July Wellbeing Recommendations

Gliding into a plastic-free summer of lovely Love Islands, a return to travel and reports of Monkey Pox, this month’s wellbeing recommendations centre around remaining immune to misinformation, with our list of recommended resources for healthier horizons.

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Recommended Read

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When it comes to mental health and wellbeing, there’s a lot of focus on the mind, meditation and movement. However as a holistic system, our minds also neurologically extend to our hearts and intestinal tracts. Gut: The Inside Story of Our Most Underrated Organ is a fascinating exploration into the microorganisms that make us whole.

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Scientists still know very little about how the gut and its delicate balance of microflora actually work. In Gut, author Giulia Enders shows that rather than the utilitarian and somewhat embarrassing body part we imagine it to be, it is one of the most complex, important, and even miraculous parts of our anatomy. And scientists are only just discovering quite how much it has to offer; new research shows that gut bacteria can play a role in everything from obesity and allergies to Alzheimer’s.

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Beginning with the personal experience of illness that inspired her research, and going on to explain everything from the basics of nutrient absorption to the latest science linking bowel bacteria with depression, Enders has written an entertaining, informative health handbook. Gut definitely shows that we can all benefit from getting to know the wondrous world of our inner workings.

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In this charming book, young scientist Giulia Enders takes us on a fascinating tour of our insides. Her message is simple - if we treat our gut well, it will treat us well in return. So how do we go with our gut instincts? And why do we need to? Find out in this surprising, and surprisingly funny, exploration of the most misunderstood of our organs!

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Purposeful Podcasting

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Hosted by Dr. Andrew Huberman, The Huberman Lab Podcast discusses science and science-based tools for everyday life, with new episodes released every Monday, so that you can start your week right. Dr Huberman was an assistant professor of neurobiology and neuroscience at University of California. His lab pioneered using genetic tools to study the visual system function, development and disease.

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We recommend The Huberman Lab podcast because it makes it much easier to access scientific knowledge, distilling complex topics into informative and bite-sized chunks. You don't need a rocket-science degree or any understanding of complicated scientific theory; with this channel serving up essential facts for you and your health

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Positively-Impactful Product

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One of the key barriers to health in the modern Western diet is the over-processing of food and a lack of fibre. More informed and sustainable lifestyle choices are part of the solution, but even a simple daily swap or addition can go a long way!

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For example adding something like Teff to your daily food or drink in-take can make it much more nutritious. Also known as lovegrass, Teff is naturally low in sodium, making it a heart-healthy choice for people with high blood pressure or other cardiovascular risk factors.

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A single serving of teff contains 69% of your daily recommended value for magnesium, a mineral essential for healthy function of the muscular, nervous, and cardiovascular systems. The seed of change - this grain has a very mild, nutty flavour and packs a serious nutritional punch. You can purchase a sustainably sourced tub from companies such as The Happy Tummy Co.

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Virtuous Visits

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Get double the dose of therapy this summer with Pets Yoga. They aim to combine the relaxation virtues of yoga and play with our furry friends. As a company that are passionate about pets, mental and physical wellbeing, they created and introduced the concept to the UK in 2018, and have been growing strong ever since.

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All of their pets are invited to classes through reputable breeders or charities. They come from their loving family home for a play day and come back home after the day - as simple as a puppy (kitten/bunny) day care. They are invited to sessions at the age of 8 to 13 weeks old, which also offers them the chance to learn how to socialise with people in a relaxing environment - an activity that is beneficial to their development.

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Rewarding Recipes

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When it comes to the functionality of food, you can really make every ingredient count. This Banana Chia Scramble with Teff mixes high fibre foods with fermented foods and enough dietary protein to keep you in good gut health. Ideal for quick healthy breakfasts and lunches, it can get you through those summer travels by keeping immunity strong, your gut health singing and your muscles in good nick from however you choose to stay active!

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Ingredients

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• 3 organic medium eggs whisked
• 1 large banana mashed
• 2 heaped tablespoons of organic Chia Seeds
• Freshly ground Black Pepper and Sea Salt
• Organic Coconut Oil (or any fat you like to scramble in)
• Bottle Brush Ferments ( you can use the yellow one and the purple one - or any kraut you like)
• Organic Buckwheat Groats
• Organic Pumpkin Seeds
• Watercress
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Teff Grain soaked in Probiotic Yoghurt
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Method To The Madness

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1. Whisk the eggs in a bowl and then add in the mashed banana, chia seeds, salt and pepper to your liking and give the mixture a good stir.
2. To your frying pan add a little coconut oil (or other fat) and bring up to high heat.
3. Add the mixture to the pan and then reduce the heat to a medium level.
4. Allow the mixture to cook on one side for about 2 - 3 minutes before you go turning it and stirring it to make sure all the egg gets cooked thoroughly.
5. Once the eggs look cooked and there's some light brown colour in a lot of places you can switch off the heat.
6. In a dry pan, dry pan fry the buckwheat groats and pumpkin seeds for about 5 minutes until they've popped and have changed colour. Just be careful not to burn them. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer into a bowl if you've made enough to last you a few days.
7. Break two handfuls of washed watercress with your hands and place in a serving bowl. Drizzle a little olive oil over the watercress and sprinkle with some salt and pepper.
8. Spoon your scramble on top of the leaves. Then drop a tablespoon of each kraut on top of the scramble. Scatter the buckwheat groats and pumpkin seeds on top and finish by spooning 1 - 2 large tablespoons of yoghurt soaked teff on top (this is simply brown teff grain mixed with yoghurt soaked in the fridge overnight).
9. Drizzle with Tahini to taste, and serve!
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