Gluten Free Blueberry Muffins

This recipe I adapted from a recipe by Jamie Oliver. He is often my go to  when searching for a particular recipe. I needed a gluten free, healthy, fruity muffin to serve after our yoga workshop. We were taking the time to share a light, brunch together and this recipe was perfect. It’s quick, easy and they taste good too. I filled a basket full and they went down a  treat. If you are wandering where I get the brown paper cases from,  I buy them on line and I think they make them look even more divine. Have fun and whip some up fro family and friends. Finally, for an Autumnal variation you can substitute the Bluberry for Blackberries.

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Banana Cinnamon Muffins

Autumn, it’s the perfect time of year to start being creative with your comfort foods. We crave sugar, warmth and comfort at this time of year, it’s only natural to feel this way with it being a time of hibernation. So instead of reaching for the unfulfilling sugary treats make batches of wholesome healthy snacks, like these muffins, for the whole family to enjoy at any time of the day. The best thing about them is they are sugar free!

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Hawthorn Ketchup

Haws can be quite fiddly and time consuming to prepare which is why it makes perfect sense to use them in a recipe such as this where they can all be thrown into a pan with as little effort as possible. The outcome is a delicious ketchup that will wow your friends and family with. It will keep in an unopened jar for months. Then bring it out at Summer BBQ’s or as the perfect accompaniment to scrambled eggs on toast. (more…)

5 yoga poses for Autumn

This time of year, as we shift from the brightness of Summer to the softness of Autumn (today marks the start of Autumn with the equinox) it is important to take the time to check in and start slowing down both in our yoga practise and life. The earths’ energy is closing in, and our energy does the same. So the fact that we feel less inclined to throw ourselves around on the mat for hours on end is perfectly normally. Follow these five simple yoga poses to ease and flow through this beautiful transition time of year.

photo credit: Cathy Ibbotson
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5 Top Tips To Beat Sugar Cravings

There is news everywhere on the internet about the government imposing sugar tax on sugary drinks. That’s all very well and good but will it really make the slightest of difference? I know that when I have had the worst cravings of my life in my Bulemic years it didn’t matter how much food cost I’d just buy it. The sugar was like a drug for me and we all know the lengths that addicts go to get their fix. They do anything to get those moments of bliss to escape the unhappiness of life.

For me I see that the problem runs far deeper than taxing sweet food. I believe to solve these obesity problems and get to the root cause, we have to look with in each and every individual. Why do we crave the sugar in the first place? We all know eating rubbish food makes us feel horrendous on all levels, so why do we continue to eat it? (more…)

Our top 5 super powders & seeds

What to add into smoothies….Our top 5 super powders & seeds

BAOBAB

If you are looking for a powdered extract that is high in fibre, antioxidants and Vitamin C, the fruit from the African Baobab tree is it. It  also balances the release of sugars, which will help regulate you energy levels. Great for digestive health too.

CHIA SEEDS

Chia seeds, are favourite.  These tiny black seeds from a native South American plant have an amazing ability to provide sustainable energy, “chia” is the ancient Mayan word for “strength.” They are among the most nutritious foods on the planet. Loaded with fiber, protein, Omega-3 fatty acids and various micronutrients they are a must for your morning smoothie. 1 tsp should do the trick. (more…)

Super Green Protein Smoothie

Every morning, without fail I start my day with a smoothie. They are such a quick, convenient way to get nutrients into the body to fuel you for the day ahead. I will generally make a smoothie post exercise, but will always try to have it within 30 minutes of exercise so as to replenish the bodies muscle and liver glycogen stores. This helps with metabolism, blood flow and enzyme activity.  It’s the perfect combination of carbohydrate from the banana and protein from the nuts, seeds and Spirulina. The protein powder also helps keep you feeling full for a good few hours. There will be no mind morning snack cravings with this breakfast. (more…)

Good for you Granola

The smell of toasted nuts and cinnamon floating from the kitchen… it can only mean one thing, we’ve just made a batch of our delicious gluten free granola. Simple and tasty this granola makes a wonderful breakfast at any time of the year. Serve with warm milk and grated apple in winter or top it with natural yoghurt and fresh strawberries in the summer. Alternatively it makes for a healthy desert option layered in fancy glasses with a yoghurt of your choice and drizzled with honey.

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3 ways to keep healthy & vital

Heres our 3 simple morning tips to keep you feeling healthy and vital….

How you start your day has a huge impact on how the rest of the day pans out. The first hour of the day is often referred to as the “golden hour”, in that it is a special part of the day when you can set the intention, mood and vibe for the day ahead. Over the years I have figured out what works for me in keeping my mind calm and my body healthy. There is nothing better than starting the day off with a spring in your step, whether its ready for a day in the office or a fun day out with family and friends, we need energy and we need a positive attitude to get the most out of life. Here are my 3 simples trips to get you on the way to achieving that.

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Raw Butternut Squash Smoothie

I love this quirky new smoothie recipe. I’d never have thought of using raw butternut squash in a smoothie but it tastes amazing and it is so filling. The cinnamon tops it off.  I have been eating it recently post my early morning run and swim when the body needs a tonne of nourishment to recharge.

Low in fat, butternut squash delivers an ample dose of dietary fiber, making it an exceptionally heart-friendly choice. It provides significant amounts of potassium, important for bone health, and vitamin B6, essential for the proper functioning of both the nervous and immune systems. So with all this goodness what is not to love!

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