Easter Treats!

Easter is almost here so take a look at some tasty inspiration to get creative juices flowing..

Inventive ways of presenting veg makes things more interesting..

Bunny shaped sandwiches are ideal for this time of year

Rice crispie pops from coffee cups and crayons are healthier than the chocolate variety

Healthy or not, treats in cute containers make them more appealing

Pour yoghurt into moulds and freeze to satisfy that ice cream craving

Baby carrots in hummus pots are ideal for snacktime without a sugar overload

Happy Easter!

Paleo Breakfast Ideas!

Simple recipes that mean you're not held back by your dietary requirements or simply a new food venture for 2015..


Muffins

INGREDIENTS

1. 1 cup almond flour
2. 3 tablespoons coconut flour
3. 1 apple, diced
4. 3 eggs, beaten
5. 2-3 tablespoons honey
6. 1-2 tablespoons cinnamon (depending on how much you like cinnamon)
7. 1/4 cup coconut oil
8. 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Take large mixing bowl and add flours, cinnamon, and baking soda. Mix.
3. Once mixed, add apples, eggs, honey, and coconut oil to mixture and mix well again.
4. Prepare muffin tin with liners and add batter.
5. Place tin in oven and bake for 30 minutes or until done.
6. Enjoy once they cool off or you lose your patience while waiting.

Pancakes

INGREDIENTS

1. 3 bananas
2. 3 eggs
3. Cooking oil of your choice
4. 1/4 cup almond butter
5. Whatever toppings you want

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place bananas and eggs in bowl and mash until smooth.
2. Add almond butter to mixture and mix again.
3. Heat oil in pan on low and place batter in pan in whatever shape you like.
4. Cook until pancakes are browned to your liking.
5. Add toppings and enjoy!

Smoothie

INGREDIENTS

1. 1/2 cup almond milk
2. 1/2 cup berries (whichever berries you like)
3. Spinach (as much as looks good - typically a couple of small handfuls)
4. 1 banana
5. 1/2 a regular avocado
6. 2 tablespoons honey
7. Ice (a couple of handfuls works well)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add all ingredients to blender.
2. Blend until the mixture is of the consistency that you want.
3. Enjoy!

http://ultimatepaleoguide.com/5-paleo-diet-breakfast-recipes/

A New Term, A New Way To Look At Food...

Are you looking at food as the enemy? Forever tempting, something you can't eat too much of, something you shouldn't add salt to and something to take over your life..

But does it need to be that way?

Maybe you just need to shift the way you think about what you are putting into your body..

And think about it as exactly that - what you are putting into your body.

Food ultimately, is fuel.

Food made up of calories, which gives you the energy to get through the day.

And that's what you should be eating, the right type of foods to get you through your day.

Yes, it's obviously better to eat non processed foods on the whole, but that doesn't mean to you have to cut them out completely. That'll just leave you craving.

Eating healthier of course doesn't mean food becomes boring and bland.

Scroll through this blog for example and you'll get a snippet of how amazingly healthy and delicious food can be.

Calories are not evil, Calories are units of your body's fuel. 

Excessive calories come in the form of overly sugary pastries, cakes and biscuits. Although tasty, these foods may contain as many calories as a whole meal and not fill you up at all.

This of course doesn't stop you from eating said foods but the key is - everything in moderation!

Abandon the diet.

Start thinking of food as fuel rather than something to fear. 

Something to get you through the day.

And something you need to survive.

Healthy Easy Breakfast Ideas!

In a rush in the morning and always tempted by a creamy latte or breakfast muffin to start the day?
Step away from the excessive sugar and give one of these recipes a try..

Poached eggs on wilted spinach and grainy toast

Poached eggs with handful of baby spinach, salt-reduced baked beans with a piece of grainy toast. Baked beans are a great source of iron, B vitamins and fibre. Baby spinach is full of beta-carotene, vitamin K and folate.

Whole oat porridge

Whole oat porridge with almond milk, diced pear and banana, cinnamon, almond flakes, chia seeds and a drizzle of raw honey. Oats are rich in beta-glucan, a type of soluble fibre that is beneficial for reducing cholesterol levels.

Green vegie juice

Green vegie juice made with baby spinach, parsley, celery, cucumber, apple, lime, and avocado. Add a teaspoon of spirulina for extra protein and nutrients. Rich in antioxidants, this super smoothie is a great way to start the day.

Muesli and yoghurt breakfast cups

In a glass add layers of muesli, organic yoghurt, and berries. Then top with crushed mixed nuts and some shredded coconut. Yoghurt is full of beneficial bacteria that helps boost your good intestinal flora, which in turn supports your immune and digestive health.

Fruit smoothie

Smoothie made with organic milk, frozen raspberries and a banana, yoghurt, LSA and chia seeds, 2 dates, and 2 Tbsp of protein powder (eg. fermented brown rice, pea protein, or whey). This is a great breakfast that you can take with you when you are short for time. This protein-rich smoothie will help keep your blood sugar levels balanced and prevent you from cravings sweets during the day.

Natural muesli

Natural muesli with nuts and seeds, topped with kiwi fruit, a handful of berries, and a spoonful of natural yoghurt. This breakfast is high in fibre, antioxidants and probiotic goodness.

http://www.bodyandsoul.com.au/nutrition/nutrition+tips/galleries/10+quick+and+easy+healthy+breakfasts,25668?p=2

World Cup Fever - Bright and Beautiful Fruity Recipes!

Check out these delicious fruity recipes, all inspired by the beauties of vibrant Brazil!

Fresh Fruit Breackfast

Ingredients

2 cups plain yogurt

2 tablespoons good honey

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Seeds scraped from 1/2 vanilla bean, optional

1/2 orange, juiced

1 banana, sliced

1/2 pint fresh blueberries

1/2 pint fresh raspberries

Directions

Combine the yogurt, honey, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean seeds in a bowl and set aside. Combine the orange juice and banana slices in a separate bowl. Add the berries and grapes and gently mix the fruit mixture together. Spoon the fruit into serving bowls and top with the yogurt.

Fruity Honey Salad

Ingredients
1/3 cup honey
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup canola oil
1/2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, plus the juice 1 lemon
1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 apple, cored and diced
1 banana, sliced
1 avocado, peeled and sliced
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Directions
For the dressing, combine the honey, orange juice, oil, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, poppy seeds, salt, and mustard in a jar with a tight lid; cover and shake well. Toss the apple, banana, and avocado with juice from 1 lemon to prevent the fruit from turning brown. Combine the fruit, raisins, and nuts in a glass bowl. Add the dressing and stir gently. Serve on red leaf lettuce.

Frozen Fruit Smoothie

Ingredients
1 frozen banana, peeled and sliced
2 cups frozen strawberries, raspberries, or cherries
1 cup milk
1/2 cup plain or vanilla yogurt
1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 to 3 tablespoons honey or to taste


Directions
Put all the ingredients in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into glasses and serve.

Cooks note: For non-dairy smoothies, substitute 1 cup rice milk for the milk and yogurt. Or, use soy yogurt or milk instead of dairy.

Recipes c/o - http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/

Healthy Cocktail Recipes!

Cutting the calories doesn't mean you have to completely cut these tasty summery treats from your life!

Faux-jito:
For one serving, you’ll need: three or four mint leaves, a lime wedge, 1 oz. white rum, diet lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite Zero, Diet Sierra Mist, or Diet 7-Up), ice, and sugar (just for the rim of the glass!).

To prepare: Muddle mint leaves with white rum and the juice from lime wedge (1/8 of the lime). Muddling is done by lightly crushing the mint (just until the leaves bruise) using a mortar and pestle or whatever you have on hand. Just don't shred the mint!

Run the squeezed lime wedge around the rim of the glass, and then dip the top of the glass in a shallow plate of granulated sugar to coat the rim. Pour the muddled mixture into your glass, fill with crushed ice, and top off with the diet soda

Vodka Lemonade:

Using a juicer, blend one cucumber, two celery stalks, one head of romaine lettuce, one lemon, one small piece of fresh ginger, and two green apples. Then, add vodka to taste.

Raspberry Lemonade Martini:

To prepare: Mix one shot of vodka, one shot of Triple Sec (leave this out if you’re on a tighter calorie budget), and Tropicana Trop50 Raspberry Lemonade (to fill the martini glass). Shake it all with ice and pour it into a chilled martini glass. Add a twist of lemon and voila!

Cape Codder:

Pour 1 shot of vodka and 2 shots cranberry juice (100 percent juice, no sugar added) over ice. Add 2 shots seltzer water, stir, and garnish with a lime wedge.

Jack Sparrow:

In an 8-ounce glass with ice, combine 1 shot coconut rum and the juice of 1 lime. Fill the rest of the glass withginger ale (about ¾ cup). Garnish with a slice of lime.

http://www.shape.com/healthy-eating/healthy-drinks/11-new-healthy-cocktail-recipes

http://greatist.com/health/60-healthier-drinks-boozing

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Healthy Easter Egg Breakfast!

Easter is a great time for eating chocolate eggs, but don't forget eggs are a great source of protein and essential nutrients all year round!

Why not take a look below at how to make this delicious healthy scrambled eggs?

Recipe for Zucchini flecked scrambled eggs

Depending how hungry you are go easy on the bread.

Scrambled eggs wait for no man so get all of your ingredients prepped and the toast under the grill before you begin to cook the eggs. Finish the eggs off with a small knob of butter if wished.

Serves 2

4 eggs (organic, free range or from chickens you know)
2 medium courgette, julienned (chopped into thin matchsticks)
Salt and pepper
A couple of mint leaves, finely sliced
3 tsp of olive oil
a small knob of butter (optional)
Toast to serve (optional)

Heat a teaspoon of olive in a small non stick pan over a medium heat.  Add the ribbons of courgette and cook for about a minute - the courgette should soften just a little but stay bright green.

Remove the courgettes from the pan and place in a warmed bowl.

Return the pan to the heat and pour in 2 teaspoons of olive oil.  Turn down the heat to low. 

Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk together, seasoning with plenty of pepper and a little salt.  

Pour the eggs into the pan and stir continuously with a wooden spoon as they scramble.

When the eggs are almost cooked return the courgettes to the pan as well as the chopped mint.

Take the eggs off the heat and add a little butter if wished.  Serve immediately while hot.

http://www.mostlyeating.com/zucchini-courgette-flecked-scrambled-eggs

Juicing Cleanse Recipes!

Juice cleansing has recently taken off in a big way.. but what actually is it?
It effectively involves replacing meals with raw, healthy juices containing all of your days nutrients for a short period of time.
Although your body removes toxins from your body naturally, a juicing programme for a couple of days can really help in replenishing and relaxing your body, as you obviously can't do too much heavy exercise.
Even if you don't fancy a juicing cleanse, these recipes are great if you're peckish between meals or if you need an extra energy boost.

Before cleansing, do remember to get professional health advice and make sure it's right for you :)

ULTIMATE GREEN JUICE

I drink this juice daily, and with good reason. The base is celery, which is a little known nutritional powerhouse. It’s loaded with potassium, folic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and essential amino acids. On top of all that, it’s one of the most alkalinizing things you can put in your body. To the celery, I add kale, green apple, parsley, lime, lemon and ginger, creating an extremely potent, detoxifying cocktail.

INGREDIENTS:

1 bunch celery
4-5 kale leaves (preferably lacinato)
1 green apple
one big handful of flat leaf parsley leaves
1 lime
1 lemon
1 inch of fresh ginger

*Add one tablespoon of Organic Coconut Oil for additional health benefits.

BEET APPLE AND BLACKBERRY JUICE

Beet juice is a powerful cleanser of the blood, and highly nutritious. It’s full of folate, manganese potassium, iron and Vitamin C. To the beets, I add apples, blackberries and ginger, creating a deep red and delicious elixir.

INGREDIENTS:

3 small beets
2-3 apples
8 oz. blackberries
1/2 inch fresh ginger
Photo by Food Thinkers

WILD SPICED DANDELION BERRY BLISS JUICE

This Wild Spicy Dandelion Berry Bliss Juice is a fantastic example of how a pulped juice is not only healthier and more beneficial, it is actually more texturally pleasing.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups strawberries
1 cup dandelion leaves or more to taste
1 cup raspberries
1 small chili with seeds and placental skin removed (more or less depending on the heat) *optional
10-20 drops of alcohol-free liquid stevia depending on the ripeness and sweetness of your berries *optional

TROPICAL PARADISE JUICE

The perfect way to brighten your morning, this juice blend is easy on the digestive system and gently loosens any build up that may have occurred while the body was at rest.

INGREDIENTS:

1 medium ripe papaya, peeled, seeded, and sliced
1 small pineapple, peeled, cored, and sliced
1 (1-in.) piece peeled fresh ginger
1 medium kiwi, peeled
1.2 cup fresh young coconut water (stir in after juicing)

Juicy Fact
This juice was a chance discovery at a roadside juice stand on the beautiful island of Kauai. Although the juice stand is no longer in business, we are happy to share this recipe and keep this best-selling juice alive. It is simply incredible.

BLOSSOMING LOTUS JUICE AIDE

The simple ingredients in this fresh green juice create an exotic combination. This sweet, herbal drink is a wonderful departure from mundane juice blends.

INGREDIENTS:

5 large Fuji apples, cored
1 (2-in.) piece peeled and sliced fresh ginger
1 medium lime, outer 20 medium-large fresh rind removed, white basil leaves pith intact
7 large sprigs cilantro sectioned

Juicy Fact
This juice is served in Oregon’s Blossoming Lotus restaurant, co-owned by our very own Bo Rinaldi. This is an all-time favorite signature offering in the restaurant and is revered for its Thai-inspired flavors.

GARDEN GREEN COCO

Coconuts are packed with potassium and electrolytes, says Helms, which makes them great post-workout drinks, and ideal for summer.

INGREDIENTS:

1 young Thai coconut
1 handful of green kale
1 handful of spinach
½ banana

Instructions:
Crack open coconut (using a cleaver and extreme care) and pour the coconut water into a blender. Remove coconut meat with a spoon and add to blender. Add kale, spinach, and banana. Blend on high for 30 seconds. Pour smoothie into the coconut and serve with a straw.

SPICE-C JUICE

INGREDIENTS:

1 quarter fresh pineapple
1 orange
1/2 handful cilantro
1/2 small jalapeño, seeded

Recipe's c/o http://www.thecultureist.com/2013/06/24/10-healthy-juicing-recipes-for-detox-cleanse/

50 Healthy Snack Ideas!

It's always good to stick to three filling, healthy meals throughout the day, but what do you do if you're craving more or just need a little extra energy without diving straight into the biscuit tin?

Try one of these healthier snack ideas courtesy of 'sixsisterstuff'! 

1. Frozen Grapes (I used to eat these in college all the time- they are amazing)
2. String Cheese
3. Banana
4. Frozen Banana (peel it first, stick in the freezer overnight- it's like a yummy popsicle)
5. Low-fat Yogurt
6. Sugar-free or fat-free pudding
7. Apple dipped in Peanut Butter (or spread peanut butter on top of apple slice and top with pecans . . . so good!)
8. 100-calorie bag of popcorn
9. Applesauce
10. Raw veggies with hummus (my new favorite!)
11. Almonds
12. Apple
13. Skinny S'more (two graham crackers with one roasted marshmallow and one small square dark chocolate)
14. Smoked Beef Jerky (about 1 oz- look for low-sodium!)
15. Chocolate Milk
16. Hard Boiled Egg
17. Sunflower Seeds
18. Cottage Cheese
19. Sliced Cantelope
20. Raisins
21. Pita Bread and Hummus
22. Rice Cakes
23. Sugar-free Jello
24. Dried Fruits
25. Frozen Yoplait Whips Yogurt (these seriously taste like ice cream when they are frozen!)
26. Air-Popped Popcorn
27. Pistachios
28. Clementines (we call them Cuties or Clemmies)
29. Fruit Smoothie (or Kristen's Green Smoothie- it's actually delicious!)
30. Handful of olives
31. Pickles
32. Handful of blueberries with 2 tablespoons fat-free Cool-Whip
33. Ants on a Log (celery with peanut butter and raisins)
34. 1 cup mixed berry salad (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries) tossed with one tablespoon fresh-squeezed orange juice.
35. Peanut Butter and Bananas on whole wheat bread
36. Trail Mix (make your own! Throw in dried fruit, sunflower seeds, nuts, low-sugar cereals, and even the occasional piece of candy for something sweet.)
37. Orange Slices
38. Cherry Tomatoes
39. Graham Crackers
40. Small Green Salad with light dressing
41. Mango smoothie (frozen mango, mango Greek Yogurt, and a small amount of orange juice)
42. Kabobs (thread low-fat meat, low-fat cheese, pineapple and cherry tomatoes onto a stick- my kids love anything on a stick!)
43. Half of a  Cinnamon-Raisin topped with peanut butter and banana slices
44. Grilled Pineapple (throw them on the grill or a skillet on med. heat for two minutes or until golden)
45. Baked Apples (one tennis ball-sized apple, cored, filled with 1 teaspoon brown sugar and cinnamon, and baked until tender)
46. Animal Crackers
47. Strawberries dipped in fat-free Cool Whip
48. Low-fat tortilla topped with egg salad, shredded carrots and cucumber slices
49. Parfait (build your own with Greek yogurt or plain yogurt, fruit, and granola)
50. Bowl of bran flakes with 1/2 cup skim milk and berries




http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2012/01/fresh-food-friday-100-healthy-snack.html