Sunday 8 September 2013

Happy first birthday!





I somehow completely forgot that my little blog has just turned one! If I had time (and wasn't planning a wedding that was only SIX WEEKS away) I would make this cake to celebrate. Thank you to everyone who reads and most importantly try my recipes. A huge thank you to those who have written to me to let me know how they have turned out, I love to hear from you. 
Here is to another year of wonderful healthy vegan food. 
Clare x
p.s picture is of an amazing cake from My New Roots. Check it out here

Spring clean detox: green smoothie




Spring has sprung! What better way to welcome the change in season than with a gentle cleanse. Cleansing can seem like a lot of hard work but really it can be as simple as eating lots of fresh fruit and veg and doing some extra exercise. When I cleanse I like to cut out all caffeine, sugar, alcohol and limit grains. I increase my vegetables and exercise and try to remember to dry brush in the morning and that's about it. I find that how I start the day sets the tone for the rest of the day and sets me up for success. There are lots of little changes you can try to add into your morning routine to promote detoxification and get your energy levels going. Some of my favorite things to do include:
  • Start the day by drinking a big glass of room temperature water with the juice of half a lemon in it.   
  • Dry brush with a few drops of rosemary oil. 
  • Take some probiotics.
  •  Do some yoga. 
  • Get outside in the fresh air for a jog or a walk. 
  • Scrape your tongue. 
  • Have something super clean for breakfast.
  • Drink smoothies and green juice. 
Other detox ideas include:
  • hot yoga. 
  • Detox baths with ginger and essential oils. 
  • Herbal teas including fennel, ginger, peppermint, lemon balm. 
  • Eat lots of soups and salads. 
  • Get some sunshine.
When I am doing a gentle cleanse I like to start the day with a big green smoothie. There are HEAPS of recipes out there for green smoothies but I find this one is a winner every time and it is packed full of veggies to keep you full until morning.  

I love green juices but I tend to make more smoothies as the clean up is so much easier. If you are trying not have sugar replace the banana with a tablespoon of chia seeds and use coconut water instead of water.
 
Ingredients

1 banana
1/2 a cucumber

1 handful kale or spinach
1/2 avocado
juice of half a lemon
Big handful of fresh mint
1/4 cup of chopped fresh fennel

optional extras
1 tbsp almond butter
vegan protien powder
bee pollen
chia seeds

Directions: Combine all the ingredients in a blender with 11/2- 2 cups of water. Blend until smooth. Enjoy. 
So tomorrow I am starting a cleanse for a little while. I am going to aim for at least a week but maybe longer depending on how things are going. I'll keep you posted!

Clare x