G Lifestyle ~ April Edit
Hey
Welcome to the first edition of my newsletter! I felt there was no better time to start than when Spring is somewhat in the air (naturally with a few downpours along side)
I am certainly finding it hard to believe it's April already after a jam-packed start to the year ~ from starting my business to adjusting to the rollercoaster of being self-employed, spending time in Dubai and now getting my head round moving house, it's been (and continues to be) a lot of "firsts"
But with a new season comes a whole host of other things to be excited about: longer days, light evenings, warmer weather and new seasonal produce! All things I am very much looking forward to
So with that, let's dive in...
A little note on taking those intentional pauses
With April being Stress Awareness Month, I wanted to shine light on a simple but super effective way to look after your stress levels (particularly when you are busy) ~ incorporating intentional pauses into your everyday
Put simply, rest is the antidote to the impact of stress on our health and hormones but we are rarely giving ourselves the time to do it ~ rest is seen as a luxury rather than a necessity. This is leaving us stressed, exhausted, and believing that the symptoms we are experiencing are normal and an inevitable part of being “busy” (they’re not!)
But with small changes to how we think about rest, it is possible to find that balance again… and all without having to make huge changes (including quitting your job)
The shift? Giving yourself the permission to pause, even just for 5 minutes, to let your body know that it is safe, switch you into your "rest and digest" state, and boost your productivity
Click the link below to read my latest article on this, with practical tips and more!
I was also very lucky to chat with Kylie from SANA this week all about intentional rest and some of the sneaky signs of stress that we might not think of, which you can rewatch here!
And if love matcha as much as I do, I cannot recommend SANA's 100% certified organic matcha more highly ~ originating from a family-run green tea farm at the foot of Mount Fuji in Japan, its quality is second to none (no surprise given Kylie's background as a nutritionist)! And pairing it with their new Marine Collagen is the perfect gut and skin-loving duo
For this month only, Kylie has very kindly offered subscribers 18% off site-wide using the code G_DOCUMENTED
Seasonal produce to add to your basket
Nature provides us with foods that are uniquely suited to each season meaning they are at their best at particular times of year. And it is not only about the produce being fresher ~ it is also more nutritious, a great way to support your immune system, and it means you get a diverse range of produce over the year (an easy way to support your gut health!)
While April is known as the "hungry gap" with winter crops disappearing and leafy spring produce yet to appear, there are still great choices on offer:
~ cauliflower
~ (the last of) purple sprouting broccoli
~ spinach
~ watercress - whizz it up with ACV and olive oil for an easy dressing
~ wild garlic
~ lemon
~ rhubarb
~ grapefruit
We also have asparagus to look forward to at the end of the month!
Featured recipes
Food is more than just fuel ~ it is happiness, a way to show care, nourishment and information for our body! I truly believe that we should all be able to cook and eat in a way that brings joy whilst also caring for our health
So with that, I will be bringing you some of my favourite recipes to enjoy using what's in season!
Turmeric and saffron coconut curry ~ my go-to week night recipe because you can use whatever veg you have in the fridge!
Whole roasted cauliflower with tahini
Sea bream with wild garlic pesto ~ don't be put off by the whole fish, this recipe works amazingly with fillets too!
Madeleine Shaw's rhubarb and apple crumbles
The Edit
Every month I curate an edit of my favourite products, recommendations and more in the hope that you might discover something new to enjoy!
Reading
The Pivot Year, Brianna Wiest
I love Brianna's concept a “pivot period” ~ a time when you are trying to bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be (very apt for where I am currently). With 365 daily meditations, it is an amazing dose of motivation!
Watching
Theo James and a genuinely good story line in one, yes please - highly recommend if you are lost for what to watch next!
Wearing
I am the epitome of all the gear and no idea owning a tennis skirt but my newfound love for Padel tennis was the perfect excuse to FINALLY be able to buy one
Visiting
I love Mexican food and Cavita is hands down some of the best food I've had in London ~ tacos, sharing platters and spicy margs.... a must for your next dinner with the girls!
Eating
If you follow me on IG you know that I love Raw Pot’s products and add their raw bee pollen to everything ~ a true superfood, it is amazing if you are low in energy or struggling with seasonal allergies
Buying
Different water and being in the sun in Dubai has left my hair so dry so this hair oil has been a saviour! It is also (admittedly) the perfect way to go that extra day without washing it ~ scrape it back and no one would know!
And can't be without
Bon Charge Mini Red Light Therapy Device
I cannot rave about this LED red light enough ~ I have used an LED face mask religiously for years but this light has totally uplevelled how my skin feels and looks! It is also amazing for hair growth, muscle recovery after exercise and for your sleep!
Use code GDOCUMENTED for 15% off (site wide)
Sending a big heartfelt thank you for taking the time to read this month's edition!
For all Health & Wellness coaching enquiries, please email here.
With love xx