Enter, KIN. KIN add probiotics (good gut bacteria) and fibre to their WHEY-LESS protein powder range which makes it much gentler on the stomach, and thus easier to digest. It’s rare that I am truly taken by a product but I have been genuinely impressed by their product range.

Taste and Texture

I have been through my fair share of powdery and gritty protein powders that were full of artificial sweeteners and tasted nothing like they said they would. It is therefore SO refreshing to find a product that delivers on both taste and texture. When it comes to mixing protein powders with just water, texture is right up there on my importance list and I doubt you will find a smoother blend than this one (I’ve mixed with water in a shaker bottle, and with my nutribullet).

My personal favourite is the WHEY-LESS Choc Mint because it actually tastes like mint choc chip ice cream, which is pure heaven. Not only that, it contains 125 calories, 23g of protein and only 4.7g of carbohydrates (of which 0.2 g are sugars). This is perfect to hit your protein requirements without adding excessive carbohydrates.

If you’re on the hunt for a new protein powder, especially if you have struggled to digest one before, I couldn’t recommend KIN enough.

The post Product Review – KIN WHEY-LESS Protein Powder appeared first on Neema Savvides | Fertility Nutrition.

The New Year is the perfect time to start afresh, especially with your eating habits that may have gone slightly awry over the last few weeks.

It’s always such an excessive time isn’t? There’s no other season that makes it ok to stuff your face. But that’s life, and it’s always about balance, so I hope you’ve had a good time doing it!

That said, it’s always nice to get back on track as there’s only so much one can consume in those quantities, so if you’re feeling the after effects of the festive season (I know I am!) then a few simple changes can really help you to feel back to your perky best.

This isn’t about making drastic changes, although if that’s what you fancy, then go for it.  This is more of a quick way to help your body cut down on any excesses, aid detoxification, reduce any sluggishness and to give you more energy.

1. Sip smart

Swap your morning latte for a cup of antioxidant rich green tea, a cup of hot water with lemon or a green juice/smoothie.

Whilst caffeine can give you a superficial boost, it actually places a stress on your system leaving you feeling drained and craving more caffeine for another boost of energy.

It’s a vicious circle. Hot water and lemon is a common cleanser, and a green juice is packed full of nutritious vegetables, helping to restore diminished nutrient stores.

Dehydration is likely so remember to keep sipping on water throughout the day.

2.  Reduce your sugar intake

Alcohol, cakes, chocolate, mince pies…  December is packed full of them and eventually they will zap your energy (as well as becoming addictive).

You need to come off this sugar rollercoaster by cutting these out.  Your digestive system, skin and energy levels will thank you.

3. Think clean, lean and green

Tis the season of heavy, rich and unprocessed foods.  Give your body a break by avoiding these (including red meat and wheat) and stick to whole, natural and unprocessed foods.

Smoothies like this and soups are a great alternative to heavy meals and provide your body with a much needed nutritional boost.

Alternatively, lean meats, poultry, fish, leafy green vegetables, brown rice and quinoa are always a good bet.

4. Stick to 3 meals a day plus 1 snack

Eating constantly throughout the day with little break places a HUGE burden on the digestive system.

If you are constantly metabolising food it leaves little time for any other essential functions like detoxifying, cleansing, recovery and repair.

Sticking to a schedule of three meals plus a snack or two allows your body to be able to fully digest your food and concentrate on the other important functions as well as healing.

5. Move your body

This doesn’t have to be a super intense workout (although it won’t hurt if you’re up to it!), as your body might require something a bit more gentle, but anything to get the heart pumping, muscles moving and blood really circulating.

Sometimes moving in a restorative way like yoga, hiking or cycling means you’re able to release tension from your body in more restorative way, aiding recovery and repair.

6. Sleep well and often

It’s likely you’ve been burning the candle at both ends and the cost of this is always sleep.  Even if you have been sleeping longer hours, consuming alcohol means that the quality of your sleep is compromised.

Get to bed earlier, switch off from technology and get some much needed R&R.

The post 6 Quick Detox Tips appeared first on Neema Savvides | Fertility Nutrition.

With this tin in hand you can pretty much cook any Indian dish.  Now, there are a host of different dishes and cultures within India, and my experience lies with Gujurati dishes. This is what I know and what I’ve been taught from my mama (if you have any issues – please take these up with her directly :-)), so this is what you’ll be getting today.

I must say this post is proving a joy to write.  It’s funny how you can ‘know’ something in a certain language, but when it comes to the English translation it throws you a little.  You see, I’ve been taught the names of these spices in Gujurati, so the English translation, whilst I know it, takes just that little bit more effort to recall  (*cue various WhatsApp message to the mother and Googling*).  There’s also the added pressure of actually being Indian, so there’s not a lot of room for error.

The Indianos are also big believers in the healing power of foods, so I’ll give as much information as I can on the health benefits of these spices.

I digress.  Get these spices, and the dabba and you’ll be good to go forth and conquer the curry.  I say curry, but that’s not what we refer to our dishes as – there’s a lot more to it than that.  Not having a moan #JustSaying

The essentials:

1. Salt.

Easy peasy. A globally used and accepted site.

2. Black mustard seeds (Rai)

Used mostly in Gujurati cooking, mustard seeds, er taste of mustard, and give a tangy flavour to dishes.  These go especially well with lentil dishes.

3. Cumin seeds (Jeeru)

Famous for its warm, earthy flavour, heating these seeds brings out the oils from within, adding to the flavour of the dish.  This is why at the beginning of every Indian dish (apart from chicken curry – it’s optional) cumin seeds are heated in oil as the very first step (along with mustard seeds).

4. Cloves (Laving)

These are used whole and ground to make up part of the garam masala mix.  Be careful when you are eating your dish – biting into a whole clove can be quite bitter!

Good for: Anti-inflammtory, antioxidant, circulation and digestive health

5. Cinnamon sticks (Tuj)

Sticks are preferred over the rolled variety as they give a sweeter aroma.  Broken bits are used in the beginning when the oil is heats up, flavouring the oil which gives additional flavour to the food being cooked. Cinnamon is also a key ingredient in garam masala. I’m a big fan of cinnamon in general and this goes especially well in lentil (dhal) dishes.

Good for: insulin sensitivity, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant

6. Red chilli Powder (lal marcha)

The name gives it away.  The more you add, the hotter your dish will be.  Even if you’re not a massive fan of hot foods, add a pinch – it will add some flavour without too much heat.

7. Turmeric (haldi/haldher)

This deep, richly coloured yellow spice is used in most dishes and what gives it its characteristic colour.  It’s also what makes your food smell amazing (good for eating, not so much if you’re heading out to a party straight after).  Use with caution – your rarely need more than a 1/4 tsp – any more and your risk your dish looking like it has jaundice.

Good for: Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and boosts the immune system (any Indian kid will tell you that at the first sign of a cough or cold your mum will be making haldher dudha – turmeric in warmed milk with a host of other spices like cloves and cinnamon). It works a treat!

8. Dhana Jiru (ground coriander and cumin mix)

Literally just that.  Great with vegetables.

9. Garam masala

A mix of ground cloves, black pepper, cinnamon and cardamom, this spice blend gives a heat to dishes (not in the spicy vindaloo way – for lack of a better expression) but in a more warming and flavourful way.  You make make up your own mix or buy the ready mix in packets (these are generally less potent so you can afford to be a bit heavy handed).

10. Asofoetida (hing)

A member of the fennel family this powder is pungent and comes in a funny bottle. Used especially in dhal dishes to aid digestion (or prevent gas as my mum so eloquently puts it) as lentils are said to be quite acidic.

The tins and spices are best bought from an Indian shop (especially the spices which just seem that much more potent). Our (and by this I mean my mum’s) go to staple is Ealing Road in Wembley, although you can also them online via Amazon.

The post The Essential Indian Spices Kit appeared first on Neema Savvides | Fertility Nutrition.

1. Best for digestion: Probiotics

A personal favourite of mine. These help to boost the beneficial bacteria in your gut which in turn helps the digestive process (this is really great especially if you suffer from bloating) and also boosts the immune system (70% of the immune system is in the gut)

Ditch: The yoghurt drinks (full of sugar)

Go for: At least 4 billion live bacteria (these tablets will need to be kept in the fridge).

Top tip: Best taken first thing in the morning about 30 minutes before breakfast.

2. Best for clear skin: Zinc

Zinc supports the liver, helping it to process and clear out excess toxins and hormones – both of which contribute to spotty skin. Zinc is also a great wound healer, helping to clear old scars and speeding up the life of existing spots.

Top tip: Best taken in the evening after your evening meal (taking zinc on an empty stomach can make you feel queazy).

3. Best for brain power and skin: Fish oils 

Natures brain food. Omega 3’s help to boost brain power, reduce inflammation, and support the nervous system.

Ditch: synthetic sources of fish oils

Go for: Oils derived from fresh cold water fish. Look for a ratio of 3:1 omega 3:omega 6 (at least 200-300mg DHA).

Top tip: when you open the capsules they shouldn’t smell fishy – this means they are rancid. Keep tablets in the fridge to keep them fresh.

4. Best for sleep: Magnesium

Magnesium is a natural relaxant, and deficiencies are known to affect sleep quality. Our bodies cannot store this mineral, and it gets depleted at times of stress, intensive exercise and as a result of a poor diet (sugar and caffeine) so it’s important to consume sources throughout the day.

Top Tip: Take 1-2 hours before bed.

5. Best for Energy: Spirulina

This seaweed is packed full of nutrients to help boost flow and increase our red blood cell count (the more blood cells, the more oxygen and nutrients we have, thus more energy).

Top tip: Powders are more readily digestible and you can add it to smoothies and juices. If you can’t stomach the taste capsules are also available.

The post The smart person’s guide to supplements (my top 5!) appeared first on Neema Savvides | Fertility Nutrition.