Innholdsfortegnelse for Christmas 2024 i Top Sante

We’ve got a festive feast of a magazine for you this issue as it’s our Christmas special! Starting with a gorgeous curation of the latest wellness products all in the colours of the season (page 14), followed by our cover interview with Lisa Faulkner (page 16) who shares how she and husband John spend Christmas and how they love having a house full of people at this time of year. Our Healthy Home section has delightful homewares to add a touch of festive flair (page 22), followed by our Gift Guide (page 24) packed with great present ideas, which I’m sure you’ll want for yourself too! If you’re cooking up a storm at home, Dr Lucy Williamson has some tips on looking after your gut microbiome (page 42) – and…

TIME REALLY DOES FLY! If you can’t believe it’s almost Christmas already – here’s why. Festivities seem to come around more quickly for people who love a good holiday or pay more attention to time, say researchers from Liverpool John Moores University. The study found 76 per cent of UK people surveyed felt Christmas came more quickly every year. People were more likely to report this perceived acceleration if they enjoyed the holiday, reported better social lives or thought about the passage of time more often. TOP OF THE PODS Thrive later in life with insightful advice from experts on The Liz Earle Wellbeing Show. Learn to navigate the changes of midlife to stay fit, flexible and sharp into your 60s, 70s and beyond. Recent episodes include Celebs Go Dating…

‘Give the gift of health and wellbeing this Christmas with a subscription to TopSanté. We’ve got a fantastic offer for new subscribers, and giving the gift of a subscription to friends and family means they can enjoy Top Santé all year! I hope you’ll join us and prioritise your health, and theirs, for 2025. Santé!’ @thehealtheditor AMAGAZINE SUBSCRIPTION IS A GREAT GIFT! ● Personal and thoughtful – match their interest ● Fuel their passion, help them stay inspired and informed ● Provide enjoyment all year round, delivered monthly ● Perfect for people who are difficult to buy for ● Saves you money on the shop price So, buy for someone special, or treat yourself! SAVE OVER £65* EASY WAYS TO BUY YOUR GIFT SUBSCRIPTION ORDER ONLINE at SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/XMAS24TS CALL NOW…

A magazine subscription is the perfect gift: • Personal, thoughtful and fuels their passion • Provides enjoyment all year round • And saves you money on the shop price! GIFT SUBSCRIPTIONS FROM £15.99 OVER 45 TITLES TO CHOOSE FROM VISIT SHOP.KELSEY.CO.UK/XMAS24 OR CALL 01959 543 747 AND QUOTE ‘XMAS24’ Lines are open Mon-Fri 8.30am to 5.30pm. Calls are charged at your standard network rate UK customers only. Offers end 31st January 2025 PLUS! Annuals, Books, Calendars, Event tickets, Clothing & Merchandise at shop.kelsey.co.uk/stocking…

Jurlique (£110, worth £310, jurlique.co.uk). A superb selection of 24 generously sized, sustainably produced skincare treats from the biodynamic farm of this slow-beauty pioneer. Highlights include Rare Rose Serum, Herbal Recovery Cream, Rose Hydrating Mask and Nutri-Define Eye Contour Balm. Lumene (£94.90, worth £280, johnlewis.com or lookfantastic.com). Open the doors to luscious Nordic beauty with 17 skincare and seven make-up favourites, including bestselling Nordic-C Glow Boost Essence in full size, new Nordic Berry Length & Volume Mascara, and Natural Glow Skin Tone Perfector Blush in a limited edition shade. No7 Beauty Secrets (£60, worth £236, boots.com). With 11 full-size products, you’ll have a daily dose of skincare and make-up in the run-up to Christmas. Goodies include Protect & Perfect Serum, ProArtist Lip Oil and Lift & Luminate Primer.…

1 LISA ELDRIDGE BEAUTY LIQUID SILK EYESHADOW IN PHOEBE (£26, LIBERTYLODON.COM) A wash of butterscotch, cream glow over your eyes creates a beautifully soft and flattering look. A cream shadow is ideal as it’s easy to blend and there’s no bits of powder to drop off onto your face. 2 REESON BEAUTY BRONZING BALM (£38, REESONBEAUTY.COM). Buff a sheer and buildable cream matte bronzer over the high points of your face. Use a large and dense brush for an even finish, remembering to blend downwards onto your neck. 3 PLOUISE THE CHEEK OF IT LIQUID BLUSH (£15, PLOUISE.CO.UK). Add a nude, honey blush to your cheeks to define your features. This lightweight, water-based formula glides on smoothly for a beautifully hydrated and healthy-looking finish. 4 BOBBI BROWN EXTRA PLUMP LIP SERUM…

“We believe every woman has the ability to maximise her health and beauty at any age, regardless of health history. With a balanced diet, effective exercise and a positive mindset, you can stay younger for longer, inside and out. We’ll bring you the latest information on wellbeing, fitness, food and beauty, empowering you to make informed choices now and for your future health. What’s gone before can’t be undone or redone, so let’s leave it in the past and focus on what can be changed today! We’re here to help you, one small step at a time.”…

Christmas is one of mine and John’s favourite times of the year. In early December we make our mince pies and Christmas cakes and all month we have people over and celebrate by eating, drinking and cooking. Christmas for us isn’t only on December 25; it’s about friends and family, whenever anybody is around. Both John [Torode, chef and Lisa’s husband of five years] and I cook Christmas lunch and we’re a good team. We love it whether it’s just the two of us or 22 people! It’s lovely to cook and get people together. The secret to the best Christmas meal is to think of it as a big roast dinner. The key is not getting too worried about it, and for everyone to bring something, so don’t be…

Relax and unwind this Christmas WHAT Warner Hotels Christmas Break WHERE Various UK locations WHEN December 23-27 PRICE £779 per person for a four-night stay (based on double occupancy) WEBSITE warnerleisurehotels.co.uk Available at a range of Warner Hotels across the UK, this festive four-night Christmas break provides guests with themed activities, seasonal feasts and plenty of exciting entertainment. Whether it’s catching a matinee performance, taking part in a dance workshop, or enjoying a Buck’s Fizz breakfast on Christmas morning, it’s sure to feel like the most wonderful time of the year. No matter which location you choose, your four-night festive break will include bed and breakfast, three-course dinners, a selection of entertainment, and full access to the spa and leisure facilities, where you can relax with a swim or soak…

Q Is there a time limit for being on HRT? My GP said it’s just delaying the natural process of menopause and my meno symptoms will be worse when I do stop taking it. Is this true? A There is no strict time limit for how long you can take hormone replacement therapy (HRT), but the risks and benefits should be regularly reassessed. Many healthcare professionals believe HRT can be continued for as long as the benefits, such as symptom relief and quality of life, outweigh the risks for the individual. Long-term use of HRT, may be associated with a slightly increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots and stroke. However, the absolute risk remains low for many women, especially those under 60 years or within 10 years of menopause…

I WAS IN SURVIVAL MODE, feeling vulnerable and helpless. Barely able to walk, the excruciating back pain was getting worse. I couldn’t even sit down. So, I had to eat my Christmas dinner in 2003 kneeling at the table. My mam could see how much pain I was in. Over the years I’d frequently see her suffering with back pain too. Knowing the advice she’d been given by medical professionals to ‘wear a corset and lie on a firm bed’, I saw firsthand the pain she’d endured. I also watched her recover with strength and resilience. So, in true learned behaviour, I too thought I had to endure the pain. Although I didn’t lie on a firm bed, I spent a lot of time lying in bed with the comforting…

DECEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Anthea Turner INSIDE Immune-boosting advice, plus how to get stronger and quit sugar NOVEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Cherry Healey INSIDE Midlife health hacks, high-protein recipes and five steps to declutter OCTOBER 2024 COVER STORY Tessa Sanderson CBE INSIDE The Olympian on inspiring women, plus a brain health special SEPTEMBER 2024 COVER STORY Dianne Buswell INSIDE Feel great forever with our gut health special, plus healthy recipes AUGUST 2024 COVER STORY Kelly Holmes INSIDE Tips for mental wellness, moves to tone up, and brain-boosting foods JULY 2024 COVER STORY Jenni Falconer INSIDE Midlife diet tips, ways to beat burnout, and the 2024 skincare awards JUNE 2024 COVER STORY Cat Deeley INSIDE Summer skincare, slimming tips and expert ways to beat joint pain MAY 2024 COVER STORY Gabby…

Our bumper January issue will contain even more health and fitness advice to get 2025 off to a great start, including: • Discover the slow approach to wellness to ease your way into the New Year • When gaining weight can actually help you look slimmer • Why looking after your teeth prevents Alzheimer’s • The gut health retreat to transform your wellbeing • Sage advice from the late Dr Michael Mosley …Plus lots more! DON’T MISS IT! The January issue goes on sale December 20. 4 WAYS TO GET YOUR COPY OF TOP SANTÉ… 1 Head to frontline-group.co.uk/store-finder and select Top Santé from the drop-down menu. Input your postcode to find your nearest stockist. 2 Ask your local newsagent to reserve you a copy – they’d be happy to…

‘Medicinal mushrooms are a great health boost’ ‘I was grateful for Midlife Health Hacks [November issue] as it’s good to know that as we move into midlife, there are natural ways to support our health and wellbeing. Medicinal mushrooms have long been used in traditional medicine in various cultures around the world for their powerful health benefits. My husband and I enjoy hiking and know a place where there is lots of porcini (Penny Bun) mushrooms. My husband won’t tell anyone where we get them from as they are not widely known! They are so tasty and very healthy. Thank you for all the information about the different types of mushrooms. I am looking out for ones I am not familiar with next time I shop.’ Jolene, by email. ‘Thanks…

YOUR SERVE TOG MOUSE cheese boards (£100, togknives.com) are handmade in small batches in Huddersfield using sustainably sourced American black walnut, a naturally antimicrobial and hygienic material, making it ideal for food prep. Perfect for cutting, presenting and carrying food, the Japanese-inspired design includes raised feet that lift the board up off the surface, making it easy to pick up – and pass down the table. The boards are finished with mineral oil and TOG Board Balm (£20), which you can purchase alongside your board to protect it for years to come. Time to dine Combining mid-century style with functional designs, the made-to-order Swyft Home Dining Table (from £999, swyfthome.com) and Dining Chairs (from £398 for a pair) seat six to eight people and are made using responsibly sourced solid…

WATERCRESS & SPINACH PESTO This is a brilliant dish to get used to quickly making at home as it can add a burst of flavour to many different dishes from risotto to baked fish or grain bowls. Makes 1 medium jar Keeps in the fridge for 1 week ■ 25g watercress (including the stalks)■ 50g spinach■ 50g frozen peas, cooked■ 2 small garlic cloves■ 20g grated (or crumbled) parmesan■ 25g pecans (or walnuts which give a more bitter flavour)■ 50ml extra virgin olive oil■ A squeeze of lemon juice■ Salt and pepper to taste 1 Wash the leaves and blend half of them with all the other ingredients. 2 Add the rest of the leaves and blitz to a thick paste. 3 Store in a sterilised recycled jar – add…

‘Subscribing to Top Santé is a great way to receive regular reminders to make healthy changes. Every four weeks the magazine will be delivered directly to you, packed with health, fitness, nutrition, skincare, haircare and mental wellbeing advice from experts, helping you stay on the path of health and longevity.’ @thehealtheditor FANTASTIC REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE: Subscribe to Top Santé and start feeling amazing from the inside out! Plus, you can enjoy the following subscriber benefits: ● Pay just £28.99 for your first 6 months, saving over £21 on the full price ● FREE MONUPLUS Brightening Boost Serum worth £42 ● Enjoy convenient home delivery of each issue ● Receive our regular newsletter providing you with ideas, advice, competitions and exclusive offers WORTH £42! Suitable for all skin types, the Brightening…

IF YOU’RE CLUED UP ON HEALTH I trends, you’ve probably already heard about adaptogens – plants that possess clever regenerative properties that can help upregulate or downregulate your levels of stress, energy, metabolism and more, depending on what you need. Found in plenty of the latest supplements and superfood powders, now they’re increasingly making waves in the world of beauty and skincare. Here are some great adaptogen skincare heroes. RHODIOLA ROSEA This is one of the best adaptogens for improving texture and tone as the extract helps firm up skin to reduce fine lines and sagging. Rhodiola can help reduce puffiness as well as large pores, and its anti-inflammatory properties help damp down acne redness. This soothing night cream with organic rhodiola rosea has beneficial minerals and flavonoids to protect…

SPICE IT UP! A sprinkling of Just Spices Speculoos Spice (£4.99, justspices.co.uk) creates an instant Christmassy aroma. It’s a blend of warming cinnamon, aniseed, cloves and nutmeg – great for Christmas cake, pudding, cookies, trifle and more. It contains only natural ingredients with no fillers or nasties and is vegan too. STOCKING STUFFERS Kickstart your Christmas cheer with a Cox & Co Luxury Christmas Tree Bar (£12 for two, coxandcocacao.com), made from single origin Colombian cacao. We love the Raw Cacao Nibs flavour for an intense dark chocolate hit with 85 per cent cacao. Each bar is wrapped in biodegradable card with vegetable-based inks and compostable film bag. Go for gold Going alcohol-free this Christmas doesn’t mean missing out on feeling buzzed, thanks to functional drink Sentia Spirits GABA Gold…