Conscious Living
Low-tox, low waste and local: Living well for the planet and the body.
Holistic health is about more than just the food on our plates; it is about the environment we create around us. Reducing our "toxic load"—from the plastics in our kitchen to the chemicals in our household products - is a vital part of supporting an autoimmune system.
In Conscious Living, I celebrate the brands that help us live more mindfully. This section is a tribute to my local Wiltshire community and the innovative producers who prove that sustainability and 100% gluten-free safety can go hand-in-hand.
🌿 The Local Hero: Eco Creations (Calne)
The Vibe: Sustainable, plastic-free living in the heart of our community.
The Integrity Check: Located on Wood Street, Eco Creations is our go-to for circular shopping. They prioritise high-quality, ethically sourced products that reduce our reliance on single-use plastics.
Why I Love It: Living with coeliac disease often involves a lot of packaged "speciality" foods. Shopping at Eco Creations allows us to balance that by refilling our household essentials—from non-toxic laundry liquids to bamboo toothbrushes—lowering the chemical burden on our homes and our planet.
Expert Insight: "I love their 'refill, not replace' ethos. It’s the perfect place to find low-tox skincare and cleaning products that won't irritate a sensitive immune system."
🍺 The Craft Artisan: Stealth Brew Co (Melksham)
The Vibe: Independent, small-batch, and unashamedly gluten-free.
The Integrity Check: Based in Melksham, Stealth Brew Co produces a dedicated range of beers that are lab-tested to be permanently gluten-free (<20ppm).
Why I Love It: Many "gluten-removed" beers can still cause reactions for highly sensitive coeliacs. Stealth Brew Co takes the guesswork out of it. Their Covert Pale Ale is a masterclass in craft brewing—full-bodied, hoppy, and 100% safe.
Expert Insight: "Being coeliac shouldn't mean losing the social joy of a local craft beer. I trust Stealth because they prioritise testing and transparency, brewed right here in Wiltshire."
Link: Shop Stealth Brew Co
🚜 Wiltshire Farm Shops: The Ultimate Whole-Food Source
When we strip back the labels and the processing, we find the truest form of gluten-free eating: Real Food. Farm shops are the backbone of a conscious kitchen. By buying direct from our Wiltshire neighbours, we ensure our food is nutrient-dense, seasonal, and free from the hidden cross-contamination risks of large-scale manufacturing.
Allington Farm Shop (Chippenham)
The Detail: A true family-run farm shop specialising in home-reared meats and locally grown produce just outside Calne.
Why I Love It: It’s my go-to for 'Clean Protein.' Their traceability is 100%, and their produce doesn't travel miles in plastic—it comes straight from the fields around us. This is essential for those on an AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) diet.
Hartley Farm Shop (Winsley)
The Detail: A B-Corp certified destination that puts the planet first.
Why I Love It: Hartley is the gold standard for 'The Holistic Edit.' Not only can you fill your larder with incredible organic produce, but their cafe is a safe haven for coeliacs, offering high-integrity meals in a beautiful setting.
Link: Visit Hartley Farm
Lowden Garden Centre & Farm Shop (Shaw/Melksham)
The Detail: High-end local produce with an exceptional butchery counter.
Why I Love It: They offer a curated "Free From" section that often stocks local artisan brands. Their focus on quality over quantity aligns perfectly with a holistic approach to nutrition.
Link: Visit Lowden
🌎 Why "Conscious" Living Matters
To support a healing body, we must look at the bigger picture:
Reducing Endocrine Disruptors: Choosing glass and refills over plastics helps balance our hormones.
Supporting Local Ecosystems: Buying from Melksham, Calne, and Chippenham producers keeps our community resilient.
Safe Celebration: Finding 100% lab-tested treats (and beers!) means we can enjoy life without the fear of an inflammatory "flare.”