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♥ Hemp Seeds

Oh, my loves! Where have you honestly been all my life?

For some reason chia seeds don’t really agree with me, I’ve tried many times with little success – they seem to make me feel really spaced out. So I’ve been wondering for a long time how to boost my omega 3 intake in salads and smoothies, and hemp seeds have turned out to be the answer!

These creamy little new friends of mine are actually not approved for consumption within Australia – even though they are everywhere else in the world. Over here they’re sold for alternative uses, such as skincare, but they are food quality and perfectly safe and delicious to eat (they contain none of the chemicals that get you “high”, and are actually a different strain of hemp plant to marijuana).

I’ve been having mine in smoothies, on salads, on frozen blueberries with cinnamon and even just eating them off the spoon. They are delicious and supposed to be very good for you. I’m a convert!

Purchased from Health Kick in the CBD, $17.95 for 250gm, or you can purchase online here, at the Hemp Foods online store.

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♥ Rice Milk

Another a-ha moment I recently had was that soy milk makes me feel sick. As a vegetarian for 10 years I was pretty shocked that it took me this long to zone in on the fact that every time I made a soy smoothie or drank a cup of soy milk, I got a stomach ache, a headache and generally felt exceptionally average.

Only once I started experimenting with rice milk in my smoothies instead over the past few weeks, did I notice that “Wow, I don’t feel horrible after I drink this! Maybe soy doesn’t love me?” A pretty slow revelation indeed, but I’m really happy to have finally figured it out and switched to something that will fuel me and make me feel great. Yay!

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♥ Vanessa Megan Essential Blend Spray

This stuff is amazing! My lovely friend Haley from Peachy Clean Organic Beauty sent me a bottle when I was feeling down and I haven’t stopped using it since. The scent is SO calming and delicious at the same time, it’s got a kind of gingerbread mixed with musk scent and I love it. I spray it all around the house, on my yoga mat before I practice, when I’m feeling uptight, on my clothes before I go out if I want a light and lovely perfume, on my bed before I read there… the list goes on!

Available for $30 from Peachy Clean.

I’d absolutely love to hear what you’re crushing on right now, so please share your crushes below! 🙂

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

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♥ Cinnamon

If someone held my spice rack hostage and said I could only choose to save one spice, it’d definitely be cinnamon! Lately I’ve been using outrageous quantities of it in at least one meal a day.

Cinnamon helps regulate blood sugar levels and is a killer source of manganese, which is an important mineral for maintaining healthy bones.

Five ways I’ve been adding cinnamon to my diet:

♥ In greek yoghurt mixed with blueberries
♥ In coffee with a little bit of stevia
♥ In my daily green smoothie (along with cayenne pepper and ginger for a real kick up the bum in the morning!)
♥ Sprinkled on cubed pumpkin or sweet potato along with Himalayan rock salt, roasted
♥ In my banancakes (see below!)

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♥ Banancakes

I love pancakes on lazy Sunday mornings, but unfortunately they’re a “sometimes food”. I can’t even describe how thrilled I was to stumble across a “pancake” recipe with two ingredients – banana and eggs – and then to discover it tasted like banana bread…!!!!

After my first shot at making these banana-y pancakey gems, I christened them “Banancakes”. If you’re sceptical, I urge you to try these out because they are the best thing since sliced [banana] bread.

Gemma’s Banancakes

Ingredients:
♥ One medium banana
♥ Two whole, organic, free-range eggs
♥ Cinnamon!!

Method:
In a blender, whiz up the eggs until they’re frothy. Slice up the banana and add it in with a hefty pinch of cinnamon until you end up with a smooth “batter”.

Grease a frying pan with some coconut oil and pour the mixture on – smaller pikelets are easier to flip! Keep the heat on low-medium (the sugar in the banana caramelises and therefore these babies burn easily). Just like pancakes, flip the banancakes when you see little bubbles on the surface. Cook on the reverse side until they don’t feel squishy to touch – it’s about five minutes on each side.

They’re fairly moist so they don’t need any accompaniments, but they are delicious with a drizzle of organic maple syrup.

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♥ T2 Tummy Tea

This tea has helped me curb my coffee and hot chocolate addiction and up my water intake. With peppermint leaves, liquorice root, fennel seeds and calendula petals, Tummy Tea starts off refreshingly minty and ends delightfully sweet (thanks to the liquorice root). It makes for a perfect brew after a meal or snack, aiding with digestion and the sweetness tends to trick my mind into thinking I’m having dessert! Tummy Tea is sugar and caffeine-free and has been taking pride of place next to my kettle since the start of the year.

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♥ MooGoo 3 Vitamins Eye Serum

The three vitamins in the MooGoo 3 Vitamins Eye Serum are vitamins E and C (antioxidants to prevent aging) and B5 (to soothe the skin). The base is a blend of jojoba and olive oils so the product is very moisturising and you only need a little bit to go a long way.

I’ve been using this serum morning and night and have found my under-eye concealer goes on smoother now, and my dryness is improving! I’ve experienced no irritation and so far I’m impressed with how well it absorbs – even though it’s an oil, it doesn’t sit on the skin’s surface for ages, meaning you can apply it for daywear without waiting for the stuff to sink in! RRP $24.90

By Gemma Clark, who would be devastated if someone actually took her spice rack hostage.

Be well,

xoxo

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♥ ‘The Cure Is…’ Movie

Curling up with a hot cup of herbal tea I couldn’t wait to view this wellness themed film! ‘The Cure Is…’ is an amazingly inspiring film that explores how our thoughts can shape our health and the relationship between the mind and the body in the fight against disease.The film explores the power of positive thinking and optimism, the power of affirmations and forgiveness, the importance of love and self love and presents an amazing discussion on the conscious and sub conscious mind. It finishes with a great discussion on nutrition; the advantages of eating minimally processed wholefoods and concept on eating foods ‘peacefully’.

The underlying message of the film is that the cure for any disease is in you- your own mind! What you do in your own life, what you do in your kitchen, how you exercise, how you think, how you act. If you take care of yourself and do what’s right, you will live a healthy life and you will manifest health. I love it!

The first 30 people to click through this link will get to view the movie for free, if you’re interested in wellbeing it’s a must watch! Check it out here!

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♥ Rawsome Desserts

There is no name better suited to these amazing raw desserts, because that’s what the truly are, awesome! Rawsome is a small raw dessert business run out of North Fremantle. You would never guess it, but all the desserts are sugar free, gluten free, grain free, dairy free, egg free, soy free, and most are vegan. Dessert junkies rejoice!

♥ Photo from the Rawsome Facebook page – YUM!

Providing raw versions of all time favourites such as choc mint slice, lemon meringue pie and cherry ripe, one delicious bite and you’ll be hooked- I swear! Available at Precious Organics in Myaree, Manna Wholefoods in South Freo and Yelo in Mt Hawthorn, in my opinion these are truly the BEST raw desserts in Perth. Combo boxes of raw goodies are also available weekly for $60 (you get approx. 15 treats) and can be ordered directly through the Rawsome Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/gorawsome). My top pic is definitely the banoffee pie… OMR (OHMYRAW) so good!!!

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♥ Lush’s I Love Juicy Shampoo

Mango mango the magical fruit, the more you wash your hair with this, the more you’ll want to eat it (not that I tasted :P). A fruity concoction of mango, kiwi, pineapple and papaya, the I Love Juicy shampoo smells like a bag of lollies and a tropical cocktail got together and made a baby. It made my hair smell delicious for days! Prices start at $10.95 for 100ml. Another mango-y product from the Lush range is the luscious bath melt. Can’t wait to try!

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♥ Coyo Coconut Yoghurt

I probably spent around 20 minutes staring through the refrigerator door trying to deceide what flavour to get when I spotted this at my local health food store 😛 Available at Precious Organics in Myaree and Manna Wholefoods in South Fremantle, I am SO excited that this is finally available to us in the West! Coyo is a coconut milk based yoghurt, so good for those who are lactose intolerant, vegan or trying to avoid dairy.

It’s a little pricey (around $13 for a 400g tub), but is definitely worth every indulgent mouthful! Incredibly smooth and creamy, a little goes a long way. I’ve been adding to my smoothies (see below) and eating straight from the tub with a little massive spoon. Your brain will be telling you to PUT THE COYO DOWN and step away…. your mouth will be telling you otherwise…

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♥ Green Smoothie Love

This is my latest creation. My green smoothie crush will never die 😉

Ingredients:

♥ 1 cup almond milk
♥ 1 cup coconut water
♥ ½ cup frozen mango
♥ 2-3 Tablespoons of CoYo
♥ Handful of spinach (or any other greens)
♥ 1 Tablespoon of MILA (similar to chia seeds. See here for more info)
♥ Vanilla + Cinnamon to taste
♥ Ice

Directions:

Blend. Drink. Bliss!

What’s making your wellness soar this week? Leave a comment below with your own wellness crushes and share the love! X

Crushes 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.

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The rumours are true… Chocolate is good for you!

But I’m not talking about your highly processed Kit Kats, Crunchies and Boost bars, I’m referring to the raw stuff!

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♥ What Is Cacao

Raw cacao powder is less processed than commercial cocoa powder and therefore maintains the remarkable enzyme and nutrient content of the cacao bean.

Pure raw chocolate is antioxidant-rich and contains NO added nasties such as genetically modified soy-lecithin, dairy products or refined sugar- ingredients that are often found in highly processed commercial cocoa products.

♥ Health Benefits of Raw Cacao Powder

Raw cacao contains an impressive list of vitamins and minerals including magnesium, iron, chromium, manganese, zinc, copper, vitamin C, phosphorus and calcium. In addition it also provides an array of antioxidants including polyphenols, catechins, epicatechins and flavanoids (all good things!) – 14 times more antioxidants then red wine, and 21 times more than green tea!

Still not convinced!? Cacao is also mood-enhancer. In short, it plays an important role in the synthesis of serotonin (making you happy and relaxed), that’s a big tick from me!

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♥ Ways To Incorporate Raw Cacao Powder Into Your Diet

Incorporate raw cacao powder into your diet by using it as a substitute for any chocolate-based recipe that calls for processed cocoa powder. Use it in baking recipes, add it to chocolate smoothies or use it to make raw chocolate goodies. Alternately just eat raw chocolate! Substitute your 3pm Mars Bar for a few squares of the raw stuff (Try Loving Earth’s ‘Luvju’ range. Available in both “milk” and dark varieties. YUM!)

♥ Where To Find Raw Cacao Powder & Cost

Depending on the size, raw cacao powder can cost anywhere between $10-$20 (make sure you buy organic). It may seem expensive, but a little goes a long way! Most raw chocolate bars or blocks cost around $2.50-$8.00 (depending on size). Both raw cacao powder and raw chocolate are available at most health food shops or online. Luvju bars can also be purchased online through the Loving Earth website.

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♥ Recipe Time!

Home made chocolate is as easy as 1,2,3. No really, all you’ll need is 3 essential ingredients to form the basic chocolate recipe and then you can add whatever flavour combinations your heart desires. This recipe takes 20 minutes tops, from start to devour 😛 Choccie in a hurry anyone!?

I like to make mine spread out as a chocolate bark. Once set I then break it into pieces and store in a container in the fridge. It usually lasts about 1- 2 weeks (if I hide it well!). You could also pour the mixture into mini moulds and make little individual chocolates.

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Raw Coconut, Berry & Pistachio Chocolate

Basic Ingredients:
♥ 1/2 cup cacao butter
♥ 3/4 cup cacao powder
♥ 1 Tbs coconut sugar (can be omitted for sugar free)

Additions:
♥ 1/4 cup desiccated coconut
♥ 1/2 cup dried berries (I used mulberries, goji berries and cranberries but you could use whatever you like)
♥ 1/2 cup pistachios

Directions:
1. Prepare a baking tray lined with baking paper (make sure you can get it into your freezer)
2. Very gently melt the cacao butter over a low heat until melted
3. Add in cacao powder, coconut sugar, coconut and whisk to combine (ensuring smooth and no lumps)
4. Pour into lined baking tray and spread out with a spatula making it as thin or thick as you like (or pour into mini moulds)
5. Sprinkle berries and nuts on top
6. Place in the freezer to set roughly 15 mins
7. Break into small pieces and store in an airtight container in fridge

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Enjoy your new found favourite guilt-free treat!

Have you tried raw cacao powder before or tried raw chocolate? What did you think? Would LOVE to chat all things healthy choccie with you in the comments, so drop me a line below! 🙂

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.

Be well,

xoxo

♥

Picture a leisurely getaway, the gorgeous late spring warmth and sunshine on your skin as you take part in a beachside morning yoga class before revelling in the delicious heat of a detoxifying sauna, drinking a fresh green juice and then sinking into massage heaven and relaxing by the indoor or outdoor pool for the rest of the afternoon. Sound like much needed bliss?

Infrared Sauna = ultimate relaxation

You’d be forgiven for thinking I’m talking about a Balinese retreat. Thankfully this one is closer than you think! We are incredibly lucky to have Leisa from Embracing Health Retreats making the trip over to WA to host one of her world renowned 8 day ultimate wellness and relaxation retreats in Busselton from the 23rd of November til the 1st of December.

Leisa is a leading Australian naturopath, live and whole (raw) foods expert, fatigue specialist and detoxification expert who is dedicated to making you feel vibrantly alive and renewed during her retreats.

The retreat is being held at the local Grand Mercure Apartments at Geographe Bay, Busselton in November, and offers a week of fun, relaxation and world class health education.

An example of the amazing raw food that will be giving you loads of energy!

“My passion”, says Leisa, “is to bring together groups of people and teach them how they can use everyday foods to improve their health. With the rise of chronic diseases such as obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, there has never been a more important message than how what you eat can change your life.”

And changing lives is what the Embracing Life! Retreat is all about.

So what does this amazing oh-my-god-book-me-in-right-now retreat include?

♥ Luxury accommodation for eight nights
♥ All food and drinks from Friday evening to Saturday morning
♥ All activities including Yoga classes
♥ Two x one hour healing therapeutic massages
♥ Two food preparation classes with our Raw Food Chef Extraordinaire
♥ One magical Art Therapy or Sound Healing Class
♥ A Wu Tao Dance Class
♥ Unlimited use of Sunlight Sauna (bliss!)
♥ Unlimited use of resort facilities
♥ Options for booking extra Day Spa treatments and Colonic Irrigation where applicable
♥ All workbooks and lecture notes
♥ A gift bag on arrival containing lots of free goodies valued at over $100!

Check out the Embracing Health website for more details, including cost and how to book in!!

And tell me…

Have you ever been on a retreat before or wanted to? Did it change you in any way?

I’d love to hear from you! 🙂

Be well,

Annette

xoxo

This is a sponsored post.