Radiance - The Juice Cleanse Co.

At Radiance we recommend daily dry skin body brushing. This comes from Ayurvedic cleansing philosophies. The skin is our largest organ and just like the kidneys and liver it plays a vital role in daily detoxification. Dry skin body brushing removes the top layer of dead skin, which clears the pores allowing the body to eliminate toxins more effectively. By doing this, it not only improves the appearance of your skin but also has many health benefits. It stimulates the circulation of lymphatic  flow and increases the transfer of nutrients throughout the body, as well as helping the removal of waste from fat tissues.

Once a day, preferably first thing in the morning before you take a shower or bath, sweep the brush over every surface of your body except the face and any areas of sensitive, sore and inflamed skin. Beginning at the soles of the feet work in long upward motions towards the heart, moving up the lower legs, thighs, buttocks and then the arms. Next, brush your back and torso in long, sweeping downward strokes. The lymphatic fluid flows through the body towards the heart, so it is important that you brush in the same direction.

After you've finished, wash away the dead skin cells and impurities start to reap the benefits!

Tip: alternate temperatures in the shower from hot to cold to further invigorate the skin and stimulate blood circulation. To finish massage your skin with a natural nourishing moisturiser or oil leaving it feeling smoother, firmer, hydrated and soft.

At Radiance we obviously love our juices, but we equally love our food! We find our friend Amelia Freer to be a truly inspirational cook as well as a nutritional therapist, which is one reason why she was top of our list to curate our Health Box of greens-focused juices. So we couldn't wait to download a copy of her first published collection of recipes, a mini e book available on iBook or Kindle. As well as a set of seasonal recipes for Spring, there is an insight into Amelia's food philosophy and some golden rules for good eating. Trust us, the Chocolate & Orange Chia Pudding is unmissable!

One of our favourite places to find healthy snacks on the go in London is The Retreat Café in Parsons Green. It is the creation of Kim Parsons, a naturopath from Australia who is passionate about seasonal nutritious food. We asked her a few questions while enjoying her newest invention, the 'Matcharoon' - super power matcha tea & macaroon. 

Why did you become interested in healthy eating?

I was one of the lucky ones; I was one of those children who was brought up searching for the freshly laid eggs under the hens’ warm belly. At age five I could tell you exactly what was growing in the vegetable garden, I knew when the raspberries were ready to be picked for making jam. I tasted the sweetness of a fresh fig from the tree and looked forward to the autumn bringing the prickly chestnuts to roast over an open fire. So, I guess a passion for food, nutrition and healthy living has stemmed from my early years. I decided to become a naturopath because I loved being able to treat people with natural substances for health, I loved the idea that I could take what grew in our surroundings and help people make connections with their health.  

What inspires your recipe creations?

More than anything I would describe my cooking as produce-driven. Growing up in Australia where the endless sun provides produce that is freshly crisp and bursting with tantalising flavour I was surrounded by an abundance of luscious tropical fruits, leafy bowls of salad, barbeque grilled seafood, tangy Asian noodles and spiced couscous....food that not only tastes great but also bursting with colour and dripping with delicious juices.

Now that I live in Europe, I love cooking by the seasons. The figs in August, the strawberries in the spring and chestnuts in Autumn.

What is your food philosophy?

Eat and drink everything in moderation. Be mindful about what you nourish yourself with, be happy, give and enjoy the people around you.

Do you have any crazy health tips that actually work?

I’m a Naturopath! So of course I have all the quirky ‘old wife’s tales’ tricks up my sleeves! Such as, sage gargles for a sore throat and onion syrup’s for ear infections etc. These all actually work by the way!

What recipe would you recommend to clients pre and post a juice cleanse?

I always recommend keeping it plant-based pre and post cleansing with loads of essential fatty acid packed foods such as avocado and seeds. With some healthy protein sources too such as nuts to help build strength again.

Are there any ingredients that you think are particularly helpful to use before, during and after a cleanse?

Absolutely, gentle cleansing herbs such as parsley for the kidneys, lemon and bitter greens such as rocket for the liver, carminative herbs such as mint for easy reintroduction of foods to the stomach after meals, and cinnamon and ginger to bring warmth to the body again.  

What’s your favourite juice combination?  

Spinach, fennel, apple and mint

What three foods would you always find in your fridge or kitchen cupboards?

Coconut oil, goji berries and avocados

How do you keep fit?

I keep a regular yoga practice and I love to be in the outdoors. I love to go for walks through Richmond Park in London as often as possible. Nature is what connects me to myself.

But in all honesty, what keeps me feeling the best I can feel is a healthy, happy, perspective on life. When my disposition is permanently set to feeling good about life, I always feel fit and healthy. I believe a lot of our health and overall wellbeing comes from our minds.

What is your vision for 2014?

I have big plans for the ‘retreat’ brand. After opening the café just 5 months ago we are looking forward in 2014 to more café locations, expanding the product range and bringing our products into more stores.