Natural Mumma Magazine January 2019 by T5 Publications

Issue Eighteen January 2019

TakingCare CareOf OfYourself, Yourself,Your Your Tribe Taking And Our Our World... World... And

THE VEGAN ISSUE Cruelty Free Living For Veganuary And Beyond

NMM January 2019

Never Miss A Thing... For all the best in: · ethical fashion · natural skincare and beauty · health and wellbeing · parenting and motherhood · healthy living and good eating · ecology and conservation · conscious lifestyle choices

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TakingCare CareOf OfYourself, Yourself,Your Your Tribe Taking And Our Our World... World... And

Taking Care Of Yourself, Your Tribe And Our World

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Issue Eight March 2018

Issue Seven February 2018

Issue Five December 2017

Getting Ready For The New Season

Gifts Of Love, Made With Feeling

Under Cover Expert

Chic & Sustainable Partywear

Luxurious Lingerie Laid Bare

Winter Holidays Unwrapped

Ethically Engaged

Exploring Ethical Tourism & Travel

The True Cost Of Gold

Not Just A Pretty Face Season’s Best Eco Makeup

The Mane Event

Toxin Free Hairstyling

Sowing Organic NMM December 2017

NMM February 2018

Digging Deep For Pesticide Free Produce

Flower Of The Frock NMM March 2018 Floral Fashion For Spring

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January 2019 NMM

Welcome To Natural Mumma Magazine Contents 4

Soy Story It’s vegan but is it cruelty free?

Cruelty Free Beauty Our pick of the kindest products for skin and hair

More Compassion Will Make Your New Year Happier by Sian Conway of #EthicalHour

Dressed To Kill Vegan friendly fabrics

Sanctua We speak to Bindu Patel, top vegan chef

Natural Mumma Makes... Fragrant Golden Milk Contact: holly@naturalmumma.com Photo by Gerard Hughes

Holly wears linen dress by Dorcas Dress Project. Make up by Axiology, Hiro, Seren and Talyah.

o kick off the new year, this issue honours and celebrates the idea of Veganuary (using this month to adhere to a completely dairy free diet and lifestyle). For many people, the additional buzz around veganism helps them to find plenty of ideas, support and encouragement to make changes that they may choose to take beyond this month. In this issue we uncover whether soybeans truly are a cruelty free option and look into sustainable vegan fabrics. We chatted with Michelin chef Bindu Patel just

before the opening of her exciting new restaurant venture and we tried our hand at creating one of her recipes. Our regular columnist, Sian Conway of #EthicalHour talks about new year’s resolutions and how to make a difference with changes that you can really sustain. We tried and tested a fantastic array of cruelty free beauty products and are feeling all pampered and revived after a very joyful and celebratory Christmas time. We’ve discovered lots of wonderful vegan brands for you to explore and learn about. We’ll be back next month with our ‘Stripped Bare’ issue and our Green Wedding Guide is out later this month, if you are looking for some eco inspiration for your own big day. NMM January 2019

SOY

STORY With soybean production causing destruction to the habitat of thousands of animals, we ask is soy really cruelty free?

oy milk, soy flour, tofu, tempeh... with 36g of protein in 100g of raw soybeans (the same amount in an equal quantity of lean beef) it is no wonder that so many vegans include soy products in their diets. Whether you are a longterm vegan or just taking the month to explore vegan options and rethink your consumption, if you are looking to make more ethical choices then it takes far more than simply eliminating dairy products from your diet. Soy has received a lot of bad press, as its farming methods have come into question but is it as bad as we are led to believe? Quite simply, soybeans can provide a healthy amount of protein and fibre which is essential to any diet. Eating soy will always be far more environmentally friendly than eating meat but as a global commodity crop it can leave a devastating environmental footprint. Like anything, it is wise to consider where it comes from and not to assume that just because something is cruelty free that it is ethically sourced.

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In recent years, soy production has become synonymous with deforestation and many vegans are finding themselves accused of planetary damage due to their eating habits. It is true that growing soybeans has quite an impact on our environment, but the story isn’t all that straightforward. Europe imports 39m tonnes of soy each year, but out of this 90 per cent is destined for animal feed. Beef farming is responsible for the majority of soybean use around the world. It takes 8-16 lbs of soybeans to produce just a single lb of beef. 6-7 per cent of soy produced is used for biofuel. Every year 1 to 2 million hectares of the South American rainforests are destroyed. This leads to the extinction of numerous rare animals and plants. Of course, soy plantations are not the only cause of this deforestation. In fact, over the last 30 years animal farming has been the largest cause of deforestation, with soy as the second largest cause. Five times as much soy is needed to produce a beef burger,

than the amount needed to produce a soy burger. Meaning that the meat industry is causing far more damage than soy farming for meat alternatives. In fact, only 3-4 per cent of the soya cultivation in South America is used to make soy products. Most of the soy that is grown in South America is genetically modified, and is only used in Europe as animal feed. In Europe, brands are legally required to state on the packet if their product contains GMO soy. As this is not the case in the United States, much of the South American grown soy ends up in American food. There are enough brands out there who are transparent about where their soy comes from. Popular brand, Alpro state that most of their soy is grown in Canada and the EU for instance. In 1997, heat tolerant varieties of soybeans were introduced, which caused a surge in soybean production. Brazil contains around 30 per cent of the Earth’s remaining tropical rainforest, and the Amazon Basin produces around 20 per cent of the Earth’s

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oxygen – putting into perspective just how vital it is that we take care of this precious forest. Sadly almost 20 per cent of the Amazon rainforest has been lost to deforestation and in the next two decades, scientists predict that 40 per cent of it will be destroyed and a further 20 per cent degraded. At this stage it is likely that the remaining trees will dry out turning the land into a desert, as it produces half of its own rainfall through the moisture that it releases into the atmosphere. As well as the deforestation, industrial soybean crops require large quantities of acidneutralizing lime, synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides which all contribute to creating an environmental hazard. Toxic chemicals from soy production contaminate forests, leak poison into the rivers, destroy wildlife and cause birth defects

January 2019 NMM

in humans. This destruction isn’t limited to the Amazon, it occurs throughout the world wherever soybeans are produced. Over two thirds of the soybeans grown worldwide (and 80 per cent of those grown in the US) are genetically modified so that they can withstand the effects of the herbicide glyphosate (usually sold under the trade name Roundup). The residue levels of the final harvested crops greatly exceed what was until very recently the allowable legal limit. The FDA chose to triple the limit on residues of glyphosate that can remain on a crop in order to make it commercially viable. This change led scientists to conclude that the FDA give corporate interest higher priority than public safety, making many individuals challenge their habits on blindly relying on the FDA. Glyphosate is highly toxic and

officially classified as a probable carcinogen, it is detected in most of the world’s water supply and in the bloodstream of the majority of Americans. What you can do is take responsibility for your own soy consumption. There is a useful scorecard for products published by the US Cornucopia Institute (cornucopia.org) that helps you to make more ethical choices when it comes to buying soy products. They discovered that “natural” soy products are often processed using hexane (a neurotoxic petrochemical solvent), so it really does pay to go organic. What you should be looking for is GM free produce that is not extracted from rainforest regions and is grown as part of a crop rotation system. Provamel are one of the brands who are able to make these assurances. Producing soybeans is often

a wasteful process, as much of the crop is disposed of. The oil is extracted and the husk is discarded. When you are looking into soybean manufacturers, you need to look out for those who make use of the whole bean and avoid use of additives. All of this leads to the reputation that soybeans have of being perhaps the most environmentally offensive agricultural crop in the world. Soybean oil can be easily replaced with more ecologically sound alternatives such as coconut or olive oil which are also healthier. There are also plenty of other protein rich alternatives to meat that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t add to deforestation. Take care where you source your food from and always be sure to ask questions about the environmental impact of the food that you eat, because vegan doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always mean ethical.

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Natural Mumma Loves... Apotheca

Apotheca’s products are formulated using a variety of 100 per cent natural ingredients, including plant seed oils, beeswax, essential oils and floral waters, which have been carefully selected for their beneficial properties and active ingredients. All of their products are made in small batches in the UK, using sustainably sourced ingredients from renewable sources. www.apothecalondon.com

Holly Botanic

Holly Botanic has created a range of natural, handmade products for health and wellbeing including herbal tisanes, balms and oils. Her Gift Sets come in various sizes and with prices starting at just £5, they are ideal for everyone; family, friends, or treat yourself! Available here: www.supplementplace.co.uk

Purepotions

Purepotions are experts in natural skincare solutions, with a range of extraordinarily effective emollients for sensitive or eczemaprone skin. Their award winning Skin Salvation is rich in hemp and free from perfumes, parabens and petrochemicals, and an amazing 99 per cent of people say Skin Salvation doesn’t sting on application - great news for parents of itchy little kids! Use code MUMMAS25 for 25 per cent off your purchase at purepotions.co.uk

WHY Do I Have To Sleep? Signe Rhode is the Danish best selling author of ‘WHY do I have to sleep?’ a meditation book for children telling the story of a child who doesn’t want to go to bed but slowly opens up to wanting to sleep while his mother shares with him the importance of sleeping at night. http://liftupyourchild.com

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Ecoright

Ecoright is a startup focused on reducing the use of single use plastic bags by providing quirky, fun and affordable bags made of natural and biodegradable materials like cotton, jute, recycled cotton and juton. All of their bags are eco friendly and the smart designs give out a crisp clear message of saving our planet from the abuse of plastic. www.ecorightbags.com

Ethical WARES Ethical WARES is a family run, exclusively vegan, mail order business offering an extensive range of leather free footwear and accessories. Having just celebrated their 25th anniversary year, they are one of the innovators in supplying breathable, long lasting footwear that is as comfortable to wear as leather – without the inherent cruelty associated with wearing animal skins. www.ethicalwares.com

Origins of Beauty

You can be sure to find some amazing vegan beauty products at Origins of Beauty ‘Guilt Free Beauty and Wellbeing’. They are an online boutique for the conscious consumer. For ethical and eco conscious beauty, skincare and wellbeing products that are free from chemicals and harmful ingredients celebrate Veganuary with Origins of Beauty! www.originsofbeauty.com

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Cruelty Free Beaut Our pick of the kindest treats for your skin and hair

Tabitha James Kraan Clean Shampoo and Conditioner

This 100 per cent natural, SLS and paraben free haircare range not only smells divine with extracts of organic essential oil of rose, patchouli and ylang ylang but it also feeds and nourishes your hair as it detoxes leaving you with soft, smooth and shiny locks.

NARLOA Mandarin Cleansing Oil

Lovingly made in the UK in small batches, everything from NARLOA is gentle, natural and effective. This cleansing oil smells delightfully invigorating, which adds to the wonderful ritual of a morning facial massage. It leaves your skin beautifully soft and radiant.

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LouLouBelle Body Oil and Facial Oil

This Watermelon & Cucumber Facial Oil instantly plumps and hydrates the skin, leaving it smooth, protected and glowing with health. The White Thyme & Lemon Body Oil uplifts and detoxes while aiding circulation, resulting in wonderfully nourished skin.

Land of The Pines Facial & Body Bar

This Lavender & Peppermint soap bar has an invigorating fragrance that will add calmness and clarity to your shower. Handcrafted using goat milk and a variety of rich natural oils your skin is left enriched, soothed and gently cleansed.

Green People Gentle Cleanse & Vita Min Fix

Green Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gentle Cleanse & Make-Up Remover is the gentlest way to remove stubborn makeup while purifying and nourishing the skin. The Vita Min Fix 24 Hour Cream is enriched with age reversing properties as it enriches and beautifies the skin.

Nourish Repair Mask

This Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask is the ideal way to revive and refresh tired skin. Rich in nutrients and brimming with hydrating properties, this mask can deliver nourished skin in five minutes or can be applied overnight for an intense and luxurious treat.

White Rabbit Serum and Cleansing Balm

This rich cleansing balm is the perfect way to remove makeup and daily grime, with the cleansing and clarifying benefits of rosemary, lavender and eucalyptus. The luxurious Olive & Avocado Cell Renewal Serum rejuvenates and deeply hydrates the skin for healthy radiance.

Axiology Natural Lipstick in Bonafide

Axiology offers some of the most stylish packaging around, as well as the most striking colours. This opaque, creamy lipcolour is enriched with natural ingredients to give you the smoothest lips with enduring powerful colour in an exquisite shade of bright honeysuckle.

Jo Wood Organics Amka Body Oil

A fusion of rose otto, neroli and bergamot this exotic and enchanting body oil softens, protects against free radical damage and helps collagen to form due to the potent natural ingredients. With stylish bottles and a beautiful array of scents, the whole range is stunning and inviting. NMM January 2019

by Sian Conway, Founder #EthicalHour

More compassion

ove them or hate them, New Year’s resolutions are everywhere at the moment. For many the turn of the calendar may bring a welcome fresh start, while for others it might just be business as usual. Whether you’re in camp #NewYearNewMe or not, it can be a valuable time for reflection before everyone gets back from the holidays and our inboxes and notifications start to fill up again. In an attempt to improve their health and well-being or to adopt a more ethical lifestyle, thousands will take on the Veganuary challenge this month, adopting a vegan diet for 31 days - and maybe longer if they enjoy it. The promise of a new year brings the chance to try a new lifestyle on for size. Back in my days as a fast fashion addict, I’d be hitting the sales right about now and stuffing my increasingly full wardrobe with even more clothes I’d likely never wear. The mindless spending would come with promises to myself of a more healthy lifestyle, and extreme changes (like the year I tried to give up carbs then went out for pizza on my birthday - at the start of January!) As I made the move into more ethical living, I allowed myself the space to reflect on why I felt the need to constantly buy new clothes and chase trends. I realised that my over-consumption was a ‘temporary high’ - making me feel good for a little while, then sending me off to the shops again. I’ve heard many people in the ethical community talk about this and it sounds like a cliche - but you can’t buy happiness.

it’s easier to form lasting habits if you do it gradually - it’s also kinder on yourself too. Your New Year’s Resolutions don’t have to be ‘all or nothing’ - it could be one simple swap, or the first step on a long journey. Back in January 2017 my New Year’s Resolution was to make the switch to 100 per cent cruelty-free beauty, and to be honest, I’m still not entirely there. Along the way I’ve discovered some amazing cruelty-free brands, and I’ve stopped buying a lot of products and just not replaced them. There’s a few staples in my beauty bag that I can’t find replacements for, so my journey continues - I’m ok with that. In January 2018, I realised that even the switches I had made are still packaged in plastic, so a whole new goal presented itself and it felt like I was starting from scratch. It was easy to beat myself up and feel down about having to start again, but when I reflected on how much progress I’d already made, I knew I could do it. I decided to embrace the time it would take - after all, this is a lifestyle change - not a quick fix I’m planning to drop later on. Ethical and sustainable living isn’t always easy - but guilt, comparison and beating yourself up for “not being ethical enough” isn’t productive at all. Instead, try to embrace the journey and celebrate the small steps you take along the way, and if possible, make self compassion your resolution for 2019 and beyond. Twitter: @EthicalHour and @SianEConway Instagram: @EthicalHour

will make your new year

HAPPIER

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In a way, New Year’s Resolutions are the same. For some the switch to veganism will be a lasting change, but for many, Veganuary won’t last. That’s not to say it’s not a valuable and important thing to try, but as with many resolutions, you may begin with the best intentions - until you get busy and the novelty of the fresh start wears off. Then old habits start to creep back in and your big changes fall by the wayside - leaving you feeling guilty for not accomplishing your goals. For me, the problem with New Year’s Resolutions is this ‘all or nothing’ approach. One of the nicest things about the vegan movement is the compassion shown to animals - but when it comes to our own goals, we’re often not all that compassionate to ourselves. More than a quarter of UK adults admit to feeling the need to exaggerate their environmental credentials to alleviate “green guilt” because they feel they’re not doing enough. At this time of year, when the winter blues might be setting in anyway, it’s too easy to fall into the comparison trap when you’re watching everyone’s highlights on social media. Especially if you feel you’re not keeping up with your own goals. I often talk about taking small steps to ethical living because

Natural Mumma Baby Book Offer This gentle guide starts with planning your pregnancy and then takes you on a week-by-week journey through a holistic and healthy pregnancy, an active birth and the precious early months of being a parent. With chapters dedicated to caring for a newborn and looking after yourself both before and after birth, it offers personal insight, instruction and advice from Holly and Samantha who specialize in pregnancy yoga, massage and active birth. The Natural Baby covers all you need to know before, during and after your pregnancy: *how to prepare for pregnancy *a week-by-week description of your baby’s growth *exercise and complementary therapies *natural remedies *how to have an amazing birth experience *tips on breastfeeding The Natural Baby A gentle guide to conception, pregnancy, birth & beyond *naturally nutritious weaning Samantha Quinn & Holly Daffurn (Green Books, 2017)

SPECIAL NATURAL MUMMA OFFER: £10 (including postage) (RRP £14.99) https://naturalmumma.com

Next Month In

Natural Mumma

The Naked Truth

Transparency of production methods in the fashion industry

Made For Each Other The most seductive and beautiful ethical lingerie

Bare Faced

Natural makeup looks using the most gentle of products NATURAL MUMMA MAGAZINE ISSUE 19 AVAILABLE FROM 1 FEBRUARY 2019

*home-made organic beauty preparations for the mother *delicious and healthy recipes for before, during and after pregnancy

Natural Mumma Magazine January 2019

NMM Team Editor: Holly Daffurn

holly@naturalmumma.com

Creative: Gerard Hughes mail@gerardhughes.co.uk

Cover Image by Gerard Hughes www.naturalmumma.com Natural Mumma Magazine

is produced by T5 Publications. Contents may not be reproduced, stored or distributed in any form without prior written permission. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure all information contained in this magazine is accurate but the publishers can accept no responsibiilty for effects arising therefrom. All rights reserved. We receive compensation for all products featured on the ‘Natural Mumma Loves...’ pages as well as several of the other brands mentioned in the magazine. We only work with companies whose ethos reflects the intention of this publication. All of the written content is copyright Natural Mumma Magazine (unless stated otherwise) and full rights to this material belongs to Natural Mumma Magazine (or any other named authors).

Natural Mumma Loves...

Pip Box

Limited Edition Cruelty Free Beauty Kit In partnership with Cruelty Free International and their Leaping Bunny Programme. Introducing you to 11 beauty brands, with 11 beauty treats! Proudly donating 25 per cent of profits made from their limited edition beauty kit to Cruelty Free International to help end animal testing globally This January, award-winning beauty subscription box The Pip Box and leading animal protection organisation Cruelty Free International will launch a limited-edition cruelty free starter kit full of Leaping Bunny certified beauty products and an exclusive guide full of hints and tips for shopping ethical beauty in 2019. The idea behind the collaboration is to encourage more people to make the switch to cruelty free beauty, showing them how easy it is to do and at the same time to harness the power of consumers to show decision makers and industry that people want to see change. The Cruelty Free International Leaping Bunny certification is the best assurance that a brand has done everything it can to be cruelty free against animal testing. Animal lovers and cruelty free supporters will be able to order their limited edition boxes online from www.thepipbox.co.uk

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Pure Lakes

Natural, luxurious and effective skincare All of their skincare products, including the facial creams and oils, use the best and most effective plant-derived ingredients. These include Rosehip Seed, Jojoba, Hyaluronic acid, Kiwi Seed, Raspberry Seed, Moringa, Sea Buckthorn, Carrot Seed, Frankincense, Avocado, Shea Butter, Sweet Almond and Coconut Butter.

Some of their products are almost entirely organic and where at all possible they try to use organic ingredients. Find out more about what goes into their products here. Their products are made using the best and most effective natural skincare ingredients available. They are nutrient dense with an array of vitamins and omega oils. All of the Pure Lakes products are expertly created and made in their workshop. None of their products contain synthetic ingredients, parabens or SLS and they never test on animals. Shop the Pure Lakes skin care range here: www.purelakes.co.uk

DRESSED TO

KILL Take Veganuary a step further and opt for a cruelty free wardrobe in addition to an animal free diet The focus on Veganuary seems to be on adopting a vegan diet. The hope is that this month of avoiding animal produce in your diet could lead to a whole new lifestyle or at least limit some of the environmental impact of carnivorous eating. If you really want to make an impact (or are thinking of taking the cruelty free lifestyle beyond this month) then you’ll want to consider the fabrics that you wear. Adopting a vegan lifestyle needs to involve more than dietary choices. Cruelty free choices aren’t always the most sustainable, so here is an overview of some of the most popular vegan materials than are also ethical and sustainable.

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Organic cotton No nasty chemicals and no damage to the ecosystem. Most producers of organic cotton are also careful to use less water and to improve soil quality. The environmental benefits don’t stop at production, clothes made from organic cotton are also more ecologically sound to care for than wool as they dry faster and are easier to clean. Organic cotton is breathable, durable, lightweight and feels beautifully soft on the skin. The lack of chemicals make it ideal for the whole family. Knitted cotton is a great alternative to woolen knitwear.

Coconut fibre (Nullarbor) Biomaterial technology company Nanollose has very recently created a fabric made from sustainable coconut waste. This new breakthrough material means that no trees are being cut down. The Australian brand’s tree free rayon fibre can be used in exactly the same way as more conventional (and less ecologically kind) alternatives. This revolutionary fabric only takes 18 days to produce and uses very little land, water or energy. Microbial bacteria naturally ferments liquid food waste into cellulose, which is then converted into Nullarbor. Nanollose are looking to significantly increase

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the production of the fabric within the next three to six months, to ensure that they meet the demand for commercial quantities from fashion brands. Linen Linen has a beautiful look to it but also benefits from becoming softer and stronger through use, making it a great sustainable fabric. Linen requires fewer pesticides and fertilisers than other crops, and dries quickly making it easy and green to care for. Linen also benefits from being recyclable and biodegradable. Ensure you buy linen that uses natural dyes and is free from synthetic coatings for a chemical free experience.

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Seaweed Seaweed textile fibres help to control humidity by keeping you cool in the summer months and helping you to stay warm in the winter. Like most natural fibres, seaweed is breathable and suitable for even the most sensitive skin. In fact, it purportedly soothes itchiness, detoxifies the body, helps with cell regeneration and re-mineralizes the skin. SeaCell is one of the most well known types of seaweed fibre and is formed from brown algae.

Wood Lyocell is the term given to fabric that is fashioned from wood pulp in an environmentally friendly process that reuses processing chemicals. Lyocell drapes beautifully and has a pleasing softness. It can mimic silk, as well as fabrics such as moleskin, wool, suede and leather, depending on how it is washed, dyed and woven.

rPET Recycled polyethylene terephthalate or rPET is also frequently known simply as recycled polyester as is formed from plastic soda and water bottles. It creates a beautifully soft fibre that can be woven in an ethical alternative to wool that also provides great insulation. Because of the damage microfibres can cause to our ecosystems there is some controversy concerning the use of rPET. If you favour the idea of recycling, you may prefer to reuse a recycled wool jumper or opt for something vintage.

What to avoid If you are opting for a vegan wardrobe, then you’ll want to avoid leather, suede, fur, wool, silk, cashmere, alligator skin, snakeskin and kangaroo skin. If you are choosing to lead a vegan lifestyle purely because you don’t wish to harm animals, then you may be happy choosing fabrics with dubious manufacturing processes. If you are interested in wearing fabrics with a small carbon footprint and low environmental impact then you’ll want to avoid the following fabrics which may well be vegan, but are certainly not environmentally friendly – faux leather, polyurethane, viscose, nylon, polyester and acrylic. Greener options include mushroom leather, pineapple leather, hemp and bamboo. There are plenty of brands out there who are renowned for

offering good quality ethical, vegan clothing. Finding animal free products isn’t too hard, but you may wish to do your research and find out more about the brand. Are you looking for a company who exclusively sells vegan clothing and accessories? Some items may be made from a cruelty free fabric but may feature small non vegan elements. Brands that feature the PETA Approved Vegan logo on their packaging have been recognised by PETA and have signed their statement of assurance to ensure that they are completely vegan and that each aspect of the manufacturing process adheres to cruelty free practices. So whether you are new to dairy free or have long been living the vegan life, there are plenty of wonderful green options out there that are just as kind to animals as they are to the planet at large.

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SANCT We spoke to Michelin trained chef Bindu Patel ahead of the opening of her plant-based restaurant, Sanctua, in Leicester in January Which dish on your menu are you most excited about? There are numerous dishes that I truly enjoy making, but one of my favourites is the creamy coconut, ginger, chilli and lime sorbet with toasted coconut, coconut palm (not to be confused with palm oil) and shiso sugar and salted coconut caramel. Your restaurant isn’t just for vegans, it is for everyone who enjoys great food. Do you hope that it will help people to rethink their views on a dairy free diet? I think, generally, that vegan options have been really boring and samey. That’s given vegan food a really bad press. I want to provide exciting vegan, plantbased dishes for those following not just vegan diets but those wanting say a meat free day. For most vegans, the biggest things they missed when becoming vegan is cheese and milk. I think for those who are lactose intolerant or don’t want dairy in their diets, wholesome alternatives can really make the transition easier towards a more plant-based diet. Do you have any tips for people who are looking to adopt a plantbased diet? I think food should be an adventure. The biggest way forward is to not feel like you are depriving yourself of anything. If you really enjoy the food, you’re 20 January 2019 NMM

more likely to stick to a plantbased diet. A tip is to all your favourite meals, finding new ways to make them plant based. Variety is key. Try something new as often as possible. Using ‘wonky’ fruit and vegetables is a great way to eliminate food waste. Does it make presentation more difficult or are people embracing the idea? Personally, I really love interesting shaped vegetables and I think they are naturally beautiful, nutritious and a fun way to convince children to eat fruit and vegetables too. I think it is such a shameful travesty that there is so much food waste, when so many people are struggling to put food on the table because of ridiculous notions that a vegetable should “look” a certain way, dressed up in absurd fancy plastic packaging. Your dishes are inspired by a variety of different cultures. What part has your own heritage played in this? Did being raised in such a multicultural city as Leicester help to introduce you to new cuisine? All of my dishes are inspired by my heritage, Leicester and my journey through life. My father was born in Kenya and my mother was born in Malaysia. Having an Indian background and being born and raised in Leicester is so inspiring. Especially where food is concerned. There is so much choice and local fresh produce available locally. Being so spoiled

from a young age with such an amazing plethora of different ingredients on my doorstep really encouraged me to try new things. What are your earlier food memories? When I was a child at 10 or 11 years old, I remember questioning where my food came from. In the ‘90s, vegan choices were so incredibly difficult to get hold of. Being naturally inquisitive really what stirred my passion for food. Being a vegan child, getting home from school and making a snack, I was always trying to make new dishes to make food interesting. I also remember always reading the backs of packages and still have this habit today, looking at ingredients and learning about things like palm oil, hydrogenated vegetable fats and Mono Sodium Glutamate and it really shaped the way I looked at food. What inspired you to become a chef? I was involved in farming as a teenager and my grandfather and father owned coffee farms in Kenya and India, so farming and food have always been in my blood. My surname, Patel, means landowner or farmer. Farming is inherent in my upbringing and has been for generations, on both sides of my family. Being Asian and having enjoyed different dishes from around the world, has meant food is as fundamental part of my life. Any celebration or occasion

TUA

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means another excuse to have large gatherings and banquets of food. Even daily dinners can be elaborate affairs in our home. Each dish adheres to Ayurvedic principles. What are the health and taste benefits of this? Most authentic, traditional Indian dishes naturally have ancient Ayurvedic qualities. It’s not the same as the food you would get in a typical Indian restaurant. Gujarat food is predominantly Hindu and vegetarian. Food is significantly lighter, easier to digest and carefully balanced both in nutrients and spices for health and nutritional benefits. Spices such as cancer fighting turmeric, cumin for digestion and even chilli are employed for their medicinal qualities. Certain foods are not paired with each other, because of the way they would react within the gut, or the different rates at which they are digested. Do you enjoy cooking at home? I love cooking everything for everyone! I’m constantly in the kitchen. It has always been my most favourite place in the house. What are your thoughts on Veganuary?

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Veganuary is a wonderful way to start the new year. What could be better than fresh, detoxing fruit and veg to kick start the year. I prefer to use seasonal produce. Options in January can be limited, but the mushrooms, apples, root veg, celeriac, brassicas and squash are just so fantastic at the moment. Pulses and legumes are great all year round Leicester is a great place to source ingredients from a variety of different cultures. Do you have any advice for people who don’t have such a wealth of resources on their doorstep? Grow your own! I love growing my own chillies and vegetables at home and you don’t need a big space to do it. Even just fresh herbs grown on a windowsill can really make such a big difference to food. One of my favourite plants is the wonderful curry leaf (sweet neem) tree in my kitchen. Just brushing past every day releases its wonderful fragrant aroma. There is nothing more rewarding and exciting than going out into the garden, picking blackberries, apples and pears off of my trees in Autumn. Most ingredients can now be easily sourced online or at most

supermarkets. Most cities and even rural areas have local Caribbean/Asian supermarkets and shops now, where beautiful, surprising and incredibly fascinating ingredients can be found. What can people expect when they come to visit Sanctua? Sanctua is going to be a Sanctuary - a small escape. I want people to enjoy the sensory experience of eating a garden in a garden. Quite literally - with sounds, sights and smells of flowers, nature and plants. During trial food tastings, I was surprising to find that a lot of people were so averse to eating wild, foraged food and particularly edible flowers, which are so incredibly delicious, pretty and they have tastes just like salads and fruit. I think it’s tragic that many people, especially children rarely have the opportunity to learn where exactly food comes from, what it should look and taste like and to be close to nature anymore. I believe it is vitally important to teach children how to cook, as it forms their eating habits as adults. Busy, isolated lives, supermarket plastic packaged ready meals and modern technology have

completely removed us from what we essentially are, social human beings. I strongly believe that being so far from nature, flora and fauna and eating less natural, plant-based diets has caused a myriad of health problems like diabetes, cancers, depression and obesity and huge damage to our environment. With Sanctua, I want to offer people the opportunity to try new fresh ingredients in a lush, fresh environment. We also have kept all dĂŠcor vegan and as plastic free as possible, so no plastic containers, straws, cutlery, etc. We will be using recycled glass, and reclaimed wood. Our stylish bar which was upcycled using reclaimed timber. We aim to keep waste as much as possible to a minimum. Is there anything else youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to tell us about? I read Law at university and live with 3 rescued dogs, an adopted cat and two rescued rabbits who will be making the most out of ny clean vegetable scraps left over at Sanctua. Sanctua Restaurant, 29 London Road, Oadby, Leicester LE2 5DL www.sanctua.co.uk @Sanctua1 NMM January 2019

You Will Need: “...It is a famous Indian dish given to newly weds, as part of their wedding feast...”

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600ml Almond milk (or 400ml mixed with 200ml oat milk or coconut milk for a fuller, creamier taste) ½ tsp green cardamom powder Pinch black pepper powder ½ tsp ginger powder (or add 1 inch of fresh grated ginger to the milk before heating) ½ tsp nutmeg ¼ tsp turmeric powder 2 cloves 1 inch cinnamon stick 5 strands of saffron (too much saffron can create an acrid taste) 1 tsp rose water ½ tsp vanilla extract 1-2 tsp coconut palm sugar (to taste) A pinch of good quality sea salt flakes Green skinless pistachios 1 tsp (take an extra 2-3 to cut in slivers or to grate on top depending on texture preference) Toasted flaked almonds approximately ½ tsp to be grated or left whole to decorate Pinch of dried rose petals (optional decoration only)

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GOLDEN MILK D

elicious and fragrant vegan rose, almond and pistachio golden milk This recipe is by Bindu Patel, chef-owner of Sanctua Restaurant. It is a famous Indian dish given to newly weds, as part of their wedding feast, because of its aphrodisiac properties. This drink can be enjoyed warm or chilled. This golden milk is just one of the delicious treats that you can enjoy at Sanctua. Although Bindu’s cooking draws its inspiration from the best of several cuisines from across the globe, it embraces Ayurvedic principles from the earliest Brahman traditions of Hinduism. Ayurvedic cooking, where food is viewed as medicine. It Is not just about balancing foods’ tastes and textures – it is about knowing which food combinations can cause indigestion and bloating – because different foods

digest at differing rates. Overcooking through deepfrying and burning is believed to not only kills its ‘spirit’, but also the taste.This delicious and fragrant drink not only tastes delicious but it also is packed full of health benefits as well as being low in calories. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant that can help ease inflammation and nutritionally rich pistachios add flavour as well as looking great against the crushed fragrant rose petals. Once viewed as offering tasteless, bland ‘rabbit food’ for cranks and weirdos, veganism is now seen as mainstream with supermarkets devoting whole aisles to non-animal produce and many restaurants reporting that over a quarter of orders are for plantbased dishes.Meat-free Mondaysare now common place and‘Veganuary’, as part of a New Year detox, grows in popularity each year. NMM September 2018

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In a pestle and mortar or grinder, add and gently crush together the cardamom, pepper, ginger powder, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon stick, pistachios, turmeric and saffron strands. Keep a good pinch of the ground spice mix aside in a bowl and add the rest of the spice mixture to a heavy based milk pan. Gently warm the spices for Â˝ -1 minute on the lowest heat to release the oils which will help infuse and release their perfume scent into the milk but be very careful not to burn the spices!

Now add the almond milk or milk mixtures if combining with another milk. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using grated fresh ginger instead, add it to the milk now.

January 2019 NMM

Add the rose water, vanilla extract, coconut sugar and sea salt and gently heat but do not boil for 2-3 minutes and whisk whilst heating for a frothy top. If wanting to drink the golden milk chilled, allow to cool in the pan, then refrigerate within an hour. Using a strainer, gently pour into a tall latte cup or mug.

Just before serving, grate on or sprinkle the toasted almond flakes and extra pistachios. Sprinkle on top the pinch of spice mix you kept back and crumble over the dried rose petals.

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Coconut Palm Sugar Coconut palm sugar is the result of boiling and dehydrating the sap of the coconut palm. It contains some trace nutrients and will have less impact on your blood sugar than most other sweeteners. Health benefits include traces of vitamin C, potassium, phosphorous, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron and copper. The United Nationsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Food and Agriculture Organization named coconut palm sugar the most sustainable sweetener in the world in 2014. This is due to the small amounts of water and fuel that the trees require to grow. Coconut palm sugar contains no artificial ingredients or chemical additives, so is a great alternative to refined sugar. It tastes more like brown sugar than coconut, but has a subtle earthy taste that works especially well with recipes that include spice and chocolate.

Natural Mumma YouTube Channel You can find plenty more recipes on the Natural Mumma YouTube channel www.youtube.com/naturalmumma

NMM January 2019

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January 2019 NMM