HEARTY AVOCADO BEAN SALAD

 

As a vegan it can be hard to get in heaps of protein and for me, beans and lentils are the absolute best way. I try and incorporate them into so many different meals because they are low in fat, high in protein and overall a great source of nutrients, especially for a vegan.

 

I wanted to make a bean salad that was not only great for me but also tasted amazing and I think I have found the perfect mix of creamy and filling.

 

The ingredients are;

Avocado

4 Bean Mix
Parsley
Shallots
Lemon Juice
Chilli Powder
Salt + Pepper

 

It's great on it's own for lunch or as a side for dinner! So delicious, you definitely need to give it a go for yourself.

 

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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.

 

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MY FAVOURITE SHOPS FOR WORKOUT CLOTHES

 

Workout clothes are a somewhat trivial part of workout out but us girls can't help but become obsessed with adorable fitness gear. I have definitely developed some favourite stores for purchasing my workout clothes from and I wanted to share them with you whether you are on the hunt for new exercise clothing shops or have no idea where to start with your fitness journey.

 

Higher End

If you want to splash out and treat yourself to some luxe sportswear then these are my recommendations.

Nike never lets me down for on trend pieces that are still somewhat affordable. Adidas is similar to Nike but a bit more affordable. Both of these are available from their own stand alone stores or from Rebel Sport and Amart All Sports. Lorna Jane was a brand that I was extremely into a couple of years back but have since realised they are quite overpriced for their quality. Although they have some really cute gear, I would only recommend them when they have sales or deals going on.

 

Affordable

I can always count on Kmart for bargains when it comes to their workout gear. You are able to purchase leggings for $15 and tops for just $10. Target has also come good with some affordable long workout pants and tops. Big W always has a great range of Michelle Bridges workout clothing and they are often between $20-$40 a piece.

 

So whether you are looking for high end or affordable workout gear, you have many options to pick pieces that suit your personality and what kind of exercise you plan on doing. A good outfit can get you motivated and inspired to get out there and exercise, especially those with motivational sayings on the front.

 

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WORKOUT SHOES - WHAT TO LOOK FOR / WHERE TO BUY FROM

 

I was recently on the hunt for a new pair of training shoes because the New Balance ones I has previously weren't giving me the support I needed. After scrolling through endless Pinterest worthy sneakers, I decided to not go by colour and design like I normally would and try on as many pairs as I could to decide which ones actually FIT nicely.

 

What to look for in workout shoes

So here is what to look or in your new workout shoes and the questions you should be asking yourself;

- Do these give the arch of my foot enough support or do I feel a strain in my arch? If so, look for a shoe with more support.

- Are these too narrow and are pinching my foot? If so, the shape of the shoe is not for you and keep looking.

- Is there a bit of room left at the top or are my toes being squished in? If they are too tight, go up in size.

 

Where to buy workout shoes from

I finally came across my perfect pair (pictured above), and it was a bonus that they were super cute and would match any workout outfit that I put them with.

 

From my experience this time around I can say I have developed a few favourite brands for workout shoes. They are; Nike, New Balance and Adidas. So I guess the three big ones, but there is a reason they are so popular and that is the quality is fantastic. For a large selection of all three brands; check out a store such as Rebel Sports or Amart All Sports.

 

Trust me, they are definitely worth investing in because those $12 ones from Rubi Shoes are not going to cut it and you will regret it when you are mid exercise and start feeling the pain in your feet.

 

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CLEAN EATING ACAI BOWL RECIPE

 

A healthy fruit smoothie bowl that tastes like a Ben and Jerry's icecream? Here is my take on a delicious clean eating Acai bowl that is the perfect sweet breakfast or healthy dessert.

 



Ingredients

Base

1/2 cup Frozen Acai or

Frozen Banana and Acai Powder

1/4 cup Frozen berries

1/4 cup coconut yoghurt

Agave Nectar

 

Garnishing's

Blueberries

Banana

Peanut Butter

Coconut Sugar

Granola

Choc chips

 

 

Method

1. Blend together your frozen acai, frozen berries, yoghurt and Agave then pour it into a bowl.

2. Top with a handful of blueberries, some sliced banana, chocolate chips, granola, coconut sugar and a drizzle of peanut butter.

3. Get a spoon and be ready to taste one of the most delicious things ever.

 

 

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VEGAN BANANA KALE SMOOTHIE

This protein packed smoothie tastes like a chocolate milkshake, despite being completely vegan and also including kale.

 

It's a fool-proof way of cramming in a bunch of vitamins and minerals without having to sacrifice taste. It's the perfect breakfast or a great snack for in between meals.

 

Ingredients

1 Frozen Banana

1 Handful of Kale

1 Tbsp LSA

Dash of Soy Milk

Chocolate Protein

 

Yep you guessed it, just throw all the above ingredients into whatever blender you have, I use a Sunbeam blender on the go.

 

It goes without saying that all of these ingredients can be substituted. Use almond or coconut milk if you don't like soy. Use maca or acai instead of LSA...it's completely up to you. The reason I find this combination so delicious is that the chocolate protein and banana make it extremely sweet, disguising the taste of kale.

 

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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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