To quote Julie Andrews, these are a few of my favourite things! I thought I would add a page that may be a useful resource if you’re looking for tried and trusted products or foodie bits.
Gut Health
I’m loving Myota fibre blends at the moment. I have tried A LOT of fibre products over the past 10 years, and I often recommend people add extra fibre into the diet. Many fibre powders can be quite grainy and ‘bitty’ and tickle your throat when they go down. Some of them can be downright expensive, and some add sugar or sweeteners to make them more palatable. The advantage of the Myota blends is they are a fine powder so no bits to tickle, no additives and easy to stir into water, or add to anything really, porridge, smoothies, soups. I take mine in water or a smoothie at breakfast. Remember to go low and slow with fibre and build up gently, making sure you increase your water too!
The Zoe app launched late last year. Having been through the program I do think it’s really good. You can see how well your body responds to foods via some at home muffin eating, blood and stool testing. This lets you know your personal blood sugar and fat responses, and your distribution of and diversity of gut flora. It’s not diagnostic testing, and if you have gut issues or blood sugar issues I highly recommend working with a professional who can help you in a more personalised way. But for exploring your health and if you like apps (the recipes and challenges are nice) it’s good. It is expensive though.
Probiotics
I absolutely love Bath Culture House. They do a range of really yummy sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, and dairy free cultured cheeses. I loved the Brussels sprout kimchi and their taster trio. So good.
There are literally so many supplements to choose from, it’s usually best to have an appointment so I can recommend a strain specific one for your and your health goal or issue. However basic ones I like are Protexin Biokult, Optibac Everyday Extra and Cytoplan’s Women’s Biotic. All available direct or through Natural Dispensary.
Gluten Free
I definitely don’t think everyone needs to avoid gluten, and many people do so actually have a FODMAP issue – I digress, but should you need to eat gluten free the absolute best gluten free breads (and I’ve tried so many) are from My Gluten Free Bakery. They toast beautifully and I keep well in the freezer, or last for a few days fresh. Pay the extra and get the sliced, it’s so much easier. Hot buttered toast can be yours again! Just be mindful of blood sugar spikes with gluten free grains, so try and get some protein on!
Pasta can also be yours again, I really love ZenB pasta. It’s made from yellow split peas, and they do a variety of pasta shapes – spaghetti, fusilli, penne, macaroni. I’m waiting for a lasagne sheet! The advantage to these is that they are gluten free, but are also very high fibre and high protein so shouldn’t spike your blood sugar like normal pasta or rice/corn based gluten free versions.
Dairy Free
My all time favourite brand for dairy free milks has to be Plenish. They are brilliant because they don’t add lots of stabilisers and additives, of which many are not gut friendly. You can get them online and also in larger Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and Tesco stores.
Engevita nutritional yeast flakes help make a good “cheesy’ flavour sauce, added to cashews and blended down. There are a few nut cheeses out there and my favourite is Palace Culture. Not super easy to source outside of London, but have a look at their stockists list.
Low FODMAP
I really like Bay’s Kitchen who do a range of sauces as well as stocks that are all certified low FODMAP and can lead to a much easier time when following a low FODMAP diet. I also came across the Field Doctors range of low FODMAP ready meals. So handy to keep in the freezer or take to a friends if away for a weekend, even if they are a little pricey.
Low Carb
Mrs P’s low carb kitchen has a wonderful low carb baking e book to make breads, cakes, muffins, pizza base and more. She also sells a low carb bread mix (not gluten free) and porridge mix to make life a little easier.
Speedy Meals
I love Stocked foods. I always have them in the freezer for quick meals or lunches. You warm the blocks up straight from frozen, I add a handful of extra veg e.g. frozen spinach, peppers or some leftover dinner veg and add a packet of pre cooked rice or quinoa and viola, a fast and tasty meal. They do a many gluten and dairy free options, and lots of vegan ones.
Protein Powders
Handy for smoothies and adding to porridge to boost protein levels, my new obsession is with Hermosa protein powder. They do both whey and vegan ones and both are super super smooth (no grainy texture) and no digestive problems. I also will always love Nuzest pea protein due to the range of flavours and that it doesn’t trigger digestive issues. Nuzest is also available on Natural Dispensary.
Helpful Stockists
You can’t beat Field & Flower for quality, high welfare, grass fed meat where they pay farmers fairly. We get a meat box once a month and it’s brilliant for Christmas turkeys and more special cuts.
Riverford do my favourite veg boxes, and I do think they are good value. I tend to get the best of British one for local, seasonal produce.
Personal Care
Ladies if you haven’t tried period pants yet you are seriously missing out! Modi bodi are so good! Comfy and so much better for the environment. Once you try them you won’t go back I promise!
It’s taken me so long to realise I have mild reactions to perfume, I feel like an idiot. I love fragrance but the rashes and cough I get just aren’t worth the daily spritz of perfume. I have moved over to this cool necklace, Perfino, and I add some quality essential oils. It does mean I can mix things up a bit too. Is it a lime or bergamot type of morning? In the evening for a meal out do I fancy some Jasmine? It allows you to get really creative and it looks pretty.
I’ve also discovered Get Fussy for natural and recyclable deodorants. They do a subscription which you can pause or cancel, and really nice natural aluminium free smells (and a non scented one). Handy to have one that’s better for the planet and works really well.
Alcohol Free
If you’re doing dry January, or just looking to cut down I highly rate Dash drinks (sparkling water with a hint of fruit). I also like Three Spirit drinks you can mix with some tonic or sparkling water for an alcohol free tipple. My favourite though is Non Such drinks, particularly the bittersweet apple and cardamon one. Amazing with sparkling water.
