Author: Lara - EBS

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Financial Wellness with The Dura Society

My interview with The Dura Society: Financial Wellness and the Power of a Positive Mindset

Hi Everyone,

I hope you enjoy this interview I did with The Dura Society.  In it, I share details about my career, my mindset, my daily routine, and my thoughts on financial wellness and the power of having a positive mindset.

Here is a little taste of what we covered. You can read the full interview on The Dura Society website.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your life.

I am half-Moroccan and half-Persian (Iranian), and I grew up in Morocco until when aged 12 I moved to France. I received a Master’s degree from EDHEC Business School in France before moving to London to do a postgraduate in accounting and finance at the London School of Economics. My personal health journey led to my groundbreaking research into chronic inflammation and gut health. My passion is to inspire and educate others so that we all live our best lives, with more autonomy over our diet and lifestyle choices, for long-term physical and psychological benefits. I love visiting new places with my two boys, eating out with friends, and taking my Dachshund, Daphne, for walks around Hyde Park.

 

Your background is in finance, how did this help you in building your business? 

I like numbers, and having a finance background, although mine was not corporate finance but the capital markets, helped me keep on top of my costs and make sure that I was profitable early on. I have managed to develop my business without raising funds, and whilst keeping a strong identity without compromising my values.

 

What do you enjoy most about your work?

The best part about my work is helping others. After going through such a difficult time in my life, I felt that I had been robbed of those precious years when my children were young. When I started helping people or whenever I saw somebody feel better, I kept thinking that was my return on investment or, rather, my return on suffering and that the suffering that I had been through was not in vain if I was able to help others.

 

Can you tell us about the anti-inflammatory approach you have to skincare?

Skin is our biggest organ, I can see that when I stick to the Eat Burn Sleep lifestyle and to the green food lists 80% of the time, people tell me I’m glowing. I notice I have fewer fine lines and bouncier, fresher skin. I am someone who suffers from melasma, which flares up when I’m eating inflammatory foods, have a lack of sleep, or if I’m stressed. It fades when I’m being good. I like to have a natural approach to skincare. I like using a lot of oils and massage my face, but what I put in my body is more impactful than what I put on my skin.

 

Describe your relationship with money and personal finance in three words.

Money is freedom.

 

What does Wealth mean to you?

Being healthy.

 

How do you manage your day-to-day money?

I like to be cautious. I enjoy myself, and I treat myself to nice things, but I’m always on the cautious side.

 

What have been your main resources for developing your confidence with money? 

Not making a big deal out of it. Money flows. Be generous, know to give, and it comes back to you. Money is like energy. You need to give and be able to receive.

 

What was your first investment, and where is it now?

Art. My family is very much into art and I’ve always bought art from a young age and it has done well, though when I bought my first art I didn’t think of it as an investment. I bought it because I loved it.

 

What long-term investments have you made?

Property and some early-stage investing in various companies.

 

What is your number one financial priority?

I have two things. On the one side, there is wealth preservation with my capital, and on the other side, there is growth and risk through my businesses.

 

What was your first job?

I worked as a sales assistant in a clothes shop in France when I was in my 20s, and that is the best thing that’s happened to me from a career standpoint. I was treated quite badly by the shop manager and the clients. It made me realize how lucky I was that my parents could afford to send me to good schools and how lucky I was to study where I was studying. It made me so grateful for my first job when I enrolled in the graduate program at Deutsche Bank.

 

What is the most important life lesson you have learned?

The most important life lesson I’ve learned from my story of struggle is that no matter what I’m faced with in life, I have to come with a positive mindset. I always tell myself: “I can handle this, I will be fine”. It’s a positive warrior state of mind.

 

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Immunity and Common Cold Remedies

woman wrapped in blanket blowing her nose

The common cold is a viral infection that affects millions of people worldwide.

Colds are a common illness that can cause a range of symptoms, including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue. While there is no cure for the common cold, you can do several things to help relieve your symptoms and feel better faster.

In this article, I explore briefly how diet and lifestyle affect your immune system and what natural remedies and supplements you can take to help relieve common cold symptoms.

Diet and Lifestyle

Diet
Poor gut health can lead to chronic inflammation, weakening the immune system and making you more susceptible to the common cold. Having a diverse gut flora is essential for your immune system function, and now more than ever, it is important to keep your gut strong by eating the right foods and feeding your good bacteria.

All the food shared in the green list on the Eat Burn Sleep platform is packed with nutrients such as Vitamin C, antioxidants, and minerals to support your immune system.

Lifestyle
Poor sleep patterns, smoking, excess alcohol, and drug abuse contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle, as does lack of exercise, being overweight, being underweight, and following calorie-restrictive diets.

If you are stressed, then your sympathetic nervous system kicks in. The sympathetic nervous system shuts down the immune system and the parasympathetic nervous system, which is essential for gut motility and health.

Cortisol levels trigger the activation of the sympathetic nervous system which in turn shuts down the digestive system and immune system.

You can use the tips and meditation routines shared in the mental wellness section of the Eat Burn Sleep platform to support your mental well-being.

Supplementation

If you are looking for ways to help relieve the symptoms of cold, cold supplements may be a good option for you. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, especially if you have any underlying health conditions.

rainbow foods background with a spoon in the foreground containing supplements and pills

While a well-balanced diet should be the primary source of nutrients, supplements can provide additional support for your immune system.

Cold remedy supplements are dietary supplements that can help reduce the severity and duration of a cold. There are a variety of different cold supplements available, each with its own unique benefits. Check out my favorite products on the Yalda Loves page.

Zinc
Zinc is a mineral that has been shown to shorten the duration of a cold. It is recommended to start taking zinc supplements within 24 hours of the onset of a cold (Singh and Das, 2011). It can be taken in the form of a lozenge, capsule, or syrup, but always check the ingredients list against the food list on the Eat Burn Sleep platform.

Echinacea
Echinacea is a herb that has been shown to boost the immune system and help to fight off infection. It can be taken in the form of a capsule, tincture, or tea. More studies are needed to prove that echinacea treats a common cold. However, a review of over 3000 people showed that echinacea was more effective than a placebo in preventing and treating the common cold (Melchart et al., 2000).

Vitamin C
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help to protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. It is also thought to help to boost the immune system. Vitamin C can be taken in the form of a supplement, fruit, or vegetable. Foods high in Vitamin C include strawberries, bell peppers, papaya, broccoli, oranges and Brussels Sprouts.

Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria similar to the good bacteria that naturally live in the gut. They can help to maintain a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for overall health and immunity. Probiotics can be taken in the form of a supplement or food.

There is no one-size-fits-all cold supplement routine. The best routine for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, a general guideline is to take cold supplements as soon as you start to feel symptoms.

Natural Remedies

In addition to a healthy lifestyle and proper nutrition, you can try a natural common cold remedy to alleviate symptoms and promote recovery.

Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of fluids, such as water, herbal teas, and broths (such as my Chicken Bone Broth), can help soothe a sore throat.

Rest and sleep
Providing your body with ample rest and sleep allows it to focus on healing and fighting the cold virus.

Warm salt water gargles
Gargling with warm salt water can help relieve a sore throat and reduce inflammation.

Nutrition
Warming, nutritious stews and soups, such as my Immune Boosting Chicken Soup, are a great way to get those all-important antioxidants and nutrients into your diet to support your immune system.

A bowl of Greek chicken soup with inflammation reducing turmeric, which has given it a wonderful golden colour. A healing soup.

Even the healthiest people can still catch a cold, and some suffer more than others. Check out my recent article on How to Recover From Virus Infections.

Read 10 Ways to Boost Your Immunity Quickly for more ways to improve your immunity.

The best source of treatment is prevention. Following an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, such as The Eat Burn Sleep lifestyle, focuses on lowering inflammation, improving gut health, and consequently achieving an improved immune system, among many other benefits.

I recommend the popular Six-Week Reset as an excellent place to start.

Yalda xx

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Festive Gut-Friendly Recipes

christmas table setting

Gut-friendly recipes play a crucial role in promoting overall health, especially during the holidays when indulgent food is abundant. These recipes focus on incorporating ingredients that support gut health, such as fiber-rich vegetables and low-sugar options. For a delicious and healthy Christmas salad, one can mix fresh ingredients like pumpkin and coconut yogurt, creating a gut-friendly dish that is both tasty and nourishing. Additionally, incorporating gut-friendly ingredients, like low-sugar, grain-free and dairy-free options, can make holiday recipes more suitable for those with specific dietary needs. By being mindful of gut health during the holiday season, these recipes ensure that festive meals contribute positively to overall well-being.

Festive Gut Friendly Recipes- Nourish, Celebrate, Thrive!

In this article, I will share some delicious and nutritious recipes that will satisfy your taste buds and support a healthy gut.

During the holiday season, our digestive system often faces challenges due to the consumption of alcohol and rich foods, leading to frequent indigestion. This year, consider incorporating gut-friendly ingredients such as miso, sauerkraut, and coconut yogurt into your diet. These foods are rich in beneficial bacteria and probiotics, supporting the optimal functioning of your gut and digestive system.

Incorporating these recipes into your festive season menu will impress your guests and support your overall well-being.

Drinks
Appetizers
Mains
Sides
Desserts

So, go ahead and try them out! Enjoy the festive season with a happy and healthy gut.

 

Drinks

Healthy Hot Chocolate

This simple and easy-to-make hot chocolate is a perfect alternative to shop-bought ones and is not only comforting and nourishing but anti-inflammatory, too. Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this delightful treat.

Moroccan Spiced Coffee

My Moroccan spiced coffee is fantastic as it contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and clove. These warming spices have incredible anti-inflammatory properties that help stabilize your blood sugar levels and offset some of the adverse effects of caffeine. See how easy it is and perfect for the season. I cannot wait for you to try it.

Appetizers

Deviled Eggs

Devilled eggs are a classic festive dish that never fails to impress. With their creamy, tangy filling and beautiful presentation, they are sure to be a hit at any festive gathering.

Pure Seeds Crackers

These little bites of goodness are a crowd-pleaser and a great way to kick off any meal or gathering. These crackers are perfectly gut-friendly healthy snacks with a wonderfully satisfying crunch.

Wild Salmon Spread

Enjoy this wild salmon spread on crackers topped with fresh parsley for a great-looking festive appetizer.

Guacamole

This would work perfectly with the salmon spread for festive, gut-friendly nibbles. You can also serve it on its own with crudites. This guacamole contains no raw onions, which can be hard to digest sometimes, so I hope you all enjoy it!

Mains

Roast Christmas Chicken

Christmas Chicken with bacon, a delectable twist on the traditional turkey! This mouthwatering dish will inspire you to create a memorable holiday feast. Succulent chicken, perfectly seasoned and roasted to perfection, wrapped in crispy, smoky bacon. The combination of flavors is simply irresistible.

Sides

Brussels Sprouts With Pancetta & Sage

This dish will make a great side and is easy and quick to prepare. I love to make it around this time of the year!

Roasted Carrots & Parsnips With Cumin Seeds

Carrots are incredibly nutritious and are a fantastic prebiotic for your microbiota, reducing inflammation and taking care of your immune system. They are excellent for skin, hair, nails, and eyes and are anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant. Paired with parsnips, this dish makes a warming side dish to your traditional roast dinner.  Especially with the fantastic rich, earthy, warm, and citrus of cumin, the anti-inflammatory spice!

Sweet Potato Mash

This is a wonderful way of preparing this superfood – that will support and protect your gut. This is all you need to do to enjoy sweet potato’s nutrition and taste. Make it in advance and reheat it on the day of serving.

Healthy Cranberry Sauce

You have to try this cranberry sauce recipe! It’s caramelized, tangy, woody, and slightly tart, with a deep berry flavor and a slight spice of heady cinnamon.

Desserts

Ginger Cookies

If you are looking for a cookie recipe to make during the Christmas holidays and enjoy with the kids, this is for you! They are grain-free, dairy-free & gluten-free, and they taste delicious!  They are perfectly seasoned with a combination of spices. All spices used possess anti-inflammatory properties and offer excellent nutritional benefits!

Pumpkin Pie

This anti-inflammatory pie tastes like a delicious traditional dessert, but it is refined sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, grain-free, and GUILT-free! It will leave you feeling satisfied without the symptoms of bloating or overindulgence.

Caramelized Apple & Cinnamon Crumble

I love this recipe with a side of coconut yogurt. It is delicious and uses simple ingredients. Apple and cinnamon are always a winning combo!

Cinnamon Oranges

What better way to celebrate the season than with the delightful aroma of cinnamon oranges filling the air? Cinnamon oranges are a classic holiday treat that brings a touch of magic to any gathering. The sweet citrus scent combined with the comforting spice of cinnamon creates a symphony of flavors that instantly transports us to a place of happiness and nostalgia.

Healthy Speculoos Biscuits

A spectacular speculoos biscuit recipe: the healthy version of the traditional recipe, which means that your gut microbiota will love them, too! The warming, sweet, aromatic, creamy, citrus, peppery, and spicy flavors make these biscuits incredible.

2-ingredient Dark Chocolate Mousse Pot

These little chocolate bombs are easy to make, delicious, and simple. You can use nice glasses for individual portions and garnish them with nuts, berries, or cacao nibs.

Christmas is a time of celebration and indulgence, but that doesn’t mean we have to compromise our health. All recipes on the Eat Burn Sleep platform are designed to satisfy your taste buds while keeping your gut happy.

Indulge in mouthwatering dishes that are not only festive but also beneficial for your gut health and overall wellness. Impress your friends, family, and loved ones while being gentle on your digestive system, ensuring you can enjoy your holiday feast without any discomfort.

Yalda x