Today is officially the hottest day of the year here in the UK and I for one felt like a nice refreshing drink to cool me off.  I have always loved ginger beer, but wanted to find a healthy version without the high amounts of added sugars found in most brands.  So thanks to Jason Vale I have found the most delicious substitute and you can drink it guilt free.  All you need is one organic apple (peeled if not organic) preferably golden delicious or granny smith along with a large piece of fresh ginger.  You will also need a juicer (if you don't have one you can purchase a basic one at any kitchen store for around £30-40 and it will start to transform your life and health) like this 700w Whole Fruit Juicer

Cut the apple in half and put one half in the shoot followed by the ginger (knuckle size) and then the other half of the apple.  Turn the juicer on and extract the fresh juice.  Then grab a 1 litre bottle of san pellagrino remove a bit of the liquid and fill it with the extracted juice. Shake gently to mix and allow it to sit and settle for a few minutes.  Serve in your favourite glass over ice.

Not only does this taste amazing & refreshing but it also has all of these health benefits
too: 

Anti-inflammatory
Antifungal
Antiseptic
Anti-nausea
Antibacterial
Antiviral
Circulatory stimulant
Increases blood flow
Relaxes blood vessels

Aid in weight loss
Reducing Cholesterol
Anti-cancer properties
Helps to manage diabetes
May also help to reduce symptoms of asthma


Debbie Vanderboom
Nutritional Advisor
Owner of Be Natural Nutrition

The food choices we make for breakfast may impact how we feel the rest of the day which is why I always advise my clients to develop healthy breakfasts that will keep them feeling full for longer, satisfied, energized and less likely to crave unhealthy foods later in the day.  The secret is simple - start replacing common breakfast foods like cereals, breakfast bars, processed cakes/biscuits, ready baked oat bowls, and white breads/rolls with whole foods. Begin to think outside the 'modern day food' box, search for interesting ways to use new ingredients, enjoy savoury breakfasts, vegetable bakes, green smoothies and vegetable juices.  The key to eating healthy in the morning is to create a balanced meal that include protein, complex carbs, fibre and healthy fats.

These Sweet Potato Pancakes are packed with Beta carotene, Vitamin C, Potassium, Manganese, B-6, Biotin, Magnesium, Iron, Fibre, Protein, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, MCTs and much more.  Why start your day with foods that are going to leave you feeling tired  when you can enjoy a delicious meal that will not only support your overall health and help you feel more energized but is also delicious.  If you have kids these would be a perfect breakfast option to replace sugary cereals and what kid doesn't love pancakes with fresh fruit.

Here is what you will need to make 10-12 pancakes:

200g of sweet potatoes 
200g of brown rice flour
200 ml of unsweetened oat, almond, hemp or coconut milk
1 tbsp. of maple syrup or raw honey
1 tsp of ground cinnamon
1 tbsp. of ground flaxseed
1 tbsp. of chia seeds
Coconut oil for greasing if needed

Directions:
Peel, wash and cut the sweet potato into small pieces, add them to a steamer and cook until soft.  Then add them to a bowl and mash them well
Add in the milk, maple syrup or honey and mix to combine well (there should not be any lumps)
Then add in the remaining ingredients (not including the coconut oil) until the mix forms a batter (it is farely thick)

Heat a non stick pan over medium heat, grease with coconut oil if needed, then cook the pancakes in batches until they are all done. Serve 2-3 pancakes per person topped with fresh berries and 1 tbsp. of maple syrup.  Or drizzle with fresh lemon juice or lime juice and 1 tbsp. of coconut sugar.

Enjoy.

Adapted: Deliciously Ella