any of their products, making them suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and are proud to be registered with the Vegan Society.

All their formulations are biodegradable to ensure that they are gentle on the planet, minimising the impact they have on the environment.

Find out more at faithinnature.co.uk

6. Moo Free

Moo Free have been creating delicious chocolates for the last decade, perfecting recipes brimming with milk chocolate flavour but without using any milk. All of their products are ethically made in Devon, are certified for vegans and are free-from dairy, gluten and soya.

At Moo Free they believe there’s no such thing as normal. They champion the fact that everyone is different, broadening minds through their dairy-free chocolate.

Find out more at moofreechocolates.com

7. The Vegan Society

In 1944 The Vegan Society founders coined the word ‘vegan’, making them the world’s oldest vegan organisation.

The vegan movement is thriving, with more people choosing a kind, healthy and sustainable lifestyle every day. They’re a little different to most. They live a life less ordinary. A healthy life that they live to the fullest.

The Vegan Society continues to hold true to the vision of its founding members as they work towards a world in which humans do not exploit other animals. They’re as determined as ever to promote vegan lifestyles for the benefit of animals, people and the environment.

Find out more at vegansociety.com

8. Reclaim Your Self

Reclaim Your Self retreats run 10 transformational yoga-travel experiences a year, taking their guests to breath-taking locations in some of the most remarkable places on earth.

Retreats include world-class yoga with top teachers Emma Henry and Adam Husler. Delicious plant-based and vegan menus are created by the brilliant Bettina’s Kitchen, author of Happy Food and the 7-Day Vegan Challenge.

Stay in exceptional, unique accommodation like eco-lodges, remote farms, treehouses, off-grid cabins and yurts. Travel in style to Costa Rica, Japan, Lapland, Scotland, Iceland, Svalbard and Mongolia.

Reclaim Your Self are passionate advocates for responsible travel and their retreats have a positive impact on the places and people they visit. They limit their environmental footprint while supporting local economies, respecting nature and helping wildlife to thrive.

Find out more at reclaimyourself.co.uk

9. Sweet Freedom

Sweet Freedom, the fast-growing, best-selling, Great Taste Award-winning plant-based brand started by two best friends in London has added a brand new decadent tasting palm-oil-free Chocolate Spread to their bestselling range of 15 all-natural, vegan sweet syrup and spread products.

Sweet Freedom have always been wild about animals. They donate 10% of the profit from every jar to The Orangutan Project which are dedicated to saving these critically endangered creatures.

Find out more at sweetfreedom.co.uk

10. Sacla

Italian food is a way of life for Sacla. They are on a mission to ‘transform’ your food life, from the busy supermarket trip to the satisfied smiles around your dinner table. They love nothing more than sharing plates of home-cooked Italian food. From their pesto to rich pasta sauce, and juicy antipasti, their products will bring the taste of Italy to your kitchen and table.

Sacla have used their expertise to create a vegan alternative, so it’s easy for everyone to enjoy the same authentic dishes. There’s no compromise on flavour either – it’s still got that marvellous cheesy taste. Whether you’ve followed a vegan diet for years, or you’re trying it out, you can always experience the joy of fantastic Italian food.

Find out more at sacla.co.uk

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Whether we like it or not, technology is, little by little, taking over the smooth-running of our homes. Our devices can switch our lights on and off, give us the news headlines over our morning coffee, answer probing questions from the internet, sing us songs, or bark like dogs should we so ask them to. Alexa’s dulcet tones chime from smart speakers in around 78% of UK homes, while 36% of Brits prefer Google Assistant, and sales of smart speakers tend to spike around Black Friday, when retail giants slash their prices and the home assistant technology becomes immediately more attractive.

Home assistant technology is only going to become more intelligent and more omnipresent in 2022, and it may not only improve your household organisation but save you money on your energy bills. Apps such as Nest and Hive thermostats study your household energy usage and adapt it to suit your needs, allowing you to save energy and lower costs. You can configure heat and light settings from these apps, controlling your energy usage far more accurately than turning a dial or flicking a switch on a boiler. It also helps on cold nights when heading back from work, or if you are caught unexpectedly in the rain – you can have your house toasty and warm for your return by remotely adjusting your heating from your phone. Also, if you are prone to accidentally leaving the heating on when you leave the house, smart thermostats allow you to correct the error of your forgetfulness when you’re on the go.

Ai is also making strides in home security, and sales of networked cameras, video doorbells, and smart speakers are expected to boom in 2022. Apps such as Ringo and Eufy allow you to answer your doorbell remotely when it rings, meaning that no matter where you are in the world you can see who’s standing on your front doorstep and speak to them directly. This should bypass any ‘sorry we missed you’ Royal Mail or delivery cards, but also fend off any unwanted guests you’d rather not answer the door.

Linking smart devices will be huge in 2022, thanks in small part to the arrival of Matter. The big AI home assistant players such as Amazon, Google and Apple have agreed that Matter will be a connectivity standard that allows all smart home devices to communicate with each other. In layman’s terms, that means your Siri and Alexa can be friends, and your TV remote can talk to your thermostat. This groundbreaking development is a huge move towards the technological utopia of ‘The Internet of Things’ which will see homes have an interrelated system of objects – from the app that tracks the location of your cat to your bedside lamp – which share data and learn from your surroundings without the need for human intervention. And if that sounds like the robots are planning to overthrow us in 2022, it’s probably because they are.

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It’s not often we’re encouraged to act like neanderthals, or take earlier, less-evolved species of man as role models, but the Paleo diet – so named for the Paleolithic era, where such fitspo influencers thrived – promotes rewinding the clock 10,000 to 2.5million years for lifestyle inspiration. The Paleo diet plan is based on what our ancestors might have eaten, including lots of lean meats, fish, fruit and vegetables, nuts and seeds. In short, things that could have been foraged or hunted, then dragged back to a cave. Whether you overindulge at Christmas, or just like to see every new year as a fresh fitness start, this diet might hold the secret to shedding a few extra pounds. 

The theory behind the Paleo diet is that the human body is not physiologically equipped to cope with modern-day manufactured foods. It claims that evolution has not had the time to catch up with the rapid boom in agricultural practices that has taken place in recent centuries, and that we are anatomically and genetically incompatible with 21st century food. The rise of dairy, legumes and grains as pillars of an average Western diet transformed the way humans eat, digest and store our fats and fibres. Champions of Paleo point to rocketing rates of diabetes, obesity and other diet-related health conditions as evidence that we should return to nature, pursuing the diet of our distant ancestors. Paleo’s strict rules can help aid the body in preventing these conditions, by cutting out some of their major contributors.

So what can and can’t you eat on this primitive diet? Grains like wheat, barley and oats are out, as are legumes like lentils, peanuts and beans. You can kiss goodbye to chocolates, cheeses and milk in your tea, as Paleo also forbids any dairy products. It also removes highly processed foods, refined sugar, salt and potatoes. This leaves the aspiring hunter-gatherer with lean meats (with a preference on grass-fed animals) and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Nuts and seeds, vegetables and fruits are still on the menu, too. The switch to paleo can help with weight loss, but also improve glucose tolerance and help control blood pressure. If you are able to quell dairy snack cravings and ditch processed foods, your overall health and caveman credentials are likely to improve on Paleo.

The downsides to the diet – aside from a ban on chocolate biscuits – are a little trickier to assess. No adequate studies exist to provide solid evidence of Paleo’s long-term impact on the body, but there are concerns that, without the necessary supplements to support the diet, the body may end up deficient in calcium and vitamin D. The increase in saturated fats and proteins may also have a negative impact on the body.

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Everyone’s exercising preferences are different. Some prefer running in the countryside, soundtracked only by the wind whistling in their ears, measuring their pace with their own breath. Some lean towards circuit reps on their tried-and-tested gym equipment, headphones plugged in, pushing themselves to the limit of what they can lift. Others like to be plunged into a dark room with flashing lights, pounding dance music and an exuberant, sweaty instructor yelling instructions at them over a set of handlebars.

Spin’s popularity is skyrocketing. What began as a static cycle class in larger, brightly lit gyms, has now spawned a wellness trend with thousands of dedicated studios and a devoted following of millions worldwide. Walking into a spin studio is more akin to entering a nightclub dance floor, though the drunken, dancing bodies are replaced with static bikes and sweating fitness addicts. The classes often include frenetic light displays of flashing LED strips and strobes, designed to intensify the overall fitness experience. Each class is called a ‘ride’ and has a carefully curated soundtrack to accompany the rising and falling cadence of the cyclist’s pedalling. Controlled by a dial in the centre of the bike, cyclists add and remove resistance to make their ride more challenging, as directed by the instructor. The instructors themselves are hyper-positive, enthusiastic and committed to powering you through their strenuous workout with smiles on their faces, and their general vibe and gung-ho attitude are synonymous with the spin wellness movement.

So what are the health benefits to this indoor cycling craze? The bursts of intense effort involved in a spin class have a positive cardiovascular impact, and improve the rider’s overall fitness. The activity also builds muscle and core strength, but its focus on pedal power can often neglect the upper body. Spin pioneer Peloton has come up with a solution for this in their at-home spin offering. They sell their static bikes and a subscription to classes so that customers can ‘ride’ live with thousands of others around the globe. Their non-cycling classes include floor exercises and meditation, so that their riders can flex other muscles beyond their quads and glutes. Having your own bike at home also suits those who would rather not be blinded by lights and deafened by music, and can instead enjoy the challenge of a spin ride from the comfort of their own home (and at decibels of their choosing.) Other studios, such as Psycle, which have their flagship studio in London, offer yoga and barre classes and at-home classes to keep their riders in full-body shape.

If you think your own indoor exercise bike and nightclub-style studio sessions sound costly, it’s because they are. Spin may be the shiny, sweaty, dance-party wellness craze sweeping the world, but it comes with a price tag that hopping on a Boris bike for a lap around the park does not. Classes in the studio can cost between £15 and £40, though many studios offer discounts for block bookings and yearly subscriptions. Sign up for a Peloton or Proform and your spin addiction could cost you £600+ for the bike itself, plus a monthly subscription on top. 

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One of the most fascinating discoveries is that your gut bacteria is linked to your overall mental health, and that improving your gut bacteria could have a significant impact on your brain. Anyone who has felt a fluttering of nerves in their stomach before a big interview, or had an upset tummy during a particularly stressful time at work, knows too well the intimate connection between belly and brain. Those who have been too anxious to feel hunger, or who have invested time in ‘emotional’ binge-eating have also suffered on both sides of the belly-brain partnership. The relationship is not one-sided, either – if you have inflammation in your gut, or your microbiome is not diverse enough, it could also cause the symptoms of depression.  Recent research shows that the link between mental and gut health could be even more advanced than originally thought. Studies into the gut-brain axis found that human donors with autism, depression and schizophrenia passed some linked mental health behaviours to their rodent recipients. What other information is our gut flora hiding, and how do we harness it to improve our health in the rest of our bodies?

Although most of us balk at the idea of collecting stool samples, at-home gut-health test kits are becoming all the rage in the pursuit of optimum gut flora. The sample kits often come in colourful, attractive packaging these days too, to help distract from the onerous task in hand. The laboratory uses your sample to analyse the pH level and diversity of your biome, the consistency of your stool and the bacteria, yeasts and moulds present within your digestive tract, among other gut health biomarkers, and then gives you a detailed plan and breakdown of how best to tailor your diet and exercise regime to improve it. Companies such as Healthpath and Aguulp provide the kits, which guide you and your digestion in the right direction.

If you don’t want to shell out for an in-depth microbiome analysis, you can always take basic measures to boost your gut flora. By ingesting probiotic bacteria, you can give your overall mental and physical health a push in the right direction. Kefir and fermented yoghurts are full of probiotics like bifidobacterium and lactococcus which help care for your entire body. Eating fruit, vegetables, seeds, whole grains and legumes will also spark positive change in your gut bacteria, promoting the production of essential fatty acid butyrate which can help regulate your mood and reduce stress reactions.

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Lagatta

Founded by ex-athlete Stephanie Reynders and her mum Dimitra. The entire collection is sustainable and made with Italian fabrics which use over 78% of recycled yarn from abandoned fishing nets. Each piece features built-in ShapeTech and is UV protective, moisture-wicking and breathable. The fabrics are OEKO-TEX® certified. This means that each one has been put through extensive testing to ensure that they have not been unnecessarily treated with harmful chemicals like pesticides and lead.

Available from lagatta.com

Sourced by Oxfam

There’s a world of ethical, sustainable and brand new items available at your local Oxfam shop and online. The carefully chosen great food, gifts and homewares that are made with care, protect the planet and help the women and men who produce them to earn a decent living. For example, these Raffia Fan Earrings earrings have been handmade by traditional jewellery-makers in India. Both modern and stylish, they are the perfect addition to any jewellery collection.

Find out more at onlineshop.oxfam.org.uk/sourced-by-oxfam

Glasses Direct

Every year 640,000 tonnes of fishnets are lost or discarded in the ocean. Samples of plastic waste accumulated in the ocean reveal that 46% of this plastic is attributed to fishing gear.
Waterhaul is a Cornish-based social enterprise that produces eyewear from plastics found in the ocean and along our coastline.

Glasses Direct has partnered with Waterhaul to stock its stylish sustainable spectacles. Each on-trend frame is made from 100% recycled fishing nets and sold with a sustainable folding cork case

Available from glassesdirect.co.uk/waterhaul-glasses

Valentina Karellas

Valentina Karellas is an independent knitwear brand focussing on sustainable, zero waste pieces which are handmade in London.

A sustainable approach to urban chic, every piece of knitwear is one-of-a-kind. Valentina Karellas’ commitment to source surplus yarns and knotting materials means that this reduces wastage and is zero waste. Every piece is an origina and has a story.

Available from valentinakarellas.com

Critically Endangered

Critically Endangered is a sustainable sock company that’s saving some of the world’s most endangered animals by supporting charities that protect them – their main partner is WWF.

Socks are made from GOTS-certified organic cotton and come in a recycled cardboard box, making them as sustainable as possible. Critically Endangered have also teamed up with World Land Trust to protect 20 metres squared of tropical forest every time someone makes a purchase – and who doesn’t need more socks?

Available from criticallyendangered.co.uk

Cool Earth by Vivienne Westwood

Cool Earth by Vivienne Westwood is an organic, sustainably produced T-shirt sure to be your new wardrobe favourite. Helping you make a colourful statement and a hugely positive difference to the future of Earth’s rainforest.

The organic cotton T-shirts are printed in the UK in a renewable energy powered factory, and made in real time using lower impact inks, software, machinery and automation technologies.

Available from coolearthshop.org

Luxtra

Luxtra uses plant-based leathers to make timeless accessories. The range of handbags and accessories are crafted from vegan friendly materials including pineapple leaf, apple skin, cactus leaf, corn and mango leathers.
Founded and designed by Jessica Kruger, the range includes belt bags, totes, cross body and clutch styles for both men and women.

Available from luxtralondon.com

Pikol

Having never used a sewing machine before, founded by Dan Branston taught himself to repurpose vintage embroidered tablecloths into beautiful, one-of-a-kind men’s shirts. Clients have included celebrities such as One Direction’s Niall Horan and Roger Taylor of Queen.

Available from pikol.co.uk

LØCI

LØCI sneakers are 100% vegan and unlike many vegan footwear brands, they don’t imitate leather.

All LØCI sneakers are made using recycled ocean plastic sourced from the Mediterranean and Atlantic Coast of Africa. Every pair of LØCI made ensures 20 plastic bottles are saved from polluting our world.

LØCI footwear is versatile and effortlessly cool, adding a distinctive sense of minimalist style to any outfit, dressed up or dressed down. The sneakers adopt a clean, sleek design, with a core debut collection of eleven different two-tone colour palettes, and a capsule collection designed by Twilight actress, environmentalist and designer, Nikki Reed.

The 10% of profits on every pair purchased is donated to ocean conservation sites and protecting endangered ocean species.

Available from lociwear.co

Kind Bag Totes

Kind Bag transforms old plastic bottles originally destined for the ocean and landfill into beautifully printed design-led bags.

Maria launched Kind Bag in 2019 following a holiday to Asia, where she was horrified by the amount of plastic pollution on the streets and beaches. She developed a printed shopping bag made 100% from recycled bottles spending 18 months researching fabrics, testing her designs and using her own savings.

New totes have just launched (each recycling 18 old plastic bottles) and all bags are despatched in 100% recyclable packaging.

Available from kindbag.co

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