Tag Archives: freebies

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?

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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?

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Adventurous April: The Final Countdown

28 Apr

Hey guys! How are you all??? So first of all I’d like to apologise for being a little m.i.a. this week.  As you probably know, I’ve been madly studying for mid-semester exams.  Well I’ve completed two, and have one left on Monday.  I’m feeling quite worn out mentally, but I’m pushing through.

Even though I’ve been a busy bee studying, I still managed to find some time for a few adventures. This is officially the last week of adventurous april, and I wasn’t about to let exams get in the way of having just a wee bit of fun!  Here’s a recap of this week’s adventures:

1. Pomegranate

Before this week I don’t think I’ve ever tried a pomegranate.  But when I saw that they were on special at the store, I decided to pick one up and try it out.  After removing the arils from the fruit, I quickly got to work for recipes to try with this new-to-me ingredient.  I came across a tropical inspired oatmeal recipe that sounded right up my alley, and used it as inspiration for this great protein packed breakfast.  I give you Pomegranate Power Porridge!!! It’s just a simple variation of my Banana Berry Oatmeal Soufflé, but tastes very light and fresh.  I especially love the burst of flavour when you bite into one of the pomegranate arils!

From this...

To this!

The close up...oooohhhhh

Click here for the recipe: Pomegranate Power Porridge

2. Bacon

Yes you read that right! I also tried bacon for the first time.  Growing up I was never a fan of bacon OR eggs.  Well last year I made the leap and started eating eggs, so naturally bacon is the next step to the equation.  Part of the reason I avoided trying bacon was the fact that I thought fat was bad, but now that I’m over that whole saga, I decided to give it a go.  I cooked it up and added it to a nice big salad with some corn and leftover chicken.  I’d love to show you exactly what it looked like, but sadly hunger got the best of me.  But you all know what a salad looks like right??? In case you don’t it was pretty similar to this:

3. Fancy Pants

I have a confession to make: I’m fairly slack when it comes to dressing up for uni.  I would live in workout gear if it were socially acceptable to do so.  But do you ever notice how good you feel when you put in that extra effort?  Your confidence radiates, you have a bit more spring in your step, and feel dead sexy. Ok ok let’s not get carried away here…

With exams on, putting in that extra effort was definitely a challenge.  But I really felt the confidence in my appearance would translate into confidence that I was going to ace my exam!  Positivity feeds off itself right?

Red seems to be my colour!

4.  Photography

Since starting this little blog of mine, I’ve taken a keen interest in photography.  I currently use a point and shoot to take most of my shots, but get frustrated with how they turn out sometimes.  To be honest, my Dad’s iPhone takes better pictures!  So I’m saving up to buy a camera, and have also decided to some money into improving my skills.  First on the agenda is a food styling and photography workshop in a few weeks time (adventurous april is being extended in my books).  The guy who runs it, Dario, said he would be happy to lend me one of his cameras for the class. I’m super excited and can’t wait to learn some tricks of the trade!

Rhubarb Crumble. Photo Courtesy of Food Pixels.

5. Meeting my fitness idols!

This weekend the Australian Health and Fitness Expo was on at the Sydney Convention Centre.  Being a pilates instructor, I got free entry into the event, so there wasn’t any way I was going to miss it.  Especially because some of my fitness idols would be there!!! Specifically Lindy Olsen and Alicia Marie.  I got to meet them in person, and even had my photo taken.  Really made my day.  That and all the free samples.  Who doesn’t love free stuff right!

Alicia Marie, Me, and Lindy Olsen

Phew, what a week!!! Anyway tomorrow is back to studying for my final test on Monday.  And speaking of Monday, I’ve got a special treat coming up for you, so stay tuned! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Who are your idols? Have you ever met them in person?
Do you have any foods that you like now, but hated growing up?

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Adventurous April Goes for a Spin!

18 Apr

Today’s adventurous april post is brought to you by the letter S.

Sydney Writers Centre

So before I get started talking about this weeks adventures I wanted to do a little shameless self-promotion.  I’ve entered this little blog of mine into a competition! At the beginning of the year I did a writing course at the Sydney Writers Centre and absolutely loved it! I met some great people, learned some valuable writing skills, and as a result am even getting my articles published. I really love writing and so when they announced their Best Blog Awards I jumped at the chance to take part.  So if you enjoy reading these posts as much as I enjoy writing them, why not click the link below and vote for me! Your support is truly appreciated.

People's Choice Award

Adventurous April Take 2

adventurous april

Last week I decided to put my adventurous april pants on and try some new things.  And this week was no different. This week I challenged myself to continue to try new foods, but also mix things up in my fitness routine. I try and workout 3 – 4 times a week, and usually stick to weight training to keep building up my muscles.  And while there is nothing wrong with that, I find that I really neglect any form of cardio.  Other than like 5 – 10 minutes warming up on the treadmill…but that doesn’t count.  So I challenged myself to try a cardio class that I haven’t done in forever: Spin. 

I looked up the timetable at my local Fitness First, and settled for an early evening class on Tuesday figuring it wouldn’t be too crowded.  So yesterday after I got home from Uni I changed my clothes, put my adventurous pants on and headed out the door…

And then something truly unexpected happened…

I took a spill….

Not just a little trip and tumble either.  This was a full fledged feet slipping out from underneath you and sliding for several feet kinda spill.  It had been raining all day and our steep driveway was super slick.  When I went to walk down to the car I must have hit a particularly wet/mossy patch and I went splat.

It hurt.

Swear words may have even escaped from this Diva’s lips.

And tears definitely started to well up.  I quietly picked myself up, got in the car, and cried.  I thought about going right back upstairs and calling it a day.  I was nervous about doing this spin class and almost used my spill as an excuse to just give up.

But I didn’t.

I had my adventurous pants on (now slightly dirty and damp, but whatever) and I wasn’t about to let anything stop me.  So off I went.

The Spin

I got to the gym nice and early to set up my bike and do a quick warm-up on the treadmill before the class started.

I was nervous as anything, but I knew I could do it.  At 4:45pm sharp our instructor, Jackie, turned up the music and got our class underway.  For 45 minutes we sprinted, climbed hills, and practiced some speed work.  Jackie was a speed demon, and I did my best to keep up with the pace she set.

I’m not gonna lie, this class was hard.  I kind of felt like this:

But afterwards I was really proud of myself and felt a great sense of accomplishment.

Until I got home and collapsed in a heap.

The Skip

After picking myself up (for the second time that day) I got started on making dinner using an ingredient I enjoy but don’t buy very often: Kangaroo. The stats on this meat are pretty spectacular.  It’s 98% fat free, is high in protein, and contains iron and zinc as well as omega-3 fatty acids!

Continuing with the S theme I decided to use this skip in a stir-fry, and throw in some sesame seeds for good measure.  It turned out better than good. Some may even call it scrumptious.

Orange Sesame Stir-Fry

Prep Time: 10 mins               Cooking Time: 10 mins

Serves 4

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 2 oranges
  • 2 tbsp gluten free tamari (reduced salt variety)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • ½ tsp gluten free corn starch mixed with 1 tbsp water
  • Cracked pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • 500g lean meat of choice (kangaroo, beef or chicken would work best), cut into strips
  • ¼ cup coriander leaves to garnish (optional)
  • Steamed broccoli and brown rice to serve

Method:

  1. Finely grate the zest of one orange into a measuring cup.  Cut both oranges in half and squeeze the juice into the measuring cup.  Add the lemon juice, maple syrup, sesame oil, apple cider vinegar, cornstarch mixture and pepper.  Stir to combine and set aside.
  2. Place a non-stick fry pan or wok over medium heat.  Add sesame seeds and toast for several minutes, stirring often, until they turn a light golden colour.  Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Spray pan with cooking oil and return to heat.  Add meat and cook for several minutes until browned on both sides.  (Tip: Work in batches to prevent meat from stewing in its own juices; this ensures even browning.) Remove meat from pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce flame to low and add sauce to pan, scraping up any bits of meat that may have stuck. When sauce starts to simmer, add meat back to pan.  Cook for 2 – 3 more minutes, stirring to coat.
  5. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over meat, and garnish with coriander. Serve with steamed broccoli and brown rice. Enjoy!
To download a printable version click here: Orange Sesame Stir-Fry

 

After dinner I decided it was probably time to have a shower, do a bit of study, and go to sleep.  Even though I took a nasty spill, all in all it was a swell day.  Ok enough with the S’s!

Now it’s you turn!
What adventures, great or small, have you been getting up to?
Can’t wait to hear about them!

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Motivational Monday: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

16 Apr

Some mornings I wake up before my alarm and jump right out of bed feeling refreshed and ready to go.  Other days I feel like I need one of these to lift me out from under my cosy sheets…

And those are the days when you know you will need an extra push to stay positive so you can align with your goals, and keep on trucking.  So today I thought I’d let the pictures do the talking. Here are some of my favourite motivational quotes and pictures that I use to keep me going on those days when I need a good pick-me-up.

And some motivation to get moving and rock your workout

And remember this…

So pick the sign on the left and make it happen!

Happy Monday :)
Are you a morning person?
How do you stay motivated and on top of your game?

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Adventurous April Takes a Bite!

11 Apr

Well hello there and welcome to Wednesday! This week I’m on break so have been playing catch-up on all my work from Uni.  Which means my days are super exciting.  I get to do things like take notes, spend hours photocopying textbooks, and study pictures of brain anatomy wishing I could learn the information by osmosis.  But in between shovelling information into my cranium I also find time to do some real fun stuff.  Stuff like working out, making yummy food, and trying new things for adventurous april.

adventurous april

Adventurous April was started by Janetha as a way for her to step outside of her comfort zone and try new things.  And this girl is awesome because she invited everyone else to do the same!  Your adventures can be anything great or small, but it has to be something new for you.  So today I’m posting about some of my recent culinary adventures in the kitchen.

1.  Breakfast

Breakfast is my favourite meal of the day.  I could eat breakfast foods all day long if I could!  But the sensible part of me tells me I should eat a vegetable or two and maybe a hunk of meat to even out the massive bowls of cereal I would otherwise consume.  But when it comes to breakfast I tend to get stuck in a rut. I eat the same thing most days.  So I took adventurous april as a sign to step out of my comfort zone and create some new eats like this Banana Berry Oatmeal Soufflé…

Prep Time: 15 mins Cooking Time: 10 mins

Makes 1 large or 2 smaller portions

Ingredients

  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • 1 tsp vanilla protein powder
  • 1 tsp chia seeds
  • Spices to taste: ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves & cardamom
  • 1.5 tsp maple syrup
  • 1 ½ cups boiling water
  • ½ medium banana
  • ¼ cup berries of choice
  • 1 tbsp chopped nuts, and dried fruit (mix of walnuts, almonds, brazils and sultanas)
  • 1 whole egg + 2 egg whites (approx ½ cup total)

Method

  1. Combine first six ingredients in a small saucepan and stir to combine. Cover with lid and set aside for 10 – 15 minutes to soak.
  2. Meanwhile, place banana in a bowl and mash with a fork.  Add berries, nuts, and dried fruit.  In a small measuring cup, combine whole egg and egg whites and whisk with a fork to combine.
  3. After soaking the oats, place them over a medium heat and stir until oats begin to simmer.  Add in banana mixture and continue stirring.  If mixture is too thick add additional water (I normally add an extra ¼ to ½ cup).  Continue to simmer for 3 – 5 minutes.
  4. When oats have reached your desired consistency, slowly add in the eggs.  Whisk continuously for 2 – 3 minutes until oats have fluffed up and are a thick consistency.
  5. Transfer oats to bowl, garnish with additional berries or nuts if desired, and dig in!
Gather up your ingredients…

Whisk, whisk, whisk!

Grab a large bowl (Note: Our normal cereal bowls don’t accommodate my larger than life portions of oatmeal. I’ve had to resort to using our salad bowl…Don’t judge…)

Grab a spoon and dig in!

To download a printable version of the recipe click here: Banana Berry Oatmeal Soufflé

I’d always been a fan of protein powder with oats, but up until now haven’t added eggs into my oatmeal.  I was actually blown away at how delicious this turned out.  It was super creamy and thick and I didn’t detect any egg flavour at all.

Some of the new-to-me ingredients in this bowl were ground cardamom and chia seeds.  Cardamom is a beautiful wintery spice that pairs well with desserts and stewed fruit, and is wonderfully aromatic.  The chia seeds add healthy fats, fibre, and also act as a thickening agent in the oats. I know I’m a little late on the chia seed craze, but I’ve always been a fan of flax.  But seeing as this is adventurous april I decided it was time to try something new!  All in all this dish was a winner and will definitely be in the breakfast rotation.

2. Dinner

Having busted my breakfast rut, I decided to seek out a new-to-me vegetable I could try for dinner.  After perusing the fresh food market I found this gem.

 It was small and cute and looked like the perfect portion for my solo dinner that night.  When I got home with my baby gem, I googled to find out what this vegetable had to offer and how I should prepare it.  I found out that the gem squash is a cross between a small pumpkin and a zucchini, and they are best prepared by steaming on the stovetop.

I headed to the kitchen and gazed into the fridge for inspiration.  Since I was flying solo for dinner I did what any logical lazy girl would do: use up the leftovers. I spotted the spaghetti sauce from a few days before and immediately knew what to make – stuffed spaghetti squash!

I got to work deseeding and steaming the squash, and warmed up some of the leftover Low FODMAP spaghetti sauce in the microwave.

After about 12 minutes in the steamer this baby was done.  I carefully spooned crammed as much of the sauce as I could into my baby squash, and topped it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast, salt and pepper.

Stuffed Gem Squash

This meal was so good! The flesh of the gem squash is similar to a spaghetti squash and creates small strands once cooked.  It was pleasantly sweet and was the perfect partner to my leftover sauce.  Another adventurous april win!

I hope my escapades in the kitchen will inspire you to try something new. Remember it doesn’t have to be anything huge, just something new for you!

Next up on my adventurous april schedule…New to me fitness fun!

What new thing have you tried or done lately?

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Lovely Lemon Snow Eggs

5 Apr

Happy Hump day! It’s Wednesday and that usually means you have made it through 60% of the work week and really it’s all down hill from here. But this week is even better…you know why???

Easter Holidays!!!

And a four day work week means that you’ve actually made it through 75% of the work week by now.  Well done you! I can honestly say that I’m really looking forward to this holiday weekend.  Some rest, relaxation, time with family, and a few treats all sound like the perfect end to what has been a very hectic week so far.

Most years I get to celebrate Easter with my Greek family back in Adelaide, but unfortunately a visit interstate just wasn’t possible this year.  Since my family doesn’t make a big deal about Easter, I always loved spending it with my Greek family.  Their company is great, but their food is even better! At easter time my Greek Momma cooks up a storm of traditional delights such as avgolemono soup, which is served after midnight mass to mark the end of lent.  But the one thing the whole family looks forward to most is my Greek Momma’s Flaounes, a traditional easter bread filled with cheese and sultanas.  My Greek Momma’s son told me I should have a crack and make them gluten free…

I pondered it over for a minute, but thoughts of lead weights not bread rolls filled my mind so I decided to give that challenge a miss.

I opted for something much simpler instead: cookies.  When it comes to gluten free baking I find cookies are always a reliable option.  They stick together better, and there is no need for any fancy gums or 10 different types of flour.  So for me, cookies are where it’s at.  And this recipe couldn’t be any simpler! I used this recipe from Elena’s Pantry as inspiration for the biscuit base, then dressed them up a bit to make these lovely Lemon Snow Eggs.

Lovely Lemon Snow Eggs

(Gluten free, Grain free, Dairy free, Vegan, Low FODMAP) 

Ingredients:

Biscuit Base

  • 2 cups almond flour
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tbsp coconut oil melted
  • 2 tbsp brown rice syrup or other liquid sweetener
  • Zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1.5 tsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • Egg shaped cookie cutter
Topping
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar OR Sugar Free Protein Frosting (see below)
  • Lemon juice
  • Unsweetened desiccated coconut
Method:
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F (175°C).  Line two baking sheets with baking paper and set aside.
  2. In a large bowl combine the almond flour and sea salt. Mix with a fork to combine.
  3. In a separate bowl whisk together the coconut oil, brown rice syrup, lemon zest and lemon juice.
  4. Add wet ingredients to almond flour mixture and mix thoroughly to combine.  The dough will resemble bread crumbs at this stage.
  5. Fold chia and poppy seeds into the mixture.  Then using your hands, carefully shape the dough into a ball.
  6. Roll out dough between two sheets of baking paper to 1/4 inch thickness.  Use the cookie cutter to cut out shapes and carefully transfer to baking pan.
  7. Cook in pre-heated oven for approximately 5 minutes, or until lightly golden.  Let cool slightly on pan before transferring to cooling rack.
  8. In a small bowl combine powdered sugar with a small squeeze of lemon juice. Stir to form a thick paste.  If frosting is too thick for your liking, continue adding lemon juice until it reaches your desired consistency.
  9. Place desiccated coconut in a small shallow bowl. When cookie have cooled completely, frost them with icing then roll in coconut and serve.
  10. Store biscuits in an airtight container and keep in a cool dry place.  Best if consumed within 2 – 3 days.
 *Sugar Free Protein frosting: Replace powdered sugar with 1/3 cup protein powder (vanilla flavour would work best).  Add a splash of unsweetened almond milk and stir to form a thick paste.  Ice cookies with frosting then roll in coconut before serving.

To download a printable version of this recipe click here: Lemon Snow Eggs

They are not as special as Flaounes, but I’m sure my Greek Momma would approve no less!

What do you love about easter?
Do you have any traditions?

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Weekend Link Love

1 Apr

It’s time for another edition of Link Love.  But before we get started with that I wanted to give you guys an update on a few things like my fitness routine, how the hypnotherapy is going, and a few other random things.

LiveFit Trainer

I can’t believe I’m actually in Phase 3 of LiveFit Trainer. I’m really proud of myself for sticking with the program and can’t believe there are only 4 weeks left until I finish.  I haven’t followed the program 100% though.  I don’t do as much cardio as the program advises, or follow the nutrition guide provided. Instead I have focused on increasing my strength through the weight training, and going for brisk walks because I love them.  I also tend to have more rest days than advised to let my body fully recover. This way I am able to put in my best effort every time I hit the gym.

The Results so far…

I have definitely noticed that my strength and stamina has increased dramatically from the consistent training, and that my posture is better too!   I have added some muscle to my frame and am feeling pretty toned and terrific.  I’ve been taking progress shots along the way and can’t wait to share those with you when I finish the program!

Hypnotherapy

A few weeks ago I told you guys I was going to try hypnotherapy to ease my irritable bowel symptoms.  So far I’ve had 3 sessions with the therapist and have 2 more left.  It’s been an enlightening experience and has helped me considerably.  The most important thing I’ve learned is that I have to take time out and de-stress.  And this has been HARD! The program requires that I listen to a recording everyday that goes for 30 minutes and helps to soothe the gut by taking you through some guided imagery.  At the beginning I really had to force myself to do it, but now I look forward to the relaxation.

In our sessions the therapist has also provided me with some valuable tools that have helped control my symptoms.  Hypnotherapy for IBS works on the basis that there is a large connection between what goes on in your brain and your gut.  By empowering your mind and visualising yourself healthy you should be able to reduce your symptoms over time.

My thoughts so far…

I still have a few more weeks to go, but in general I’ve been feeling pretty good! I still get symptoms, but they are more manageable than before.  She has advised that results take time, but so far I’m quite happy with how it’s going.  If anything I’ve learned some valuable relaxation techniques that I can use throughout my life.

The other stuff

  1. I’m back at University now! Apologies if I don’t post as often.  I’m probably just trying to wrap my brain around all the stuff they throw at us each day.  I love my blog, but I also know that studying is super important, and well….that has to win out sometimes.
  2. I’ve been nominated!!! I’ve had the pleasure of being nominated for the Versatile Blogger award by Building This Nest and Andrea Drugay .  I’ve also been nominated for the Liebster Blog award by Whit Likes Fit.  Thanks guys!!! I know I’m supposed to share lots of random facts about myself and link to other blogs, but ‘Other stuff #1′ means I have to spend today studying neuroscience.  Yeah…that’s about as exciting as it sounds.  So instead I’m going to link to my A to Z survey where you can find out 26 different things you probably didn’t know about me.

And now on to the links! This one is slightly holiday inspired as Easter is coming up next week, but also has a few motivational, fitness and fun links as well.  Hope you enjoy!

Everything Easter:

1. Natural New Age Mum gives you the run down of Healthy Easter Treats.  She’s got recipes, links to allergy friendly products, and ideas for crafty activities to keep us entertained.

2. Oh Martha, if only I were as creative as you! If you need table arrangements, flowers, decorating ideas, craft projects for the kids or some yummy Easter recipes then Martha has you covered.

Everything Else:

3.  What’s your #PROOF? Join the fitfluential team in keeping track of how you keep fit! Record and tweet about your #PROOF to inspire others to do the same and keep yourself accountable.

4.  Taking care of others around you is just important as taking care of yourself.  Read Kate Scarlata’s lovely story about how It Takes a Village to raise a family, and the importance of nurturing relationships.

5. Good skin care is essential to looking fresh and feeling good.  Ashley from The Edible Perspective gives a rundown of some lovely Homemade Natural Skincare Products you can add to your beauty routine.

I'll be trying to coffee grounds in a skin scrub recipe. It helps tighten skin and diminish cellulite!

6.  The Happy Dietitian gives you her 20 Sexiest Photos of the Month.  There is some lovely eye candy, wicked hairstyles and some awesome fashion finds.

So chic! I want that it all

7.  If you can’t afford to take a holiday anytime soon, then be an armchair adventurer instead! Kate Scarlata takes you to Puerto Rico where she drinks rum from a coconut, peruses the local produce, and even goes zip lining in the rainforest (how cool is that!).

8.  And of course no link love would be complete without some fabulous recipes and nutrition advice from around the jaunt.

What are your plans for this weekend?
What links are you loving lately?

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Everything Awesome Oatmeal Cookies

28 Mar

If you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to ask for a glass of milk…

except the mouse forgot to tell you that he’s vegan.  So he’ll ask for a glass of almond milk instead.

When you give him his glass of almond milk, he’ll probably ask ‘Are these cookies made with butter or eggs?’

To which you can happily reply: ‘No mouse. These cookies are kind to all creatures great and small.  Your cow friends will rejoice as they have no dairy, and your chicken friends will cluck with joy to know they have no eggs.  Even your bee buddies will buzz with bliss as they have no honey.’

The mighty mouse devours his cookie and smiles with glee, then asks ‘May I please have the recipe?’

Everything Awesome Oatmeal Cookies

Everything awesome includes: oats, nuts, seeds, dried fruit and dark chocolate

But nothing nasty like: refined white sugar or flour

They are also suitable for those with special dietary requirements!

These cookies are vegan, gluten free, dairy free, egg free, and Low FODMAP.

Prep Time: 30 minutes             Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Makes 3 dozen cookies

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • ¾ cup raw pecans
  • ¼ cup raw walnuts
  • ¾ cup natural almond meal
  • ¾ cup gluten free flour (such as brown rice, buckwheat, or gluten free oat flour)
  • 1 cup gluten free rolled oats
  • ½ cup coconut sugar
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp unsweetened coconut or almond milk
  • 1 tsp natural vanilla paste
  • 3.5 tbsp coconut oil
  • ¼ cup brown rice syrup
  • ¼ cup maple syrup

Add ins

  • 1.25 cups fruit free muesli with nuts & seeds (GF if necessary)
  • ½ cup dairy free chocolate chips
  • ½ cup dried fruit (such as raisins, or dried cranberries)

Method

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with baking paper.
  2. Place walnuts and pecans on baking sheet and toast in preheated oven for 8 – 10 minutes, mixing once halfway through.  Remove nuts and let cool.
  3. In a large bowl, sift together the almond meal, flour, coconut sugar, salt and cinnamon.  Set aside.
  4. When nuts have cooled, place them in a food processor with the gluten free rolled oats.  Process until finely ground, about 1 minute.
  5. Add nut/oat mixture to bowl with flour and mix thoroughly to combine.
  6. In another bowl or large measuring cup, mix together the wet ingredients.  If coconut oil is solid, place in microwave for 20 – 30 seconds to melt.
  7. Add wet ingredients to dry and mix to combine.  Once combined fold in gluten free muesli, chocolate chips, and dried fruit.
  8. Cover dough with cling wrap and place in the fridge for 10 – 15 minutes to chill.  While mixture is chilling, line 2 baking sheets with baking paper.
  9. When dough feels cool to touch, remove it from the fridge.  With damp hands, roll about 1 tbsp of dough into a ball, and place on cookie sheet.  Repeat with remaining dough.  Using your fingers, or the back of a spoon, lightly flatten each ball on the cookie sheet.
  10. Bake for 10 minutes in oven at 350°F (175°C).  Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for 2 – 3 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.
  11. Cookies will keep in a sealed container in a cool dry place for one week, or frozen for up to 3 months.  Makes about 3 dozen cookies.

To download a printable version click here: Everything Awesome Oatmeal Cookies

The particular batch I made are wheat free but not 100% gluten free.  I used a bag of the muesli I won in a competition, and the combination of nuts and seeds was sensational!  I baked these cookies on saturday and by sunday evening they had all ‘magically disappeared’.

Coincidence?

I think not.

What’s your favourite kind of muesli or granola? Have you ever tried baking with it?
What awesome food have you eaten or made lately?

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Motivational Monday: Upper Body Blast!

26 Mar

Good Morning and happy Monday!!!!!! I’m so excited…do you know why??? It’s time to get motivated! And what better way to get pumped for the week than with a fat blasting arm toning upper body workout.  Got your tickets to the gun show?

A hot upper body is not only essential for sleeveless shirt season, it also keeps you safe and strong.  This is particularly true for the muscles of your back.  Our activities of daily living drive our bodies in a forward direction.  Activities such as sitting at your computer, driving your car, or watching tv all tend to pull your body forward.  This creates a muscle imbalance which leads to poor posture and even back pain.

The solution? A balanced upper body training program that focuses on strengthening your back, and shoulders, with a little bit of chest and arms.  Strengthening the muscles of the back will help counteract the forward pull of daily activities.  A strong back is essential for good posture too; an easy way to look 5 lbs lighter instantly!

Bad posture = head & neck poking forward, rolled shoulders, and a bulging belly. Not attractive at all!

Good posture = head & neck in alignment with spine, shoulders back, and tummy tight. 5lbs lighter, and exuding confidence!

Fitness is the perfect tool to fight fat and feel better after a long hard day at the office.  But sometimes the last thing you feel like doing is gearing up for the gym.  But I say no gym, no problem.  You can do this entire program from the comfort of your own home.  So no excuses! All you need is a few workout essentials including:

  • Resistance bands – you need at least two: one light/medium strength and one heavy strength.
  • A positive frame of mind, and
  • Somewhere you can anchor the bands (door handle, door frame, etc)

Resistance band workouts are a great way to stay fit while at home or travelling abroad.  You want to choose a band that allows you to tire your muscles within the required amount of repetitions.  If you feel like you could do more than the suggested repetitions, shorten the band, step further away from the anchor point or use a thicker band.  Use the chart below to guide your band selection, but always remember to work within your limits.

This workout incorporates supersets as well as normal working sets.  Supersets are two exercises performed back to back with minimal rest.  This keeps the heart rate high to help burn more calories, but also saves you time; a winning combination!  So without further adieu here’s your upper body blast!

To download a printable guide click here: Upper Body Blast Printout

Yesterday I did this workout and I can tell you my arms were shaking by the end! It’s fast but effective.  Work hard and you’ll be showing off your toned and terrific arms in no time!

In your opinion, which celebrity has the best upper body or arms?
What’s your favourite upper body part to work?

 

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