Refreshing summer water flavours

Here at the Zest Life we love naturally flavoured waters. They are becoming very popular as a healthy alternative to other more sugary drinks and juices. We use them on our retreats as they are not only refreshing but also offer a variety of health benefits. They are made by infusing water with fresh fruits and herbs, and sometimes even spices. The provide a burst of flavour without added calories or chemicals. Whether you’re looking to stay hydrated, improve digestion, or simply enjoy a tastier beverage, naturally flavoured water is a delicious addition to your daily routine.

(more…)

Summer Bircher

A super nutritious start to your day our Summer Bircher recipe embraces the flavours of the season. Typically a blend of oats soaked in liquid such as milk or juice mixed with fresh fruit, nuts and seeds, Aimee our retreat chef says “The joy of bircher is that it is very much a choose your own adventure, or what’s in your cupboard at present.” Make it the night before so the oats soak up all the delicious flavours. This recipe gives quantities for 2.

(more…)

Celebrating all women!

International Women’s Day and Mothers Day all in one week. That calls for a newsletter that celebrates all women!

Whether you are a mother or not, have founded a company or not, celebrate today for simply being you; a beautiful woman, walking this earth, with so much to share and so much to feel.

I don’t know about you but does it seems like we are regularly made to feel that we need more of everything to be happy?

More time, more defined abs, more money, more clothes, more likes, more sleep, more plant powered supplements… (more…)

Dive in with Gilly McArthur

Have you met The Zest Life’s Lake District Swimming Leader Gilly McArthur? It’s time to dive in with her!

In this guest post Gilly talks about her love of spring as well as the challenges it brings, and shares her invaluable advice for getting the most out of cold water swimming…

(more…)

Five Minute Winter Salad

I am loving this Winter salad, that was honestly thrown together in five minutes and tastes fabulous. The colours are just to die for too! I find it can be hard at this time to eat healthily as I crave warmth and often seek it in food. Do you feel the same? But this salad is so comforting yet light, I feel it ticks all the boxes for a healthy eat and it contains over 11 plants!

(more…)

Discipline or Motivation, Which Comes First?

I don’t know about you but as the days got darker and shorter I have really struggled to find motivation to exercise and I love exercise! I have been observing the way the Winter has been effecting me, the slowing down, the less energy and I am actually surprised and how I have not reacted to this and forced myself to be a perpetual Summer. Instead I have found myself falling into the flow of Winter and enjoying it.
(more…)

Top 10 Winter Self Care Tips

The festive period can be a stressful, heavy time of year for many. So read on for Laura’s top tips for keeping the season light and bright.

One of my favourite winter past times is lighting the fire and taking the time to meditate or listening to a relaxation clip all wrapped up in a cosy blanket. I really have learnt to love the shorter Winter days where the energy of nature is just so still and peaceful. I love to marinade in that feeling and remember that these months too shall pass.

(more…)

Vegan Zesty Lemon and Poppy Seed Sponge

This unusual sponge cake recipe went down a storm with our retreat guests in September. It is flavoured with zesty lemon juice with the addition of poppy seeds to give a sweet earthy nutty crunch. Pefect for a special occasion or an everyday treat with a cuppa.

(more…)

Apple and Cinnamon Cake

This Apple and Cinnamon Cake recipe was used by our lovely retreat chef Aimee on our retreats this Autumn to create a cake that tastes as good as it looks! You can also make this cake with almond flour or gluten-free flour if you prefer.

(more…)

Why Retreat?

I often wonder why do we need to retreat? Why bother taking time out for yourself? Is it just a way to while away a few days or is it far more important than that? It always fascinates me how every year, by law, we have to have our cars MOT’d: if they’re not road worthy we find the money to fix them to get them back on the road. But when it comes to ourselves, we don’t have mandatory MOT’s (which by the way I think we should) and we often keep running ourselves into the ground without stopping… (more…)