Health Notes: November

SOUL SOOTHER

While thoughts may turn to comfort food and box set binging at this time of year, autumn is also an excellent season for reflection and putting yourself on the road to wellness. The Autumn Cleanse Yoga Retreat, taking place October 21-22 at Delphi Resort, Connemara offers a programme of both invigorating and soothing yoga, silent tea ceremonies and nutritious and healthy meals. Led by Kenneth Ryan, guests will also receive a spa treatment each and two hours complimentary use of the thermal suite with its stunning mountain views. From €349 per person sharing, delphiadventureresort.com.

CLEAN CUISINE

Health food chef Liora Bels? new book, The Mix (teNeues, €29.34), out now, celebrates plant-based eating and proves that it’s far from a chore. Her recipes are all about nourishing and energising foods, from satisfying smoothies to divine dips and guilt-free sweet treats.

THERE’S THE RUB

Much as we love a good scrub, increasing concerns about the microbeads contained in many exfoliants is making us rethink our cleansing routine. There is increasing pressure on beauty companies to stop using them (as of July 2017, they will be banned in the US) because they can’t be broken down and are detrimental to marine life – plus, if fish are eating these bits of toxic plastic, humans will eventually end up consuming them too. Dermatologists also warn that microbeads can create small tears in skin, leaving you vulnerable to bacteria. The alternative? A good old-fashioned oatmeal and sea salt scrub.

PROTEIN POWER

When something tastes incredibly delicious, the immediate assumption is that it can’t be good for you. Bounce Protein Bites (?3.59) prove that theory wrong. Free from artificial nasties, and consisting of a mix of protein, fats and carbs, the Sweet & Salty Almond variety is positively addictive and thankfully comes in a resealable pack to stop you from eating them all at once.

RIGHT ON TIME

If you’re loving the athleisure look, you might as well make sure your smartwatch is equally on trend. The new Michael Kors Access runs with both iPhone and Android phones and has a built in fitness tracking and interchangeable silicone and leather straps, €349 at Brown Thomas.

This article originally appeared in the November issue of IMAGE magazine, on shelves nationwide now.