♥

♥ A Basic Green Smoothie Recipe – if you’re new to green smoothies, let this be your introduction! Apple juice (not too much, and as high quality as you can afford), baby spinach, banana, frozen fruit (berries or mango).

♥

♥ Magnificent Energising Morning Smoothie – frozen banana, blueberries, apple, spinach, pepitas, vitamin b.

♥

♥ Stuart Watkin’s Green Smoothie – Spirulina powder, chlorella powder, protein powder, himalayan crystal salt, maca, cayenne pepper, ayurvedic herbs (a unique smoothie for experienced smoothie makers!)

♥

♥ Avocado, Apple & Berry Smoothie – avocado, apple, frozen berries (any kind but I used mixed), flaxseed oil.

♥

♥ Green Smoothies – A New Kind of Beauty Therapy – article on green smoothies for skin health as well as a recipe: pear, apple, avocado, grated ginger, spinach.

♥

♥ Double Whammy Banana and Blueberry Smoothie – vanilla soy milk, bananas, frozen blueberries, spinach, wheatgerm.

♥

♥Friday Night Smoothie Delight – Chocolate soy milk, banana, frozen blueberries, wheatgerm. Note: spinach not in original recipe but can be added and still be delish! 🙂

♥ Blueberry, Banana and Cashew Butter Smoothie – bananas, frozen blueberries, organic cashew butter. Note: my original recipe doesn’t mention spinach, however a handful or more of baby spinach or greens thrown into this would be a great idea!

♥

♥ Mango/Raspberry and Spinach Smoothie – Frozen mango or raspberries (not both, though it could work, let me know if you try it!), spinach, banana, apple & pear juice, wheatgerm.

♥ Q & A: Green smoothies on the go AKA How long will my green smoothie last? – a question we get asked a lot here, check out how to make the most of your smoothies throughout the day!

♥

Those who know me and my style of baking are well aware that I try to use natural sweeteners instead of refined sugar in my baking projects. I am forever playing around with natural sweeteners such as coconut sugar/raw honey/date paste, in order to ‘healthify’ any dessert recipe!

You can only imagine my curiosity and excitement when a package of Natvia goodies was express posted to my door. The healthy baking goddess inside me was screaming out, YAY!

♥ Stevia Plant

♥ What It Is:

Natvia is a natural sweetener made from Reb A stevia, and erythritol. Reb A is the purest and sweetest parts of the stevia plant, and erythritol is naturally occurring nectar in fruits, such as melons and grapes.

♥ Health Benefits:

Natvia is 100% natural and fructose free, has 95% fewer calories than sugar, contains no aspartame, or saccharin and it’s great for baking and cooking.
Another bonus- Natvia tastes nothing like artificial sweeteners. Because it’s natural, there are no nasty chemicals and no bitter aftertaste.

♥

♥ Recipe Idea:

An interesting ingredient calls for an even more interesting recipe. But what could I possibly make!?!? Muffins…boring. Cookies…done that. Raspberry Streusel Bars that are both gluten free and vegan?…Delicious. These even got the thumbs up from the guys at work. Bonus!

Recipe adapted from: www.elanaspantry.com

Makes 16 bars

♥

♥ Crust:

– 2 cups almond meal
– ¼ teaspoon sea salt
– 2 tablespoons coconut oil
– 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon water
• Pulse ingredients together in a food processor until dough forms a ball
• Press dough into a lined square baking pan
• Bake at 180°c (fan forced) for 12 minutes

♥

♥ Streusel Topping:

– ¼ cup coconut oil
– ¼ cup almond meal
– 2 tablespoons Natvia
– ½ teaspoon sea salt
– 1 cup walnuts
– ½ cup shredded coconut

• Pulse oil, almond flour, natvia and salt together in a food processor until combined
• Briefly pulse in walnuts and coconut, so they are left coarse, not pulverized
• Set streusel aside

♥

♥ Filling:

– 1 cup raspberries (either frozen or fresh)
– 4 pitted medjool dates (soak in water for a few hours before to soften)

• Process raspberries and the soaked dates in a food processor or blender until combined
• Spread raspberry mixture over warm crust
• Sprinkle streusel topping over raspberry mixture
• Bake at 180°c for 15 minutes
• Cool for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 2 hours to set
• Cut up & serve!

Store remaining bars in the fridge for up to 1 week.

♥

These bars can also be served warm as a delightfully healthy autumn dessert. Just add a little vanilla ice cream or Greek yoghurt & raw honey. See, life without refined sugar isn’t so bad at all!

♥ Where To Find It:
Natvia can be found at Coles and Woolworths or online, try Aussie Health Products.

Find out more about quitting sugar with Sarah Wilson’s “I QUIT SUGAR” E-book!

Article by Kavisha, self confessed ‘health foodie’ who believes a little dessert is good for the soul. She is currently studying for her Master of Wellness at RMIT University and blogs at Style My Coconut.

♥

I like the idea of health-conscious cafes, but I don’t like the ‘judgy’ vibes some of them have. You go there happy to slurp up vege soup and crunch raw things, but while you’re doing it you also want to be able to chat to your mate about how you stayed up all night and drank a buttload of red wine, without having to deal with the ‘you should really cut back on the booze and try to get more sleep’ glares from your fellow diners (yes, you can say all that in a facial expression).

The better cafes are ones that put an emphasis on healthy eating, and healthy product purchases, but acknowledge that lifestyle enjoyment comes in many forms. Yelo Café really hits the bullseye in this regard: at Yelo, vegan wraps and green juices sit alongside giant slabs of chocolate brownies and strong creamy coffees, and nobody gets their goat up about which combo you choose.

♥

Formerly the Bennion Street Café, Yelo is right on Trigg Beach; its clientele are mostly local, and often hit Yelo post surf/power walk (there’s always a few doggehs out front!). That said, the surfers are mixed in with more urban yo-pros: it’s a real diverse clientele. Yelo’s ‘Clean Carparks’ fruit and veg juice is a healthy favourite, Yelo also do acai smoothies, and have a fridge full of coconut water (including fresh young coconut), fruit juices and organic sodas.

♥

Their coffee is made from Fiori beans and Bannister Downs milk and served in a BioCup: it’s the best for miles around (there’s two coffee machines on the go so you get it quick, too).

Hydration choices aside, the best thing about Yelo is their wholesome, fresh, home-made menu of ‘snacks’. Favourites reel: the Vegan wrap, the gluten-free spinach and mushroom frittata, the oatbran muffins, the gluten-free macaroon slice and the bircher museli, but there’s also plenty of breakfast wraps, tuna patties, croissants, sandwiches and sweet treats on offer: many of which are vegan, or gluten free.

♥

Take in the sprawling ocean views while you wait for your order: or be tempted by Yelo’s ‘provedore’ section, curated with wellness in mind: for sale are healthy cereal boxes, Yogi Bliss trail mixes, Serenade Organic Skincare, Abhi’s Bread, Ecoya soy candles, surf wax and plenty of other goodies.

Yelo is located at 331 West Coast Drive, Trigg.
Contact: 9447 9441 or email yelo@bigpond.com

By Thousands Perth City Guide editor Danielle Marsland, who, in the words of Donovan, is just mad about Yelo.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Situated on the peace loving side of South Fremantle, Ootong & Lincoln is my latest go-to healthy café. Serving breakfast and lunch 7 days a week, their exciting menu is quite extensive and offers a great range of vegan and vegetarians options. The range of deliciously sinful (in-house) baked goodies are your skinny jeans’ worst nightmare. BE AWARE. You will be overwhelmed by choice!

♥

♥

This was my third dining experience at O&L. The first time I indulged in a delectably moist slice of carrot cake and a freshly squeezed juice (which came served in the cutest glass jug!) The second time, I enjoyed a tasty roast veggie frittata with a sweet potato side salad. This time it was breakfast time!

♥

Although the green smoothie (apple, greens, lemon, kiwi, banana, chia) sounded tempting, I opted for an iced green tea, along with the mushroom, tomato, fetta, rocket and basil pesto on sourdough. YUM! My vegan dining buddy also opted for a savoury option, choosing the tomato and avocado on sourdough. Both dishes looked amazing and were enthusiastically received. The food was so flavorsome and fresh and demolished accordingly 😛

♥

O&L use ingredients that are both locally sourced and organic (bonus!), and the prices are quite fair for the generous portions you receive. The service is friendly, and the atmosphere is relaxed and casual. Grab yourself a comfy couch or a spot on the long communal table and share with friendly strangers. The place can get quite busy on weekends, so I’d get in early!

Ootong & Lincoln is open 7 days a week, serving breakfast & lunch from 6.30AM-5PM.

Address: 258 South Terrace, South Fremantle, (08) 9335 6109
Facebook: Ootong & Lincoln

Article by Kavisha, self confessed ‘health foodie’ who believes a little dessert is good for the soul. She is currently studying for her Master of Wellness at RMIT University and blogs at Style My Coconut.

♥

♥ First up, briefly tell us a little bit about yourself!

In a nutshell? I am extremely passionate about holistic health and living well. I am also a huge foodie and have a passion for healthy cooking and baking. I am currently studying for my Master of Wellness at RMIT University.

♥ Angels on Bare Skin Cleanser!

♥ Tell us about your daily beauty routine.

When it comes to skincare I try to use natural and organic whenever possible. I cleanse & tone daily with Paula’s Choice one step face cleanser and healthy skin refreshing toner (colour & fragrance free). I use Lush’s Angels On Bare Skin as my daily exfoliant.

♥ Korres

I’m also a huge fan of Korres (natural & certified organic Greek skincare brand) and am currently using the moisturiser, serum and mask from their Wild Rose skincare range. Korres available from StrawberryNET and Kit Cosmetics.

I’ve just started using Sukin Organic products on my body and hair. They use cold-pressed, solvent free oils, essential oils and 100% natural botanical extracts and their products smell great!

♥ What’s the one beauty treatment you can’t live without? And your favourite place to have it done?

I always have to have painted nails, so I give myself weekly manicures!

♥ Who do you trust with your hair in Perth, and why?

Jo at Raven Hair Design in Bicton. She’s an amazing hairdresser and is so passionate about her work.

♥

♥ Favourite budget / at home beauty treatment?

Coconut oil as a hair mask and also eating healthy fats for glowing skin. Healthy fats are the natural fats found in avocado, chia seeds and wild caught salmon, high in anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids.

♥ Your three, absolutely cannot live without, favourite products?

Coconut oil (I use the NiuLife brand), Korres wild rose 24-H moisturizing brightening cream, Lush Angels On Bare Skin.

♥ Do you have any secret tips you use to keep looking / feeling great?

Food is the bodies’ best medicine! Looking good starts from the inside out.

Eat SLOW! Seasonal, Locally produced with lots of colour and variety, Organic, Whole, fresh and with minimal processing.

Stay away from the white stuff (white pasta, white rice, white bread, sugar) and limit alcohol consumption.

Always remove makeup before bed & don’t wear foundation!

♥ Sodashi

♥ What beauty treatment/ wellbeing activity would you love to try but haven’t yet? (Due to time, money, scared etc!)

Sodashi skincare, a hot stone massage, reformer Pilates, a juice detox, a raw food ‘cooking’ class, so many!!!

♥

♥ Describe a typical day of eating for you.

Breakfast: Organic full fat yoghurt (Barambah is my fav) with banana or blueberries, bee pollen & home made muesli (rolled oats, quinoa flakes, chia seeds, almonds, brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, goji berries, cacao nibs, shredded coconut) or Eggs (scrambled or poached) with veggies and greens.

Lunch: A massive green salad full of protein and good fats or nori wraps! At the moment i’m loving kale/spinach, a hard boiled egg, edamame beans, roma tomatoes, avocado, herbs from my garden, goats feta, pumpkin seeds & basil pesto.

Dinner: If I’m home it’s usually salmon with steamed/baked veggies or cumin baked sweet potato fries.

Snacks: Fruit, organic nut butter, almonds, green smoothies.

Drinks: Water, green tea, herbal teas.

♥

♥ Describe your fitness routine.

I exercise 5-6 x a week. I like to mix it up between cardio (RPM, boxing, Jacobs ladder), weight training and flexibility (yoga, body balance).

♥

♥ Do you take part in any alternative therapies or take supplements? If so, discuss.

I start each day with a green drink to help detox and alkalinize the body. At the moment I’m trialing Extreme Superfoods Green Smoothie Booster. I also take fish oil, vitamin c, and magnesium supplements daily.

♥ How do you like to relax? What are your favourite ways to de-stress?

Meditation, getting a massage, catching up with friends, baking, watching a funny movie!

Kavisha will be sharing her in-depth knowledge of all things wellness with us a couple of times a month! We love her, and you will too. If you have any questions about her routine, please comment below 🙂

Be well,

xoxo