Tag: health journey

A Breakfast Slice

[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|54px|0px” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” use_custom_gutter=”off” gutter_width=”3″ custom_padding=”27px|0px|0px|0px” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”on” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”on” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”on” parallax_4=”off” parallax_method_4=”on” admin_label=”row” disabled=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ disabled=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

I have previously written about smoothies for breakfast and shared my favourite smoothie recipe. However, there are some days when time is short and a takeaway breakfast is ideal. As we are trying not to eat processed foods, I decided to search for an easy, tasty and nutritious option. We are also trying to minimise our wheat intake, so a ‘wheat free’ recipe was preferable.

I found one on Paleo Grubs.com that looked appealing. Then I made a few changes to it to suit our tastes.

It turned out to be quite nice, like banana bread and goes really well with a cuppa.

So I thought I would share the recipe after my changes, (without any health information this time).

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” admin_label=”Text” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”][/et_pb_text][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” use_custom_gutter=”off” gutter_width=”3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|8px|0px” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”on” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”on” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”on” parallax_4=”off” parallax_method_4=”on”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”][/et_pb_text][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

Ingredients

1/2 cup raw macadamias

1/2 cup raw cashews

¼ cup chopped raw macadamias

¼ chopped raw pistachios

1 1/2 cups unsweetened shredded coconut

2 ripe bananas

1 egg

½ tsp baking soda

1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

¼ cup no added sugar Orange Marmalade

½ tsp ground ginger

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”http://www.liveclean-n-prosper.net/files/2017/03/IMG_2204.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” use_custom_gutter=”off” gutter_width=”3″ allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”on” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”on” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”on” parallax_4=”off” parallax_method_4=”on”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 190 C. Line a 20cm slice pan with baking paper. Place ½ cup macadamias, ½ cup cashews and 1 cup coconut into a food processor. Pulse to break down. Add the bananas, vanilla, egg, cinnamon, baking soda and salt. Blend until the mixture is completely combined. Transfer the mixture to a slice pan and use a spatula to smooth out. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Until the top is golden.

Meanwhile, place the remaining shredded coconut in a fry pan over medium heat. Toast until lightly browned, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. Mix in the remaining chopped macadamias and pistachios.

Mix the ginger in with the marmalade. I warmed the marmalade to make it easier to mix.

Remove the slice pan from the oven and spread a thin layer of jam over the banana base. Sprinkle the toasted coconut and nut mixture over the top and press it into the marmalade with your hands. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow to cool completely before slicing into bars. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving. Best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

I hope that you enjoy this slice as much as we do. It really is an easy option for a take away breakfast.

 

Until next post,

Live Clean n Prosper

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

We bought a Salt Lamp

[et_pb_section transparent_background=”off” allow_player_pause=”off” inner_shadow=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” custom_padding=”0px|0px|31.3438px|0px” make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” make_equal=”off” use_custom_gutter=”off” fullwidth=”off” specialty=”off” admin_label=”section” disabled=”off”][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” use_custom_gutter=”off” gutter_width=”3″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|0px” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”on” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”on” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”on” parallax_4=”off” parallax_method_4=”on” admin_label=”row” disabled=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ disabled=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”http://www.liveclean-n-prosper.net/files/2017/02/Salt-Lamp-banner.png” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on”][/et_pb_image][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” admin_label=”Text” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]

Okay, so following on from last weeks post on Positive and Negative ions.

Many of our homes and workplaces are usually sealed off from the natural benefits of negative ions.

While I was doing my research I found several articles on ‘Ionisers’ for the home. An Ioniser is a device that creates negative ions in an indoor space. In fact, every home has a built in natural ioniser — the shower. With its stream of hot water and steam, is a good producer of negative ions. That’s likely part of why so many people need a shower to wake up in the morning.

 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” admin_label=”Text” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”][/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” use_custom_gutter=”off” gutter_width=”3″ custom_padding=”15.6719px|0px|0px|0px” allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”on” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”on” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”on” parallax_4=”off” parallax_method_4=”on” disabled=”off”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ disabled=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left”]

So, we decided to buy a Himalayan Salt Lamp.

 

Why? you may think/ask.

 

Well, studies have found that

Himalayan Salt Lamps can also

clean the air in a different way.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ disabled=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_image src=”http://www.liveclean-n-prosper.net/files/2017/02/salt-lamp-fire-bowl.jpg” show_in_lightbox=”off” url_new_window=”off” use_overlay=”off” animation=”left” sticky=”off” align=”left” force_fullwidth=”off” always_center_on_mobile=”on”][/et_pb_image][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row make_fullwidth=”off” use_custom_width=”off” width_unit=”off” custom_width_px=”1080px” custom_width_percent=”80%” use_custom_gutter=”off” gutter_width=”3″ allow_player_pause=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on” make_equal=”off” parallax_1=”off” parallax_method_1=”on” parallax_2=”off” parallax_method_2=”on” parallax_3=”off” parallax_method_3=”on” parallax_4=”off” parallax_method_4=”on” admin_label=”row” disabled=”off”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ disabled=”off” parallax=”off” parallax_method=”on”][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” admin_label=”Text” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]

 

 

[/et_pb_text][et_pb_text background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” admin_label=”Text” use_border_color=”off” border_style=”solid” disabled=”off”]

Real Himalayan salt lamps are hand chiselled solid blocks of ancient crystal salts. They usually have a pinkish orange colour, due to the high concentration of minerals.

 

Inside the hollowed out middle of the salt lamp is a light bulb to generate both light and heat. This is important for their reported benefits and salt lamps won’t work properly without a heat-producing light.

 

How they work

 

Water vapour is always circulating in the air of any room of your house. This water vapour carries with it allergens like dust, pollen, smoke particles, and even bacteria and viruses.

 

Salt is hygroscopic, meaning it attracts water molecules from the surrounding air. The hygroscopic air cleaning effect is the basic science of water vapour attraction and evaporation.

A large block of rock salt, like a Himalayan salt lamp, is especially attractive to water vapour and its pollutants.

The microscopic compounds, once attracted to the salt lamp, remain there and not floating in the air where you can breathe them in.

As the Himalayan salt lamp slowly becomes saturated with the water vapour compounds, the heat from the lamp inside, dries them. This heat also re-releases water vapour back into the air, thus continuing the hygroscopic effect for as long as the light is on.

Importantly, any airborne contaminants attracted to the salt lamp remain trapped there and will not become airborne again.

 

Salt lamp benefits do include negative ion generation. It appears primarily from the moisture evaporating on the heated rock salt.

Some studies point to the cumulative effect of keeping the salt lamp on at all times. This can slowly generate more and more negative ions and improve the air quality over time. However, as a negative ioniser, salt lamps have a limited range and small output. Instead, it’s best to consider negative ions from salt lamps as an added benefit and position them with their short ionising range in mind.

 

The other health benefit claims of Himalayan salt lamps are based on plausible science. Salt in the air really does help breathing problems, and negative ions really are linked to better moods.

 

At worst, we have an interesting night light!

 

Until the next post,

 

Live Clean n Prosper

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Chocolate & Cacao

Today’s post is about Chocolate and Cacao.

Those people, who know me, know I like my chocolate. I have always claimed that it is good for us and it is. Specifically it’s a raw cacao chocolate has health benefits.

Cacao can refer to any of the food products derived from cacao beans – the seeds or nuts of the cacao tree. These include cacao nibs, cacao butter, cacao paste and most commonly, cacao powder.

This is my favourite chocolate recipe.

Raw Chocolate bar

for (approx.) 200gram block

* 100g Cacao butter

* 50g Cacao powder

* 33g Liquid sweetener (Rice malt, Maple, Agave syrup)

* tiny pinch of Himalayan Pink Salt

Melt butter on a bowl over a saucepan of simmering water.

(The original recipe instructs to put the melted butter into a blender or processor with the other ingredients to mix. I think this wastes too much, so I do it differently.)

Once the butter is melted, I then add syrup, cacao powder & salt to the bowl. Take the saucepan off the heat and mix. I use a stick blender to mix the ingredients together while the mix is still in the bowl, over the hot water.

Once mixed, I pour the chocolate into a lined rectangle cake tin with other ingredients such as chopped mint, nuts, dried berries or ginger.

I then put it into the freezer so it’s ready to eat in approx. 20 to 30 min.

Cacao v Cocoa, what’s the difference?

Raw cacao powder is made by cold-pressing un-roasted cacao beans. The process keeps the living enzymes in the cacao and removes the fat (cacao butter).

Cocoa looks the same but it’s not. Cocoa powder is raw cacao that has been roasted at high temperatures. Sadly, as a result, roasting changes the molecular structure of the cocoa bean. This reduces the enzyme content and lowers the overall nutritional value.

Recent studies reveal that 60% and 90% of the original antioxidants in cacao are lost through common “Dutch processing”. Dutch processing was originally developed to reduce the bitterness, darken the colour, and create a more mellow flavour to chocolate

Here are 5 reasons to enjoy Raw Cacao’s chocolatey deliciousness.

  1.  Raw Organic Cacao has over 40 times the antioxidants of blueberries.
  1.  Source of Iron

It is the highest plant-based source of iron known to man, at a whopping 7.3mg per 100g.  This compares to beef and lamb at 2.5mg, and spinach at 3.6mg. As the iron in cacao is all plant-based, research revealed that to get the maximum benefits you’ll want to combine it with some vitamin C. Think oranges or kiwifruit.

  1.  Full of Magnesium for a Healthy Heart & Brain

Cacao is among one of the highest plant-based sources of magnesium.  Magnesium is important for a healthy heart, and helps turn glucose into energy enabling your brain to work with laser-sharp clarity and focus.  The reason why you might turn to a bar of chocolate in the afternoon.

  1.  Loaded with Calcium

Raw Organic Cacao has more calcium than cow’s milk, as much as 160mg per 100g vs only 125mg per 100ml of milk.

Interestingly, research also shows that dairy inhibits the absorption of antioxidants from raw cacao.

and finally

  1.  A Natural Mood Elevator and Anti-Depressant

It is a great source of 4 scientifically proven bliss chemicals – serotonin, dopamine, anandamide and phenylethylamine.  These chemicals are associated with feelings of wellbeing, happiness, and as a result, alleviate depression.

See, it is good for you.

Till next post, 

Live Clean n Prosper.