Cricket Flour: Food of the Future or Freaky Trend?

You've probably heard it mentioned in TV documentaries and internet article, but the latest superfood, with added shock factor and persuasively called "the food of the future" is insects. Specifically crickets. Although crickets, locusts, ants and many other six-legged arthropods have been eaten in many cultures across the world (with 2.5 billion people** thought to be regularly consuming them), the thought of insect-based foods, in any incarnation, tends to send those of us in more western cultures retching and running for the hills. Considering that we have evolved to be wary of the unknown, it is understandable -that's why crustaceans and shellfish can be off-putting, even in a society where these foods are eaten, albeit less often than conventional meats. However, the growing demand to produce protein sources that take up less water, food and energy has resulted in insect production becoming a potential solution to that problem -a solution that has been backed by the UN.

Although not technically even vegetarian, crickets may seem to be a more ethical choice, with the adult lifespan of a cricket being just a few days or weeks, and the crickets themselves being lower -or less intelligent and complex -lifeforms. Of course, that isn't to say that as a consequence the crickets lives don't matter, but it is something to consider.

In terms of mass production, the biggest obstacle is probably the way in which the cricket is sold. Attempting to eat a cricket that still looks as it does when it was alive can be somewhat off-putting, and so grinding the crickets up into a flour is a more palatable option as well as more versatile. Said to have a mild, nutty flavour, cricket flour can partially replace conventional flour when making recipes. More delicate recipes such as baking cakes may not turn out so well with large amounts of cricket flour being used, whereas recipes that use flour as a binder -such as my aubergine power balls -can probably take a little bit more of the cricket flour.

One of the easiest ways to use cricket flour is in making energy or proteins bars, and there are already a few brands selling them. SENS bar*, a soon-to-be-released line of cricket flour-based food, sent me their energy and protein bars to try. The energy bars are based on dates as the primary ingredient, followed by cricket flour, with fibre-rich psyllium husks reducing a blood sugar spiked. The protein bars have nearly three times as much cricket flour as the energy bars, alongside sesame seeds or peanuts and cocoa butter. I found that the protein bars were noticeably drier and less flavoursome than the energy bars -perhaps one to eat alongside a drink -but neither made me feel as though I was eating insects, which was a relief!

So far I've been looking at cricket flour and insect production on primarily an environmental level, but how much good does it do you? Initially, the high protein content seems great, but as it is still undergoing testing and evaluation by the food standards agency, we don't actually know how well our bodies can synthesis it. Currently, the fungus Fustarium venenatum -more commonly known as Quorn -is the top vegetarian/non meat protein source**. Concerns regarding the consumption of insects (and other arthropods such as scorpions) includes the risk of consuming venom, foreign proteins causing allergic reactions, and allergens present in the insect feed causing allergic reactions. At the present, people with allergies to shellfish are recommended not to try insects and cricket flour until there has been further studies analysed and published.

The good thing about cricket flour is that as a pure, single ingredient product, risk of reactions are easier to monitor, and crickets do not produce venom. So as long as you feel as though you aren't at risk of any reactions due to allergies or poor digestion, I personally don't see any reason why you shouldn't try cricket flour (although please do your own research of course!). At the present, insects are defined as a "novel food" and require further research and studies. So although the jury is still currently out, spending you pennies on an insect protein bar, or buying your own flour, you can get a taste of what may well be the food of the future, and help to fund research. I may not be quite ready to look a locust in the eye before eating it, or sprinkle ants over my Pad Thai as a colleague did,  but there may well be a place in my pantry for cricket flour.

So where can you get your hands on insect products if you're ready to try entomophagy? Beyond SENS bars, you can buy the flour from independent online retailers such as Cricket Flours or Amazon. If you don't feel like doing the work yourself, there are also a few insect restaurants starting to pop up, such as the Grub Kitchen in Pembrokeshire.

* Denotes PR sample. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to SENS bar for the samples, and for causing me to finally have a look into this current topic!
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Natural Skincare Products

I have popped a couple of DIY's on the blog over the last few months, so I thought it was about time that I showed you some of the natural skin and body care that I use. Ideally, I look for products that use natural/organic and sustainably sourced materials, are cruelty free and from companies with a planet-friendly ethos. I have ver fair, quite sensitive skin, so using naturally-dervived products tends to keep my skin happier, although I am careful around harsher ingredients such as tea tree oil. One thing to bear in mind, is that "natural" as a label, really doesn't mean anything; it gives you no guarantees about the product. Look for certifications on the packaging, such as the leaping bunny (cruelty free), or the soil association (organic material). These markers are the gold standard to proving that you are buying something that you can trust. I do find that I am starting to become quite loyal to a handful of brands, as trust is something very important when buying natural or cruelty free products. My two most go-to brands at the moment are Neal's Yard and Lush. They are very different brands, but I feel like both represent my views very well.

Neal's Yard Rose Otto Cleanser

This cleanser is my absolute miracle product. Until I switched to it a month or two ago, I was still using products aimed at oily skin. After a foray with my coconut oil scrub, my skin seemed to respond well to the added moisture, so I decided it was time to make the switch. The cleanser is aimed at normal and sensitive sin types, so really is perfect for me. It comes as a gel rather than drying foam, or rich milk, so is perfectly light. I like to massage it into damp skin with my fingertips, before dabbing off with a flannel and splashing with cold water. I've really seen an improvement in my skin texture and clarity, so I am really impressed!

Neal's Yard Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is the natural beauty hero product of the moment. The medium chain fatty acids in coconut oil are anti fungal and antibacterial, so I like the thought of this for my skin. Double cleansing has recently become popular with beauty bloggers, and using a face oil counts as the first of your two face washes, in order to get a squeaky clean finish. I melt the oil in my fingers and use a cotton pad to lightly wipe around my face and eyes to remove grime and make up before using my rose cleanser. I originally bought a pot of coconut oil for the bathroom simply because conventional make up removers were hurting my eyes. Now, I find it absolutely indispensable, and is more hygienic than using the same oil for in the kitchen and bathroom. It makes a lovely moisturiser, deep hair conditioner, sun burn relief, and just a great all-rounder. I know coconut oil is having a bit of a thing at the moment, but if you don't want to jump on the band wagon, or deal with melting the oil, try almond oil or similar.

Elemis scrub

Elemis has created a range aimed at young adults, with gentle products aimed to help skin in its transition from oily teenage, to normal or dry adult. I use the scrub once or twice a week to get rid of any dead skin cells and declog any pores. It has a subtle, grapefruit-like scent that is really lovely. Whilst Elemis doesn't advertise itself as a natural brand in the way that others featured do, it is surprisingly good. Cruelty-free, and containing active plant ingredients, including cherry powder, jojoba beads (no plastic micro bead nasties here!!) and mandarin. It is quite a gentle scrub, which is perfect. And the price tag comes in at much lower than some other Elemis products, making it a great introduction to the brand. Unforteuntely, it seems to be a little difficult to find online now. I have spotted the range in TK Maxx, so you may get lucky.

Boots Botanics All Bright Hydrating Day Cream

I still haven't found my "perfect" moisturiser (if it's out there!), but I am really happy with the Botanic's range so far. The award winning range is a partnership between Boots and Kew Gardens and has been recognised as a sustainable business. Organic and paraben-free, I know that my skin won't suffer with these moisturisers. I have been using the night cream as well, but I haven't replaced it. The day cream is SPF 15 and 5* UVA protecting. It's currently half price, making it a pinch at £2.50. The Botanics range is also often on offer for 3 for 2, so keep your eyes peeled!

I have to say, I am very tempted to try a moisturising oil in the place of a night cream. I have heard some really good things about Pai's Rose Oil and would love to try that! In the mean time though, I'll be sticking with my trusty Boots products.

Lush Charity Pot (Hand and Body Lotion)

Lush has got me pretty well sold on their haircare. I love the packaging-free solid shampoo bars, hair masks in returnable/reusable pots and the Avocado co-wash (that's a shampoo and conditioner in one to you and me) is next on my list to buy. However, I haven't really used all that much of their other products. I usually buy one of the £1 mini charity pots whenever I am at the till, but after my friend and I spotted Fin Fighters on the top of on of the larger charity pots, we both had to buy them! Fin Fighters is a charity that I am passionate about, and they are committed to ending the distribution and sale of shark products in the UK and beyond. To be able to buy a yummy-smelling moisturiser that ticks all the boxes mentioned above, AND to donate to a cause that I support? It's brilliant.

Neal's Yard Bee Lovely Hand Cream

I mentioned the Bee Lovely range in my post about Neal's Yard in York. I absolutely love this hand cream as it is so moisturising without being too sticky. It smells heavenly and supports the protection of bees -so far the range has raised £60 000! It is full of goodness including, of course, honey that keeps my skin happy during busy days. Students get a handy 10% off as well.

I hope you found this post interesting and useful, do let me know if you use any of these products, or have any favourites of your own!

An Interview with Neal's Yard

Alongside the DIY natural beauty that I have been creating, I have been making the switch with my products that I use to natural, ethical brands. I think one of the most well-known brands for this is Neal's Yard, which has been creating natural-based remedies since 1981, using aromatherapy principles. In terms, of beliefs, Neal's Yard is awesome -carbon neutral, organic certified, cruelty-free and fair trade, amongst many, many other accolades. I popped into their York shop to have a chat with Felix and Chloe and find out more about the brand.

One of my favourite aspects of Neal's Yard is their involvement on campaigns. The two I am most interested in is the Beat the Microbead and Bee Lovely campaigns. Microbead plastics are found in many exfoliators and enter the water systems and ocean where they become ingested by animals and move up the food chain, potentially to us. Neal's Yard instead uses yummy ingredients like rice bran, Argan shell, lotus seeds and sea salt.

In response to the rapid decline of bee species, including honey bees, £60 000 has been raised by Neal's Yard through their Bee Lovely products (that's about £10 000 per year since the line launched!). Alongside using organic, responsibly sourced honey to make the moisturisers and products, a petition has been taken to Downing Street asking for a ban on neonicotinoids, a group of insecticides that have been wiping out bees. To top it, the range smells so good -Felix described it as like carrot cake, which gives you an idea of how rich and sweet it is.

I asked what item was currently standing out as a hero-product, and was surprised to find that the answer was a diffuser. The Zen diffuser is ionising, has mood lighting and turns itself off so is really safe in a busy household. One of the diffusers was filling the room with scent from an in-house essential oil and it really was lovely.

To get a look at the York store and life as a Neal's Yard team member, Felix gave me the lowdown:
"York has an alternative health scene, which fits in well with Neal's Yard. There are lots of yoga studios, buddhist centres and independent holistic health practitioners in the city". Coworker Chloe is a yoga teacher, specialising in Yin yoga, and teaching in some of these yoga studios. I am hoping to attend one of her classes with a little luck!

The York store also has a therapy room, with services including reflexology, psychology, massage and facials offered. Felix is an aromatherapist, and is benefitting from the Neal's Yard graduate scheme, which offers professional support and further learning to support new practitioners. With these qualifications, Felix is more likely to be found making up his own facial oils himself than using the pre-made products, but loves the Men's moisturising cream. His favourite oils to use are lavender and tea tree. Felix also recommends rose hip oil, which is full of moisturising fatty acids, whilst relieving congested skin. I personally have been using a rose otto-based cleanser and have seen real improvements in my skin in the last month.

It was a really insightful afternoon, and I had a lovely time talking to Chloe and Felix. I couldn't leave without a few cheeky purchases, so bought myself a new Bee Lovely hand cream, and a pot of coconut oil just for hair, skin and body care, rather than having to use the oil that I use for cooking. I have learnt a lot more about the brand, and feel even more confident about what I am putting on my skin.

Review: Lush Lullaby Shampoo Bar

Along with health and fitness, one of my main passions that I share on this blog is environmental protection. I want to use products that use ingredients from natural, sustainable sources that are cruelty free. With a particular interest in marine conservation, one of my main issue is plastic -it really is everywhere. I am really trying to keep my plastic waste down and it is so difficult when we rely on it for most products. Luckily for me, Lush has come to the rescue with their shampoo bars. The bars have been around for a while now, accidentally invented before even Lush itself was formed, but recently the brand has been showcasing the bars much more. The compact, solid shampoo is said to last as long as two to three plastic 250ml bottles as essential oils are not diluted by the water in traditional shampoos. Lush sells these totally unpackaged, with the option of buying a tin to keep the bar in.

Recently, six new bars have been added to the original eight, suitable for pretty much any hair type. I was recommended Lullaby for my hair, which I later found out was designed with sensitive children's hair in mind. Due to the thinness of individual stands of my blonde hair, it can dry out easily, whereas my roots and fringe become oily between washes. The Lavender Absolute in the bar is supposed to regulate oil without drying. Other ingredients include oats, camomile and jojoba oil, all ideal for keeping my hair soft, healthy and shiny.

First thoughts:
I was pleased at how the bar gently lathered up. It didn't even look like it had been used so hopefully the shampoo will last as long as promised. I used the shampoo alongside Lush's Veganese, which I have been using for close to a year now. I let my hair dry naturally, but it still felt volumised, soft and looked clean. I woke up the next day with my hair still feeling fresh. Since switching to Lush hair products last year, I have found that my hair often needs washing every three days rather than every other before I have even gone near the dry shampoo. This shampoo bar looks set to do the same. The scent of Lullaby is very subtle, although some of the more citrus based bars such as Montalbano and Brazilliant have a stronger smell if you were looking for a fragranced bar.

Overall, I am really pleased with this bar. To me, using naturally-based products just makes sense, and when it is ethically and environmentally-sound, it seems like a no-brainer. If this product continues to work as I have experienced so far, I think I will have been converted to the shampoo bar. If it lasts as long as promised, this is a cost effective and low packaging option that makes it accessible to all. Next on my list to try is Seanik, which uses lemon, seaweed and sea salt to add volume to hair.

Lullaby shampoo bar (55g) sells for £5.75. Have you tried a shampoo bar or low-packaging product?

Om Yoga Magazine: March

Reading Om Yoga magazine is something that I look forward to each month, and is something that I am always excited to share with you. I was promised an interesting read this month, and I wasn't disappointed. This month's main feature is all about ethical clothing. Shopping organically and consciously is very important to me, if not always easy to achieve, either logistically or financially. So, I am always really happy to see new brands and ideas featured to keep me inspired and on my toes. Some really exciting brands were featured and I thought I'd share a few with you today.

Teeki

When talking about ethical, planet-friendly clothing, organic cotton and bamboo tend to spring to mind. But Teeki activewear is all made from recycled plastic bottle, giving a bright new life to something that we buy and dispose of so casually as an international community. Each pair of yoga leggings uses around 25 bottles -just think of all the landfill site space saved if all polyester clothing were made in this way. And, as screen printing is not required, the process produces no polluted water making the process really clean. Teeki actually has a zero waste policy as part of their sustainability promise. Their popular leggings sell at £47.50, putting them in the mid price range category. Teeki also sells shorts, tops and children's leggings. If you're looking for bright printed leggings next pay day, these are the ones to go for.

Choclo Project

Choclo Project is more than just a fitness brand; it is a powerful instrument working to change the lives of underprivileged children in Peru. 5% of the sale price of the leggings, which can account for up to 100% of the profits goes towards these charities. In addition, the brand's headquarters are located in the Darwin Ecosystem in Bordeaux, giving the company great green credentials as well. Once again, I'd put this brand in the mid price range.

No Balls Yoga
Finally, is No Balls, a fitness company that uses eco-friendly bamboo. I have had my eye on this brand for a while and would love to treat myself to a pair of staple legging, yoga bra and maybe one of their pretty vests! Four different bamboo-based fabrics are used to cater for different activity levels, which isn't something that I often see with bamboo clothing. Bamboo is sweat wicking and anti bacterial, so this brand will see you through a variety of sports and classes. Although some of the more detailed, technical pieces can cost up to and above £60, you can also pick up a basic bra for a tenner and leggings for £20, making No Balls an option accessible for all.

Also in this month's issue was the article, Walking in Beauty, inspired by a Navajo blessing, by Denise Leicester. She talks about elevating our sense of being and clearing the mind in order to see beauty in all things. As spring is in the air, now is a perfect time to declutter the mind and rid it of expectations. Leicester encourages you to try that juice cleanse, sort out that to-do list or engaging in something new. During this time she encourages you to find beauty in what you do. In doing this you should find yourself cultivating a conscious path towards happiness.

Disclaimer: I am an Affiliated Blogger with Om Yoga Magazine. Each issue I will write a post on an article from the magazine and share it with you. Have a look here to find about the other lovely affiliated bloggers. All photos in this post taken from the Om Yoga magazine.