Radiance - The Juice Cleanse Co.

Despite the fact that they are *everywhere*, we are usually not fans of snack bars, unless they are homemade. As with breakfast cereals you are typically looking at sugar heavy recipes and in our view you're better off eating an apple and a handful of cashew nuts. Sometimes you want something more sophisticated though, and for this we will always reach for a Love Raw snack bar. The Rosehip & Lemon flavour is divine! We caught up with Love Raw's founder, Rimi Dabhia, to find out what she's doing differently.

First of all congratulations on the beautiful new packaging for your range. With this change, what is your message about what Love Raw stands for?

Thank you so much, it’s been a huge transformation for us from our previous style of branding. LoveRaw is about food being in its purest and most natural state; no preservatives, no flavourings, no additives. We like keeping it simple and real.

Why is it important to you that your bars are organic?

When I lived in Spain I immersed myself into organic living. It was on my doorstep: farmers markets; even growing my own produce. I felt great, physically and mentally. We always use organic where we can however with some ingredients it’s difficult due availability and price fluctuations. 

Which additives or fillers should we be looking out for on other bars that cheapen the product or make it less healthy?

Any refined or added sugars. If the bar is majority dried fruit it should be sweet enough. Dates are a common base ingredient for bars, they bind the bar well and give a natural sweetness however some brands use dates as a filler as its the cheapest ingredient. You will be able to taste this as the dates and sweetness will over power the other ingredients. Also look for natural flavourings; these can be made up of up to 100 ingredients and the extracts and essences used are not so natural.

There’s a huge debate over the level of sugar in modern Western diets. We totally agree that there is far too much. But it’s reached the point where we now find many people scared to eat a piece of fruit or, in our case, drink a juice containing any fruit. As your bars are sweetened with dried fruits like dates and figs, what’s your take on this?

Over the years there have been waves of negative press against elements of foods; carbs, fat, now it's sugar. I also agree there are so many foods unnecessarily with added sugar. When the media go against something, they portray an extreme case. Our bodies, especially the brain needs glucose/sugar. However everything should be consumed in moderation and when your body needs or craves it. The bars are more a of convenience food, have one when you have missed breakfast, pre/post gym, when you're on the go. As cliche as it sounds, eat them as part of a balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, healthy fats, carbs. 

We were thrilled to catch up with the wonderful Lisa Franklin recently at one of our partner events with Silver Linings Retreats. At Radiance we love treating ourselves to a facial, and Lisa's Clinic Prive in Knightsbridge is the ultimate place to do just that. The Lisa Franklin Clinic is all about the detail, and her whole team are passionate about their clients experiencing the very best in service and skincare results. 

We love Lisa's philosophy, which is to treat skincare in a preventative way using advanced cosmeceutical products without harsh chemicals or treatment downtime. Below, Lisa and our team talk beauty boosting foods, social conscience and our new secret weapon for perfect make up!

A: What are your skin-boosting foods, and are there any big no-no’s we should all avoid?

L: A healthy diet has always been important for skin and general health along with drinking plenty of good quality water throughout the day. There are plenty of skin boosting foods, but as it’s June look for Kale, in season in the UK from now until the end of the year Kale has over 100% of your daily value of Vitamin C and A in half a handful so is a perfect anti-ageing ally. Full of nutrients that absorb and neutralise skin damaging free radicals created from UV light, great for supporting the skin against the effects of the strong summer sun.

A: We know you have been awarded the prestigious Butterfly Mark - can you tell us more about why that is important and what it means?

L: It’s important to me that Lisa Franklin is committed to positive social and environmental issues as I always wanted my brand to be luxury and conscience and the Butterfly Mark recognises the fact we are committed to these values. Sustainability is one of the biggest challenges we face in the beauty industry today and although some strides have been made over recent years, for example the banning of microbeads, there is plenty more to be done. I always want Lisa Franklin to be vocal around these issues.

A: We tried your Pro-Effect Luminescent Base recently and it was just incredible - we've never felt anything so luxurious. Can you tell us more about this product?

L: It is a multi functional product, an anti-ageing serum offering a perfect canvas for makeup application. Active ingredients increase skin firmness and the appearance of deep wrinkles to visibly smooth and plump the skin surface. Powerful antioxidants neutralise damaging free radicals, improve elasticity and support healthy cell turnover. Diamond powder convert UV light to blue light (photoluminescence) leading to youthful looking skin as the appearance of shadows, wrinkles, pigmentation and discolouration are diminished. A second skin effect adds a luxury comfortable cushion feel forming a base for makeup whilst allowing the active ingredients to be absorbed into the skin.

One of our favourite rituals during a cleanse is to reorganise and replenish our cupboards. We are firm believers that a well stocked pantry with some carefully selected staples will help guide you to make better meal choices long after your cleanse.

Good quality organic pulses, grains and non refined carbohydrates are essential for all busy lifestyles - here's a sneak peek inside our pantry at Radiance:

Wild Rice 

• Wild rice is a wondeful alternative to white and brown rice - containing more protein, zinc and potassium than other varieties.
• It has a lovely nutty flavour, adding texture to any dish. 
• We love Madeline Shaw's recipe for wild rice with cinnamon, sweet potatoes and kale. 

Wholegrain Pasta

• Pasta is our ultimate comfort food, but it needn't be considered unhealthy. 
• Wholegrain pasta is much less refined than white pasta, leaving more of the grain intact. Wholegrain pasta includes a higher level of fibre, and a better nutritional content.
• If you're avoiding gluten, we love this Waitrose Green Pea Pasta  
• For a simple lunch - try Deliciously Ella's Cashew Pesto Pasta. 

Quinoa 

• We love using quinoa as a staple in our lunches - its a great source of protein and fibre, helping us feel fuller for longer.
• Quinoa is a great choice for people cutting down the animal protein in their diet. 
• Though we normally use it in a salad or a side, you can even make granola with quinoa - with love this vegan quinoa granola recipe from Minimalist Baker. 

Coconut Flour

• A great alternative flour in baking, we love using coconut flour in our sweet treats. It's made from ground and dried coconut meat and contains no grains at all. 
• Try Hemsley and Hemsley's Banana Bread recipe - it's divine!