Juicing- The GINORMOUS benefits

Juicing is a regular part of my regime. Not only do I enjoy the taste of fresh pressed greens, I also feel lighter, have more energy, and feel cleansed from the inside out. The result of juicing: I restore my health, smile more, and have a special glow about me.

The benefits of juicing are:

1. Usually we throw away the peels, seeds and pits of fruits/veggies and juicing assures you will not loose any important vitamins, minerals, and heavy fiber content found in these parts of the fruit or veggie.
2. Juicing offers a condensed form of vitamins and minerals and, because it is readily available, the juice is instantly absorbed by the body.
3. You can make your own combinations and find recipes that work with your taste-buds and health needs.
4. Juicing detoxifies your body due to the antioxidants found in the fruits and vegetables. Antioxidants enable the body to eliminate fats and toxins that remain in your body from pollution and processed foods.

I use Jack Lalanne Juicer, however I have a Vitamix and a Champion Juicer on my wish list!

For more information check out this link and HAPPY JUICING!!

Blueberries and Cream Kefir

This is a favorite option for lunch and in order to ensure I obtain my probiotics, I eat organic goat milk kefir at least 3 times a week. Probiotics put the good bacterias in your body and fend off the bad bacterias that come from processed foods, as well as gluten/sugary foods, pesticides that are sprayed on non-organic produce, and any meat/eggs that contains hormones and antibiotics. The best way to keep your body free of bad bacterias is to follow a vegetarian, organic based diet and/or to eat ONLY organic meat. Also, try your best to avoid refined sugars (replace with honey and agave), opt out of gluten based foods (wheat, starchy foods) and avoid eating anything processed/packaged.

Remember if it is made from a plant it is better for you than if it was made in a plant.

Blueberries and Cream Kefir

1 cup of goat milk kefir, organic

1/4 cup fresh blueberries

3 TBSP seed mix

10 cashews, soaked

2 strawberries, diced (optional)

1. Put cashews (and strawberries) in the bottom of the bowl.

2. Add kefir and top with blueberries.

3. Garnish with seed mix.

The cashews add a creamy taste to this dish.

Curry Chickpea Burgers- gluten free

Curry Chickpea Burgers

1 can garbanzo beans, smashed

handful of parsley, chopped

3 garlic cloves

2 TSP cumin

1 TBSP curry

1/2 TSP salt

1/2 TSP pepper

1 egg, beaten

3 TBSP buckwheat flour

1 TBSP olive oil (plus oil for frying)

1/4 cup onion, chopped

1 onion, carmelized (for topping)

Serve with avocado sauce

1. Combine all ingredients together and form into 6 patties.

2. Heat some olive oil on medium heat and cook patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, till brown.

3. Carmelize onions with some olive oil (add any spices you wish).

4. Top with onions and avocado sauce.

A YUMMY vegetarian alternative to traditional burgers.

Buckwheat Pancakes- gluten and sugar free

Buckwheat Pancakes

1 cup buckwheat flour

1/3 cup applesauce, unsweetened

3/4 cup water

1 egg, beaten

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp nutmeg

1/2 TBSP baking powder

Topping: banana, honey/agave, applesauce, coconut

1. Combine all ingredients together and mix for a few minutes.

2. Pour about 1/8 cup into a medium-high pan and cook on both sides for about 2-3 minutes.

3. Top with applesauce, coconut, bananas and honey/agave.

These pancakes were fantastic! Very easy to make and a nice gluten-free alternative to regular pancakes. Buckwheat is high-fiber and high-protein too, so this was a hearty-healthy breakfast that provided energy till lunchtime.

Coconut Banana Nut Muffins- Gluten free, sugar free

Coconut Banana Nut Muffins

1/4 cup coco flour

2 TBSP coco oil

3 eggs

1 small banana mashed

3 TBSP agave

1/4 tsp salt

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 cup soaked walnuts

carob chips-unsweetened (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and blend together for a few minutes.

2. Pour into a greased muffin tin and if you wish, top with carob chips.

3. Cook at 200C for 20 minutes :)

Makes 10 muffins

These muffins were simply divine and the consistency was moist and bursting with flavor. A real treat that is good for you too!!