Products I couldn’t live without – Emma Hatcher

Life can be stressful, especially when you have a sensitive gut. Busy jobs, free time at a premium and sometimes-unpredictable days, I like to have a few routine products that I can rely on in times of need!

Although it was tough to narrow it down, I wanted to share some with you – so here are a few of my top products this IBS Awareness month:

Nutri-Brex. FODMAP-friendly, gluten-free and a pleasantly short ingredient list, if you loved Weetabix but have a sensitive gut, you’ll love this. I like to mix up what I’m having for breakfast to give my gut a Iot of variation – maybe eggs, or overnight oats (see page 57 of my cookbook… hint hint). But for those days when you haven’t got any time, or are really craving a bowl of cereal, Nutri-Brex is great. Lovely with cold almond milk and a sprinkle of brown sugar.

Doves Farm flours. Their gluten free plain white flour blend has become a staple in my baking, along with others. Easy to use and get hold of, reliable in recipes and often great to sub in place (with a few little extras or tweaks) of standard plain flour.

Pip & Nut peanut butter. Once you’ve had Pip’s, you never go back! On toast, with bananas, with homemade jam… It’s made with only roasted peanuts and a sprinkle of salt and I covet the tubs like treasure.

Arla Lactofree products. Although I use dairy-free milks, their cream cheese, single cream and yogurts are amazing if you can’t tolerate much, if any, lactose.

Rosehip oil. Organic and natural, a few drops a day mixed in with my moisturiser really works for my skin. It’s not cheap, but a bottle lasts forever. Trilogy is my current favourite and making me feel a bit more ready for summer.

I’m a sucker for a scented candle and am eying up this one from & Other Stories at the moment. I find them really therapeutic; when lit, some form of calm just washes over. (I find if the first one doesn’t work, lighting another five or so with soft 80s music playing really helps).

This Works Sleep Plus+ Pillow Spray. If I’ve had a busy day and can’t switch my brain off, my gut’s not loving me or can feel myself getting anxious, a few sprays of this lavender scented goodness does the trick. A natural remedy designed to help restore healthy sleep patterns – it really does help me get a better night’s sleep.

Thick, soft, black yoga pants. I could live in these and Birkenstocks. I had the chance to meet and work with the Wellicious team at a Health Bloggers Community event a while ago. Super thick, opaque and eco-friendly, their yoga pants are worth the splurge if you can afford them – especially for those days when you’ve got a sexy bloat going on.