START THE DAY RIGHT WITH THIS DETOX DRINK

When it comes to routines, we all have them. Whether or not they are good or bad for you is a another question. So what I propose is switching your daily coffee with this daily detox drink and seeing how you feel. Check out the Jordy's Fitness 5 Day Detox for more tips and recipes like this here!

Want a drink that is full of energy and life to increase blood flow, boost your metabolism and improve overall health? Then try this! Packed with nutrients from ginger, cinnamon and apple cider vinegar washed down with freshly juiced carrot full of minerals this is a sure winner.

Ingredients

- Fresh ginger

- 1 tbsp cinnamon 

- 1 freshly juiced carrot

- Apple cider vinegar  

Method 

1. Juice the carrot and ginger into a glass

2. Top up with apple cider vinegar

3. Mix in some cinnamon 

Give this a go and let me know what you think! Reach out on social media with your thoughts, my username is @JordyCannon on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Check out the Jordy's Fitness 5 Day Detox for more tips and recipes like this here!

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EATING OUT WHILE VEGETARIAN OR VEGAN

If you follow me over on Instagram (@JordyCannon) then you will be aware that I am a complete foodie and absolutely love eating out to try new things. I eat out pretty often so know the struggle veggos and vegans are often presented with when salad and pasta are the only options on the menu.

I wanted to put this post together about some recent vegetarian/vegan dining experiences that I have had lately to give you some inspiration or some restaurant ideas with options for us lot.

The Dragonfly Cafe
Located at Carseldine Eden Gardens
Price: $18
Their vegetarian option on the menu is great because it is easily made vegan. It's from their breakfast options and is called something along the lines of Avocado Smash Toast. It is delicious with dukkah throughout it that gives such a unique taste. It also comes drizzled with sunflower oil and topped with some peppery rocket. It does come with fetta but I simply asked for it on the side and gave that to my mum who is obsessed with cheese.

The Ship Inn
Located at South Bank
Price: $19.50
This Vegetable Basket is absolutely incredible and really hits the spot in terms of comfort food. You have the flaky pastry, creamy mashed potato and rich tomato sauce. For the health side of things, it is packed with a delicious mix of grilled vegetables. Seriously - this is a must try if you live in Brisbane. You can read more here.

Grill'd 
Locations everywhere
Price: $11.50
This one is great because you don't have to be a Brisbane local to enjoy this one as Grill'd is nationwide. I love getting the Garden Goodness for a seriously delicious savoury treat. Take off the cheese and mayo and it is completely vegan. I also love how their chips are Vegan too, which apparently they weren't a couple of years back. They also have mushroom and falafel options for those who prefer something a bit different. You can read more here.

Mad Mex
Locations everywhere
Price: $12
Mexican never lets me down because it's always very customisable and can very often be made totally vegan. I absolutely love their vegetable mix because it is hearty but also ta bit different while still tying into the mexican theme. My favourite is the nachos or the melt. I get the veggie mix, salads and beans. You can read more here.

Beach House
Locations everywhere
Price: $15
Who knew that Beach House had such an incredible vegetarian option that could so easily be vegan too! I have now has this delicious vegetable sandwich twice and will definitely be back for more. The beer battered chips are serious so good as well. Inside the sandwich is caramelised onion, avocado (the way to my heart), rocket, tomato and grilled mushrooms. It also comes with cheese and pesto if you want just the vegetarian option.

That is my recap on five delicious vegetarian/vegan meals I have had lately. I hope this gave you some inspiration if you are struggling to find places to eat out with this kind of food.

Thanks for reading!

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SHERPARD'S PIE - VEGAN VERSION

Being vegan doesn't mean you have to give up the things you used to eat with meat and dairy in it, well actually that is what it technically means but what I'm saying is that you can vegan-ise it! Most recipes can be made to remove all animal products perfect if you are vegan or like to eat vegan alternatives every now and again. 

I have been making this recipe for years and always bust it out in the cooler weather but let's be real I eat this year round. It is so filling and satisfying you won't believe how simple the ingredient list is. 

Ingredients

3 larg potatoes

1 onion

1 can crushed tomatoes 

1 packet tofu or veggie mince

Salt, Pepper and Herbs 

Method

- Wash and peel the potatoes then cut them into small squares. Put these in boiling water on the stove until par boiled because we want them to finish the cooking process later on in the oven. Once they are finished you can drain and roughly mash them. 

- Take your tofu and squish it up with your hands to make something a bit thicker than a cottage cheese consistency. Otherwise if you are using some mock mince then you can prepare this instead.  

- Into a large deep frying pan add some oil, the crushed tomatoes, tofu, herbs and spices.

- Into a deep ceramic or glass dish add in the crushed tomato and tofu mince mixture. 

- Add on top your mashed potato then pop it in the oven for about 30-45 minutes on 180 degrees Celsius.

- Take your Sephard's pie out once it starts browning on top, cut up and serve.  

Both versions with tofu or mock mince are delicious - you could even have a mixture of both. 

Thanks for reading!

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VEGETARIAN VEGETABLE WONTON RECIPE

I absolutely love all types of Asian food and a particular favourite is dumpling, wontons, gyozas and anything along those lines. 

I love them so much that I go through stages where I want to eat them all the time but going out to a restaurant for them everytime I crave them isn't practical. So I often find myself making my own and have come to find a recipe I really like for them.

It is actually really simple and easy but a little bit time consuming when it comes to assembling them and waiting for each to cook. I personally think the trouble is well worth it for the end results (which are delicious).  

Ingredients:
1 pkt Soft Tofu
1 pkt Wonton Wrappers
2 Carrots
1 Onion
1 Egg (optional)

Method:

1. It's time to get your hands dirty - take your soft tofu and squish it up in a bowl so that it has the consistency of cottage cheese. Grate your carrot and finely dice your onion. You could add in some shallots instead of or as well as the onion for some colour, texture and added flavour. Add all of your ingredients into a bowl and season with salt, pepper and any desired spices.

2. Take your wont wrappers and they them out onto a plate or board. Proceed to dampen the outside rim of the wonton wrapper squares, place your mixture inside them and wrap it up to scrunch at the top.

3. Now it's time to steam them so add some oil to the base of your steamer and gentle place your wontons on. Close the lid and leave to steam for around 7 minutes.

4. Once tender, gently remove them from the steamer and place them on a plate with damp cloths so that they stay moist and warm.

There you have it - delicious resteraunt quality wontons/dumplings in the comfort of your own home with creative freedom to fill them with whatever you want. 

Thanks for reading!

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FITNESS INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS TO FOLLOW

There is nothing better than scrolling through your Instagram feed for a little motivation and it is definitely the social media I turn to for fitness inspiration.

I have rounded up my four favourite Instagram accounts with gorgeous gals and incredible healthy food.

@reneesomerfield is an Aussie model with an incredible body. She is a vegan and really passionate about animal rights and global issues which I really admire. I love seeing a beautiful girl being even more beautiful inside and she is certainly inspirational when it comes to leading a healthy cruelty free lifestyle. 

@ellie_gonsalves is a Brissy model currently living in LA so not only do I love her showing us some snaps from the city but she also shares her workouts and food. She is serious #bodygoals and an all round stunning girl. Ellie is also a vegan like Renee so that is another huge reason I follow her.

@alexisren is as cute as a button and great fitspo because she is incredibly fit. I love her natural beauty, fashion sense and constant adventure which she documents on her Instagram.

@niomismart is incredibly inspirational, having turned from fully fledged meat eating into vegan practically overnight. She is the most creative person I know with her meals and whips up the most delicious vegan versions of everything. The English beauty definitely gives me some food inspiration and I love following her travel adventures as well.

Those are four accounts I really enjoy on Instagram because they get me inspired about veganism, travel, life and fitness. I would highly recommend following them and I hope you enjoy their content as much as I do!

Thanks for reading!

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3 EASY WAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT AND BE HEALTHIER

Losing weight and being healthy doesn't have to be hard and these three tips prove that! All it requires is a shift in your attitude and a little bit of thought into your daily actions. Follow these three steps and you will see a boost in your nutrition and will be on the way to a healthy lean lifestyle.

Start your day with a smoothie
Whether you normally skip breakfast or opt for sugary cereal. - start your day right with a cup full of fruit, veggies and nutrition. Not only will it give you so much energy that will last throughout the day but it means you most likely won't need coffee - goodbye caffeine dependence! I would definitely recommend my healthy breakfast protein smoothie, you can watch the recipe video below or click here.

Swap soft drink for water
If you normally have a can of Coke with your lunch, swap it for water. It doesn't have to be boring because you can infuse it with citrus or fruits. It is truly appalling how much sugar are in soft drinks and you really shouldn't be fueling your body with it. I have heard some incredible stories of dropping weight once quitting soft drink and I absolutely believe it.

Drink your daily dose of veggies
A cup of spirulina may be absolutely disgusting (believe me, I understand) it immediately boosts your body with a hit of nutrients, vitamins and minerals. If this is too much for you then simply replace iceberg lettuce with kale in your salads, it has a much higher nutritional value.

Yes that is how easy these three tips are! Things you can start incorporating into your routine starting tomorrow, or even today.

Thanks for reading!

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BEGINNER TIPS FOR STARTING A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

So you are new to this healthy lifestyle and ready to start making some improvements? 

Just don't get ahead of yourself because you have this way of living for the rest of your life - so ease yourself in slowly with these five tips.

Stretch
This is one I wish I would go back and tell myself because I spent many mornings hardly being able to move due to pain! Stretching before your work out seriously decreases the aches and pains the next morning because it warms up your muscles and gets them ready for activity.

Work at your own pace
This is especially important if you are participating in a group workout session or class in a gym. Making sure that you don't try and match the person next to you will ensure you see results without pushing yourself too far.

It's all about the little things
Whether you choose that salad instead of burger for lunch or getting off the bus early to walk the rest of the way. These little things will make the world of difference.

Don't be too hard on yourself
If you aren't seeing result right away don't be discouraged, remember that you might be trying to reverse the results of unhealthy living from years and years so it will definitely takes time. Be patient and stay persistent.

Celebrate your accomplishments
If you notice a flatter tummy or that you can run longer than before then celebrate those accomplishments! You don't have to wait until you reach your goal fitness level or weight.

I really hope that these tips have helped out some beginners out there or maybe you are just looking to be re inspired with some motivation.

Thanks for reading!

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SWEET POTATO AND CARAMELISED ONION BURGERS

If you are a vegan or even vegetarian then you would know how sometimes salad wraps and burgers get boring and you need something a bit new and different to fill you up.

One of my favourite things to make is sweet potato and in this burger form you get all the nutrients and benefits of the complex carb while it is still filling and delicious.

Ingredients
500g Sweet potato
1 tbsp. garlic
2 small onions
4 tbsp. olive oil
Breadcrumbs
All purpose flour
Salt + Pepper
Parsley
Salad to serve

Method
1. Peel and cut up the sweet potato then leave to cook in boiling water (add a dash of salt).
2. Add 2tbsp of olive oil to the frying pan and place in your diced onions. Leave to simmer until browned.
3. Once your sweet potatoes are soft and tender, mash them up then add in your onion and seasonings.
4. Place the mixture in the freezer to cool down for about 10 minutes. Then roll handfuls of mixture into patties, dipping them into your flour and breadcrumb mixture before placing them on a sheet of baking paper.
5. Place them in the fridge for at least an hour to set.
6. When you are ready to cook them, place 2 tbsp. of olive oil in a pan and leave to cook for 3-5 minutes on each side with medium heat.
7. Serve on a wrap or bread roll with all of your favourite salads.



I hope you have enjoyed this recipe! It's a quick and easy weekend lunch or week day dinner. The best part is that you can freeze the leftover patties and then fry them up once you are ready to eat them, maybe on days when you can't be bothered cooking!

Thanks for reading!

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PUMPKIN AND PINE NUT RISOTTO

Risotto is one of those recipes where it doesn't matter how much time goes into it, the results are well worth the effort. It's a rich and creamy rice dish while still being vegan so it is filling without leaving your sluggish afterwards. The absolute perfect winter warmer recipe!

 

This recipe is adapted from the Coles magazine, July issue.

 

Ingredients

4 cups (1L) vegetable stock

60ml olive oil

1 leek

800g Kent pumpkin

1 1/2 cup (125ml) Arborio rice

1/2 cup (125ml) white wine

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

 

Method

1. Place the stock and 1 cup of water in a saucepan and bring to the boil.

2. Add the oil to a saucepan and soften the leek as well as tenderise the pumpkin cubes.

3. Add the rice to the pumpkin and leek mixture, stirring to slightly brown the rice. Add the white wine and let simmer until evaporated.

4. Add a cup at a time to the risotto mixture, waiting until the rice absorbs the liquid each time.

5. Serve with toasted pine nuts and some vegan cream cheese or sour cream.

 

The whole process should take just under an hour and consists of a lot of stirring. The results are out of this world delicious and worth every second of tender love and care put into it.

 

Thanks for reading!



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AVOCADO LENTIL RICE PAPER ROLLS

I have been rice paper roll crazy lately, because not only do they taste delicious but they are great for you and really simple to make.

 

They are super customizable and you can change the ingredients around to your preferences. 

 

Ingredients

Rice Paper
Avocado
Lentils
Coriander
Mint
Seasoning
Sweet Chilli Sauce

 

Method

- Individually place the rice papers in a bowl of hot water until they soften. Take it out then lay it down on a plate or board.

- Place a bit of each of your ingredients in the centre of the rice paper and season.

- Wrap up the rice paper by curling in the sides then rolling it into a roll.

- Leave to sit for about 5 minutes before eating to allow it to set properly (so it won't fall everywhere).

- Serve with sweet chilli or soy sauce.

 

Thanks for reading!



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VEGAN MALAYSIAN STYLE COCONUT CURRY



I stand by the fact that you don't have to miss out on anything if you are vegan. I have created my favourite curry to date and it is completely meat, dairy and animal product free.

 

Don't believe me? Just read the ingredients list. No butter, no cream, no cheese but just as much flavour and a delicious smooth consistency.

 

Ingredients

Coconut Cream
Broccoli
Pumpkin
Onion
Tumeric
Olive Oil

 

Method

- Dice onion and place in hot saucepan with olive oil, I like to use the garlic infused kind since it adds extra flavour. Wait until the onion turns clear and fragrant.

- Roughly chop the vegetables then add them into the onion mixture to brown up.

- In a separate saucepan, heat the coconut cream and mix in seasonings.

- Combine the two mixtures and leave to sit for as long as you can because the longer you leave it, the more incorporated the ingredients will be and more flavoursome the dish.

- Serve on a bed of coconut rice. 

 

Instead of paying $15 and upwards on a curry dish that is full of dairy, make a huge amount of it for the same price and feel lighter for it.

 

Thanks for reading!



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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.

 

Thanks for reading!



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THE FOUR CORNERS OF HEALTH

 

Although health can often seem like a two sided coin with working out on one side and healthy eating on the other, there are two other very crucial elements that are just as important.

 

Drinking Water

I have been recently making it my daily goal to get enough water and it has made me feel 100x better. I recommend adding fruit, especially citrus and berries to your water to infuse it with natural energy and make it taste delicious. I also think it's a great idea to stock up on a bulk pack of waters and keep them everywhere; your fridge, office, lounge room, car etc. That way you always have fresh water on hand.

 

Working Out

This is definitely an obvious one and I think working out each day is a fantastic goal to have. Whether it be a high intensity cardio training or just a walk with your dog around the block, getting your body moving regularly is crucial to a healthy lifestyle.

 

Healthy Eating

To me, eating healthy is a lot easier than working out because it doesn't require heaps of motivation to get up and get moving. You just have to pre plan your meals so that you don't get lazy and end up eating junk. Stock your fridge with vegetables and fruit bowl with a selection of in season items and you will never go hungry. The best part about this is that you can eat as much as you want and feel completely guilt free. 

 

Sleeping Well

This is another underrated aspect of a healthy lifestyle because too often people put sleep at the bottom of their priorities list, thinking other to-do list items demanding their attention are a better idea than going to bed early. The right amount of sleep can change your mood and mindset dramatically, it makes you see a whole lot clearer and overall you are much happier.

 

Thanks for reading!





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ULTIMATE TOFU VEGAN STIR FRY RECIPE

 

 

Nothing beats a good stir fry and there's so many variations but I think I have found my absolute favourite so here is the ultimate recipe for a killer vegan stir fry. 

 

Ingredients

1 pkt. Soft Tofu
1 Zucchini
1 Onion
Garlic Cloves
1/2 Egg Plant
1 cup Snowpeas
Pinenuts
Shell Pasta
Sesame Oil

 

Method

It's as simple as chucking everything in the wok; onion and garlic first then the vegetables. I like the cook the tofu in a separate pan to ensure it is thoroughly cooked then I use the same pan to brown the pinenuts. Have your pasta to the side cooking so that you can chuck it all together once the veggies and finished cooking.

I love serving this stir fry over some delicious shell pasta with a sprig of parsley or coriander on top.\

Thank you for reading!





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TIPS FOR STAYING HEALTHY DURING THE HOLIDAY SEASON

With Christmas comes all of the many parties and gatherings; bringing not only people together but also food and a hell of a lot of it. Due to this, it may well be the hardest time of the year to eat healthy especially after a few wines when all motivation to control yourself during a family feast or work break up party goes out the door. All of that is why I have created these tips for staying healthy during the holiday season that I hope you find helpful.

 

Healthier Alternatives
Ever heard of Choc Coconut and PB Banana Slices? Well I will forgive you if you're a new reader and haven't heard of these but earlier this year I created the recipe for them and they are such a delicious and satisfying sweet treat. Why not trade these for Christmas coconut ice this year? As for rum balls, use dates instead of sweetened condensed milk and walnuts instead of cake crumbs to make for a healthy alternative. Dying for some ice cream with your Christmas cake? Blend up a frozen banana instead for what tastes exactly like real thing. You can pretty much turn any holiday treat into a healthy recipe which means you can enjoy all the sweet desserts guilt free! Get creative and reap the benefits.

Bring Food
If you're not hosting the Christmas party then offer to bring a plate of food that way you can put together a healthy dish that ensures you have something nutritious to eat just in case the other options aren't so healthy. Maybe put together a massive healthy salad that you can fill your plate with or bring along some of your healthier alternatives to Christmas treats! You're sure to impress your fitspo friends who may also want to eat healthier this holiday season.

Keep Up The Exercise
By sticking with your usual exercise routine it evens out some of the bad food you may eat and the worst thing you can do is give up your exercise around the holiday season because it's when you need it most! It also gives you the opportunity to indulge in a few treats and add an extra 10minutes of cardio to your routine to make up for it. Besides, you never want to take too long off exercising because your body gets out of shape much quicker than it gets in shape; don't ruin your progress!

Everything in Moderation
If you read my blog often then you know I strongly believe that food restrictions are one of the worst things that you can do to yourself. Humans are programmed to want what they can't have so if you tell yourself you aren't allowed to eat rum balls over the holiday season, all you're going to crave and all your brain is going to scream at you is "RUM BALLS"! We aren't pigs so we can control how much we eat and that means that you can eat anything your little heart desires as long as the portion sizes are reasonable and you don't overdo it. Unless you're eating Pringles which claim "once you pop, you can't stop" then you're pretty much safe to eat anything.

 

 

So what do you do if judgement flew out the window for a little bit and when it came back you realise that had one too many mince pies? Just forget about it! You're only human and the holidays are made to be enjoyed so please don't beat yourself up over a couple of slip ups; just make a mental note to work it off when you're back into your usual routine.

 

Those are all of my tips for staying healthy during the holiday season and I really hope that you found them helpful. From what you can probably tell through this article, you do not need to deprive yourself at all over this holiday season. Life is meant to be enjoyed so don't let the guilt of indulging in a few treats ruin your time! Just remember that moderation is key and exercise is a massive part of remaining in shape over this holiday season.

Thank you for reading! Happy Holidays!





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