Quinoa Cold Summer Salad

/0 Comments/in , /by

During the summer I love having cold salads, it’s an easy way to get in raw veggies and who really feels like using the oven when it’s 100 degrees out! I love this recipe because it’s so simple and is always a crowd pleaser.

2 cups cooked quinoa

2 red/orange/yellow peppers chopped

1 cucumber chopped 1/2 cup corn kernels

1 can chickpeas DRESSING

2 large cloves chopped fresh garlic

1/8th cup olive oil

1/8th cup balsamic dressing

1. First prepare the dressing, letting the garlic marinate in the vinegar and oil

2. Cook the quinoa

3. While the quinoas cooking chop your veggies

4. Toss your veggies, beans, quinoa and dressing, refrigerate for a couple hours before serving

7 Painless Detox Hacks

/0 Comments/in /by

1. Ditch Fake Sugars

If you haven’t already come off added sugars, now’s the time to start. Put down the chocolate bar and pick up a piece of fruit. Get your buzz from natural sugars and soon you won’t be craving that sweet pick-me-up so bad. When you’re on the hunt for a natural sugar kick it’s good to remember that a good kind of natural sugar is one that is minimally processed, not contaminated, and contains some nutrients and antioxidants.
Dates are a great source of natural sugar and they are rich in B6, vitamin A, potassium and calcium. Dates can taste amazing in bars or puddings. Other brilliant sources of natural sugars are honey, molasses and real maple syrup.

2. Drink LOTS of Water

Water is key. You know it, I know it, we all know it. It’s no secret how big a part water can play in the detoxing process. Did you know that when your body is dehydrated, it actually craves sweets? Drinking one large glass of water per hour when you’re weaning yourself off the sugar will help quash the cravings as well as keeping your skin looking fresh and glowing. If you’re wondering how you’re ever going to be able to drink that much of the clear stuff, try these handy tips.
Instead of using artificial sweeteners, take some of your favourite fruit, slice it up and pop it into a water bottle. We love the taste of watermelon chunks and mint in our water for a refreshing lift in the afternoon.

3. Go Green.

“Adding greens to your diet is one of the best ways to keep energy levels up and eliminate those sweet cravings,” Ficek says. Green veggies like spinach, kale, and broccoli are great sources of iron and vitamin B-6, both of which can keep you from “needing” a sugar boost. “Try having a green smoothie for breakfast, a big salad for lunch, and a green veggie stir-fry for dinner. These meals will make you feel so good; you won’t dare go back to those sweet treats,” she says.

4. Eat foods rich in potassium citrate.

They can help alkalize the body. Opt for prunes, avocados, raisins, peaches, strawberries, spinach, apples or fresh mushrooms.

 5. Add garlic to your meals as often as possible.

It’s great for you. Garlic is an antioxidant that’s been shown to help the immune system.

6. Stimulate your lymphatic system with dry skin brushing twice a day.

Brush your naked body with a natural bristle brush starting with your feet and working towards your heart. Then take a shower alternating between hot and cold water.

7. Treat yourself at the spa. 

Get a sports massage or enjoy the sauna every now and then. These spa treatments really do keep you healthy!

Source: Herfamily.ie fitnessmagazine MBG

Martha Stewart Banana Bread- Cleaned Up! (No dairy & Gluten Free)

/0 Comments/in , , /by

I had some left over old bananas so rather then throw them out I decided to make some Banana Bread, but of course being true to myself I had to clean them up! I took the classic Martha Stewart Banana Bread recipe and swapped out a few of the ingredients, in true Martha style it came out perfect!

  • 1/2 cup coconut oil
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups gluten free baking flour (I use Cloud 9)
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup mashed very ripe bananas (about 3)
  • 1/2 cup coconut milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Oil a 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pan; set aside. In an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream coconut oil and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs, and beat to incorporate.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to the wet mixture, and mix until just combined. Add bananas, coconut milk, and vanilla; mix to combine. Stir in nuts, and pour into prepared pan.
  3. Bake until a fork inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Let rest in pan for at least 10 minutes, then turn out onto a rack to cool.