There’s nothing quite like a warm, moist slice of banana bread with your afternoon tea; it’s truly one of the most wholesome comfort foods out there. This gluten-free banana bread recipe adds a healthier twist to the classic banana loaf. It’s low in carbs and sugar, can be adapted for vegans and is suitable for most people with gluten intolerance. It’s also really easy to make, and the result is a scrumptious, nutrient-rich loaf of goodness.

Bread might be an everyday staple for many of us, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be an experimental, exciting and adventurous dish. A simple step like adding your favourite mixed fruits and nuts can transform a “plain Jane” loaf into something really special. Plus it adds a wealth of vitamins, minerals and even protein, making your bread more nutritionally balanced. We’ve got two delicious fruity, nutty bread recipes to share with you – whether you prefer the convenience of a bread-maker, or want to try your hand at a homemade artisan loaf. Both are really wholesome and tasty, great with a variety of toppings and so satisfying for cold winter days. Give them a whirl and please share your results with us!

Toners are probably one of the most misunderstood items on the recommended beauty routine. In the past toners would have a strong alcohol base and be used to help maintain a PH balance and remove additional dirt from your face that your cleanser was not able to – keeping your skin squeaky clean on the hand and crying for moisture on the other. These days natural tones are actually created to be very hydrating and contain ingredients to further treat and soothe the skin. Compare your skin to a sponge – if you had to add a rich oily serum to a dry sponge not much would be absorbed. However if you misted your sponge with a lovely refreshing toner. It would absorb more of the oil, and when we say that toners prepare the skin for your moisturizer, this is what we mean.

We all know how great we feel after a good night’s sleep – but many of us find a night of quality shut-eye is hard to come by. If you’ve been struggling with insomnia, you’ll be pleased to know there are plenty of natural alternatives to sleeping pills; these remedies will soon have your sleeping patterns back on track. Plus there are so many simple healthy habits you can adopt to make counting sheep a thing of the past!

The gut is an extremely complex and intelligent creature that thrives on balance. It is like a universe in itself, home to more bacteria and strains of yeast than you could ever try count and when these beneficial bacteria in the digestive track get out of balance, problems begin. In particular, the nastiest of invaders are parasites. They can enter the body through food, drink, contact with animals or infected person, or even just skin contact, and parasite infections can last for years. Parasites are extremely sneaky little invaders too – symptoms of their presence can be counter-intuitive and thus many problems caused by parasites are treated incorrectly, and thus poor health persists.

Creamy avocado, fresh tangy citrus and lush leafy greens – there’s so much gorgeous seasonal produce available in winter, we have no excuse for letting our healthy eating habits slide! A metabolism boosting salad makes a delicious, filling dish, and helps to keep those extra pounds off during the wintery months. Check out these 2 mouth-watering winter salad recipes, packed with metabolism boosting and immune strengthening fruits and veggies.

Nothing beats snuggling up with a cup of organic hot chocolate on a chilly winter evening; raw chocolate (cacao) is a delicious mood-booster that’s packed full of nutrients and antioxidants. And when you add cacao to your winter beauty routine, you’ll enjoy all those lovely health benefits outside as well as inside.

Pamper yourself with one of these chocolatey winter beauty treats, and enjoy some truly sweet skincare benefits:

What you eat is just as critical as how much you eat. When it comes to losing body fat, not all calories are created equal.  The calories that should really be getting your attention are those that are nutrient-dense; these will provide your body with the energy it needs and allow it to burn energy from fat stores. Nutritionally sparse food on the other hand can cause the body to store extra energy from food as fat. Plus, as amazing as it may seem, it is possible to boost your metabolism and get some extra help with-fat burning with certain foods and spices. Nature really is like a living library, you just need to know how to read it!