The sun has broken through the clouds and there is light at the end of the tunnel… finally. I feel as though I have been hibernating and I am ready to get out. The snow has melted, the days are gradually getting longer and the flowers are blooming; things are looking brighter! I want to focus on things that make us feel good, aside from Netflix binging! Our March Round Up is a collection of goodies that we have recently been trying and testing at HLL. From Sauce Shop Ketchup to Floozie cookies, there’s plenty of delightful treats to put a smile on your face.
March Round Up
- Lo Bros Kombucha
Kombucha seems to be a fairly divisive drink. Lots of people swear by Kombucha, others just aren’t so sure. So what’s the fuss about?
Kombucha is high in antioxidants, is a great source of probiotics and contains vitamin C, B, B1, B6 and B12. Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweetened tea and a culture known as a scoby (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts). The bacteria and yeasts convert the sugar into ethanol and acetic acid. This acetic acid is what gives kombucha its distinctive sour taste. However, we know that too much sugar is not great, so Lo Bros have created their range of low in sugar Kombucha.
This organic, low in natural sugar, Kombucha, is refreshing and easy to drink. For me, it was the perfect answer to getting through dry January! I was keen to try this new limited edition rhubarb and apple flavour… a traditional British pairing. I think it’s refreshing, zesty and I’ve even used it as a mixer for cocktails… after January of course!
We especially love that Lo Bros brews are Vegan friendly, brewed in the UK and the packaging is recyclable… cheers.
Find out more – www.lobros.co.uk
~ Hannah Cox @hannahltc
- Floozie Cookies
Now I’m aware that cookies aren’t normally a feature of HealthyLivingLondon, but we don’t believe in denying ourselves! These delicious cookies were a lovely Valentine’s gift and a much loved treat. And… 100% vegan!
Delivered straight to my door, this cookie selection included the yummy monthly special, the Valentine’s Cookie, which was delicious, rich, creamy and beautifully decorated. Created by Pastry Chef Kimberly Lin, who has worked in some of the best kitchens in London including Claridges and The Savoy, Floozie Cookie offers “stuffed cookies” in five flavours and a seasonally changing sixth option.
Floozie makes hot chocolate too, but this is only available for carry-out from their Covent Garden store, so that’s definitely something to look forward to when lockdown finally lifts…
Floozie Cookies are available for delivery in London; order from their website or on Deliveroo. You can order and enjoy these cookies on the same day! We think they’ll make a wonderful Mother’s Day surprise or Easter present.
Find out more – www.flooziecookie.com
~ Hannah Cox @hannahltc
- Mother Root
I have always been a huge fan of ginger; from ginger ale to ginger beer, to ginger snaps… so I was delighted when asked to try Mother Root’s Ginger Switchel. So, what is Ginger Switchel? In short , Switchel is a drink made of water and vinegar and sweetened with either molasses or honey or syrup, and is often seasoned with ginger.
Inspired by an age-old American recipe, Mother Root’s Ginger Switchel is a delicious, all-natural infusion of pressed ginger juice, blossom honey and organic apple cider vinegar that will excite your tastebuds and leave you feeling revitalised.
Ginger Switchel
Mother Root’s Ginger switchel is like a cordial that you dilute to create a refreshing drink. Don’t drink it neat, it’s super fiery… this zesty drink packs a punch and makes a great non-alcoholic cocktail, such as a virgin Moscow Mule. Check out their recipe section for inspiration. Recently, I used the ginger switchel to make a Dark ‘n’ Stormy and it was delicious.
Find out more – www.motherroot.london
~ Hannah Cox @hannahltc
- BioAdvanced Stress Support from Natures Plus
BioAdvanced Stress Support is an all-natural stress remedy that claims to help reduce oxidative stress and look after our nervous system. This is even more important right now, given that we are still under lockdown rules, and outdoor adventures are limited. Whilst it is always hard to prove the benefits of supplements, the science behind the ingredients is well researched; Vitamin B12, B6, Niacin and magnesium help combat feelings of tiredness and fatigue as well as help towards a healthy metabolism and blood cell formation. Other ingredients, such as Ashwaganda, Rhodiola and Ginseng are also included for their benefits. We love that BioAdvanced Stress Support as it is a vegan-friendly, soy, gluten and yeast-free supplement, making it much more accessible.
Find out more – naturesplus.co.uk
~ Hannah Cox @hannahltc
- OG Omega 3 Plus
I was recently gifted the OG Wellbeing Omega-3 Plus; a welcome addition to my vitamin supplements. Initially hesitant at taking supplements that include fish, (I’m a vegetarian) I have done my research and see the good outweighs the mind-over-matter issue of consuming fish oil. OG Wellbeing combines North Atlantic Herring (high in omega 3s) with Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil (rich in anti-oxidants to protect the omega-3s) – plus Vitamin D3 and DPA. We also love that their packaging is recyclable.
A few of the benefits of these ingredients…
•Cardiovascular health
•Brain Health & Mood disorders
•Skin, Bone & Joint health
•OMEGA-3 and Women’s health
•Anti-inflammatory
•Heart health
•Healthy skin, hair and nails
•Brain health
There are so many positive health benefits to including omegas in your diet. OG Wellbeing’s website goes into detail with the scientific knowledge to back up their claims. Check out their page @ogsciencewellbeing
Find out more – www.ogwellbeing.com
~ Hannah Cox @hannahltc
- Barley Cup
In this snowy weather, an afternoon warmer is the best. But what do you go for if you want a caffeine-free option?
Enter Barley Cup, it’s made from roasted barley, rye, and chicory and it’s naturally caffeine and gluten free while being high in dietary fibre. It’s simple to make too, just add a couple of teaspoons of the powder to a mug with hot water and add a splash of your preferred milk. It tastes like a milky coffee and it’s very satisfying!
My favourite way of having it is with a spoonful of hot chocolate powder mixed in for a delicious caffeine-free mocha. I do occasionally drink regular tea and while I love the smell of coffee I can’t stand the taste unless there’s a load of sugar in it, and even then it gives me the jitters so I tend to avoid it. Barleycup really is the best of both worlds.
Find out more – barleycup.com
~ Sophie Kay @fitology_uk
- Sauce Shop – Unsweetened Ketchup
Sauce Shop began in 2014 in Pam & James’ kitchen at their home in Nottingham after growing tired of the regular condiments on the supermarket shelf. With their friends as taste testers of their first batch of Smoky Chipotle Ketchup it wasn’t long before Sauce Shop was the star of the local farmers’ markets.
Fast forward to 2020 and the release of the Unsweetened Ketchup. This bottle of deliciousness is packed full of tomatoes and spices, with no artificial sweeteners, thickeners or stabilisers! This ketchup has a unique savoury taste, it’s the perfect accompaniment to any meal. The recyclable glass bottle gives this product the luxury perception it deserves and has credentials as being entirely gluten free, suitable and vegetarians and vegans… this really is a treat for everyone!
Find out more – www.sauceshop.co
~ Ciara Sullivan @ciaras_wellness
- Hairstory – New Wash Original
Hairstory New Wash is a hair wash that cleanses your hair, without damaging it. Many commonly used shampoos contain detergents that actually strip your hair of the essential oils that keep your hair and scalp healthy, which is often why conditioner is then needed. Hairstory have created a formula that is kind to your hair and doesn’t require the need for conditioner.
New wash cleanses without detergents. No detergents means scalps aren’t overproducing oils to compensate for what was stripped away. Healthy, hydrated hair remains balanced, also eliminating the need for conditioner.
Hairstory
I have been using New Wash for about a month now and I really like it, but it’s not without its teething problems. After the first couple of washes, it left my hair feeling greasy, like I hadn’t washed the product out completely… which is probably right! It takes a while for your hair and scalp to get used to a new product.
What do I think? I love that the ingredients are fully explained on their website, so you know exactly what you’re using. (Hover over each ingredient for a quick description.) I love that their packaging is biodegradable. The scent is fresh and clean. I really love the scalp brush as it feels so good massaging your head. Overall, I think it is a great product for clarity of ingredients, and kindness to your hair, but I do think it is a tad expensive. I have very thick hair and sometimes I miss the silky ease of conditioner, when brushing out the tangles. But, I love that I am using a product that is thoughtfully designed and a lot less harmful than other options.
Find out more – www.hairstory.com
~ Hannah Cox @hannahltc
Check out our Monthly Round Ups for further inspiration.
Got something you think we’d love? Send Healthy Living London an email to find out more.
Leave a Reply