Xochi Balfour - The Naturalista
If you have ever felt the stress of 21st-century living wrap itself around your heart and turned to a double espresso and a faint hope that tomorrow will be better, then this book will show you how to slow down, listen to your body and find a more natural, holistic way of life. Xochi Balfour changed her life from her little London kitchen and, as The Naturalista, has been blogging about her experience of balancing and simplify ing her life in harmony with the natural world.
Xochi photographed by Rahel Weiss
Xochi recently published her first book, The Naturalista: nourishing recipes to live well. She holds regular retreats with her husband Ben and works with teachers near and far to deepen her understanding of what it means to be well in the 21st century. Through her nutritional therapy coaching, she works with individuals to rebalance and re-empower themselves through holistic nutrition, mindful self-practice and daily ritual.
An energising winter recipe: spiced turmeric and nutmeg milk
Turmeric is a powerful natural antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its brilliant bright yellow pigment, curcmin. This makes it great for busy mothers and little ones as winter opens up and viruses and lurgies abound.
This spicy drink brings it to life with sweet dates and fragrant, antibacterial nutmeg, while calcium-rich sesame and omega-filled flax and chia provide good nourishing oils and plenty of long-lasting energy.
If you have a high-speed blender, you can use almonds or cashews here; if not, cashews are easier to break down, and a better option for a smooth texture.
Serves 2
- 6 dates (ideally Deglet Noir)
- 1 tbsp flaxseed
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 15 almonds or cashews
- 1/2 tsp chia seeds
- 500ml water
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp grated nutmeg
Place all the ingredients in a blender and whizz until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately, warm or at room temperature.
For more healthy and delicious recipes look at The Naturalista: Nourishing Recipes to Live Well