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6 Tips for Living Well

17th January 2023

Health

17th January 2023

By Shivraj Bassi

Wellness is as individual as your fingertips, and means something different to everyone. With this in mind, Live Well London, a 3 day celebration of wellness, nutrition, emotional and physical wellbeing, asked its health and wellness experts what their top tips were for living well on a daily basis – and they’re all within your reach.

Find balance

“Don’t force yourself to get up at 6am every day for a run or to drink super green juices. Fit activity into your lifestyle and make healthy eating swaps when you can, but don’t deny yourself a treat such as chocolate or cakes when you fancy it. Try and make sure to sleep 7-8 hours per night if you can.”

Rachel Evans, award-winning health blogger, Healthy & Psyched

Exercise for enjoyment

“Find something you enjoy doing every day that makes you feel healthy. What works for you may not necessarily be what works for your best friend, social media influencer or colleague. Take this enjoyment and try to incorporate it into your every-day routine. I try to move every day in different ways. Sometimes it is high intensity, sometimes it is merely stretching.”

Clarissa Lenharr, registered nutritionist  

Perfection rejection

“It’s all about consistency, not perfection, nourishment not deprivation. Self-care is a necessity and not a luxury. Start by making small do-able changes that can become part of your daily life; you can build on it and create a lifestyle that helps you reach your wellness goals. I have a two year old so we go for daily walks, run around the park or go to softplay, whatever works that day. I aim to workout a few times a week, a combination of a home work-out using instagram and youTube videos. I am not that good at it but I try my best at yoga as well – restorative exercise is super important for hormonal health!”

Angelique Panagos, nutritional therapist

Small steps to big changes

“Self-care can be as simple as eating your favourite breakfast, getting a good nights sleep, or turning off social media for the evening. It doesn’t have to be a huge act, just taking my dog for a walk makes me feel better. I try not to pay attention to what other people are doing, and focus on what works well for me.”

Laura Phelan, Eating Disorder Practitioner

Focus on how you feel

“Create intrinsic goals, not just extrinsic goals. Focus on how you want to feel and why health will help you to cultivate more happiness and fulfilment, rather than how it changes your appearance. Journaling or working with a life coach are great for self discovery, both of which I do and practice myself.”

Amy Rushworth, Confidence and Transformational Life Coach, Wellness with Amy

Be You

“Don’t feel the need to conform or fit another person’s ideal. Understand what works for you and find your own way. Embrace culture, equality, diversity, fitness, health and recognise your individual nutritional needs. Life’s more fun when you challenge convention, break the rules and pursue your passion. Why fit in when you can stand out?”

Shivraj Bassi, Founder and CEO of Innermost

Innermost is proud to be the lead sponsor of Live Well London, which takes place 1 – 3 March 2019 at Old Billingsgate. We'll also be on hand providing shakes at Stand A27. Rachel, Clarissa, Laura and Amy will be giving a seminar on falling in love with food on Friday 1st March at 12pm, and Angelique will be talking about the connection between hormones and nutrition on Sunday 3rd March at 12.30pm.

Tickets are on sale now from £35 www.livewelllondon.com.

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Halal Collagen Cover Image

Understanding Halal Collagen: A Guide to Quality, Sourcing & Supplements

Collagen has become a staple in many modern wellness routines, used to support everything from skin health to recovery and joint function. But as its popularity has grown, so too has the need for greater clarity around what’s in these products - and how they’re made. Case in point - halal collagen. Unlike other supplement ingredients, collagen is typically derived from animal sources. This makes its suitability under halal dietary guidelines less straightforward. Two collagen powders may look almost identical on the surface, yet differ significantly in how they are sourced, processed, and certified, meaning that one might be halal compliant and the other not so much. For anyone looking to incorporate collagen supplements into their routine, understanding these differences matters. This guide breaks down what exactly makes collagen halal and non halal, where confusion often comes in, and how to choose a supplement that aligns with both your values and your expectations for quality. What is halal collagen? Halal collagen refers to collagen that has been produced in accordance with Islamic dietary laws. While the term “halal” is often associated with food, the same principles apply to supplements, including collagen powders and capsules. In practice, this means that halal collagen must meet specific criteria across its entire lifecycle - not just in its final ingredient form. What makes collagen halal certified? Determining whether collagen is halal goes far beyond scanning an ingredient label. Collagen itself is most sourced from bovine (cow) or marine (fish) origins. Whether either is considered halal depends not only on the source, but on how it has been handled from extraction through to final production. Halal sourcing The sourcing of collagen is the first step to halal certification. Firstly, for a collagen product to be halal it must be sourced from a halal permissible animal such as cattle (bovine collagen) or fish (marine collagen). For bovine collagen, animals must be raised and slaughtered according to halal principles and Islamic rites collectively known as Zabiha. This includes: Invocation of Allah's name (Tasmiyyah) at the moment of slaughter. A swift cut to the throat to ensure humane treatment. Slaughtering conducted by a sane adult Muslim. The animal must also be healthy at the time of slaughter. Without the above considerations, collagen supplements cannot be considered permissible, regardless of quality. Halal processing Processing is the next critical factor in halal collagen certification. Collagen extraction often involves enzymes or chemical treatments to isolate and refine the protein. This hydrolysis process often uses enzymes to break down collagen into peptides. These enzymes must be plant-based (e.g., papain) or sourced from halal-certified animals; porcine-derived enzymes (like porcine trypsin) are forbidden. If any of these substances are derived from non-halal sources, the integrity of the product is compromised. Any solvents or processing aids used during extraction must also be free from ethanol or other non-halal alcohols. Halal collagen certification also ensures that no prohibited additives, such as non-halal gelatine carriers or animal-based anti-caking agents, were introduced during the manufacturing process. Halal Manufacturing Manufacturing standards are also highly important in making collagen supplements halal certified. Even when ingredients are halal, shared facilities or inadequate controls can introduce cross-contamination. As such, the manufacturing of halal collagen must follow the below guidelines: Non cross contamination: certified products are produced under strict conditions that ensure separation from non-halal substances throughout production, storage, and packaging. Complete surface cleaning: If a facility handles both Halal and non-Halal products, a rigorous, religiously supervised deep cleaning (often called Samak or Taharah) must occur between runs. Auditors must verify that no "Najis" (unclean/prohibited) residues remain. Common Misconceptions About Halal Collagen As collagen has become more widely used, a number of assumptions have emerged around its suitability within a halal diet. These are some of the most common. Collagen is Halal be default: because collagen is a natural protein, it’s easy to assume it meets dietary requirements. In reality, its origin and processing determine whether it is permissible. Marine collagen is always halal: While often suitable, this still depends on how the collagen is produced and whether non-halal substances are introduced during processing. Hydrolysed collagen is always halal: As with other forms of collagen, halal permissibility depends entirely on its source and production. There is also a tendency to equate “clean” or “natural” products with halal compliance. While these qualities can overlap, they are not the same. A supplement may be free from additives and still not meet halal standards. Benefits of halal collagen When halal collagen is produced with quality and integrity in mind, it can support a range of wellness goals. While we’ve spoken about these before, however below are some of the key benefits of halal collagen: It plays a role in maintaining skin structure and elasticity. Supports joint function and contributes to recovery following physical activity. They form part of a broader approach to looking, feeling, and performing at their best. These benefits are closely linked to how the collagen is sourced and formulated. Products that prioritise transparency, clean processing, and effective formats - such as hydrolysed collagen peptides - are more likely to deliver consistent results. For those seeking halal collagen supplements, this alignment between quality and compliance becomes key. How to choose a halal collagen supplement? Choosing a halal collagen powder or supplement should feel straightforward, but in practice it often requires a closer look. Below are some of the key things you should look for when purchasing halal collagen supplements: Certification is the most reliable starting point. A recognised halal certification confirms that the product has been assessed across sourcing, processing, and manufacturing. Clear information about where the collagen is sourced and how it is produced can indicate a more considered approach to formulation. The type of collagen also matters. Hydrolysed collagen peptides are widely used because they integrate easily into daily routines and are readily utilised by the body. The overall experience of the product. Taste, mixability, and ease of use all contribute to whether a supplement becomes part of a consistent routine - which is ultimately where results are seen. Is Innermost halal? In short, yes. Innermost products are halal certified, meaning they meet strict standards across sourcing, processing, and production. This ensures that every stage of development aligns with halal requirements. Innermost’s The Glow Blend contains high quality halal certified hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides and is formulated to support your skin and overall wellbeing, with extra nutrients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, biotin and folate. Alongside certification, our Innermost proteins and supplements focuses on clean, effective formulations designed to support real results. We prioritise ingredient quality, avoid unnecessary additives, and create products that fit seamlessly into everyday routines. If you’re looking for a collagen supplement that aligns with both your nutritional goals and your values, explore the Innermost range to find a halal-certified option that fits seamlessly into your routine. References Permadi, S., Ujilestari, T., Hakim, L et al. Characteristics and Applications of Collagen from the Animal By-Product as a Potential Source for Food Ingredients. Permadi et al. Reviews in Agricultural Science. 2024, 327-346. Click here. Aslan., H. The influence of halal awareness, halal certificate, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, attitude and trust on purchase intention of culinary products among Muslim costumers in Turkey. International Journal of Gastronomy and Food Science. 2023. Click here. Schmidt, M. M. et al. Collagen extraction process. International Food Research Journal. 2016. Click here.
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The Ingredient We Almost Didn't Put In The Energy Booster

The Ingredient We Almost Didn't Put In The Energy Booster

There's a question we ask about every ingredient before it goes into a product. Not "is this trending?" Not "does it look good on the label?" Just: does the evidence actually support putting this in? Most of the time, that question is straightforward. Either the research is there or it isn't. But occasionally you land on an ingredient where the science says yes and something else gives you pause. That's where formulation gets genuinely interesting. Beta alanine was one of those decisions. What Beta Alanine Actually Does Most people who've taken a pre-workout have felt beta alanine without knowing it. It's the ingredient responsible for the tingling sensation you get in your face, your neck, your hands. That feeling has a name: paraesthesia. It's harmless. But it's also the reason we nearly left beta alanine out. Before I get to that, the science. Beta alanine is a non-essential amino acid. On its own, it doesn't do very much. But inside muscle tissue, it binds with another amino acid called histidine to form something called carnosine. And carnosine is where the real work happens. During intense exercise, your muscles produce hydrogen ions as a byproduct of energy production. It's the build-up of those hydrogen ions, not lactic acid as most people think, that causes the burning sensation and the drop-off in performance. Carnosine acts as a buffer. It mops up those hydrogen ions and delays the point at which fatigue kicks in. The research on this is substantial. A 2012 meta-analysis published in the journal Amino Acids, covering over 40 studies, found that beta alanine supplementation consistently improved exercise capacity, particularly in high-intensity efforts lasting between one and four minutes. The effect size was meaningful and reproducible. This wasn't a promising pilot study. It was a decade of accumulated evidence pointing in the same direction. In practical terms: more reps before failure. More output before you hit the wall. Sustained performance over a longer window. So why the hesitation? The decision we almost got wrong The tingling. Not because it's dangerous. It isn't. The paraesthesia from beta alanine is a well-understood pharmacological response and there is no evidence of harm at the doses used in supplementation. But we had a real concern: if someone takes The Workout Blend for the first time and feels an unexpected tingling in their face, and nobody told them it was coming, we've just lost their trust. Possibly permanently. The easy path was to leave it out. Plenty of pre-workout formulas do exactly that, either because they're being cautious or because they want a smoother consumer experience. No ingredient, no explanation required. We talked about it a lot. And the conclusion we kept coming back to was this: removing an ingredient with strong evidence because it might confuse people is not how we want to make formulation decisions. That's the same logic that leads brands to include ingredients with weak evidence because they're more familiar, more comfortable, more sellable. The answer wasn't to remove it. The answer was to be upfront about it. The tingling means the beta alanine is working. It's a real physiological response to a real ingredient doing a real thing. If we believe in the science, we include the ingredient and we explain what's happening. That felt like the right standard to hold ourselves to. What the rest of the market does Most pre-workout formulas fall into one of two categories.The first is the stimulant-heavy formula. Stacked with caffeine at doses that produce a short spike, a noticeable crash, and not much else underneath. These sell well because the immediate sensation of energy feels like evidence that something is working. It often isn't, not in any meaningful physiological sense beyond what caffeine alone would do. The second is the proprietary blend. A long list of ingredients with no disclosed amounts, making it impossible to know whether any of them are present at doses that match the research. Proprietary blends let brands list an ingredient without committing to a dose that would actually work. Both approaches optimise for perception. Neither optimises for performance. What I'd recommend The Energy Booster (soon to be renamed to The Workout Blend) contains beta alanine alongside citrulline malate, which supports nitric oxide production and blood flow during training, BCAAs at a 2:1:1 ratio to safeguard lean muscle, and natural caffeine from guarana for sustained energy without the spike you get from synthetic sources. The formulation is built around what the research supports at doses that match the evidence. If you feel the tingling the first time you take it, that's the beta alanine. It's normal, it fades within 20 minutes or so, and it's a sign the formula is doing what it's supposed to do.
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