Balance April 2019

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HOW TO EAT BETTER (& EAT MOR E!) LEA RN TO BE BRIL LIANT WITH M ONEY YOU R GY MFRI ENDLY SKIN C AR E ROUT INE

Thor loser? Heck no!

Hemsworth tops our Wellness 100

CHRIS

APRIL 2019

ISSUE 35 BALANCE.MEDIA

CONTENTS

Welcome

RE G U LA R S

Balance’s Wellness 100 is back for its second year. Once again, the hardest part was cutting down the list to only 100, which speaks volumes. The world is brimming with remarkable individuals championing all things wellness; you just have to open your eyes to them.

I am often asked what wellness actually means, and usually respond by saying that it’s not a category, but a lens through which you can look at most aspects of life.

An approach that chooses to focus and amplify what’s good and well in the world, whether that be supporting others to speak up about experiences with mental health, to championing body positivity, sustainability or making fitness more accessible.

And so, this is in recognition of all those who didn’t make our list this time. Those without a social following; who lack a public platform to share their work; who simply contribute to making the world a brighter place day after day. To the unsung heroes out there (and, yes, that might well be you), we salute you.

Sophie Scott Editor COVER MARK VELTMAN / NEW YORK TIMES / REDUX / EYEVINE EDITOR’S PHOTOGRAPHY IAKOVOS KALAITZAKIS

editor@balance.media

balance.media

@balanceLDN

@balanceldn

WO RK / L IFE 19 THE 2019 WELLNESS 100: WHO MAKES THE LIST THIS YEAR? 33 CHRIS HEMSWORTH FINDS HIS CENTR

NUTRITION SPECIAL

8 OUTSIDERS’ GUIDE TO MILLENNIAL LINGO 11 QUIZ: IS YOUR DIET PROPERLY BALANCED? 41 UPGRADE YOUR SNACKING OPTIONS 46 TEA OFF WITH THE BEST BREW FOR YOU

FO OD

38 DR RUPEE HELPS YOU EAT FOR HEALTH

TRAV EL

49 WHY SARDINIA IS A WELLNESS WONDERLAND

ARTS/ CU LTU RE

THE BALANCE EQUATION

BE PRESENT

5 GOOD NEWS 7 SIX STEPS TO A REFRESHED SOUL 14 JAPANESE AMATSU THERAPY 62 MASTERCLASS: BE BRILLIANT WITH CASH

53 GOT’S BRAN ON LEAVING WESTEROS

GAIN INSIGHT

LAUGH

FEAR

LIVE WELL

EDITORIAL

TRADING

BALANCE PUBLISHING LTD

Editor Sophie Scott

Commercial Director Minal Bhima (currently on maternity leave)

Executive Editor Morgan Rees

Advertising Paul Brett, Nick Canane, Stefanie Daniels, Lindi De Souza, Jeremy Saunders, Anda Vlasaku

Head of Finance Kate Lyon

Creative Partnerships Rashad Braimah

Publisher/Managing Director Daniel Cuby

CIRCULATION AND DISTRIBUTION Magazine Heroes circulation@balance.media

Balance Publishing Ltd Unit 2.08 60 Grays Inn Road London WC1X 8AQ

Deputy Editor James Gill Production Editor Jonathan Sever Art Director Victoria Ireland Deputy Art Editor Jade Cooper-Collins Production Director Dahlia Cuby Editorial Assistant Libby Williams Website & Social Media Manager Georgia Shepheard Digital Intern Devika Sharma

Editorial Director Rashmi Madan Licensing Jonathan Marks

www.balance.media

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

BEAU TY

57 GYM KIT SKIN ESSENTIALS 59 ORGANIC QUALITY FOR EVERY POCKET

BA LA NC E Balance Copyright of editorial contents are held by Balance Publishing Ltd. The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or part is forbidden except with the express permission of the publisher. It is not the intention to print any matter that discriminates on the grounds of race, sex,sexuality or disability. All details, and prices, are correct at the time of going to press. The Balance equation is a device and not mathematically correct.

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i

GOOD NEWS

Instagram “Impressed with @balanceldn.

Nice to see some innovation in the print world” @iamjamesconnelly

Twitter “Loved your podcast with @rickygervais.

Such a funny, thought-provoking, and inspiring man” @A_CareerCoach

We’re pleased to say this April shower contains only upbeat stories

Community

oy

FRIEND ZONE

PRIZE PICK

WORDS JAMES GILL IMAGES SHUTTERSTOCK

Picking your nose and eating it could be good for you. Studies from the University of Saskatchewan suggested it could boost our immune system and Dr Meg Lemon, a US dermatologist, backed the findings. “We evolved over millions of years to have our immune systems under constant assault.

Now they don’t have anything to do.” Proof positive this study’s snot something to overlook.

echno ogy

GREAT WHITE HOPE Assisted reproductive technology (ART) is being used to help save the white rhino, using skin to forge stem cells to (hopefully) create eggs and sperm. “We need genetically healthy babies that contribute to the population,” explains reproductive physiologist at San Diego Zoo, Parker Pennington.

This ends with dinosaurs taking over, right?

usine s

WELL I NEVER Given wellness is a multi-billion dollar industry, perhaps this won’t cause you to bat an eyelid. More businesses are now harnessing wellness, with an eye to impressing millennial would-be employees. Yoga workshops, meditation spaces or sleep pods aren’t just for the likes of Google, Apple and Sky; more companies are hopping aboard the wellness train, with a view to snaring the hottest young talent.

“The origins of wellness programs were saving money by creating a healthier workforce.

Appealing to millennials is dominating the wellness conversation,” says Mike Maniccia, specialist leader for Deloitte in LA. Balance’s Sophie Scott and James Gill discuss this on the Balance podcast. Visit balance.media for more.

Britain is friendlier than we realise. Eight out of 10 of us believe communities work well together, and 26 per cent of those questioned think their neighbours are good friends. The survey, carried out by Giffgaff, revealed the UK’s friendliest city is Nottingham (the accent alone makes the heart sing), while top signs of community spirit include signing for a neighbour’s parcel and chatting over a fence. Rule Britannia indeed.

n i onmen

PLASTIC POPULATION European commission vice-president Frans Timmermans says our continent is “paving the way for the rest of the world” as they plan to eradicate singleuse plastic across all EU member states by 2021. This includes straws, plastic cups and cotton buds. Plastics account for around 80 per cent of marine litter, so this is a pleasant sea change.

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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SLIGHT RETURN There are few things more invigorating for the soul than a woodland walk.

Said strolls will now feel that bit more magical with the news badgers, otters, stoats and even polecats and pine martens are making the sort of comeback that would encourage Rocky Balboa to applaud, thanks largely to a decrease in hunting, trapping and use of toxic chemicals. “Carnivores have recovered in a way that would have seemed incredibly unlikely in the 1970s, when extinction of some species looked like a real possibility,” enthuses Katie Sainsbury of the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall. Being honest, if we saw a wild polecat we too would feel invigorated, but only because we’d sprinted in the opposite direction while screaming.

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YO U R E S S E N T I A L H A N D B O O K

the manua l

The user guide

rebalance SIX STEPS TO A REFRESHED BODY AND SOUL

Rather than serving a single targeted purpose, an adaptogen adapts its balancing properties to whatever the body specifically needs at any given time

FULL MOT BODY BALLANCER AT KARIDIS CLINIC

A REAL STRETCH FIERCE GRACE Few things make you feel more beautiful than yoga, regardless of whether or not you’re any good. New space Fierce Grace Muswell Hill, which runs classes based on classical Hatha, Bikram and Ashtanga styles, has got off to a flying start. fiercegracemuswell hill.co.uk

A session with the Ballancer accelerates the removal of waste products and excess fluid via the lymphatic system. It also increases the flow of oxygenated blood for a fresher, more youthful look. £65 for 30 minutes, karidis.co.uk

COMPILED BY JAMES GILL ILLUSTRATION ALICE BOWSHER

AND GET OUTSIDE

by BERNADETTE RUSSELL FUNGI TO BE WITH GROWN TONIC The adaptogenic mushroom tonic has been created to help bring balance to the body by strengthening and supporting our natural defences, so squirt this under your tongue as part of your morning regime. £55 for 30ml, grown.life

WORTH A SHOT VITYBOX This is a sugar-free one-shot that combines patented collagen, keratin & hyaluronic acid and anti-ageing boosters for a formula designed to help hair, skin and nails. In their own words, it’s complete beauty, done simply.

Try beauty for only £2.95 with no delivery fee, vitybox.com

e in

ON THE PULS PULSIN RAW CHOC BROWNIES

INSIDE OUT NICOLA MOORE RETREAT The Nutritionist is launching a three-night retreat, swapping Richmond (where she is head of clinic at the Institute for Optimum Nutrition) for the ancient market town of Nyons in the south of France. Ideal for anyone wanting to rediscover that feeling of inner beauty. £750, 14-17 June, nicola-moore.com

Look, we love chocolate as much as the next person (as long as that person isn’t Augustus Gloop). But there’s a smarter way to snack that’s still delicious and also supports your wellbeing; Raw Choc Brownies give you energy, with no sugar crash.

From £1.19, pulsin.co.uk

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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ondon has been defined as a forest, with almost one tree for every person, and Londoners are lucky to be surrounded by these beautiful, detoxifying plants. Now flowers and green shoots are appearing everywhere, get outside whenever possible into one of the city’s many parks, woods or wildlife reserves; they’re great for both physical and mental health. You could also try meditating or practicing yoga or t’ai chi outside, alone or with one of the many groups who have taken to the wild spaces London has to offer.

There are loads of opportunities in London to connect with the natural world: I’ve tried bat walks, early morning bird watching, tree planting, river wading and litter picking in my local park, and found it hugely beneficial as a stress reliever and antidote to anxiety.

Enjoy spending as much time as possible in nature. The more you find out about your little patch, the more you will cherish it and it will nourish you.

The Little Book of Wonder

by Bernadette Russell (£7.99, Orion Spring) is out now

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NUTRITION SPECIAL

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N AV I G AT I O N S L U G

THOUGHT FOR FOOD

Your dietary directory

Another day, another fad to blame millennials for. If you’re out of your depth, refer to this cheat sheet of the 20th century eating habits you need to know about

(adjective) The current trend for people eating like ‘cave men’. Comprises a diet of meat, fish, veg and fruit, while avoiding processed dairy or cereal products

(noun) (See also ‘ketogenic’) A low-carb, high-fat regime, often used for weight loss, in which the body converts fat into ‘ketones’ for energy

Gluten-Free

(adjective) Something without gluten, like pasta or bread. (“This organic, gluten-free wholemeal pasta is £17.99 per bag, but it’s worth it so I won’t get brain fog”)

Coeliac

Lactose Intollerant

Dairy-Free

Vegan

Vegetarian

(adjective) When one’s stomach doesn’t cope well with sugars in milk. However, lactose intolerant folk can still eat sheep’s milk products

(adjective) Cutting out dairy (milk, cheese and cream) from sheep, goats and cows.

People can be dairy-free for environmental, animal rights or allergy reasons

Pescatarian

Sugar-Free

Fruitarian

Flexitarian

Pollotarian

Beegan

Macrobiotic

Lacto-Vegetarian

(adjective) Someone who has adopted a largely vegetarian diet, but is willing to include fish (“I’m a pescatarian, but I only eat sustainablysourced salmon”)

(adjective) A lifestyle which excludes red meat, but allows the consumption of white meat, fish, dairy and eggs (“I watched Cowspiracy and the next day I went pollotarian”)

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Keto

(adjective) A food plan or product without sugar, which includes some fruit and vegetables, white bread, white rice and potatoes

(adjective) A diet similar to veganism, but it allows consumption of products including honey, which is a controversial part of an animal-free diet

(adjective) The act of ridding one’s life of any animal product, including unexpected things like figs and honey, from products as well as food

(adjective) A diet made up of 5575 per cent raw fruit, including some which are commonly thought of as vegetables like avocados, tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers

(adjective) Based on the Chinese philosophical concept of ‘yin and yang’, it consists of balancing food groups, like cereals and grains, with vegetables and beans

BABA LALA N CE. N CE M ED November I A April 2018 2019

(noun) Medical term when someone is genuinely intolerant to gluten (proven by blood tests) and hasn’t just decided to cut it out of their diet…

(adjective) The pretty manageable diet, free from fish and meat, in which one can still eat dairy (“I tried veganism but it was too hard, so now I’m a vegetarian”)

(adjective) The name given to a plant-based diet which doesn’t involve cutting any food groups, but allows for the occasional consumption of animal products

(adjective) Another diet similar to vegetarianism, but avoids eggs (“When I found out the egg industry kills all male chicks, I became a lacto-vegetarian”)

WORDS: XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX6.5PT/8PT APERCU

Paleo

GUT INSTINCT

the manua l NUTRITION SPECIAL

ta

QUIZ

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The

compiled

by LIBBY WILLIAM S

Which nutrients are you neglecting?

Is your diet as balanced as you thought?

1. How do you feel after having a carb-heavy meal?

Sleepy Sluggish and bloated Energised Full to the brim

A B C D

2. How are your energy levels throughout the day?

Consistently high Very low They peak and trough Pretty stable

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

A B C D

3. How many times a week do you have your five-a-day?

Every day Most days A few times a week Very rarely

A B C D

4. How often do you eat fish?

Never Very rarely Once a week Two or more times a week

A B C D

5. Do you feel the need to snack throughout the day?

Just when I’m working Only in the afternoon All day, every day Very rarely

A B C D

6. How often do you eat fatty foods such as avocado, cheese and nuts?

Once a day Hardly ever A few times a week With most meals

A B C D

7. What would be your snack of choice?

Crisps Fruit Nuts Chocolate

A B C D

8. Do you cook with butter or oil?

Almost never Never Sometimes Every day

A B C D

9. How often do you eat meat or a meat substitute?

Very rarely A few times a week With one meal a day With most or every meal

A B C D

Now flip the page to find out how to change your eating habits and overhaul your diet

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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GUT INSTINCT

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The

RESULTS

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A B C D YOU NEED... MORE POWER TO GROW Essential for growth and repair in the body, protein is an important part of your diet. Current British Nutrition Foundation guidelines recommend adults consume between 0.75g – 1.5g of protein per kilogram of your ideal body weight per day, as part of a balanced diet and dependent on your levels of physical activity.

This will help maintain a number of important functions in your body, including digestion and hormone production.

y

Michelle McKenzie, Associate Nutritionist (BSc, ANutr) michellemckenzie.co.uk “Include protein with every meal. Aim for palm-sized portions and spread intakes evenly throughout the day.

Quality sources can be found in, among others, grass-fed meat, fish, eggs, cheese, nuts and seeds, spinach, broccoli, peas and tofu. On a strict plant-based diet, variety is key to ensure adequate intakes of all nine essential amino acids as the body cannot manufacture them.”

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YOU NEED... TO INDULGE YOURSELF A LITTLE MORE

YOU NEED... A LITTLE MORE FUEL IN THE TANK

YOU NEED... SOME ROUGHAGE FOR A HAPPIER GUT

Fats are an incredible source of energy, supplying your body with more than twice that of the same amount of protein and carbohydrates. It is also a crucial component which helps your body absorb important vitamins such as A, D, E, K, and also contains fatty acid omega-3, which can help to keep your heart healthy.

As the body’s main source of energy, it’s important not to scrimp on your daily servings of carbohydrate. Fuelling the muscles and keeping your brain and other organs functioning as they should, it is recommended that one third of your diet is dedicated to wholegrain starchy carbohydrates, like rice, couscous, oats and potatoes.

Many of us don’t get enough fibre, causing us to suffer with poor digestive health. It is recommended that you consume around 30g a day from plant-based, carbohydrate-rich foods, such as wholemeal bread, fruit, vegetables and pulses, to aid with healthy digestion and reduce constipation.

y

Michelle says…

“Avoiding processed foods with added fats should be the target of public health campaigns, not avoiding fats that occur naturally in food like avocado, extra virgin olive oil, full-fat diary, butter and nuts. Include rich sources of omega-3 found in fish, seeds, walnuts, seaweed, grass-fed meat and eggs.

Avoid refined processed seed and vegetable oils and any processed foods that contain them. Cook with coconut oil, lard, ghee, butter and extra virgin olive oil.”

y

Michelle says…

“The amount of carbohydrate an individual should consume is based on personal health goals and metabolic status. Try to avoid too many refined carbs (rice, cereal, pasta, bread) to reduce both insulin and blood glucose levels.

Instead, choose good quality carbohydrates from wholefoods such as vegetables (kale, cavolo nero, spinach), tomatoes, fruits (berries, cherries, apples, kiwi, avocados), nuts, seeds, legumes and dairy.”

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Michelle says…

“With gut bacteria potentially influencing a wide range of conditions (including mental health, inflammation, energy, metabolism and immunity), it’s important to include healthy prebiotic fibre in your diet. Sources include asparagus, leeks, onions, cruciferous vegetables, nuts, berries and small portions of minimally processed whole grains.”

FIND MORE NUTRITIONAL ADVICE AND HEALTHY RECIPES TO CHANGE YOUR LIFE AND OUTLOOK AT balance.media

BA LA N CE. M ED I A April 2019

EASTERN PROMISE

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amatsu

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matsu is very much the Shed Seven of therapy: it’s never had the universal love it deserves.

Why? Well, Oasis had enjoyed such breakthrough success that it was always going to be tricky for another Northern band with a similarly anthemic sound to… sorry, we’re here to talk Amatsu.

Like Shed Seven, practitioner Lorna Clansey hails from York (although is now based in lovely, leafy Dulwich), and her energy, enthusiasm and passion for Amatsu makes the heart sing as she takes great delight in explaining what it is, how it works and what I can expect.

Amatsu combines the best of both East and West: it hails from Japan, is inspired by body movements from both Taijutsu and ninjutsu and incorporates the touching of meridian points, while those who yearn for something more sciencebased will be pleased to know practitioners are trained in anatomy and physiology.

well informed IF YOU WANT TO BE A LEADER OTHERS FOLLOW AND TRUST, BEING KIND IS KEY TO YOUR KINGDOM

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As someone who has the spirit, passion and wide-eyed optimism of a giddy 15-year-old, but the spine and posture of a 107-year-old, I am particularly excited for this one. I lie face up on the treatment table fully clothed (regular readers will know this makes a refreshing change) and Lorna’s movements prove almost imperceptible compared to other treatments. Across an hour session, these are subtle gestures; say, a pressing of the left hip coupled with a circular motion of my right arm.

“You might not notice this, but I can,” reassures Lorna. And, by the time I’ve moved face down, I am asleep. And we’re not just talking a gentle doze. I am out for the count.

Upon waking (“You had quite the snore there,” smiles Lorna as my cheeks flush) I’m told that the muscles in my back were incredibly stiff, especially the lower half. Such are her powers of deduction that Lorna knew to unlock the tension by kneading tissue just above my right shoulder blade.

You might think a display of kindness will be taken as a sign of weakness, but new research disproves that, especially when it comes to the people and brands we view as leaders.

Instead, according to Harvard Business School, leaders who demonstrate warmth are judged more positively than those who project toughness. As far as

The dull, throbbing ache in my back has gone and sleep that night was particularly deep, although Lorna is eager to point out that Amatsu isn’t a one-off procedure. In a way, this is like therapy for the body: change takes time and what might feel slight now will have FIND YOUR positive consequences THERAPY AT BALANCE.MEDIA for the future. It’s a good start, though. I’ll be back for more. B

SO, AMATSU ME Give it a go If you have restricted movement, back, shoulder or foot pain

BOOKING INFO Cost £75 per hour

behavioural traits go, kindness and compassion are the most influential characteristics for eliciting trust and admiration.

Follow a kinder path Historically, leaders are thought to have reached their status via strength and self-assurance, but all isn’t quite as it seems. In reality, individuals may appear to align themselves with a

BA LA N CE September 2017

High point The sweet embrace of sleep

Booking info lornaclansey. com

Low point Waking up from said sleep

leader’s vision, but without trust they’re unlikely to form authentic or sustainable bonds.

Before you question your ability to influence others, remember it’s not all about banging your chest and stomping your feet. A little goodwill goes a long way.

Laura Hill, Senior Editor welltodoglobal.com

WORDS JAMES GILL, LAURA HILL ILLUSTRATION ACUTEGRAPHICS.CO.UK

Never heard of this Japanese therapy? You’re not the only one.

James Gill took his stiff back to Dulwich to discover more

G LNOAV B AI G L AT G AT I OH N E SRLI N UG

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The

EARTH DAY The movement saving the planet one recruit at a time in e

The year Earth Day was conceived by Gaylord Nelson, a US Senator from Wisconsin, after he witnessed the devastation caused by an oil spill in Santa Barbara, California

a - a e is ue

Global destruction and the rapid decrease in plant and wildlife populations are directly linked to causes driven by human activity including deforestation, trafficking and poaching, unsustainable agriculture, pollution and pesticides

20,000

According to the African Wildlife Foundation, Giraffe numbers have declined from 155,000 in 1985 to just 80,000 in 2018

1970 The modern environmental movement was founded in this year, and it is observed annually on 22 April across the globe

30% Annual hive losses reported over the last 10 years by beekeepers, primarily in the United States and Europe

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The African elephant population has declined from between 5-10 million in 1930 to around 500,000 today

25%

THE VOLUME OF CORAL REEFS CONSIDERED TO BE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR. ALMOST 65 PER CENT OF REEFS ARE UNDER SERIOUS THREAT

BA LA N CE. M ED I A April 2019

The drop in the Fin whale population over the course of the last century, from 720,000 to around 20,000

In 1990, Earth Day went global. 200 million people in 141 countries joined the cause giving a huge boost to worldwide recycling

How you can mark Earth Day

• Ditch plastic straws • Buy a reusable coffee cup • Invest in a sustainable water bottle • Plant or donate a tree • Cycle to work • Have a meat-free day • Eat organic produce

COMPILED BY LIBBY WILLIAMS. SOURCES EARTHDAY.ORG

1969

20 million

Number of Americans who participated in huge coast-to-coast rallies during the inaugural Earth Day, demonstrating for a healthy, sustainable environment

BALANCE PROMOTION

HANDY TO KNOW That helping hand is now here, in the shape of the world’s first Vegan Health Oral Spray from the brilliant BetterYou team. Part of the reason the spray is proving so popular is because it is natural, sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly, with packaging made from Ocean Waste Plastic.

The Vegan Health Oral Spray is made from a combination of nutrients scientifically formulated to support vegan health. These include vegan D3, vitamin B12, iron and iodine. The formula makes for fast and effective absorption of those nutrients that can be typically underrepresented in a vegan diet.

Oh, and here’s the twist: the spray actually tastes great, boasting a pleasing mixed berry flavour, making it a convenient alternative to tablets and capsules.

RESEARCHING THE FUTURE

Berry good news Delicious Vegan Health Oral Spray will help you to become a BetterYou

T

hankfully, we now live in a world where being vegan is pretty much the norm. After all, on average vegans live three-and-a-half years longer than omnivores, so they’re clearly on to something.

But if you are a vegan, you might sometimes feel that you need a little helping hand when it comes to nutrients. That’s because mineral absorption from plants is lower than that of animal products, and supplementation is essential to ensure optimal levels of key nutrients.

THE SPRAY TO SUPPORT YOUR DAY

Andrew Thomas, founder and managing director of BetterYou, says: “I am beyond proud to unveil yet another world’s first from BetterYou. The amount of people following a plant-based diet has quadrupled in the past four years and while it does have its advantages, it’s important for people to recognise that removing food groups from your diet can also remove vital vitamins and minerals.

“At BetterYou, we take a research-led approach to effective supplementation and pride ourselves on using pioneering delivery mechanisms to create effective and convenient products. There’s nothing more convenient than the ability to supplement the four main nutrients essential to supporting those on a vegan diet, in one highly effective, and great tasting, oral spray.”

VEGAN D3 Supports the immune system, contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth

VITAMIN B12 Supports formation of red blood cells and contributes to psychological function

IRON Contributes to the reduction in tiredness and fatigue

IODINE Supports normal cognitive function April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

For more information, visit betteryou.com @betteryou

@BetterYou_Ltd

@betteryou_ltd

W E L L N E S S WA R R I O R S

we ne s In Balance’s second annual Wellness 100,we salute the people who have made our world a healthier, fitter, friendlier, happier place.

We love them all!

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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bou ou We turned to a combination of Balance staff, wellness and well-known/ well-placed experts to deliver our final 100.

We’d love to know what you think: vent your spleen (or shower us with praise) on Twitter at @BalanceLDN

JOE ROGAN Stand-up, businessman, MMA commentator, podcast host and multi-tasker, Rogan voices support for hunting your own food to move away from factory farming

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ANNE WOJCICKI Co-founder and CEO of the personal genomics company 23andMe, she is spreading the power of bio-tech, getting us to explore our genetics, ancestry, traits and health

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RICHARD WISEMAN The best-selling experimental psychologist uses evidencebased techniques to improve people’s personal and professional lives

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JAMES SMITH Personal trainer and Instagram influencer who exposes popular fad diets and brands, calling them out online

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ROBERT HOLDEN INFLUENCER DISRUPTOR ENTREPRENEUR ICON PHILANTHROPIST FUTURIST ACTIVIST GAME-CHANGER

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The psychologist, author and founder of the Happiness Project promotes optimism wherever he goes

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ALAIN DE BOTTON Founder and chairman of The School of Life, a Londonbased, global school which offers classes and workshops across a wide range of topics and issues

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TARA BRACH Teacher of emotional healing and spiritual awakening, Tara is also the founder of the Insight Meditation Community

DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE 92

His two best-selling books, The Four Pillar Plan and The Stress Solution,, provide the reader with the tools to take wellness into their own hands. He wants us all to live better and longer, and it doesn’t get much more wellness than that

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HUSSAIN MANAWER In 2017, poet Hussain held the world’s largest mental health lesson. He has since been awarded a Points of Light award for his efforts to break down and challenge the stigma surrounding the issue

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MICHAEL POLLAN This food author explores the crossover between nature and human culture. His latest release, How to Change Your Mind, investigates the use of psychedelic drugs

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PATRICK HOLFORD A pioneer in health and nutrition, he is a leading nutrition expert with over 35 years of experience and research into healthy diet, lifestyle and natural remedies

95 GRACE HAZEL

Advocating for sexual healing and getting women to re-discover pleasure, Grace hosts the podcast Conversations with Pussy, where women discuss their “taboo” stories to help uplift and heal

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KRISTINA KARLSSON There’s more than beautiful stationery to Sweden’s Kristina. The kikki.K founder has written Your Dream Life Starts Here Here, urging us to make our ideal lives a reality

FOOD & DRINK WARRIORS The good guys of gourmet who are putting wellness on the menu in a variety of delicious ways

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KRIS CARR

Kris’ Crazy Sexy books, which chronicled how she beat cancer alongside the culinary tips that accompanied her victory, revolutionised the world’s approach to the illness

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ASHTON KUTCHER One of the original investors in the Calm app, Ashton is now developing Thorn, an app to fight human trafficking and child sexual exploitation

ROSEMARY WATER David Spencer-Percival Harnessing the natural power of herbs, its line of refreshing and delightful 100 per cent natural botanical waters are entirely sugar-free

LOVE CORN Jamie McCloskey These kernels are healthy, delicious, vegan, dairy, gluten and GM-free, kosher and full of fibre.

We're telling you this snack is set to explode

KARMA COLA Simon Coley This not only tastes good but also does good, supporting farmers, families and projects to develop infrastructure and education

SEEDLIP Ben Branson Taking the non-alcoholic drinks market by storm, Seedlip provide a delicious adult alternative to your usual designated driver’s Coke with ice and a slice

POLLEN + GRACE Stephanie Johnson & Kristina Komlosiova This 100 per cent natural food brand offer delicious pre-prepared lunch box meal options for busy on the go urbanites

REBEL KITCHEN Tamara & Ben Arbib Born out of a need to redefine health, Rebel Kitchen is a sustainable brand offering plantbased milk drinks, coconut water and coconut yoghurt

HALO TOP Justin Woolverton Having made its way to the UK, Halo Top has provided the wellness industry with a tasty boost, thanks to its low-calorie content and flavours

NO.1 KOMBUCHA Jonny Wilkinson After experiencing bouts of poor mental health, Jonny launched his own kombucha brand, proving the right elixir is good for gut and soul

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SHARAN SALZBERG Teacher of Buddhism and meditation, Sharan has influenced people across the globe to adopt the practice of “lovingkindness”

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RUSSELL BRAND An award-winning comedian, actor and writer, Russell regularly uses his social media platforms to encourage conversations around addiction and mental health.

His new book Mentors: How to Help and be Helped explores relationships and how they impact us throughout our lives

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ADRIENE MISHLER

88 MATT PRITCHARD From Dirty Sanchez to Dirty Vegan, this tale is one of redemption, change and finding success in new fields

Now with over 4.7 million followers, YouTube channel Yoga with Adriene appeals to all levels, bodies and genders, and encourages all to “find what feels good”

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KATE HUDSON Founder of online activewear brand Fabletics, Kate encourages healthy living through an active lifestyle and balanced diet for a strong body and mind

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LAUREN ARMES

JAY SHETTY Jay’s YouTube channel now has over two million followers. The former monk’s content includes interviews with celebrities, short stories and talks that inspire millions. He’s also an online entrepreneur of growing influence

DAVE ASPREY

The major players having a massive impact on the business world, going about things in the best way possible

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ECKHART TOLLE

MÜLLER It invests in agriculture and sustainability, takes responsibility for its environmental impact and offers farmers long- term partnerships

THREE MOBILE Respecting human rights and upholding ethical standards, Three is using innovation to make life better and more fun for its customers

HEALTHSPAN Making health supplements more easily accessible to the masses, as well as recording daily advancements in the world of health and nutrition

SANEX A range of skincare products formulated without harsh chemicals and housed in reduced packaging containers, helping all skin types

L’OREAL BOTANICALS Using natural origin formulas and zero silicon, this range takes delicate hair, and our delicate planet, into consideration

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VITALITY HEALTH INSURANCE By rewarding members for being healthy, Vitality is encouraging the population to become more active every single day

DISRUPTOR

ENTREPRENEUR

If you’ve listened to his audiobooks as we have, you’ll know the temptation to talk like him can be overwhelming.

It is no exaggeration to think of Eckhart as the godfather of mindfulness; the man who has helped to teach us the importance of existing in the here and now

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SOPHIE SCOTT We’ve all had a good idea.

But we’ve not always turned it into a reality. Balance’s founder and editor did, giving birth (metaphorically speaking) to this title and everything it spawned. She wants to make a difference.

And, no, this isn’t her writing this particular entry…

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PHOTOGRAPHY RACHEL LOUISE BROWN

BIG UP THE BRANDS

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KATRINA LARKIN Co-founder of Fora “proworking” spaces, Katrina has created wellness-nourishing environments across London, bringing together like-minded people and businesses

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Best known as the founder of Bulletproof Nutrition, biohacker Dave is continuously researching and investigating into how we can live longer, healthier lives

The founder of Welltodo, Lauren is the UK’s leading business coach for female entrepreneurs in the wellness industry, helping them break through barriers

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GRETA THUNBERG At just 16, Greta is a Swedish political activist campaigning to put a stop to global warming and climate change. Her voice became heard in August 2018 when she initiated a school strike outside the Swedish parliament building

CAROLINE CRIADO-PEREZ A journalist, feminist activist and founder of the Women’s Room Project, her book Invisible Women is a huge dossier of facts and figures illustrating gender inequality in society and bringing them to the fore

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ELLEN DE GENERES

Using her ever popular TV show as a platform, Ellen supports a variety of worthy causes including LGBT rights, gun-control and conservation and regularly fundraises millions for charity

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MICHAEL JAMES WONG Founder of The Boys of Yoga movement, Michael works to break down stereotypical views of the practice with the aim of getting more men on the mat. His Just Breathe community aims to bring mindfulness and meditation into the real world

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ALICE LIVEING Influencer, author, personal trainer and Women’s Aid ambassador, Alice is best known for her down-toearth attitude towards food and fitness

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SCARLETT CURTIS

Feminist, activist, writer, curator of Feminists Don’t Wear Pink And Other Lies and co-founder of the online campaign Pink Protest (home to #girlswanktoo), Scarlett is a truly inspirational figure

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YOUR WELLNESS WARRIORS

Ryan, aka Mr Lyan, is the owner of White Lyan, the first cocktail bar in the world to use non-perishables. No ice and no slice here

Author, blogger and speaker, Gretchen focuses on habits, happiness and human nature.

Her brand new book, Outer Order, Inner Calm, looks at how clutter hampers clear thought processes

turnover of new talks every day, from the leading experts on a variety of different topics

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MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY The voice of Calm’s Bedtime Sleep Story, Matthew has taken a deep dive into the world of wellness with his soothing voice offering comfort to insomniacs

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MARIE KONDO The queen of clean, Marie’s hit Netflix series Tidying Up with Marie Kondo has inspired us all to clean up our act for the benefit of our mental wellbeing

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ZANNA VAN DIJK Following on from her sustainable water bottle collaboration with Chilly’s, Zanna, blogger and ecowarrior, has now co-founded her own ethical swimwear brand, Stay Wild Swim

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CHRIS ANDERSON The curator of TED, Chris ensures the much-admired platform has a healthy

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RICHIE BOSTOCK

SOPHIE POWER It’s all in the name when it comes to Sophie, British Ultra Runner and defiant breastfeeding mother. Expressing en route and breastfeeding her son 16 hours into the 166km, 43- hour, 33-minute race, Sophie proved that she really has got the power

Helping people to reduce stress while improving energy levels, sleep and athletic performance just through breathing, Richie, aka ‘The Breath Guy’, is one of the world’s leading breathwork teachers

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ROSS EDGLEY Sunday Times bestseller, and the first person to swim around Great Britain, Ross is a remarkable figure.

Challenging the fitness and health industry, he works tirelessly to push physical human boundaries and raise money for a number of worthy charities

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DEBORAH JAMES

BBC presenter Deborah is currently living with bowel cancer and doing all she can to raise awareness through the BBC Radio 5 Live podcast You, Me and the Big C and her Instagram page @bowelbabe

We asked for your Wellness 100 choices on Instagram. This quintet easily topped the "like" charts

1. Venetia Falconer Passionate about promoting a vegan lifestyle, Venetia shares her views, recipes, mindful consumption and zero waste beauty hacks across YouTube and Instagram, as well as on her fivestar rated podcast, Talking Tastebuds

2. Dr Joshua Wolrich Having shared his own weight loss journey on social media, the NHS surgical doctor now focuses on helping his 152k followers to improve their relationship with food through funny and honest Instagram posts

3. Chessie King Body confidence advocate and founder of #DearBody ThankYou, Chessie encourages her near half a million followers to have a realistic view of their body, regularly posting her Instagram vs Reality selfies

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4. Dr Hazel Wallace Author of The Food Medic books, Dr Hazel bridges the gap between traditional medical advice and the latest nutritional information, educating and inspiring her followers to live a healthier lifestyle

5. Renee McGregor Working as a Leading Sports and Eating Disorder Dietitian for Olympic and Commonwealth athletes, Renee helps develop healthy relationships with food to allow performances to improve and careers to flourish

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RIO FERDINAND

The former Manchester United defender opened up about his struggles following the passing of his wife, touching the lives of millions in the process. He has also embarked on a partnership with DNAFit in the hope of shaping government policy on fitness in schools

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CALLIE THORPE

ESTHER PEREL

Self-proclaimed “sassy Welsh gal”, Callie is a body confidence advocate and founder of community Instagram page, ‘Wellness Our Way’ that aims to “redefine wellbeing and wellness with inclusivity, support and kindness”

Belgian psychotherapist Esther is an expert on relationships and sexuality.

She believes that the quality of our relationships decides the quality of our lives

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JACK MONROE Campaigner and activist against hunger and poverty, Jack has made nutritious meals accessible to those on even the tightest of budgets with her 2018 best-seller, Cooking on a Bootstrap

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VIVIENNE WESTWOOD Dame Vivienne, icon and activist, uses her substantial influence to champion environmental and charitable causes and, even at 78, can be found at politicallycharged rallies and protests

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HANNAH DEACON Hannah is a cannabis oil campaigner who worked tirelessly to have the treatment legalised in the UK and made available on the NHS after she witnessed the dramatic, positive effect that it has had on the seizures of her young epileptic son, Alfie

KEY:

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DISRUPTOR

LAURA THOMAS PHD MELISSA HEMSLEY STACEY DOOLEY

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JESSAMYN STANLEY

Registered nutritionist and wellness advocate Laura aims to help people iron out food issues. Her latest book, Just Eat It, is an anti-diet guide encouraging people to ditch fads and enjoy food on their own terms

Co-founder of Hemsley + Hemsley, Melissa is a large part of the reason we associate good food with wellness. Her book, Eat Happy: 30-Minute Feelgood Food, offers brilliant, quick, healthy recipes

Much loved for her skilled reporting and documentary making focusing on social issues, Stacey has brought attention to many neglected topics, encouraging social and political change

A body positive advocate, yoga teacher and writer Jessamyn uses vinyasa to move past mental health and emotional barriers, celebrating all bodies by asking “How do I feel?” not “how do I look?”

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STELLA M CCARTNEY For almost two decades, Stella has been creating sustainable luxury fashion, encouraging a conscious consumption culture

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BRYONY GORDON Sharing her experiences of alcoholism, drug abuse, and mental illness, Bryony has raised awareness for mental health issues and inspired a wider conversation

JASMINE HEMSLEY 46

Wellness is what it is today – accessible, welcoming and, dare we say it, cool – thanks in part to Jasmine and Hemsley + Hemsley, which she runs with sister Melissa

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JADEN SMITH Supported by his father Will, 2018 was the year Jaden brought his sustainable water brand, Just Water, to the UK to help reduce plastic consumption

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MICHAEL ACTON SMITH Co-founder of Calm, Michael champions the idea that smartphones can be a force for good. His app helps so many of us de-stress, daily

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TIM FERRIS Podcaster, entrepreneur and author of the New York Times bestseller, The 4-Hour Work Week, Tim inspires people to take control of their careers and be more time-efficient

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BOYAN SLAT Boyan is the man behind The Ocean Cleanup, a non-profit organisation developing tech to eradicate plastic from the world’s oceans

40 COLIN KAEPERNICK

By “taking a knee” during the US national anthem to make a widelyshowcased political point, the American footballer might have incurred the wrath of President Donald Trump and been “blackballed” by the NFL, but he put racial inequality and social injustice firmly at the top of the news agenda

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POORNA BELL Poorna speaks openly about her husband’s suicide, to encourage conversation surrounding men’s mental health issues

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MELINDA GATES In partnership with her husband Bill, Melinda has overseen more than $50billion of charitable donations to tackle a range of the planet’s most pressing issues

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Aged four, Jazz received a gender identity disorder diagnosis. Now 18, she is living life as a woman and was the youngest person in America to become a transgender activist

SERENA WILLIAMS Inspirational to other mums, Serena returned to pro tennis in 2018, just 10 months after giving birth by C-section which left her bedridden for six weeks

You either love it or loathe it, but Gwyneth’s online platform Goop is putting wellness in the news, providing an enormous boost for the industry’s profile

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LAUREN MAHON Also known as Girl vs Cancer, Laura is a 32-year-old breast cancer survivor who shares the experiences of her treatment online with an authentic voice

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BRENÉ BROWN Brené’s latest book, Dare to Lead, pulls together 20 years of research and knowledge of courage, vulnerability and empathy to teach us how to lead from the front

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DAVINA MC CALL

DOLLY ALDERTON

Her book, Lessons I’ve Learned, charts Davina’s journey from hedonism to health. She went on a journey of the self, and we were with her every step of the way

Dolly is an award-winning journalist, author, culture commentator and – alongside Pandora Sykes – the taller half of The High Low, a weekly pop culture podcast

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DR RUPY AUJLA Rupy is a “straight-talking NHS doctor”, who’s also a force for change with his Doctor’s Kitchen cookbooks, which help people adjust their diet and enjoy healthier lives

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RUBY WAX Comedian, campaigner and author of A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled, Ruby works tirelessly to erase the stigma surrounding mental health

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EMMA GANNON Emma has shed light on the world of self-employment with her latest book, The Multi-Hyphen Method. Her podcast, Ctrl, Alt Delete, is inspiring Millennials to take control of their careers

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ELLA MILLS Starting with a blog, Ella has written a collection of hit cookbooks and launched her natural food range, Deliciously Ella. She promotes healthy living and a plant-based diet

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PROFESSOR GREEN

The award-winning rapper has become a much-needed voice on male mental health, breaking down the taboos surrounding depression, suicide and masculinity

ADWOA ABOAH Adwoa is an activist, model (Vogue cover star) and co-founder of Gurls Talk, an online safe space for girls to share a variety of taboo and hard-totalk-about topics

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TONY ROBBINS Tony is the guru of self-help who can put a spring into any tired step.

The exuberant 59-yearold’s books are essential listening for anyone with an Audible account

OFF THE (GROWTH) CHARTS

The global wellness industry grew 12.8 per cent from 2015–2017, almost twice as fast as the global economic growth (3.6 per cent)*

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* SOURCE GLOBALWELLNESSINSTITUTE.ORG

The Universe Has Your Back isn’t just the name of Gabby’s 2016 best-seller; it’s become a catchphrase among Balance staff whenever something goes someone’s way!

PHOTOGRAPHY IAKOVOS KALAITZAKIS, GETTY IMAGES, SHUTTERSTOCK

GABBY BERNSTEIN

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ANTHONY JOSHUA A positive role model, boxer Anthony continues to give back with anti-gang and anti-knife crime charities

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PRINCE WILLIAM The Duke of Cambridge supports many good causes including mental health charity Heads Together and conservation organisation, Tusk Trust

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ELLEN PAGE It is a crying shame that more Hollywood A-listers are not as brave as the Juno star, who has inspired millions since she came out. One day, coming out will be the norm and Ellen will be regarded as a vital trailblazer

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BARACK OBAMA Even though he’s no longer President, Barack still proves a huge presence on the global stage, often tied into My Brother’s Keeper, an initiative that supports males from minority backgrounds

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JOE WICKS

DEEPAK CHOPRA

With his massive online following on Instagram and YouTube, Joe has made exercise and healthy eating easy and enjoyable with his daily posts, recipe books and workout plans

Fresh-faced Deepak is 72 and a fine advocate for wellness. He’s not looked back since an appearance on Oprah in 1993 and still collaborates with her via a series of online courses

BODY POSI PANDA

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MARIANNE WILLIAMSON Beyond her best-selling books, Marianne founded Project Angel Food, which delivers food to homebound people suffering from serious illness. And now she’s announced she’s running for President in 2020…

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Founder of the Instagram community, bodyposipanda, Megan Jayne Crabbe is on a mission to help us make peace with our bodies, which she does through inspirational quotes, selfies and a little bit of bootyshaking on her 1.1 million-follower platform

Having stolen the heart of the nation, Meghan Markle has vowed to advocate on behalf of the Royal Family for four organisations: Mayhew, Smart Works, The ACU and National Theatre

ARIANNA HUFFINGTON

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Most famous for Harry Potter, her own real-life story takes some beating.

From unemployed single mum to best-selling author, she's donated so much to charity she’s no longer a billionaire

After selling The Huffington Post in 2011 for $315million and leaving the business in 2016, Arianna launched her new venture, Thrive Global, which provides expertly written content to help people maintain a better work-life balance

JK ROWLING

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MEGHAN, DUCHESS OF SUSSEX

JESSICA ALBA The Fantastic Four star has dialled down the acting to launch The Honest Company, selling “honestly safe” baby and beauty products

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JAMIE OLIVER

PRINCE HARRY

DWAYNE JOHNSON

HRH spearheads the Invictus Games while also working closely with the charity Heads Together, speaking openly about his own struggles with mental health

The Rock’s Instagram posts are an endless source of positive thinking. Try them! He’s inspiring, exciting and, immensely likeable

WORKING IT OUT

Workplace Wellness accounts for a $48billion share of the $4.2trillion wellness industry, and the wellness industry now accounts for 5.3 per cent of total global economic output*

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Jamie famously helped improve school dinners and has recently been involved with the latest Red Nose Day campaign. His passion to bring about positive change is tangibly real. His next book further boosts his health credentials. It is called, quite simply, Veg

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WILD CARDS The outliers from left field whose huge impact cannot be underestimated

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PHOTOGRAPHY MILLER MOBLEY

MICHELLE OBAMA America has a rich history of producing First Ladies who have gone beyond the call of duty, and Michelle is only getting bigger and better. Blockbuster book Becoming has even spawned a live arena tour (An Intimate Conversation With Michelle Obama), where the writer and public speaker shares inspiring stories, both private and personal

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WILLIAM SITWELL Following his ‘joke’ about veganism, the food critic boosted awareness of the vegan movement, helping to elevate it to an entirely different level

FOREST GREEN ROVERS On the pitch they’re having a great season. Off it, they’re making an even bigger impact as the world’s greenest football club

DOUGHNUT TIME Making these circular indulgences more ethical with its selection of vegan offerings, including Pump Up The Jam and Houston, We Have Biscoff

PRINCE CHARLES A strong supporter of sustainable and organic farming, HRH also spearheads causes that address important global challenges

MCDONALD’S We’re not saying you should chow down on a Big Mac, but we love Maccy D’s decision to champion sustainability, from farm-assured meat to paper straws

GREGGS Brought veganism mainstream in January, and made a plant-based lunch accessible for all with the introduction of their £1 vegan sausage roll

GINA MARTIN

In 2017 Gina launched a campaign to make upskirting – the act of taking a photo up a person’s skirt – a criminal offence. Thanks to 18 months of hard work and tireless activism, the House of Lords approved new legislation this February, making it a criminal offence from April, punishable with up to two years in prison and being placed on the sex offenders’ register

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DALAI LAMA It’s 60 years since the 14th Dalai Lama fled China while disguised as a soldier, and the spiritual leader of Tibet continues to inspire via his books, teachings and self. After all these years he remains a picture of humility, grace and good humour April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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OPRAH WINFREY

PHOTOGRAPHY SELA SHILONI

After transforming the world (the self-made billionaire popularised therapy, self-help and wellbeing), in the past year alone there’s been a new book, ongoing work with pal Deepak Chopra, her Soulful Sundays podcast and a burgeoning business empire

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JAMEELA JAMIL Jameela’s no-shame, anti-comparison movement, I Weigh, has taken Instagram by storm, encouraging men and women to “feel valuable and see how amazing we are”. The campaign’s dedicated account is full of selfies from people of all shapes, sizes and backgrounds, celebrating what’s on the inside, not the outside

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DAVID ATTENBOROUGH In October 2018 the broadcaster and natural historian was awarded the Maritime Fellowship Award for his lifetime work raising public awareness of the fragility of the environment, and how life on this planet depends on the health of our oceans

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FEARNE COTTON

With her charity work, best-selling wellness books, hugely popular wellbeing podcast Happy Place (which you can catch live on 4 May, see page 54) and sheer openness about therapy and indeed life itself, the broadcaster and author feels like she’s at the forefront of the wellness movement right now. We chatted with Fearne for the Balance podcast (visit balance.media, guys!) and found her to be wonderfully candid company. What’s more, this is someone who walked away from both Radio 1 and, more recently, Celebrity Juice because her gut told her to. More power to Fearne!

ICON

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BALANCE PROMOTION

The new missing link Researchers believe a healthy and balanced gut can positively affect mind health. Renew Life is here to support your natural gut health

*SOURCES BBC.COM, THEGUARDIAN.COM, NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV

M

ost people know nutrient absorption and the elimination of waste is dependent on a healthy digestive system, but few realise this whole area also affects immunity, inflammation and other key bodily functions.

Researchers are now treating the gut as an organ* which is the bedrock of a healthy lifestyle.

Everyday stress, pollution and indeed life itself, can impact negatively on the number of good bacteria in the body, and can cause what is known as “microbiome imbalance”.

This is where the levels of good and bad bacteria which normally live harmoniously are out of whack, causing all sorts of uncomfortable issues.

Thankfully, that’s where Renew Life’s probiotic (also known as live bacteria) portfolio can help. Renew Life’s cast list of extensively researched strains, can help provide more of the good-for-you bacteria that occur in a naturally healthy gut to restore your natural balance, all in a convenient one-a-day dose!

What’s more (and here’s the real kicker), as researchers have shown our microbiome has a direct impact on our immune systems*, they could help provide the “missing link” that leads to a healthy mind, body and soul.

Indeed, a common strain of “good” bacteria called Lactobacillus plantarum (often found in probiotic supplements) has been linked to lower stress levels, leading experts to believe a healthy,

THE EXPERT

Bacteria is not a dirty word.

In fact, inside each person are trillions of bacteria, most of which reside in the gut

Dr Sara Celik, Renew Life spokesperson and naturopathic doctor “Your gut is like your body’s engine, and the key to keeping you functioning. Just like a car, when your engine isn’t operating correctly, you won’t get very far”

balanced gut may help us all keep cool when under duress.

INSIDER KNOWLEDGE Inside each Renew Life probiotic, high potency live cultures and multi strains help support the estimated 40 trillion cells which live naturally in your body. You really cannot overstate the importance of a healthy gut.

After all, an incredible 70 per cent of your immune system lives in your digestive tract. And as blogger Kim Lee (aka Kim’s Cravings) says: “Digestive health is an essential component at the centre of everything. We all want to be our best and it’s important to remember this starts from within: literally.”

Available at Amazon, Whole Foods Market, Planet Organic, Revital and selected independent health stores. Learn more at beinghumantakesguts.co.uk @ukrenewlife @ukrenewlife

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Anxiety, wellness, Avengers: Endgame and even James Bond.

Discover why Chris Hemsworth is our No1 wellness warrior words JAME S G ILL

“I’M AS VULNERABLE AS ANYONE ELSE” April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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W hen Thor, the mighty God Of Thunder no less, opens up about his struggles with anxiety, it offers solace to all us mere mortals. After all, on paper Chris Hemsworth has it all: he’s one of the biggest movie stars of all time (his films have grossed more than $8 billion, even before Avengers: Endgame is released), he has a happy home life in his native Australia with his wife and three children and, as his 26 million Instagram followers can attest, he’s not in bad shape.

But then earlier this year, Hemsworth admitted he’d had his struggles with anxiety, and it made the world realise that anyone, even an Avenger, can experience issues with mental health. The 35-year-old’s candour is his way of saying: we’re all in this together.

And as Balance enjoys a refreshingly candid chat, Hemsworth says, “It feels good to openly admit ‘this is the truth to how I’m feeling and who I am, and I’m as vulnerable as anyone else’. By acknowledging that, you suddenly diminish the threat and the power.

“If you look at fear and anxiety, it really is just awareness. It’s your body telling you that you need to be aware of something and look a little closer. ‘What is it?

You need to prep more. Or an animal is about to kill me, run away!’” He unleashes the sort of rich, rolling laugh that could stop traffic. “Rather than thinking fear is a bad thing, harness it as your body saying, ‘Let’s get to work in one way or another.’”

I FEEL LESS NEED TO PROVE A LOT OF THINGS

HYDE AND SEEK Born in Melbourne, Hemsworth is your typical Victorian: grounded, likeable, what both Aussies and Brits might call ‘a bloody good bloke’. Good is in his blood: mum is a teacher, dad is a social services worker.

However, despite enjoying domestic success on soap Home & Away (he played Kim Hyde from 2004-07), Chris yearned for more and got it via a small-but-memorable role in the 2009 Star Trek reboot. “If I go back 10 or 15 years, I feel that a lot of that time it was about, ‘If I only had this, or this film, or was in this position, then that would be perfect’,” he says. “Then I’d get to that position and very quickly there was a new goal or a new thing.

I was always looking ahead and not appreciating what was right in front of me.

“The last year or so, I’ve cut down a lot of those things.

The way I’m looking at it all is a lot more settled. My kids are a bit older and I’m getting used to being a dad and the craziness of work and balancing the two. I feel less need to prove a lot of things; I’ve ticked a lot of the boxes I wanted to tick. As a human being, I’m a little bit more comfortable in my own skin.”

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THOR, BLIMEY

More pertinent, he underwent this exploration of the self while becoming a superstar. “It’s interesting: your personal growth and development on a worldwide platform can be influenced in good and bad ways!” He laughs. “Growing as a human being, while having fame thrown into the mix can certainly alter things.”

He kept negativity at bay by “not allowing outside circumstances to be as impactful on my happiness.

Whether it was a movie opening at the box office, reviews or feedback, or films I did or didn’t get, I was just asking myself, ‘Am I having fun here?’ That was why I started out on this journey and, the truth is, I am having a hell of a lot of fun.

“There was a lot of angst and anxiety earlier on, and I still get anxiety. I remember very early on finding comfort in Anthony Hopkins and Cate Blanchett saying they were never sure if they were going to work again after each film they’d done. It’s about becoming comfortable with that possibility.

“It’s so easy to let the years roll by. I even look at Home & Away and think, ‘I wish I had enjoyed that more.’ I was 19 and on the beach, earning a couple of grand a week, which was massive for me at the time.

Yet I was so filled with the desire to go to Hollywood and do something else that I didn’t soak up that experience as much as I could have.”

TAKING CENTR STAGE The whole journey is why he has launched Centr, a new website and app that introduces you to his team of trainers, experts and chefs. “In going through the years and the times where I’ve really struggled with anxiety or versions of lower self-esteem and energy and all of that, what really got me out of that funk was training and eating right; just really taking a look inside and a bit of self-analysis, and trying to re-programme why my thought patterns had led me down this path.

“I started working with different trainers, nutritionists and mindfulness teachers because I wanted to get out of this slightly depressive place that I was finding myself in at times, and I noticed what a difference it made. There was an opportunity to bring together a community of like-minded people who’d had a positive and beneficial impact on my life, and have that on a global scale. I’m looking into suicide prevention, youth depression, and I do a lot of work with my parents with child protection.

“With any sort of mental illness, the first thing that’s being prescribed now before medication is physical activity, diet, nutrition and meditation. It’s no longer this hippy approach, whatever you want to call it, and it is becoming more widely accepted and appreciated, having

a much more holistic view on health and wellness.

“It’s been hugely satisfying in that sense because it has changed people’s day to day lives. We’re only a month in, but the feedback has been hugely positive.

It’s a nice reminder that we’re doing something right and can make a difference somewhere. On top of that, it’s a great creative venture which is very different to anything I’ve done before.”

APPROACHING THE ENDGAME His next project also promises to be very different.

Avengers: Endgame is the culmination of 21 Marvel Cinematic Universe films that will see Thor, Captain America, Iron Man, Hulk, Black Widow and the gang potentially join forces for the final time. The MCU will continue, but several stars are set to hang up their capes and masks.

“I’ve never been more excited,” he says of Endgame which, like Infinity War, is directed by the Russo brothers. “When shooting that movie, we all knew it would be a wrap-up for some of us, or it’s certainly going to be the largest culmination of all of this for the whole Marvel Universe. They’re going to go on and make other films, but I don’t think you could ever have this sort of culmination. This was the original five, right up to how many there are now: 70-something characters.

“When we all signed on to that first film with a six or nine-picture deal, no one knew if we’d make it past the first one. It’s absolutely a once in a lifetime opportunity; it was exciting and nostalgic, like when you finish high school.

“As far as this individual movie goes, I haven’t seen it but I’ve heard more positive things about it than any other Marvel film. And I don’t say that as a sales pitch because it doesn’t need one!”

One film that did require a sales pitch, however, was the original Thor, the movie that transformed him from ‘next big thing’ to ‘A-list megastar’. After all, Thor is a tricky one to nail: he can appear a little earnest in the comics, while Norse mythology doesn’t scream packed multiplexes. Yet he has done something special; his charisma, innate likeability and natural humour has helped Thor become, arguably, the finest film incarnation of a superhero ever. Yes, really. By the time we get to director Taika Waititi’s 2017 masterwork Thor: Ragnarok, the Norse god is having a blast.

“I am genuinely proud of what we’ve done with it, because there were times when I felt like I was treading water and everyone else was taking advances in their character development. Their films were big at the box office and growing and the fanfare was huge. And I felt like, ‘Yeah, we’re along for the ride. But we really need to step it up a bit!’ And Taika was really the turning point for me to reinvent it in such a big way. And then the Russos coming on board for the last Avengers film was dramatically different again. You’re going to be pretty surprised by the next one!”

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

35

THOR, BLIMEY

EVERYBODY WANTS TO HAVE A CRACK AT PLAYING BOND

FOOD FOR THOR-T

Created by Stan Lee, Jack Kirby and Larry Lieber, Thor made his comicbook debut in issue #83 of Journey into Mystery in August, 1962

FOND ON BOND While Thor is Hemsworth’s most-iconic role to date, it was Rush and his portrayal of quintessential Englishman James Hunt, champion of formula one and the party scene, that changed perceptions. No superhero, Hunt was a flawed human, a man who chased the high life with the same passion he pursued rival Niki Lauder. “Rush was straight off the back of Thor and when I faced my biggest wall of typecasting.

Going into any meeting or casting, the preconception from the director was that I was a larger bodybuilding, superhero character and that was all I could play. So the idea of playing a lean racing car driver was a hurdle I had to get over.”

Surely, Balance reasons, playing Hunt was the ultimate calling card for another debonair British

36

As any fan will tell you, Thor’s hammer is called Mjölnir. It has been reported 30 versions are made for the movies, including a “soft” one for stunts

In 2014, Thor returned to the comic books as a woman (revealed to be Jane Foster, his girlfriend, played in the films by Natalie Portman)

gent, one who’s similarly quick with the ladies, yet even quicker with a Walther PPK: 007 himself.

Hemsworth says he’d “love to” play the world’s most famous spy, while being respectful to producer Barbara Broccoli and the legion of fans. It is, of course, the sort of impeccably polite approach that makes him pure James Bond.

He laughs again. “When we were shooting Rush someone had said that and I thought, ‘Cool, if this is my audition tape, then great.’ I don’t think you’ll ever meet anyone who doesn’t want to have a crack at James Bond. I’d love to do it.

“But that’s up to so many elements and is way beyond myself; it’s not one you can pitch yourself on to either. It’s something that the community of Bond fans, Barbara Broccoli and the whole crew there agree on, and it has to be a very organic decision from them.

There have been a lot of names thrown out there and a lot of brilliant people can tackle that one.”

There’s a pause and he laughs: “Mate. You can be my motivational speaker and my agent now. I need that pitch in writing and we’ll just get that out in the world!” Chris, my word is my Bond.

Before Bond (come on, Barbara, the guy’s perfect!), he has Men in Black: International, the fourth instalment in the hit franchise. “We had a hell of a time on MiB. It was great. The idea was to aesthetically take it out of New York and have a far more international vibe to it. We were shooting in London, Morocco, Italy. We ticked that box, and just had a great laugh. There’s a lot of humour. It’s another piece of film history, a pinch yourself moment where you go, ‘Hell, I grew up with Men in Black,’ so to find yourself in amongst it is pretty cool.

So, what about the future? “Hulk Hogan. I’ve been talking to (director) Todd Philips for a while now. He brought up the idea and originally it was going to be a TV series. Then we just started riffing one day, coming up with some ideas, and getting pretty excited about what it could be. I haven’t seen the script yet – they’re still writing it - and it’s pretty early days. I’m gonna need a hell of a lot of prep time because of the physicality, and it’s something you definitely can’t do half-heartedly, but it will be so much fun. It’s going to be quite the transformation, I’m looking forward to it when it comes along.” Physical transformation, you say? We’re pretty sure there’s an app for that… B Avengers: Endgame is at cinemas from 25 April.

For more information on Centr, visit centr.com

BA LA N CE. M ED I A April 2019

BALANCE PROMOTION

What do sunset yoga, wild swimming, butterfly spotting and Fearne Cotton have in common?

All can be found at RunFestRun!

On your marks, get set... party!

G

oing to a festival with a music bill featuring the likes of Olly Murs, Razorlight and a Faithless DJ set would usually be enough to guarantee a great weekend. But add in the fact this festival is the brainchild of Virgin Radio’s Chris Evans, RunFestRun promises to be like nothing you’ve ever witnessed before.

Taking place from 31 May - 2 June at the beautiful Bowood House & Gardens in Wiltshire (two hours drive from London), this is a running and music festival jammed packed full of fun and exciting activities for all the family. So, whether you’re looking for lots of outdoor family entertainment, are keen to discover an exciting new music festival or simply hoping to have a great weekend going for scenic runs with friends, RunFestRun is the golden ticket.

The weekend is also a dream for anyone interested in personal development with a

plethora of inspiring talks from the likes of the brilliant Fearne Cotton and Melissa Hemsley.

There are also opportunities for adventure with moonlight runs, paddleboarding, zip wiring and air guitar cardio classes.

What’s more, there are lots of other activities going on; unwind and relax at The Retreat, or take part in a range of fitness activities at The Gymnasium. There’s also a Kids’ Zone and an Adventure and Nature Section, packed with highoctane fun.

Adult tickets for the whole weekend cost £140.

A child’s weekend (6-17 years) is £65, while a family weekend (two adults and two children) is £350.

No matter whether you’re a weekend camper or day tripper (adult day tickets available from £40), you can join in on a whole load of awesome activities, rock out to bands and enter into as many races as you like (2.5k, 5k, 10k and half marathon).

When you look at what’s on offer, we can only see one drawback: sadly, you can’t live in Bowood House once it’s all over.

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

Tickets are available now. For more information, visit runfestrun.co.uk @RunFestRun @RunFestRun @runfestrun

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Doctor’s orders

a immunity

Dr Rupy Aujla explains how you really can eat to beat illness with his latest book

D

r Rupy Aujla is here to help heal the world.

And, no, that’s not a bold claim. That’s because the good doctor’s new book, The Doctor’s Kitchen, has a subheading that really makes it stand out: “Eat To Beat Illness”.

Yes, really. With more of us seemingly staggering from one cough and cold to the next, it feels like a particularly pertinent piece of work. Granted, an avid nutritionist might already know that you can eat to help your brain, heart, skin, eyes and even to fight cancer (all featured in Dr Rupy’s new book), yet it seems a crying shame this stuff isn’t better known to the general public.

NUTRITION MISSION “It’s been a bit lost over the past couple of decades,” reasons Dr Rupy, a practising NHS doctor who found breakthrough success via his first book, The Doctor’s Kitchen 18 months ago.

“With antibiotics, vaccines and some amazingly powerful medications that have revolutionised the fight against disease, there’s been a kind of acceptance that conventional medicine on its own is incredible, and we’re fantastic at fighting infections and treating illnesses that we used to suffer from.

There’s this thing of ‘whatever the doctor says or prescribes’, you don’t question it.

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“But there is ancient wisdom and an understanding of how our bodies work that has underlined most cultures for thousands of years and has, kind of, been left at the wayside.” Dr Rupy adds: “We have to appreciate our evolutionary mechanisms as well as incredible science.”

Dr Rupy points out that this isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach.

“It’s not a panacea; everything needs to be individualised and within the comfort level of the patient. I’m not going to be dishing out the same advice to everyone; it will vary wildly from patient to patient, depending on the environment of the person in front of me.

“Trying to educate that patient that they can become their own expert on their health is a big task in the confines of an NHS GP appointment,” he continues.

“Starting on that journey and giving people suggestions, just little things, can inspire them to get started.”

He adds: “It’s giving people gentle nudges that they can instigate in their own lives.”

Given small ripples make big waves, you sense the impact of Dr Rupy’s work could prove profound.

Read on to discover some of Dr Rupy’s delicious, health-giving recipes

BA LA N CE. M ED I A April 2019

OVA EASY Using eggs adds extra protein to the meal as well as lutein and zeaxanthin, compounds that are important for eye health

KITCHEN PRESCRIPTION

C A JU N SW E E T P O TAT O HA SH

BOOST THE FIBRE

When I have an extra 10 minutes for breakfast, this hash is what I turn to. It couldn’t be easier. Using the whole sweet potato with the skin on adds extra fibre to the dish.

The kale contains a good amount of folate and vitamin K, essential for the proper functioning of our genes, and its bitterness is mellowed by flavourful, nutrient-dense oregano and thyme. Try swiss chard, spinach or even rocket instead of kale. Experiment by swapping the sweetcorn for sprouted sunflower seeds or cooked puy lentils

Add 150g cooked puy lentils or butter beans to the pan before putting in the oven

Thigh ighty

Serves 2 Ingredients • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for drizzling • 300g sweet potato (unpeeled), cut into 1cm cubes • 50g spring onions, trimmed and finely chopped • 4 eggs • 1 tsp dried thyme • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp sweet paprika • ½ tsp cayenne pepper, plus extra to serve • ½ tsp ground black pepper • 100g curly kale, stems removed and leaves roughly chopped • 100g sweetcorn kernels (fresh, frozen or tinned) • 25g sunflower seeds, toasted and lightly crushed • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and add the sweet potato and spring onions.

Cover and cook for eight minutes.

READ & FEED

Eat To Beat Illness by Dr Rupy Aujla is out now (£16.99, Harper Thorsons)

2 Meanwhile, place the eggs in a saucepan of cold water and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for four minutes (if you want a soft-boiled egg). Remove and transfer to a bowl of cold water to stop the cooking process (or cool under a cold tap). Peel off the shells.

3 Combine the herbs and spices and toss through the sweet potatoes with some salt and pepper; add the kale and corn kernels.

4 Slice the eggs in half and place them on the sweet potato hash.

Sprinkle with the sunflower seeds and some cayenne pepper and drizzle with a little olive oil.

CHICKEN THIGHS WITH RED ONION, APPLE AND CHESTNUTS I made this sauce when trying to create a vegetarian stock that mimics the deep flavour of a red wine and beef reduction. The tanginess of the yeast extract and the sweetness of the tomato give the vegetables and fruit a beautiful sticky, umami finish, and the punchy flavours help counter the bitterness of the greens Serves 2 Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 400g bone-in, skin·on chicken thighs (2 or 3 pieces) • ½ red onion, thinly sliced • ½ red apple, thinly sliced • 30g cooked chestnuts, roughly chopped (or use unsalted walnuts or hazelnuts) • 100g savoy cabbage, finely chopped • 1Og fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped For the sauce • 1 tsp yeast extract (eg Marmite) • 1 tsp tomato paste • ½ vegetable stock cube 100ml hot water 1 Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/gas 6. Heat the oil in a large ovenproof

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

frying pan over a medium heat. Lay the chicken thighs in the pan, skin side down, and saute gently for six minutes until the skin browns. Flip them over to cook on the other side.

2 Drain off any excess fat, add the red onion, apple and chestnuts and cook, stirring, for two-three minutes.

3 Combine the sauce ingredients in a bowl. Add the cabbage, sage and sauce to the frying pan and transfer to the oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. If you don’t have an ovenproof frying pan, just transfer the contents of the pan to a baking tray. Remove from the oven and allow to cool a little before serving.

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KITCHEN PRESCRIPTION

BANANA BERRY SCOOPS

BRAIN FOOD Berries maintain their nutritional value even when frozen and are a great source of polyphenols, which have been shown to protect our brain from oxidative stress

This is an easy dessert to make and I always have a batch in my freezer.

Frozen mixed berries are widely available and super cheap. This dessert is a great way to introduce berries into our diet regularly, and the chocolate shavings deliver bitter notes to complement the bananas’ sweetness Serves 2 Ingredients • 2 medium bananas, peeled, cut into chunks and frozen (200g peeled weight) • 200g frozen mixed berries • 100g coconut cream • 20g pecans, roughly chopped, plus extra to serve • 25g dark chocolate, grated 1 Put the frozen bananas, berries and coconut cream into a food processor or blender and blitz until combined and smooth.

a ou b ai

2 Add the chopped pecans and combine using a spoon.

3 Divide between two bowls, scatter with grated dark chocolate and a few extra pecans. Enjoy immediately. B

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it b o o

take your medicine These healthy hot spots can be relied upon to deliver well balanced, nutritious meals in line with Dr Rupy’s “Eat to Beat” Illness ethos, as Stacey Smith discovers…

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FARMER J King William Street

A.O.K BAKERY & KITCHEN

ABUELO Covent Garden

Marylebone With neon lights, hanging plants and velvet seating, this chic space couldn’t be further from a farmer’s field, but thankfully contains just as many nutritious ingredients.

Influenced by the delicious flavours of the Mediterranean, the menu is made up of small plates, perfect for sharing.

There are plenty of inventive veggie dishes, including smoky roasted beetroot which has crispy skin akin to the best jacket potato ever, while The Shak, an authentic spicy shakshuka, is reason to return to the city at the weekend farmerj.com

By day A.O.K create bespoke bakes from their authentic Mediterraneanstyle on-site bakery. Come the night, and the upstairs transforms into an atmospheric space complete with fairy lights and a blossom tree, serving sea bass ceviche and fresh vibrant salads with slivers of raw tuna and pomegranate.

Juicy wild tiger prawns smothered in chermoula transported us to sunnier climes, all without the aid of an EasyJet flight aokkitchen.co.uk

BA LA N CE. M ED I A April 2019

Set-up by one of Sydney’s most famous baristas, this Antipodean-meets-South American coffee house and kitchen is a must-visit for coffee nerds. They use South American beans and work with a British roastery partner to make the perfect serve, so all that’s left for you to do is add a slice of their appetising vegan cake.

Lunchtime salads are colourful creations, and the relaxed space is equally as impressive for breakfast.

Open ’til late, it even makes for a cosy little date spot abuelocafe.co.uk

TRADE SECRETS

NUTRITION SPECIAL

Upgrade your on-the-go options

Life doesn’t always allow time for a Buddha bowl. These healthier versions of speedy snacks fix time-poor nutrition needs

THE STAPLE

THE SWAP

THE SCIENCE

Crisps and a Diet Coke

Bag of walnuts (preferably plain, but salted if need be) and a Kombucha

With long-lasting energy, walnuts are a good source of fibre, fat, protein and brain-boosting vitamins and minerals, while the antioxidantpacked Kombucha offers the same “caffeine kick” effect as the Coke, but boasts serious digestive benefits

Eggs royale and a vanilla latte

Scrambled eggs on sourdough with salmon and an oat flat white

Eggs are a good source of amino acid cysteine, which breaks down acetaldehyde, the chemical that gives us a headache when the liver breaks down alcohol. Switching the syrupy latte with naturally sweet oat milk cuts calories and the blood sugar spike

Pre-packaged falafel wrap

Hummus with brown pitta

Chocolate ice-cream

Dark chocolate-dipped frozen banana

Not only does choosing a few bananas and dark chocolate over sugar-packed ice-cream save money, but it also aids sleep as they’re a natural source of calming magnesium. Easy to prep in bulk, just store them in a freezerfriendly tub

Buttered toast

Rice cakes with almond butter and banana

Reaching for the bread bin is a quick fix when you get home hungry, but bread can make the brain feel sleepy, due to the shift in blood sugar levels.

Nut butter, however, provides protein and the potassium-rich banana can help improve heart health

The 3pm workday snack

The hungover brunch

The pre-work drinks liner

WORDS REBECCA GILLAM

The after-dinner dessert dash

The speedy post-gym snack

April 2019 BA LA N CE

Brown pitta with hummus, which is packed with satiating plantbased protein, helps control blood sugar levels. Alternatively, choose something full of good fats, like salmon, eggs or avocado, to slow down the absorption of alcohol

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M URA D RE T IN OL NI G H T CR EA M, WO RT H £70 100 Balance readers will win an intensely nourishing Murad Retinol Night Cream (50ml), worth £70, that promises to deliver transformative results to visibly minimise lines and wrinkles and smooth skin’s texture

£50 0 TO SPEND AT TH E A F FO RDAB L E ART FAI R, PRI VATE VI EW TI CKETS AN D A B OT TLE OF N Y ETI MB ER One reader has an exclusive chance to win £500 worth of Affordable Art Fair art vouchers (to spend at the fair or online), a pair of Private View tickets and a bottle of Nyetimber English sparkling wine

H OW TO ENTER For your chance to win, head to balance.media/ competitions and enter your name and email address

O N E O F TWO H U G E BU NDL E S O F R EN EW L I F E P RO BI OTI C S, WO RTH OVER £ 270 Two readers will have the chance to give their good bacteria a boost with the help of Renew Life, who is offering a huge bundle of probiotics worth over £270, including a Microbiome home test

Visit us at balance.media and follow @BalanceLDN for more updates

A P L ACE O N A MI N DF U L N E S S -BAS ED COACH I N G R ETR EAT AT CH A MP N EYS I N MAY, WO RTH £73 6 One reader can Re-set, Re-focus and Re-energise on the Frankly Coaching 3-day Retreat at Eastwell Manor, Ashford. Enjoy relaxation activities, healthy meals, vinyasa flow yoga and group coaching sessions B

HOP TO IT

Wellness hacks to dive into

words AU R ELI A Z I OM EK illustration VI CKI T U R N ER

Put a spring in your step with these products which will wake your body up after a winter of hibernation

L

et’s all rejoice; we can finally take our lunch to the park and get some vitamin D naturally.

So, even if you’ve gone a little off track with your New Year’s resolutions, these four tips may be just what you need to give yourself a subtle spring clean.

1. WAKE UP & SMELL THE COFFEE Skin, hair and nails are excellent indicators of how healthy we look and feel. Changes in the seasons and temperatures can be particularly tricky for our bodies to get used to, so if you want to take your coffee game to the next level, try adding two scoops of collagen to your joe every day for a month. Collagen is a protein which holds everything together. Acting as a glue, the older we get, the less ‘glue’ we make, so supplementing can help. Around 7g per day is said to help reduce signs of skin ageing, including wrinkles. It’s also highly beneficial if you struggle with hair loss, brittle nails or achy joints, so we advise you choose grass-fed or sustainably-sourced marine collagen.

2. MIST YOURSELF WITH GOOD BACTERIA Just like eating fermented foods (kimchi, miso, kefir, kombucha) is good for the gut, applying topical probiotics to your skin can work wonders, too. A kefir facial mask will gently exfoliate and help regulate the Ph balance in your skin (due to alpha hydroxyl acid), while a probiotic toner like AO+ Mist will help with blotchiness, oiliness and skin sensitivity, replacing the essential bacteria lost by harsh cleansing and air-conditioning.

3. LUNCH BOX MAKEOVER Most of us trudge though the winter months in storage mode, craving comfort foods like pasta and cake, but you can help your liver to wake up from hibernation by loading your plate with plenty of greens. The shift to fresh, and raw, seasonal fruits and vegetables over fats and stodgy carbs gives us a much needed break, and at the same time stimulates both liver and metabolism.

So, arrange a visit to your local market and stock up on some organic dandelion greens, spring onions, asparagus and purple sprouting broccoli.

4. SOAK IT ALL IN If you’re relying on a glass of wine to melt stress away at the end of the day, you perhaps haven’t been introduced to CBD bath salts yet. The winning combination of hot water and the salts work synergistically to help calm, soothe and reduce tension in the body. Highly recommended for anyone with aches and soreness (whether it’s due to exercise, travel or stresses), or simply those in need of a little self-love. Soak up for minimum of 15-minutes, emerge feeling blissfully calm and relaxed. B IN ASSOCIATION WITH

❶

SPRING INTO ACTION

❷

❸

❹

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

1. London Fresh asparagus £4.60 for 250g

3. Mother Dirt AO+ Mist £49.99 for 100ml

2. Planet Paleo Marine Collagen £29.99 for 195g

4. Westlab Mindful Bathing Salts £6.99 for 1kg

Available at planetorganic.com

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TEA TIME? HIGH CAFFEINE CONTENT

Your total tea guide, taking you through the super-brews that can do everything from boosting concentration to slowing signs of ageing

Bone booster

DARJEELING

Rich in antioxidants, this famous blend has a range of potential upsides including aiding digestion, reducing your cancer risk and improving bone and heart health.

Brew benefits 6/10 Caffeine 50mg/cup

EARL GREY

This fragrant favourite boasts a raft of surprising benefits, from tackling oral infection thanks to high levels of antioxidant catechin, to providing relief from stress and anxiety.

Brew benefits 6/10 Caffeine 50mg/cup

LAPSANG SOUCHONG

ASSAM

Believed to cut risk of stroke and heart attack, Assam is a beneficial brew despite being slightly lower in antioxidants (thanks to the oxidation process) than the squeaky clean, but less tasty, green tea.

Brew benefits 8/10 Caffeine 80mg/cup

CHAI

Warming and nourishing, the blend of herbs and spices (including black tea, ginger, fennel, cardamom, pepper and clove) offer powerful benefits for body and mind.

Brew benefits 9/10 Caffeine 60 mg/cup

ROOIBOS

Currently “en vogue” despite arguments over pronunciation (it’s ‘roy-boss’), its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties make it an effective ally in the fight against heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Brew benefits 8/10 Caffeine 40 mg/cup

Not just a smoky taste (down to the traditional wood fire drying process), this can help improve heart health, speed up metabolism and calm the nerves, thanks to amino acid Theanine.

Brew benefits 7/10 Caffeine 40mg/cup

JASMINE

This fragrant flower is powerful when brewed, potentially improving digestion, immunity, heart health and insomnia.

Brew benefits 8/10 Caffeine 25 mg/cup

LOW HEALTH-BOOSTING BENEFITS

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Tummy tamer

Full of antioxidants and only a little caffeine, its myriad benefits for the body and brain can include boosting productivity, slowing the signs of ageing, speeding up your metabolism and reducing the risk of cancer, diabetes and heart disease.

Brew benefits 10/10 Caffeine 25mg/cup

LIQUORICE

Used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, the seeds and leaves of the anise plant can aid digestion and relieve bloating and cramps, as well as improving immunity.

Brew benefits 6/10 Caffeine 0 mg/cup

Though its a bit of a Marmite choice due to its zingy taste, liquorice is good for soothing the stomach due to the antiinflammatory and immunity-boosting Glycyrrhizic acid.

Brew benefits 7/10 Caffeine 0 mg /cup

GINGER

CINNAMON

Famous for its stomach-settling properties, ginger is also an antiinflammatory, which makes it a good DIY remedy for joint aches and pains.

Brew benefits 6/10 Caffeine 0 mg /cup

LOW CAFFEINE CONTENT

A go-to for stomach ailments, mint tea, especially fresh , is thought to increase bile secretion, which aids digestion, as well as helping to relieve bloating.

Brew benefits 5/10 Caffeine 0 mg/cup

GREEN

HIGH HEALTH-BOOSTING BENEFITS

STAR ANISE

MINT

Age defying

Particularly beneficial for the heart, this spicy tea helps to prevent high cholesterol, as well as helping combat diabetes with its effect on blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity.

Brew benefits 7/10 Caffeine 0 mg/cup

April 2019 BA January LA N CE. M ED I A BA LA N CE 2019

Sleepy head

CHAMOMILE

For maximum effect, always prepare tea with loose leaves, free from milk and sugar. Don’t exceed 400mg caffeine a day

Known for sleep-inducing properties, this flower is thought to aid pain relief and boost immunity, packed with antioxidants which can help ward off heart disease, cancer and signs of ageing.

Brew benefits 8/10 Caffeine 0 mg / cup

WORDS REBECCA GILLAM SOURCES CLIPPER-TEAS.COM, DEVELOPGOODHABITS.COM, STYLECRAZE.COM, HEALTHLINE.COM, ORGANICFACTS.NET, FOOD.NDTV.COM, THERIGHTTEA.COM, SPICESINC.COM, TEAVIVRE.COM, BLOG. BULLETPROOF.COM, CUPANDLEAF.COM, CAFFEINEINFORMER.COM, VERYWELLFIT.COM, NATURALFOODSERIES.COM, MEDICALNEWSTODAY.COM, NATURALFOODSERIES.COM, LIFEHACK.ORG, TEATULIA.COM, TIMESOFINDIA.INDIATIMES.COM

NUTRITION SPECIAL

In the spirit of helping our readers find their zen (not to mention mental clarity, core strength and killer mobility), we’ve teamed up with the Affordable Art Fair (returning to Hampstead Heath between 9–12 May) to bring you exclusive yoga and breathwork sessions overlooking the iconic ponds on the Heath when you visit our ReBalance Room.

Friend of Balance Richie Bostock (@thebreathguy) will lead you through a series of flows that will turn down the volume of your thoughts in a way you’ve never experienced, while Hannah Barrett (@yoga_girl_London) ) will hold energetic, fun and creative yoga classes to activate body and mind.

What’s more, science has shown viewing beautiful artworks elicits the same physical reactions we get when we fall in love, triggering an immediate release of dopamine (the chemical which controls feelings of love, pleasure, and desire) into the brain, so make sure you indulge your senses during your visit. To find out what else the fair has to offer, head to p52 now.

YOGA + BREATHWORK SESSIONS SESSION SCHEDULE (9-12 MAY) Make your way to the Rebalance Room for the following sessions* 9 May 10am yoga, 2pm breathwork 10 May 10am yoga, 2pm breathwork 11 May 10am yoga, 2pm breathwork 12 May 10am breathwork, 2pm yoga

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Richie Bostock

Advance booking is recommended, and your ticket includes discounted entry, so book your mat now to avoid disappointment.

Visit affordableartfair.com and search ‘ReBalance Room’

D N L OA D OW DAY! IT TO

P O D C A S T

RICK Y GERVAIS

We sat down with the comedy icon to chat Netflix smash After Life, as well as the concept of “the etiquette police”

P O D C A S T

P O D C A S T

Episode 2: Jasmine Hemsley On the benefits of an ayurvedic life

Episode 4: Fearne Cotton On wellness, therapy and positivity

JA SMINE HEMSL E Y The East By West author invited us into her home, where we discovered how we could all benefit from some Indian wisdom

FE ARNE C OT TON

We love how open Fearne is: the broadcaster was on typically candid form as she talked therapy, positivity, marriage and much more

For more information, visit balance.media 48

W E L L

Hannah Barrett

BA LA N CE. M ED I A April 2019

*ALL LEVELS AND AGES WELCOME. MATS WILL BE PROVIDED, PLEASE WEAR SOMETHING COMFORTABLE THAT YOU CAN MOVE IN FOR THE YOGA CLASSES

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DE ST I NAT I ON SARD I N I A, I TA LY

Ho i a in bac

the years Pale sands, sky blue waters and a way of life that actually makes you live years longer.

Gemma Calvert reveals why the island of Sardinia is a wellness wonderland

D

aylight fades in a cataclysmic colour explosion over the ocean and in a secluded white sandy cove on the northern tip of Sardinia, I’m in the most idyllic restaurant on the planet. Li Zini is the al-fresco dining jewel in the crown of Valle Dell’Erica, a divine spa hotel flanked by 1,400-metres of unspoilt coastline and set amongst 69-acres of rich botanical parkland.

The ambiance seems spiritual, like being immersed in a meditation app, peppered with the chatter from fellow diners and divine aromas from a four-course seafood feast. It’s no surprise that since the mid-20th century, Sardinia’s quality hospitality and breathtaking beaches have been a magnet for the rich and famous.

SURROUNDED BY CENTURIONS Yet the allure of Sardinia goes beyond five-star luxury. Visiting here is actually good for your health. Alongside Okinawa in Japan, Costa Rica’s Nicoya Peninsula, Icaria in Greece and California’s Loma Linda, Sardinia is one of five “Blue Zones” in the world, areas populated by an unusually high number of centurions. One explanation for their longevity is a rare genetic quirk. Experts also believe indigenous factors promote good physical and mental health. For example, many natives live in close-knit, isolated communities where stress and unhappiness are virtually unheard of.

They’re also fit as fiddles: inhabiting Sardinia’s rugged terrain isn’t for the faint hearted.

AT A G LANCE

The Mediterranean diet, abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes and olive oil, plus lean sources of protein, is so healthy it is apparently more effective at lowering cholesterol than statins. Heck, even the wine is good for you.

Sardinia’s Cannonau grape contains three times more antioxidants than usual and locals swear by one glass a day to preserve youthfulness.

The hotel is one of the most relaxing places I’ve ever stayed. Our room is bungalow-style, complete with a private veranda and discreetly positioned along a walkway lined with oleander, bougainvillea and ancient olive trees, which smell as good as they sound.

OVER-THE-HILL LUXURY The Le Thermae hilltop thalasso spa is my first port of call. A half-day pass provides access to the “Thalasso Circuit” (four differently heated saltwater pools, a Turkish bath and sauna).

There’s also an open air gym, which I lazily

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

Booking info The 2019 season runs from 18 May 28 September 2019.

Prices in the 5-star Resort Valle dell’Erica Thalasso & Spa start from £145 per person, per night in a double room on a half-board basis.

The 5-star Hotel Marinedda Thalasso & Spa starts from £118 per person, per night in a double room on a half-board basis.

For more info, visit delphinahotels. co.uk

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bypass in favour of a dreamy 50-minute Relaxing Massage.

After months slaving over a computer, my body and soul is in dire need of TLC and using oils from aromatic plants and herbs grown in the hotel garden, my therapist quickly soothes the tension from my entire body.

À LA CARTE BLANCHE Boasting seven restaurants, Valle Dell’Erica is a foodies’ paradise. From formal fine dining, to bar snacks and a spectacular à la carte buffet, you’ll be wowed wherever you eat. At Li Ciusoni, the hotel’s traditional Sardinian restaurant, you can even enjoy complimentary cooking lessons.

As well as all the Italian classics, there is also scope to taste typical Sardinian delicacies sheep milk cheese (terre libere), seadas (a pecorino cheese pasty sweetened with honey or sugar) and pane carasau, a dehydrated flat bread made from pure mountain water and Sardinian flour.

In between attempting to eat and drink my way to a longer life, I contemplate booking a mini boat tour of the La Maddalena Marine Park, a beautiful collection of islands off the nearby Costa Smeralda, kite surfing, mountain biking and a round at the hotel’s three hole Par-3 golf course. But tearing myself from the achingly beautiful coastline is impossible. On this leg of the trip at least, sunbathing is the sport.

Everything changes when we head 56km south to the Marinedda resort, near the pretty fishing community of Isola Rossa (‘red isle’ in English).

The weather turns unseasonably cloudy so we swap sun lounging for sightseeing, exploring the plethora of quaint local villages.

Historic Castelsardo, packed with medieval cobbled alleyways and stone buildings and

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topped by a castle that houses a basketwork museum, is postcard perfect. Climb to La Guardiola restaurant for the best panoramic snaps of the bay, and follow with gelato at Gelateria Millevoglie. Another day, we discover Cala Sarraina beach, a tranquil stretch of fine pebbly sand where we snorkel away the morning before lunching at Lino Bar in Costa Paradiso, washed down by complimentary Limoncellos.

THINKING OF THE LONG TERM Come rain or shine, the Marinedda staff go above and beyond to ensure guests feel at home. An arrival gift of flip flops, slippers and a beach bag in our sea-view room is a generous touch.

Of course, it’s the luxurious Elicriso spa where I feel most at peace. The pressures of daily life dissipate the moment I glide into the first of four thalassotherapy pools, where minerals in the water are thought to boost circulation, accelerate metabolism and eliminate toxins.

My relaxation finale is an anti-ageing “elixir of youth” facial using oil from that legendary grape Cannonau. The facial massage alone, which from beneath the towel draped over my forehead and ears sounds like the ebb and flow of sea waves, is so hypnotic, I’m cat napping within minutes.

Later that evening as I sit on our balcony adhering to my favourite blue zone rule (sipping a daily glass of red wine ), I ponder whether all this serenity will make me live a little longer. If it does, it will be one beautiful holiday bonus. B

SCRATCH YOUR TRAVEL ITCH AT balance.media

BA LA N CE. M ED I A April 2019

This water repellent, organic sun lotion is rich in natural antioxidants and allows sensitive skin to breathe, while protecting against broad-spectrum UVA & UVB rays. Moisturises for a longer-lasting tan Scent Free Sun Lotion SPF30 £22.50 for 200ml greenpeople.co.uk

FAKE HUES

For those who are faking it ’til they make it, this gel self-tanner will leave you bronzed and glowing, for that “I’ve just returned from a two-week break in the Bahamas” look St Tropez Purity Bronzing Water Gel 200ml for £28 boots.com

DAILY WARM DOWN

Fragrance-free and boasting 100 per cent natural and organic ingredients, this moisturises sensitive skin after a day in the sun, maintaining your tan and soothing redness and dry areas After Sun £16 for 100ml dr.hauschka.com

BALANCE PROMOTION

Dive into a world of art The Affordable Art Fair returns to Hampstead in May, and Balance is on board

PHOTOGRAPHY GUY BELL *EXCLUDING PRIVATE VIEW, APPLIES TO ON-THE-DOOR PRICES, UPTO TWO PEOPLE

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rt is a wondrous, soul-scraping thing. It doesn’t matter if you don’t know your Hirsts from your Hockneys and heck, it matters not a jot if you think some art is just a load of old Pollocks. Art is about stirring something inside, unleashing that inner creativity and making you feel… something.

It’s why the Affordable Art Fair, which is returning to Hampstead Heath from 9-12 May, has become such a word of mouth smash.

If you’ve been, you’ll know why: the place is teeming with a rich mix of art lovers and enthusiasts to make for a magical experience.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The fair presents a curated collection of original artworks by an array of living artists, with prices ranging from £100 to £6,000. You’ll find those dipping a toe into contemporary art for the first time rubbing shoulders with sage experts looking to unearth the next big thing.

Whatever your level of knowledge, there are expert gallerists on hand to help you choose the perfect piece to suit your READER OFFER space, taste and spend.

For half-price As well as perusing tickets, visit myriad stalls, you’ll affordableartfair.com also find free and use the code workshops, talks and Balance* tours to make for the sort of enriching endeavour that stays with you long after you head home. And maybe, just maybe, the experience will inspire you to learn about Hirst, Hockney, Pollock and beyond.

ART OF WELLBEING And in more exciting news, the fair has also joined forces with Balance to create the ReBalance Room, a space dedicated to discovering the art of wellbeing. Enter, and you’ll find a curated showcase of calming and energising artworks, daily breath and yoga workshops and talks exploring the link between art and wellbeing.

For more information and tickets visit affordableartfair.com

@AffordableArtFair April BA 2019 LA N CE BA LA January N CE. M 2018 ED I A

@AAFLondon

Images (top to bottom): Martin Grover – Toast Under Beans (£120, Will’s Art Warehouse); Elaine Jones – Seafront with Sealight (£2,700, First Contemporary); Marcelina Amelia – I Only Want Everything (£420, Liberty Gallery)

@affordableartfairuk

W H AT ’ S O N

CULTURE ounte

April is the coolest month with the return of Thrones and much more

Bran the man Isaac Hempstead Wright on leaving Westeros, growing up in public and loving the show’s fans DO YOU HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT GAME OF THRONES FINALLY REACHING ITS CONCLUSION? Definitely. It’s been an important part of all of our lives but it feels like the right time for it to come to an end. It’s a little bit like finishing school: we’ve all learnt loads, made friends for life and we’ll keep in touch with them, but all things come to an end.

WE’VE HEARD IT LOOKS AMAZING The money that’s been spent on this season is astronomical compared to any TV show, ever.

WHAT DO YOU DO ON YOUR DOWNTIME ON SET? Read. Every time on set I’d have my little Private Eye and a couple of books. I like opera, listening to music, watching films, writing. There are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained.

WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE TO BE A BEATLE OF TV? It’s only been in the last six months that it’s really dawned on me how weird my childhood has been.

WHAT IS THAT FANDOM LIKE? The ability to actually make someone’s day just by saying hello and taking a photo is really special.

I don’t think I’ve ever met a fan of Game of Thrones who isn’t an absolutely charming person.

Isaac’s Game of Thrones’ character, Bran Stark, is one of the few to have made it from the first episode to the final series, but will he survive to the end?

WORDS JAMES GILL PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY IMAGES

HAVE YOU DELIBERATELY KEPT A LOW PROFILE? I think so. I came off Instagram for six months and it was the best six months. Where possible I’ve tried not to reveal everything about my life. You’ve got to find the balance between giving enough that’s interesting and spilling your life story.

WHAT’S NEXT? Well, the weird thing is that I’m only 19 and I’ve got so much time ahead and yet I have just come off what feels like an entire lifetime of a career. It’s a bizarre crossroads in my life where I can try all sorts of things. I’ve been making music, auditioning for a lot of things and going back to university, so it’s an exciting time.

Game of Thrones returns on 15 April on Sky Atlantic

HEAR MUCH MORE FROM ISAAC AT balance.media April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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Mind, Body & Soul MIND The Source Dr Tara Swart Like the idea of the law of attraction, but find it a little unbelievable? Through case studies, neuroscience and breakthroughs in brain scans, this explains how and why manifestation works, while offering easy-to-follow exercises.

(Out now £12.99, Penguin)

BODY The Stress Solution Dr Rangan Chatterjee The affable Dr Rangan is here to address four key problem areas for anxiety: Body, Mind, Relationships and Purpose.

Typically weighty stuff, but he makes everything feel accessible and achievable.

(Out now, £16.99, Penguin)

SOUL The Mobster’s Lament Ray Celestin If you’re unfamiliar with Ray, think Dennis Lehane meets James Ellroy, where real-life characters (such as Louis Armstrong and Al Capone) rub shoulders with fictional heroes and villains. It all cries out for a TV adaptation.

(Out now, £16.99, Mantle)

AFFORDABLE ART FAIR Ideal for everyone from art aficionados to those who yearn to know more and want to make their house a home. 9-12 May, affordableartfair.com

COMEDY ANGELA BARNES The Mock the Week star’s turnover of material is astonishing, as showcased by her critically acclaimed show, Rose-Tinted.

Until 23 October, angelabarnes.com

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EXHIBITION

CINEMA

ON DEMAND

DOWNLOAD

When you consider there have been 21 Marvel Cinematic Universe films building up to Endgame, you could argue this is the biggest film event of all time.

You’ll want to get to the multiplex for this one: none of that “we’ll just wait for the DVD” here.

In cinemas from 25 April

It’s not just the Avengers who have an end game, as Jon Snow, Cersei, Bran and the gang prepare to do battle for the final time.

Sure, there are only eight episodes for this final season, but each one promises to be jawdroppingly epic. Expect blood, sweat and tears.

Sky Atlantic from 15 April

Simon Amstell proved himself a sharp comic mind through his stand-up and as host of Never Mind The Buzzcocks. Amstell is also one to watch when it comes to directing. Benjamin tells the story of a film director who juggles blossoming love with the release of his second feature.

Available now

AVENGERS: ENDGAME

G RISIN STAR

Esmé loves to unwind with an episode or two of BoJack Horseman, South Park or Family Guy

GAME OF THRONES

BENJAMIN

esmé creed-miles NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

Daughter of actors Charlie Creed-Miles and Samantha Morton, Esmé Creed-Miles’ talent for acting is in her blood. Having landed her first role aged seven and leaving school at 16 to focus on a career in acting, 19-year-old Esmé is now starring as an “unconditioned by the modern world and without convention” assassin in the high-octane drama-thriller Hanna, which is based on the 2011 movie. Bursting with talent and creativity Esmé says, “I can’t imagine my life being any different to how it is now.” Well, brace yourself, kid: you’re about to become a huge star.

Hanna is on Amazon Prime Video from 29 March

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EDVARD MUNCH: LOVE AND ANGST A poster boy for despair, the Norwegian didn’t want “pretty pictures”, preferring engagement and heart. And he delivers. Until 21 July, britishmuseum.org

PODCAST PODCASTS LIVE: HAPPY PLACE WITH FEARNE COTTON The broadcaster and author (and high-ranking Wellness 100 entrant) is interviewing Game of Thrones hero Maisie Williams in a live version of her smash podcast, Happy Place. 4 May, Troxy, London, dice.fm

EXHIBITION EARTH DAY SEASON A range of exhibitions and hands-on workshops which explore our relationship with the natural elements.

16-29 April, somersethouse,org.uk

FESTIVAL THE ENDS FESTIVAL Croydon’s renaissance continues with this three-day spectacular, boasting J Balvin, Nas, Damian Marley and many more. Go on, Croydon!

31 May-2 June, theendsfestival.co.uk

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beauty EMP OWERING YOU TO LOOK & FEEL YOUR BEST

Essential gym bag products that nourish, protect and care for your skin and hair

MAL IN + G OE T Z VI TAMIN B5 B ODY MOIS T URISER With bergamot and vitamin B5, this nourishing lotion helps fight the drying effects of chlorine on the skin £32 for 220ml, malinandgoetz.co.uk

NU ORI VI TAL HAND CRE AM Protecting and caring for weight lifting hands, this shea butter and almond oil cream hydrates and restores to keep rough calluses at bay €38 for 50ml, nuori.com

P HIL IP KINGSL E Y B ODY BUIL DING SHAMPO O This gentle cleanser will leave your post-gym hair feeling smooth, shiny and full of bouncy body £19 for 250ml, lookfantastic.com

DR ROEBU CK’S B ONDI HYDR AT ING MIS T Giving skin a boost of refreshing hydration, this nutrient-rich face, hair and body mist works to calm redness and keep hair fresh £22 for 100ml, cultbeauty.com

GLOSSIER INVISIBL E SHIEL D Neutralising free radicals and protecting against sun damage, this every day SPF 30 screen is an outdoor workout essential £20 for 30ml, glossier.com

words LIBBY WILLIAMS photography WILL IRELAND

DRUNK EL EP HAN T P EKEE B AR Gentle on the face, this 3-in-1 cleanser clarifies, moisturises and balances without stripping the skin of natural oils £24 for 120g, spacenk.com

CL INIQUEFI T POS TWORKOU T MAT T IF YING MOIS T URIZ ER This oil-free product helps control shinyness during (and after) your workout £18 for 40ml, selfridges.com

April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

B ARE MINER ALS BU T T ER DRENCH RES TOR AT IVE RICH CRE AM Saturating skin in moisture, this rejuvenating cream hydrates the face, banishing any dryness £32 for 50g, bareminerals.co.uk

T HE ORDINARY 100% P L AN T-DERIVED S QUAL ANE For use on the face and hair, this emollient solution prevents loss of hydration to smooth and soften £5.50 for 30ml, theordinary.com

MORE BEAUTY SECRETS AT BALANCE.MEDIA

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Green on a budget Skincare with an ethical slant is easier to find than one, two, free…

LEE KYNASTON

Although a firm believer that real beauty comes from the inside, Lee sees no harm in giving the outside some TLC

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ne of the biggest misconceptions about ethical skincare is it has to cost a packet. Sure, that may have been the case 20 years ago but with the market having shifted towards gentler, animal-friendly formulations and ecofriendly packaging, more and more brands are now tailoring their products to an increasingly fussy customer. Because of this, it’s easier than ever to stock up on ‘better choice’ beauty essentials, even if you’re on a limited budget.

Having less dosh to spend can actually be a positive advantage for the ethically-minded.

It makes you think harder about your choices, the amount of waste you produce and how much bang-per-buck your products deliver.

You no longer have to shop in a health food store to get decent products, either.

Sainsbury’s own Source of Nature range provides some excellent natural skincare choices. Their vegan-friendly, crueltyfree, 95 per cent natural White Tea & Liquorice Day Cream is rich in skin-saving antioxidants and, at just £3.50 a pot, is a tenth of the price of many similar moisturisers.

P ERS ONAL P REFERENCE

Sales of natural and organic personal care products have grown by almost 30 per cent since 2012*

A BRAND GESTURE

MAIN IMAGE GETTY IMAGES *SOURCE THE UK MARKET FOR NATURAL & ORGANIC PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS REPORT

Also worth investigating is Waitrose’s Pure range, which starts at just two quid, features at least 98 per cent natural ingredients, is vegan friendly, comes in recyclable packaging

and (catches breath) is proudly made in Great Britain to boot.

Grooming brand Bulldog, meanwhile, continues to lead from the front when it comes to affordable skincare-witha-conscience, as evidenced by its new oversize shower gels. Available in 500ml and whopping 1L recycled plastic bottles designed to reduce the overall amount of packaging per wash, it’s vegan-friendly and, although aimed at men, anyone can enjoy the four fragrances on offer.

The super-zesty Lemon & Bergamot is a personal favourite.

The recent resurgence of cheap-aschips traditional favourites like soaps and reusable washcloths, meanwhile, proves that, when it comes to bathroom basics, cheap isn’t just cheerful; it can be ethical, too. B

BUY ONE, GET ONE F R EE (F ROM...)

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Face the facts

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April 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

1. Pure Natural Face Wash, £2 for 150ml waitrose.com 2. Bulldog Shower Gel, £7 for 1L bulldogskincare.com 3.Body Shop Organic Face Cloth, £2.50 thebodyshop.com 4.Bleach London Sulphate Free Shampoo, £3 for 250ml boots.com

5. Source of Nature Day Cream White Tea & Liquorice, £3.50 for 50ml sainsburys.co.uk

VISIT BALANCE.MEDIA TO GROOM BETTER

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There’s no need to fear the frizz or suffer hair despair thanks to products that can save the day, and the earth

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‘good hair day’ means different things to different people, but we

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all recognise our own. If you feel

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like you’ve hit the jackpot when you find that

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one shampoo that really does it for your hair, you’re not alone: the UK hair care industry is worth around £1.71 billion. We’re clearly all on the hunt for good hair days; more shine, and less frizz often top of the wish list.

I used to want to swap my extra thick, uniquely half straight/half curly locks for smooth and manageable tresses. Then I discovered my ultimate good hair day product: L’Oréal X-Tenso. Keratin blowdrys are excellent at taming frizz, but don’t tackle curls. X-Tenso Moisturist works like a chemical relaxer to break the bonds in the curl without making it too straight.

The finish is amazing: it takes out weight

JESSICA PUNTER

Beauty journalist and stylist Jessica is also a brand consultant with more than 15 years’ experience.

In addition to styling many celebrities, she’s also interviewed some of the world’s most famous faces

Are you

masking?

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and volume, adds shine and makes it super fastto heat style. It’s £250 and lasts about

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six months, but it gives the kind of hair I used to dream about.

ECO-COIFFURE Good hair days abound at Anita Rice’s salon, Buller and Rice. She set it up on mission to deliver sustainable hair styling and colour services. Here, you can cut your plastic footprint with shampoo and conditioner re-fills from eco-brand Davines, admire chic vanity units made from surprising materials like laminated hay and recycled yoghurt pots, relax in up-cycled chairs and enjoy the benefits of an Olaplex treatment, for hair that’s damaged or prone to breakage.

Outside of a professional service, masks are the simplest way to re-set flagging follicles.

Love Beauty And Planet is a fresh beauty concept from Unilever. The collection is packaged in 100 per cent recycled plastic (not the caps, they’re working on that), the labels are super peel-able for easy home recycling and use ethically-sourced ingredients.

The hair care range smells divine and the conditioners use fast-rinse technology, to help

1. Coco & Eve Super Nourishing Coconut & Fig Hair Mask, £34.90 for 212ml cultbeauty.co.uk 2. John Frieda Miracle Drops Hair Mask Frizz Smoothing, £2.49 for 25ml boots.com 3. Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair!

Strength + Moisture Leave-in Mask, £30. briogeo.com 4. Davines The Spotlight Circle Shine Mask, £8 for 50ml (cultbeauty.co.uk) 5. Love Beauty And Planet Hope & Repair Coconut Oil & Ylang Ylang 2 Minute Magic Masque £8.99 for 300ml boots.com 6. Buller + Rice Salon bullerandrice.com

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shorten your shower time (four minutes is the eco optimum).

John Frieda has also released three mini hair mask oils. The Miracle Drops come in travelfriendly sachets and tackle frizz, repair damage and brighten dull blondes. I’m also fond of Davines’ hair mask sachets because they have a tiny cap and can be stored without mess. Coco & Eve’s cult coconut oil frizz-killer works on all hair types and Briogeo’s Deep Conditioning Mask helps build resilience against future damage from heat and chemical treatment.

Good hair days are guaranteed. B

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How To Be Brilliant With Money by

Lisa Conway-Hughes

A BIT ABOUT ME I’m a chartered advisor and also a fellow of the Personal Finance Society. Not many people are (less than three per cent of advisors), and I got my fellowship aged 30, which is very young. My publisher would also like me to tell you I have a high IQ!

TIPS TO SAVE FOR A HOUSE

HAVE A PLAN Most people don’t think about money or what they want. Then, all of a sudden, they’re retiring. You need to have a plan, albeit a flexible one. Know when you’d like to buy a house, how much it will cost, what compromises you’ll make, when you’ll retire, what kind of life you’d like to live and what it all costs. People complain about not being able to afford it, but with a little planning you’ll make some big changes that mean you can.

CALCULATOR TIME Know the real cost, things like stamp duty and solicitor’s fees: all the real costs of moving

GET ADVICE Speak to an independent mortgage broker as soon as possible to work out how much you can borrow

SLOW BURN There isn’t a financial magic wand.

So many people think, “well I don’t have much, so what’s the point trying to save?”. But the point is to start and every time you get a pay rise, add more. You get addicted to it; start spending a little less, and saving more. Once you’ve worked out what you want, you work out where you are. The difference isn’t actually that horrendous. You’ve still got years to sort your money; just start doing something about it.

GOOD TO TALK You need to get into the habit of talking to friends and family about money so it becomes less of a taboo.

For example, why have we only just found out women in the BBC are earning considerably less than men?

Because it suited the paymasters, I suppose. It feels odd that we were in 2018 and we found out that women were earning so much less; that should have happened in 1919.

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TAKE THE HIT Goals are either pain-free but will take forever, or short, sharp and painful. When I bought my first flat I had all sorts of jobs. I made pizzas, and on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays I worked in a bar. If you’ve worked out your goal is so important you’re willing to make sacrifices, then you should. It won’t be forever.

HOMEWORK Get the most out of your employer.

Negotiate hard (and regularly) on your wage, and get the maximum for your pension. This contribution can also be negotiated, because while an employer might not be willing to give you a couple of grand in your pay packet, they might be willing to give you an extra percentage in your pension pot. B

BA LA N CE. M ED I A April 2019

AIM BIG Money Lessons

by Lisa ConwayHughes is out on 25 April (£12.99, Penguin Life)

If possible, think ahead. Move out a little to get more for your money so you’re future-proofing. If you’re planning to start a family, make sure you chose somewhere you could live in the next stage of your life, not just the one you’re in

The outcome

A client came to me in her late 20s, around £60k in debt from university. Now in her early fors she owns a home, has pension savings and an investment portfolio. Not a penny was wasted. She saved first and spent what was left. It’s entirely possible