Radiance Cleanse | What the experts eat: Nutritionist Rosie Millen

What the experts eat: Nutritionist Rosie Millen

by Christina Agnew, Thu 11th April 2013

Rosie Millen is a girl who knows that you are what you eat. Her diet is super healthy, and it shows. Rosie is a former model who qualified as a professional nutritional therapist. Together with her team at Miss Nutritionist, she spends her days helping people achieve better health. She gave us a peek inside her world.

What do you eat on a normal day?

My diet is very 'Paleolithic' so it consists mostly of protein in the form of eggs, fish, chicken, quinoa and protein shakes and then lots of vegetables, nuts, seeds and some fruits. I don't eat many grains. I also eat gluten and dairy free.

Which three foods are always in your fridge?

Eggs, spinach and almond milk.

What are your go-to healthy snacks?

Houmous and crudites is a fail-safe if I am at home. If I am out and about it will be a whey protein shake with almond milk, some nuts, or a healthy food bar. I tend to make the bars at home. Here's a great recipe to try for yourself.

What is the most common health complaint you hear from clients and what is the first thing you suggest to improve it?

Low energy levels. This almost always improves when protein is increased in the diet.

How do you balance work and your social life with looking after yourself and staying healthy?

It all goes hand in hand. When I am socialising I am still 'working' as I find it a useful way to network. From a food perspective I make time to always prepare healthy food and snacks so I never get caught out. And as a rule I don't work on Sundays!

What is your favourite way to work out?

Definitely with a personal trainer in the gym! I like a session that really puffs you out. Failing that you can't beat a bike ride in the sunshine.

Do you take any supplements?

Yes, religiously. I take protein powder, fish oils, a B vitamin complex and probioitcs everyday. I also take a herb called Siberian ginseng to support my adrenal glands.

What is your top beauty food?

Argan oil. It's the oil from the fruit of the argan tree, which grows in Morocco. My favourite is Arganic. It's obviously great for adding to salad dressings but I also like slapping it on my face every night before bed! It's high in vitamin E so gives you an amazing clear glow the next day. That's a true skin food!

Baobab: the new superfruit

by Christina Agnew, Wed 3rd April 2013, link

We've been adding baobab powder to our smoothies for a while now. After we saw it mentioned in Vogue recently we knew it was about to be noticed in a big way. We met up with Andrew Hunt, founder of Aduna, to ask him about the benefits of baobab and how he came to be involved with this amazing fruit. We'll be posting our own smoothie recipe using baobab soon.

Aduna close up

What is baobab and where does it come from?

The baobab tree grows in Africa, where it is known as ‘The Tree of Life’. One of its miracles is that it produces the only fruit in the world that dries naturally on the branch. We just harvest, remove the seeds and sieve to create a 100% natural, exceptionally nutrient-dense raw wholefood.

What is the no.1 difference that baobab can make to our health?

Baobab is the closest thing there is to a natural multivitamin and is almost fifty percent fibre, so it has a whole raft of health benefits. The most common benefit people report is increased energy, but improved digestive health might be the most important.

How can taking baobab benefit skin health?

Good digestive health is one of the most important factors in maintaining healthy skin. Baobab also happens to be the highest ranking fruit in the antioxidant table with almost five times the antioxidant capacity of fresh acai berries and six times the vitamin C of an orange, so it’s pretty powerful at stimulating collagen production and fighting free radicals too.

Is baobab safe to use for children and pregnant women?

Absolutely. Aduna baobab fruit pulp powder is literally one hundred percent pure fruit, which means it is safe for anyone. In fact, in Africa one of its traditional uses is as a substitute for mother’s milk. This stands up to scrutiny as a result of its uniquely broad nutrient profile, which includes being a rich, non-dairy source of calcium. It’s also high in iron.

How did you personally get involved in the baobab story?

I discovered baobab while I was living in The Gambia, West Africa, where it is served as a delicious drink on the beach and at wedding and naming ceremonies. I loved it for its taste long before I knew anything about the health benefits. I’ve been taking it ever since.

Baobab fruit

How do you see the growth of baobab making a positive impact in Africa?

There is no such thing as a baobab plantation; every tree is community-owned and wild-harvested. The trees thrive in the driest and remotest parts of Africa, which are also the most challenging environments for people to survive in. Our vision is to create a global demand for baobab and, if we are successful, an estimated eight to ten million rural households stand to benefit, by supplying the demand from a crop that already exists.

What are the best ways to eat baobab?

The most important thing is to find a way of integrating baobab into your daily regime. If you are a lover of daily smoothies then two teaspoons of baobab will take you to heaven. If not, the next best thing is to use it as an alternative to sugar to stir into unsweetened yoghurt, museli or porridge. One small tip – don’t try and mix it straight into water. As it is completely unprocessed and exceptionally high in fibre it doesn’t dissolve instantly!

Jemma Kidd on her Rest Day & other tips

by Christina Agnew, Wed 13th March 2013, link

When make-up artist and former model Jemma Kidd booked a Rest Day for herself and her husband recently, we couldn't resist asking her a few questions about beauty and health.

Jemma Kidd

How did you find your recent Rest Day?

I did the Beauty Rest Day because I am always interested in new ways to nourish my skin from the inside. I found the Rest Day very easy and simple to follow. I wasn't hungry at all and loved the juices.

What is your philosophy for keeping healthy?

I firmly believe that a healthy gut is the cornerstone of a healthy body.

Do you take any nutritional supplements?

Yes I take Udo’s Choice Ultimate Oil Blend, added as a dressing to salads or in a juice. I also take probiotics and have fresh organic juices daily. If I feel a cold coming on then I reach for elderberry extract.

What are your top tips for achieving beautiful, healthy skin?

I think hydration is really important so I drink 1.5 – 2 litres of water daily. Your skin also needs good oils to be properly hydrated from within. The Udo’s oil has made a huge difference to my skin. I base my diet around fresh organic food. Lastly, I have regular colonics to keep my gut in great condition.

What are your make up bag essentials for people who are short of time?

I'm a big fan of BB creams. I also rely on Urban Decay 24/7 eyeliner, Benefit They’re Real Mascara and Bobbi Brown pot rouge for lips and cheek in powder pink.