Archive | May, 2012

Tasty not sexy recipe #1: Mediterranean Meatballs

31 May

Like a lot of health food bloggers, I really enjoy cooking, and sharing the fruits of my labour with my lovely readers.  For me it is a creative  and therapeutic outlet (and baking up a batch of healthy cookies is also way cheaper than seeing a therapist too!). Whether I’m experimenting with new-to-me ingredients, putting a healthy spin on a classic dish, or just baking some comforting cookies, the kitchen is my ‘zen’ zone.

My dream kitchen

But to be honest, a lot of the stuff I cook doesn’t get to grace the pages of my blog.  Half of the time I will make something really yummy, only to realise halfway through eating that I never took a picture!  Pretty sure nobody wants to see a half eaten plate of food, so I usually just continue chowing down instead.  The other half of the time, I make something really yummy and take a picture only to realise….it doesn’t look all that sexy.  Which brings me to this post: Tasty not sexy.

I think seeing so much media around food photography and food styling has made me really critical of my abilities as a home cook.  Sure I want my food to look good, but the more important thing is how it tastes!!!  So I decided to stop being Miss Judgy Pants about the quality of my photography and just share the recipe instead.

Tasty not Sexy Recipe #1: Mediterranean Meatballs

Gluten free (Grain free option), dairy free, Low FODMAP

Seriously how do you make a ball of meat in tomato sauce look appetising?  But who cares anyway.  These balls are filled with the goodness from shredded broccoli, chopped celery, baby eggplant, and even pureed parnsips!   My brother is like the ultimate vegetable hater, so I take every opportunity to sneak in extra veggie nutrition where I can.  He didn’t detect any flecks of green so gobbled them down happily (and then proceeded to eat the leftovers too).  I made close to 50 meatballs from this recipe so feel free to freeze the leftovers for a quick dinner mid-week.  

Prep time: 25 mins        Cooking time: 45 mins

Makes about 45 meatballs

 Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp garlic infused olive oil, divided
  • 1 large stalk celery, finely diced
  • 1 stalk of broccoli, grated
  • 2 finger eggplant, finely diced
  • 1 medium parnsip, peeled, boiled & pureed (about 1/4 cup puree)
  • 1/4 cup gluten free rolled oats, ground into flour**
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried chives
  • 1 cup fresh basil leaves, cut chiffonade
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • Fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 tbsp Worcester sauce
  • 1 whole egg + 1 egg white
  • 500g lean beef mince
  • 250g lean pork mince
  • 500ml tomato & basil pasta sauce

To serve

Method:
  1. Heat 1 tbsp garlic oil in non-stick pan.  Saute celery, shredded broccoli, and eggplant for 8 – 10 mins until soft.  Add water one tablespoon at a time to prevent vegetables from sticking to pan.
  2. Combine cooked celery mixture with remaining ingredients, excluding tomato sauce. Mix thoroughly using clean hands.
  3. Using your measuring spoons, scoop out a tablespoon of meat mixture and form into a balls.  Mixture should make about 40 – 50 meatballs.
  4. Cover meatballs loosely with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge for 10 mins to firm up.
  5. Heat remaining 1 tbsp garlic oil in non-stick pan.  Saute meatballs in batches, for several minutes until browned on both sides.  Once all meatballs are browned return them to the pan and add tomato pasta sauce. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
  6. Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 25 – 30 mins.
  7. Serve with gluten free pasta, vegetable spaghetti and a green salad.
**Substitutions: To make this grain free omit the oats and use 1/4 cup walnuts or almonds ground into flour.

You will probably see a few more entries in the tasty not sexy series over the coming weeks and I do hope that you try some of the recipes.  While they might not look as appealing as pictures from a magazine I can assure you they taste terrific.  And if you are being super judgemental about your own abilities I urge you to stop! You are only human and don’t need to do everything perfectly.  So make your food tasty and nutritious, snap a quick pic and eat!

What’s your favourite dish that’s really tasty but not so sexy?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Motivational Monday: Let’s Get Organised!!!

28 May

Happy Monday everyone!

How was your weekend???  Mine was actually quite productive.  I did uni work, rocked my workouts, cooked up some new recipes, and cleaned my house among other things.  I also spent Sunday afternoon planning out the month ahead in preparation for my exams.  Time management skills are really important and I find planning really helps me stay on track during stressful periods.  So today I thought I’d share some of my planning tips to help you keep a level head when working towards a deadline.

Make a plan and cut out the stress!

1.  Write in your deadlines/exams/assignments/upcoming appointments in your diary or use your smartphone if you have one.  This helps you figure out how much time you have to distribute your workload.

2.  Work backwards and schedule in 90 minute chunks of time dedicated to your deadline (be it a work project, exam or assignment).  I like using blocks of time as it makes the task seem much more manageable.  If I want to work for 3 or more hours on a particular topic, I write them in as 2 or 3 separate blocks, and make sure to take breaks in between.

3. Write up a list of break-time activities.  Taking breaks is essential to keeping your mind fresh.  Take a walk around the block, make a healthy snack, drink some water and do a few stretches.  If you want to check your email or facebook, I suggest setting a timer for 15 minutes so you don’t get sucked into that time wasting vortex.

4.  Plan out your dinners for the week ahead and make a shopping list to take with you to the grocery store.  This not only saves you time and money, but keeps you healthy! If you are in need of some good resources then check out these sites:

5.  Planning is all about balance, so schedule in quiet time and exercise.  To relax try taking a bath, reading, or just sitting and listening to music.  You also need to make sure to look after your body by moving in order to stay healthy both mentally and physically.  Do something that makes you feel good and gets your heart rate going too.  If you can’t make it to the gym, try one of my home workouts instead!

Just remember: Prior Preparation Prevents Persistently Poor Performance.  

What’s your best planning or organisation tip?

P.S. Picked up my new glasses today! What do you think?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Paleo Protein Pancakes!

27 May

Yesterday morning I woke up and lay in bed, pondering what to make for breakfast.  Oats? Nah….Scrambled eggs? hmmm maybe…or Pancakes??? Ding ding ding we have a winner!!!

By the time I finally peeled myself out of bed I was pretty darn hungry. I wanted pancakes like 5 minutes ago.  So I threw some ingredients in my blender, hoping for the best.  A few minutes later I had silver dollar pancakes sizzling in my skillet.  While my pancakes were a sizzling I decided to make a quick blueberry syrup to go on top.  I simply took some frozen blueberries and nuked them in the microwave for a couple of minutes, stirring a few times until they reduced down.

I hadn’t made pancakes in forever and a day, so you can imagine my excitement when I sat down and dove in.  I took my first bite, and quite literally did a happy dance in my chair.  Oh pancakes how I’ve missed you so.

Paleo Protein Pancakes!

Prep Time: 5 mins          Cooking Time: 10 – 15 mins         Serves 1

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 medium banana, mashed
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut or almond milk
  • 1 heaping tsp protein powder (I used brown rice protein)
  • 1 heaping tsp coconut flour
  • t heaping tsp ground flaxseed
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg white
  • 1/8 tsp baking powder
  • Pinch of sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Coconut oil
  • Blueberry syrup: 1/2 cup frozen blueberries microwaved for 2 – 3 mins

Method:

  1. Combine all ingredients, except coconut oil in a blender.  Process until smooth.
  2. Place a non-stick skillet over medium heat and grease with coconut oil
  3. Make several pancakes by pour 1/4 cup of batter into different sections of the pan. Cook until bubbles form on top, then carefully flip and cook for a further 2-3 mins.
  4. Transfer to a plate and cover with lid to keep warm
  5. Repeat with remaining batter.
  6. Serve pancakes with warm blueberry syrup.
What is your favourite pancake topping?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Thursday Things

24 May

Hey guys, how’s your week going? Today’s post is a little bit of everything, and a whole lot of nothing at the same time.  Sometimes I have lots to say about one thing, and other times I have a little to say about lots of things.  Today is the latter so let’s get started shall we?

Things I’m loving:

Organic Activated Walnuts from loving earth

I actually bought these by accident the other day when I was at the health food store. I just wanted a small snack before yoga started so quickly grabbed these off the shelf without paying too much attention. Best. mistake. ever! They are super crunchy and delicious, and the activation process also makes them easy to digest. Win!

So Delicious Coconut Milk

This is a great alternative for those who can’t have dairy, soy, and need to avoid nuts as well. I use it to my hot chocolate at night and it adds a lovely creaminess.  I like the unsweetened variety, but original and vanilla varieties are also available. Look out for it at your local health food store.

Crossfit workouts

Like way better than Kool Aid

Being mad busy at uni means I have little brain power left at the end of the day to think up an exercise routine. Enter Crossfit. I’ve been doing the workout of the day from the website, making modifications where necessary. I’m totally loving the variety, and the workouts are short and sweet. Today’s workout:

  • 500m row, 30 pushups
  • 1000m row, 20 pushups
  • 2000m row, 10 pushups
  • Followed up with some weight training: DB bicep curls, DB chest press (on stability ball), and BB biceps curls (21s); 3 sets of 8 – 12 reps for each exercise

The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss

If you want to become more effective, cut out some of the crap in your life, and start living your dreams then read this book. I think this book made me realise what’s important in life (e.g. doing things, not having things), and how to focus my energy towards reaching my goals.  The book is written in a very colloquial manner, with resources, tips, and challenges throughout to help you embrace independence and ultimately ‘Live anywhere, do anything’.

Recipes I’m keen to try:

If you are anything like me, you probably spend way too long perusing websites, blogs, and magazines looking for interesting recipes you want to try.  Here are a few I’ve bookmarked to make soon:

Coconut flour protein waffles by pure2raw for breakfast (or anytime really!)

Copyright pure2raw.com

This Balsamic Grilled Vegetable  & Basil Quinoa salad for a lovely weekend lunch

Copyright veggiebelly.com

And for dinner I’m thinking these Lemon-Ginger Roasted Chicken Thighs from Clean Eating Magazine

Well that’s all for now folks! I’m going to go rest my weary eyes now and get ready for Friday. Speaking of eyes, I’m having my vision tested tomorrow so I can get new glasses.  I’m excited to choose new frames, but nervous to find out how blind I am.

Ok enough of my rambling! Now it’s your turn:

What’s one ‘thing’ your loving lately?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Motivational Monday: Going Meatless

21 May

Happy Monday guys!  How was your weekend?

Mine was action packed with fun and not-so-fun events.  But let’s focus on the fun ones shall we?

On Saturday I attended a food photography and styling workshop with Dario Milano.  It was an intimate setting in his workshop, with 5 other lovely ladies attending.  Most of them had food blogs, loved to cook, and of course take lots of pictures.  You can imagine we all got along swimmingly!

Being a group of mostly novice photographers, Dario took the time to go over the basics of adjusting the settings, and helping each person with their camera.  I don’t own a DSLR, so was lucky enough to borrow one of Dario’s for the duration of the class.  It was great fun seeing what a really good camera can do!

Over the next few hours we played with light and shadows to make the piece of food look appetising and natural.  Dario had been to the farmers market that morning, and picked up some beautiful produce to photograph including tri-colour carrots, baby fennel, oranges, red apples, and some baby potatoes that had a beautiful pink hue. Unfortunately I don’t have any photos from the day as I was borrowing the camera, but I will be sure to post some up as soon as they are sent through to me.  I was just eager to tell you all about the exciting day!

Seeing and photographing all that beautiful produce on saturday got me thinking about the great simplicity of eating meatless.  To be honest, I actually quite enjoy eating vegetables and fruit. I’m the kind of gal who will dig into a big plate of steamed veggies  and revel in their deliciousness.  Especially broccoli.  So today I thought I’d do a little recipe round-up of some meat free meals.

Eating a meatless meal is not only beneficial for your health, it is also kind to the environment.  A few advantages to eating meat free include:

  • Reduced risk of cancer
  • Reduced risk of heart disease
  • Reduced risk of becoming overweight or obese
  • Reduction in your carbon foot print
  • Reducted water usage
  • Reduced fossil fuel dependence

The great thing about meatless meals is they are also kind to your wallet.  Seriously, what’s not to love?  (Ok maybe brussel sprouts, but that’s just a personal dislike).

To get you started I’ve rounded up a few yummy looking dishes for inspiration, but feel free to create your own.  Let your fresh produce be your guide! Try a lovely fresh salad at the beginning of the week, and make some soup on the weekend when you have extra time.  Balance it out by adding some beans, lentils, or a handful of nuts for a hit of protein that is sure to keep you satisfied!

Meatless Meal Ideas

Try this Eggplant and Arugula Wraps with Tomato Basil Cashew Cheese by Gena @ Choosing Raw for lunch

Copyright Gena @ Choosing Raw

Or maybe a Mango Basil Personal-Sized Tortilla Pizza by Averie @ Averie Cooks

Copyright Averie @ Averie Cooks

Or even a big juicy Veggie Burger by Angela @ Oh She Glows

Copyright Angela @ Oh She Glows

As you can see meatless meals are just as enticing and delicious.  So put that bacon back in the fridge and veg out!

What is your favourite meat free meal or snack?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Flirting with Crossfit

19 May

Hey guys! How’s your week been? I’m super glad the weekend is here because I’ve got a lot of fun stuff going on.

A few weeks back during Adventurous April, I mentioned I signed up for a food styling and photography course. Well the workshop is tomorrow and I couldn’t be more excited. I’m not exactly sure what we’ll be learning, but will fill you in with all details after the event.

Copyright Dario Milano @ Food Pixels

Apart from that I’ll be going to Costco (yes I find that place exciting. The thrill of buying in bulk obviously runs in the family), catching up on work for university, and working on my fitness!

I have been a bit quiet on the fitness front, and for that I apologise.  So let me fill you in on what’s been happening.  At the beginning of the year I started doing Jamie Eason’s LiveFit Trainer, which I absolutely loved.  For the most part.  I have always enjoyed lifting weights, and loved the variety that the program offered.  I made it through phase 1 and 2 with no problems, but had to take more rest than suggested because my body seemed to need extra time to recover.  Subsequently it has taken more than the advertised 12 weeks!

I was excited when I finally hit phase 3, the home stretch of the program. Four weeks to the finish line.  I dove straight into the intense circuit style training, but found my energy began to wane as the week went on.  By the time week 11 rolled around I was spent.  Instead of looking forward to going to the gym, I started to resent my workouts.

So what did I do?

I stopped.

It wasn’t fun anymore, and I didn’t see the point in continuing if I wasn’t enjoying it.  More than that, my body was exhausted.  I was feeling sore, tired, and cranky, which are classic symptoms of overtraining.  So I listened to my body and stopped the program.

And you know what? It felt liberating.  After a week of rest I felt energetic, and refreshed.  Some may say I ‘gave up’, but I’m actually really proud of the decision I made.  The old me would have beaten myself up for not pushing through, but the new me is like ‘Yay for listening to your body!’

I was doing the LiveFit trainer for myself, and I didn’t have anything to prove.  I think the program is great, and I have definitely gained some muscle and strength over the last few months.  However, it was obvious towards the end that my body just needed a break.  So I listened.  Instead of going to the gym, I went for walks around my neighbourhood, did some light Pilates at home, or went to yoga on the weekend.

After about of week of light exercise, I started to think about a new fitness adventure to keep my body and mind enticed.  I searched around for a few different things in my area, and finally stumbled upon Crossfit Bondi.  To be honest, I’ve always been intrigued by Crossfit and their training philosophy.  I figured I had nothing to lose, so decided to call up and give it a try!

This past week I’ve done the intro session as well as one WOD (workout of the day).  The workouts are short and intense, but everything can be scaled to your ability level.  What I loved most was the supportive atmosphere of the group. Everyone encouraged you to push through til the end, which can really help when you are feeling the burn of those last few burpees!

I can honestly say that I’m hooked already and hope to continue my training with Crossfit Bondi.  The workouts are fun, the trainers are very knowledgeable, and the people are so friendly!  If you have ever thought about trying Crossfit, I encourage you give it a go.  Be prepared to work hard, but also reap the fitness, health, and friendly rewards!

Are there any fitness classes or types of training you want to try?
What are you proud of yourself for doing lately?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Motivational Monday: Digital Detox

14 May

Hey there and happy Monday!!! Feels like this one came around really fast.  Before we get started today i just wanted to take a second to wish the most beautiful woman in the world a happy birthday.  That lovely lady is my Mom! She is the best and I love her to pieces!

Happy Birthday Mom!

Today’s motivational Monday is a real gem. Why is that? Well today I’m talking about a new diet!  And it’s one you probably haven’t heard of yet.  It’s called the Digital Detox Diet.

Yep that’s right…forget about carbs and protein, it’s time to slim down your screen time.

In today’s society we always seem to be connected.  We’re constantly checking and updating facebook, looking through countless emails, or playing games while waiting for public transport.  And to be honest, it’s really not necessary.  I personally do not have a smarty pants phone and I’m thankful for it.

I’m not denying that the technology is awesome and super fun at times. That’s a given! But I do believe it is starting to consume us.  So today I’m posing a challenge for you: a digital detox!  Cutting down your screen time is simple and will only be beneficial to your health. Here are a few ways to get started:

  • Make a commitment to shut down your computer at a given time each day.
  • Avoid checking email incessantly.  Check it once at 12pm and once at 4pm to save time and maximise responses.
  • Instead of playing games on your phone, read a book.
  • Avoid time wasting machines and social media: facebook, twitter, pinterest, etc.  Use that time to go outside for a run, or cook a meal to share with loved ones.
  • Turn off your TV, get your family together and play a board game.
  • Turn off your phone at night.
  • Choose one day on the weekend to totally unplug and avoid all technology.
I know what you’re thinking ‘This girl is crazy!!! I can’t live without my iPhone!!!’.  Well the truth is you can and you should. This need to be constantly connected is something we created, but is not necessary.  There was a time when phones, email, and social media just didn’t exist, and we all managed just fine.
I think this is one fad diet that could do us more good than harm…so why not jump on the bandwagon and unplug for a while?
How will you cut back on technology this week?
What will you do with your time instead?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hawaiian BBQ Bacon Burgers

9 May

Aaaaare you achin’…Yup, Yup, Yup…Foooor some bacon?…Yup, Yup, Yup….Heeee’s a big pig…Yup, Yup….You can be a big pig too! Woo!

Pineapple. Bacon. Beef. BBQ Sauce.  Floral leis and grass hula skirts optional but highly recommended.  Add all these things together and you get one heck of a party in your mouth (feel free to shake it in your hula skirt as well…it only adds to the experience!).

I make no apologies for my dorkiness and I make no apologies for this outrageously good combination of flavours.  As you are probably aware, I had my first experience with bacon a few weeks ago.  I can’t say it was love at first bite, but these burgers have converted me.  The combination of smoky bacon with the sweetness of the pineapple and barbecue sauce works really well to create a truly satisfying burger.

Hawaiian BBQ Bacon Burgers

(Gluten free, Dairy free, Low-FODMAP)

To me a good burger is more than just a slab of meat.  I want them to be healthy, but also taste delicious.  This recipe sneaks in fibre and extra nutrients with the addition of mashed pumpkin and gluten free rolled oats, which also keep them lovely and moist.  Topped off with pineapple and a drizzle of barbecue sauce, these burgers are a sweet and savoury delight. 

Prep Time: 15 mins Cooking Time: 10 mins

Makes 6 Burgers

Ingredients:

  • 4 – 5 slices nitrate-free, free range bacon
  • 2 celery stalks or 1 small onion, finely diced (use celery for Low FODMAP)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ¼ cup cooked mashed pumpkin
  • ¼ cup gluten free rolled oats or quinoa flakes, ground into flour
  • 2 tsp Worcester sauce
  • 2 tsp low sugar barbecue sauce
  • 1 tsp barbecue seasoning (no added salt)
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • ¼ tsp fresh ground pepper, or to taste
  • 2 egg whites
  • 500g lean beef mince
  • To serve: pineapple slices and extra barbecue sauce

Method:

  1. Place bacon in cold non-stick frying pan.  Turn heat to medium to render the fat out of the bacon.  Continue to cook for several minutes until lightly brown on both sides. Remove from pan and set aside. Once cool, trim excess fat away if you wish, and dice bacon.
  2. Add olive oil to rendered fat in pan and sauté celery (or onion) for 5 – 10 minutes until caramelized.  Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl combine cooked celery, bacon, and remaining ingredients.  Mix thoroughly with clean hands and shape into 6 patties.
  4. Cook burgers on grill or in a non-stick pan for 4 – 5 minutes per side.
  5. Serve with pineapple slices and top with extra barbecue sauce.

To download a printable version click here: Hawaiian BBQ Bacon Burger

I actually ate this burger for breakfast along with a generous serving of steamed broccoli.  Nothing like a bit of protein to get you going for the day right!

Are you a fan of bacon?
What other sweet and savoury combinations do you like?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Motivational Monday: Move More in May

7 May
move more in may

Happy Monday my lovely readers! And what a motivating one it’s going to be.  Can you believe it’s May already? Crazy I know! And with a new month brings a new challenge, are you excited???

This month we’re tackling inactivity head on by Moving More in May!  One of my favourite bloggers, Janetha (who is also a fan of alliteration like me) set us a new challenge this month to increase our activity outside of our normal workouts.  Increasing incidental exercise is not only a great way to break up the day, it also gets the blood flowing and can even burn a few extra calories.

A little more movement can do our bodies a whole lot of good.  I for one spend most of the day sitting. As a student I’m either sitting at a lecture, or at my computer, and then sit on public transport and go back home.  Yes I workout several times a week, but I do lack general movement throughout the day.

The great thing about this challenge is your moves can be anything great or small, so long as it’s outside of your official workout.  Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Wake up a little earlier and go for a walk before breakfast
  • Get up from your desk throughout the day and do some stretches or chair squats
  • Waiting for the kettle to boil? Knock out a set of push-ups in the kitchen
  • Dust off your bike and ride to the gym
  • Try some tricep dips during TV commercials
  • Go outside and play with your kids! Try hopscotch, monkey bars, or the swings

Those are just a few ideas, but let your imagination be your guide and just try something new!  By making it fun you are much more likely to stick to it.  I’ve made it my challenge to do one small thing each day, whether it be yoga after dinner, a push-up challenge with my dad, or blasting some tunes while I clean the house.  And I know you can do it too! So get up, get out, and move it!

What moves will you add to your day?
What’s your favourite animated film?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stupid Food Rules & Chewy Chocolate Cookies

5 May

I have always believed there is power in truth.  And today I am coming clean about a few things.  Firstly, I’m not perfect. Nor do I wish to be.  There was a point in time where I strived to be the ‘perfect daughter’ or the ‘perfect girlfriend’ or have the ‘perfect body’ and it almost killed me.  Striving for perfection is what led me to an eating disorder.  It affected all areas of my life: my relationships, my family, my friends, my work, and my ability to study.  Everything that had been going so well just slowly started to fade away as I became deeper and more obsessed with food. Or really the lack thereof.

But one day I decided enough was enough.  Life was worth living, and I knew I needed to change.

I can’t say the process has been easy, but it has been worth it.  I think recovery for each person is very much an individual thing. Each person has their own journey of self-discovery, slowly undoing the damage that was caused and learning to love themselves again.

When I was in the initial stages of recovery (circa 2010), I decided to seek out the advice of a dietitian.  She and I worked closely together, sticking to a meal plan to keep me on track and get my weight moving in the right direction.  Regular eating and increasing portions became easier with time, but the mental side was a real struggle.  Telling that mean voice in your head to just shut up.

No you’re not fat.

No you’re not lazy.

Yes you should and can eat dessert.

Overcoming stupid food rules and being kinder to myself is how I know I’ve come a long way.  You know you’re a little more healed when you can laugh at all the silly restrictions you used to put on yourself.  My mom and I were doing this yesterday, and I was in stitches remembering how pedantic I used to be.  The conversation went a little like this:

Me: ‘Hey do you remember there was a time when I wouldn’t eat fruit?’

Mom: ‘Yeah you were nuts.’

Me: ‘I know, but it wasn’t me, it was the eating disorder.  That thing yelled stupid sh*t at me like ‘Ohmygod fruit has sugar! Sugar is the devil! Eat that and die biatch’

Mom: ‘Haha, I’m glad those days are behind us!’

Me: ‘Yeah me too.  Now let’s make cookies and get high on sugar!!! Mwa ha ha ha’

I’ve overcome a good many food fears, but it didn’t happen overnight.  For me it was a process of unlearning bad habits, and replacing them with more helpful ones.

From no fat, to low-fat, to ‘Do you think bacon goes with this?’ (obviously I’m making up for lost time!)

bacon wrapped caramelized sesame asparagus @ How Sweet It Is (Click on picture for recipe)

From chicken breasts, to chicken thighs, to ‘I’d like my steak medium rare thanks.’

From lacklustre, to ho-hum, to loving life.

And from self-hate, to self-acceptance, to ‘Damn girl nice booty!’

I feel like a little more me and a little less e.d. every day.  But like I said, I’m not perfect.  I still have my bad days too.  The difference is now I choose life.  I accept those bad days for what they are and move forward.  Because I deserve to be happy, I deserve to work towards my goals, and you better believe I deserve to eat cookies!

Prep Time: 10 minutes         Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Makes about 30 cookies

Ingredients

  • 6 egg whites at room temperature
  • pinch sea salt
  • ¾ cup coconut sugar (or other natural sweetener)
  • ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 40g dairy free dark chocolate (70% or greater), chopped
  • ½ cup + 1 tbsp unsalted dry roasted hazelnuts, chopped

Method

  1. Line 2 cookie sheets with baking paper. Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F)
  2. Using an electric mixer, beat egg whites with salt until soft peaks form.
  3. Gradually add coconut sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
  4. Fold in cocoa powder, vanilla, chocolate and ½ cup hazelnuts and mix until combined.
  5. Drop batter by rounded tablespoon onto prepared cookie sheets, dividing evenly.  Garnish with additional chopped hazelnuts.
  6. Bake 1 cookie sheet at a time on oven’s middle rack for 10 to 12 minutes per sheet, until cookies are no longer shiny.
  7. Allow to cool 5 minutes before removing from sheet.  Transfer to cooling rack.
  8. When completely cool, store cookies in air tight container, lined with baking paper.  Cookies keep up to 1 week at room temperature, or can be frozen for up to 3 months.

To download a printable version click here: Chewy Chocolate Cookies

These cookies are like slightly sticky with a chewy texture that is similar to a brownie.  On their own they are delicious, but if you are feeling in the mood for something even more satisfying, then do what I did: make an ice-cream sandwich!!!

Gluten & Dairy Free Ice-Cream Sandwiches

Simply make up a batch of banana soft serve, spread a small portion in between two cookies, and stick it in the freezer for 10 – 15 minutes to set. Pure bliss!

What fears have you overcome?
What is your favourite type of frozen dessert?

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

← Older Entries

Follow

Get every new post delivered to your Inbox.

Join 483 other followers

%d bloggers like this: