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. 

Let’s talk raw chocolate bars.

What once was dubbed a crazy, revolutionary healthy phenomenon has become the new café norm. These days you can buy raw, vegan caramel slices, bliss balls, mint slices and chocolate bars at your local caff! Whilst these products are usually refined-sugar free, too often they contain a whole load of dried fruit, loads of nuts and are heavy on the sweeteners.

Let's talk dried fruit. While fruit is great, being a source of vitamins, minerals, fibre and even water, when it's dried, it becomes smaller in size than it's fresher counterparts making it very easy to overdo it. This can lead to gastrointestinal problems, weight gain and quick sugar highs followed by bigger sugar drops. Consuming raw chocolate treats may mean you end up eating a lot more dried fruit with added preservatives and nuts than you usually would in one sitting, resulting in an overconsumption of calories and maybe even leaving your tummy in trouble.

So, I've come up with a delicious raw treat recipe that's so delicious and so tasty that it’s hard to believe that it’s actually good for you!

You know when you get a craving so strong that you literally don’t feel satisfied until you fill it?  

That’s me and snickers bars.

If you’ve been following the blog for a while, you’ll know I have a little bit (okay, understatement – more like a lot) of a sweet tooth. I loooove anything chocolatey and nut butter-y. And because the blog is all about anti-deprivation, I love creating treat recipes that are healthy and enjoyable, without causing your tummy grief in the process.

My dried fruit-free, refined sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto-friendly and vegan-friendly Snickers Bars are almost too good to be true. Wow that was a mouthful.

Speaking of a mouthful, these treats are absolutely delicious and will send your tastebuds back to the days of enjoying a taste-bud tingling snickers bar.

We’ve got melt-in-your-mouth nougat, chewy peanut-butter caramel all wrapped up in chocolate. I know, I know. Amazing. 

So where to start with this healthy treat?

Let's start from the base and work upwards. The nougat base is filled with one of the most delicious, creamy nuts ever – macadamia nuts. Although macadamia nuts are high in healthy fats (and in price), they’re packed full of nutrients and a little goes a long way! Macadamias have shown to improve blood sugar levels, improve bone health because they’re packed full of calcium and magnesium and help support gut health, plus they're blended fine to alleviate any tummy troubles.

I’ve combined these nuts with a blend of delicious ingredients including coconut cream, coconut oil, rice malt syrup, vanilla powder, almond meal, peanuts, a pinch of salt and some Love Your Gut Powder. Did we just make gut-friendly nougat? Oh yes, I believe we did!

Once our nougat’s in order, it’s time to make the caramel....because caramel is delicious and makes everything better. EVERYTHING. I’ve created a peanut-butter, cashew caramel for our centre. I want to speak more about it, but I can’t in case I start dribbling all over my keyboard… oops too late. You’ll just have to trust me on this one… it doesn’t taste as good as it sounds; it actually tastes even better. Speaking of peanuts – did you know they’re actually a legume, not a nut? They’re rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect our cells against oxidative damage. 

There are some moments that completely melt you.

Maybe it’s the time you first fell in love, the tantalising aroma of your mother's home cooking, the look your puppy gives you when you’re giving them a belly scratch, the way you feel when you watch the best scene in your favourite movie, or in my case an upcoming Royal Wedding!

Being from the UK, I love anything royal and to celebrate the union of Meghan and Harry, I've concocted a beautiful biscuit recipe that is absolutely delicious and based on a classic. Might I add, this biscuit pairs perfectly with a jolly good cup of tea and creates a moment of bliss when devouring.

Whatever your melting moment is, that feeling of pure enjoyment and ecstasy is something we all should feel more of; and a lot more often. Wouldn't you agree?

If you’re looking to feel that melty feel even when the person you love annoys you, your dog starts to bark, or the baby starts to cry, these are the cookies you need to transport you to a calm and happy place!

Whatever it is, it’s time to take a melting moment cookie out the jar and re-live those happy feels. Better still, make them for someone you love and watch them melt away to a place of pure pleasure and bliss.  They're even the perfect wedding gift! Speaking of wedding gifts, you may just find the perfect one here.

Melting Moments are one of my favourite cookies ever. Whether you like them super soft and delicate or crumbly and crispy, they’re definitely a crowd-favourite. I’ve recreated these cookies with a delicious lemon filling, because while they’re delectable on their own, there’s something extra special about the lemon filling. I know you’ll just love this royal partnership.

So, how do we go about getting that perfectly nostalgic, melty consistency?

Cashew butter is key here! Cashews are packed with vitamins and minerals including Vitamin E, K and B6. They contain high levels of antioxidants which when consumed regularly, can actually protect the eyes from light damage. Cashews in moderation can also be effective when trying to lose weight as they're high in monounsaturated fats. If you're not a fan of nuts, you can swap out the cashew butter for tahini or another seed butter of your choice!

I’ve also included vanilla powder in these cookies because it takes the flavour to the next level. Seriously. Vanilla is another ingredient that is high in antioxidants and just boosts the flavour of just about anything. I know ½ a teaspoon doesn’t seem like a lot but a little goes a long way when it comes to vanilla. 

To make these cookies extra Supercharged, I’ve added some Love Your Gut Powder. Love Your Gut Powder gently cleanses and sweeps away plaque built-up in your gut over time. It’s a gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan powder made of diatomaceous earth, a raw whole-food which helps to cleanse the gut, allowing you to absorb your nutrients more effectively. This magical powder makes a remarkable improvement in digestion, nutrient absorption and waste removal. Who says you can't have your gut-boosting cookie and eat them too? 

In the lead up to the royal nuptials I'd love you to be ready for these melt-in-your-mouth cookies. They are perfection and super easy to make.

If tea is not your bag, these Melting Moments are the perfect accompaniment to a Golden Latte! All you need to do is place 1 cup of milk of your choice, 1 tablespoon of Golden Gut Blend, 1 tablespoon of fresh grated ginger, 1 teaspoon of cardamom, 1 star anise and rice malt syrup or stevia to a small sauce pan, heat gently over a medium heat until steaming, let it infuse and whisk briskly until frothy. Strain the spices and pour it into a mug to enjoy! 

If you’re looking a delicious treat to enjoy this royal wedding weekend, why not try out my delicious Melting Moments? 

Melting Moments

Makes: 8 cookies

Ingredients

• 1 cup cashew butter
• 1 egg
• ½ teaspoon vanilla powder
• 1 tablespoon rice malt syrup (optional) or raw honey

Lemon filling:

• ¼ cup coconut cream
• 2 tablespoons cacao butter
• Zest of one lemon
• ½ tbsp Love Your Gut Powder
• 8 drops liquid stevia

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 160℃ and line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. In a large bowl and using a wooden spoon, combine cashew butter, egg, vanilla and rice malt syrup if using. You may wish to use your hands if it is not combining properly.
3. Using your hands, carefully shape into 16 cookies and place on the prepared tray. Use a fork to imprint the cookie.
4. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes. Leave to cool completely before assembling the cookies.
5. To make the lemon filling, gently heat the coconut cream and cacao butter in a small saucepan over a low heat until no lumps remain. Transfer to a small bowl and stir in the lemon zest, powder and stevia. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to let it thicken.
6. To assemble, carefully spread the filling on the base of half the cookies and sandwich another cookie on top. These cookies are crumbly so work delicately!

Easter is hoppening soon and you know what that means – chocolate, sleeping in, long weekend celebrations, chocolate, the Easter Bunny, chocolate, oh and did I mention chocolate?

If you’re looking for a new delicious Easter egg to bring to your table or basket, why not try out my Cherry Ripe Easter Eggs?

I know what you're probably thinking - Why Cherry Ripe?

I think it’s safe to say, Cherry Ripe's are sometimes one of the most unpopular chocolates of the bunch - they're the one that are usually left at the bottom of the packet. There’s just something about the combination of dark chocolate and cherry glace that’s usually off-putting, especially to children! I must admit, out of all the chocolates out there, the one I would never choose was the Cherry Ripe. I just never jelled with it 😉

However, seeing that I’m a big believer in giving things a fair go, I decided to give them a second chance.

And you know what? I’m happy I did!

These chocolatey, cherry and coconuty raw, refined sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan-friendly Cherry Ripe Easter Eggs are perfect bite-sized snacking, just in time for Easter! If you were never a cherry ripe fan, but like me, love cherries, coconut and chocolate, you’re in for a real treat.

If you’re someone who usually feels a little bit lethargic, tired or bloated after holiday period, these are the Easter eggs for you! While I love celebrating holidays with good food, it’s very easy to overindulge over the holiday season and feel a little queasy afterwards. Be sure to fill up on good-quality, wholesome food, rather than leaving too much room for dessert! If you fill up on mains, you’re less likely to overindulge when dessert’s ready. However, if you’re looking for a dessert perfect for Easter, these Cherry Ripe Easter Eggs are exactly what you need.

By consuming real, home-made Easter Eggs you can avoid the processed one’s on the shelf, usually packed full of additives, vegetable oils and sugar. Home-made goodies such as these Easter eggs always taste better because you can truly taste the love that is rolled into them! 

The combination of cherries and chocolate makes this recipe extremely high in calcium and Vitamin C. Cherries are bursting with antioxidants and can help reduce bodily inflammation. These Cherry Ripe Easter Eggs also have a little Love Your Gut Powder to help soothe your tummy after some necessary Easter feasting!

The best part about them? No cooking is required! Yes, that’s right – it’s raw! If that’s not an Easter miracle, I don’t know what is. Oh, and they contain cherries – I mean, who wouldn’t be happy with their kids hunting for fruit?

So, go on... I know you want to.

Happy Easter everyone!

Cherry Ripe Easter Eggs

Makes: 12–15 Easter eggs

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups desiccated coconut
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons coconut cream
• 2 tbsp Love Your Gut Powder
• 1 tbsp rice malt syrup (optional)
• 1 cup cherries, pitted, frozen

Chocolate Coating

• 2 tbsp coconut oil
• 2 tbsp cacao butter
• 2 tbsp raw cacao powder
• 10–12 drops liquid stevia or to taste (optional)

Method

1. In the food processor, pulse coconut, coconut oil, coconut cream, powder and rice malt syrup if using until combined. Be careful not to over mix. Add in the frozen cherries and pulse until combined.

2. Using your hands, scoop up about 2 tablespoons worth of mixture, shape into an Easter egg shape and place on a tray. Repeat until you use up all of the mixture. Place in the freezer to set for 2 hours.

3. After about 1 ½ hours, prepare the chocolate coating by melting ingredients together in a small pot over a low heat. Transfer to a bowl, place in the fridge for 15 minutes to let it thicken slightly.

4. To cover in chocolate coating, first prepare a rack over a tray to catch any dripping chocolate. Carefully dip the eggs in the chocolate coating mixture and place on the rack.

Note: You want to work quickly here to prevent the eggs from melting. This is why it’s important your chocolate mixture isn’t too hot but is still melted and has a liquid consistency. You may wish to work in batches. Place back into the freezer as soon as possible to set the chocolate.

5. Store in the fridge in an airtight container.

Does anyone else have a love affair with cheesecake?

It combines two of my favourite things – cheese and cake.

And it makes for one delicious dessert.

But, for my friends who are cutting down on processed foods, gluten, dairy, sugar and eggs, cheesecake is probably one of the foods you avoid like the plague.

Until now!

I’ve created a cheesecake with my Golden Gut Blend that’s a perfect afternoon treat or delightful dessert for summer. It’s a raw, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar-free cheesecake that is absolutely delicious.

Before you give me that attitude and roll your eyes at the idea of a cheese-less cheesecake, sometimes, you've just got to trust me. I think I can even say I like this more than regular cheesecake. And quite frankly, so does my stomach (sorry for the TMI!).

Don't be the friend who brings the unpalatable raw dessert to your dinner party. Bring this instead!

I’ve included sweet, juicy mangoes because they’re finally in season here in the Southern Hemisphere. I’m a little bit in love with them. Seriously. If you get a good one, don’t let that man-go. If you were to check my search history, “How many mangoes can I eat until I turn into a mango?” may come up. I promise I was asking for a friend… If you’re a lover of all things mango too, check out my Supercharged Banana and Mango Smoothie

This cheesecake combines two of my favourite goodies into one delicious recipe. My Golden Gut Mango Cheesecake is a recipe you’re going to luuuuurve.

The best part?

If you’ve been following me for a while, you’ll know I have a passion for healtha-fying traditional recipes and making them kid-friendly. In fact, I’ve got a whole book dedicated to it called Supercharged Food for Kids.

If you’re trying to add more apple cider vinegar to yours, your kids or your neighbour’s diet, but can’t stand the taste, you may want to give my gummies a whirl. They're one of the many delicious recipes from my latest book, Supercharge Your Gut. 

It was great being able to drop into Booktopia HQ yesterday and sign hundreds of books, it's safe to say I may have writers cramp for a few days but I have picked up some brand new calligraphy skills to add to my resume!

If you can't wait to get your hands on a copy, the wonderful people at Booktopia are stocking these signed copies which are available right now at the special price of only $27.95. You can pick one up here.

Now that we’re done with a little shameless plug, it’s time to get down to business. And by business, I mean Apple Cider Gummy Bears Business. It's serious stuff, you know!

Apple cider vinegar is seriously good for our health. It can help tackle colds and flus, tame troubled tummies, ease a scratchy throat, control blood sugar levels and even boost weight loss. It has beautiful probiotic enzymes to help balance gut bacteria, improve nutrient assimilation and balance pH levels.

When I’m talking about apple cider vinegar, I mean the real thing. NOT the sweetened and sparkly apple ciders kids are drinking these days. The REAL variety of apple cider vinegar is unfiltered and contains the ‘mother’ of all ingredients – the mother! Most  apple cider vinegars out there have had this crucial ingredient removed and are heavily processed, so make sure you find one that’s got it all intact like this one here.

I'll be the first to admit it, while apple cider vinegar sounds great for our health, it isn't usually the most palatable of ingredients to kids (and pretty much everyone else out there too... if your friend says they LOVE apple cider vinegar, they're probably lying). This is why I’ve combined it with a gut-healing guru, gelatine, and some natural apple juice to make these gummies yummy and good for the tummy!

Gelatine does all the heavy lifting when it comes to gut health! It helps to seal the lining of the gut that's often been opened by various factors such as poor diet and stress. Gelatine can also improve the strength of our digestive system and enhance the secretion of gastric acids to help us break down food, making it easier for us to absorb all the nutrients we're eating! If you're trying to improve your bowel movements (sorry for the possible TMI), gelatine is your gut ninja as it absorbs water which keeps the digestive tract running with fluid and so, promotes good intestinal transit time and healthy bowel movements. Woo-Poo! 

If you're ready to have some seriously devoted healthy gummy fans, you have to give my Apple Cider Gummy Bears a try.

Apple Cider Gummy Bears

Makes about 12

Ingredients:

• 250 ml (9 fl oz/1 cup) apple juice (no added sugar)
• 60 ml (2 fl oz/164 cup) apple cider vinegar
• 3 tablespoons powdered gelatine

Method:

• In a small saucepan, warm the apple juice and vinegar over medium heat.
• When it starts to bubble, remove from the heat.
• Sprinkle the gelatine on top and whisk briskly until dissolved. Strain.
• Pour into teddy bear moulds, or other moulds of your choice, or into a small lined baking tin.
• Refrigerate for 1–2 hours, or until set.
• Turn out of the moulds, or cut into small squares to serve. The gummies will keep in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for 1–2 weeks.

SUPERCHARGED TIP:

For my vegetarian friends, you can now have you gummies and eat them too! To make Aloe Vera Gummies, replace the gelatine with aloe vera juice.

For Vegetarian Gummies, simply heat up 350 ml (12 fl oz) aloe vera juice in a saucepan, add 1/2 tsp agar-agar powder and stir to dissolve. Agar agar is a flavorless gelling agent, derived from cooked and pressed seaweed.

Continue stirring for a couple of minutes. When the mixture starts to boil, remove from the heat, add some liquid stevia, vanilla extract, chopped mint or whatever spice you like — even berries would be nice!

Pour into an ice-cube tray. Top with shredded coconut if you like, then refrigerate for about 1 hour, or until set.

Are you looking for an excuse to skip breakfast?

This is not it.

In fact, this recipe will make you go to sleep dreaming of breakfast, longing to wake up and get your chew on. 

This delicious and simple recipe is perfect for eating during the week when you don't have a lot of time but it's also great on the weekend when you want to have a relaxed breakfast in the garden. It's basically granola for every occasion. 

The other great thing about this recipe is that you only need to make it once for it to travel a really long way. That is, depending on your self-control.. portion control, people!

While most of the store-bought packaged granolas are high in sugars, fat and filled with unnecessary and unhealthy ingredients, this homemade granola only contains ingredients that are beneficial for your body and wellbeing.

Oats are such an amazing way to start the day. They’re rich in important vitamins, minerals, fibre and antioxidants which work to improve healthy gut bacteria, control blood sugar levels, ease digestion and increase feelings of fullness.

Incorporating nuts and seeds in this recipe works because they not only get the thumbs up for  taste, they also come with a range of amazing health benefits too! Almonds, pumpkin seeds and linseeds are all a tasty source of protein, dietary fibre, healthy fats like Omega 3, and essential nutrients like Vitamin E. These work to give you a healthy boost of energy and can also help to reduce hunger pangs and promote healthy weight-loss.

Combining these ingredients with my Golden Gut blend is the perfect way to set you up for glowing gut health. Because the blend contains diatomaceous earth and the wonderful spice turmeric, it's packed with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties and can even help improve nutrient absorption, digestion and regulation. With a high amount of absorbable iron and a variety of vitamins and minerals, the blend is the perfect addition to this oat and nut granola, to add an energy kick, boost brain function and the immune system. You can watch a video about diatomaceous earth here.

Not only does using coconut oil make this recipe bond beautifully, using a healthy saturated fat together with turmeric makes it easier for your body to absorb and make the most of the benefits of this golden spice.

Enjoy these golden crunchy clusters any time of the day in a variety of ways!

Let me know how you go with making them and if you love them as much as I do.

Golden Granola Clusters

Makes 1L jar

Ingredients:

• 2 cup of organic gluten-free rolled oats
• 1 cup of organic shredded coconut
• 1cup of raw flaked almonds
• 1 cup of organic pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons of linseeds
• 1/2 cup of coconut oil
• 4 tablespoons of organic raw honey
• 2 heaped tablespoons of Golden Gut blend
• 1/2 tablespoon of nutmeg
• 1 pinch of grinded Celtic sea salt

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius and line a large tray with baking paper.

In a large bowl mix the oats, coconut, almonds and seeds.

Warm the coconut oil in a small saucepan and add 3 tablespoons honey, Golden Gut, nutmeg and salt. Stir until thoroughly combined then pour over the oat mixture.

Mix and rub the spiced oil into the oats, nuts and seeds. Once the mixture is evenly coated, spread onto the baking tray. Make sure it is levelled across the pan, and then you can create some small clusters if you like. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of honey across to finish.

Bake for 25 – 30 mins or until lightly brown and golden on top. Shake the tray one or two times while cooking.

When finished baking, let cool completely on a wire rack. The cooling process should be at least 30 – 45 mins and is crucial in order to crisp the granola. Once cooled, break into clusters.

Store the granola in an airtight jar or container.

For breakfast serve with cold coconut milk and bananas, or over a smoothie bowl or sheep’s milk yoghurt with fresh berries.

Enjoy straight out of the jar as a yummy snack or crumble over roasted pears or my Golden Gut-time ice cream for desert!

When I started living a healthier lifestyle, I wanted to find quick staple meals that were easy enough to swap-out with my older, less healthy and more traditional recipes. Being the full-time, mum that I was, I wanted recipes I could make once and use again… and again… and again. It was just SO HARD to find anything that was both easy and healthy. It seemed like an impossible feat; a tale of two star-crossed lovers who were never meant to meet.

I was stuck.

Cook, they said.

It’ll be fun, they said 😐

I just wanted something simple that was nourishing for my body and versatile. How hard could that be?! You know what I mean – the patty for burgers night that could be re-made into the topping for your salad at lunch, the fillings for your lettuce-cup, an easy fridge snack on it’s own and then the base for a Shepherd’s pie. The filling. I wanted the filling. Because let’s be real, who has time or energy to cook for hours on end just for one small meal?

Nobody. Absolutely nobody.

And this is something that still rings true today for many people. Whenever I cook, I like everything I make to be versatile. I only ever cook something that I can eat for the next week. A Renewable Table as I like to call it (and yes, that was a cheeky plug to The Renewable Table eBook which you can check out here). I'm not trying to say I'm a big deal or anything but, I guess you could say I was into meal prep long before it was cool.

If you’re looking for a healthy swap for your burger patty, a substitution for your meat-balls or a dish to just enjoy on its own – you’ve come to the right place. My savoury mince makes for an easy weeknight meal or weekend communal dinner and delivers a flavour-packed dish that's not only big on taste, but also great for the family and able to be modified into any of your favourite meals down the line.

While the regular ground beef you find at the supermarket is typically low grade, my mince is high and mighty in taste. My savoury mince is a healthy alternative that's filled with only good-for-you ingredients that's ground up into a convenient form. If you’re a lover of all things burger, spaghetti or lettuce cups – I’ve found your perfect filler. It’s comfort food without the pressure of stodgy ingredients.

To add to the meatiness of this mince recipe, I’ve added some mushrooms. Not only are mushrooms high in copper which helps look after heart health, they’re also high in vitamin D. There's been a huge rise in vitamin D deficiency simply because we don’t spend enough time outside (helloooo indoor gym sessions, 9-5 desk jobs and Netflix). Vitamin D deficiency can cause both bone and muscle pain as well as a whole other list of other symptoms. It’s good to try and get at least twenty minutes of sun exposure every day. But, I have a little trick for you. If you want to up your vitamin D intake, leave your mushrooms outside in the sun for 15 minutes before cooking them. I know, it sounds a little bit crazy BUT similar to own bodies, exposing mushrooms to UV rays helps increase the vitamin D. Mushroom magic!

This mince is almost like the cold meat of every salad, sandwich, snack and sushi recipe you can find at the petrol/gas station. Except this time, it's enjoyable for both you and your tummy. 

Supercharged Savoury (Mighty) Mince recipe

Serves 2-3

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves chopped
• 1 brown onion, finely chopped
• 1 large carrot peeled and chopped
• 2 celery stalks sliced
• 200g button mushrooms, quartered
• 500g beef or lamb mince (grass fed is good)
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp turmeric
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• Pinch nutmeg 
• Pinch chilli flakes
• 2 tbs wheat free tamari
• Squeeze of lemon juice 
• 1 cup spinach (optional)
• 1 cup frozen peas  
• Fresh coriander to serve

Method

1. Place olive oil, garlic, onion, in heavy based saucepan over medium heat and cook until softened.
2. Add celery, carrot and mushrooms and cook
3. Stir until cooked through.
4. Add mince and break apart with wooden spoon and stir to cook until browned.
5. Season with spices and add tamari and lemon stirring well. Letting spices infuse and turn heat to low.
6. Add peas and spinach and cook on low until cooked through
7. Spoon into bowls and enjoy
8. Serve with fresh coriander 

Tis the season to be in the kitchen!

Tra la la la la la la la la.

It’s Summer here in Australia and you know what that means – long days spent at the beach (followed by a slathering of aloe vera on all those burns!), wiping grass off everywhere after lying down in the park, golden tans, endless road trips, arriving too early at the airport for your plane-ride out of here and of course, plenty of holiday feasting.

After months of being wrapped up in blankets and layered in our wooliest jumpers, it can be hard to switch out of hibernation mode. How are we supposed to go from tracksuit pants to bikini bottoms or board shorts within a week?! It seems impossible!

Well, I’m sharing some of my summer tips to help ease you into summer and the holiday season!

It’s so important to give yourself much needed you time. We sometimes get so caught up in our routine - whether it's work, schlepping the kids around, cooking, cleaning or running errands, that we sometimes forget to breathe. Whether it’s a bath, your favourite yoga class or even a massage, I’m giving you permission to slow down. I recommend trying earthing, a natural phenomenon that involves planting your feet on the ground. While this may sound silly, multiple tests have shown that this has proven to lessen stress and make you feel more grounded; go figure! Not only is this so good for our minds, it also enables our bodies time to rest and digest; key to a healthy gut, body and life.

If you’re trying to shed a kilo or two, I recommend increasing your intake of fibre-rich veggies and looking into intermittent fasting, my book Fast Your Way to Wellness has 90 great recipes that can help to keep you trim, supercharge your energy and feel great. I know what you may be thinking – should you be increasing anything when trying to lose weight? Yes! Not only do vegetables keep us full, they’re also high in fibre to help keep things moving in our bodies so we’re less prone to overindulging and unnecessary snacking. Eating veggies doesn't need to be boring. I like experimenting with a range of vegetables to keep me interested. Try out pairing them with different things, like kelp noodles, which are bursting with vitamins and nutrients.

Everyone knows how good it is for us to exercise so I won’t hit you with the hardcore facts but, I just want to send out a little reminder that exercise should be fun! If you hate the gym, try out something else. Maybe sign up with a friend for a new gym class or go for morning walks. Coming into summer it’s also a great time to take advantage of the ocean or to try out something new, I've recently taken up a body balance class which is just that; great for body balancing.

With summer comes an array of beautifully fresh produce and delicious opportunities for all your favourite meals and snacks. Check out some of my latest summer recipes below with staple ingredients from Sprout Market!

Goat’s Cheese, Fig and Peach summer platter

Does anything scream summer louder than a fruit and cheese platter?

I think not.

I’m so excited to see two of my favourite fruits back on shelves - figs and peaches.

Ahhh figs. There’s nothing quite like biting into a lusciously sweet fig that has a chewy flesh, smooth skin and a crunchy seeded centre. While dried figs are delicious and widely available, they’re much higher in sugar and lower in water than their fresher counterparts. Both dried and fresh figs are super high in fiber and a great source of potassium to help lower blood pressure. Plus, they’re so beautiful – an Instagrammer’s dream fruit!

Do you know what makes me extra peachy? Peaches! They’re high in antioxidants which means they help combat free radicals to reduce our disease risk and oxidative damage. They’re also great for supporting the gut and helping move things along the digestive tract.

I’ve featured goat's cheese in this platter, because it's delicious and much easier to digest than many other cheeses. Goat's cheese is known to causes less inflammation in the body than regular cheese and is high in calcium and fatty acids! It also helps us absorb nutrients better than regular cow’s milk. I guess you could say it’s the big cheese.

Combining these three fresh ingredients, alongside a delicious dressing filled with gut-friendly apple cider vinegar, heart-healthy extra virgin olive oil and mouth-watering rice malt syrup makes for one heck of a platter!

Serves 3-4

Ingredients

• 4 cups mixed leaves
• 1/2 cup rocket
• 1 bunch Basil, leaves
• Bunch fresh mint, leaves
• 8 figs, washed stems removed and halved
• 2 peaches, pitted and sliced
• ½ cup walnuts
• Pimp my salad superseeded sprinkle mix
• 1 packet Goat’s cheese sliced

Dressing

• 4 TBS EV olive oil
• 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp rice malt syrup or honey
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• Celtic Sea Salt to taste

Method 

Grab your serving bowl or platter

Lay a bed of mixed leaves and rocket

Top with figs, peaches, walnuts, goats cheese and super seeded sprinkle mix.

Combine the dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk

Dress the salad and serve!

Baked apple with prune, cinnamon and cardamom

I was going to say I loved apples but then I realized, I don’t think anyone dislikes apples. Seriously, try to find me someone who hates apples... I’ll wait.

Apples don’t need to just be a lunchbox-regular, they have the potential to be so much more! Apples are so versatile and will love their new makeover with this comforting summer dish. It’s a mix of sweet, spice and everything nice.

I’ve also added prunes to this mix for an extra dose of fibre. They help keep the digestive system squeaky clean and free from toxic build-up.

These baked apples are delicious on their own but could be enjoyed with some Golden Gut-time Soft Serve, coconut yoghurt or regular yoghurt. The options are endless.

Serves 1

• 1 small apple, cored but left whole
• 1–2 tablespoons filtered water

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 1/4 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 prunes, chopped
• Stevia, to taste, optional

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).

Put the apple in a small baking dish with the water. Combine the cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, prunes and stevia in a small bowl, then spoon into the centre of the apple.

Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until soft. To test, pierce the apple with a sharp knife; it should slide through easily.

Note: The apple can be cooked up to a day ahead. It can be eaten cold or warmed in the oven before eating.

Asian Kelp Noodle Salad

Before I became the gut-loving, health-nerd I am today, I was a takeaway-junkie. Being a single mum and working full-time I found it so hard to manage cooking, working and mumming (I’m not sure if that's a verb but it very-well should be!). I had a special place in my heart for Pad Thai. It was an expensive habit but one that I didn’t feel I could change.The noodles, the oily sauces, the sweet and salty tastes – it was perfect.

It was, however, not so perfect for my gut. Regular Pad Thai is filled with a number of not-so-good sauces with more numbers in them than a phone book! They're often full of MSG, high in sugar and way too hot for summer anyway.

Ever since I started my supercharged journey, I’ve always wanted to enjoy that noodle feeling, just without that post-pad thai feeling (you know what I’m talking about).

My Asian Kelp Noodle Salad is a summer-friendly supercharged version of pad thai that will save you money and heal your body. It’s perfect for an outdoor picnic or BBQ.

This salad is absolutely bursting with flavor and goodness; the crispy cucumber, the iodine-rich kelp noodles and obviously, the delicious sauce. Unlike your regular Thai place, this dressing is made with real and wholesome ingredients. While Sesame oil contains essential vitamins and minerals for our whole bodies, tamari is especially rich in mood-enhancing tryptophan. I've also included limes because of their citrusy taste and ability to improve digestion and rejuvenate skin.

My Asian Kelp Noodle Salad requires less effort, time and money than calling your local Thai place and getting takeaway. Trust me. It’s also great and super adaptable for my vegans, gluten-free and dairy-free friends.

If you do want to make this salad more of a meal, you can add a protein source, like tofu or chicken, of your choice. Or just enjoy it on its own.

How can something so simple, so easy and so minimal be so tasty?

Crazy world, kids.

Serves 3

• 340 g (12 oz) kelp noodles
• 150 g (5 1/2 oz) bean sprouts, trimmed

• 3 medium spring onions (scallions), thinly sliced
• 1 small carrot, cut into matchsticks

• 1 medium Lebanese (short) cucumber, cut into matchsticks

• 1/2 large red capsicum (pepper), cut into thin strips
• 2 tablespoons chopped almonds
• 2tablespoons chopped coriander (cilantro)
• 2 tablespoons chopped mint

DRESSING

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon wheat-free tamari
• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 1/2 teaspoon chilli flakes

• 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
• stevia, or honey to taste

Combine the dressing ingredients in a small bowl.

Rinse and drain

Mushroom and Cacao Dessert Drink

You know how there are some foods you can eat in any weather? Let's take ice-cream for example. Even if it’s freezing outside and you need to layer up with blankets, while next to the fire, with all the windows shut, ice-cream is always worth it.

That’s me and hot chocolate. I can have hot chocolate any time of any day, no matter the weather.

When I found out about the medicinal mushroom craze, I thought it was pretty cool... not cool enough to ruin my hot chocolate, but you know, pretty cool. But now, I can officially say I'm a convert! I’m a proud mushroom hot cacao advocate. You must make some shROOM for this hot chocolate.  

This unique hot chocolate blend combines spices and reishi mushrooms to help relieve stress and improve sleep. Reishi is great for balancing our adrenal system to calm us down. The cinnamon and cardamom in this mix can even help combat sweet cravings! It’s also full of cacao which is full of antioxidants and has a high source of plant-based iron. 

A hot chocolate that's perfectly creamy, delicious and somehow super healthy. It’s the ideal treat to satisfy chocolate cravings and help you beat the 3pm energy slump.

It can be enjoyed by anyone and everyone. It’s organic, vegan, paleo and doesn’t contain any additives, gluten, lactose, white sugar or soy.

Ingredients

• 1 packet of Mushroom Hot Cacao
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup milk of choice

Method

Dissolve one packet into a saucepan with warm water, and milk of choice. Beat with a whisk until frothy and serve.

I know what you’re probably thinking… how hard is it to dump some avocado on toast?

I, too, never thought of creating a smashed avocado recipe. That was, until I made this one. 

This smashed avocado is not your regular, run-of-the-mill smashed avocado on toast. This smavo (that’s smashed avocado for all you newbies) is deliciously supercharged. So, what makes my smashed avo so special?

Unless you’ve been living under a rock (and if so, welcome!), you’d know that smashed avo has taken the world by storm. For all you waiters, waitresses, cooks and chefs, those two words are probably the ones you see in your sleep; the ones you’ve heard over and over again. It’s eaten for breakfast, brunch, lunch and even as a snack and it's one of the things that Australians do so well.

The mighty avocado is on the forefront of all our social media feeds, being used from anything from burger buns, to chocolate mousses and even avocado fries!

But, I’ve also heard that some people fear the lovely fruit, saying it’s too high in calories or fat. Is avocado actually a devil in disguise? 

Absolutely not! However, just like everything in life, avocado should be enjoyed in moderation.

Avocado is rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, meaning it helps boost skin health, reduces LDL cholesterol levels in the blood and can lower risk of heart disease and stroke. It’s also high in vitamin K which increases bone health and assists our absorption of calcium. Vitamin E is another strength of the avocado; an antioxidant that protects our cells from damage.

As I mentioned before, avocado is extremely versatile, making its way in my Berry and Avocado Smoothie Bowl, my Love Your Gut Lassi and Sardine Mash Pot.

So now we're on the same avocado-loving page, let's begin with my smashed avo... 

First thing’s first, we need to find the ripe avocado. When you're at the supermarket or farmers market, I recommend being that annoying person that presses all the avocados - this is a pressing matter after all! Gently squeeze your thumb into the avocado and if it gives a little, it’s the right one.

But, there’s more to smashed avo than just the avo. It takes two to tango... or should we say smavo? Avocado needs its mighty companion - the bread!

I’ve created the most perfect base for your smashed avo. It’s a simple and delicious recipe that will make you fall in loaf with smashed avo on toast. My Golden Gut Pumpkin and Nut Loaf is what you'll need. It's a gluten-free and dairy-free bread that almost tastes too good to be true. I've cooked it with pumpkin which is high in antioxidants and omega-3 rich fatty acids. It also has buckwheat flour in it which gives it a wonderfully earthy taste but keeps it gluten-free and low GI. Naturally, no golden recipe can be completed without my Golden Gut Blend. It’s an all-round winning bread recipe.

Now we’ve got the avo and toast together; one of the best duo's of all time, it’s time to supercharge this recipe with some seasonings! I've a new found obsession with garlic chips so they've made an obvious feature here. Garlic is part of the allium family and has the potential to control blood pressure,  treat colds and infections and may even benefit blood sugar levels. It’s also damn tasty.  Just be sure to eat it after your first date, rather than before, for obvious smell reasons.

Personally, I love getting hands on in the kitchen. While smashing avocadoes may not be as rewarding as smashing a punching bag in a boxing class, it can be much more therapeutic, less harmful and done in your pyjamas. Forget Mayweather vs McGregor, it’s just you vs. that avocado. 

Let’s take a toast to Smashed Avo on Golden Gut Loaf!

Smashed Avo on Golden Gut Loaf

Serves two

Two slices Golden Gut Pumpkin and Nut Loaf
4 cloves garlic sliced
1 tbs olive oil
1 avocado
1 tbs lemon juice
Pinch of cumin
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup feta (cubed) 
Extra olive oil for drizzling 

Coriander or flat leaf parsley to serve

In a small frying pan place olive oil and fry garlic til golden. Set aside
In a small bowl mash avocado with a fork and add lemon, cumin and olive oil
Toast gut loaf and place on plate 
Top with avocado, tumble on feta and add garlic chips
Drizzle with olive oil 
Season to taste (the feta makes it quite salty so black pepper is a good option)
Decorate with herbs of choice