Waking up in the morning to give yourself a boost of nutrition is the best way to start your day.  Today was an even better day because the sun was shining as well which we don't see that much in England.

If you haven't already tried juicing or haven't done it in awhile, it's time to dust off the old juicer in the cabinet or go out and buy yourself your first one to give it a go.  

Juicing is a great way to give your body a rest from all the work it has to do in order to digest, break down and absorb the food we eat. Instead we can use our juicers to break down the food for us into a liquid form that can be absorbed straight into our blood stream to be used by all the cells in the body.  This gives us a boost of nutrition many of us do not get first thing in the morning.

The key to keeping these healthy is to focus on vegetable based juices rather then fruity ones to reduce the amount of sugar (even though its natural) that goes quickly into the blood which will have an effect on blood sugar levels.  Experiment with different vegetables, play around with flavours and tempt your tastebuds for a great start to the day, afternoon snack or post exercise refuel.

This is one that I created recently and I threw in the following ingredients that were in my fridge:

Carrot 1
Apple 1
Kiwi 1
Beetroot 1
Cucumber 1/2
Ginger 1"
Lemon 1"
Avocado 1/2
Ice optional

Add 1/2 the apple followed by the other ingredients (not the avocado and ice), then add the juice to the blender with the avocado and ice and enjoy in your favourite glass.

Let me know what you have created recently, sharing the juice forward. 

We all love a bit of chocolate.  But what if you could actually enjoy a brownie without the guilt of those packed with sugar and other nasty ingredients.....well I have just the ticket.

For those of you following a gluten free eating plan, or who are celiac this would be a great addition to the family recipe list and ideal for those days when you just feel like something a bit special, that you know will support your health and not cause you any unwanted symptoms.

Here it is, adapted from www.livinghealthywithchocolate.com

GRAIN FREE CHOCOLATE BROWNIES
Serves 9
​
INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup raw cacao (health foods store or online shops carry it)
1/2 cup ground flaxseed
1/2 tsp gluten free baking soda
1/2 tsp gluten free baking powder
1/2 tsp sea salt

1 organic egg
1/2 cup of unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk (canned)
4 tbsp. maple syrup 
1 tbsp. nut butter or seed butter
1/4 cup of cacao nibs or chopped walnuts (optional)

DIRECTIONS
1. Combine all dry ingredients in a bowl mix well
2. Combine all wet ingredients into a seperate bowl and mix through
3. Next mix the wet into the try and combine
4. Fold through the nibs or nuts if using them
5. Preheat oven to 175C and line an 8x8 baking tray, pour the batter into the tray and bake for 15 minutes (check it's done by inserting a tooth pick or knife - if it comes out clean its done)
6. Cut into 9 servings and freeze any extra for a snack another day

Serve with a 1/2 cup of homemade banana ice cream or 1/4 cup of coconut yogurt with a sprinkle of cacao powder and nibs or nuts.  

Let me know what you think of this recipe and if you make any alteration that have worked better for you. Happy & Healthy Eating.