Weekend's are for lazy mornings laying in and brunching. There is nothing I love more than waking up to no alarm, throwing on some leggings & trainers and grabbing a late breakfast to double up as lunch (an excuse to eat more!). I have been a big fan of Clean & Lean since 2012 after cooking their entire first book (Clean & Lean Cookbook) and completely fell love with their philosophy. In a world where there always seem to be the next 'must do' diet, the Clean & Lean mantra of a world free from cravings, fad diets and letting go of guilt over consumed food is rather appealing attracting 61.3k Instagram followers. The man behind it, James Duigan, strips eating back to basics to be 'clean' of fattening toxins and 'lean' and healthy as a result. The fundamentals for a healthy relationship with food and being kind to yourself revolve around cutting out toxins. Say goodbye to sugar, proceed foods, excess caffeine, artificial sweeteners, food additives, fizzy drinks bla bla bla all those foods that you know really is not good for you and hello to whole foods in their natural state. Since 2012, it is a lot easier to follow such a plan with healthier options readily available in supermarkets and your local Pret, and awareness that sugar is the enemy as apposed to fats (avocado sales were at £50m in the UK alone 2016!). Plus with a list of A list celebrities and following the plan (Rosie HW, Elle Macphearson, Lara Stone) - well if its good enough for them its certainly good enough for me.
The Clean and Lean cafe in Notting Hill (222-224 Westbourne Grove) is one of my favourite places to grab a coffee, protein shake or brunch at the weekend. There is a also a small Bodyism cafe at Fenwick that is best to visit on the go for a take out coffee or shake in between shopping. The menu is gluten free, free from refined sugars and 90% organic by using seasonal & unprocessed ingredients. Yes, Clean and Lean is one of those super healthy places filled with fit looking people in their activewear but the food is delicious and the people working here are super friendly. The counter is full with healthy treats. The cookies are free from gluten, dairy, refined sugar made with GF oats, coconut sugar, oil & flour, 100% cocoa chips, eggs & vanilla, you can find the recipe here (on my to do list). This is where I have to remind myself gluten free does not equal zero calories.
Whilst pondering the menu, we order an almond milk latte (the pretty drink with the coffee art) and a Clean & Lean speciality coffee made with an espresso shot, coconut oil, cinnamon & Body Brilliance supplement. Oh yes, Clean & Lean use all their own health supplements, all of which are all-natural vegan protein. It is a great opportunity if you are thinking of buying to try first as they are not cheap at £50, giving you 30 servings to add to coffee, shakes, desserts or pancakes.
The menu reflects the mantra with wholesome food that will make you feel good from the inside, My kind of food. I decided to go for the Acai Bowl, there are a range available and I opted for the 'Nourish Me' bowl on our sever's recommendation. For £8, I got a delicious bowl topped with almond butter, granola, hemp seeds and fresh blueberries & raspberries. Acai is known for its high content of antioxidants and fibre helping with heart health, digestion and ageing. Alot of acai bowls can be packed with sugar but there is no fear of that here. Another great spot for an acai bowl is Farm Girl Cafe around the corner from here.
My friend opted for the Bodyism pancakes topped with fresh berries, almond butter, coconut yogurt and toasted coconut flakes. You can find the recipe for the pancakes on my Pancake Day post, they are made using protein powder and are totally gluten free, refined sugar and totally delicious. All the food on the menu, echoing the mantra of Clean and Lean:
Be kind to yourself, let go of shame and guilt and accept who you are
Be kind to planet, eat fresh, organic and local food
Move your body everyday, your body loves to move
The word 'diet' literally means 'the foods you eat'. It's something that you do forever, not just for two weeks at a time
Any transformation that happens in your body happens in your mind first
I could not leave without buying a six pack box of Bodyism's chocolate. The chocolate is 85% organic, dark chocolate made with the 'Berry Burn' supplement aswell as goji berries and anti-inflammatories including aloe vera, green tea & turmeric. Berry burn encourages fat-burning (yes fat burning chocolate!) to assist the body producing energy and metabolising fat. I was skeptical at first, if this was going to taste as good as my favourite 80% dark Green & Blacks or Lindt, and I can assure it tastes just as delicious. If your a fan of dark chocolate, you will adore. I keep it in the cupboard and when craving chocolate reach for a bar for a guilt free treat, free from processed sugar that causes your blood sugar spikes. The best part is the chocolate is rich and satisfying, so whats the catch? At £20 its not cheap but if your looking for a chocolate that your body will thank you for and will keep you on track with your goals, it is money well spent.
Clean & Lean is a go to health & wellness spot in town worth a visit for the health conscious foodie. Expect to see James himself hanging outside with a coffee. If in search for a welcoming, relaxed spot for delicious, feel good breakfast, brunch, snack or lunch, solo or with a friend, look no further than Clean & Lean. Let me know if you visit, I would love to hear what you think.
L.P. x
