As you may already know, I'm a raving fan of my Love Your Gut Powder. Among many of it's benefits, the powder helps clean out accumulated build-up of waste, toxins, metals and mucous in the digestive tract as well as improving digestion and increasing nutrient absorption. 

Ever since launching the powder, I've received thousands of questions asking me how I like to incorporate Love Your Gut Powder into my everyday life; my tricks, my tips and my recipes. I thought it was time to finally give the people what they want! This is why I'm excited to launch my FREE Love Your Gut Powder E-Book. This eBook contains 12 gut-loving recipes to help you fall in love with your gut. It includes smoothies, breakfasts, turmeric treats and more!

This coconut yo-gut is just one of the supercharged delicious recipes you'll find in the free eBook. 

This frozen dessert is so delicious you wouldn't know it's good for you! 

Initially, coconut yogurt is made with pressed coconut milk and water. Coconuts are high in fat which is amazing for lowering bad cholesterol levels and helping you lose a few inches on the waist line! Most coconut yoghurts are dairy-free, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the same gut-healing effects as normal yoghurts do.

Coconut yoghurt contains live cultures and bacteria which have a probiotic effect on the body. Probiotics help boost our immune system, improve digestion and assist with various bowel conditions like constipation and irritable bowel syndrome.

Probiotics are also amazing for keeping your gut in check. This is why I just couldn’t resist adding in my Love Your Gut powder into the mix! Double the gut health, double the fun!

To make my frozen coyo easier for you guys, I’ve gotten rid of some of the dirty work. Instead of having to make coconut yoghurt at home, my recipe requires a cup of already made coconut yoghurt. 

While it’s amazing if you have time to make the real thing from the start - not everybody has time to break the coconuts off the tree themselves and spend hours churning away in the kitchen! You are more than welcome to create your own coconut yoghurt for the recipe, but you have the okay from me to buy a good quality brand that you love and have fun with turning it into coconut frozen yo-gut!

There are some great brands of coconut yoghurt that are full of only the good stuff and no nasties. These can be enjoyed by all and will save you hours of slaving away in the kitchen. Just be sure to check the ingredients list before buying and look out for some hidden sugars and additives.  

My frozen coconut yoghurt recipe is high in fat, giving it a creamy texture and much fuller flavour! The bonus beauty of this recipe is that it can be jazzed up enough for a dinner party dessert and tastes just as naughty as the real thing.

Coconut yoghurt is undeniably delicious and having it frozen makes for a perfect treat!

Who is ready to go loco for some frozen coyo?

For more gut-loving recipes, download my FREE eBook here.

Coconut Yo-gut

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 TBSP LYG powder
• 1 cup coconut yoghurt (chilled)
• 1 TSP vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
• Pinch cinnamon
• 1 cup frozen raspberries
• Edible flowers to decorate

Method:

• Place all ingredients in a blender until smooth
• Scoop into bowl and place in freezer for 15 minutes to firm up
• Remove from freezer, top with berries and decorate with flowers

Enjoy! Lee xo

I don't know about you, but sometimes, when I go to do my weekly grocery shop I'm in such a rush that I'm running around and miss a few vital foods on my list. 

What can I say? I'm only human.

So, I often have to make my embarrassing way back to the shops and, I must admit, get a little distracted and often deviate from my list. Who can walk past brightly-coloured raspberries and not buy them?

I often think to myself, hmmm, did I buy enough zucchini for the week? Are there any avocados left? Do we have enough bananas?

The answer is no. Always no. 

In my house, you can never have enough bananas. I always think we need more. So obviously, I listen to my gut, and buy a few more bananas. 

And that is the story behind why I always end up with one too many bananas.

But anyway, back to food blogging... 

When these potassium-rich fruits start to go a bit brown, don't panic! You can always freeze bananas for a smoothie bowl, or my famous mint choc chip smoothie. 

This time, instead of just freezing my bananas, I experimented with something a little different.

I've used a few extras to create something I’ve been craving of late:

Golden Gut Oatmeal Cookies.

You know when you're drinking a cup of tea (or chai in my case) in the afternoon and you longingly wish for the perfect, crunchy, yet chewy cookie to dunk in your cup? These are the cookies. They're full of the wonderful spices cinnamon, ginger and of course, turmeric (if you can’t tell… it’s my favourite) because of their anti-inflammatory properties and delicious tastes. 

To make adding ALL of these spices, plus my Love Your Gut powder, to recipes, as easy as possible for you and, to add a little bit of bang for your buck, I've created a beautiful product that I'm so excited to share with you. I just knew these cookies would be the perfect way to do it! Because I mean... cookies... hello?. 

I’m using my brand new, golden gut blend to make these cookies as simple to throw together and as good for you as possible! Golden gut is a raw whole food powder that’s gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, low in fat, paleo and vegan. It contains organic food-grade diatomaceous earth naturally de-bittered organic turmeric, certified organic ginger, certified organic cinnamon and certified organic black pepper! It can help improve nutrient absorption, digestion and regulation PLUS it’s full of anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties because of my favourite golden spice. It’s basically magical fairy dust, you can read more about it's magical powers and ambidextrous nature in the kitchen here. 

These cookies also contain gluten-free rolled oats which help lower your cholesterol levels, keep your bowels regular and your blood sugar levels low. Instead of regular white flour, we're using almond meal. Almond meal acts as a great alternative to normal flour because it’s gluten-free, low in carbohydrates, high in fibre, rich in good fats and adds a hefty source of plant-based protein.

Lo and behold, I’ve combined my love of sweet foods with my adoration of spice with these golden gut oatmeal cookies.

These cookies are high in fibre, healthy fats, protein and anti-inflammatory properties.  Looks like I'm going to have to keep buying one too many bananas more often... 

Golden Gut Oatmeal Cookies

Makes 12 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups gluten free rolled oats
• 1 cup almond meal
• 1 heaped tbs golden gut blend 
• 1/2 tsp sea salt
• 1 egg whisked
• 2 bananas mashed
• 4 tbs raw honey or 1/2 tsp stevia powder
• 3 tbs unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

• Preheat oven to 190 degrees Celsius
• Place baking paper on baking tray 
• Place oats, almond meal, golden gut blend, and sea salt in a bowl and mix
• In a separate bowl add egg, banana, honey, butter and vanilla and stir
• Add wet ingredients to dry and mix with a wooden spoon adding more almond meal if mixture is a little wet.
• Scoop handfuls of dough together and roll into balls
• Place them onto baking sheet then press down with a hand or spatula to make a biscuit shape about 5 cms thick 
• Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 mins until golden (longer if you are making bigger cookies).
• Once ready place on a wire rack to cool.

Give them a try and let me know what you think in the comments section below.

Image by Kate Duncan

What do you do when life gives you lemons?

Make lemon slices! 

Think back to the first lemon slice you ever bit into. Was it equally decadent yet surprisingly fresh, classically creamy yet delicately chewy and beautifully zingy yet surprisingly sweet?

The lemon slices many recall from childhood were made with a chewy biscuity base that was complemented perfectly by a smooth lemony filling that achieved mouth-watering satisfaction. But, these desserts were often made with a biscuit base, loads of sugar, flour, milk, coconut and of course, luscious lemon.

While this may be the dessert you dream of, for some it is a nightmare for the gut. Sugar, gluten and dairy are all known to irritate the lining of the gut, causing various digestive disorders and serious discomfort in some people.

But there is no need to give up on lemon slices altogether.  I'm encouraging you to throw out everything you’ve ever known and thought about lemon slices right now, because things are about to get very interesting…

I'm going to share with you my raw, sugar-free lemon slice that's bound to impress and tastes just like the real thing minus the uncomfortable bloating after eating. 

To begin, lets work from the ground up, in this case it’s all about the base. Instead of a regular lemon slice biscuit base, this supercharged slice uses a delicious mix of shredded coconut, coconut butter and creamy cashews.

You may be looking at this and thinking: what’s the difference between coconut oil and coconut butter?

Well, coconut oil has been extracted from the meat of the coconut whereas coconut butter is a spreadable paste made from coconut flesh. Coconut butter can act like a metabolism booster that can help burn calories and increase energy levels. It's high in lauric acid which can boost immunity and ward off viruses.  It’s delicious in soups, curries or sometimes, off the spoon (I won’t tell if you don’t!).

Of course, you can’t have a lemon slice without a zingy squeeze of lemon. Lemons are rich in many nutrients like immune-fighting vitamin C and blood pressure-stabilising potassium. They can also help aid digestion, balance our internal pH levels and reduce fevers. If you are looking for an excuse to eat a lemon slice, this is it! 

And now for the filling. Not only do these slices contain lovely lemons, they also contain limes. Limes have been used for centuries for their medicinal purposes. They can help aid digestive disorders, relieve constipation and get your skin nice and glowy. Combine the lemon and the lime and you've got a really good show going!

I just need to warn you, these lemon slices will give any other lemon slice you've ever had a run for it's money. They're seriously decadent, fresh and delicious.

PS: If you're a slice loving kind of person, please promise you'll check out my Salted Caramel Slice and Australian Lamingtons.

Without further adieu, the lemon slices you've all been waiting for:

Lemon Slice

Ingredients:

• Base
• ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours in filtered water & drained
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• ¼ tsp stevia powder
• 60mL freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp melted coconut butter

• Filling
• 250g raw cashews, soaked for 2 hours in filtered water & drained
• ½ cup coconut butter
• Zest & juice 2 limes
• Juice 2 lemons
• 1 tsp alcohol-free vanilla extract
• ¼ tsp stevia powder
• 60mL coconut milk

Method:

• To make the base, combine cashews and shredded coconut in food processor and blend. Stir in remaining base ingredients, adding some filtered water
 if it looks too dry and won’t hold together.
• Use your hands to mould mixture into dough, then press dough into freezer-proof tray. Place in freezer for 30 mins.
• To make filling, combine all the ingredients in a food processor and blend until smooth.
• Remove the base from freezer and add the filling, using the back of the spoon to smooth the top.
• Return the slice to the fridge for 30 mins or until set. Cut into slices and serve.
• Will keep in airtight container in fridge for up to 1 week, or 2 weeks in freezer.

Enjoy!

Lee xo 

Never ever think that just because you’re sticking to an eating protocol that you have to be a victim of restriction. I’m not a believer in hard core dietary limitation, however I do believe you can achieve detoxification, cleansing, and give your gut a rest from everyday stressors whilst still indulging in pleasure. All it takes is some creativity and an open mind.

In fact, fasting as a spiritual practice is a way to experience the pleasure of a higher conscious state, mindfully detaching from mealtimes as a way to re-focus. During my fasting protocol, which isn’t a complete abstinence of eating all together, you do have the opportunity to truly savor simple elemental flavours. By the end of a fast, you may actually find that your taste buds have re-wired to find even vegetables bursting with sweetness.

Ritual is something of a lost art in our society, and sitting down to food with a mindful, conscious approach is somewhat of a shock to the system in our fast paced world. How often do you sit down, breathe, indulge, and bask your senses in the still quiet of a meal? This approach can act as a mini health retreat, a minor meditation that will re-set your mind on the goodness and beauty of life.

While I’m fasting, I love to sit down in the afternoon to take a pause between ticking tasks off my to-do list, to have some time for myself; refueling for the afternoon. I’ll light myself a candle, prepare myself a pot of herbal tea in a nice tea-pot, and sit down to a snack. My strawberry teacakes are a true delight for afternoon tea, and my lime and blueberry muffins are a sweet treat that will never disappoint.

While I’m fasting, I still want to enjoy a treat that is generous in flavor, and I’d have to say this coconut and banana bread from my new book Fast Your Way to Wellness is an utterly gorgeous indulgence, with a tropical twist on the classic flavours of everyday banana bread, which is usually loaded with wheat and white sugar.

This beauty is free from gluten, low in fructose and uses coconut flour, which imparts the flavour of a Maldivian island, yet offers a range of health benefits. Coconut supplies energy building medium chain fatty acids, micro-flora support and defence against parasites and pathogens thanks to lauric acid and monolaurin. Studies have also shown the fatty acids in coconut help you to eat less, and this is believed to be the result of the way these fats are metabolized.

Bananas are high in potassium, vitamin B6, immune boosting vitamin C, and also contain nutrients that moderate blood sugar levels; helping you to avoid blood sugar plummets during periods of fasting. Bananas are also quite rich in fibre and resistant starch, which are loved by your gut microbes, keeping all those friendly bacteria happy, healthy and fed. Look after these guys and they will look after you! You can read more about the importance about gut health in my popular e-Book Heal Your Gut.

I use a few eggs in this recipe, which adds a good hit of protein to keep you fuller for longer. Honestly, I’m not sure I can find another ingredient that quite matches the nutritional generosity and convenience of the mighty egg. These guys are the perfect portion of fats, proteins and nutrients to aid in body building and all round nourishment. They’re an inexpensive, high quality source of protein, which is found mostly in the whites.  Egg whites contain rich sources of selenium, vitamin D, B12, B6 and minerals such as iron, zinc and copper. Egg yolks contain fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, K and lecithin. If you buy high quality free range eggs that have come from hens who have pecked around happily in green pastures, they’ll also contain a nice dose of anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids, so be sure to know you’re eggs.

Aside from binding this bread nicely, eggs are intentionally part of the recipe to ensure you are gaining nutrient density and protein to keep you happy during a fast. But you’ll barely notice you’re fasting when ritually enjoying a slice of this luscious loaf, and with an open and conscious mind, every mouthful will bless your tastebuds.

Take the time to bake and enjoy this gift to yourself with a cup of herbal tea such as this lavender tea with almond milk, or a cleansing and anti-inflammatory turmeric and ginger tea.

Coconut banana bread

Makes 8 slices

119 calories per slice (498kJs)

 Ingredients:

• 3 ripe small bananas
• 3 medium eggs, lightly whisked
• 90 g (3¹/₄oz/¹/₄ cup) rice malt (brown rice) syrup  
• a few drops alcohol-free vanilla extract
• 30 g (1 oz/¹/₄cup) coconut flour
• ³/₄teaspoon bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• ¹/₂teaspoon salt
• fruit, to serve (optional)

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a 21 x 9 cm (8¹/₄x 3¹/₂ in) loaf (bar) tin.
2. Peel and mash the bananas in a medium bowl. Add the eggs, rice malt syrup and vanilla, then mix well. Add the flour, bicarbonate of soda and salt, then mix well. Pour the mixture into the prepared tin.
3. Bake for 50 minutes, or until a skewer inserted in the centre of the bread comes out clean. Completely cool in the tin on a wire rack, then slice and serve with fruit (if using).

Are you getting ready to hop into Easter?

I have the perfect sweet treat for you this Easter. Some healthy and tasty treats that won't melt while you’re on the Easter egg hunt.

Introducing my Easter Bliss Balls, or as I like to call them LEEaster Balls!

These are the greatest hunter gatherer snack you can find for Easter. They’re nutritious, delicious and won't tie you down in between eating (or overeating) sessions. I like to think of them as a little good thing amongst all the decadence.

Whilst everyone knows that bliss balls are a 'healthy treat', a lot of the time they're filled with a LOT of dried fruit - I'm talking double the quantity you would eat in one sitting! Dried fruit is delicious but it can be hard going on the gut because of the high levels of sulphites and sugars - giving you some unwanted digestive problems.

These balls don’t contain any unwelcome ingredients, which means your tummy won’t be frustrated with you during the Easter holidays. In fact LEEaster balls will make you and your insides happy.

I’ve included two different  variations for you – chewy chocolate and anti-inflammatory attack!

When hosting Easter meals, the chocolate balls go down as a terrific treat and for times when you're in need of a health boost, the anti-inflammatory turmeric balls are the way to go.

I’ve also included my Love Your Gut powder into the mixture for some much-needed gut-loving;  a true necessity after the over-indulging we usually do around holiday time. The powder also has remarkable health benefits, improving nutrient absorption and taking care of your hair, skin and nails, not to mention it's absorbable iron content that is wonderful for energy levels.  You can watch and read more about the health benefits of it here.

By the way, I forgot to munch-ion that these balls are approved by the Easter Bunny, so please be sure to give them a go!

LEEaster Balls

Ingredients

• 1 TBSP LYG powder
• 1⁄2 cup almond meal
• 5 TBSP almond nut butter
• 1⁄2 cup tahini
•  8 drops liquid stevia
• 1 cup chopped nuts of choice
• 1⁄2 cup coconut flakes
•  1⁄4 cup sesame seeds plus extra for coating
• Chocolate: 1 TSP cacao or more if you like them chocolaty!
• Anti-inflammatory: 1 TSP turmeric, 1 TSP cinnamon and 1⁄2 TSP ginger 

Directions

Makes: 12

1. Place almond meal, LYG powder, coconut flakes and nuts into food processor and mix.
2. Add stevia, almond nut butter and tahini and continue to mix until combined.
3. Chill the dough in the freezer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove and roll into balls on a flat tray.
5. Place extra sesame seeds in a bowl and roll balls to coat the surface.
6. Refrigerate and enjoy.
7. Chocolate version: Add in a 1 tsp of cacao to the base mixture or more if you like them chocolaty!
8. Anti-inflammatory: Add 1 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp cinnamon and 1⁄2 tsp ginger to base mixture. 

Supercharged Tip

You can make a big batch and keep a few of these in the freezer for later. 

Happy LEEaster,

Lee xo

Is a Sunday morning really a Sunday morning without pikelets?

When I reminisce about some of my favourite Sunday mornings, they involve late mornings, lazy tunes, light rain and steaming hot pikelets with toppings galore! 

Over the years, I’ve experimented with healthy-fying my old pikelets recipe and I’ve finally come up with a gut-healing recipe I know you all will love...

Green Pikelets!  

Yes you read that correctly - green pikelets! Before you wrinkle your nose and squint your eyes at the word 'green' in front of 'pikelets', just trust me on this one. The green aspect of these pikelets take them to the next level.

As you know, I love trying to incorporate veggies into my diet as much as possible. This is why adding spinach, a brilliant green leaf and a great source of folate, iron, vitamins and minerals, is the perfect addition to any pikelet recipe.

I know how hard it can be to get the kids to finish their vegetables, let alone enjoy them, so my pikelets recipe is sure to be a winner for both you and the kids. Hooray!

Even the biggest sceptics won't be able to taste the difference with this recipe. I've trialled and tested it out on my family and even the fussiest one in our bunch loved them. They’re secretly healthy but let me tell you, they're so delicious that will be adored by all.

To make them extra creamy, I add almond milo the recipe but you can use any milk that you prefer for a good hit of calcium. Rice milk makes them extra sweet and creamy. 

Pikelets are great for Sunday mornings but really, can be enjoyed for any day at any time! They make for the perfect afternoon hit, busy breakfast, lazy lunch, mid-morning pick-me-up or decadent dessert.

The great thing about these delicious treats is that they can be eaten with savoury and sweet toppings. I say - go crazy!

I love having mine with eggs for a savoury protein hit in the morning. They can also be enjoyed with some of my lemon and blueberry ice-cream, nut butter, simple berries for an antioxidant hit or even on their own!

So what are you waiting for? Let's enjoy some fluffy green pikelets for breakfast this morning.

Green Pikelets

Serves 2

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch of English spinach leaves
• ¼ cup chia seeds

• 1/2 cup almond meal
• 2 eggs
• 1 TBS smooth nut butter
• 1 TBS LYG powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup almond milk or milk of choice
• good pinch of Celtic sea salt
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil, or butter for frying

Method:

Place all the ingredients, except the coconut oil or butter if using, into a food processor and combine until smooth.

Remove batter and let sit for 5-10 minutes.

Heat a frying pan over medium heat and add half the oil.

Depending upon the size of the pikelets preferred, could just under ¼ cup mixture into the pan and cook for 5 minutes on one side, then flip over to do other side for about 3 minutes.

Place on a waiting plate and continue until all the batter is used.

Happy cooking!  Lee xo

As much as the health world idolizes the beauty of eating poached eggs and greens for breakfast – sometimes we just can’t hold back from our morning sweet tooth! Sometimes fluffy muffins, crunchy cereals and chewy choc-chip cookies are calling your name and the last thing on your mind is eggs and kale?!

Instead of fighting cravings, let’s embrace them! Listening to your cravings is so important and can indicate a lot about what you’re needing both emotionally and physically and can help to highlight the foods that you may have become addicted to.

If you’re craving chocolate, it could mean you're magnesium deficient. Magnesium is available in fish, dark leafy greens and nuts. Craving sweet foods like pastries, white bread and pasta may mean that you're chromium deficient. Chromium can be found in oats, sweet potatoes and eggs.

Thinking about cravings rationally and listening to them can help us lead healthier and happier lives.  So instead of ignoring cravings, why not just make healthier choices and fill up with healthy versions of favorite foods?

I'd love to introduce you to my new delicious No More Muffin Top Muffin recipe and I’ve made sure that they'll not only improve your gut health and waistline but also fill your daily ‘eggs and greens’ quota! 

If you’re not already on the healthified sweets train, these muffins will make you jump on board! Forget the traditional, sugar-filled, gluten-packed muffins and swap to a new world of healthy, refined-sugar free and absolutely tasty muffins. There are no strange ingredients here – just healthy wholesome baking ingredients.

Who could pass up the chance to start the day with fluffy, yummy muffins? The chromium-packed eggs and vitamin-filled zucchini makes sure these beautiful muffins stay moist, while my Love Your Gut powder (a raw vegan plant based whole food) ensures that you're getting good gut-healing straight off the bat.

My Love Your Gut powder is high in absorbable iron which helps to support tiredness and fatigue and it doesn't leave you constipated like traditional synthetic iron supplements do. That way you can get your necessary iron via real plant based foody-goodness.

Magnesium-packed almond-meal is a delicious gluten-free flour that is great for baking so I threw it into the mix too. This recipe also contains a touch of butter, which contains healthy saturated fats and fat-soluble vitamins. Butter helps these baked treats stay fluffy and keep their texture. Yum!

So, make up a batch and let me know what you think? They freeze well too!

No More Muffin Top Muffins

Makes 6 large or 12 small muffins

Make these the day before and then just warm them in the oven for 10 minutes before enjoying. They're surprising filling and full of veggie goodness.  Take them as a snack to work too.

• 11/2 cups) almond meal
• 1/2 cup) toasted walnuts
• 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 1/2 tsp gluten-free baking powder
• 1/4 tsp Celtic sea salt

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 
1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 3/4 tsp stevia powder
• 1 tbs LYG powder
• 11/2 cups grated zucchini
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup additive-free coconut milk
• 1/4 cup melted butter

Place zucchini in a sieve over a bowl and sprinkle with a little salt and let sit.

Line a muffin tray with muffin liners and preheat oven to 180°C

In a medium bowl, place all the dry ingredients and mix well with a wooden spoon

With your hands, very tightly squeeze the zucchini to remove any excess moisture.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, coconut milk and butter together. Fold the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and then very gently stir in the zucchini.

With a spoon, carefully spoon mixture into the muffin tray liners  and place into the oven for 45 minutes until cooked through- you can test with a skewer.

Let cool on a wire rack.  These can be kept in the fridge for 4 days in a sealed container.

Lee xo

Fellow Cookie Monsters - This one's for you!

Do you ever remember as a child coming home after school to the smell of freshly baked cookies wafting through the house? That feeling when you're floating on clouds and happy at the thought of eating cookies? A feeling that lasted the whole afternoon. Or perhaps it's the childhood memory of a burnt finger with the excitement of releasing your inner-cookie monster and gobbling down a few delicious bites? Or fighting with a sibling over who was going to get the last one?

I'm sure you'll all agree that here's nothing quite as wistfully wonderful and terrifically tasty as cookies that have just been airlifted out of the oven. 

That's why I wanted to create a new kind of cookie- a healthier version 2017 style! Not only are they the perfect cookie to have with your afternoon tea, they’re a great balance of equally chewy yet crunchy; a combination any cookie connoisseur will understand.  These will leave everyone in the household smiling because of that delightfully homey and oh so nostalgic: we-just-baked-delicious-cookies smell. If that doesn't make for a nostalgically good cookie, I don't know what will! 

Different from your regular sugar-laden, gluten-filled, artificially coloured cookies, mine are all the frees and tummy friendly. The main two ingredients are banana and quinoa and they make for a tasty, yet unlikely duo.

I have combined the magical power of protein-packed quinoa with comforting coconut flour to make these cookies gluten-free and because I'm all about gut health, I've added a sprinkle of my magical Love Your Gut Powder! Just a little bit of LYG powder can really go a long way. Sneaking it into treats, like these cookies, is a great way to give your gut a nice boost without ever having to think about it! I’ve done the all the hard work for you, I'm nice like that 😉

The humble apple is one of my greatly adored kitchen staples and today I'm sharing an apple recipe from my brand new book Fast Your Way to Wellness.

Affordable, nutritious and versatile, they’re a scrumptious fruity must-have that I love to continually replenish within my kitchen. Whether sliced thinly and thrown into salads, baked and stuffed with nuts and oats, stewed and made into apple sauce, or lovingly formed into a classic crumble, apples are the jack of all trades and a loyal friend that awaits transformation into all kinds of delectable creations.

Apples are nutritional ninjas, boasting loads of wellness boosting properties. Did you know that apples are a wonderful ingredient for regulating blood sugar? Recent studies have shown that the polyphenols contained within apples can help to prevent rollercoaster blood sugar spikes. Particular flavonoids like quercetin have the effect of inhibiting enzymes like alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase which normally break down carbohydrates into simple sugars. Therefore when you eat apples, your body deals with less simple sugars and releases you from spikes in blood sugar.

I must admit that sometimes, I like to let my inner-Nigella free and venture into the kitchen for some secret midnight snacking!

This is an activity that is totally okay by me... just not something that should happen every single night -  especially when it often involves sugar-laden treats that can often leave your tummy feeling uncomfortable, your blood sugar levels sky high and your brain over wired.

So, what to do? Go for the celery stick instead? This moment is one that many people are often plagued with and a time when you might start to question all of the food decisions you’ve ever made up until this point. 

I know I’m not the only one who partakes in such activities and so, I thought I'd make myself useful and create something that is okay for an anytime treat. This is a recipe that you can keep in your freezer when hunger cravings strike. It's my favourite gut loving and satiating Turmeric Tummy Bark.   These fine chunks of goodness will satisfy your sweet cravings, keep you feeling happy and leave your tummy feeling fine. 

This delicious bark is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, refined-sugar free, nutritious and super scrumptious. I've made sure that it's packed with all the good stuff; turmeric, slivered almonds and my insta-famous Love Your Gut powder. Just one bite will leave you feeling better, rather than worse after you’ve eaten it, and that to me is a treat worth waiting for.

Today I'm supercharging a classic cake stall favourite straight outta the 80's.  Back in the day when fashions and seasons were mixed; leg warmers and mini skirts, lace with acid wash jeans, now I'm combining salt and caramel!  

Say hello to my gooey and melt-in-the-mouth Salted Caramel Slice, a dessert sure to be a sell out at every school fete across the country.

These beauties are gluten-free, dairy-free, refined-sugar free and full of healthy mood boosting ingredients.  I mean, what kind of person doesn’t break into a smile when they’re gobbling down a piece of chocolatey caramel slice? You’ll be surprised at how something so delicious can actually be so nutritious!

To reach their supercharged potential, I've rounded up some cashews and almonds to make the base. Cashews are great for zinc, iron and vitamins E, K and B6 and almonds are known for their fibre levels, protein, iron, magnesium and vitamin E.

These slices are full of lip-licking and tongue-tingling goodness, and satisfy your sweet cravings without adding inches to your waistline! They partner well with a pot of tea and best served chilled.

If you're looking for a healthy dessert to wow your guests or a superfood snack for afternoon tea, you've come to the right place! 

So, what are you waiting for?

Here’s what you need:

Ingredients: 

Base

• 1 cup raw cashews
• 1 cup raw almonds
• 1/2 cup buckwheat groats
• 2 tbsp coconut oil, melted
• 1 tbsp rice malt syrup
• a few cracks of sea salt

Filling: 

• 1 cup cashew butter
• 1/3 cup rice malt syrup
• 2 tbsp coconut oil 
• a few cracks of sea salt 

Chocolate topping:

• 1 tbsp coconut oil 
• 1 tbsp cacao butter
• 2 tsp cacao powder

Method: 

1. For the base, combine cashews, almonds and buckwheat in a food processor
2. Transfer to a bowl and add coconut oil, rice malt syrup and sea salt. This is best combined using hands and then pressing into a brownie tin. Leave in fridge for an hour or freezer for half an hour while preparing the filling. 
3. To make filling, combine all ingredients in a bowl and spread on top of the base. Leave in the fridge for an hour or freezer for half an hour. 
4. To make the topping melt coconut oil and cacao butter, add cacao powder and stir until there is no lumps... Drizzle on top of slice and set in the fridge or freezer. Top with shredded coconut and a few more cracks of sea salt!

Give them a whirl and let me know what you think in the comments section below 🙂

In the searing heat of summer, I want my food to be refreshing, full of supercharged ingredients, and speedy to prepare. Balmy evenings and the dry warmth of the summer air begs for our energy to shift from the comforting presence of the stove and lengthy food preparation, towards simple alfresco food solutions that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike.

In the warmer parts of the year, my priorities shift away from indoor activity, to more outdoor, social engagements; morning yoga sessions and beach walks followed by throw-together breakfasts, inviting friends over for a shaded outdoor lunch of simple, seasonal ingredients, and family gatherings where common sense, last-minute entertaining or pot luck offerings are regularly required.

When enjoying the food of summer, I always tackle my food planning with a two-fold approach. Firstly, and most importantly, I focus on healing, supercharged ingredients that are full of the season’s well-curated nutrients that support immunity, energy and vitality that the summertime requires. Secondly, I love to embrace speedy simplicity by taking hold of the ritual of batch cooking, one pan options, and easy-peasy snacks and refreshments that allow less time in hands-on food prep, and more time enjoying the outdoors and the presence of those I love.

For summer breakfasts, you can’t go past a glorious granola topped with a mountain of seasonal fruits. My Cranberry and Walnut Granola is my favourite go-to. I find great contentment mixing and baking a large batch of this scrumptious stuff during a Sunday batch-cooking session. You should smell the aroma! The blissful scent of sweet cranberries and roasting nuts will fill the air of your home, comforting your mind with the assurance of nourishing breakfasts sorted for the week ahead. I love to immerse my granola in homemade almond milk topped with fresh organic farmer’s market fruits. You can’t beat passionfruit, mango or raspberries!

One pan meals minimise the need for hands on time in the kitchen, and you don’t have to miss out on flavour with a throw-together dish. My Seven Minute One Pan Salmon with Greens is one you could do blindfolded, and always delivers the light, fresh oceanic flavours of salmon, plus the anti-inflammatory benefits of this high omega 3 fish. It’s also surrounded by seasonal greens that are important for oxygenating the blood to increase energy levels for outdoor cricket or rugby and trying to keep up with chasing around my three step sons during the holidays. 

But if I were to uphold one of the greatest summer recipes that I know of, I’d have to wave my banner for these no-fail popsicles. For the amount of effort required to whip up a batch of these darlings, it never ceases to amaze me how many times they have brought a sense of delight to both adults and children on a sweltering summers day.

As guests drizzle in through the holidays, I love to have a few variations of this basic recipe stored up in my freezer to bless unexpected guests. At the point of their presentation, it’s beautiful to watch the kid come out of everyone in response to the offer.

When whipping these up, you can use the basic variation, add cacao for a cheeky chocolate flavour, or try some of these seasonal variations:

• Blend in some mango chunks and scatter some whole macadamias into each mould
• Drop a handful of chopped strawberries into the mix before pouring into moulds for a strawberries and cream popsicle
• Stir the pulp of two passionfruit into the mix before pouring.
• Blend in a handful of blueberries and the zest of one lemon.

The best thing about this recipe is that it utilises simple non-perishable food items that can be kept on hand for use at any moment. Aside from being conveniently canned, coconut milk is also highly nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins C, E, B1, B3, B5 and B6 and minerals including iron, selenium, sodium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. It’s also dairy free, so your popsicles will still impress friends or children with dairy allergies.

My Love Your Gut powder is included in this recipe but is an optional addition. However I always love to prioritise a scoop, as it’s a simple way to cram in its remarkable gut healing benefits of improving detoxification, aiding nutrient absorption, increasing the health of hair skin and nails, and boosting hydration in the hot weather. You can read more about the benefits of the LYG powder and purchase it here.

Popsicles

Makes 6-8 popsicles 

Ingredients:

• 2 cans of organic coconut milk 
• seeds of one vanilla bean (or alcohol free vanilla/ vanilla powder) 
• 2 Tbsp LYG Powder
• 10 drops of stevia (or to taste) 

For chocolate version add in 1 tsp of cacao powder

Method:

1. Blend all ingredients in a blender.
2. Pour into popsicle mould and leave in freezer for 3-4 hours. 

*These are best eaten at this time, as if left overnight or too long in the freezer, the coconut milk sometimes splits. 

Make them and let me know how you go!  Viva la holidays 🙂

Lee xo