Wellness

I recently listened to a podcast by the wonderful Nicole Jardim and Dr Leonhardt about the condition I have POI- Primary Ovarian Insufficiency (or as it was previously called premature ovarian failure).   There were some points raised that I hadn’t thought about before and I’ve been processing since I heard them.   I remember being so shocked when I was diagnosed. I’d had years of blood tests, scans and exploration and everyone kept...

29 June, 2023

Have you seen the news today about vegan diets? Oxford university researchers, who have been tracking the health of people since 1993, have discovered that vegans are TWICE as likely to break a hip compared with non vegans. Why is this? Vegan diets are often lacking some key nutrients, vitamins and minerals that are essential for bone health. Number 1 - calcium. Yes there is calcium in greens, but there is a high percentage...

07 December, 2020

Our clients are asking us what supplements are best to take at the moment. In clinic, we use muscle testing to identify the best supplement for each person as everyone is different with different backgrounds and symptoms. However, there are a few go to daily essentials that we would recommend for most people. Have a look at the list below and choose your supplements based on what you need support with. B complex...

08 July, 2020

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Claire and Laura created a number of videos on key health and emotional topics to offer support and health advice to our clients and viewers....

19 May, 2020

Is my relationship toxic? A video from Claire on the subject....

19 May, 2020

How Structural Imbalances Affect Our Immune System - Video...

19 May, 2020

What are food intolerances and which foods do I need to avoid and why?...

19 May, 2020

How to improve your gut microbiome in 10 steps Cut out processed food and refined carbohydrates – these foods cause the bacteria in our gut to produce endotoxins. Research shows endotoxins lead to inflammation, weight gain and even depression Follow the microbiome diet – this specific diet removes toxins from the bowel and creates the right environment for healthy gut flora Reduce toxic load from environmental factors such as toxic...

04 January, 2017

Are you looking to improve your fitness levels? Or seek relief from IBS? Maybe even increase your Libido or sexual stamina? Joins us today as we share our experiences about the wonder Amino acid and find out what is all the fuss about L Arginine?...

20 July, 2016

Do you wake up craving that first cup of coffee? Today we are talking about new research that suggests certain chemicals that can only be found in coffee are actually rather beneficial.  Fresh ground coffee contains a large dose of antioxidants as well as polyphenals that apparently could reduce the risk of stroke, and even repair liver damage. We are not recommending it to everyone but it certainly is food (or...

21 June, 2016

Today we are looking at cereal and other food labels to help understand how to break down the information spin that makes the product appear healthy but the reality can be altogether different....

10 May, 2016

Step 9 - Claire and Laura introduce us to a hero's journey by Joseph Campbell. They talk us through how to learn to not need to be rescued and how this can be both liberating and empowering....

19 September, 2015

Competition details are at the end of this post!  Balanced Wellness is 7 years old today. We wouldn’t be here without you so thank you to all our customers for all your support over the last 7 years. In numerology the number 7 is a biggy. According to numerology.com It is the number of the truth seeker it is always trying to understand the underlying, hidden truths. In the teachings of Kundalini Yoga...

01 August, 2015

Ingredients: 1tsp grated lemon rind 2tsb chopped fresh mint 2tsp dried rosemary leaves 1tsp extra virgin oil 2tbsp fresh lemon juice 2 -4 lamb chops Sauce: 2tsp extra virgin oliove oil ¼ cup lemon juice 1tsp grated lemon rind 1tbsp chopped fresh mint Preheat oven to 200 deg.  Put lemon rind, mint, rosemary leaves and extra virgin oil into a bowl and add enough lemon juice to bind together.  Pat mixture firmly along back of lamb cutlets.  Place lamb, herb side up,...

29 July, 2015

Ingredients 2 organic chicken breast 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil 3 fresh tarragon sprigs 2 onions, quartered 2tbsp water Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Place chicken breasts in a deep dish,  add tarragon, onion, extra virgin olive oil, add water to dish.  Cook approx. 45 minutes.  Serve with mushroom sauce.  NB chicken may be grilled Mushroom sauce 2 cups mushrooms (any kind or mix) finely sliced ½ bunch chives, chopped and 1tbsp fresh tarragon leaves 2tbsp Braggs or Tamari 1 clove...

29 July, 2015

Ingredients: 1 cup of cooked brown rice 2 large peppers 1 large onion, finely chopped 1 clove garlic 4 medium tomatoes 1 tomato seeded and pureed 1tbsp chopped basil leaves 1tbsp fresh parsley 1tsp water 1 tuna steak, cut into bite size pieces Method Cut peppers in half lengthways, remove centres.  Put water, onion and garlic in a saucepan.  Cook until onion is soft.  Add tomatoes, tomato puree and basil and the other mixed herbs.  Boil together reduce and simmer uncovered for...

29 July, 2015

Ingredients: 1 rainbow trout, cleaned 1 onion sliced 2 carrots, sliced, quartered a few sprigs of coriander or parsley Juice of 2 lemons 1tbsp Tamari or Braggs 300ml of water Method Reheat the oven to 180 deg.  Rinse trout under cold water, pat dry, place in a shallow baking dish.  Sprinkle with lemon juice into the 300ml of water, add Tamari/Braggs then pour over the trout.  Bake for approx. 20 minutes, basting occasionally until cooked Serve with baby potatoes,...

29 July, 2015

Ingredients: Tail piece of salmon, bone removed 2tbsp extra virgin olive oil 1tbsp lemon or lime juice 1tbsp chopped parsley 1tbsp chopped dill Method Combine all ingredients and grill lightly for 5 minutes, serve with either rice, broccoli florets and green salad ...

29 July, 2015

I know this only too well I have a condition which causes me to feel fatigued most of the time. If you experience chronic fatigue or low energy issues its so important to be really hot on feeding your body right. Reaching for the quick fixes cause more instability and leads to feeling really low or depressed. It's all about the #emotionhealthconnection It's so easy to reach for caffeine or sugar...

15 July, 2015

Many women suffer with hormonal symptoms thanks to an imbalance in the primary female hormone 'Oestrogen'. Where the medical model will look to the Pill, HRT or painkillers to control oestrogen symptoms, the Naturopathic model looks to diet, lifestyle and supplements to balance the endocrine system. What is Oestrogen? The term "Oestrogen" is an umbrella term for three hormones - estradiol, estriol and estrone. Estradiol is the most commonly measured type of estrogen for...

06 July, 2015

Take two women who embark on an intense exercise regime together at a Crossfit gym for 3 months. One woman gets stronger, fitter and healthier. The other woman frequently injures herself, picks up colds she cannot shift, starts to experience sleep disturbances and nightmares and her body fat increases. Why such a difference in experiences? Current Health The response to exercise will depend on the health of the individual. If there is a chronic...

18 June, 2015

One of the first places IBS sufferers go to find relief from symptoms including symptoms including bloating, heartburn, digestive pain, wind, constipation and diarrhoea. is the FODMAP diet. What is a FODMAP diet? The FODMAP diet which was created in 1999 by Dr Sue Shepherd when she discovered through her PhD research that limiting FODMAP foods alleviated IBS symptoms in patients. FODMAP stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. In plain speaking, FODMAPs...

03 June, 2015

[caption id="attachment_4502" align="aligncenter" width="461"] It's scary in that dark cave![/caption] In 2013 Ariana Huffington called for an additional Third Metric of wellness to be added to the existing metrics of money and power as a means to measure success. As a health practitioner I applauded this bold campaign and was so excited I wrote a blog about it.  As a business owner I know too well how easy it is to put...

30 January, 2015

I have to thank Skye Gyngell for the inspiration to this dish. These beautiful curried beans make a meal on their own. I have also found them to be a crowd pleaser amongst the carnivores in the house! Serves: 4 #2 portion of vegetables per serving 1 teaspoon coriander seeds 1 teaspoon yellow mustard seeds 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds 4 cardamom pods, seeds removed (discard pods) 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 onions, finely chopped 2 long red chillies, sliced...

21 January, 2015

Inspired by my recent trip to Spain, I am thrilled to share with you my latest experiment, which uses the almonds usually used in white gazpacho to replace the bread often used in the red gazpacho - genius! The result - absolutely delicious, even if I say so myself! Serves: 4 as a starter #2 portions of vegetables per serving Ingredients: 40g almonds (fat) 2 cloves garlic (carb) 200ml water 4 large ripe...

21 January, 2015

This light, crisp and tangy green slaw with its light fruity and yet spicy dressing is quick and easy to make and goes beautifully with chicken or rice dishes, providing lots of lovely raw enzymes to aid your digestion. Serves: 4 Ingredients: ½ Savoy Cabbage 1 green pepper 1 green apple A few sprigs fresh mint A few sprigs fresh coriander Dressing: 4 tablespoons olive oil Juice and zest of 2 limes ½ mango ½ - 1 green chilli, deseeded and roughly...

21 January, 2015

This is quite simply the best salad, ever, inspired by Peter Gordon. Capable of turning the most convicted of carnivores into vegetarians!   And yes, there is enough garlic in there to keep the vampires away! Serves: 4 #1 portion of vegetables per serving 450g cooked chick peas (2 x 450g tins precooked) - thoroughly rinsed 3 red onions - peeled and finely sliced 6 tbsp olive oil 1 or 2 red chillies - de-seeded and finely...

21 January, 2015

Serves: 4 #3 portions of vegetables per serving Ingredients: 1 cup quinoa + 1 ½ cups water 300g mixed green leaves (I love spinach, watercress and rocket) ½ cucumber, chopped 1 avocado, chopped 1 bunch asparagus 1 red onion, finely chopped 100g shelled pistachios or hazelnuts , chopped (not suitable for Rejuvadetox) 3 tbsp chopped mint 3 tbsp chopped flat leaf parsley For the dressing; Juice & grated rind of 1 lemon 4 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp pomegranate molasses (optional, not suitable for...

21 January, 2015

These fabulous small but nutritionally mighty lentils are another favourite of mine. Originating in France, they have a wonderful nutty flavour and when cooked with the addition of some stock and herbs they are absolutely delicious and can be used in a variety of ways. They also get the thumbs up on the fibre front containing approximately 40% insoluble dietary fibre.   The pomegranate molasses is now available in most supermarkets...

21 January, 2015

 At Balanced Wellness we are reclaiming the original festivals of our ancestors, the ancient rites and rituals where our forbears were so dependant on the gifts of Mother Nature that the worshipping of the cycles of the Goddess of Nature was a logical and practical path. Within this Goddess Cycle we are now entering the time of the Midwinter Solstice, the shortest day where the dark is equal to the light....

18 December, 2014

Very much a meal in itself, this soup packs a punch on the flavour front, is most definitely good for mind, body and soul and great for boosting the immune system.  This should blast any potential threat of a cold clear! Serves: 2 Ingredients 200gm chicken or turkey breast 2 teaspoons olive 2 teaspoons sesame oil 2 cloves garlic – finely chopped 1 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 small red chilli – sliced into rounds (seeds removed) 4 spring...

09 December, 2014

This amazing smoothie makes a heavy duty snack or even a light lunch.  Feel free to add a whole avocado if you are having it as a lunch.  The avocado provides a perfectly balanced diet, containing all 6 nutritional needs; water, fat, protein, natural sugar, vitamins and minerals.   The carrot supports the cleansing of the liver and the basil adds a beautiful twist. Serves 1 2 portions of vegetables and 2 portions...

09 December, 2014

This is a Turkish family recipe that my college friend Aisha used to make for me when I visited her at home.  I love the zingy combination of the lemon and lentils and the addition of rice makes it a meal in itself. Serves: 4 Ingredients 2 tablespoons olive oil (fat) 1 large onion – finely chopped (carb) 2 carrots – finely chopped (carb) 4 cloves garlic – finely sliced (carb) 200gm red lentils (carb) 100gm...

09 December, 2014

Feel free to play around with whatever vegetables are in season to your liking. You could for example replace the peas or beans with courgettes or mushrooms if you prefer. Serves: 4 #3 portions of veg per serving. Ingredients: 2 tbsp olive oil (fat) 2 tbsp coconut oil (fat) 1 large onion – finely chopped (carb) 2 sticks celery – finely chopped (carb) 2 cloves garlic - crushed (carb) 200g risotto rice (carb) 900ml chicken or...

21 June, 2014
[caption id="attachment_109" align="alignleft" width="540"]Happy_Woman Detoxing on a Monday morning[/caption]

I found myself dancing around my house this morning.  Not the early hours as some may think but actually first thing this cold wet Monday morning. 

I believe I owe my new found energy to the detox that I am currently on.  I am on day 7 of 28 and weird things are starting to happen. Having attempted many many (fad) diets over the years I never thought I could go on a detox programme as the only thing I have ever stuck to is my complete devotion and loyalty to chocolate!
02 February, 2014
Autumn Detox - Logo“Please will you do it with me?  I don’t think I can do it on my own – PLEASE?”
pleaded a woman when I suggested a cleanse to her.  How could I deny her this support?  That’s when the flash of inspiration hit me – how many people would be prepared to cleanse if we did it together?  I sent an email out inviting others to join me and was astounded when over 30 of them responded YES!  And so the concept of group detoxing was born. During this gentle 10 day programme participants avoid red meat, wheat, dairy, sugar, fried food, tea, coffee and possibly the most challenging for some, alcohol.  Added to this they increase their daily intake of water, fresh fruit and vegetables and take a course of herbal supplements which assist with cleansing the major organs in the body.
08 October, 2013
[caption id="attachment_2314" align="aligncenter" width="614"] Freedom from panic[/caption]

Written by Louise

How many times have you heard of women going to the doctors with one of the following symptoms: IBS, headaches, depression, lethargy, pre-menstrual tension, post-menstrual tension, all month menstrual tension! Skin conditions, panic attacks and stress to name but a few?  These are common ailments that the modern day woman is cursed with.

Have you ever been to the doctors and been told that you need to keep a record of what you eat to see if there are any "triggers" for the above symptoms or maybe you were sent away with a list of medication or even those wonderful antidepressants that are going to level out your hormones and make everything just perfect? (excuse my cynicism)!
16 October, 2012
[caption id="attachment_2325" align="aligncenter" width="425"] Protected Sex as taught by 'The Naked Gun'[/caption] Written by Louisa at Freedom451 author of The Husband Swap Shockingly for once in a blog, I'm not talking about my own preferences. Whether I do or don't like condoms is neither here nor there since I have an IUD (two babies is enough, thank you very much). Nor - equally shockingly - am I talking about a man. We've all heard the excuses - 'It doesn't fit'. 'It's less sensitive'. 'It ruins the moment'. and if he's really - ahem – cocky, ''They haven't made one big enough to fit me yet.' No, I'm talking about a very good friend in her 30s, who is highly educated about the dos and don'ts of sex...but who isn't using a condom. I’m talking about her and about us. Women.
08 October, 2012