Roz Purcell's Blog, page 38
February 11, 2017
Find Adventure in LA
I hitted up LA with ASICS for the #findadventure campaign recently to try out their new range of runners. From doing triathlons, I’m a big fan of ASICS for running so, I was really excited to try their new range.
The two new runners ASICS gave us to try out was the fuzeX Rush and GEL-QUANTUM 360™ KNIT. They’re both really comfortable for running and stylish too (my sister has already stolen the fuzeX Rush on me!).
As part of the trip, we all stepped into our ASICS and went running through downtown LA with members of the London-based SMSB Crew for ‘The Big Chase’. They brought us on running tour which included lots of theatrical scenes and unravelling clues to mysteries to add a fun element to the run. Some of the locations included the Roxie Theatre, Dutch Chocolate Shop and Bank Reserve Building.
As I’ve been focusing on strength training so much lately and doing HITT sessions I haven’t been doing much running so I was really really happy when they said the run would only be 5km :) I got to meet some amazing people on the trip which made it even better.
When I’m travelling, I will always scout out places to eat and train in advance but I do always try to fit in at least one run when away as it’s such a great way to see a place especially if you run early in the morning and it’s nice and quiet and people are only just waking up.
During the trip I stayed in the ACE Hotel again (I stayed there at the start of the year too and love it!) and during my free time from on the trip I decided to get in a few workout sessions in Training Mate – one of my favourite classes in LA!
I also met up with Donal Skehan during my trip for some serious egg porn! We checked out EggSlut. The menu is inspired by a true love for eggs and of course, eggs are the main ingredient for every dish. Being the ultimate foodies of course, we ordered pretty much everything on the menu and it was ALL amazing. Definitely check out this place if your visiting LA soon.
I can’t wait to get back to LA soon again for some more fun!
*Sponsored by ASICS
February 10, 2017
Plant Power Smoothie
February 3, 2017
Oat Crepes
One of the quickest and most delicious breakfast you can make! That also works for an amazing dessert :)
Snicker Protein Bar
It takes less than 10 minutes to make this ultimate protein bar!!
February 2, 2017
London – My Top Gym Classes to Hit Up!
When I’m travelling, I try my best to be somewhat prepared (which is sometimes challenging) and suss out the area I’m staying in to find out what gym facilities and foodies place are around me.
I personally love going to gym classes rather than just going to work out in a hotel gym when travelling – it’s a great way to explore new training methods and I always push myself in a class environment. Don’t get me wrong, some hotel gyms are amazing and you can get a killer workout done and it’s easy to prepare a workout in advance when heading abroad. I also love running when someone new as it’s a great way to see new places however, I find it a little tricky in London (unless you stay close to Hyde Park) with all the traffic.
I’ve found some great gym classes in London, that all offer early morning or late evening classes and pay as you go. Some of the classes are a bit pricey but when if you’re just paying for a one off class when in London it’s really worth it.
For anyone who follows me on social media, you know I love boxing fitness classes so I really wanted to try out Kobox in London. I’ve been a few times now and love this class more and more every time I go.
The trainers are really energetic and push you to make the most of the workout. What’s great about this class is you go at your pace. There was people of all levels of fitness there. For any newbies, they will take you aside 5 minutes before the class to go through movements and technique.
During the class you switch between bag work and floor work. A sequence of moves appears on the wall for each round while on the bag and you push yourself as hard as you can. On the floor, it’s a mix of high intensity moves like high knees or burpees and body weight movements like push-ups. Again, you go at your pace.
You can also pre order a protein shake at the bar to have ready straight after your class to get your protein intake 
London – My Favourite Food Spots
I’ve been spending a bit more time recently traveling over to London for work. Every time I’m there I’m discovering a new part of the city and trying to uncover all the hidden gems.
When I’m travelling, I try my best to be somewhat prepared (which is sometimes challenging) and suss out the area I’m staying in to find out what gym facilities and foodies place are around me.
London is great in that there is so much on offer. The foodie scene is amazing and when you find glorious restaurants, your taste buds are left lingering for more long after you’ve left. For me, London has the perfect mix of delicious health food and places to eat when you want indulge a little (all of which is high quality food) for a reasonable price. The trick is just finding the right places because there is A LOT of restaurants/cafés and bars in London.
It can be expensive when eating out but I think I’ve found some great places to eat that won’t break the bank and you know you’re still getting great quality food.
The Natural Kitchen is a shop/ deli/ restaurant – they sell organic and local produce and also have a deli section with fresh food on the ground floor. There is plenty of seating on the ground floor and downstairs so it’s an ideal spot for grabbing lunch or a coffee.
I tried their salmon fillets and a selection of salads which was really tasty. You could instantly tell the salmon was fresh and the salads were healthy (not overdosed in dressing!).
This is a great spot for breakfast, lunch or supper. The portions are generous and all food is freshly prepared salads.
Caters for coeliacs and vegans.
There is also a restaurant upstairs and having looked at the menu seemed to serve a great selection of food also so one that is worth checking out.
Cuisine: Whole Foods
Price Range: £8-10 for protein and salads
Website: thenaturalkitchen.com
Location: Marylebone
Check out their Instagram
Photo Cred Natural Kitchen
I had to check Deliciously Ella’s place while I was in London after hearing about it. The Mae Deli serves all vegan food and offers breakfast, lunch and dessert options. I stopped by there during lunch hours and picked up a Broad Bean and Cauliflower Falafel, salad and a raw brownie. They were really tasty and filling which is perfect when you have a long day ahead and need something to sustain you. The deli has a great array of salads and treats to choose from.
Everything looked delicious and I would recommend adding this to your list of places for a healthy lunch option. The deli is small with limited seating available so best get there early!
Caters for coeliacs and vegans.
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Price Range: £10
Website: themaedeli.com
Location: 21 Seymour Place, London, W1H 5BH
Check out their Instagram
Photo cred: @MaeDeli Instagram
If you want to experience a truly amazing meal that will get your taste buds tingling, make sure this restaurant is on your list. This Middle Eastern restaurant has won numerous awards and is booked out for months ahead but they do take walk ins at the bar area which is small so you need to get lucky! We arrived 20 mins before the restaurant opened to book a seat at the bar later that evening just to ensure we got a space. Thankfully, we were second to arrive and within a few minutes there was a long line of people waiting for the restaurant to open.
This place isn’t necessarily healthy but I highly recommend adding it to your list, it was one of my most favourite meals ever!
At the bar you get a full view of all the food being prepared and cooked. We tried some of the cocktails – which I would highly recommend – and ordered some tapas to share. We got the Kubaneh, Polenta Jerusalem Style, Octo-hummous, calamari special and Shakshukit – all of which were amazing but in particular the Polenta Jerusalem Style and Octo-hummous were my favourites. All the staff are very friendly and will chat with everyone throughout the night. They also have amazing tunes playing giving the place a great atmosphere.
All night, people were coming trying to get a seat for dinner clearly showing this is a place definitely worth checking out.
You can’t leave without dessert in this place either, I would recommend the Jerusalem Mess for dessert :)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price Range: £10-15 per dish
Website: thepalomar.co.uk
Location: 34 Rupert Street, London W1
Check out their Instagram
The Palomar
I came across this place after I trained in Kobox as its pretty close by and I was so happy I stumbled across it. This place serves up juices, smoothies, soups, salads and more. Everything is full of fresh flavours and delicious dishes. I recommend the chestnut and almond waffles and so- fresh and so- clean dish which is poached eggs, quinoa, kale, roasted sweet potato, omega seeds and basil cashew cream – amazing!
The place is small so I would advise going early to get a seat.
I would recommend going here for breakfast or lunch. They have plenty of sweet and savory healthy options. The coffee was also good here if you fancy just stopping by for a morning drink. Caters for coeliacs and vegans.
Cuisine: Whole Food
Price range: £8 per dish
Website: goodlifeeatery.com
Location: 59 Sloane Avenue, London SW3 3DH UK
Check out their Instagram for some food porn
Good Life Eatery
Ottolenghi is one of my favourite chefs and I have been longing to try out one of his places. This is a great spot for lunch and offers both healthy and unhealthy options. I opted for some protein and salads (they have a wide selection of both available and freshly prepared).
Ottolenghi has a two restaurants in London which I am yet to try but they are on my list for my next visit. I went to one of the deli’s in Motocomb street. It’s a beautiful area and they have a space outside for people to sit when the weather is nice.
They serve breakfast and lunch here, as well as a wide variety of sweet treats.
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Price range: £15 for protein and 2 salads
Website: ottolenghi.co.uk
Location: 13 Motcomb Street, London SW1X 8LB
Photo cred ottolenghi
If you don’t have much time and want to grab something on the go, Joe & The Juice is great for smoothies and juices. They make everything fresh and you can tailor ingredients to suit your preferences.
Cuisine: Juice & Smoothie Bar
Price range: £6 juice/ smoothie
Website: joejuice.com
Location: Regent Street, London (multiple locations in the city)
Photo cred Joe & the Juice
Planet Organic is similar to Whole Foods and perfect for picking up healthy snacks to keep you going throughout the day. They have lots of healthy snacks from vegetable pots, organic fruit and vegetables, chia pudding to fresh salads. They also have a deli counter for hot food and soup.
They also have an organic fruit and vegetable section to pick up some items.
Caters for ceoliacs and vegans.
Leon (in Heathrow Airport)
If you’re flying out of Heathrow and want some healthy then go to Leon. I got a simple rice, green veg and chicken box. It was simple and filling. It was also really inexpensive. They have kids options available too to suit the whole family.
Photo cred Leon Restaurants
January 21, 2017
Power Breakfast Smoothie
This smoothie is full of ingredients to help boost your mood, start the day off on a good note, but also ingredients which can help steady blood sugar levels, relieve tension and fuel you for the day ahead.
Savage Salsa Dip
This mouthwatering colourful dish is simple to make and will add tons of flavour to any meal or enjoy with veggie chips.
Avocado, Cashew & Feta Dip
This easy and creamy avocado feta dip can be made in minutes. Serve with pita, veggie sticks and eggs.
Goats Cheese & Sweet Onion Dip
This dip is addictively sweet and salty and pairs perfectly with veggie sticks.
Roz Purcell's Blog
- Roz Purcell's profile
- 7 followers
