Sweet tooths beware, this recipe is not only simple to make but deliciously moreish! Retreat chef Catherine of Wildings Vegan Kitchen has shared her healthy flapjacks that still use a touch of butter and a bit of syrup but most of the sweetness comes from the banana… it’s practically guilt-free!
Spring is the perfect time to forage for this highly nutritious plant native to Britain. With its fresh, garlicky smell wild garlic is likely found growing in abundance in shady woodland environments near you. With blood-purifying properties, it is also thought to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. Enjoy whipping up this simple yet delicious recipe shared by our fabulous retreat chef Catherine from Wildings Vegan Kitchen. We refer to The Woodland Trust for information on how to identify & sustainable source this edible plant. (more…)
Get into the spirit of Spring with this fresh and healthy salad we absolutely adore here at The Zest Life! (more…)
As an avid open water swimmer for the past six years, I have yet to find anything that shifts you into an upbeat, energised frame of mind as much as a cold water swim does. There is never a time that I regret going in, even when I’ve broken ice to plunge or had to battle waves to dive in. (more…)
Why its ok to have struggles in life…..
I went to another inspiring talk with John Fleet up yesterday. The topic was detachment. I don’t know how we got onto it but he re told a story about a beautiful butterfly and it went like this….
There was a man watching a delicate butterfly trying to emerge from its chrysalis. It looked as if the butterfly was struggling so the man, being the kind person he was, tried to help the butterfly by cutting the chrysalis open. The butterfly did eventually emerge but with swollen wings filled with water. For the butterfly to emerge perfectly formed it needed the squeezing and the struggle as it left the tiny hole of the chrysalis to drain all the fluid from its wings. Without the squeezing the butterfly dies.
Sometimes in life when we are feeling the squeeze and the strain it’s a reminder for us that struggles and effort are needed for us to grow. It’s almost as if the struggling squeezes all the negativity out of us ready for new, brighter opportunities. So the next time you are feeling the strain, stick with it and know that beautiful more peaceful times will soon emerge.
With the stress and strains of the modern world we can start feeling overwhelmed, our energy levels plummeting. However with daily attention we can keep our mind and body healthy, lifting our mood, feeling less tired and improving our immune system. Little daily shifts will create the bigger changes long term. Follow these simple detox tips and energise your day!
With health (and delicious flavour) in mind enjoy a Green Smoothie Recipe by our amazing retreat chef Catherine from Wildings Vegan Kitchen. (more…)
This will be a definite hit with the family as an after school or dinner treat and the best news is, it won’t break any healthy New Year Resolutions! Our fabulous retreat chef Catherine from Wildings Vegan Kitchen has lovingly shared her recipe with The Zest Life community to enjoy! (more…)
Nothing beats a warming bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day! Here’s a fabulously hearty Italian favourite adapted by our fabulous retreat chef Catherine from Wildings Vegan Kitchen who has lovingly shared it with our The Zest Life community to enjoy! (more…)
A quick and easy recipe to kick-start your morning full of protein and fibre! Our fabulous retreat chef Catherine from Wildings Vegan Kitchen has lovingly shared it with our The Zest Life community to enjoy! (more…)
