February 2016 – Supercharged Food

Food Matters Live

What are you doing this weekend? Want to come and join us?

We're bringing the Food Matters Live Tour to your home!

Gather your friends, family and loved ones, get comfy on the couch or in the back yard and tune in to a full day of health and wellness celebrations. You'll meet James and Laurentine from Food Matters, Jon Gabriel, Dr Libby Weaver and me!

You'll experience delicious superfood recipe demos, visualizations you can do at home, expert talks, life-changing discussions and perhaps even a few surprises 😉

To book click here.

Fragrant Fish Stew

Seafood is something that we all need to eat more of, but can be a terribly off putting experience if it isn’t cooked properly, isn’t selected as fresh as possible, or has been repeatedly presented with little creativity or complimentary flavours.

Fish is in fact an extremely versatile protein that can be such a pleasure to eat. You just need a few different recipes that will allow this superfood ingredient to shine in different ways. This fragrant fish stew is one of them and it's one of my favourite recipes from my new book Eat Right for Your Shape.

Fish is a wonderful source of protein, omega 3 fatty acids and iodine; two essential nutrients that Western populations are generally lacking. The DHA fats within seafood are very important for brain health and mood; and it’s believed that most adults in the West are lacking in DHA’s and don’t even know it! It’s frightening to imagine how vast an impact this deficiency could be having on our productivity, focus and general mental health. (more…)

Chai Creme Brûlée

I can’t imagine a more comforting way to end the day than tucking into a gorgeously sweet crème brûlée. Sitting alongside my spiced poached pears with orange, it's a recipe taken from my new book Eat Right for Your Shape.

After that initial crack of the spoon hitting the caramelised roof of candied sugar, the dreamy smoothness of what lies beneath is a moment of pure indulgence.

If you’re having a big week of work, study, or managing a family, this ayurvedic treat would be the ultimate reward following a post-dinner Epsom salts bath with calming essential oils. And if I haven’t tempted you quite yet, there’s even more to celebrate in this delectable dessert. This isn’t your ordinary crème brulee laden with refined sugar and cream.

Some savvy switches have been made to make it allergy friendly and a balancing source of nutrition for pitta and vatta dosha’s.

Pitta’s who are governed by the elements of fire and water will benefit from the cooling qualities of coconut cream that will help to pacify a tendency towards heat imbalance driven problems including fever, inflammation and skin troubles like eczema. Although pitta’s should normally avoid oily foods, coconut products are the exception due to their cooling and soothing nature.

If you’re a vata- governed by air and ether elements; you’ll find that your creative, contagiously energetic energy can quickly become imbalanced; bringing a fast shift to worry, anxiety, dry skin and hair, and muscular aches and pains. (more…)

Coconut bark with rosewater, pistachios and raspberries

Love is in the air. Everywhere I look around...

Need a little something for Valentines Day? Why not try my sweet coconut bark recipe, a wonderful edible gift for you to make for your valentine.

I believe that the enjoyment of food should extend far beyond the taste and physical pleasure of eating- but should be a joy and meditative experience to select, prepare, revere in the aromas and the visual beauty of the creation as well.

Seasonal, mindful food preparation will bring an incredible sense of grounding into your life, a smile on your face and love in your heart.

Having a kitchen full of aesthetically beautiful, colourful snacks is something that can transform the little moments of your day into times of self-honour and indulgence.

This sweet and nourishing bark will hit all the points of pleasurable eating right through from the ingredient selection to the moment of savouring.

There really is something special about this sweet treat, it’s almost too beautiful to eat with its vivid colourful hues of red raspberries and glowing green pistachios and a sprinkling of rosewater, the flower of love.

Rosewater has been known to protect skin from infections, soothe the skin and create a lovely pH balance. If you want to find out more about the benefits of Rose Water, be sure to check out this link here.

This wholesome snack is also Ayurvedically designed; a perfect summer morning tea or light dessert to pacify the doshas of vata or pitta and comes from my new book Eat Right for Your Shape.

If you’re feeling anxious, with scattered thoughts, you’re vata may need some balancing. The density of healthy coconut fats in this bark will help to ground you physically and have a flow on effect to your fleeting mind and emotions. It will help to calm and balance your quickened energy, leaving you in a state of calm focus.

If you’re the fiery pitta type, with a strong desire to debate and argue and with a tendency to become hot, angry or agitated- especially in the summer heat; you’ll also benefit from the cooling effects of the coconut and the soothing, balancing effects of aromatic rosewater.

On top of the dosha pacifying qualities, your body will revere in the delivery of a potent punch of antioxidants including vitamin C, quercetin and gallic acid from raspberries that help to fight against cancer, heart disease and the signs of ageing.

Serve this stunning snack presented on your prettiest platter. It’ll make you and your partner feel like royalty- even if just for the few minutes (or seconds) it will take you both to enjoy it!

(more…)

Broccoli Bhajis + Chia Jam and Carrot and Beetroot Raita

If you're not familiar with the bite-sized Bhaji, it's a well-loved street food in India that's typically spicy. It's similar to a fritter- traditionally served on top of meals as a crunchy addition, but has also become appreciated on its own as a delicious snack enjoyed at Indian festivals, as a starter before meals, and as a comfort food during monsoon season served with a cup of steaming tea and a smile.

This crunchy golden bhaji is a recipe straight out of the pages of my new book Eat Right for Your Shape, based on Ayurvedic principles, and the dish differs from its traditional counterpart with the exclusive use of gluten free ingredients, minus the typical excess of hot spices.

The absence of spicy heat makes it the perfect snack to balance out the Pitta dosha which is commonly fiery and 'hot' in its inherent characteristics of competitiveness, irritability, and the physical symptoms of skin rashes, inflammation and hypertension when in an unbalanced state.

My version will also be seen majoring on the superstar ingredient; broccoli. Broccoli is an excellent source of vitamin C, folate, vitamin K and chromium. It's also high in fibre to aid in detoxifying the digestive system. As broccoli contains subtle bitter qualities that mimic the energy of air and ether; the effect on the fiery pitter is one of lightening, refreshment, toxin removal and cleansing.

The combination of the chickpea flour and brown rice flour makes a coating of complete protein; transforming it into a snack that'll fill and satisfy your hunger for longer, as well as stabilising blood glucose levels.

Enjoy these brilliant bhaji's warm as a light meal or snack served with my chia jam and carrot and beetroot raita.

Ingredients:

Serves 4

300 g (10½ oz/2½ cups) besan (chickpea) flour
2 tablespoons brown rice flour
pinch of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
Himalayan salt, to taste
500 ml (17 fl oz/2 cups) filtered water
extra virgin coconut oil, for shallow-frying
120 g (4¼ oz/2 cups) broccoli florets

Chia jam and Carrot and beetroot raita, to serve (recipes below)

Method

Sift the flours, bicarbonate of soda and salt into a medium bowl. Gradually add the water, stirring well to avoid lumps.
The mixture should have a smooth, paste-like consistency.
Heat some coconut oil (about 4 cm/1½ inches deep) in a medium, heavy-based saucepan over medium–high heat. Once the oil is hot (a small broccoli floret should sizzle and float), working in batches, dip the broccoli florets in the batter to coat well.
Drop into the pan and cook until crisp on all sides. Lay on paper towel to drain off any excess oil while you cook the next batch.

Chia Jam

Serves 4

This natural, sugar-free jam suits all doshas. Fruit jams are delicious, but obtaining the desired consistency and firmness usually requires a large quantity of white sugar. This recipe uses chia seeds to create a perfect consistency, and rice malt syrup to add sweetness to the apple and berries. Delicious on its own, it can be used as a topping for pancakes – or a dollop added to the mixing bowl will sweeten up cakes, and a spoonful added to the pan will highlight curries.

Ingredients

1 apple, cored and grated
125 g (4½ oz/1 cup) mixed berries
250 ml (9 fl oz/1 cup) filtered water
90–120 g (3¼–4¼ oz/¼–1⁄3 cup) rice malt syrup, to taste
35 g (1¼ oz/¼ cup) chia seeds

Method

Combine the apple, berries, water and rice malt syrup in a small, heavy-based saucepan over medium heat and bring to the boil.
Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 20 minutes or until the consistency is thick.
Remove from the heat, stir through the chia seeds and transfer to a sterilised jar.
The jam will keep in the fridge for 5 days.

Carrot and Beetroot Raita

Serves 3–4

520 g (1 lb 2½ oz/2 cups) sheep’s milk yoghurt
1 raw beetroot (beet), peeled and grated
1 carrot, grated
1 onion, finely chopped
1 small capsicum (pepper), finely chopped
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
Himalayan salt, to taste

Method

Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl by mixing gently with a spoon.
The raita will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Happy Cooking 🙂

Lee x

Sunwarrior CLASSIC PLUS organic protein powder

Buying the right protein powder can be extremely confusing, especially when you’re looking for one that’s full of protein, easy on the digestive system and contains no hidden nasties!

One brand, Sunwarrior, has introduced a protein powder called Classic Plus that is not only tasty, but a great way to hit your nutritional jackpot each day.

The Classic Plus organic plant-based protein powder is completely raw, organic, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free, hypoallergenic and Non-GMO. This powder is perfect for anyone needing a protein boost; regardless of the diet they’re following. It’s nutritious and packed full of vitamins and minerals without lacking on the taste factor which is a big plus when it comes to supercharging your morning smoothie.

Protein powders can be extremely tough on the digestive system and gut however, Sunwarrior have created a formula that is easily absorbed and digested, and even has the bonus of increasing absorption of vitamins and minerals. If you want to rebalance your body’s alkalinity and improve your overall wellbeing with just a scoop of powder, then Sun Warrior is your answer.

The Sunwarrior Classic Protein uses raw sprouted brown rice to create a hypoallergenic protein powder that contains all the essential and non-essential amino acids. This beautiful protein powder is gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free and has a silky-smooth texture that’s often difficult to find in vegetable-based protein powders.

The powder is composed of brown rice protein which is gentle on the digestive system, making it gut-friendly and Lee Supercharged approved! It’s also rich in lysine, an amino acid that’s often missing in action among the many plant-based protein choices in the market.

One of the powders in the Sun Warrior range is Classic Protein which can assist in weight loss, helping to boost energy and balance cholesterol levels. The powder is one of the best vegan protein powders on the market, as it’s naturally rich in vitamins and minerals and is super easy to digest, making it suitable for any lifestyle. Pop a scoop into your morning smoothie or use in an afternoon raw treat!

The Classic Plus variety builds on the original brown-rice protein and has the additional PLUS of pea protein, chia seeds, quinoa and amaranth. This super combination is plant-based and powerful, so perfect for an extra protein hit. Pea protein is low in calories and extremely nutrient-dense, making it a remarkable plant-based protein. Pea protein is also great for supporting a healthy heart and regulating blood sugar levels.

Another key ingredient in this mix is quinoa. Everybody loves the protein-rich, high-fibre and calcium-packed superfood seed (yes, seed!) quinoa! It stimulates the immune system and is full of iron, magnesium and other trace minerals.

The next pocket-rocket addition is small in stature but huge in benefits; Chia seeds, are included in this protein blend. Not only are they high in omega fatty acids, protein and minerals, they’re also rich in soluble and insoluble fibre so they can have a prebiotic effect within the body.

The final nutrient included in this power protein powder is amaranth, which is sustainable, delicious and nutritious. Unlike many vegetable-proteins, amaranth is high in bioavailable protein and even contains all the essential amino acids.

Find out more about Sunwarrior Classic plus organic plant-based protein powders here. https://www.sunwarrior.com.au

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