Protein Packed Pancakes

I never eat pancakes. When I say never I cannot even tell you the last time I ordered some for myself or took a bite of someone else's. I used to have an obsession with 'healthy foods' and pancakes was never on my healthy food list - saddening I know. 

I am still inclined to labelling foods as healthy and unhealthy - not a habit I would recommend nor is it a correct indication of how food should be consumed - however, I am getting better at stepping outside of my comfort zone. AKA I finally decided to make some pancakes (cue the percussion and cheers from the crowd). 

I still enjoy eating well so I wasn't going to gorge on a sugar laden and simple carbohydrate filled recipe. Instead I was going to source and make one full of delicious and wholesome ingredients that wouldn't leave my body feeling gluggy and my mind feeling guilty.


Ingredients

• 100g oats
• 2 free-range eggs
• 100g cottage cheese
•  1 banana 
• 1 pinch of baking powder
• 1 splash of your milk of choice (used soy milk)

Toppings

• Almond butter
• Honey
• Chobani yoghurt
• 4 Fresh figs
• 1 pear
• 1 apple
• 1 handful of pomegranate seeds
• (I used whatever fresh fruit I had at home which ended up being a pear, apple and blueberries)
  

Method

1. Pop all pancake ingredients (excluding oil) into a blender until smooth
2. If the mixture is too thick just add a little more milk
3. Prepare all your toppings into small bowls. 
4. I peeled and grated the pear and apple, then tossed with the blueberries. I then set the toppings aside until ready to plate. 
5. Heat a frying pan over a medium heat, brush with oil.
6. Drop heaped tablespoons of the batter into the pan and cook for three minutes, or until little bubbles start to from on the surface. 
7. Flip and cook the other side until lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer to plate. 
8. Layer the pancakes up with the fruit and almond butter, drizzle over the honey and spoon on the yoghurt. 
9. Now eat :D 

Journey to self love

Society has taught that worth is defined by wealth, status, beauty, sex and power. Without such things a person is made to feel worthless or less than those who do. When defined by such materialistic and vain barriers it can remove all forms of positive self-perception. If the mind begins to start filling the body and soul with negative self-talk and emotions, the body will begin to outwardly show those feelings. 

So hear this now. Vain, materialistic possessions and achievements will only bring temporary happiness. To achieve lifelong happiness - that must be found within. In order to achieve this, self-perception needs to be shifted and focused on the core nature of the being. Who am I? What makes me happy? How can I love myself? 

To begin this journey the most important thing is to start listening to your thoughts. Thoughts that are controlling, self-doubting or negative. Recognise when you are thinking a certain way and why. Instead of moving away from these thoughts and feelings try and understand them. Start to be aware of what the mind is doing through negative self-talk, self-abandonment, judgment, various addictions or coping mechanisms. 

When feeling this way there are two pathways that can be taken. The first is to protect against the pain and use negative coping mechanisms, such as addictive and controlling behaviour, to temporarily forget such thoughts. The second option is to understand these feelings. Learn why the mind is feeling this way, why it is reacting to a circumstance in this manner and why it seems to be causing pain? Whether it be pain through self-infliction or blame, understand why it is happening and how action can be taken to improve on the current, destructive methods being implemented. 

If the second option is taken on board (fingers crossed it is), know that these types of changes don't happen overnight. This will be a continuous journey of self- development, self-healing and positive thinking. It will be one of the hardest journey's to go on because it is challenging the way thoughts are processed and it is tackling a massive opponent. That opponent is the all-consuming, negative self.

After commitment, consistency and connection with oneself there will be change. A change for the better. A self-discovery that by loving yourself everything in your life improves. Relationships with others, outlooks on life, wellbeing and so much more. 

Love yourself for who you are right now! Every person is a constant work in progress so be present and enjoy the journey. Whilst loving who you are keep aiming to better yourself physically, mentally and emotionally to continue striving to be the best version of yourself possible. Create a passionate, fulfilled and joyful life, you won't regret it. 

Tips to takeaway

• Begin your day with love. Get out of bed and do something beneficial for your body. Go for a walk, drink a delicious cup of tea and just be at one with your mind. 
• Language is so important so talk yourself happy. Use affirmations to change your mind to become more positive
• Be honest. If you are feeling upset express it. Burying emotions and thoughts will fix nothing. Talking and resolving feelings will.
• Be patient. Changing years of negative emotions and self talk doesn't change overnight. Enjoy the journey and look forward to the result 
• Appreciate the small things
• Breathe
• Forgive yourself 
• Last but not least stop comparing yourself to others. You are beautiful just the way you are 

Moist Banana Caramel Muffins

My long work hours have been taking there toll and I often find myself mid-afternoon reaching for the work lolly jar. Firstly, this is not looking too good on the old waist line. Secondly, these quicks spikes of artificial sugar are only acting as a quick fix. Instead, I need to focus on a solution to the problem - I need to start feeding my body with the right fuel to get me through my day.

So I decided to make some delicious, healthy muffins that will act as the perfect snack to get me through the 3pm slump. Bring on moist banana caramel muffins. Trust me, you wont feel like you are missing out when you take a bite out of these bad boys. The recipe is courtesy of the amazing Sophie Guidolin from her Eat Clean, Live Lean recipe book. 


Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup coconut flakes
• 125g coconut oil - 100g for the banana caramel, and 25g to the wet mix 
• 3/4 cup honey
• 3 ripe bananas 
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups of wholemeal self raising flour
• 2 tablespoons of soy milk
• 1 teaspoon organic vanilla essence
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions 

• Preheat oven to 180 degrees
• Using a nonstick pan, over medium heat, add 100g of coconut oil, the honey and the chopped banana
• Let the mixture simmer
• Whilst combine the eggs, soy milk, 25g of coconut oil, vanilla essence and cinnamon together in a bowl
• Once mixed, stir in the flour and coconut flakes to the mixture
• Ensure the banana mixture is soft and caramel-like. Once the banana have turned into almost a paste, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly
• Add the caramel banana mixture and mix until smooth and well combined
• Poor the mixture into prepared muffin tins and place in the oven for 20-35 minutes
• Once cooked through take them out of the oven
• Enjoy warm or cool for a tasty, artificial-sugar free treat 

Mid-Week Mood

All images are sourced from Straight into Style, Borrowed Heaven and Better Tomorrows

Under Wraps

I often wear various types of headwear to accessorise my outfits. Whether that be my favourite Brixton fiddlers cap, a beanie when it’s freezing cold or a jewelled headpiece for fancier occasions. My obsession with headwear accessories is endless.

 One of my all time favourite accessories has to be a headscarf. There are so many amazing, unique things you can do with a simple scarf that can turn the most casual of outfits into a stylish ensemble. The versatility of a scarf allows you to make brilliant fashion statements by experimenting with colours, patterns and materials to create unique designs. 

Whether you want to go for an easier version and pop on an already formed styled turban, or you are open to creating your own unique look, a headscarf is the perfect accessory to make you feel beautiful, unique and classy.  

*Please note that I have the upmost respect for those who wear turbans or scarves as a part of their religion or culture. This post in no way tries to demean the cultural significance of headwear, this post is purely to demonstrate various looks that can be achieved with a scarf as a fashion statement.