SPRING INTO APRIL
This April Balance + Glo is here to support you transition from winter into spring. It’s time to increase movement levels, refresh your meal plans with lighter ingredients, and make the most of the longer days so you emerge with renewed vitality and elevated energy levels.
The mornings are starting to warm-up, and as we move through April the sun will rise earlier with each day. Take advantage of this change and join a B+G live morning class before starting your day, try one of our new on-demand 15 minute energy boost classes, or head outside for a walk or a run (remembering to check out our Yoga for Runners Series (watch Episode 1 HERE focused on the upper body) and our running specific Warm-Up and Cool-Down with guest expert Kim Murray).
This month we share a new 15 minute Energy Boost Series. This includes the following 15 minute on-demand classes:
Energising Mandala Yoga Flow
Energy Boosting Sun Salutations
Feel Good Moves
Start the Day Strong
Want to workout, but the idea of completing an intense, drawn-out session fills you with dread? Don’t worry - did you know that a short workout lasting just 15 minutes (or less) can offer a world of surprising benefits, including improving: cognitive performance, mood, and cardiovascular fitness. In just 15 minutes you can efficiently raise your heart rate with bodyweight exercises, and build lean muscle with strength training. Not only will you reap the physical benefits in 15 minutes, but the mental benefits too! Plus getting in 15 minute workouts consistently, is much better than one longer workout inconsistently.
These quick energy boosting classes are no joke, make the most of these longer days and start by carving out 15 minutes first thing for movement.
This month we will be encouraging you to swap out winter stews in favour of cooler, greener and lighter foods. Think nourishing and nurturing dishes for the whole family.
Each week we will be sharing a new recipe to inspire your meal times, making the most of seasonal, local ingredients, as well as some alternative easter treats. You can expect:
Warming spring salads
A Spring Vegetable Orzo
Recipes that make the most of Wild Garlic (with top tips for foraging with local expert Alex for Island Wild Food)
Key dates for your food diary:
4th April, International Carrot Day
17th April, Easter Sunday
23rd April, St George’s Day - the traditional start date for the British Asparagus Season
Look out for the following seasonal ingredients this month - where possible try and purchase from local vegetable/farm shops (where they have been grown locally). However, it’s still beneficial to buy from supermarkets as the produce is more likely to be grown in the UK and therefore have reduced travel miles:
Artichoke, Beetroot, Carrots, Chicory, New Potatoes, Kale, Morel Mushrooms, Parsnips, Radishes, Rhubarb, Rocket, Sorrel, Spinach, Spring Greens, Spring Onions, Watercress.
After a long and stormy winter there are lighter and brighter days on the horizon. It’s time to declutter your routine and move self-care up your priority list. Spring, the season of rejuvenation and renewal, presents the perfect opportunity to switch up your self-care routine by lightening up the little things you do for yourself, so that you feel your very best. As well our top tips for spring selfcare, this month we will also be sharing:
A sunrise meditation and sunset meditation
How to spring clean your yoga space - how to create the perfect space at home to practice
It’s time to spring clean your make-up bag with Dr Pippa
The team’s top spring reads