The Healthy Snacks and Wellness Hot List for February 2018
Jodie Brandman BSc, DipION, mBANT is a nutritional therapist based in London. Her specialties include female health and digestion, using functional medicine & DNA testing to support clients on the path to optimal wellbeing. This month she gives us the low-down on her top healthy snack wellness finds:
What’s the Deal with Activated Charcoal?
Activated charcoal has been used for thousands of years in Eastern and Western medicine, yet thanks to teeth whitening selfies and black latte art, we’re starting to see a lot more of this magical ingredient! Activated charcoal is totally different to what you would find on a BBQ, and is made by burning wood or coconut shells, which create tiny, negatively charged pores. These pores then attract and trap positively charged toxins and heavy metals, helping to remove them from the body. Whilst the jury is a little bit out on the effectiveness of this black powder, studies have shown that it can be fantastic at reducing gas, and could even protect against cardiovascular issues. Some companies are even looking at this ingredient as the antidote to our polluted London air!
My favourite charcoal products: Activated charcoal deodorant from Native Unearthed, and Mini Mighty Me from Purearth.
A New Restaurant, Created Especially for Gut Nourishment!
High Mood Food is an amazing new café designed by Masterchef contestant and veggie lover Joey O’Hare. After running many successful supper clubs and a gorgeous pop-up in Chelsea this summer, a permanent location has just opened in Marylebone, boasting mouth- watering recipes for all your digestive needs! From activated sprouts on sourdough, to a build-your-own fermented bowl of goodness, this café is a game changer amongst the London food offerings! In their own words the café is a celebration of natural, fermented, and living food… which is exactly what the world needs!
Find High Mood Food at 25 Duke St, Marylebone, W1U 1LD
Why Period Tracking Apps Are Your New Best Friend
Period tracking apps are my new favourite tool with clients, and something that I wish every female had on their phone. Gone are the days of questioning your moods, bloated-ness, energy levels and lower twinges, there are now amazing apps that tell you exactly where you are in your cycle, why you may be experiencing certain symptoms and how you can adjust yourself accordingly. With much more awareness of the dangers of hormonal contraceptives, these apps are also a great way of learning when you’re most fertile and when you’re not, so you can get to know your body without any nasty side effects. Not only that, but some apps even have food and lifestyle recommendations for each stage of the cycle, so you can nourish yourself appropriately along the way!
My favourite app is MyFLO by hormone guru Alisa Vitti; and for tracking fertile (or non-fertile) signs, Natural Cycles is great!
Jodie Brandman BSc, DipION, mBANT
Nutritional Therapist specialising in female health
@jodiebrandman
www.jodiebrandman.com
