Updates — VEGAN

The Best of the Easy Halloween Treats! 0

At this time of year, we are plagued with the usual – trick or treat sweets, hot chocolates and pumpkin spiced lattes!

We are looking for something a bit different but easy to do as time is precious for everyone – whether you are just getting in from work, have little kids to run around after or anything in between.

We have put together our favourite collection of recipes we have come across and where to find the full details (we would love to claim them as our own but this was definitely due to the talent of these individuals!)…

1. Monster Avocado Puddings (Dairy Free / Gluten Free / Nut Free)

Something a bit different for the kids and perfect for any little ones (or big ones!) who have allergies to lactose, gluten or nuts.

View Full Recipe Here

2. Witch Hat Sandwich Cookies (Gluten Free)

This is one of those dishes that look very fancy and very intricate however it is surprisingly easy. If we are able to do it, so are you!

View Full Recipe Here

3. Witch Fingers (Paleo / Vegan / Gluten Free)

This is bound to go down a treat and looks great at a party. It can be made as a Vegan alternative as well.

View Full Recipe Here

4. Monster Face Pancakes (Gluten Free)

We have to be honest, the reason we love this so much is because its super easy but also it can be eaten any time of the day – breakfast, lunch or snack… you chose!

View Full Recipe Here

5. Banana Ghosts and Tangerine Pumpkins

Possibly the simplest but most refreshing of the list. When Halloween is taken over by sweet treats filled with sugar – this is a great one to get some of that Vitamin C back in the diet!

View Full Recipe Here

Want to have a look at more? We have pinned some of our favourite recipes to our Pinterest Halloween board – You can view this HERE

Let us know what you think and send us your favourite Halloween delights!

Essential Vegan Swaps 0

Whether you are completely new to the Vegan lifestyle, a veteran Vegan or just thinking about making some changes – we realise that it can be difficult especially when you miss some of those old favourites.

We have put together a little list of the top essential “swaps” that can help you keep a guilt free lifestyle without compromise!

• Dairy Milk for Almond Milk / Soya Milk
• Egg (for cooking or baking) for Flaxseeds (or Chia) - read our previous article on how to prepare this!
• Butter (for cooking or baking) for Coconut Oil
• Sour Cream for Silken Tofu
• Scrambled egg for Tofu
• Honey for Agave Syrup
• Cream (for cooking or baking) for Coconut Milk
• Mayonnaise for Mashed Avocado

Do you have any swaps that have helped you keep to the Vegan Lifestyle (or any tips!) let us know in the comments. We are big believers that eating cruelty free shouldn’t be difficult!

Top 5 Smoothie Recipes of 2018 (so far…) 0

A constant struggle for anyone trying to eat healthily but also grab something convenient and quick for breakfast – say hello to the breakfast smoothie!

Full of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals to promote good health, we have rounded up our favourite one’s for you to try (and where to find the full recipe – we unfortunately can’t claim them as our own!):

1. Banana Ginger Smoothie

Loaded with the essential vitamins and minerals needed for a healthy and balanced diet, this smoothie is great for both lowering blood pressure due to the high-quality honey used and can help with stomach issues such as sickness or nausea due to the high concentration of ginger.

Ingredients that you will need include (Serves 2):

• 1 Banana (Sliced)
• 6 oz Vanilla Yoghurt
• 1 Tbsp High Quality Honey
• ½ Tsp Freshly Grated Ginger

Combine all the ingredients together and blend until smooth – Voila! 

View Full Recipe Here

2. The Very Berry Breakfast Smoothie

Helping to fight against Cancer, Heart and Circulatory Disease and Age Related decline, this simple and fruity smoothie packs a lot in to that one glass.

Ingredients that you will need include (Serves 2):

• 1 x Frozen Unsweetened Raspberries
• ¾ Chilled Unsweetened Almond Milk
• ¼ c Frozen Pitted Unsweetened Cherries
• 1 ½ Tbsp Good Quality Honey
• 2 Tsp Finely Grated Fresh Ginger
• 1 Tsp Ground Flaxseed
• 2 Tsp Fresh Lemon Juice

Combine all ingredients together in a blender and add the Lemon juice according to your taste.

Read Full Recipe Here

3. Detox Green Smoothie with Chia Seeds

With our favourite superfood, Chia Seeds, this smoothie is designed to give you a boost in the morning and stay fuller for longer, helping with weight loss and that sometimes hard to resist snacking that can happen mid-morning (don’t worry, we are all guilty of it!).

Ingredients that you will need to include (Serves 1):

• 1 Cup Spinach Leaves
• 1 Banana (sliced)
• 1 Cup Frozen Pineapple Chunks
• 1 Tbsp Chia Seeds
• 1 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk

Once again, blend and enjoy!

Read Full Recipe Here

4. Green tea, Blueberry and Banana Smoothie

With another one of our favourites, blueberries, this smoothie is a high source of antioxidants as well as being low in calories. This is the perfect start to the day if you know it is going to be a hard day – the green tea has been known to help brain function (to name a few health benefits).

Ingredients that you will need to include (Serves 1):

• 3 Tbsp Water
• 1 Green Tea Bag
• 2 Tsp Honey
• 1 ½ c Frozen Blueberries
• ½ Medium Banana
• ¾ c Calcium Fortified Light Vanilla Soy Milk

Microwave Water until steaming and add tea bag to stew. Once stewed, removed tea bag and add honey (stir till dissolved). Blend the rest of the ingredients and add tea.

Read Full Recipe Here

5. Pumpkin Coconut Smoothie

Suitable for a range of diets which include Gluten Free, Paleo, Vegan and Vegetarian, this is great for potentially improving sensitivity to insulin (thanks to the cinnamon), lowering blood pressure and providing powerful anti-diabetic effects.

Ingredients that you will need (Serves 2):

• 1 Cup of Coconut Milk
• ¼ Cup Organic Pumpkin Puree
• 2 Teaspoons Pumpkin Pie Spice
• 1 Frozen Banana Sliced
• 1 Cup of Ice

Blend all ingredients in a blender until smooth.

Read Full Recipe Here

Let us know how you get on or what your favourites are.

Superfood of the Moment: Chia Seeds 0

We can’t help but love these little Seeds!

Other than the fact that they are so easy to fit in your diet, this versatile superfood is packed full of taste, nutrients and huge health benefits!

Want to know what just a few of them are?

1. They hold a huge amount of nutrients at the cost of very few calories – good for those of us who are watching our weight.
2. High in Omega-3 which is great for brain and heart health as well as having anti-inflammatory effects.
3. High in plant protein so great for people following a Vegan or Vegetarian Diet.
4. Digested slowly so provide a slow release of energy which stabilises blood sugar levels.
5. High calcium content – 25g of Chia Seeds contains more than 100ml of milk.

So sprinkle them on your salad, add them to your smoothie, leave them to soak in Greek yoghurt overnight and start to feel good.

Let us know of any more we haven’t listed in the comments and start treating your body to these little Super Seeds!