~ plant based ~
The beauty of food as medicine, is
that the choice to heal and promote
health can begin as soon as the next meal.
Cake. Yes, it is possible to be on AIP and eat your cake too.
Being a lover of baking cakes, making the decision to try the Autoimmune Protocol left me feeling deprived and depressed. Was I ever going to eat cake again? Or more to the point, was I ever going to grease a pan, whip up a batter and bake a cake again?
Beetroot has long been hailed as a natural healer for their ability to help lower blood pressure. However, did you know that they have also been traditionally used to treat fever, constipation, bloating and gas?
Did you also know that the greens from beetroot are chock full of calcium, iron and vitamins A and C and should definitely not be overlooked. Simply cook them up just like you would spinach.
Full fat organic dairy milk. Such a simple thing, yet one I found hard to find during my recent holiday in New York. Just one choice in one market sitting amongst hundreds of varieties of skim, 0% fat, 2% fat, low-fat and long-life.
At first I was a little horrified, then it got me thinking about diets. About how we've been brought up my our parents and what the experts taught us back then, and even today. It got me thinking how no one person is the same, and no one body is the same, which then leads to the inevitable conclusion that no diet or way of eating should be the same for everyone.
2 simple things I'm trialing, embracing and LOVING these days due to my hypothyroidism:
1. Increasing my protein intake; and
2. EATING MORE fat!
Why, I hear you ask?
Four random facts about me.
1. I use to sleep in my tap shoes so I would be ready for dance class the next morning - I didn't want to miss a minute.
2. My shameful food secret is my utter love for the little fake milk pots they serve on planes (I probably shouldn't call it "milk", should I?)
3. I can waste hours of my life taking random photos of the same thing over and over and over again (as you'll see below, the poor Parisians must be sick of me blocking their walkways so I can satisfy this need).
4. I use to be addicted to cherry ripe bars...seriously addicted.
Now I have a new chocolate addiction.
The colour pink represents compassion, nurturing and love.
Pink is feminine and romantic, affectionate and intimate, thoughtful and caring. It is intuitive and insightful, showing tenderness and kindness with its empathy and sensitivity.
It's a sign of hope, inspiring warm and comforting feelings, and a sense that everything will be okay.
“She turned to the sunlight and shook her yellow head, and whispered to her neighbor: "Winter is dead.”
- A. A. Milne, When We Were Very Young
A Spring inspired dish to celebrate this beautiful season....
Did you know that the peanut is actually a legume and not an actual nut? I didn't, and only learnt this little fact recently.
What I did know, however was that they are packed full of nutrients, minerals, antioxidants and vitamins as well as mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which helps to lower "bad cholesterol" and increase "good cholesterol".
So basically (I believe), this little treat can be and should be enjoyed whole-heartily in the full knowledge of what an amazing and loving gift you're giving to yourself.
Watercress.
Did you know that as an anti-inflammatory, watercress is useful for treating eczema, acne and other skin irritations, generally contributing to healthy skin?
It will also give your insides a thorough scrub and polish.
Food for though: Rice Malt Syrup.
If you've been here before you may have noticed that lately I've been leaning towards Rice Malt Syrup as my sweetener of choice when baking. I'm no expert on the matter, but I am an avid researcher and am learning along the way and what I've discovered so far is that
Rice Malt Syrup is a 100% glucose natural sweetener made from fermented cooked rice (no fructose in sight!). And because it contains more maltose and is low GI, it releases the glucose more slowly and steadily into our systems, rather than a quick spike.
I don't write this to try and convert you on the matter, but purely to explain very simply why it's my sweetener of choice at this point in time.
A silly fact about me is that I can sit and shell peas for hours. Happily.
Luckily for you, frozen peas work just as beautifully in this quick Summery soup.
Seriously, who could say no to a smooth and creamy soup, topped with a generous dollop of creme fraiche....I certainly can't and in fact, I didn't.
It's no secret that I love soup during Winter time. Who doesn't? However, I'm really not a fan of smooth, pureed soups. Don't ask my why as I have no idea why that is.
Maybe I just don't find them hearty enough.
Or maybe it is the memory of wrapping up a friend's little sister in about 10 blankets like a baby many, many years ago, and feeding her soup until she threw up everywhere and we ran screaming from the house....?
I'm smitten!
And my crush is the little cookbook Santa brought me called The Little Paris Kitchen by Rachel Khoo. I know I've only recently posted about Rachel's cookbook, but this is what happens to me when I get a crush (some may call it being obsessed). I want to try making everything from cover to cover, and so far I seem to be on track.
Presenting recipe #2 in the 2013 Cookbook Challenge:
Am I right in saying that so many "healthy" recipes these days are sweetening their cakes/muffins with applesauce?
So what to do when getting your hands on organic apple sauce with NOTHING ELSE ADDED is harder than you think . . .
Just a simple recipe.
Nothing fancy and nothing complicated.
Only 1 warning - MUST LOVE CHOCOLATE!
For those of you who can tolerate nuts, they're a great way to boost your intake of protein and good fats - helping to keep you satiated, and I've got the most delicious muffin recipe, highlighting the humble almond, for you to indulge in . . .
I've just eaten the best paleo chocolate cake ever!
Yes, I realise this a bold statement, one said by many, but with the very first bite, I was not only smitten with this cake, I was in love. Head over heels . . .
Today is all about the final fat-soluble vitamin in my little series - Vitamin K.
Want to know more about why you should get more of this vitamin into your life?
Today it's all about fat-soluble vitamin No. 3
Vitamin E
Along with a quick, simple and absolutely delicious tapenade recipe filled with vitamin E and good fats!
Sweet Potatoes.
Did you know that compared to regular potatoes, sweet potatoes have loads more vitamin A, vitamin C and even more fiber? This means they're excellent for your digestion - something close to my heart with my hashimotos.
So what type of snacker are you?
Not too long ago, I was "the bored snacker". You know the one, the person mindlessly snacking in front of the TV, not tasting the food being put into my mouth, and it had nothing whatsoever to do with being hungry.
Over the last few years, I've managed to rid myself from snacking. It took time, but my body eventually adjusted, and then poof, gone - foggy 3pm brain, and gone - constant need to think about food. Wow...food freedom is utterly addictive!
So why ask this question now?
I'll be the first to admit it - I am 100% guilty of comparing myself to others. Most days I'm more grateful than jealous, but in those weak moments, especially with instagram at my finger tips, I have been known to feel those horrible pangs of envy.
From comparing my photos through to comparing my lifestyle. In those weak moments I forget that the perfect food photograph possibly took them all day to achieve, and that beautiful shot of a home, a holiday, or my dream career was possibly fought tooth and nail for with a lot of hard work, savings and time.
Seriously....who am I to whine when I get to travel to France each and every year!
Yes the lovely orange root vegetable may have oodles more vitamin A, vitamin C and fiber than its white cousin - the regular potato, but did you know that sweet potatoes are outstanding for your digestion?
Their high starch content can be easily broken down which is so soothing for our stomach and intestines - ideal for those of us suffering tummy issues (like the horrible bloating I'm currently enjoying due to my hypothyroidism).
So this is how it goes....you grab the freshest yellow zucchinis (and perhaps a few token green ones - because you can) and you lovingly stir them together with beautiful vegetable stock and the happiest spice of them all. The smile inducing, beautiful colour of sunshine spice...tumeric.
One of nature's super foods due to its anti-inflammatory, pain-killing and liver-detoxing capabilities,
An oldie but a goodie, this soup always puts a smile on my face and utter contentment in my tummy.
Say hello to Claire!
Claire is a fellow Aussie, living north of me up in sunny Brisbane. She is wife to Will and mother to Ollie. She has a farmer's market within walking distance of her home (very jealous!) and is the very talented lady behind one of the most beautiful blogs around, Claire K Creations, a space where she shares delicious recipes, restaurant reviews and beautiful photography....amongst other little tidbits.
Claire K Creations also happens to be my Secret Recipe Club blog for the month of April.
It also happens to be Easter Monday over here in Australia today, so to celebrate this chocolate holiday, I found a delicious recipe that I've be indulging in over the Easter break....no guilt attached.....
Did you know that the Hazelnut is rich in unsaturated fats, you know the kind of fat that is actually good for the heart? Much of this fat is called oleic acid, which has been shown to lower "bad" cholesterol and raise the "good" kind.
They're also packed full of magnesium and vitamin E, which has been proven to protect your skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, such as skin cancer and premature aging.
This is just the tip of the iceberg!
Food for Thought: Did you know that the often overlooked root vegetable known as parsnip is actually an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble dietary fibre, helping to do that wonderful job of reducing your blood cholesterol levels?
Not me. I just thought it looked like a white carrot, but only sweeter.
Like carrots, the parsnip contains a good dose of vitamin C (helping the body maintain healthy connective tissue, teeth and gums), it's anti-oxidant property helps protect us from diseases and it is rich in many of the B-complex group of vitamins (such as folic acid and vitamin B6), not to mention vitamin K and E.
And if that wasn't enough for you, it has a healthy level of minerals including iron, calcium, copper, potassium and manganese which all help to control your heart rate and blood pressure by countering the effects of sodium.
All that from a white looking carrot?
This soup makes me smile.
I could eat it all day every day. And the good news is, there's no strict recipe to follow - use any green vegetable you have in your crisper. The perfect recipe to use up all those little left over pieces that have perhaps seen better days.
Whilst relaxing in the park one lazy Saturday morning (as seen here), flicking leisurly through some of my many French cookbooks, I came across this recipe.
I'm a big lover of soup in Winter and I find it is my go-to staple for mid-week meals. I'm not such a fan during the Summer time - go figure! However this soup seemed a little different. It looked fresh, light and packed full of yummy vegetables - and it was French. I was sold.
In my humble opinion, avocados should be crowned King of all foods.
In this little post I share with you:
5 things to know about avocados
4 reasons why to eat avocados
3 things to do with avocados
2 of my favourite avocado recipes
Right at this moment in time, I’m in the “loving and healing my gut” mindset.
Basically, I’ve been following the AIP diet since the beginning of May this year, and even though I’ve definitely felt the positive benefits of it, I have also been dealing with a few set-backs due to gut inflammation. Why and how this is happening, I may never know, but I’m on a mission.
So what is leaky gut?
The reasons why I've removed white potatoes from my diet (at the moment), and 3 white potato alternatives that I'm enjoying in the meantime!
I truly believe that healing your body requires more than simply taking a few pills or herbs. I believe it requires a complete overhaul of your body, mind and spirit.
When it was first discovered that I had a thyroid issue, I was automatically put on conventional pharmaceutical thyroid medication by my doctor, and at the time, I felt sooo much better. The swelling in my thyroid went down and the symptoms disappeared. To be honest with you, at the time, I thought that was it. Done and dusted. I was fine.
And then a year later the symptoms all came back. Tenfold!
What contains magnesium, zinc, iron and manganese, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, C and E, contains essential heart-healthy fat, protein AND fibre?
My Easter present to you does silly.
Did you know that our thyroids cannot function without magnesium? It’s something I’m learning a lot about at the moment.
It’s actually responsible for converting the inactive T4 thyroid hormone into the active form of T3, which is extremely important for those of us out there with hypothyroidism. This is what affects our metabolism and is something I’m working on with my naturopath at this very moment, as it’s a depressing sight when you see your weight increasing as if by magic in such a short amount of time.
French chefs have been cooking with chocolate since the early 17th century, and the delectable dessert “mousse au chocolat” (meaning chocolate foam) seems to have showed up in France around the 18th century.
Now this particular Mousse au Chocolat may not be the traditional French version, and in fact, the French may shrug their louis vuitton shoulders “pfft” me and my mousse, but I simply just don’t care. I LOVE this version and so does my tummy.
Coconut Butter.
I'm a "singing from the rafters" convert for this white stuff.
Simply the ground up dried flesh of the coconut made into a fine silky smooth butter, it contains both natural oils from the coconut oil as well as fiber from the flesh. Though it doesn’t have quite as many uses as coconut oil, it’s still a brilliant addition to my diet, as it is:
- anti-viral;
- anti-bacterial;
- gives me long term energy;
- keeps my hormones healthy and balanced;
AND
It's no secret that I'm a fan of the cookbook Love Bake Nourish by Amber Rose, so when she released her new book Nourish, in collaboration with 2 of her talented friends, I was first in line.
Nourish is not your typical cookbook as it's split into 3 sections. The first section (I'm being honest) is my favourite as it's filled with gorgeous fresh recipes by Amber. The other 2 sections cover health and nourishment for the mind, body and soul. This book gives tips, tricks, solutions and answers for getting your health back into shape, stilling your mind and just simply maintaining a positive and happy outlook. It's simply stunning.
The cat is well and truly out of the bag.
In just over a months time, I'll be packing my bags, pocketing my passport and flying off to a little town called New York City.
A snowy Winter wonderland awaits me in the Big Apple where I plan to ice-skate, walk aimlessly for hours discovering the best food places this town has to offer and perhaps indulge in a little New York Cheesecake....or two.
In ode to this up coming adventure and inspired by my utter love of all things French, I present to you a combination of some of my favourite ingredients and flavours in life - my petite "no-cheese" cheesecake.
Far far away in a little town called Paris lives a pretty, yet unassuming restaurant called Yard.
This little Parisian gem is not interested in being amongst the hustle and bustle, but can be discovered hiding down a little back cobbled lane, away from prying tourist eyes. An hours walk from our apartment brings us inside this oasis where you'll find me...hungrily and impatiently waiting for the seasonal (albeit limited) menu to be placed in front of me.
And each year I walk away having indulged in and subsequently voted for "the dish of the trip"
Cookies.
A word my bro despises (preferring ‘biscuits’).
A word that conjures up sugar and gluten laden treats.
A word that brings back memories of New York (interested in why, see here).
However, these cookies are different. They’re part of my religion as they’re mixed, rolled and baked so often in my house. Containing only the smallest amount of sweetener, they’re refined sugar, fructose, gluten AND dairy free. They’re crunchy and delicate, and they’re addictive. Trust me.
Yesterday, I tweaked them with macadamias.
Yes I’m a girl. Yes I like to shop... for shoes. Yes I think Matt Damon is hot. But no, I’m not a chocolate lover. That is until raw cacao come walking into my life.
It’s slightly bitter, it’s rich and it’s not sweet. Mix with berries, nuts and rose petals and I’ll be swooning like Scarlett O’Hara:
“How fickle is woman” - Rhett Butler
Dairy. Good or bad?
I've been researching this topic A LOT lately in connection with my thyroid issues. I'm still not sure how I feel. Anxious, scared, relieved, curious?
I have, however chosen to ignore all the research when it comes to my daily latte (for now).
These purple balls of joy may have the highest sugar content of all vegetables, but they're also packed full of some amazing things, including immune boosting Vitamin C, Fiber, Potassium (for healthy nerve and muscle function) and Manganese (good for your bones, liver kidneys and pancreas).
Beetroot helps to lower blood pressure, boost stamina and fight inflammation (due to their unique source of betaine).
When buying beetroot, you want them to be firm with a smooth, undamaged surface and they'll last in the fridge, stored in an unsealed plastic bag, for a couple of weeks.
To get the most nutrients out of your beetroots, rinse and brush them clean, but do not remove the skin or root until after cooking.
Because it's raining in Melbourne, because I'm not feeling well, and because I'm being a little "sooki la la", I thought I'd whip us up a bunch of my favourite cookies.
Yep, you've seen them before here , but having made these ones with almond meal instead of almond flour, the texture and flavour changed immensely - I thought I'd share with you.
Not only darker to look at, these cookies came out a lot crumblier in texture with a stronger almond flavour.
I'm always torn between being on holidays and my home. I love both. I love the freedom of not setting an alarm, of forgetting what day of the week it is, and not having to rush back to work after lunch.
On the other hand, I love my kitchen. My pots, my wine glasses, my sharp knife. It's the little things.
I WANT fudge....all of the time.
In particular, peanut butter fudge.
This recipe makes me want to stuff ALL of this fudge into my face. It makes me want to dance a jig whilst in the process of stuffing.
It makes me very, very happy.
My birthday also makes me very, very happy which just happens to be today!
Happy Birthday to Me!
I've recently discovered I have an obsession for tea towels.
I never knew I did until I started pulling out hundreds of tea towels from my storage boxes...wholly smoke....I don't even remember buying half of them.
I do, however remember buying these ones.
100 year old tea towels brought home all the way from Normandy, from a little village called the vallee de l'Eure. This village holds beautiful memories for me. Memories of riding bikes, drinking cider and shopping for brocante and of course staying in the most exquisite little cottage.
Sometimes I just need the comfort of chocolate.
Something about the smooth creamy texture that can make the sun shine and the birds sing again, and the added bonus of indulging in this particular sticky chocolate goodness..... there's not one little thing you need to feel guilty about. Go ahead...pop a piece (or two) in your mouth!
Nutrient rich, decadent and oh so satisfying. I couldn't ask for anything more.....well, perhaps a cup of tea to go with.....I'm pretty simple.
I'm home from work, not feeling 100% today. The morning sun is shining through the windows and Poirot is playing on the TV. I'm in my pj's curled up under the blanket and in my hand is a bowl of Wintry goodness. One of my favourite breakfasts at the moment. I feel like with each mouthful I take I'm doing the world of good for my body and my sole.
I'm feeling better already.
Pumpkin soup is not my "go to" soup. In fact, it's not even in my top 10. It hasn't been a favourite ever since we made a friend's little sister sick with it way way way back when. At the time we thought it was hilarious. Who knew that decades later I'd still remember that particular moment and how pumpkin soup and I have never fully bonded.
However, things may have just changed.
You may be thinking that you've seen this recipe before - the little sweet potato truffles that I made and wrote to you about earlier this month (see here).
But, you'd be wrong.
I grew up loving coconut balls. Did you? You know the ones, filled with biscuit crumbs, sugar and cocoa. I'd get so excited whenever I was given the opportunity to eat one, and then when I got older and was able to make them for myself.....hello!
Yes, these ones don't contain biscuit crumbs, and yes, these don't contain cocoa, but as soon as I tasted them, that old excited feeling come rushing right back.
I take the making of my salads and the eating of my salads very seriously. Just as seriously as I take the making of my daily coffee and the taking of that very first sip. It's important stuff. It can make or break my day.
When it comes to tabbouli - It needs to stuffed full of parsley and so full of lemon that it makes my cheeks draw in. No exceptions.
What I love about this salad.....no grain in sight.
So I thought I'd give you a little long overdue update on the whole parasite situation going on in my gut ... along with my new plan of attack AND a little say "au revoir parasite" granola . . .
Florentines. As a child, no other biscuit made me feel more like a gown up than this one did. Typically stuffed full of glace cherries, nuts, sugar and chocolate, they were my biscuit of choice when I wanted to impress (and I got to scoff all the leftovers). Win/win.
When I said goodbye to the white stuff a few years ago, I also tearfully said au revoir to the super sweet florentine.
And then the angels sang. As inside the pages of the I Quit Sugar Chocolate Cookbook Volume II, this little Superfood Florentine recipe jumped out and waved it's little muscly arms at me. Oh sweet Lord. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Bonjour mes amis!
If you’ve been following my adventures on Instagram, you’ll know I’ve been frolicking in France for the past month. Spending my days walking for miles and eating my body weight in French food.
Now I’m back.
Well, my physical body is anyway.
I set out on this latest holiday with an open mind (and heart), knowing that France does not lead the world in gluten, sugar and dairy free food options (baguettes, French butter and fromage…hello!). Surprisingly, they are definitely growing in this area, something I had never noticed on my past visits.
Did you know that raw organic cacao is the highest plant-based source of iron?
Did you also know that it contains more calcium than cow’s milk?
Say what?!
However, as the iron found in raw organic cacao is non-heme (as is all plant-based iron), you’ll body will get maximum benefit if you combine eating it with vitamin C.
Blackberries. I've not found them to be so plump, sweet and berry like in flavour than the one's I enjoy when in France.
Big, juicy blackberries where the little pips get stuck in your teeth and the juice dribbles down your chin, staining your lips.
So what to do with the extra basic raw chocolate you've just made?
You don't need to be a rocket scientist to know where I'm going with this....yep, add in a blackberry!
So no grains and legumes, huh!
No problemo. I've been off gluten for over a year now and kicked refined sugar to the curb over 2 years ago. Grains and legumes. Easy peasy.
And then I thought about it.
I thought about the brown rice I have cooked and frozen in my freezer for emergency meals. I thought about the simple mid-week meal I often whip up of roasted pumpkin and chickpeas. I thought about how I use white beans as a simple quick "mash" instead of cooking up potatoes. And I also thought about the lentil salads I loved, especially when using my favourite legume of all...du puy lentils.
Holy cow! To say I'm now overwhelmed is an understatement.
Chocoholic. Nope, not me.
In my past life I was what you’d call a lolly-oholic. I could inhale bags of jelly frogs and snakes in a heartbeat, and would you believe that I thought this was the healthier choice….because I wasn’t eating fat! Jeez Louise!
Now in my current life, I’ve turned to chocolate. But not just any chocolate. You’ll find none of those sugar laden supermarket brands in my trolley. No siree. All you’ll find are 4 simple, no-fuss, organic ingredients:
I don’t know the facts behind this little statement, but I’m assuming this was before we bastardised raw cacao and processed it into the cocoa we know and consume today. I could be wrong!
What I DO know, however is that this quick, nourishing and clean hot chocolate recipe, IS super good for you and your body.
Wanna know why?
Suffering the horrible effects of thyroiditis? I hear ya sista!
For me it varies, from a swollen/sore thyroid, a splitting headache and extreme lethargy to dry skin, mood swings and the desperate wanting to curl up in a ball and not interact with anyone!
Chatting about these symptoms with my everyday GP last year, I was told there was nothing I could do – this was just “how it was”. Seriously????
So you guessed it, I started to research this fact for myself.
I turned to whole, organic foods and I listened to my body…very closely. Straight away I implemented 3 simple everyday steps into my daily routine as an experiment. So far, I haven’t looked back. Perhaps you may also like to experiment with them? I figure, anything is worth a shot when trying to support your healthy thyroid.
Should you quit sugar?
It’s a big, and somewhat daunting question.
Perhaps you could ask yourself this:
- Do you get an energy slump in the afternoon?
- Do you need something sweet after lunch and/or dinner?
- Are you unable to eat just one slice of cake or one piece of chocolate and then walk away?
- Do you have hypothyroidism and wonder if quitting sugar might make a difference?
If you ticked yes to the above (I ticked yes to all!) then perhaps sugar is playing a bigger role in your health and your life than you thought.
Pecans. Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, they can help decrease “bad cholesterol” and increases “good cholesterol” levels in the blood.
Seriously. A simple nut can help do this?!
They’re also a wonderful nut to consume for those of us suffering the effects of hypothyroidism, as they’re a rich source of manganese, potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.
I mentioned the other day that one of the most frustrating issues with having Hashimotos is the constant, ever present game I play with my weight. It falls of me within a matter of days, and then what can feel like a matter of hours, be back with a vengeance. No signals, no warnings, no SMS messages.
Sugar (well, the removing of it) was one of the big factors I changed in my “diet”. The other; grains.
Ho hum.
The Naked Vegan - a title that makes you take a second look and a cookbook recently delivered to me by the good people of Murdoch Books.
Maz Valcorza is a no-nensense and funny lady who had me at "I ate Spam from a can", as I too laughingly remember eating spam from a can when I was younger - it was my mum's staple ingredient in her light Summer ham salad.
This cookbook is filled with raw vegan recipes, free of refined sugars and nasty fillers. It uses food grown from the ground, free from animal products and has not been heated to over 40-46 degrees.
I must state right here that I am in no way a vegan. In fact I'm far from it. Yes, I enjoy a green juice and a raw dairy-free cheesecake along with the next person, however give me a juice organic, grass fed steak smothered in a buttery bernaise sauce and I'm a very happy gal. I never say never though.
Cookbooks, like men, come in and out of your life. Some excite you at first, but leave you totally underwhelmed within minutes. Some, those special few, can quite simply change your life.
The new cookbook by Lee Holmes, Eat Right for Your Shape , is just one such book.
This book takes a fresh look at the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda. A holistic approach to feeling well, balanced and living in harmony with yourself and your surroundings. A union of the mind, body, senses and soul to help achieve balance and good health.
Breakfast.
Who the hell would ever knowingly miss eating it? It's my favourite meal of the day and a meal I would NEVER miss.
My usual breakfast of choice is savoury, based around eggs, avocado (which I can't get enough of lately) and veggies. It's usually packed full of protein, fat and greens that keep me going right through until those first stirrings of hunger around midday.
Some days, not often, but occasionally, I crave something different. A little crunchier. A little sweeter. Like this chocolate granola that I keep stashed in my freezer for such times.
Don't be fooled. This breakfast cereal still packs a protein and fat punch and will keep you going through to your next meal....no need for mindless snacking between meals with a bowl of this baby in your tummy....
I’ve been contemplating the tough questions in life lately……
1. How will my body react when I re-introduce it to milk?
2. When is it respectable to put up your Christmas tree?
3. When did we start wearing caps into restaurants?
4. Can I eat sweet potato dip for my breakfast?
ou're gonna love this soup!
Correction. If you love corn, you're gonna love this soup. I promise.
It's fresh and creamy. It pops in your mouth yet still wonderfully soothing. It's a soup that makes you exhale in utter contentment.
Food for Thought: Carrots.
Did you know that the second most popular vegetable (after the potato) can help promote beautiful skin? Being super high in Vitamin A and antioxidants, carrots help prevent premature wrinkling, acne, dry skin, pigmentation, blemishes and uneven skin tones. They can also protect us against macular degeneration of the eyes, some cancers and heart disease.
The Vitamin A will also help your liver flush out toxins from the body - which can only be considered a good thing in my book!
Maybe you're a smarty pants and already knew all that...but I bet you didn't know that the nutrition in carrots are encased in tiny little protein sacs that have to be broken for you to gain these benefits (this could be through cooking, grinding, juicing or plain old simple proper chewing).
I cooked AND pureed mine....
Did you know that researchers have found that just a handful of mushrooms have approximately 12 times more of the powerful antioxidant (L-Ergothioneine) than wheatgerm? Did you know that antioxidants slow the ageing process from the inside out, which not only affects your appearance but more importantly, helps prevent degenerative disease.
I didn't! Thank God I'm already a fan!
Are you a snacker?
I use to be.
I was one of the millions that could never get past 3pm without a snack of some sort.
Haigs chocolate, jelly babies, cupcake….I really wasn’t fussed!
Now, I can honestly tell you that I am no longer a snacker.
I eat three meals a day, and 99% of the time I’m satisfied right through to the next meal, and I owe it all to eliminating nearly 100% fructose from my diet about 6 months ago.
I no longer get that inevitable 3pm slump/sugar craving.
I’m no longer starving hungry between meals where I think I’m going to die.
When I initially thought about the combination of the colour green and food, I couldn't think of anything - don't ask me why I couldn't think of anything considering the vast amount of vegetables that are green. Vegetables I love and eat daily!!
I have no answer for my initial stupidity, but I did come out on top in the end with something I've never made before. I spotted this recipe when I was cooking last fortnight's theme for Roast. I bought Sophie Dahl's cookbook quite a while ago after watching a couple of episodes of her TV cooking show. I'm not usually one to buy cookbooks devised by celebrities, however I actually fell in love with her show. I found her surprisingly personable, and reading her cookbook you get a further insight, through her stories, into the interesting life she's lived to date.
The coconut and coconut cream added to a simple pumpkin soup is a wonderful addition and, I think a winner.
It seems to add depth to the soup. A rich creaminess that makes the soup feel luxurious and very, very special.
This is one of "those" cakes.
You know the ones.
The ones that forgive every mistake you make and the ones you don't have to measure exactly. My favourite kinda cake . . .
The humble pea.
They may be nutrient dense, however these sweet balls of green are actually on the "avoid" list when on AIP.
Why? I hear you ask . . .
Since saying au revoir to gluten some time ago, oats became a thing of my past, and then of course since being on AIP, using rice flakes as an alternative has also come to an sad end.
But it's not the end of porridge. There is a new player in town?
Cinnamon.
A powerful and magical little spice that has been used medicinally around the world for thousands of years.
It’s a spice a adore during the Winter months and thankfully, an approved food on the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP).
Seriously. What can’t this little gem of spice do!
I’m talking all about alkalising foods at the moment.
What the hell are you talking about? I hear you ask . . .
Are you starting, or thinking about starting the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) yourself?
Or perhaps on the lookout for a dairy free milk substitute?
Look no further my lovely friend.
So I thought I'd give you a little long overdue update on the whole parasite situation going on in my gut ... along with my new plan of attack AND a little say "au revoir parasite" granola . . .
Coconut Cream Icing - It’s so simple to make, it’s refined sugar and fructose free (your liver thanks you!), and if you’re a non-dairy eater like me …. you still get to make your cake and eat it too!
Continuing on from The Gut Chakra Part 1....
When this chakra is blocked you’ll most likely experience feelings of low self-worth and of being powerless and stressed. You have an unhealthy digestive track, adrenal fatigue and develop bad sleep patterns. Sound like you?
Bonjour mes amis!
If you’ve been following my adventures on Instagram, you’ll know I’ve been frolicking in France for the past month. Spending my days walking for miles and eating my body weight in French food.
Now I’m back.
Well, my physical body is anyway.
I set out on this latest holiday with an open mind (and heart), knowing that France does not lead the world in gluten, sugar and dairy free food options (baguettes, French butter and fromage…hello!). Surprisingly, they are definitely growing in this area, something I had never noticed on my past visits.
It's not a new concept, and it's definitely not my concept, but I'm a lover and wanted to share how mind-blowingly easy and delicious Cauliflower Rice is.
Whilst I'm currently off grains while my tummy heals (yep, even the gluten free grains), and whilst it's at its peak and in season, cauliflower rice has been a staple in my home. Not only is it sooo good for our bodies (see here) it's been a wonderful addition to mid-week stir-frys or served alongside a slow cooked casserole made on the weekend.
However you want to eat it, it takes only two steps.
Yep, just 2!
I don’t know the facts behind this little statement, but I’m assuming this was before we bastardised raw cacao and processed it into the cocoa we know and consume today. I could be wrong!
What I DO know, however is that this quick, nourishing and clean hot chocolate recipe, IS super good for you and your body.
Wanna know why?
COOKBOOK: Nourish
It's no secret that I'm a fan of the cookbook Love Bake Nourish by Amber Rose, so when she released her new book Nourish, in collaboration with 2 of her talented friends, I was first in line.
Nourish is not your typical cookbook as it's split into 3 sections. The first section (I'm being honest) is my favourite as it's filled with gorgeous fresh recipes by Amber. The other 2 sections cover health and nourishment for the mind, body and soul. This book gives tips, tricks, solutions and answers for getting your health back into shape, stilling your mind and just simply maintaining a positive and happy outlook. It's simply stunning.
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My Home For The Holidays !
Christmas + the countryside = one very happy girl!
It really is pretty simple. A house surrounded by bushland (no neighbours please!), Bing Crosby, twinkling Christmas lights and a big bowl of fresh prawns. That's all it takes to make me forget about the working year that's been, allowing my shoulders to drop and the biggest smile to appear permanently on my face.
This is my perfect Christmas, all wrapped up with a big red bow.
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My Christmas Tart !
3 simple words that when said apart, make me smile, but when said together, make me swoon .... Fruit. Mince. Tart.
In my old life, these 3 simple little single syllable words would conjure up so many good memories, making me feel comforted, happy and oh so "Christmassy".
Now, having run away from gluten and sugar, these words when said together do (if I'm being honest) bring up a little feeling of deprivation, but more so bring up feelings of sugar highs and slumps, sleepiness and foggy brain. Not to mention a swollen thyroid! I’m not one to say “never”, but with the knowledge I now have of how sugar affects my body, I just can’t imaging EVER consuming these little tarts that I once held in such high esteem, again.
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Christmas Cake !
Plump, boozy dried fruit, glace cherries and nuts. All the things I loved in the Christmas cakes of my past. The denser and the darker the better. Cake that would (and could) last for months (if I didn't eat it sooner). And cake that stayed moist without the need for refrigeration.
My body and taste buds may no longer be able to tolerate these sweet fruit cakes of my youth, but I still have a need (and a desperate want) for a boozy, spicy and dense sliver of cake to sit proudly and lovingly alongside my cup of tea on Christmas day.
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Avocado + Sweet Potato
Do you ever get a food fetish where all you think, dream and eat is a particular food?
I get it ALL the time, and at the moment my fetish is avocado.
I’m eating it like a machine.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner - there’s no stopping me, and my favourite way of eating it is in this most delightfully, fluffy, light and zingy way….
This is seriously one gorgeous cookbook.
No bullshit.
When the lovely people of Murdoch Books sent me the cookbook Love, Aimee x by Aimee Twigger, I was hooked from the first turn of the page. Oh who am I kidding, the cover alone had me reaching for my rolling pin and apron. From the photos and home-crafted recipes, to the beautiful styling (and even the font used throughout), this book is feminine, pretty and utterly indulgent.
Aimee Twigger is the incredibly talented lady behind the blog Twigg Studios and her first cookbook is not only filled with beautiful recipes it's filled with wonderful crafty tips for beautifully wrapping and presenting her creations to be given as edible gifts for any occasion. Perfectly timed for Christmas!
I've been taken off dairy. Crap!
I'll happily live my life without twirling wheat pasta, buttering bread with gluten and sucking on sugary lollies, but the thought of not being able to enjoy my daily, creamy, fluffy, life altering cafe latte is killing me.
Yes, it may only be for the next 6 weeks, but it will be 6 weeks of hell for me and for everyone around me. That's a promise. Especially those little sh*ts who insist on drinking their lattes in front of me. They will pay. (See - me not drinking my latte could be a health hazard).
I love a goodie bag. Seriously, who doesn't?
These gorgeous little bowls just happened to be in my goodie bag that I received at the Noel en Juillet Wokshop recently. Technically they're not made for food, but when something new comes into my house, the rules are quite simple:
1. You must be able to hold food.
2. You need to be pretty for photographs.
Voila!
Breakfast. I'm frustrated as hell.
I'm bored out of my brain with toast and lately I just haven't been able to stomach the heavy creaminess of yoghurt and porridge. All I crave is fresh vegetables. Fresh green vegetables to be precise.
I've just recently started struggling with my breakfast - this is something I've never experienced before as it's my all time favourite meal of the day, but trying to come up with new quick, fresh ideas has me completely stumped.
Having made this little soup on the morning of New Years Eve ready to take with me as a starter to our evening feast, I found myself happily slurping it down for breakfast. I couldn't get enough of it. The fresh zing of the lemon, and the cool smoothness of the avocado and cucumber had me sighing in utter contentment.
Who said you couldn't have soup for breakfast?!
I'm not normally one who runs around in circles or 'fluffs' around the edges of things. Being a Taurean, once my mind is made up it's full steam ahead, and watch out to anyone standing in the way.
So I'm at a loss as to why I'm fluffing around the edge of my health.
I've been told a million times from a million experts to run screaming away from gluten, but not wanting to be one of 'those people', I don't say anything and continue to munch away on food that's doing me harm.....and can I tell you.....I'm starting to suffer! What a wonderful thing our body's are when they tell you they need help. Now I just need to stop, breathe, listen AND act.
Did you know that by adding bananas into your diet you can help combat depression, make yourself smarter, cure hangovers, help protect against type II diabetes AND cure the itch of a mosquito bite?
Nope..they're not just for monkeys!
We're slowly coming to the end of parsnip season here in Australia. Even though it's available all year round, it's at its best from Autumn to Spring (perfect for those of you in the Northern hemisphere!)
It takes only a handful of ingredients to make this wonderful soup, and I guarantee you'll love the aroma coming from the oven as it bakes, the burst of sweet roasted garlic as you puree it all together and then the taste once you dollop your sour cream on top. Oh my.
Raspberries: Research has shown that these little red rubies can actually help with obesity, regulate your blood sugar levels, keep your digestive system nice and healthy AND help lower your risk of developing chronic disease. Geez....I simply ate them cause I loved the taste of them!
Did you know that just one cup of raspberries gives you a third of your daily intake of fibre, helping to keep you full for longer?
So with all of this information I’ve now put in your head, and the fact that I can tell you for a fact that they taste bloody good – the little recipe that I'm providing you with today is so worth trying.
When I see the word Ratatouille, it instantly conjours up pictures of Summertime in Southern France. Think the Mediterranean shoreline, a bright blazing sun and warm blue waters.
Ratatouille (a Provencal ragout of vegetables) is one of those infamous recipes that everyone in France makes slightly different, and everyone else's recipe is wrong. The French would cringe seeing this interpretation, but I LOVE it. Even thought this version may not conjour those warm Summer months, it makes me think of cosy Winter nights rugged up under a blanket in front of a roaring fire. Perfect for Winter in Melbourne!
I'm a little bit excited at the moment (in fact, excited enough to almost pee my pants), as I've just booked myself into the Slow Living Photographic Workshop.
I've fallen head over heels in love with a blog that I've recently discovered, having been drawn in by her beautiful photography, and when I saw she was coming to Melbourne to teach .... well....pee!
If you're not already familiar with Beth from Local Milk, do yourself a favour and click here.
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