Balance February 19 Magazine by Maywish

L I V E

W E L L

DATE NIGHT RECIPE S BY TOM KERRIDGE HOW TO D EA L WITH WORKPLACE SHAMING FOUND: THE NEW LA NGUAGE OF LOVE

FEBRUARY 2019 ISSUE 33 BALANCE.MEDIA

The next Page in hollywood history

CONTENTS

Welcome

RE G U LA R S

Love in all forms – that’s what we’re celebrating this month. Contemporary culture teaches us to prize romantic love above all else, but true fulfilment requires a balance of expression. The ancient Greeks had seven definitions of love: Philia (friendship or brotherly love); Storage (natural affection), Eros (erotica); Agape (unconditional, divine love); Ludus (play); Pragma (commitment and marriage); and, lastly - and arguably the foundation of all those before - Philautia (self-love). Even if we can’t always maintain all seven, we must remember that love is the one thing that unites us all. There really is no better antidote to stress, anxiety, low mood and loneliness than feeling - and extending - goodwill and connection to others. With that in mind, our One Love issue was born. And who better to grace the cover than the mighty Ellen Page? An actor who defined a generation with her performance in Juno, and a woman who has ignited a movement in Hollywood, as a fearless rights advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s all make a stand for love, this 14 February and beyond. Sophie Scott Editor editor@balance.media

balance.media

@balanceldn

WO RK/LIFE 18 ELLEN PAGE OPENS UP TO THE WORLD 26 ARE YOU SHAMING IN THE WORKPLACE?

PSYC HOLOGY 28 GETTING TO KNOW YOUR LOVER’S LINGO

BO DY/SOU L

32 PEEKING INTO THE WORLD OF CHEMSEX

FO OD 38 TOM KERRIDGE COOKS UP ROMANCE 45 MAKE FRIENDS WITH YOUR FREEZER AGAIN

TRAV EL 50 RETREATS TO GIVE YOU SOME SELF-LOVE

A RTS/ C U LTU RE

THE BALANCE EQUATION COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: RYAN PFLUGER. EDITOR’S PHOTOGRAPHY: IAKOVOS KALAITZAKIS

7 GOOD NEWS 9 SIX STEPS TO GREATER INTIMACY 11 HOW MUCH DO YOU KNOW ABOUT SEX? 62 MASTERCLASS: IN THE FIRING LINE

53 BILL BURR PLAYS WITH LED ZEPPELIN

BEAU TY BE PRESENT

GAIN INSIGHT

FEAR

LAUGH

LIVE WELL

EDITORIAL

TRADING

Head of Finance Kate Lyon

Editor Sophie Scott

Commercial Director Minal Bhima

Licensing Jonathan Marks

Deputy Editor James Gill

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

PA to Publisher/Managing Director Filippa Woolf

Production Editor Jonathan Sever Creative Director Kate Monument Art Director Victoria Ireland

Creative Partnerships Rashad Braimah

Deputy Art Editor Jade Cooper-Collins

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

Website & Social Media Manager Georgia Shepheard

BALANCE PUBLISHING LTD

www.balance.media

Digital Creative Producer Henry Mame

Editorial Director Rashmi Madan

Production Director Dahlia Cuby Editorial Assistant Libby Williams Thanks to John Naughton

Executive Editor Morgan Rees

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED IA

59 FACIAL GROOMING FOR HIRSUTE GENTS 61 TAKE A DIP TO WASH AWAY THE DAY

BA LAN C 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.

February

GOOD NEWS

TWITTER “Picking up @balanceldn has been great for finding out about good stuff happening in the world” @WillCardy

TWITTER “‘Don’t celebrate overwork’. Wise words from @brucedaisley in @balanceldn #TheJoyOfWork” @laurabrooke59

It’s the page that is never at home to gloom and won’t even answer the door to doom

Food

Society

POWER PLAY

WHERE EAGLES DARE

WORDS JAMES GILL IMAGES SHUTTERSTOCK

Crystal Palace can – to misquote the Queen song – make you laugh, cry or feel like you could fly. Particularly now that Selhurst Park is opening its doors to up to 10 rough sleepers per night. Those welcomed in will get a hot meal, breakfast and washing facilities. If only there was another QueenPalace combo that could help? Maybe somewhere that has a spare 775 rooms?

Science THE WAY WE WERE Research has found that music can help people with dementia reconnect with powerful memories. As a result, the BBC has launched a website, Music Memories, that encourages people with dementia, and their families, to create playlists from its collection of classical, pop and theme tunes from 1920 through to 2017.

Environment IN THE LOOP Kiss goodbye to any unwanted plastic in your house as if you were bidding farewell to those relations who outstayed their welcome over Christmas. That’s because recycling leaders, TerraCycle have launched Loop, a new shopping system that utilises the household collection of empty packaging for refilling, recycling or reusing. But you need big hitters to get involved, right? Strap in, then: Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, PepsiCo, Unilever, Mars Petcare, The Clorox Company, The Body Shop and Coca-Cola European Partners have all signed on. The future is green, baby.

It might not be a surprise, but it’s shocking all the same 80 per cent of kids don’t eat enough veg. Help is at hand in the form of the Veg Power campaign (vegpower.org.uk). Spearheaded by the likes of Birds Eye, and championed by such Balance favourites as Dr Rangan Chatterjee and Jamie Oliver, it’s all about getting kids to eat vegetables. This is done through The Truly Epic Book Of Veg Power, which includes fun recipes, activities and games.

Technology THE MAGIC SPONGE A cancer breakthrough could help combat some of the side effects of chemotherapy. Tiny sponges (yes, really) are 3D printed to fit patients’ veins, where they effectively mop up the toxic chemicals before they spread. Current plans will target liver cancer with brain and kidney tumours the ultimate goal.

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

Health RIO TACKLES HEALTH CRISIS Rio Ferdinand is looking to get Britain’s schoolchildren fighting fit. At a time when average life expectancy has gone down for the first time in a century, the ex-player has teamed up with DNAFit to raise awareness of the benefits of preventative health. Rio tells Balance: “I’d love to have it so that when kids leave school they are geared up to know how to affect their bodies. They’re taught sport, which is great. But, as important is knowing how your body needs to be trained and what nutrition fits your body the best.” On sitting down with the government, Rio adds: “That’s having an effect on the next generation. We’d love to be a part of that conversation.” DNAFit helps you HEAR MORE make positive FROM RIO AT changes based BALANCE.MEDIA on DNA.

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

The user guide

rebalance

Research suggests the global sex toy market will reach a staggering $35.5bn by 2023, sparked by the increasing use of adult toys for therapeutic purposes*

SIX STEPS TO GREATER INTIMACY

ABLE-BODIED SEMEN BABYSTART FERTILSAFE PLUS

COMPILED BY: JAMES GILL. ILLUSTRATION: ALICE BOWSHER. * SOURCE: RESEARCHANDMARKETS.COM

CAT STRETCH NINE LIVES YOGA If your relationship is screaming out for more “closeness”, couples yoga with Cat at Nine Lives will help take you there as your bodies feel enhanced synchronicity. You don’t get that with a Netflix binge. £88 for 90 minutes, ninelivesyoga.co.uk

If you haven’t tried lube, you’re potentially missing a trick. Babystart gets extra kudos because it’s fertilityfriendly and designed to replicate human fluids, rather than lubes which might harm semen. Not ideal if you’re looking to start a family. babystart.co.uk

Be Kind

AND NOURISH YOURSELF TOY STORY PARTNER MULTIFUN “One toy to rule them all” screams Satisfyer when it comes to the new Partner Multifun. The design is a pleasing break from the giant-torch norm, looking more like a wishbone. A trouser-twitching 14 options are available; we’d love to print just one, but this is a family title, thank you very much. £44.94, satisfyer.com

CUP OF LOVE INTIMINA ZIGGY CUP

THIS SUCKS BLOW HIS MIND

Ladies: when you’re on your period, you still want sex, right? The Ziggy Cup is the world’s first menstrual cup that you can use during sex, thanks to petal-thin flexible silicone that’s body safe and medical grade. Men: if you’ve read this far, we salute you. $49.85, intimina.com/ziggy-cup

If your idea of a great shop is Aldi, we suggest cranking it up a notch. Sh! in Hoxton is a must-visit, and not just because of the array of toys. It also hosts classes, including the popular Blow His Mind workshop. And no, that doesn’t mean with interesting trivia. £35, sh-womenstore.com

TALKING CURE RELATIONSHIPS Even the greatest couples encounter snags. With 70 years’ experience, Tavistock offers a range of clinical services for all manner of relationship help – everything from sexual relations to better communication and emotional wellbeing. Take what could be a lifechanging step together. tavistockrelationships.org

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

by BERNADETTE RUSSELL

anuary can be all about fierce resolutions to give things up after the excesses of party season. By February it feels as though it’s been cold and gloomy forever. So this year, I’ve committed to some joyful February self-care. First, I cancelled my gym membership and began walking in the woods, leaving my phone behind and taking time to listen to the birds singing. Then, I’m starting tango classes. I plan on trying out all dances available to humankind this year, and inviting some friends along to share my discoveries. Next, I began a recipe collection with healthy favourites from friends and colleagues, and I’ll invite friends round for dinner to try out my new dishes. Lastly, we need to nourish our minds and spirits, too. All month, I am only going to read, watch and share positive, uplifting stories, news and movies. We are all a sum of everything we consume, so we should make sure it’s inspiring, interesting and positive, and pass that on. The Little Book of Wonder by Bernadette Russell (£7.99, Orion Spring) is out now

A D U LT E D U C AT I O N

the manua l

QUIZ

ke t h e

tes t

The

words LIBBY WILLIAM S

Are you a sexpert?

Find out if you’re a legendary lothario or a nookie novice 1. Condoms are most commonly used in which country? Japan China UK France Brazil

4. On average, how long does it take for a man to ejaculate? 4.5 minutes 5.5 minutes 8 minutes 10.5 minutes 15 minutes

2. The average sex session lasts... 8 minutes 12 minutes 16 minutes 19 minutes 27 minutes

5. What percentage of people claim to have faked an orgasm? 45% of women and 15% of men 55% of women and 25% of men 60% of women and 30% of men 70% of women and 30% of men 80% of women and 35% of men

A B C D E

PHOTOGRAPHY: GETTY IMAGES

A B C D E

3. Which of the following is not an aphrodisiac? Asparagus Salmon Pomegranate Saffron Soy

A B C D E

A B C D E A B C D E

6. On average, how long does it take a woman to orgasm? 11 minutes 17 minutes 20 minutes

A B C

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

D E

23 minutes 27 minutes

7. Which of the following isn’t a sexual position? Wrapped Lotus The Caboose Ballet Dancer The Conch The Tominagi

A B C D E

8. The average clitoris is the size of a… Grain of rice Pea Lemon Avocado Courgette

A B C D E

Jot down your answers, flip the page and find out where you stand on the ladder of love…

A D U LT E D U C AT I O N

The

RESULTS Total

0-3

It’s time to see how you fared. You might be surprised by what you find out...

YOUR ANSWERS 1A In Japan, condoms account for almost 80 per cent of all contraceptive use

2D The average sex session consists of 10 minutes of foreplay, and nine minutes of intercourse

3E Soy just isn’t that sexy…

4B Make every second count!

5D A little white lie never hurt anyone. Right?

NOOKIE NOVICE You were probably the kid who fell asleep in the back of your sex-ed class. There’s no better time than the present to get some much needed nous under your belt. Asking face-toface questions about sex can be embarrassing, we get it. Luckily, there’s a plethora of information available to sift through at your own pace, and in the privacy of your own home. Start by researching the areas of most interest to you, or you feel you know the least about. You never know – what you might end up stumbling upon. For example, did you know an orgasm can help clear your sinuses? That’s what we call a natural remedy!

6C Just a minute longer than the average sex session…

7D The seashell yes, but the conch, unfortunately not…

8E We know... shocking, isn’t it?

16% of people surveyed in the UK in 2018 said they have met up with someone from a mobile dating service such as Tinder, Grindr and Blendr

Try...

Head over to sexologist and author Shan Boodram’s positive and inclusive YouTube channel for all the informative content you could possibly want on sex, dating and relationships. As well as debunking many a sex myth, Shan’s short, incredibly honest videos are a simple and shame-free way to help her 412k subscribers learn more about sex – and doesn’t involve opening a text book. @ShanBOODY on YouTube

Total

4-6

INTERCOURSE INTERMEDIATE As it turns out, you’re pretty average in the sex IQ department. You have a good understanding of the basics, but could do with brushing up on some of the finer (more quirky) details. If you feel comfortable, getting together with a group of friends that you trust to talk about sex is always a fun occasion, and can also be a reassuring experience. You might just be surprised at what your friends do and don’t know: shared knowledge is, after all, the best knowledge.

Try...

Sex with Emily, the longest-running sex and relationship podcast, hosted by Dr Emily Morse, is a down-to-earth source for relatable and unbiased information on sex and relationships. Helping you to navigate this complex topic in an open-minded way Dr Morse will turn you into a pro in no time. Listen on your commute, while cooking or even at work… no one will ever know. Dr Emily Morse’s Sex with Emily podcast

Total

7-8

LEGENDARY LOTHARIO Congratulations! When it comes to sex, you certainly know your stuff. There’s no position you haven’t heard of, and you’re endowed with some of the more obscure, random facts. However, there’s always more to learn and new information around sex is surfacing every day. Keep up to date by reading new studies and interviews with your favourite leading sexperts.

Try...

For a sex know-it-all, we recommend Sex by The School of Life, a book that goes one step further, discussing topics around intimacy you might not even be aware of. Taking a deeper look into areas including the gaze of strangers, infidelity, and what we really want through sex, this little book demonstrates that we have only just scratched the surface when it comes to talking about amorous activities. Sex by The School of Life (£15, The School of Life Press)

LEARN MORE TRICKS TO PEP UP YOUR LOVE LIFE AT balance.media

BA LA N CE. M ED I A February 2019

FUTURE TENSE

the manua l

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

Tomorrow's world

hotwire

Uncovering the latest gains in the world of fitness to make your workout that little bit more effective NEWSFLASH

Having a ball

VIRTUAL INSANITY Virtual reality, gamification and exer-gaming goes from strength to strength, with Black Box VR, pioneers in virtual fitness, opening a 14 booth, 4,100ft2 fitness studio in San Francisco. The tech sees the headset work in tandem with a full-body resistance suit and the more you put in, the more you level up. Of a potential London launch, co-founder Preston Lewis tells Balance: “We are all in on making VR Fitness the future of fitness in general!”

If you can feel your shoulders rounding the more you sit at your desk, here is the way to combat it. The Wellness Ball™-Active Sitting doubles as a chair, while also working your back and core muscles with a view to improving core strength and posture. £260, technogym.com

Hiit where it hurts

A S OUND ID EA The people behind Ministry of Sound have got wise to the fact folk are swapping ecstasy for exercise, so they’ve launched an achingly cool fitness space, Ministry of Fitness, next door to the famed club. And now, there’s also Ministry, a private member’s club which grants daytime access to the gym. £70 a month, theministry.com

BA LA BANCE. LA N CE M EDNovember I A February 20182019

All in the wrist Bala bangles are one of the so-hot-right-now fitness trends in the US, and are set to take off this side of the pond, too. They might only weigh 1lb each, yet they add resistance to workouts in order to help burn fat while building muscle. £40, balabangles.com

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

High-Intensity Interval Training (HITT) is the fitness world’s equivalent of a podcast: you swear it’s been around forever and yet, it’s still in its infancy. The ace Freeletics app enables you to do HIIT wherever you are and, for a limited time, there’s 30 per cent off the AI Coach. From £1.51 per week, freeletics.com

N AV I G AT ILOGNB TSQLIUA+ G

the manua l

The

PRIDE inde�

the LGBTQIA+ community in facts and figures

Same-sex marriage is now recognised in 27 countries

ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED IN 2017, GAY SEX IS STILL ILLEGAL IN OVER TWO FIF THS OF COUNTRIES IN THE UN

40%

Inspired by his friend, Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California’s history, Gilbert Baker designed and made the first rainbow flag, which became a symbol of pride and hope

Happy Familie�

In 2017, a Jewish woman and her Hindu partner were married in what is thought to be the UK's first interfaith lesbian wedding

The Third Way

As of 15 November 2018, there had been 3,287 reported adoptions by LGBT people in Great Britain

A NUMBER OF STATES IN THE US, INCLUDING OREGON AND CALIFORNIA, NOW OFFER A THIRD GENDER OPTION – “X” – ON STATE ID CARDS AND DRIVER’S LICENCES, FOR NON-BINARY PEOPLE

A New Leaf

LEGAL TIMELINE

in Iran, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, parts of Somalia, Nigeria, Syria, and Iraq, homosexuality is punishable by death. 72 countries still criminalise same-sex relationships (in 45 of these, the law is applied to both sexes)

1967

Homosexuality is finally decriminalised in the UK

15 in

LGBT PEOPLE HAVE, IN THE L AST YEAR, EXPERIENCED A HATE CRIME DUE TO THEIR SEXUAL ORIENTATION AND/OR GENDER IDENTIT Y

1972

On 1 July, the first official UK Gay Pride Rally is held in London, with 2,000 people in attendance

1989

Denmark becomes the first country in the world to legally recognise samesex unions

2004

Civil partnerships are legalised throughout the United Kingdom

BA LA BANLA CE. NM CE EDNovember I A February 20182019

In 1870 Bayard Taylor’s novel Joseph and His Friend was the first US novel to touch on the subject of homosexuality

2014

Same-sex marriage is legalised in the UK with the first ceremonies taking place

Approx 30,000 people from almost 500 LGBT groups took part in the 2018 London Pride parade

SOURCES; THE GUARDIAN.COM, INDEPENDENT.CO.UK, ABCNEWS.GO.COM, EDITION.CNN.COM, BBC.CO.UK, STONEWALL.ORG,UK NEWFAMILYSOCIAL.ORG.UK, BUSINESSINSIDER.COM, FACTRETRIEVER.COM, VISITDENMARK.COM

Marriage rights

words G EMMA CALVERT photography RYAN PF LUGER illustrations CRAIG & KARL

PA G E -T U R N E R

ERYDAY HERO The teen star who grew up to fight for change, Ellen Page tells Balance about how coming out saved her, marital bliss and why Buddhism is like spiritual therapy

early two weeks have passed since Ellen Page’s interview with Balance was derailed when the Juno and Inception actress fell ill and had to postpone promotional activity to recuperate at home in the Hollywood Hills. “It was our first flu as a married couple,” Page continues, “so we tried to make it cute. Oh my lord – it was not cute” God love the honeymoon period: when you’re so darn smitten that everything, even synchronous sickness, feels romantic. Indeed, the depth of 31-year-old Ellen’s feelings

for her wife – dancer and choreographer Emma Portner, who she met in July 2017 – is undeniable. The romance unfolded publicly over social media, with a barrage of PDA-packed selfies and date night snaps. And then, in January 2018, just six months after meeting, came the biggie: a photo of their hands gently touching, adorned with their respective wedding bands. “I feel different in the sense that I just love it so much,” says Ellen, 31, when asked if being newly married has changed her at all. “She’s the love of my life and I don’t really have a word for it other than this brand new, all encompassing feeling that…” she trails off before finding the words. “I guess it just feels really grounding and really beautiful. Absolutely I’ve been in love before, and this was definitely a very different new kind and new form, clearly.”

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

On February 14 2014 at The Human Rights Campaign-organised conference in Las Vegas, Ellen spoke out, publicly, about her sexuality. She took the stage to deliver a soul-stirring and deeply personal speech, exposing her truth and explaining her reasons for finally speaking out. “I’m here today because I am gay and because maybe I can make a difference to help others have an easier and more hopeful time,” she told the Time To Thrive audience of youth counsellors, mid-way through the near nineminute address. “I suffered for years because I was scared to be out. I’m standing here today, with all of you, on the other side of all that pain.”

OUT IN THE OPEN I ask Ellen how she feels today compared to the days, months and years prior to living openly and authentically. “I still feel like I’m just becoming able to be who I am and feel comfortable in my body. The difference I felt physically after coming out was just like… you’d have to feel it to believe it.” It’s Ellen’s hope that many have been inspired by her courage. In just five years her speech, which received two standing ovations, has been viewed on YouTube over 5.7m times. She’s now a veritable poster girl for the gay community, equally passionate about advocating for LGBTQ+ rights (she campaigns for America’s Astrea Lesbian Foundation for Justice and is on the board of directors at the Tegan and Sara Foundation) as prioritising diversity in her film and television projects. For her twice Emmy-nominated Viceland series Gaycation, Page has travelled to some of the world’s most homophobic places. She’s also embodied a multitude of lesbian characters, including in Freeheld, a political drama where she fights for the pension benefits of her terminally ill partner. When Ellen confesses she ‘wishes’ she had come out sooner, I question whether her dedication to advancing LGBTQ+ rights and awareness is being fired by a subconscious need to make up for lost time. “I think it’s more just the natural movement of things to want to use the platform to help others who deal with much worse than what I had to deal with,” says Ellen, who once publicly confronted anti-LGBTQ+ Presidential hopeful Ted Cruz about discrimination. “We have to figure out a way to help, give visibility to those who are most

MAPLE BE-LEAF Nova Scotia – Ellen’s home territory in Canada – means “New Scotland” in Latin. It’s the second-smallest, and secondmost densely populated, of Canada’s 10 provinces

ELLEN’S FORMULA FOR CALM LIVING

MEDITATIVE BREATHS

EYES CLOSED

JUDGEMENT

marginalised in our society. We should all be doing what we can, with what we have, to help.”

BE SEEN, BE HEARD Ellen believes visibility is the key to change. It’s why, unlike many privacy-obsessed A-listers, she offers a lot of her own home life on social media. “We’re a married lesbian couple, and in a world that doesn’t have enough LGBTQ+ representation, you want to be visible,” explains the Canadian from Halifax, Nova Scotia, where she struggled to understand her feelings owing to an absence of gay representation in her community and the media. “When I was in high school in grade 10, at least to my knowledge, not a single kid was out. I remember being 14 and stumbling across a movie like But I’m a Cheerleader on TV and how much that meant to me. What a tiny little moment between two characters and one thing said made me go ‘that’s kind of how I feel’. I don’t think the importance of seeing yourself reflected can be undervalued.” Ellen got her acting break aged 10 after a film director visited her school inviting pupils to audition for a part in Canadian kids’ TV series, Pit Pony. Ellen was chosen and after a series of TV jobs landed her first movie role aged 14.

REACTIVE

BA LA N CE. M ED IA February 2019

ANGER

EMOTIONAL STILLNESS

“That was the moment when I felt like, ‘I really want to be an actor,” Page recalls. “‘This feeling is just unbelievable to me, I want to learn more about this’.”

SPIRITUAL ENLIGHTENMENT Has she ever questioned whether she is in the right industry, one where her safety at work wasn’t guaranteed? “Multiple times,” confirms Ellen. “Then I had them again more in my early twenties and that was more related to how I was feeling as a gay person in the industry. I had a lot of those moments. I kept doing it so I didn’t actually give up.” Ellen, who attended a Buddhist school but has never “necessarily been a Buddhist”, says the religion’s system of beliefs has been a huge support over the years. She’s a particular fan of Pema Chödrön, an “amazing buddhist monk” who lives in her native Nova Scotia. “Those ideas, philosophies and teachings have been a huge part of my life and helped me a lot through times in my life that were more difficult,”. Ellen’s grit and strength is frequently mirrored in the badass, path-carving characters she plays. In Juno, her 2007 breakthrough movie, she embodied a precocious pregnant teen; in Hard Candy she channelled a teen vigilante; and in X-Men could walk through walls. Her latest project is Netflix’s gritty new drama The Umbrella Academy, which follows a family of superheroes investigating the mysterious circumstances surrounding

their father’s death. Alongside the likes of Robert Sheehan and Mary J Blige, Ellen plays the only non-superhero, Vanya Hargreeves, who “is ostracised by the family and the father so it definitely doesn’t feel like she’s a part of the group”. Ellen found little difficulty connecting to her. “Most people will find their own ways in which they connect with Vanya, in terms of feeling like you don’t belong or like you’re getting treated a particular way because of who you are,” she says. Conversation turns to the tragic case of Jamel Myles, a nine-year- old boy from Denver, Colorado, who committed suicide in August, four days after coming out to his school friends and becoming the victim of homophobic bullying. Ellen was one of a number of celebrities who paid tribute to the youngster on Twitter. Suicide is the third leading cause of death among adolescents, and gay teens are four times more likely than straight teens to attempt suicide, which hints that we’re in a state of emergency. For Ellen, the blame falls at the door of parents who are passing on their own homophobic, transphobic and bi-phobic beliefs to their children. “You have kids in schools who are bullying other kids because they’re in an environment where there’s homophobic language or attitude. It’s not really being significantly challenged or interrupted,” she explains. “This is a consistent language, story and narrative surrounding kids that is saying ‘you’re not OK’ or ‘something’s wrong with you’ and the same is reflected in policies in the government. There has to be a massive societal shift, at all levels.”

BUDDHIST IDEAS, PHILOSOPHIES AND TEACHINGS HAVE HELPED ME DURING DIFFICULT TIMES

THE SIMPLE THINGS When she’s not campaigning for change, working or planning her next career move (there’s another Netflix project, Tales Of The City, coming and plans for a joint project with Emma), you’ll usually find Ellen, her 24-yearold wife and their terrier, Patter, in the great outdoors – the place where she connects to her inner calm. “It’s just about being with my wife and my dog, going on long walks, reading and trying to get out into some trees at some point,” she says. “It’s pretty straightforward for me.” Ellen Page is living her life, her way, no sweat. Freedom never felt so good. B Ellen’s new show, The Umbrella Academy Season 1, launches on Netflix on 15 February

WANT MORE CELEBRITY INSIGHT? HEAD OVER TO balance.media BA LA N CE. M ED I A

NAME AND SHAME

Understanding shame will give you a new perspective on how to treat people words JO SEPH BURG O photography ANT O NIO M RO SARIO

THE EXPERT

Joseph Burgo, Ph.D has been a practicing psychotherapist for more than 35 years

ost people, if asked to identify potential causes of shame in the workplace, could readily name two culprits: the abusive boss and the toxic co-worker. The first bullies those in their employ: the second tries to damage your reputation by spreading rumours or lying to those in charge. Either can make you feel under siege and deeply humiliated. However, these two scourges, while undoubtedly a problem, don’t account for most of the shame we experience in the workplace. In fact, you may be surprised to learn encounters with shame are quite common, in our personal lives as well as on the job. To understand what that means, you need to shed some preconceptions and expand your views on shame’s nature.

of emotion agree these feelings have a common physiological response pattern: gaze aversion, a wish to disappear, brief confusion of thought and usually blushing in the face, neck or torso. Emotions in the shame family may be mild and soon forgotten, or deep and enduring, haunting us for days. So when and why do all of us tend to feel shame? To answer this question, I devised a concept called the “Shame Paradigms” – the four typical situations that give rise to emotions in the shame family. Unrequited Love We feel that “painful awareness of self” whenever our interest in, and affection for, another person isn’t reciprocated.

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR Usually, people think of shame as a large and toxic emotion imposed by an intolerant society upon those who differ from the norm. From this perspective, shame is bad. Bestselling works of Brené Brown and John Bradshaw have popularised this view. In reality, shame is an entire family of emotions that vary in intensity and duration. Self-consciousness, embarrassment, chagrin, guilt, humiliation, shyness, mortification – these are all members of the shame family and they share a painful awareness of self. Researchers who study the biology

BA LA NCE. M ED I A February 2019

EMOTIVE ISSUE

Exclusion We feel bad about ourselves when we’re on the outside of a group we’d like to belong to. We might be left off a desirable team project at work, or colleagues go out for lunch without inviting us. The boss has a select group of favourites that doesn’t include us, and some co-workers we admire are socialising on weekends – without us. Unwanted Exposure We feel painfully self-conscious when something personal we’d like to keep private is unexpectedly revealed, or when we make a mistake in public. The boss singles us out for criticism at a team meeting, a performance review accurately highlights a painful weakness or shortcoming, weekly sales figures place us at the bottom of the team list, and a suggestion at a staff meeting falls flat. Disappointed Expectation We feel chagrin when we fall short of our goals or expectations. Someone else gets that promotion we were hoping for, a report we laboured over is dismissed by management or our team’s new product roll-out fails. Worst of all, we’re fired.

CHOICE CUTS We may not recognise it, but emotions in the shame family play an outsized role in our daily lives – in the choices we make, the things we do and don’t say, even in our decisions about what to wear. Without realising it, we’re continually trying to anticipate and avoid shame. When criticism of our work product makes us feel bad, we often react in defensive ways to ward off and protect ourselves from shame. By making

BECOME MORE SENSITIVE AT WORK

Shame is more common than we think. Selfconsciousness, embarrassment, chagrin, guilt, humiliation, shyness and mortification are all members of the shame family

Recall times you experienced unrequited love, exclusion, unwanted exposure or disappointed expectation and focus on times you felt them at work

Envision ways shame might get stirred up for your colleagues (for example special teams or friendship groups, or shortcomings made public in a way that promotes embarrassment

Identify co-workers who may avoid encounters with shame by holding back from voicing opinions. How can you help them feel less frightened?

Before delivering criticism, imagine how you’d feel in their place. How could you soften the blow?

excuses for ourselves, we deny responsibility and blame someone else for our own shortcomings, or for becoming indignant in the face of criticism. Some of us voice self-critical remarks to forestall negative feedback from colleagues and gain control over the experience of shame (‘this is a stupid idea ...’ or ‘Maybe I’m wrong, but…’). The shaming remark feels less painful and more manageable when we deliver it ourselves. Avoiding, denying and controlling shame are the three common strategies we use to manage this painful emotion. And all of us are doing it throughout the day, most days of our lives, at work and in our social lives. As managers and supervisors, understanding when and why humans inevitably feel shame allows us to behave in a more sensitive manner, saving the other person from needless pain, avoiding an unpleasant retaliatory attack. Understanding someone’s nearness to shame also enables us to frame criticism in a way that can be heard, a key skill for all those who manage personnel. For everyone who works alongside other people, an understanding of the Shame Paradigms allows us to anticipate the many ways we may inadvertently shame our colleagues by leaving them out, exposing them in painful ways, or drawing attention to their shortcomings. Sometimes we have no choice, especially when we’re called upon to deliver necessary criticism. But understanding the shame our comments may arouse will help us to be sensitive critics. Recalling when and why we have felt shame will help us empathise with their pain, to understand and sometimes to make allowance for their defensiveness. Just remember that emotions in the shame family are common and always painful – for you, for me, and for everyone else we encounter on the job. B Joseph Burgo, Ph.D’s book, Shame, is out now (Macmillan USA, £14.99)

If you grow defensive in the face of criticism, look for the potential truth, as painful as it might be. Accepting valid criticism will help you grow

IMPROVE YOUR WORK/LIFE RATIO AT balance.media February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

words ALEX H OLME S photography TARA MO ORE

WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE OF LOVE? Want to communicate effortlessly with your other half? Then you need to start talking their lingo... 28

BA LA NCE. M ED I A February 2019

VO C A B U L A RY L E S S O N

question that has puzzled many for centuries is what, exactly, is a grand romantic gesture? A picnic under the Eiffel Tower? Long walks on the beach at sunset? Or simply picking up a loved one’s dry cleaning? The answer to that is… all of the above. According to Dr Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, how we love somebody is indicative of how well we understand their language to receive, and give, love as well as apologies, in interpersonal relationships. Dr Chapman has written about love and apology language for more than 20 years, including spanning language children and teens use. He’s even made specific readings for singles and couples. But it’s not only about romantic and personal relationships; Chapman writes about how to experience love and apology language at work and in business in order to get the best quality out of the interaction.

receive from managers and superiors give us that much more confidence?

LEXICONS OF LOVE

FIVE OF THE BEST So, what are the five love languages? Words of affirmation; acts of service; receiving gifts; quality time; and physical touch. They seem pretty simple on paper, but the difficulty comes when you have to act on these not for yourself, but for the other person. We must think outside of ourselves in order for these to work. For example, if Mary’s primary love language is quality time, it would be down to her partner, Joe, to ensure he is showing his love for her by honouring the quality time aspect. Likewise, if Joe’s primary love language is affirmation, a few words of encouragement and knowledge from Mary alert him he is, indeed, loved. What tends to happen however, is people only speak their love language, and don’t understand their partner’s. So, in lieu of Mary tending to Joe’s need for words of affirmation, furnishing him with alone time instead, he would begin to feel unheard or unappreciated. If they decide to spend quality time together and he spends half the day or night on his phone, the night is effectively ruined. The same goes for gift giving and receiving. If someone likes to proffer gifts as a way of showing their love, but the person they are gifting would simply prefer a hug or to be helped with activities or errands, an impasse occurs. As this is about interpersonal communication, it can also be applied to the work dynamic. Does the employee with a lot of promise need someone to run around and assist them with work, or will they be OK with a (literal and hypothetical) pat on the back to show appreciation for their work? Does the praise we

PHYSICAL TOUCH To this person, nothing speaks more deeply than appropriate touch

RECEIVING GIFTS For some, what makes them feel most loved is to receive a gift

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION This uses words to support people

ACTS OF SERVICE For some, actions speak louder than words

QUALITY TIME This is all about giving the other person undivided attention

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

SORRY TO HEAR THAT… What happens when things take a turn for the worse? A partner forgets an anniversary? Someone fails to mention an important business decision, resulting in another party feeling embarrassed? A mother goes against her child’s wishes, leaving the child betrayed and let down? What is the best way to apologise for these? Dr Chapman has another five languages, centred around apology; expressing regret; accepting responsibility; making restitution; genuinely repenting; and requesting forgiveness. Each is pivotal in the way we express ‘sorry’. Expressing regret is one of the core ways in which people give an apology. It is convincing the injured party you are genuinely sorry for your actions, while making restitution is more about how you will make up for the caused hurt. It enjoys a direct correlation with the words of affirmation love language, and possibly gift giving, as a way of showing someone love. Accepting responsibility, acknowledging where you went wrong and how it affected the person you care about, genuinely repenting and requesting forgiveness are all quite straightforward in their meaning, but how easy is it to request forgiveness or make assurances that you will never make that mistake again? February is a pertinent month for love. It might just be time that everyone gets fluent in love language. And when Cupid’s arrow wains, apology language might help keep our loved ones. It’s something worth considering – Valentine’s Day is around the corner, after all. B

FIND MORE STORIES LIKE THIS AT balance.media

theta healing h

e at m e n

e mont

t of th tr

ow would you react if a person you’ve never met, who knows nothing about you, reveals the sort of deep, dark, family stuff that not even your closest friends could possibly know? If you’re me, you think, “Yikes. I wasn’t ready for this.” That’s what happened during a recent Theta Healing treatment, with Anna – director of holistic firm, Bourgeon – telling me how my mother experienced marriagerelated anxiety through pregnancy and birth, which resulted in adrenaline being splashed across my brain during labour. It is, she explains, why I’m so amped up with energy and worry too much. Across our one hour Skype session (which I didn’t want to end) my internal monologue questions whether Anna is Derren Brown in prosthetics, a psychic or has been secretly recording my family. In fact, Theta Healing is where a practitioner uses a form of meditation to contact the Divine Power (sorry atheists,

well informed IS PRIDE JUST ANOTHER NAME FOR SELF-ESTEEM? NEW RESEARCH SUGGESTS IT’S NOT A BAD THING

– not one for you) to help you heal emotionally while offering guidance. As Anna approaches each potentially thorny subject, she asks my permission before healing. So frantic and desperate is my nodding that it’s a miracle I don’t develop RSI. Father was critical, she says. It was a problem. She knows mum remarried. Even now, I am slackjawed at how repeatedly unerring Anna is. Again, she’s nailed it. My biological father left home when I was a child and, while this doesn’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world, such things take a toll. She asks if I can forgive my father, someone I haven’t seen since childhood. Tears form in my eyes as I swallow hard and say yes. Even Anna, with her years of experience, feels the weight of this and gasps, “Ooh, this is heavy.” What follows is pure lightness. Therapy can last years, yet Theta Healing can help you in one or two sessions, and the next morning I’m feeling brighter and lighter.

It’s often said that pride comes before a fall. But a recent study carried out by the University of California is bucking that theory. Instead, the research suggests that pride is actually an astute part of our evolutionary make-up, and it exists to elevate our social standing. Dating back to prehistoric times, when individuals would display

In terms of guidance, I currently happily juggle a career in comedy with Balance, and Anna tells me to combine the two: write a book, use humour, go on a book tour, and beyond. Whether this is for you depends on what you’re prepared to let go. Some people, Anna FIND MORE “TREATS” AT explains, think they need BALANCE.MEDIA the pain. Whereas the only pain some of us want is nodding-induced RSI. B

FEELING THETA? Give it a go If you’re open to a form of therapy that is, frankly, heavy going. I loved it

BOOKING INFO Cost £350 for 60 minutes

self-admiration to convince their tribe of their superiority, the act of exhibiting pride in one’s skills encouraged others to believe you held more value. LET GO OF THE EGO Over time, however, expressing the emotion outwardly has been seen in more negative terms. The main issue being that when the expressed sense

BA LA N CE September 2017

High point How I continue to feel

Booking info bourgeon.co.uk

Low point Strap in for a potentially explosive start

of pride outweighs the performance itself, reverence can turn to resentment. The key it seems is to use pride to cultivate a better mentality, not build up an ego. When embraced in this way, perhaps pride isn’t the deadliest sin after all. Laura Hill, Senior Editor welltodoglobal.com

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

Therapy can cost thousands and last years, writes James Gill, but there could be a cheaper, quicker and more effective route to personal development

BALANCE PROMOTION

MOVE ANY MOUNTAIN

Striving for success? Motion Nutrition helps get you there

t’s not just the world’s greatest athletes who crave ultimate success – it’s something us mere mortals can also strive for. “Success” isn’t just about finally crafting washboard abs, or doing that 10k in 40 minutes. Indeed, documenting “success” can actually mean different things to different people. It could be acing a company-wide presentation, being completely present and in the moment when playing with the kids, or simply feeling better about yourself. However, whatever your definition of success is, one thing is certain: it’s vital you feel good about yourself, in both mind and body. As Motion Nutrition co-founder and Commonwealth Games swimmer Joe Welstead explains: “In every walk of life, with a strong mental and emotional foundation, you are primed to win. “At work, you may have perfectly prepared your pitch or presentation, but if you are not prepared for the stressful environment of the boardroom, you will underperform.”

THE BRAIN GAME It’s why Motion Nutrition’s range of nootropics – supplements that can boost cognitive functions – are popular. A pioneering name, in just three years it’s become a market leader thanks to using nutritional science to make effective improvements to people’s every day life and long-term health. Power Up nootropics help you smash the day, while Unplug helps you rebuild at night. It’s an irresistible one-two.“We’ve made it our mission at Motion Nutrition to put your health at the centre of our game; to make it easier for you to focus on what works for you, while avoiding what doesn’t,” adds Joe. “It’s all been done with the ultimate goal of helping you perform at your best and achieve your goals.” So what are you waiting for? Get out there and get ready to define your own vision of success.

@motionnutrition

+ Your brain

Available at Planet Organic, As Nature Intended and Whole Foods Market. For more information, visit motionnutrition.com

Motion Nootropics

@MotionNutrition @motionnutrition

A strong & healthy mind

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

Report

sex and drugs and rocks and rolls A

THE SEX EXPERT Ralph Jones is a writer, comedy performer, and journalist

ccording to James Wharton, a gay ex-soldier who released his memoir, Out in the Army, in 2014, being in the throes of a chemsex high is like “walking into someone’s flat and having sex with 10 people you’ve never met before within five minutes of arriving. I don’t know about you, but I don’t think I’d have the balls to do that in any other sense.” While he was under the influence of a number of chemicals, it was normal for James to entertain multiple men after parties at his London flat, often forgetting to even eat during weekend-long sex and drugs marathons. It might sound more Game of Thrones than reality, but to the gay men who practise chemsex, it’s a regular part of living.

BA LA N CE. M ED I A February 2019

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

Chemsex is a growing problem in the UK. Ralph Jones looks at the dark side of pleasure

LOV E I S T H E D R U G

‘Chemsex’ is having sex using drugs – mephedrone, crystal meth, and gammahydroxybutyrate (G) – known to heighten libido. In James’ words, “They make you horny as hell and lower your barriers.” For him, newly single in his twenties, chemsex filled what he identifies as a “void”. There is no better source of validation than “a group of people telling you that they want to have sex with you.”

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE For most chemsex exponents, the early stages of the experience are likely to be positive, validating, thrilling. Like numerous drugs, they can be relatively harmless. Crispin, who practises chemsex regularly in groups and one-to-one, tells me, “It creates a really beautiful, intensely sexual safe space where everyone feels comfortable.” Chemsex though, has a dark side, with deaths linked to the practise becoming prominent over the last five years. In 2015, the British Medical Journal identified it as a health priority; in 2017, the European Commission included it as one of various “new and emerging risk behaviours” contributing to the rise of syphilis and, as I learn from activist David Stuart (who coined the term itself) one gay man dies in London every month in a chemsex context. David tells me the term encapsulates “a very highly-charged and emotional issue, very specific to the gay experience.” As recovering addict Mark S King says about crystal meth, “It was a drug that exalted my sexuality. Anything which lowers our inhibitions is ideal for a community raised to suppress those very sexual desires.” But, despite it clearly helping gay men have inhibition-free sex, Mark believes chemsex is a crisis. David agrees, saying it causes suicides and overdoses. “Ten years ago, we saw more gay men flirting with chemsex, often managing the consequences quite well. A decade on, many thousands

are further down a ‘problematic’ path, experiencing poor mental health, loss of jobs and estrangement from loved ones.” Mark, who was diagnosed as HIV-positive in 1985, saw an acquaintance die after overdosing on G. He says crystal meth destroyed him “because it was the first time I encountered something I couldn’t control. By the time I was done, I had ruined a couple of relationships, lost a partner and a job, and I’d been arrested.”

ALL ABOUT CHEMISTRY The phrase ‘chemsex’ may be inextricably bound up in gay culture, but plenty of straight people also use drugs to enhance sexual pleasure. Sex educator Ashley Manta is an advocate for pairing cannabis with sex and while this has long been a practise, it’s only relatively recently entered the mainstream. Ashley says the drug enhances sexual pleasure by addressing the things that often stand in its way, for example “If a partner has chronic pain, high stress or just wants to intensify their tactile sensations so they feel even better.” Most studies, she says, discover around two-thirds of respondents find cannabis sex-enhancing. As for other highs, Crispin says drugs like poppers (“in five seconds you’re overcome by light-headedness and are very aware of every part of your body”) and ecstasy (“it takes sexual pleasure to a new realm”) enhance his sexual experiences. But, for him at least, mixing sex and drugs isn’t compulsory: “It’s just another fun way of doing things.” Everyone is different. Mark, who experienced the intense lows of chemsex has now been clean for six years. Even though he admits our conversation causes him to wonder what it might like to feel “the warm rush of that drug in my veins” again, he tells me: “Caring for my partner and his satisfaction is a turn-on to me in a way I couldn’t have imagined before. I wouldn’t trade that for all the meth in the world.” B

IMAGE: STOCKSY

EXERCISE

Talking with your As well as increasing partner and building energy levels, regular trust is a simple and exercise helps boost enjoyable way to boost self-confidence, confidence and lower allowing you to focus sexual inhibitions on the pleasure of sex

SOME COMMON CLUB NARCOTICS HAVE SEVERE DOWNSIDES...

ALCOHOL The most popular party drug, booze lowers inhibitions and increases sexual desire. However, long term excessive drinking can lead to impotence and fertility issues

MARIJUANA Many users claim it enhances stimulation and relaxes the mind and body, making it easier to orgasm. On the flip side, research has found it can reduce sexual desire and make it hard for both sexes to score the big “O”

MDMA The drug which “makes you fall in love with strangers” users experience feelings of emotional closeness with those around them. This side effect can lead to high-risk sexual behaviour

COCAINE As well as making the user feel energised and positive, coke increases heart rate and blood pressure, enhancing physical sensation and pleasure. Sounds great, but it often delays orgasm, or makes it impossible to reach

HOW TO RECONNECT, CHEMICAL-FREE

COMMUNICATION

popular party drugs

SELF-PLEASURE

MEDITATION

Getting to know your own body will allow you to communicate what you like in bed, forging a better connection during sex

Reducing stress through meditation is a simple way to give your sex drive the boost it requires

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

KETAMINE Although it can increase sex drive, it also makes it difficult for men to get an erection and achieve orgasm

BALANCE PROMOTION

ENJOY BREAKFAST

on the slow

ondon life can be tough. If you’re not frantically searching for your Oyster card or doing your best Olympic athlete impression to catch the bus, you can bet you’ll experience weather from all four seasons on your way into the office. With these daily challenges, making time for a moment of calm becomes even more important to get your day off to the best start. Dorset Cereals is here to give you just that. With a slower pace and a positive outlook on life, the county of Dorset has often been called one of the happiest places in Britain. To experience this for yourself, Dorset Cereals is inviting you to give breakfast on the slow a try. Slowing down and appreciating simple

Create delicious mindful moments with Dorset Cereals

pleasures is good for the soul and as life seems to get busier, taking the time to savour the good bits is more important than ever. So, why not take the fast out of breakfast, spend a little extra time on you and take the first steps into a better day? Whether that’s time to breathe deeply, write down three things you’re grateful for or to simply eat breakfast without the distraction of those early morning emails, grab hold of the Dorset Cereals ethos and appreciate the now. With such a wide range of Dorset Cereals mueslis and granolas, there are plenty of delicious ways to enjoy breakfast on the slow and without even realising it, you’ll soon become that little bit more Dorset.

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#BreakfastOnTheSlow

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BA LA N CE. M ED IA February 2019

@dorsetcereals

L O V E W H AT Y O U D O

Looking for a natural way to boost your Valentine’s Day prowess? These could keep you going all day long...

PHOTOGRAPHY GETTY IMAGES *SOURCES NCBI.NLM.NIH.GOV, CENTRE FOR INTEGRATIVE CLINICAL AND MOLECULAR MEDICINE, AUSTRALIA

Love life lines words AMELIA RICHARD S

alentine’s Day is upon us, and whether you’re coupled up, “Tindering” within an inch of your life, casually courting or going solo, boosting your libido in time for 14 February isn’t going to hurt. So, either stock up on these boosters, or offer some up to the object of your affections in anticipation of the big V Day and get ready to up the ante.

1. MINDFUL BITES CRUNCHY BITES ALMOND & MACA Hero ingredient: Maca Lepidium meyenii – which grows exclusively between 4,000-4,500m in the central Andes – has been dubbed “Peruvian Viagra”, and is one of the only foods scientifically proven to boost libido*. Studies conducted on humans have demonstrated maca’s potent ability to enhance sexual desire in females, and produce firmer, longer-lasting erections in men.

2. TERRANOVA GINKGO LEAF Hero ingredient: Ginkgo Biloba A traditional Chinese remedy that’s been used for thousands of years as a treatment for both depression and a low sex drive. Studies show Ginkgo is more effective in boosting the libido of females rather than males.

4. MOTION NUTRITION POWER UP - ULTIMATE BRAIN FUEL Hero ingredient: Korean Panax Ginseng Extract From a holistic point of view, Power Up could work for people with low libido, especially if the issue is related to low energy, adrenal fatigue and stress. Power Up provides essential vitamins and minerals necessary for normal energy-yielding metabolism (which our body often depletes because of stress), as well as very powerful amino-acids that stimulate the adrenal system. Generally, it’s a great supplement for more energy and drive. Ginseng has proven particularly useful in improving the libido of women going through menopause. B IN ASSOCIATION WITH

❷ ❶ ❸

3. JUST NATURAL FENUGREEK SEED Hero ingredient: Fenugreek Containing compounds that make up the building blocks of both male and female sex hormones – testosterone and oestrogen respectively –it’s commonly used in Ayurvedic traditions to boost libido. Fenugreek works in different ways for either sex, improving reported desire levels in women, while directly aiding erectile function in men and potentially boosting sex drive by up to a quarter*.

1. Terranova Ginkgo Leaf £20.50 for 50 tabs

❹

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

PRODUCTS TO LOVE

2. Motion Nutrition Power Up £24.99 for 60 capsules 3. Just Natural Fenugreek Seed £1.69 for 68g 4. Mindful Bites Crunchy Bites £1.85 for 25g Available at planetorganic.com

BALANCE PROMOTION

Freezing for the future Whether you’re in need of a nutrient kick, mealtime flexibility or cutting down on food waste, Birds Eye explains why the Big Freeze is a winner

anuary might have been and gone, but there are still some positive resolutions you can keep for what you choose to cook and eat. When chilled food was re-branded as “fresh”, frozen food looked and felt uncool. But now, Birds Eye are on a mission to expose the truth, hailing the home freezer as the guardian of nutrients, freshness and home economy.

GOODNESS ME After all, almost every fish that heads into stores has been frozen early in the supply chain to keep it fresh. Some stay frozen as they are packed up for sale, some thaw out for the fishmonger. As Clarence Birdseye discovered early in the 20th century, flash freezing ingredients at source prevents heat, oxygen and bacteria spoiling the BA LA N CE February 2019

food. By storing them in the freezer, you’re locking in the goodness ready for when you choose to cook it. Birdseye’s breakthrough gave millions of people access to veg and fish all year round for the first time. Frozen peas are immensely popular in the UK, with over 35,000 tonnes grown in Yorkshire for Birds Eye every year. Freezing locks in the goodness of a wide range of vegetables, from edamame beans to sweetcorn, broccoli to green beans. The freezer becomes a larder of freshtasting veg. For anyone looking for a return to their childhood, Birds Eye Omega 3 Fish Fingers taste great and contain plenty of omega 3, linked to helping cognitive function and heart health.

Birds Eye sugar snap peas can pep up any meal

FREEZE FRAME Waste from frozen food can be up to six times lower than that of fresh*

DON’ T BIN IT

Humans can’t produce Omega 3, which is why it’s important to get these essential fats from our food. The easiest way to do this is to eat more fish

YO U SHO U L D EAT TWO PO RT I O NS O F FI SH A W E E K , O NE O I LY

FINGER FOOD The first fish fingers were made by Birds Eye in 1955, at its factory in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

DISHY HEROES FISH Freezing prevents fish spoiling in the air

Captain Birds Eye can help you cut down on food waste

SOUP Whizz up your favourite, freeze extra portions SPINACH Fast frozen, helping you avoid waste PULSES Frozen mixed beans mean no more tins PEAS The average Brit eats 9,000 peas per year February 2019 BA LA N CE

Sources *Martindale (2014), British Food Journal, Vol. 116 Issue: 7, **Favell D.J. (1998), Food Chemistry 62

FROZEN V E G CA N R ETA IN MO RE V I TA MINS OVER T I ME**

FREEZE YOUR ASSETS Taking advantage of the freezer also means there’s no such thing as seasonality, and it can create some quality time for you, too. With the Steamfresh range, you can grab one or two portions of mixed veg in minutes without the prep, whenever you want. A microwave steams frozen veg brilliantly, retaining texture and nutrients. Just use a little water and cover them. It’s always good to know you have an option at hand. If a Friday night takeaway is your thing, you could save hundreds of pounds a year by opting for something from the freezer instead, like fillets of fish or oven-baked chicken. It’s also faster, given it’s there when you want it. For a quick and tasty lunch, why not try Birds Eye’s Veggie Bowls, which contain two of your fivea-day, or new versatile Sweet Potato Waffles? There is plenty of choice. Of course, the freezer really comes into its own with regard to food waste. Many people feel dismay when they needlessly throw away food that has been forgotten in the fridge. Reach into the freezer for a handful of sugar snap peas to cook into your favourite dishes, and you’ll help to avoid leaving leftovers. It’s best to think of your freezer as that old acquaintance whose all-round brilliance has perhaps been overlooked in recent years. So isn’t it time you started things up again with your modern friend who has plenty to offer? For more information, visit birdseye.co.uk @birdseyeUK

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Va l e

nti n e ' s

The food of love s

Tom Kerridge shares his Valentine’s Day tips and reveals how we can all make a Fresh Start

his Valentine’s Day, why not make a meal with, rather than for, that special someone? That's the message Balance took when we sat down with Tom Kerridge to talk about his new book and TV show, Fresh Start. The beloved chef is positively fizzing with romantic foodie insight. After all, even the process of creating a meal can be more tender than you realise. “Cooking is a very tactile, loving thing to do,” Kerridge, 45, explains. “It takes in a lot of the senses: taste, smell and feel. There are a lot of processes to go through together, right from shopping for raw ingredients, to creating together and actually sitting down to eat. “Food is soul-sensitive. It’s not just fuel for surviving – it can be so much more. If you’re cooking with someone, it’s a very nice thing to do.”

TIME FOR A RETHINK “Some dishes in Fresh Start are simple and easy to do,” the likeable son of Salisbury adds, “while others take a bit of time. But that might be while it’s in the oven. Use that time to be with each other. Food is a special space, and these recipes are fail-safe, everything a recipe should be.” With so many Londoners using the term ‘time poor’, cooking a meal from scratch can feel like an unattainable luxury, but Kerridge is keen to change

such a mindset. “Being time poor is one thing. Time management is another altogether. “People say they don’t have time to cook, but they’ll stay up to 1am watching ‘just one more episode’ on Netflix, when you could have used Wednesday evening to prepare a load of dishes for the freezer.”

A WORTHY TITLE Kerridge’s road to becoming one of Britain’s best-loved chefs has been well-documented. His relatability, as a normal bloke who happens to be an exceptional cook, has helped make him a popular figure, and it’s why Fresh Start is the perfect title: if everyman Tom can make a fresh start, anyone can. Tom is food’s hottest ticket, so will we lose him to a megabucks deal abroad? “There are people who would like us to do more overseas – agents, TV companies and publishers – but it has to feel like the right reason, or else I’d resent it. I have no desire to take over the world as a global TV star, but I say yes to pretty much everything. I don’t want to get to 70 and say, ‘Remember when we were offered a three-week tour of Australia and said no? Why did we say no?’ “I like the idea of saying, ‘Let’s f*cking do it!’ So it’s finding the time. If it comes along and it’s fun, we can dominate the world with a smile.”

BA LA N CE. M ED I A February 2019

P ORK C HOP S WIT H P EP ERONATA Serves 4 Ingredients • 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, thinly sliced • 4 garlic cloves, thinly sliced • 4 mixed peppers, cored, de-seeded and cut into 1cm thick strips • 4 thick bone-in, skin-on pork chops (about 250g each) • ½ tsp smoked paprika • 2 tbsp tomato purée • 1 tsp paprika • 2 large ripe tomatoes, diced • 200ml water • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper • 300g green beans, steamed

1 Heat one tbsp of olive oil in a large non-stick sauté pan (one with a lid) over a medium-high heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring frequently, for five minutes until they start to soften. Add the garlic and peppers, cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2 Meanwhile, heat a large nonstick frying pan over a high heat and add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Season the pork chops on both sides with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. Stand the chops in the pan, skin edge down, and fry for five-eight minutes, or until the skin crackles and is crispy (use tongs to hold them if necessary). 3 Add the tomato purée to the peppers and onions and cook for two-three minutes, then stir in the paprika and cook for one minute. Add the diced tomatoes and pour in the water. Cook, uncovered, for 15–20 minutes, until the peppers are softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 4 Once the pork skin has crisped, cook the chops for three-four minutes on each side. Transfer them to a warmed plate to rest for a few minutes. 5 Serve with the peperonata and steamed green beans.

PA S S I O N P R O J E C T

Ramen reigns

MISO RAMEN

Ingredients • 5 tbsp miso paste • 1.5 litres water • 2 tbsp soy sauce • 2.5cm piece of fresh ginger, grated • 12 shiitake mushrooms • 225g smoked tofu, cut into 4 slices • 2 tbsp liquid aminos • 250g soba noodles • 16 baby corn • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 8 baby pak choi • 200g beansprouts • 2 red chillies, finely sliced on an angle • 2 spring onions, finely sliced on an angle • 4 tbsp crispy seaweed • 2 tbsp black sesame seeds • 1 tbsp sesame oil

PEP UP YOUR MEALS

Chop, chop!

Serves 6-8

The peperonata brings a real freshness of flavour. It’s also an easy way of helping you reach your five-a-day

1 Place the miso, water, soy sauce, ginger and mushrooms in a large saucepan. Stir, then gently simmer for five minutes. 2 Place the smoked tofu in a bowl and soak on both sides in the liquid aminos. 3 Bring a pan of water to the boil and cook the soba noodles until tender.

TOM’S DINER

Fresh Start by Tom Kerridge is out now (£26, Bloomsbury Absolute)

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

4 Add the baby corn to the broth and cook for four minutes. Lift the tofu out of its bowl, shaking off any excess liquid aminos; save this. Cook the tofu in oil on a high heat for two-three minutes each side until browned. Add the reserved aminos to the pan and let it reduce to a glaze. Remove from the heat. 5 As soon as the soba noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water, then divide between four serving bowls. Add the pak choi to the broth and remove from the heat. 6 Divide the pak choi, baby corn and beansprouts between the bowls. Ladle over the broth and add the tofu. Garnish with red chillies, spring onions, crispy seaweed and sesame seeds. Drizzle with sesame oil and serve immediately.

CHOCOLATE BEETROOT CAKE

Nice slice

Ingredients • 25ml sunflower oil • 300g dark chocolate (70 per cent cocoa solids), broken into pieces • 300g raw beetroot, peeled • 4 large free-range eggs • 200g light muscovado sugar • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 150g wholemeal self-raising flour • 1 tsp baking powder • ½ tsp ground cardamom For the icing • 250g icing sugar • About 2½ tbsp milk • Reserved beetroot juice (from above) 1 Preheat the oven to 180°C/Fan 160°C/Gas 4. Lightly oil a 23cm round springform cake tin and line with baking parchment. 2 Melt the chocolate in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, making sure the base of the bowl doesn’t touch the water. Remove and leave to cool.

RED ALERT Red beetroot contains the cancer-fighting compound betacyanin*

3 Coarsely grate the beetroot, then squeeze in your hands over a bowl, to extract the juice. Save it.

Serves 12

4 Beat the eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla extract for three-five minutes, until thick and foamy. Sift the flour, baking powder and cardamom together over the mixture. Fold in gently until almost combined, then fold in the chocolate and grated beetroot. 5 Spoon the mixture into the tin and spread gently to level. Bake on the middle oven shelf for 45 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. 6 Mix the icing sugar with enough milk and beetroot juice to make a thin, blush pink icing. Save the rest of the juice. 7 Leave the cake in the tin for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool. 8 Using a palette knife, spread the icing on top of the cake and let it drip over the edges. Dip a pastry brush into the remaining beetroot juice and flick it over the icing to create a random pattern. Slice the cake and serve. B

sensory dining Forget your traditional sit-down dinner, says Stacey Smith. These multi-sensory experiences will make meal times much more memorable

LOST LAGOON

YAUATCHA CITY

Shepherd’s Bush

Soho

Built in the bowels of a shopping centre, Lost Lagoon is the world’s biggest underground boating lake. Stop off at islands to gather ingredients from buccaneers, before your final stop at the captain’s ship, where you’ll offer up the rum punch you’ve brewed. If the captain approves, access is granted to the ultimate party island, where you’ll tuck into a sensory dining experience themed around “reinventing the Jamaican patty”, while indulging in drinks from a “whirlpool” cocktail station lostlagoon.org

Yauatcha is paying homage to the year of the pig with a bespoke art installation. A series of abstract shapes made from red perspex and gold brass, the biomorphic pigs are suspended from the ceiling, slowly rotating, revealing a Chinese New Year-inspired pig when viewed at the perfect angle. It’s all accompanied by a limited edition eightcourse menu, featuring crispy monkfish cheek and Peking-style pulled pork, finished off with a mandarin matcha choux yauatcha.com

BA LA N CE. M ED I A February 2019

BIGGER THAN THE PLATE AT THE V&A Knightsbridge The V&A’s latest exhibition is an exploration of food and our relationship with it. Visitors are taken on a sensory journey through the food cycle via thoughtprovoking questions. Highlights include cheese made from human bacteria, and the ‘Sausage of the Future’ project, looking at a range of designs which could inform a more sustainable approach to eating protein 18 May – 20 October. Advance tickets £17 (£13 concessions). vam.ac.uk

*SOURCE: BBCGOODFOOD.COM

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Win with

Dr Hauschka is as good for the planet as it is for you

HOW TO E N T E R For your chance to win, head to balance.media/competitions and enter your name and email address. All competitions close on 11 March.

100 R EA D E R S WILL WI N A D R .H AUS C H KA C L EA N S IN G BU N D LE WO RT H OV E R £70 Launching in 1967, Dr Hauschka has created sustainable partnerships with their suppliers, and each of these products is formulated with 100 per cent natural and certified organic ingredients, free from synthetic fragrance, mineral oils, parabens and silicones.

AN ASTROLOGY READI NG AN D PERSONAL I SED STAR MAP Using your natal chart to understand the nature of people, places and things, Balance’s go-to astrologer, Francesca Oddie, identifies positions of planets to reveal profound insights and captures the essence of special people and places in a star map.

A PA I R O F VI P TI CKETS TO L I VE W EL L LO N DO N

A TWO -N I G H T S PA BR EA K FO R TWO I N DO R S ET

Worth £120, these VIP tickets give you access to over 60 sessions per day, including studios, workshops, talks, cooking demos and fast-track entry. Plus, receive a VIP goody bag on arrival including gifts, exclusive offers, a limited edition T-shirt and access to the VIP “Hygge” Lounge.

Experience the slow-paced Dorset lifestyle with this two-night break at the Christchurch Harbour Hotel & Spa, which includes treatments (including Harspa and Espa signature, facials and massages), and dinner on arrival night at either The Upper Deck or The Jetty. B

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

BALANCE PROMOTION

The art of SAVVY SNACKING Why itsu crispy seaweed thins are delicious, nutritious and great for on the go

nyone into wellness wants to know the top food trends. Well, one thing continues to dominate top 10 lists: seaweed snacks. And that’s no surprise. Take itsu crispy seaweed thins. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also incredibly nutritious. Indeed, if you’ve already enjoyed the range – which includes sea salt, sweet soy & sea salt and wasabi flavours - you’ll know how moreish they are. They’re naturally packed with essential nutrients, such as zinc, iron and vitamin B and what’s more, they contain iodine, a nutrient missing from most foods, and vital for both wellbeing and an effective metabolism.

NEAT WAY TO EAT The Japanese have mastered the art of healthy eating over thousands of years, and seaweed remains a culinary staple. It’s held in high regard and was even used to heal wounds as it was believed it soothed skin and prevented infection. These days in Japan, it’s eaten with almost every meal, and the craze is spreading worldwide. If you’ve never enjoyed seaweed before, itsu seaweed is

THE EXPERT

a great place to start. After being harvested from the sea, the seaweed is sprinkled with a pinch of salt (or seasoning) and then roasted twice to ensure the thins are crispy.

SNACK IN A BAG Fiona Lawson, nutritionist Fiona is a qualified Nutritional Therapist. Visit fionalawson.co.uk for more info

“It’s rare to find a food that’s both convenient and healthy. Whenever we fancy something crispy or salty, many reach for crisps. itsu crispy seaweed thins can satisfy a hankering for salt and also offer a host of nutrients”

BA LA BA NLA CE.NMCE EDJanuary I A February 20182019

You can enjoy the taste of itsu crispy seaweed thins at home or on the move – the small handy packs are the perfect fit for your gym bag or handbag. And, at less than 24 calories per pack, it’s a light yet nutritious bite that you can enjoy alongside or in-between meals. Full of goodness, low in calories and mouth-wateringly good! itsu crispy seaweed thins contain no nasties, plus they’re dairy-free, glutenfree and suitable for vegans. In fact, simply talking about them is making us hungry… itsu crispy seaweed thins (RRP £1 for single packs and £1.99 for multipacks) are available at Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Waitrose @itsulondon @ItsuOfficial @ itsuofficial

COLD RELIEF

The big freeze

Be smarter with the ice box in the kitchen and you could save cash by finding your heroes below zero

PRICE FREEZE If you’re looking to save some of that sweet, sweet money, frozen food is invariably cheaper than fresh food. And, as long as it’s been frozen immediately, there’s no reason why it would be anything other than good for you. It’s something to be mindful of if you’re still saving the pennies post-Christmas

PLAIN GAINS When freezing food, plain vegetables are recommended. That’s because nutrients can be locked in easily. Indeed, by flash-freezing vegetables upon harvesting, you keep nutrient levels at their highest. Crucially, plain vegetables contain no preservatives. With this in mind, try to avoid freezing anything that might have a sauce – the key is swerving sugar and syrup

F I S H Y FA C T

Frozen fish is often the best bet. ‘Fresh’ fish can take days to reach the shops, losing vital nutrients in transit

SEASONS GREETINGS

WORDS JAMES GILL IMAGE GETTY IMAGES

MIGHTY THAW When freezing fruit, divide it into small chunks. Say, just a couple of square inches. That’s because breaking up fruit pre-freeze makes it easier to separate – especially handy if you love blending. And, crucially, only let fruit thaw slightly – if fruit thaws completely, it can be too mushy. Smoothie fans will know that frozen berries make for a perfect drink

GREAT ALL-ROUNDER Just because a vegetable has been frozen doesn’t mean it loses any of its versatility; don’t automatically think you have to boil just because you’ve frozen vegetables. You can still grill, fry, bake or steam

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

If you only ever buy fresh, then your vegetables will invariably be seasonal. Take runner beans, which are typically an autumnal vegetable. Thanks to freezing, what were once seasonal vegetables suddenly become readily available whenever you like. Runner beans in February? Why, you’re a goshdarn maverick B

BALANCE PROMOTION

The great Michel Roux Jr reveals why we all need to welcome Skrei cod into our lives

What a catch!

hen it comes to outright food knowledge, Michel Roux Jr takes some beating. One of the most recognisable and respected chefs on the planet, he is the living embodiment of good health. At 58, he easily looks 10 years younger, and much of that is down to what he puts into his body. So, there’s no one better to talk with about the myriad benefits provided by Seafood From Norway – the purveyors of arguably the finest seafood around.

HOW DID YOUR LINK WITH NORWAY COME ABOUT? About five years ago, one of my suppliers came in with a big smile on his face and said, “Look at this cod!” It was a monster; a beautiful, glistening fresh fish, the like of which I hadn’t seen for years. Turned out it was a Skrei from Norway. I’ve been championing it ever since.

WHAT HELPS THEM PRODUCE THESE BEAUTIES? They call Skrei the “Miracle of the Sea”. They come from ultra-cold waters, and they’re a high-speed fish which travel thousands of miles, so they’re lean and mean with amazing muscle tone, like athletes. Skrei is a seasonal product, so you only have that two or three-month window when they migrate from the Barents Sea to the north coast of Norway. As a chef, it’s something very special.

WHY IS COD BENEFICIAL TO A HEALTHY DIET? It’s pure protein, clean and easily digestible. My pre-marathon meal was fresh fish. I recommend white fish due to the protein. It’s also incredibly versatile. You can take it in any form: it’s amazing to eat lightly cured and thinly sliced.

“SUPERFOOD” IS OVERUSED, BUT NOT WITH FISH... Absolutely! White fish is very lean protein, so those who want to cut back on certain elements of their diet, this is perfect. And because it’s so clean and fat-free, it means you can then be a bit naughty and maybe add a bit of sauce or cream.

THERE’S NO WAY YOU’RE 58! Ha! I don’t follow a set diet, and I exercise. I’d suggest physical exercise at least three times a week – something that gets the heart going. I do it for mental and physical health reasons. Phone off, BA LA N CE. M ED IA February 2019

on your own, no distractions. Even if you’re busy, there’s always a way.

WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR BUYING FISH? If it’s whole, the eyes should be bulging and glistening and the gills as red as possible. If not, the skin should be glistening and slimy. Fish should smell of the sea – but not fishy! Skrei cod has a tag on it. That’s an assurance of quality. Michel Roux Jr is an ambassador for Seafood From Norway. For more info, visit seafoodfromnorway.co.uk

@seafoodfromnorway @norwayseafood @norwayseafood

THE SEA WORD

A LITTLE KELP FROM YOUR FRIENDS

words L IBBY WI LLIAM S

Fruits de mer

illustration VICKI T U RNER

e all know eating green vegetables is good for our health, but what about sea greens? Chowing down on nutrient-loaded sea veggies offers multiple health benefits. They are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals and extremely versatile ingredients that can be easily incorporated into your favourite dishes, or simply taken as a supplement for a daily boost of super green goodness.

WAVES OF GOODNESS Full of vitamins A, C, E and K, along with folate, zinc, sodium, calcium and magnesium, seaweed is an extremely nutritious food source. Now available in a variety of forms including sheets, noodles, powders and flakes, as one of the few vegetables to contain vitamin B-12, it’s the perfect natural supplement for vegetarians and vegans to boost this essential vitamin. This super green veggie also contains the omega-3 fatty acids that are crucial to brain development, and have also been found to help prevent heart disease.

1. Sea Tangle Kelp Noodles £6.25 for 340g, Planet Organic

THINSPIRING SNACK

YOU CAN CALL ME AL Algae is a versatile and nutritious ingredient regularly used in green smoothies, protein bars, protein powders and supplements. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, introducing algae into your diet can have a number of benefits, including strengthening your immune system, improving eye health, and lowering the risk of heart disease.

THIS FOOD IS ON PHIRE 2. itsu crispy seaweed thins £1 for 5g, Tesco

BLAD TO HAVE MET YOU Most commonly ingested in supplement form, Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed that contains high levels of naturally occurring iodine, used to prevent and treat some thyroid disorders. Packed full of the minerals that are frequently lacking in modern diets, Bladderwrack is the perfect daily supplement to keep important nutrient levels topped up.

Kelp, a large type of seaweed that grows in shallow, clear and nutrient-rich waters, is best known for its high iodine content which has been found to aid brain and thyroid function and energy levels; it also enjoys the added bonus of maintaining healthy skin and hair. Rich in antioxidant vitamins and minerals, kelp also helps to combat stress and may even offer benefits to cardiovascular health while its high calcium content works to maintain strong bones and optimal muscle function.

Also known as sea asparagus, samphire is best served with fish or other seafoods and is a delicious way to get a dose of vitamin C and iron to help brighten skin and assist blood circulation. Due to its protein content, this green sea veggie also assists with the repair of worn out tissues, making it a great postworkout snack. B

3. Clearspring Japanese Green Nori Sprinkle £1.99 for 20g, Waitrose and Partners

Super sea greens Full of good stuff, seaweed, kelp and sea greens are perfect to boost your wellbeing February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

BALANCE PROMOTION

GIVE LIFE A

shake up

VITAL ING REDIENT Vitality is aimed at those looking to add fire to their belly, lead in their pencil and vim to their vigour. Combining pea, pumpkin seed and hemp protein with vanilla, matcha, spirulina and a vitamin and mineral blend results in a pleasing taste packing vitamin B12, iron, zinc and magnesium. Vitality is the ideal choice for anyone wanting to supplement a vegetarian or vegan diet. A recommended exercise to complement Vitality is breathwork, as well as an early morning plank.

bacteria to support an active immune system. Take that, change in temperature! It tastes delicious too, as it blends pea, pumpkin seed and rice protein with probiotics. A terrific regular exercise for the immune system is yoga – however, you must stick at it, rather than expecting a single class to make you feel invincible.

TURBO BOOST Finally there’s Energy, perfect for anyone who’s flagging. Cacao and maca make for a suitably energetic pairing alongside pea, pumpkin seed and rice protein and vitamin B complex. An accompanying 20-minute run is terrific for energy – but you have to work up a sweat. Whatever your lifestyle, it’s time to shake things up with Pulsin.

SHAKE , RAT T LE & ROLL

+ +

hen you’re trying to be healthy, a shake might not be the first thing you reach for. After all, most tend to come garnished with a burger and fries. However, Pulsin wouldn’t create such a drink – as proven by their new range of Supershakes. That’s because Pulsin makes premium natural products, which fit your lifestyle: in the gym, at home or on the go. Each shake has been lovingly created for health and fitness enthusiasts, as well as those following a plant-based diet and looking for a single, nutritional solution. What’s more, Pulsin has formulated each to match a specific function – Vitality, Immunity or Energy – meaning it’s easy to pick one that best suits your lifestyle.

Busy Londoner on a wellness kick? Pulsin’s Supershakes are a capital gain

VITALITY

If your brain could do with a sharpener, Vitality contains a boosting blend of vanilla and Matcha

ENERGY

Is there anyone in London who isn’t bushed? Then reach for this vitamin C and live bacteria combo

Photography: @romylondonuk

COLD R ELIEF Immunity is in huge demand, as busy Londoners look to dodge a fever as the seasons change. This red berry-flavoured shake packs a whopping 20g of complete plant-based protein per serving and has a perfect complex of vitamin C and live BA LA N CE. M ED IA February 2019

IMMUNITY

Suitable for vegans, so perfect for anyone whose Veganuary shows no sign of slowing down

UP TO SPEED

Pulsin Supershakes are quick and easy. Add water, shake and enjoy!

Supershakes are available at pulsin.co.uk, Whole Foods Market, AsÂ Nature Intended and Revital @pulsinhq @pulsinhq @pulsinhq

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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Grown-up

Getaway Enjoy a luxurious break that won’t cost the earth on the stunning Cornish coastline

The outdoor, cedar wood barrel sauna

AT A G LAN CE

Booking info Available between 31 January – 3 April 2019. Prices start from £440 per person based on two people sharing a Just Right room. To book, visit scarlethotel.co.uk/ love-yourself-break

s our car rounds the final bend, Mawgan Porth comes into view, blinding us with its Cornish beauty. I squeeze the leg of the driver (who also happens to be my boyfriend) with a sudden surge of excitement. The Scarlet’s enviable coastal location aside, we are here to take some time out and really focus on our relationship. This isn’t a ‘make or break’ holiday or a dirty weekend away, but a couple of nights to nurture the connection between us while also checking in with ourselves. At least that’s the idea. I’m equally excited to jump in the cliff side barrel hot tub.

MAKING SUSTAINABILITY SEXY Checking into our room, I’m drawn to the sea view which looks like an impressionist painting with its shifting shades of greys and blues. It’s hard to imagine anyone around here feeling

BA LA NCE. M ED I A February 2019

anything less than Zen and our tense argument over that wrong turn is soon forgotten. Eco has become such a buzzword of late, but this adults-only, luxury hotel has long been flying the flag for sustainability. You won’t find kettles or mini fridges in rooms (in order to reduce energy). Instead herbal teas will appear at your door after a quick phone call. The slippers are made from recycled plastic bottles (not that you’d know) and cloth bags are provided for us to take home our half-used bar of locally-made soap. Never has sustainability been quite so sexy. There’s no phone signal at The Scarlet which takes some getting used to, but means we soon stop refreshing Instagram and instead give our full attention to each other (and the cocktail list) over a lazy lunch.

BEYOND A BREAK

If the worst happens and you reach the end of the road, these magical places can begin the healing process

Freashrt St Above The spa’s cocoon-like pods Inset Breakfast in bed Below Yoga is an optional extra

WORDS: STACEY SMITH

COMPLETE RELAXATION One of the biggest draws of The Scarlet is its spa and as part of the Love Yourself package we are being treated to a very romantic copper tub experience, followed by a solo facial. They follow a holistic approach offering ayurvedic treatments, albeit with a Cornish twist. Soon we find ourselves in a tub big enough for two and, candles lit, we take it in turns to gently buff each other’s aches and pains away. After a heavenly facial I’m taken to the relaxation room where I’m tucked into a cocoon-like pod hanging from the ceiling. Having lost all track of time, I’m only stirred after a concerned boyfriend comes to find me. I’m glad he did because it would be a shame to waste my new luminous glow nestled away in the dark. I use my new found confidence to take a dip in the natural, reed-filtered outdoor pool. My screams pierce the air as I take the plunge – not relaxing but

certainly invigorating. Thankfully a barrel hot tub provides relief and with glass of champagne in hand, watching the sky turn pink as the sun goes down, there’s quite possibly nowhere that’s more romantic. A lot of your time at The Scarlet will be spent wrapped up in fluffy gowns, but if there’s one thing worth getting dressed for, it’s the five-course tasting menu from head chef, Mike Francis. Forget fancy foams and silly swirls – the restaurant utilises the exquisite local produce and turns it into the likes of Cornish crab risotto and venison ragu with saffron pappardelle; comfort food at its finest.

Europe

Marbella Club – Amanda Hamilton Wellbeing Retreat Any trip that kicks off with a welcome massage is all right by us. Yet it perfectly sets the tone for this Marbella retreat, which takes an inside-out approach to helping you deal with divorce. Nutrition is given paramount importance and you’ll enjoy gut-boosters, a balanced diet and a nutritional consultation. 27 February - 3 March 2019, from £1,530pp, healthandfitnesstravel.com

BLISSED-OUT LUXURY Breakfast at The Scarlet can be taken in the dining room, but as we are here for the lurrve, we decide to make the most of their breakfast-inbed policy and tuck into sunflower seed sourdough with homemade marmalade, freshly baked croissants and spiced cauliflower fritters topped with a fried egg. The breakfast menu changes daily, which makes us want to stay for another week. Feeling guilty that we’ve missed the complimentary yoga class, we pop along to a guided meditation session later in the day, keen to prolong our blissed-out state. In case you need any more convincing that the calming and reviving nature of the north Cornwall coast is the perfect place for a grownup getaway, we’ve already booked it for our mini-moon. B

Breakup Recovery Retreat, Ashdown Park Sara Davison - aka The Divorce Coach - has carved a canny niche when it comes to separations. Inspired by her own break-up, the life coach and NLP master practitioner leads this two-day workshop for the newly single. You’ll learn how to cope with negative emotions, plan your future and master divorce do’s and don’ts. Use the code MARCHRETREAT 2-3 March, from £699 (normally £899), saradavison.com

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

Rest of the World

Olive Retreat, Khao Tao Thailand What a way to sweep out the embers of a break-up. A stay with Olive Retreat is a trip to a jungle paradise and a world-class space for meditation. There’s yoga and pranayamas to help you embark on your journey of the self and dialogue sessions across a range of topics, as well as Prana Pods for helping you perfect sleep – which can be hard to come by in the midst of a divorce. From £640, oliveretreat.com

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W H AT ’ S O N

CULTURE ounter

February might be the shortest month, but it’s not short on top class entertainment

fits the bill How does lifelong underdog Bill Burr cope with being hailed the planet’s greatest stand-up? HUGE CONGRATULATIONS ON PLAYING THE ICONIC ROYAL ALBERT HALL… Thanks. I played there last June and as I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan, I wanted to play drums before the show in the empty arena, just to play drums where John Bonham played. The whole thing was an out-of-body experience. I’ve watched their Royal Albert Hall special more than any music thing ever. YOU’RE AN INSPIRING FIGURE, AS IT TOOK YOU A WHILE TO GET THAT BREAKTHROUGH. I’ve been going 27 years. I did a benefit show, one of those where there was music afterwards so the crowd was milling around. The opening act was great, but had a tough time. When he introduced me I walked on, leaned in and said, “I envy you” because his night was over! YOU WORKED HARD FOR YEARS BEFORE YOU FOUND SUCCESS, DIDN’T YOU? Hollywood wasn’t looking for a balding red head! I had plenty of time to develop. It makes me laugh when people say showbiz is unfair. Yes, welcome. It’s brutal. HOW DO YOU COPE WITH YOUR PEERS SAYING YOU’RE THE GREATEST COMIC EVER? Well, I don’t agree with it! There are so many people out there as funny, funnier or well on the way to passing me. The best guy I ever saw was Patrice O’Neal. I’m still not as good as he was. He still had another 80 per cent in the tank and made everyone better.

Bill Burr played the role of Patrick Kuby, one of Saul Goodman’s hired hands, in Breaking Bad. He impersonated an environmental officer to facilitate the sale of the A1A car wash to Walter White

WORDS JAMES GILL

ANOTHER COMEDY GREAT IS VINCE VAUGHN, WHO WORKS WITH YOU ON YOUR NETFLIX SHOW F IS FOR FAMILY. HOW WAS THAT? You know the lead guy in the Tour de France while the rest of the guys are in the peloton? That’s how fast his mind is. I’m going into a booth where I’ll improvise with Vince Vaughn. That’s what my life is: hanging out with people way more talented than me.

Bill Burr plays the Royal Albert Hall on 4 and 5 March. For more info, visit livenation.co.uk

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

CULTURE ounter

BOX-SET WORK-OUT

BA LA N CE

presents

The Umbrella Academy A family of superheroes reunite when their dad dies mysteriously. Ellen Page stars in this series created by My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way. Follow our workout and you’ll have super powers of your own.

SCRAP Move Whenever the family has an in-fight, do 10 lunges

TWIST Move Should one super-sibling hide a dark secret, it’s 10 sit-ups

AIRBORNE Move Bad guy sent flying? Ten star jumps, please

ACADEMY REWARDS

Dry Move Has Page cracked a sardonic one-liner? Plank for 20 seconds

Where Netflix

Time 10 episodes

Date From 15 February

FESTIVAL WITH A TWIST

screen time

LIVE WELL LONDON

CINEMA

ON DEMAND

TV SERIES

This touching true story about a family of British wrestlers with lofty ambitions will powerslam your heart – in the best way possible. Vince Vaughn steals the show as the man who can make or break careers, while star Florence Pugh shines. Cinemas nationwide from 1 March

How the heck did this not do better at the box office? Thankfully, you have the chance to right that wrong now that it’s on home ents as Damien Chazelle (La La Land) directs Ryan Gosling to one of his finest performances as Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. Stunning. On demand now

Italian crime saga Gomorrah is widely regarded as one of the best TV series of the past decade, and Sky is confident this can have a similar impact. The supernatural drama focuses on the impact felt by those who come into contact with a weeping statue of the Virgin Mary. Now on Sky Atlantic

FIGHTING WITH MY FAMILY

FIRST MAN

G RISIN STAR

Astrid S

THE NORSE CODE

Astrid S ( full surname Smeplass) provided backing vocals on Katy Perry’s 2017 song, Hey Hey Hey

THE MIRACLE

Our very own editor, Sophie Scott, is hosting two panels at this beloved wellness festival bringing health, fitness and wellbeing into everyday life. Across three days at beautiful Old Billingsgate in London, you’ll meet some of the brightest lights from fitness, food, business and beyond. And, as well as shopping and sampling, you can enjoy workshops, classes, talks and more for an experience that will stay with you. Sophie isn’t the only leading wellness figure in attendance. There’s Hollie Grant (The Model Method), Kristina Karlsson (founder of kikki.K), and Annie Clarke (@mind_body_bowl) taking a Balance yoga session, 11.30am-12.30pm on Sunday 3 March. As you can imagine, tickets are getting snapped up. We will see you there! Live Well London, 1-3 March, Old Billingsgate, livewelllondon.com

Rightly hailed as the best thing to come out of Norway since Ole Gunnar Solskjær, like the Manchester United caretaker boss, inspirational 22-year-old Astrid has made everything happen herself. Having placed fifth on Norwegian Pop Idol aged 16, she left school at 17 to focus on music. “I didn’t have a label and hadn’t released any music, so it was risky.” The gamble paid off: Astrid won Artist of the Year in 2018 and hasn’t looked back since, even supporting Years & Years last December. “Some of my most memorable shows have been in the UK. The fans really love music; that’s really cool.”

BA LA N CE. M ED I A February 2019

FREE TO EXPLORE

INNERGOOD PLACE InnerGood Place is perfect if you work in central London and want to inject positive vibes into the middle of your working week. Located at Regent’s Place, this one-day, free festival boasts classes, workshops and talks all around the world of wellbeing. The ideal pre-spring boost. InnerGood Place, Wednesday 20 February, 17-19 Triton Street, regentsplace.com/innergoodplace

BALANCE PROMOTION

A REASON

to smile

ew things make us as self-conscious as our teeth. After all, us Brits get a bad rap when it comes to dental hygiene. The constant jibes have, in turn, inspired us to up our game with regard to brushing and flossing. It still doesn’t mean we’re not sensitive about showing our teeth. And, when it comes to achieving that perfect, pearly grin, we invariably need a helping hand. What’s more, achieving long-term stability and dental health also requires expert assistance. It’s why Welcome Orthodontics with private clinics in both Harley Street and Hammersmith - remains so popular. Thanks to the highly-trained, award-winning specialist Dr Chaw Su Kyi, Welcome Orthodontics has become synonymous with dental excellence. Indeed, clients include high profile regulars, fellow dentists and their children, relapsed cases and those in need of proper care having been let down elsewhere. As Dr Kyi says, “Your teeth are for your life and you must ensure that they are looked after and treated in safe hands.” For anyone with crooked teeth, the process of moving them is complicated and requires an expert hand. And Dr Kyi adds: “Moving teeth is a serious undertaking as you are, in essence, risking the very health of your tooth. Why would you risk the health of your teeth?” The answer is you wouldn’t. Rest assured, you’re in safe hands when you’re assessed and treated by Dr Kyi, who carries out everything herself, rather than relying on assistants. When it comes to teeth correction, Dr Kyi favours Invisalign treatments, which are perfect for children and adults. Dr Kyi adds: “A removable brace treatment means you can maintain excellent brushing and enjoy healthy foods. Best of all, they’re virtually invisible.” With Welcome Orthodontics, you won’t just walk away smiling - you’ll be positively beaming. For more information, call 020 8222 8760, email info@wlco.co.uk or visit westlondonorthodontist.co.uk

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

Thanks to Welcome Orthodontics, you won’t be able to wipe that beautiful grin off your face

THE EXPERT About Dr Chaw Su Kyi London-based orthodontist who specialises in brace treatments. Dr Kyi has worked in both teaching hospitals and established her own private practice

Scent-sational

beauty EMP O WERIN G YO U T O LO OK & F EEL YO UR BE S T

Fall in love all over again with these subtle, yet sumptuous, fragrances words LIBBY WILLIAMS photography WILL IRELAND P URE GR AC E S P R AY F R AGR A N C E Clean and crisp water lily, leafy greens and frosted musk combine for the purest and most graceful of scents £35 for 2oz philosophy philosophyskincare.co.uk

BE L L A F RE UD P INK LO VIN G C A NDL E Love is in the air with the romantic and delicate notes of Tuberose Absolute, Amber Crystals and Sandalwood £48 for 190g, bellafreud.com

MORE BEAUTY SECRETS AT BALANCE.MEDIA

L E L A B O JA S MIN 17 S OL ID F R AGR A N C E A modern take on the classic jasmin scent, this clutch bagfriendly fragrance is perfect for a subtle mid date re-application £66 for 4g, lelabofragrances.com

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

H I R - S U T E S Y O U, S I R

Facial recognition Ignore the naysayers, beards are still on-trend for 2019

roject fear might be a phrase most of us associate with Brexit rather than beards, but make no mistake: there’s been a concerted effort by a coalition of ardent pognophobes to scare men off facial hair in the past few years. I’ve been writing about beards since they became a bona fide thing around 2013 and, despite numerous attempts by style pundits, scaremongers who say beards are filthier than toilet seats, and big bucks razor brands who’ve seen the bottom drop out of the shaving market (sales were down 5.1 per cent last year), facial hair remains defiantly on-trend for 2019. A survey conducted by grooming brand The Bluebeards Revenge revealed that a third of British men have resolved to grow facial hair in 2019. The main reason was to improve their chances of finding a new partner, or impressing an existing one. Beard styles are evolving. The full-on hipster, so often seen adjacent to a well-inked neck, is old hat, while sailor styles are slowly being replaced by neater, less bushy numbers like beardstaches (the moustache area is left longer than the rest of the beard) and the beard fade (where the fading techniques used to create a smooth transition between long and short hair are applied to the face). You can recreate this last style yourself at home by gradually reducing the length of your beard from the cheeks up to the sideburns and hairline and adjusting the guard length on

LEE KYNASTON

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

H A IRY I S S UE

Pogonophobia is an irrational, persistent and often baseless fear of beards, derived from the Greek words ‘pogon’ (beard) and ‘phobos’ (fear)

your beard trimmer. A gadget like the Philips OneBlade is great for removing stray hairs around the cheeks and adding definition around the beard boundary. A word about cleanliness, though: if you want to neutralise the ‘beards are just breeding grounds for bacteria’ argument, don’t just wash your beard thoroughly, but your hands, too. You can use a regular face wash, but products which contain conditioners like Bulldog’s Beard Shampoo will help keep your facial furniture soft. However, a couple of studies have discovered beards can contain traces of the microorganisms present in faecal matter (as can clean-shaven skin). But let’s not blame the beard here – if any nasties that belong in the toilet bowl find their way to your beard, it’s because someone didn’t wash their hands, right? Just saying… B

A CLOSE SHAV E

MAIN IMAGE: GETTY IMAGES

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February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

1.Remington Barba Lithium Beard Trimmer, £39.99 argos.co.uk 2. Bulldog 2 in1 Beard Shampoo and Conditioner, £6 for 200ml tesco.co.uk 3.Percy Nobleman Travel Tin, £16.99 percynobleman.com 4. Mo Bros Wooden Grooming Beard

Comb, £5 mobros.co.uk 5. Green People For Men No4 Taming Beard Oil, £17.50 for 30ml greenpeople.co.uk VISIT BALANCE.MEDIA TO GROOM WELL

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TA K E T H E P L U N G E

Super soakers

Far from being “just” a way to cleanse the body, taking a bath can herald a host of health and wellbeing benefits if you splash out

un-down? Chilled to the bone? Exhausted? One easy and accessible remedy is a bath. With health treatments becoming prohibitively expensive, wellness journalist Suzanne Duckett penned Bathe: The Art of Finding Rest, Relaxation and Rejuvenation in a Busy World. This cites studies that prove bathing can lower blood pressure and blood sugar, improve sleep, boost circulation and heart health, balance hormone levels, reduce inflammation and ward off infections. One of the most interesting observations from Yale University showed “many of us take warm baths to consciously eliminate feelings of being alone. The greater the feelings of loneliness, the longer we stay in the bath and the hotter the temperature. Scientists concluded the association between warmth and comfort is hardwired in our brains in infancy, explaining why we seek solace in hot drinks and soup.”

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

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Salts of the

earth

BATHED IN SUCCESS It’s not just the internal processes triggered by bathing that are beneficial, either; natural bath additives are skin conditioning. Suzanne prefers essential oils as they are such “miraculous mood alterers.” We also think Cleopatra had the right idea with milk – we just prefer the vegan kind. The Nourishing Coconut Milk Bath from Āman is pretty steep, but it’s the closest most of us can get to the ultra-luxe Amanpulo or Amankila spa experience. It contains Himalayan salt, copper, vitamins and minerals and has a heavenly jasmine scent. Pink Himalayan salt (which originates in Pakistan) is highly prized, yet local alternatives have a smaller footprint and are considered just as effective. Philip Tanswell from the Cornish Sea Salt Company says, “salt has been shown to have anti-viral, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory benefits. As the skin is a semi-permeable membrane, the benefit is not only on the

Quick on the draw

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❹ 1. Almond Milk Bath Soak, £25 for 320g sisterandcoskinfood. co.uk 2. Softening Bath Milk Oil, £19 for 250ml ameliorate.com 3. Bath Salts, £22 for 400g livingseatherapy.co.uk 4. Relax + Recover Bath Salts, £20 for 250g islaapothecary.com 5. Nourishing Coconut Milk Bath, £85 for 160g shop.aman.com

skin, it’s in the skin.” The Lizard Peninsula, where they harvest the salt and seaweed that go into Living Sea Therapy bath salts, enjoys high levels of unique minerals. For anyone suffering with dry or itchy skin, oats are wonderful. The Softening Bath Milk Oil by Ameliorate contains colloidal oats and targets Keratosis pilaris – that unwanted bumpy skin on the back of the arms. Alternatively, put a few scoops of oats in a sock and hold over the tap to enhance your bath. The festive season leaves us all drained. The next time you need to be comforted, energised or uplifted, bathe in all your glory. B

February 2019 BA LA N CE. M ED I A

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How to deliver under fire by James Brabazon

A BIT ABOUT ME I am a filmmaker, journalist and author, often reporting from areas of conflict. The inspiration for my new thriller, The Break Line, is the relationship between fathers and sons and how men relate to each other. As someone who’s worked in and experienced war zones, I’ll be sharing my tips to cope when the pressure’s really on.

INSTINCTS TO ACT UPON

QUESTION AUTHORITY

EXPERIENCE

My favourite quote is from author Douglas Adams, who said, ‘’I love deadlines. I love the whooshing noise they make as they go by.” Lesson one about delivering under pressure: do not accept other people’s timetables without questioning them. It may well be that you need to deliver on a certain date and time and that is an absolute, categorical imperative. But quite often, deadlines are totally arbitrary and understanding when you really need to deliver something is important, because it helps you to plan properly.

I’ve been doing this for 20 years, so experience helps. In 2015, I filmed the Siege of Kobanî, in Syria. On re-entering Turkey, I made sure our female translator wasn’t carrying the video, and stuffed it in my bag. First thing the Turkish troops did? Searched her…

GUTS

RESOLVE THE CORE Don’t get distracted. What is the thing you must do? That’s the thing you need to concentrate on, the thing you have to do. All the other stuff, the little things, they may not be perfect, they may be incomplete, they may need to be polished. But if you have successfully done the one thing upon which everything else depends, then you’ll be able to finish and deliver. People get sidelined by trivial things. Resolve the core and everything else flows from that.

ALWAYS BELIEVE Have confidence in your ability. Whether it’s to use the tools of your trade, a pattern of behaviour you’re relying on, or a physical or mental skill you might possess for delivering under pressure – believe.

THERE IS NO ‘PERFECT’ Practise doesn’t make perfect; practise makes possible. Accept what you are doing is never going to be technically perfect. But you are always moving towards the point of perfection. That’s the key thing. Your delivery under pressure is a journey which changes and improves over time. B

The Break Line by James Brabazon is out now (Penguin Paperback, £7.99)

Gut instinct saved my life countless times. Baghdad, 2005: I was in an alley and it didn’t feel right. I was asked if I wanted to take the top or bottom tunnel. I chose bottom. The top one was hit by a bomb

INNER ‘VOICE’

The outcome

You’ll reach a point at which you simply don’t deliver. A failure like this could really damage people, but you need to know failure treated in the right way will make you stronger. There will be a new day, and another chance to have a go at the thing you didn’t succeed at first time

BA LA N CE. M ED I A February 2019

You have to listen to the voice. In China, it’s Dao, in Christian tradition, The Holy Spirit. Open your ears and you open your eyes; you’ll hear and you’ll see. It can make the difference between succeeding and failing – or living and dying