Find & do what works for you.

I've always been a firm believer in doing what works for you, what you believe in & what makes you happy. 

There are so many health critics out there releasing the 'latest and greatest' in health, wellbeing and fitness. Their ideas may provide immediate success, but does it really work for you in the long term? More often than not, the answer would be 'no'.

Which brings me to my next point.

Do i claim to have all the answers? No, nobody does...I am simply exploring things which I enjoy and part of that is sharing my journey with you!

I will be the first to admit I have followed numerous diet fads and exercising regimes in the past, did they work long term.... no way. So with that in mind, the things I blog about and post on facebook & instagram are things that make me happy and keep my health, body & wellbeing in balance. 'Take from this what you will'. Yes, my 'diet' does consist of gluten-free products, minimal dairy, fruit & alcohol... but that is because it works for me. I am in no way preaching that you follow what I do.

However, there are three rules that I think everybody should take on board...

1. Be kind to your body.

It's cliche, but true. Your body is your home & if you fill it with crap all the time, the chances are you are going to feel like crap. Eat a balanced diet, get moving & treat yourself - invest in good quality food, make up, skincare, wear workout gear that makes you feel good. It's the small things that make the big difference!

2. Everything in moderation.

There is no way I would ever advise you to avoid all treats, never have a lazy day on the couch, give up drinking... because a) it isn't realistic, and b) those things are okay when consumed/done in moderation. Living by this rule means you can be 'healthy' and have fun at the same time. Win, win.

3. Do things that make you happy, each day.

Seriously, do. There was a stage of my life where I put school, work and fitness before everything else. That right there is not healthy. Not healthy for your mind, body & wellbeing. I now try to find something each day that I enjoy whether it be a walk, baking, cooking, reading (Wow, sounding like a right nerd. Yes these are the things that make me happy), visiting friends, date nights, coffee for 1, drinking a cup of tea... you get the idea. Whatever it is that makes you happy, JUST DO IT.

Did I ramble in this blog? Probably, yes.

Do I feel passionate about doing what works for you? Definitely, yes.

Your turn - what makes you happy?

D xxx

Super Salad!

Now, I don't know about you - but I am rather fond of a decent salad. Yes, I know, 'you don't make friends with salad'.... but I can guarantee you would love to be buddies with my salad today!

May I just point out that I was in a rush to get ready this morning, so this was a panic decision & it worked brilliantly... so no excuses for that soggy white bread sammy you are eating...

Welcome to the Super Salad...

Spinach - always use spinach as a base! It is my go to for a lot of things. Packed with nutrients, spinach is the king of the leaves...

Avocado - I'm obsessed. Avo's are rich in essential fats (important for brains & braun) and have a high potassium content which helps to balance out the bad influence of sodium (salt!)

Quinoa - Easy, high protein, tasty, filling. Need I say more?

Broccoli - high in vit C and fibre, also great at helping the body to absorb protein, which brings me to my next ingredient...

Soft poached egg - Nom. Mini nutrient bombs, eggs provide all the essential proteins your body needs (can't produce itself), and over 11 essential vitamins and minerals.

Almonds - these little beauties help to lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, regulate blood sugar, provide essential fats & proteins and taste bloody good!

Goji Berries - for little berries, they pack a huge antioxidant punch! Don't be fooled though, they're not as sweet as you may expect...

and finally...

Lemon - the BEST salad dressing you could ever need. Tasty, decent vitamin C levels, and they alkalize the body (bring the body back down to a healthy pH).

Pwoah. There she goes! 

Would love to hear about your favourite lunches! Comment below...

D xx

Banana Bliss!

Oooo, my first ever blog... How exciting! 

What better starting point than to begin with a 'no added sugar, gluten & grain free' banana bread recipe!

This sucker was so easy to make and beyond deeeeeeeelish!

What you will need...

• 1/2 C coconut flour
• 1/2 C almond meal
• 1 C mashed banana
• 1/2 C coconut oil OR butter (whatever you prefer!)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3/4 tsp baking soda
• 3 eggs (be nice, buy free range)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla essence
• pinch of salt!
• (80% and darker) Dark chocolate (I'll let you decide how much....)

How to make this beautiful loaf...

1. Preheat oven to 180 & line your loaf tin with baking paper
2. Medium bowl: Combine coconut flour, almond meal, cinnamon, baking soda & salt, 'whisk' with a fork to remove all clumps
3. Small bowl: Combine eggs, vanilla essence, mashed banana. Whisk until combined
4. Add wet to dry and fold gently, adding in the chocolate as you fold.
5. Empty contents into loaf tin, top with walnut pieces & bake for 40-50 mins (give or take depending on oven)
6. Don't wait for it to cool down.... we all know muffins/loaves/cakes taste 100 X better when they're straight out of the oven!

And there we have it! You never have to feel guilty about eating your favourite banana loaf EVER again... 

#GuiltFreeTreatsAreAGirlsBestFriend.

D xx