Belated Foodie Friday: Raw Vegan Ice Cream or Nice Kream

Before becoming vegan and whilst being vegetarian and stuck in a rut with my eating disorder I wouldn't have dreamed about having ice-cream for breakfast. But hey, now I do, almost everyday. With this sickening heat in Queensland, it's all I want; something cold, refreshing and delicious. I'm not talking about your usual ice-cream though, not the dairy laden or coconut milk stuff, I'm talking about the low-fat fruit based stuff. After getting a high-speed blender for Christmas, I've made and created a fair share of fruitified ice-cream recipes, or as I like to say nice-kream recipes, which I have shared with you all below. However my all time favourite recipe in which I've created is my raw vegan banana and vanilla ice cream, with raw chocolate "ice-magic" and raw "cookie-dough" a little higher in fat then the other recipes, but boy this will take you back to your child hood. Instead of me babbling about how good this stuff is, let's just get straight to the recipes, that's what your here for right? (By the way, these are probably snack size, so increase the ingredients to your appetite, accordingly)

Blueberry-banana bomb diggity nice-kream

• 1 1/2 frozen banana
• Dash of coconut water or filtered water (literally a dash, it will become smoothie like, if you add to much)
• 1/2 cup of frozen blueberries 
• 1/2 medjool date 

Blend in a high-speed blender (vitamix or optimum) until thick and ice creamy, don't worry if there are bits of medjool date not 100% blended, it's adds a gorgeous texture. (Also top with more yummy fruit)

Pink pitaya hydro berry blast sorbet

• 3/4 frozen banana 
• 1/3 half a frozen red pitaya (or dragon fruit for you, Aussie folk)
• Dash of coconut water or filtered water
• 1/4 cup mixed frozen berries (preferably organic) 
• 1/3 medjool date

Blend in a high-speed blender (vitamix or optimum) until thick and ice creamy! Top with more fruit/buckinis/coconut whatever your heart desires

Raspberry kisses sorbet

• 1 1/2 frozen banana
• Dash of coconut water or filtered water
• 1/2 cup of frozen raspberries 
• 1/2 medjool date

Blend in a high-speed blender (vitamix or optimum) until thick and ice creamy (This one will dye your lips red)

Tropical papaya banana nice kream

• 1/2 cup red flesh papaya frozen 
• 1 1/2 frozen bananas 
• Dash of coconut water or filtered water
• 1/2 medjool date 

Blend in a high-speed blender (vitamix or optimum) until thick and ice-creamy, add more fruit, rawnola etc

And finally what you've all been waiting for,

Groovy raw choc chic cookie dough vanilla banana nice kream with ice-magic.

For the cookie dough

• 1/2 cup raw almond meal (I use almond pulp and make my own)
• 1 medjool date
• 2 tbs of cacao nibs 
• 1/2 vanilla bean pod 

Blend all ingredients in a high-speed blender till dough-like. Roll into balls using a teaspoon.

For the ice magic

• 2 1/2 tbs of raw cacao or carob powder
• 2 tbs of raw coconut oil
• 1 tbs of coconut nectar 

Melt coconut oil over very very low temp (I put mine on my dehydrator, but it's usually already melted because of this heat) makes about 8

Whisk in cacao or carob powder till smooth (you must whisk) 
Add coconut nectar and whisk, (adjust sweetness or bitterness accordingly to taste, adding less or more cacao or coconut nectar)

For the nice kream

• 1 1/2 - 2 frozen bananas
• 1/2 vanilla bean pod
• 1/2 medjool date

Blend the banana nice kream ingredients in a high-speed blender (vitamix or optimum) until thick and ice-creamy drizzle with "ice magic" it will go hard immediately and top with as many cookie dough balls as you like (or mix them in) seriously friggin delish.

I hope these recipes wow your taste buds like they do to mine, healthy, nutritious and full of carbs for essential energy, if you haven't already gotten on the banana nice-kream train, your gonna want to, especially after trying these recipes (specifically the cookie dough one)

Demi x

Foodie Friday: Raw Vegan Low Fat Unsweetened Almond Mylk

When people transition from a vegan diet, whether that be from a meat based or vegetarian one, one of the first things they ask is, What about milk? What will I do with out it? Well you don’t have to do with “out it” Because boy do I have a way more delicious, cruelty free, and low fat “mylk” recipe for you; A creamy, delicious and frothy almond mylk, which is not only incredibly easy to make but incredibly nutritious. Almond milk is one of the most nutritious milk alternatives available on the market today, it has a high number of vitamin and minerals, including vitamin E, manganese, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, selenium, iron, fiber, zinc and calcium. Almond mylk is dairy free, lactose free, cholesterol free and best of all it is saturated fat free. Even if you aren’t vegan, after trying my recipe, you will never be going back to dairy milk again.

Raw Creamy Unsweetened Almond Mylk

Makes approximately 1 litre

Ingredients 

• 1 cup of raw certified organic almonds
• 4 cups of filtered water
  
  (You will also need a nut milk bag)

 

Method

1. Soak almonds in 2 cups of filtered water overnight (this is a must, please do not skip this step, as it insures a delectable creamy texture)

2. Drain and rinse almonds.

3. Blend almonds with water in an optimum or high-speed blender till creamy



4. Strain through a nut milk bag into a jug; squeeze the nut milk bag to get the most “mylk” out of your almonds. (You can also use a mesh sieve, if you can’t get your hands on a nut milk bag)

5.  Variations:
For sweetened almond milk: add 1 tbsp of coconut nectar (or two medjool dates), a pinch of salt and 1 vanilla bean after the mylk Is strained and blend again until frothy.

For chocolate almond mylk: add 3 tbsp of coconut nectar (or 4 medjool dates) a pinch of salt, 1 vanilla bean and 3 1/2 tbsp or raw cacao or carob powder (can use ¼ cup cacao nibs also) after the mylk Is strained and blend again until frothy.

For strawberry almond mylk: add 2 tbsp of coconut nectar (or three medjool dates) a pinch of salt, 1 vanilla bean and 2 ½ – 3 cups of frozen or fresh organic strawberries, after the mylk Is strained and blend again until frothy.

Voila creamy, delicious and healthy almond milk! Alternatively you can add cinnamon, maca or any other super food you desire. It’s so versatile and easy. (You can use your leftover pulp, to make pulp crackers, or dehydrate it for 4 hours at 115 degrees Fahrenheit and blend it up to make your own almond meal)




Enjoy!
Smile always,

Demi

x

Well-Being Wednesdays: Madelyne Rose Lahey

In today’s current society, when a person thinks of “healthy” food, the term delicious definitely doesn’t come to mind.  But Maddy Lahey has taken instagram by a storm, showing people that indeed; healthy food can be delicious (as indicated in her username) Sporting a positive and a half-glass full kind of attitude it was no wonder that I was attracted to Maddy, and over the past two years we have developed a friendship, like no other.  In her nature she is happy, vibrant, healthy and positive (and don’t forget beautiful) however she was anything but this two years ago, when after taking a acne medication with a desire for clear skin, she developed depression and her mind was filled with negative thoughts, relating to her self and body image; This lead to her to development of anorexia nervosa. But with extreme hard word, positive actions as well as thoughts and implementing the power of healing HEALTHY DELICIOUS FOOD, Maddy overcame this triumph and is the most vibrant she has ever been. Maddy is one of the most inspiring women I have ever had the pleasure to come across, with a story that will bring tears to your eyes and an attitude that will make you think about your own, it will be more then hard to turn your eyes away when reading this post.

Say hello to my dearest friend, Maddy!

Name?
Madelyne Rose Lahey

Age?
17 years old born on the 17th May 1996 - Taurus

Where do you live?
Brisbane, Australia

What initiated your healthy life style? And/or how did it start?
Well it’s a long story…. It all started around 2 years ago, I had horrible acne and had tired every single product on the market. My doctor told me my best bet was to put me on a medication called Roaccutane. Some of you have probably heard of it if you have suffered from skin issues, as it is supposedly the best product out there to get rid of Acne for good. My doctor had warned me of the various symptoms such as dried eyes, lips, sore muscles and even depression, but I didn't really care at the time, as all I wanted was to have glowing beautiful skin!

After 2-3 months on the medication nothing seemed to be working, so the doctor doubled my intake so the medication had a more powerful effect on my skin. I began to experience the symptoms such as dried eyes and cracked lips and I would never leave the house without lip balm. A few months past and I was not feeling my usual happy self, the emotional side of me was just not right. I began to feel sad, lonely and more self-conscious then ever. I didn't want to see or be around friends anymore I felt like they hated me because I was 'Ugly, Fat and Not good enough' (well so I thought). I then started to focus my thoughts on becoming prettier and skinner, which led me to obsessing over calories and exercise. I started to control my life around what I ate and losing weight without realising I was pushing away some of my best friends and family. It was like my life had become worthless and I had nothing else going for me.

During the Christmas holidays my family and I visited New Zealand were we went on a road trip and spent time with other family. It was on this trip my mum realised how distant I had become, how little I was eating and the dramatic weight I had loss. When we got home she immediately took me to a doctor where she did some physiological & BMI tests. I was severely underweight and was diagnosed with depression/anorexia. It was then that I was taken off Roaccutane and sent to a psychologist and Nutritionist to help me recover from what could have potentially gotten worse. Today I thank my mum for forcing me to go to that doctor’s appointment, as I would probably still be on Roaccutane and potentially be in a worse place. It took time, effort and eventually determination to enable myself to get back to a healthy weight. A long year of shifting my mind set and realising I am beautiful, I have amazing friends, my life is worth living and I am happy & healthy. I also thank my Nutritionist Trish Russell for motivating me as she inspired me and help developed my loving interest in healthy food and cooking! So today I live an extremely happy life, I’m surrounded by amazing souls everyday, I nourish myself with healthy delicious food and I am so grateful for everything that has happened, as I would not be the person I am today.

What does health mean to you and why is it important?
Health means happiness, I believe it is the food we choose to eat, the relationships we have with others and ourselves that determines a long, happy and healthy life.

When on the run, what are your go to meals and snacks?
I love fresh juices, homemade cacao goodie balls, hummus with carrot sticks, crunchy apples, Kombucha, sprouted bread with avocado and tomato, avocado avocado avocado!!! I put it on everything! Quinoa with roast veggies is one of my favourite quick and easy meals to make, when there is nothing in the fridge. But right now in summer I’m loving lots of fresh fruit, especially mangoes!! 

What aspects are in adaptable when it comes to your diet?
NOTHING PROCCESSED OR OUT OF A PACKET!! Just look at the ingredients on the package and maybe you will change your mind about nourishing yourself with it! I eat a mostly vegetarian/vegan diet with the exception of sustainably caught seafood, free-range eggs and some organic yogurt. I think it is highly important to know where our produce is coming from and how the animals were treated. When I do chose to by animal products I make sure they are always raised in a safe and happy environment. I love vegetables and think that they should be the main aspect of any dish! There are so many and all have so much flavour! I also choose to now shop locally and at the farmers market, to ensure I am supporting our local farmers and getting the best quality produce possible!

Are there any people who inspired you to make this lifestyle choice and/or who you admire?
As I said Trish my nutritionist has inspired me so much along this journey, she was the one who believed I could get here and the one who taught me so much about nourishing our bodies with love and healthy food. Her guidance and positivity always gave me hope and inspiration to become the best me. I also admire Jess Ainscough. I found her website thewellnesswarrior.com at the beginning of my journey last year and was truly inspired by her story and way of living. I was amazed at what she had overcome and the challenges she had faced that has gotten her here today. I also admire health & wellness advocates such as Melissa Ambrosini, who taught me about the importance of self-love. Kris Carr, who has taught me that living a healthy lifestyle, is fun! And of course the close people around me who continued to support me along this journey. I have learnt so much from these inspiring souls, which I will continue to treasure for the rest of my life.

What is your favourite live-by quote?
There are too many!! But my favourite is "Love yourself first and everything will fall into place" its so true!!! 

What is your favourite way to stay active?

YOGA is my all time favourite thing to do. I started practicing it a few years ago and every since I started, I have been hooked! The whole practice is so amazing, the breath, the mind and the body can do such amazing things when you focus on nothing else but being present. It really lifts up my mood, and if I’m having a bad day it always leaves me feeling alive and glowing! I love practicing in a room filled with such like-minded people the vibes and energy of each person bounces off each other to create such peace and serenity. I also love walking in nature, it makes me feel grounded and can help realise any negativity that has been blocking me.

What are your top 3 tips to stay healthy, happy and positive?
1) Surround yourself with amazing people who you enjoy being with, as the special relationships you have with others can have a huge effect on your happiness

2) Accept and love yourself - As soon as I started to accept myself for who I am and telling myself I am beautiful, my life changed and I began to start living life with no fears or worries just pure happiness 

3) Nourish yourself with beautiful food & connect with nature - reconnect with yourself and know what’s best for you. Rather then following a restrictive diet follow a lifestyle where you feel and operate at your best. Whether that means you are a vegan/ raw vegan, vegetarian, pescetarian , choosing to eat meat or not, its about what works for you and listening to what your body needs. Also getting outside can bring more happiness into your life, reconnecting with nature whether it be gardening, walk on the beach/park or simply lying on the grass watching the clouds. I find that when I am in nature I am a more happier and positive me 

Why is self-love important?

Self-love is the most important step to creating a happy & healthy life. When you are filling yourself with negative thoughts you are truly damaging your health and well being. You were put on this planet for a reason and you should be every bit grateful for the beautiful life you are living! Finding some alone time to yourself everyday whether that be reading, having a cup of tea, facial/ massage or a yoga class, and giving yourself the freedom to do something you love is a great gesture and significance of self love. Telling yourself affirmations such as 'I am Beautiful' and 'I love and accept myself' is another great way to express the love you have for yourself.

What do you hope to achieve in the future/what are your goals?
I would love to teach people about the importance of real Health & Nutrition and eventually have my own business of some sort. I plan to study Nutritional Medicine & Naturopathy in the near future, so I can help people change their lives by fighting disease with Natural medicine & Nutrition. But right now I am learning to live in the present and accepting that the universe has my back! I plan to travel all around the world and learn about different cultures and how people live as I find that so interesting. I love adventures and hope to become more adventurous with everyday life decisions and try not to plan or worry about things as much.

If you were trying to persuade someone to join you on your path to a healthy lifestyle, how would you go about doing so?
I would never force someone to start living like me or preach them with crazy facts about factory farming, pesticides or any other health issues. It is when people ask about why I live the way I live, I tell them why and they choose to accept or decline the information I give them. Of course when someone brings up that they want to start living healthier I will give them a few tips but I would never force them.

Do you have any books, resources, or tools for someone aspiring to live a healthy lifestyle?
I love recipe books! I have so many and they are my guilty pleasure! My favourite is Janella Purcell; she has also inspired me to cook such yummy healthy food. All her recipes are so delicious! They are mostly vegetarian and vegan with some seafood. Instagram is a world of inspiration for recipes, health and wellness tips, being apart of such like minded people on instagram is a great way to connect and share amazing recipes with other people on the same journey as you! Various documentaries are also very eye opening and can help change your perception on the food we eat, I love 'Food Matters', 'Hungry for Change', 'Food inc.','Fat sick and nearly dead', 'Crazy sexy cancer' and 'forks over knives' have all had a huge impact on my lifestyle and health choices.

What do you think is the biggest issue with health in our society?
There are so many but the ones that stick out to me the most are fad diets, processed foods & Factory farming. People’s perception of getting healthy these days is being deprived on a fad diet. Whether it be Jenny Craig, weight watchers and The Atkins diet etc. All of them lack in nutritional value and encourage you to eat low calorie meals and snacks that are actually filled with harmful chemicals such as artificial sweeteners, which may be more long term damaging then good. Also factory farming has been a big issue in Australia and all over the world. Animals are being raised in rural and cruel factories, forced to eat grains and pumped with harmful hormones and antibiotics to make them bigger. These processed meats are found in supermarkets, fast food restaurants and all over Australia. Not only are these poor innocent animals being treated like prisoners; it is not healthy for us humans to be eating food filled with chemicals and hormones! Animals Australia have raised the issue to many supermarkets in plead to stop selling factory farmed meats, but it is only us consumers who can stop buying these products will help make a difference.

What has been your proudest moment on your journey and what has been your most challenging?
My proudest and most challenging moment on my journey would be when I finally overcame the darkness and started seeing life as a gift and a blessing. It took some time to regain the happiness I lost while having depression, but when I did overcome the negative thoughts and feelings I was stronger and happier then ever. I found a new sense of self-love and thank myself everyday for the beautiful life I am living.

How can we find you?

Instargram - @healthydeliciousfood
Email - maddylahey@hotmail.com
Blog - http://happyhealthymaddy.blogspot.com.au/

Share your favourite recipe?

I have experimented with many mueslis and granolas before but this is by far the tasty and healthy one I have made so far. I make a big batch every week and my family loves it, I have it for breakfast nearly everyday with some coyo (http://www.coyo.com.au/) yogurt and fruit. Enjoy

MADDYS YUMMY COCONUT GRANOLA
Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 cups Gluten Free Oats 
• 2-3 cups Chopped mixed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts (whatever you like) 
• 1 cup Pepitas/pumpkin seeds 
• 1 cup coconut flakes 
• 1-2 tbsp coconut nectar
• 1/4 cup Coconut oil 
• 1/4 tsp Vanilla bean/ extract
  

Method:

1.     Heat oven to 180 degrees.

2.     On a baking tray or bowl mix all ingredients together until well combined. Bake in oven until lightly brown, you may want to flip over muesli halfway in-between baking to cook through each side.

3.     Once cooked let cool for 20 mins until transferring into a container.

4.     Serve with yummy coconut with berries, banana, papaya and any fruit you like!

Feel free to play around with the recipe to suit what you like. I don't measure the ingredients so this is just an estimate, be creative and enjoy.

Well-being Wednesdays: Siobhan O'brien

You may have heard of Siobhan, or to be more precise you may have heard of her delicious healthy plant based food. When she floods your instagram feed with mouth-watering pictures… it really is hard to miss!  Not only is she more then willingly to share these ever so creative recipes on her blog, she happily answers any questions about her balanced lifestyle on her tumblr, providing more then helpful advice for those wanting to transition to a healthier lifestyle. But Siobhan hasn’t always had fantastic health, coming from a background of chronic IBS and depression, Siobhan had to make major changes to not only her diet but to her mental headspace, which is not only incredible looking at where she is now, but inspirational. (And this is only one of the many reasons why so many people admire her) Being a fellow yogini (a fantastic one at that) and having an incredible passion for healthy food and self-love…. I couldn’t help but be in awe of her, and I know you all will be too. 

Say hello to the gorgeous Siobhan, all the way from the ice-cool England!



Name?
Siobhan O'Brien

Age?

18

Where do you live?

England

What initiated your healthy life style? And/or how did it start?

After years of digestive problems, in May 2012 I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome or IBS. Essentially that means my digestive system doesn't function the way it should be and it easier digests too fast or too slow. I had to modify my lifestyle quite quickly in order to manage it, especially since I was also diagnosed gluten and dairy intolerant. Firstly I had to stop eating gluten and dairy, then I cut out highly processed foods and began introducing whole grains, fruits and vegetables instead, and I noticed a real difference in the way I felt. IBS is a long term disorder which can cannot be treated and can only managed with a healthy lifestyle, so I stay active, eat a plant based diet, drink a lot of water and do yoga to help me remain calm.

What does health mean to you and why is it important?

Health to me is when you work in harmony with your body. It's about nourishing your body with wholesome and nutritious food, keeping your body strong with regular physical activity and looking after your soul by taking time out to relax, do what makes you happy and eat the odd bar of chocolate.

When on the run, what are your go to meals and snacks?

Bananas are the best snack ever! I also love nuts, dried fruit and homemade bliss balls. Lunchboxes of pasta or roasted vegetable quinoa salads are easy for on the go meals too.

What aspects are inadaptable when it comes to your diet?

I take time off exercise when I am sick or tired, but the way I eat will never change, because it is the only thing stopping me from having a chronic stomach condition. To me it's not a diet, it's a way of life!

Are there any people who inspired you to make this lifestyle choice and/or who you admire?

I admire my parents for bringing me up to appreciate good quality food. My Mum's a vegetarian and my Dad eats a mostly vegetarian diet, so I grew up eating a lot of really good, wholesome vegetarian meals. I also spent a lot of time as a child helping them both in the kitchen and that's not only given me the skills to cook for myself, but it's also inspired me to create similar dishes which are not only delicious but also full of nutrients

What is your favourite live-by quote?

"All we are is a result of what we have thought. The mind is everything, what we think, we become."

What is your favourite way to stay active?

In summer I love running outside, cycling and going for long walks/hikes in nature. In winter I run outside whenever possible but I also go to the gym. I love yoga, too!

What are your top 3 tips to stay healthy, happy and positive?

Drink more water, sleep well and when you eat, think  "What nutrients am I giving my body?" Let food be your medicine!

Why is self-love important?

You're never going to achieve anything in life if you put yourself down. You're one of a kind and you are special. By accepting yourself for who you are and respecting yourself as an individual, you are more likely to make positive choices in regards to relationships, careers, friendships, study and of course, your own personal wellbeing through your diet and exercise. 

What do you hope to achieve in the future/what are your goals?

Ever since I was 12 years old I have dreamt of becoming a doctor, so my goal is to finish high school, get into medical school and become a doctor. I also want to life the healthiest, happiest life I can.

If you were trying to persuade someone to join you on your path to a healthy lifestyle, how would you go about doing so?

I'd cook them an amazing feast of plant based food to prove to them that it's not all weird and boring! I'd also educate them on the advantages of a plant based diet on physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the positive impact on the environment

Do you have any books, resources, or tools for someone aspiring to live a healthy lifestyle?

I gain a lot of inspiration from my friends on Tumblr and Instagram and I think the Internet is a really fantastic way to educate yourself about the benefits of a plant based lifestyle. There's so many amazing blogs of nutritious food on the Internet, I especially love Green Kitchen Stories and My New Roots as sources of inspiration in my own cooking.

What do you think is the biggest issue with health in our society?

I dislike how a healthy diet and exercise is only seen as a quick fix to weight loss, not an overall overhaul of lifestyle. People will eat only quinoa and steamed vegetables for a week and spend hours at the gym to lose weight, and then go right back to their old habits, rather than making positive changes in their life so that it can be a long term change.

What has been your proudest moment on your journey and what has been your most challenging?

I'm immensely proud and in awe of the success of my Instagram and my recipes blog. The support I get from my followers is truly mind-blowing and I feel honoured to have such a following. The most challenging thing I faced was when I was first diagnosed with IBS, as I really struggled with the constant pain and discomfort and I didn't understand what was causing it. It took a lot of elimination diets to be able to determine the trigger foods, and that was really difficult.

How can we find you?

I have an Instagram @Siobhano_ and a blog where I post all my recipes www.superfoodsiobhan.blogspot.com

Share your favourite recipe?
This is one of my absolute favourite things to eat. It's so rich and creamy and spicy, which is perfect considering how cold it is in England at the moment!

Creamy Butternut Squash and Chickpea Korma 

Serves 2-3

You will need:

• 1 tbsps coconut oil
• 1 onion, chopped finely
• 1 clove of garlic chopped finely
• 2 tbsp cumin
• 2 tbsp coriander
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger
• 1 tsp garam masala
• 1 tsp tumeric
• 1 fresh chilli (or 1 tsp chilli flakes)
• 1 medium butternut squash, chopped roughly
• 1 can/carton drained and rinsed chickpeas
• 1 can of coconut milk (400ml)
• 1/2-1 cup water
• A handful of freshly chopped coriander
• A large handful of baby spinach plus any other vegetables you like

What to do:

1. Heat the coconut oil over a low heat in a large pot and add your spices, toasting for few minutes until fragrant, then add the onion, garlic, ginger and chilli.

2. Place the lid on the pot and allow to sweat and soften for a few minutes, until it had reduced down.

3. Add the butternut squash cubes and the coconut milk and mix well, then allow to cook over a medium heat for approximately 30 minutes, or until the squash has softened and the sauce has thickened. You can also add it any other vegetables you like, such as green beans or zucchini for some extra greens.

4. Add water as necessary to thin the sauce to your preferences, and pour in the chickpeas and baby spinach, stirring well and allowing to cook in for 5-10 minutes until the chickpeas are softened and the sauce is hot.

5. Stir in the fresh coriander and serve in bowls alongside brown rice for a delicious warming meal. This also keeps great in the fridge for later on that week, and what's great is that over time the flavours get even better!



Enjoy!