Recipe: Paleo Coconut Pancakes

I am having a great weekend catching up on cooking and trying out some new recipes!
The past few weekends have been pretty busy so I have had very little time to do any baking.
I got a chance to get back into the kitchen to try out a few new recipes with coconut flour, my new love :)

Coconut flour is a great substitute for other flours: naturally gluten free, it is also a great source of both protein and fibre. It is also delicious and you don't need much as it goes far.

Ingredients:
2 x eggs
1/4 cup of coconut flour*
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/8 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp honey/maple syrup (to taste) (Extra to garnish if desired)
Coconut oil to grease pan
Strawberries to garnish (if desired)


Method:
Heat pan/skillet on a medium high heat.
Grease pan with coconut oil.
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth.
Add mixture to the pan ( I used just under a ladle full)
Cook on first side until bubbles have formed and underneath is cooked on inspection. (approx 2 minutes)
Flip over gently - you may need to use a spatula and/or fish slice.
Cook second side for approx 1 minute; remove and set aside.
Re-grease pan and continue process until mixture is used up.

Garnish your stack of pancakes with fresh strawberries and honey.

Makes approx 5/6 pancakes. (Double recipe: you can never have too much pancakes!!)
Perfect with a cup of tea.

*To buy coconut flour shop here using discount code GBG406. 

Product Review: Vejibags - Keep Your Vegetables Fresher For Longer!

                                           




You may remember a few months back I posted a picture of a Vejibag I was kindly sent.
I have been happily trying it out in my kitchen and have had great results!

The bag itself is comprised of Organic Cotton and works by allowing humidity loving veggies like kale, carrots and onions to stay fresher for longer.

I love kale but hate the way it wilts and goes off so quickly. I have noticed a significant increase in the longevity of my fresh produce, and it definitely keeps it more crisp and fresh.

How do I use it? 

1. Wet the bag and wring it out so it is just damp (wash the bag before the first use).

2. Wash your veggies and shake off excess water.

3. Store as usual. Enjoy the extra freshness and longevity!


I really recommend this product! A single Vejibag retails at $16 but it will undoubtedly save you money as approximately 25% off all fresh produce goes off before we can use it. The Vejibag works by allowing the vegetables to breath rather than sweat like they do in plastic. A slightly moist bag allows the vegetables to retain their crispness and extend their shelf life longer than either plastic or a crisp drawer.

To purchase online or for further details check them out on http://vejibag.com/store/

My May 2013 Whole30 Experience.

Hi all!

Hope you are all well!

Yesterday marked the end of my May Whole30 so today I was officially enjoying a little more leeway in my diet.

For those of you who do not know what the "Whole30" protocol is, in a nut shell it is a strict elimination diet which aims to promote healing through diet. It is a Paleo protocol eliminating grains, sugar, alcohol and dairy and aims to reduce digestive problems and gut issues which in turn leads to a reduction in inflammatory disorders. Check out their website on http://whole9life.com/ (Dallas and Melissa are a cute married couple who just had their first baby. Believe me, their beautiful photographs alone will inspire you!)

This was not my first Whole30, in fact it was my fifth Whole30 in the past 2 years. It was no more challenging than the past times though let me tell you! If you are a fan of my facebook page you will know that I had a little blip in my determination last weekend! I was feeling a little sorry for myself and truth be told I really wanted  a treat! But I got through it and I am so delighted to have succeeded at my fifth Whole30.

This time I set out with one specific aim - to improve my digestion. As a Nutritional Therapy student I understand the importance of good digestive function and emptying the bowels every day. Despite my best efforts I was not achieving this. So I decided to go 100% clean and alcohol free as well as adding a daily probiotic in order to achieve this (Optibac Maintaining Regularity).

I have to say the Whole30 was a fantastic way to achieve my goal. Not only was my digestion fantastic but my energy levels have been superb. I have had no dips in energy despite my busy schedule. Bloating and indigestion disappeared and overall I felt amazing.

Weight loss was not my goal so I was nervous I would loose too much. Thankfully my weight-loss did plateau at 4.5 lbs which I was happy with. I always panic after the first 1-2 weeks as I seem to loose weight quickly in the beginning but all was well in the end.

There is something terribly rewarding and righteous about eating 100% clean and knowing you are putting nothing bad into your body. It feels good and healthy and right. But it can also be stressful in social situations if not handled in the right way.

When I am doing a Whole30 I make sure I have nothing in my social calender which may deter me. However life is life and inevitably something comes up and you are cast into social ambiguity and really want a chip or an alcoholic drink or a bun and you cant have it! I was proud of myself that I managed to get through a recent unexpected dinner in someone elses house! Whilst I couldn't have a proper meal I was able to have some plain protein and coleslaw which was just enough to keep me full and just enough not to be rude!

Typical Daily Menu

BF: Spinach Scrambled Eggs
Snack: Almonds, banana
Lunch: Mackerel Salad
Snack: Pecans, Apple with almond butter
Dinner: Grilled Pork Chops with roast sweet potato, green beans, carrots, parsnips
Snack (if needed) Orange/Raisins

Overall my fifth Whole30 was a success and definitely will not be my last! In fact I am already planning my next one in August, though I think it will be more of a Whole14 or Whole21 next time! :)

Now, time for a glass of vino! ;)