Are you ready to Supercharge Your Life?

In celebration of my new book release in February 2019 and in partnership with Booktopia, I’ve wrangled a very special pre-order discount for you, if you’re keen to get your hands on a copy. You can read more about it here. Or if you're in the US you can order a copy here. 

Supercharge Your Life, is a book that culminates all that I’ve learnt throughout my journey of life and the years of research, cooking and writing I’ve enjoyed during the creation of Supercharged Food.

To be perfectly honest, in the world of wellness I’ve seen the waves of fad diets, exotic superfoods and kale smoothies rage and settle. I’ve also observed the underbelly of the wellness movement; where the extreme focus on clean eating can create more anxiety than it’s really worth.

I wrote this new book to take the fear out of food again. My aim is that it will be a breath of fresh air for our relationship with food; widening our focus from the meaning of food simply being a potential catalyst for health or harm- towards a much broader and truly holistic perspective.

Food ties through every part of our lives, and when we perceive a broader appreciation of food and its power, we can lighten up a little; connecting food with purpose and joy once again!

The book includes over one hundred and sixty tried and tested, nourishing recipes that will cover every occasion from breakfast, afternoon tea, dinner, and festive occasions. The food as always is underpinned by my Supercharged principles of anti-inflammatory, balanced meals that draw from the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda. There are no fandangled ingredients in these pages; just honest, real, accessible food as close to nature as possible.

To help you understand the diverse, multifaceted power that extends from your relationship with food, I bring forward the concept of The Seven Keystones Of Life: Home and Family, Friends and Community, Career and Passion, Finances, Health and Longevity- with Love and Food at the centre of it all. I take you on a journey of how each of these areas represents a complex cultural, philosophical and even political relationship to food, and how each keystone is interwoven.

I explore concepts such as leading your household’s food culture, voting for the ethical production of food with our wallets, food as fuel for our passions and creativity, hospitality as the language of the heart, our food choices being key to a long and a fulfilling life and cultivating a respect for the wonder of earth's provision of food that traces back to our ancestors.

Supercharge your life is broken up into three sections: Eat, Love and Connect:

The kitchen truly is the heart of the home, and as a pragmatist, I’ve made sure to include all the “how to’s” for creating your ideal kitchen, understanding flavour profiles and pairings, building a spice rack and stocking your pantry, fridge and freezer slowly and systematically; ensuring the heart of your home is a supercharged paradise.

With our lives becoming more and more full, one of the easiest things to go out the window is our food organisation- so I’ve included a detailed section on how to simplify your meal preparation and food budget, so you can eat wholesome and affordable food whether you’re a large family or a cash-strapped student. With an extended segment of “The Lost Art of Cooking Vegetables” you’ll have all the tips and knowledge on how to turn cheap, everyday veg into a wonderous feast.

Love is all about the heart, baby! Both your own heart, and the heart of what food is truly all about: hospitality, sharing love through nourishing and delicious food and creating memories with those we adore most. This is about shifting from a perspective of food and cooking as an inconvenience or a chore, towards a fresh rekindling of love towards the natural, instinctive and utterly human behaviour of turning base ingredients into something to savour.

Have you ever actually stopped to relish in the magical interplay of nature’s forces, and how our food makes its way from soil to plate? In this section I really delve into my own food philosophy including my adoration for the ancient healing art of Ayurveda and eating with mindfulness and gratitude and the ways in which we can open our eyes to the power of our food choices as a way of loving this planet we call home- including tips on my top ingredients for growing in your own edible garden.

I get a little political in here too- waving my banner for purposeful and ethical food choices so that we can make positive change in our food systems. Seeing your food budget as an investment into your world and your time in the kitchen as a way of loving your community is a way to spark new love and appreciation for food and its purposeful place in your life. I share a range of delightful recipes in this section; from how to create your own supercharged fruit infused water jars, and pot luck delicacies such as my super green hummus with turmeric and sesame crackers that can be taken along to gatherings and picnics.

Here is where we connect all the dots. You’ll learn about what eating for pleasure really looks like, the psychology of eating, how to identify whether you're eating from a place of freedom or fear; and how to let go of our intrinsic “immortality complex”. You’ll discover how to transform your thinking from fearful towards a liberated relationship to eating.

It really is my belief that food should first and foremost be enjoyed and savoured, and with so much nutritional information out there, we can be frozen like a deer in headlights when it comes to choosing what to eat. Casting the chains off a rule-based approach to food, I really take us back to good old fashioned, common sense eating.

Connection is all about relationships, and what’s better than food to bring people together? I really focus in on meal times as one of the most important rituals in our day for both nourishment and connection with our loved ones, with some friendly tips and reminders on why this is so important. I educate you on how to re-create the lost art of meal times in a busy twenty-first-century world; including some Pinterest worthy tablescape inspirations that'll be sure to turn your next mealtime gathering into something that places beauty and value on those at your table.

This truly has been a delightful process and I’ve poured my heart and soul into a book that'll hopefully impart in you a new sense of freedom, joy and connection into your life through the power of wholesome food.

I adore every single one of these recipes and hope you will too!  

I’d love to share a recipe from the book that’ll be sure to spread love to all your friends and family. Give it a whirl and let me know what you think in the comments section below. And to find out more about the Booktopia special click here. 

Layered salted caramel peanut fudge

{serves 4–6}

This is one of my favourite freezer desserts, and I like to keep it ready to grab at a moment’s notice. A decadent delight, it homes in on the irresistible flavour combo of caramel and sea salt. The unique peanutty edge makes it fulfilling for adults with a cuppa, but also brings plenty of happiness to little kids.

Fudge

• 270 g (9¹₂ oz/1 cup) almond butter
• 80 ml (2¹₂ fl oz/¹₃ cup) coconut oil, melted
• 90 g (3¹₄ oz/¹₄ cup) rice malt syrup
• 30 g (1 oz/¹₄ cup) raw cacao powder
• 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon Celtic sea salt

Salted caramel and peanut

• 90 g (3¹₄ oz/¹₄ cup) rice malt syrup
• 2 tablespoons cashew butter or other nut butter
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• sea salt, to taste
• 35 g (1¹₄ oz/¹₃ cup) roasted salted peanuts

Method:

Line a 12 × 18 cm (4¹₂ × 7 inch) baking tin with baking paper.

To make the fudge layer, whiz the almond butter and coconut oil in a food processor until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth and creamy. Spoon the mixture into the prepared tin to 3 cm (1¹₄ inches) deep and smooth the top with the back of a spoon or a spatula.

For the salted caramel and peanut layer, clean the food processor then process all the ingredients except the peanuts until the mixture has a caramel-like consistency.

Spoon the salted caramel over the fudge, smooth with the back of a spoon or a spatula, then scatter the peanuts over and press them in gently. Freeze for at least 1 hour before slicing and serving. If stored frozen for longer, it may need some time in the fridge to soften a little before serving.

Sprinkle with extra salt before serving, if you like.

If you’re trying to hop aboard the plastic-free train, Family Hub Organics is your next stop!

Family Hub Organics is a family-run business from Perth in Western Australia, a place where I grew up and love to visit. They hand-craft a range of products that make sustainable and conscious living easy and affordable. This includes Beeswax and Vegan Food Wraps, organic soaps and body products, organic lip and perfume balms and all-natural laundry cleaners suitable for very sensitive skin. Literally a sensitive person's salvation!

In fact, their slogan is: Simple. Natural. Ethical. If that’s not something you want to get on board with, I don’t know what is. All of the ingredients they use are sourced ethically, as they don’t support environmental devastation, slave or child labour situations or poor working conditions.

Their Vegan Food Wraps, made of all-natural ingredients, are definitely what sold me. Next time you’re wrapping up an avocado, you’ve got to try it - aren't they the cutest? They’re made of vegetable wax, tree gum and jojoba oil and yet, are a fabric-base. These wraps are reusable, washable and even compostable but they last up to 12 months if you give them proper care.

They’re an amazing alternative to single-use glad wrap; something I would love to see phased out of our kitchens.

If you’re keen to save money, and save the environment while you’re at it too, these wraps are your new go-to! They even make for the perfect gift.

Get ready to avoid food waste, reduce your carbon footprint and add some colour to your kitchen. I’ve received the Vegan Food Wraps – Starter Set which includes two pieces that are 1 x 23cm x 23cm wrap, 1 x 30cm x 30cm wrap at only RRP $24.95.

I absolutely love them and can't wait to buy more! 

Have you ever used food wraps? What do you think of them?  Feel free to let me know in the comments section below.

Lee xo 

Do you know what’s absolutely fiiiiine?

Fine cold-pressed, high-quality oils by Proteco; they’re oh so dreamy!

So, what makes Proteco oil’s so fine?

Proteco is the leader of cold-pressed oils in Australia and uses only the greatest, freshest Australian produce.

Proteco have a diverse range of products that can be used in a multitude of ways – it can take you from your morning skincare routine all the way to your stir-fry for dinner; because after all, you are what you eat.

The advanced extraction and filtration technology they use (I know, sounds fancy already!), ensures that every single product is of a high quality and consistency. Proteco practice cold-pressing their products, which means that they press fruits or seeds with a modern steel process so that they’re not refined or stripped of their natural oils, antioxidants, vitamins and flavour. Unlike many pressed oils, Proteco don’t use chemicals or extra solvents, so you can be sure that all of the raw materials, aromas and nutritional values are preserved, just the way we like it!

Who needs a house when you can have the flesh of real avocados pressed into an oil instead? I’m obsessed with Pressed Purity’s Avocado Oil. Avocados are high in healthy monounsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals. This oil is particularly nutrient-rich and versatile; it’s probably in that natural moisturiser you were applying earlier today! Personally, I love using avocado oil in my salad dressing, but it’s also delicious drizzled into stir fries and soups. If you’re all for avocado on the skin, it’s an amazing moisturiser to calm down itchy skin and replenish dry and chapped skin! Avo look at that! RRP $12.95 for 250ml.

Are you ever frying up fish or marinating your proteins and wanting to take it to the next level? Cue: Macadamia Oil! Macadamia oil is fast becoming a favourite cooking oil because of its nutty flavours and high tolerance to heat. I love it in my baking but it’s also seriously amazing for nourishing dry skin.  RRP $7.95 at 250ml.

And finally, let’s talk about hemp, baby! Hemp seed oil has all of the incredible properties that you’ve heard about hemp, but this time, it’s grown with organic farming practices. Hemp makes for the perfect oil as it contains a perfectly balanced ratio of Omega 6 to Omega 3 essential fatty acids, which is required for optimal nutrition! If you’re looking to boost your immunity, brighten up your skin, boost your hair and strengthen your nails, hemp is where it’s at. Oh, and if you’re worried about hemp being related to cannabis, don’t worry, unlike its sketchy brother, Hemp seed oil contains no THC so it’s a family-friendly oil! RRP $16.95 at 250ml.

Have you tried these oils? Let me know in the comments section below. 

Lee 🙂

All the gassy ladies,

All the gassy ladies,

All the gassy ladies,

Now put your hands up!

Have you ever felt, after eating a big dinner, like you’re carrying a food baby that’s due any minute?

Has a muffin break at your desk had you fall straight into a food-induced coma?

Do mysterious tummy aches and pains bother you after a particular meal?

If you’ve ticked yes and you’re tired of constantly feeling gassy, bloated and like your tummy is on the constant gurgle, I have some news for you.

One of the common signs of poor gut health and digestion is bloating, noticeably after meals. If you experience bloating on a regular basis and feel like it is out of hand, it could be a sign that something else is going on. Being bloated is not the same as carrying an extra tyre around your middle or being overweight.

Being bloated is most often a result of gas and wind trapped in your digestive system, which makes your stomach protrude, your waistband become tighter and your digestion sluggish. This can arise due to inadequate protein digestion, where some foods remain in the gut and start to ferment, or an inability to fully break down sugars and other carbohydrates if you’re lacking in digestive enzymes, or imbalances in gut bacteria.

There are many different reasons why your tummy is playing up — it could be related to a food allergy or intolerance, irregular bowel movements, overconsumption of inflammatory foods or artificial sweeteners, too much alcohol, certain medications, hormonal imbalances, indigestion, leaky gut, microbiome imbalances, or gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

IBS is common; research shows it affects around one-third of us, and despite almost 75 per cent of sufferers saying it severely impacts their work, relationships and sex lives, 60 per cent of those have never sought professional help due to embarrassment.

If you’re keen to get to the bottom of things (pun intended!), taking a clinically-proven probiotic can help improve your gut health, reduce your gas, bloating and tummy rumbling (the troubling threesome).

Bioxyne today has announced the results from its clinical trial into the effects of taking progastrim a daily probiotic supplement containing the bacteria strain Lactobacillus fermentum VRI-003, with participants who consumed the probiotic reporting a consistent reduction in gas and bloating compared to those on placebo. Interestingly, women appeared to benefit more from taking the probiotic than men. (more…)

If you’ve been diagnosed with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), you’re not alone. Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, form part of a group of digestive diseases under the umbrella term IBD, and are common and chronic conditions of the small and/or large intestine. Whilst some people can be genetically predisposed to IBD, it can also be linked to a traumatic experience, inflammation and poor immunity.

The goal of inflammatory bowel disease treatment is to help to lower the inflammation that can trigger your signs and symptoms. By lowering inflammation this can lead to relief from symptoms and also help you to get into long-term remission and reduce flare ups.

Let’s talk about some of the main things you can do to keep on top of your IBD and reduce flare-ups. First of all, it’s vital to look after your gut health and stay hydrated, as your gut is central to your overall health and energy levels.

When it comes to eating, one of the easiest places to start to show your gut some love is by reducing foods that can contribute to inflammation.  These foods can be anything from processed foods and additives to heavily refined foods like bread and pasta. Also when having a flare up, be mindful of raw seeds, excessive fibre, nuts, vegetable and fruit skins, artificial ingredients and coffee and alcohol.

(more…)

Are you looking to become a pro of the biotic?

Well first up, I'm going to let you in on a little secret, one between us pro's. Not everyone necessarily needs to take a probiotic supplement. Sometimes, just a spoon full of Sauerkraut keeps the good gut microbes satisfied.

If you’re reading this and you’ve never really understood probiotics, I’ll start from the beginning.

Our gut microbiome is made up of a community of bacteria that’s responsible for far more than our digestive health. The health of our gut can impact our immune system, sleep, hormones, energy levels, weight, skin and more.

A healthy microbiome involves a great number of probiotics, known as our friendly bacteria, and a smaller number of pathogenic bacteria. To keep our guts flourishing, probiotics are necessary to help the growth of the good bacteria within your gut.

To replenish your strains of good bacteria, try consuming a small amount of probiotic-rich foods at least a few times each week. Personally, I take a probiotic supplement daily and consume a range of prebiotic and probiotic foods to widen the diversity. 

However, some sensitive tummies can suffer from gas and bloating when consuming probiotic-rich foods initially. It’s best to start slowly with a teaspoon and build up from there.

Below are my top six probiotic-rich foods and their benefits. By including a range of the following ingredients into your daily meal rotation, you'll be helping contribute to a thriving digestive system that will benefit the wellbeing of your entire body!

Sauerkraut is finely cut cabbage that’s been fermented, making it more nutritious than its raw variety. It can help improve digestive health and even contains high levels of iron which is great for boosting energy. Although, be mindful of the salt!

Sauerkraut can be high in sodium, so be wary when choosing store-bought varieties. Look for sauerkraut that's in the fridge at your local deli or health food store, as those kept at room temperature often contain additives and preservatives that can cause more harm than good. I love to top off my salads, such as my Bohemian Baked Vegetable Bowl, with a spoon of sauerkraut. I've included my cultured vegetable recipe below for you to try your hand at too! 

When you were a kid, did you ever enjoy drinkable yoghurt?. Nowadays, a handy drinkable yoghurt to try is kefir, a thick, nutrient-dense and deliciously creamy fermented milk product that can help support immunity, enhance detoxification and of course, reduce digestive issues.

It’s made using kefir grains that help grow live bacteria and yeast cultures. You can find it in a dairy form or, if you avoid milk, there are some vegan varieties available. How to have it? You can drink it straight, add it to smoothies, whip it up like cream cheese or use it as a dressing.

You may have heard of ‘superfood’ green powders that include vegetables from the sea and algae. While that may sound a little bit off-putting, do not be turned off by the sea! Chlorella and spirulina are not just for the lovable grass-chewing hippies. They can act as wonderful probiotics that provide a nutrient-boost with every spoonful. These best greens powder are made of nutrient-dense organisms found in salt water. Spirulina is comprised of more than 70 per cent protein, as well as vitamin E, chlorophyll and fatty acids. While, chlorella is a green microalgae that’s rich in chlorophyll, protein and carotenoids. Chlorophyll is a probiotic that’s seriously powerful for the gut. You can mix green powders into a glass of water or, add them to your smoothie, like my Berry and Avocado Smoothie Bowl and you won’t even know that they’re there!

Kimchi is traditionally a Korean fermented vegetable that’s made with a mix of veggies including cabbage with seasonings such as chilli, garlic, turmeric and ginger. This antioxidant-rich mix contains bacteria to aid digestive and immune health. Kimchi is rich in digestive enzymes, making it the perfect fix for a sluggish digestive system. You can use it to add a kick to your seasonings or on its own but use it sparingly as you may run the risk of burning your mouth!

Move aside regular pickles, we’re talking about the real dill! Pickles that have been lacto-fermented (i.e. fermented in salty water, not vinegar), are bouncing with probiotics and full of live bacteria. They’re best served organic and locally made, if possible. Feel free to include them in your sandwiches, toss them through your salads, or serve them next to my Turmeric Scrambled Eggs.

I couldn’t write about probiotics without including yoghurt. Both Greek yoghurt and most coconut yoghurts contain a probiotic known as Lactobacillus Acidophilus which helps show pure love to your gut. Biodynamic organic yoghurt (dairy or plant-based) is where it's at! Be sure to read the labels and watch out for any high fructose corn syrup or artificial sweeteners and flavours added to it. Also, look for “live and active cultures” – this is what you’re after. The probiotics within yoghurt help quickly build up healthy microbes in the gut lining which helps increase the absorption of food and reduce bad bacteria. You can try your hand at making your own Coconut Frozen Yo-Gut here. 

While you wouldn’t usually think of Apple Cider Vinegar as a probiotic, it actually has probiotic enzymes that help balance gut bacteria, helping improve nutrient assimilation and balancing pH levels. It’s also seriously good for our overall wellbeing – in fact, it’s one of the first things I pop out of my cupboard when I feel a cold or flu coming on.  ACV is one of the star ingredients in my Apple Cider Gumhttps://www.superchargedfood.com/my Bears. Yes, I said gummy bears. However, if you’re not into all things tasty, delicious and chewable (but seriously, who isn’t?), you can also drizzle some over your salads like I’ve done here.

If you want to try out fermenting for yourself, I've included my Fermented Vegetable recipe for you below! Once you get to learn the process, fermenting can be lots of fun. Start by choosing vegetables you’re familiar with, so it doesn’t feel intimidating. Fermented vegetables can be served as a side dish — just start with a small amount, such as a teaspoonful, and work your way up.

Also just a final tip if you’re not absorbing your food well or have a sluggish digestion cleaning it first with Love Your Gut Powder can help! You can find the powder over here www.superchargeyourgut.com