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 

Healthy-shaming, the new fat-shaming!

I constantly read reports, see social posts and hear about fat-shaming. People being named, shamed and blamed for their eating habits, weight and appearance. I myself have thankfully never been the victim of such bullying but would never like to be on the receiving end of such hateful comments. I have always felt there was no need to put someone else down for their lifestyle choices. I am all for assisting a friend who is struggling when they need it but I would never stand there and jeer at them or reject them for their food choices.

Whilst fat-shaming is very often spoken about health-shaming is not. Just as some feel they have a right to comment on a larger person’s lifestyle, others feel they have a right to comment on others being too skinny, eating a healthy diet or exercising too much.

Today for the first time I truly felt like I was being shamed for my healthy lifestyle choices. Two friends, who I live with, love eating out, enjoying a cheeky takeaway and treating themselves with food. Tonight, was one of those nights. As I was eating dinner they shouted out to me that they were going on a food expedition. Knowing they are both trying to be healthier I jokingly shouted out in return, ‘make healthy choices.’ 

Later I heard them return, excited to see them I rushed downstairs to chat. As I opened the door they were both sitting on the floor munching on their dinner of choice. Whilst one looked at me guiltily the other turned around and said, ‘this is a judgement free zone.’ I stood there shocked. I hadn’t even opened my mouth yet and already it was being presumed that because I choose to eat well, I would condemn them for not doing the same. My friend then asked me to leave the room so they could eat without being ‘judged.’ 

As I shut the door I was so angry. How can you justify ostracizing someone for trying to be healthy when in essence it is just the same as fat shaming? It really got me thinking, why is skinny-shaming ok, if fat-shaming is not? 

To the next person who says ‘you are not welcome’ for choosing to be healthy, commenting on the food that I eat or putting me down for not eating ‘fattier’ or seemingly ‘unhealthy’ foods I say to you: 

~ I love myself. I choose to be healthy and gift my body with the best nutrients this wonderful world has to offer. I eat nutritious healthy food because I enjoy it.  I exercise because it makes me feel good. It eases my mind and jump starts my body for the day ahead. I choose to be the best possible version of myself that I can be. I will not listen to anyone who tries to tell me differently~

 

 

Be You, Tea Full

I wake up, stroll to the kitchen and turn the kettle on. As I wait for it to finish with a quiet ding, I sleepily prepare my morning cup of tea. Placing the tea leaves in a strainer the smell of cinnamon, cardamon and aniseed surround me, calming me. 

My morning ritual is my meditation. A period of 15 minutes where I am by myself and enjoying the small things that life has to offer. The world is quiet, the rest of the house is asleep and I just sit there and watch the sun rise with my cup of tea. Perfection.

Hoping to share my love of tea with you, below are several of my go to teas throughout the day,why I love them and a range of health benefits that they offer. 

After reading this, I hope you too start your day with a delicious pot of beautiful tea. 

CHAI TEA

Benefits: It is made from a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and nutmeg that contain antioxidants and phytochemicals known to reduce the risk of certain cancers. The antioxidants and phytochemicals within Chai tea benefit the immune system, gut health and facilitate energy production.

I love: My dog is named after this tea, that’s how much I love it! The best way to drink it is by brewing a wet chai mixture over the stove, with soymilk and a dash of honey. Delish!

MINT

Benefits: It improves digestion, reduces pain, eliminates inflammation cures bad breath and aids the immune systems. Mint tea is the perfect cuppa to sip on when it’s that time of the month as it eases nausea and stomach cramps.

I love: A warm cup of peppermint tea is my go to when I am feeling nauseas or off in the stomach. It also aids digestion, which makes it the perfect ‘after-dinner-mint’ to help relax and unwind after a big meal.

CHAMOMILE

Benefits: It promotes sleep, eases stomach-aches and can help in calming muscle spasms. This non-caffeinated herbal tea is the perfect solution for people looking to relax, unwind and enjoy a cosy evening ahead.

I love: drinking a hot mug of chamomile tea right before bed to relax me and put me straight to sleep. My only problem is that I always wake up in the middle of the night busting to go to the bathroom (eek).

GREEN

Benefits: It contains lots of antioxidants (catechins) and nutrients that are said to boost the metabolism, aid weight loss and improve brain function. Catechins are an important antioxidant present in green tea, known to assist heart disease, cancer and overall cell damage.

I love:  I would say that green tea is an acquired taste, one that has not come so easily to me. Due to green tea’s well-known benefits I do try and drink it several times a week however it has nothing on a scrumptious pot of chai.

LIQUORICE

Benefits: The liquorice root has long been used to treat ulcer like symptoms, digestive problems, heartburn and upper-respiratory ailments.  Liquorice root can however cause several side affects when used for a long period of time. 

I love: I regularly drink a liquorice tea infusion that contains only 44 per cent liquorice root. I am obsessed with this tea at the moment as it has the perfect combination of sweet, spicy yet subtle flavours.

BLACK

Benefits: Made from the same plant as green tea, black tea assists in lowering cholesterol as well as containing caffeine to give you a burst of energy throughout the day. Perfect for people like me who are trying to stay away from coffee.

I love:  A slug of boiling water and a dash of milk is how I like my black tea. Everyone is different, but this bad body gives me an extra oomph of energy I need to get up and attack the day ahead.

What is your favourite type of tea? Share below

Avocado Smoothie

Morning brunch of avocado on toast, a delicious guacamole or just plain avocado with a hint of salad dressing - lets just say I LOVE avocado yet I have always been hesitant about hopping onto the avocado smoothie train. Im not sure what about the smoothie concept previously turned me off. I blitz up bananas, strawberries, mango and nearly any other fruit for a smoothie, but the concept of an avocado being put in the blender felt weird. 

After months of watching my male housemate drink avocado smoothies daily he finally convinced me to try some. I sipped with hesitation and swallowed with surprise. It was creamy, smooth and down right delectable! After a quick run down of his basic recipe I jumped into the kitchen to get smoothie making. 

I thought I would share my basic recipe with everyone but feel free to vary the ingredients depending on what you like in your smoothie. As a sweetener my go to is always honey but maple syrup, raw sugar and agave nectar are great alternatives. Replace soy milk with your choice of dairy or non-dairy options. For a bit of extra oomph add a banana, spinach and top with granola for a perfect, healthy breakfast. 

Ingredients:
- 1/2 avocado
- 1/2 cup of soy milk
- 1/2 cup Chobani yoghurt 
- heaped teaspoon of honey 

Blitz all ingredients in a blender. For a runnier consistency add extra milk or if you would like it a bit thicker add more yoghurt and avocado. Enjoy
xxx

(Image one sourced from Eleanor Landford Photography, image 2 sourced from HollyWulf)

The Grounds

If you live in Sydney or visit often then I am sure you have heard of The Grounds of Alexandria. If not, then boy are you missing out on a smorgasbord or delicious food and beverages. 

You may have to wait a little while to get a seat but it is well worth the wait. Plus, whilst you are waiting you can wander the grounds looking at the amazing scenery, tasting the delicious treats at market stalls and visiting the resident pets (aka Kevin Bacon). 

Below was my breakfast/lunch! A lamb shank pie with a red wine jus, served with creamy mash and peas. Not going to lie I rolled out of there but I would have gone seconds as it was that delicious. 

Jenny From The Block

Oh my, oh my, oh my!! My FAVOURITE meal of the day would have to be breakfast. I could eat breakfast for every meal, so when someone asks 'do you want to go for breakfast', oh boy, I am there! 

By the way that delicious bowl of organic goodness placed in front of me is a spiced tapioca pudding with coconut, mango and pineapple. Get in my belly!!

When I got dressed for my breakfast date I had the song Jenny from the block stuck in my head. So i tossed my usual gypsy get up out the window and I decided to embrace my inner hood girl. Bring on the high socks, big hoops and beanie. 

Im still, Im still Marlow from the block… Jokes that was so lame ha.