DELICIOUS WAYS TO USE AVOCADO

 

Most of my favourite foods incorporate avocado somehow and it's easy to taste why with all of the delicious recipes avocado is such an integral part in. If I see avocado in an option on the menu, I'm definitely getting that meal. Or if I see an option I really want but it has meat in it, I always ask for avocado as the replacement. Although you may be initially hesitant of avocado due to all of it's natural fats, you realise how amazing they are for your whole body once you find out more about them.

 

Avocados include 20 vitamins and minerals in every serving such as potassium for blood pressure and lutein for eyes. With vitamins B, C and E you will receive benefits ranging from your hair being shiny and soft and a reduced risk of cancer and other such diseases.

 

The most simple and delicious recipe is avocado on bread such as toast or a bagel. Simply add it onto whatever else you desire such as tomato, cucumber, cream cheese etc. Otherwise it is a great butter replacement that you can thinly spread onto your sandwich along with other ingredients. 

Guacamole is my go-to at any Mexican restaurant or I have a few killer recipes of my own. Smooth or chunky, by itself or with lemon juice and onion...guacamole is a delicious method of using avocado.

 Chuck some avocado in the next salad you make for a creamy element that turns bland leaves into a rich and delicious meal.

Got some pitas lying around? Fill them with avocado and goats cheese then lightly toast them on each side for a satisfying and easy dinner.

Avocado sushi is always a good idea. Enough said.

Those are my favourite ways of incorporating this delicious and creamy fruit into my meals. With so many health benefits and such a great taste, it's hard not to buy a couple of these every time you're grocery shopping.

 

 

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FOODS TO COMBAT STRESS

When your stress levels are through the roof, maybe due to an exam or hard time at work. Diet has a lot to do with your mood and emotions so here are some foods that will calm you down and de-stress you.   

Asparagus

These little stalks of goodness are packaged full of folate.

Avocado

This deliciously creamy "fruit" is packed full of glutathione, lutein, beta-carotene, vitamin E, VB vitamins and folate. Perfect for keeping you balanced.

 

Cashews

These nuts are the perfect combo of protein and fat, keeping you full and satisfied. They are also deliciously salty and crunchy making for a great chip replacement.

Camomile Tea

This tea is famous for being calming and soothing so why not sit down and enjoy a lovely cup of camomile tea when you are feeling a little stressed.

Green Tea

Theanine is the property within green tea that makes it incredibly beneficial for boosting mental performance.

Oranges

Absolutely packed with the feel good Vitamin C, these oranges will brighten and uplift your mood.

 

 

So next time you are feeling stressed out and in a not so great mood, try sitting down to a cup of tea (camomile or green) and some healthy fats, vegetables or vitamin C boosters and feel your mental state change for the better.

 

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WEEKEND ACTIVITIES TO GET YOU MOVING

 

Trying to fit in exercise throughout the week can be part, especially if you work full time and the best you can do is make it to the gym a couple of times. I am a huge fan of outdoor activities and exercising in nature so I use my weekends to get out there and get moving. These are five of my favourite physical weekend activities.

 

1. Go on a hike

It's almost a guarantee that you will have access to a hiking trail somewhere around where you live. I love finding new routes to go and exploring new mountains to climb. My favourite hike I have ever done was climbing the top of a mountain on top of Hamilton Island to reach "passage peak". At the top is an incredible view as far as the eye can see of crystal blue waters and little islands surrounding Hamilton Island. Now of course not all hikes have that kind of amazing end result but there will be beauty and excitement in every hike you go on.

 

2. Hire out a tennis court and play a few games
Grab a sibling or turn this activity into a couples sport and play tennis matches against each other. It's fun, exciting, a bit competitive but a great bonding experience and awesome exercise. Similar to the hiking trails, tennis courts are everywhere and usually fairly inexpensive to hire out (around $35-$45).

 

3. Go on a picnic and walk to get there
Pack up a little picnic basket or lunch box and put it in a backpack then walk to a local park and sit down and have your lunch there. Then go and have a walk on the walking track before heading home. If you bring a friend or rope your boyfriend into this activity, you can spend the time socialising and chatting.

 

4. Take a walk along the beach
Walking on the sand really gives your legs a great workout so mix up your weekend walk and do it on the beach. Not to mention you get that amazing fresh cool breeze, salty air and beautiful scenery. For additional exercise you can jump in the ocean and have a swim which is a full body exercise.

 

5. Walk your dog

Get you and your best friend some exercise by going on a nice walk, jog or run with your dog. It's really simple and the perfect last minute exercise if the weekend is coming to an end and you don't have enough time to organise something else.

 

So this weekend get out there and try one of these activities because it is definitely something that will lift your mood, open your eyes to the nature around you and if you can, spend time doing this with those you love.

 

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3 FRUIT INFUSED WATER COMBINATIONS

Natural vitamin waters that are packed with fruit are the perfect "pick me up" drink when you are lacking energy or motivation. It's much more delicious and interesting to sip on one of these creations rather than just plain water.

 

Raspberry and Lime

with a hint of cucumber and mint

Limes contain calcium and folate, two crucial nutrients for women's health. Lime has also been seen to lower cholesterol; which as we know the higher the levels, the more health implications.

Raspberries increase immunity and slow down ageing, aids with eye health, manages diabetes, protects from potential cancerous growths and much more.
 

 

Grapefruit and Cucumber

Grapefruit for Vitamin C and Cucumber for hydration. This refreshing and hydrating duo will keep you going throughout the day.

Grapefruits are always somehow part of diets and the reason being that they contain enzymes that specifically target breaking down fats. These citrus fruits cleanse and nourish you inside and out.

Cucumbers are known to be the perfect "pick-me-up" food due to the presence of B vitamins. It also aids in digestion, controls blood pressure and promotes joint relief.
 

 

Blueberries and Oranges

Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants while oranges provide vitamin C.

 

Blueberries not only contain antioxidants but they too are a great source of vitamin, improving the immune system. They are also known to contribute in reducing cancer risks and improving heart health.

 

Oranges are most well known for their vitamin C properties but this amazing citrus goes beyond that and has been found to assist in the prevention of many cancers and diseases. They also help to alkalise the body, protect skin and maintain blood pressure.

 

So why not take a couple of minutes out of each morning to put together some delicious fruit infused water. Your body will definitely thank you for it.

 

 

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