Holistic health and well being is my absolute passion and although I still have a lot to learn and grow, many of my lifestyle and eating habits are now just that, habits! I forget sometimes that when I recommend something or include a specific ingredient in my recipes, that some of you aren’t quite sure what I’m going on about. Lately a lot of you have had questions about ingredients I use and where I get them, so I thought I would do I little rundown on what’s in my kitchen and why I use and love them.
In my pantry:
Cacao powder: Raw organic chocolate in it’s purest form. Who doesn’t want healthy chocolate right? Jam-packed with antioxidants, magnesium and minerals.
Chia seeds: Gluten free, high in fibre, calcium, vitamin c, protein, omega 3’s…need I go on! I add these to pretty much everything, smoothies, sprinkle on top of yogurt and porridge. I also make chia puddings, which are awesome (recipe to come soon).
Coconut oil: I LOVE coconuts! Like seriously love them, in all their forms. Coconut oil despite some opinions, is so good for you. Here is a link to the many benefits (if you don’t believe me). I personally used it for everything, baking, smoothies, raw desserts, moisturiser and hair treatments. I’m loving Niugini Organics brand, smells divine plus it comes in a nice glass jar so you can store your nuts etc in them when it’s finished!
Nuts: Although they add a small dent in your weekly food shopping allowance, they are totally worth it. Throw them into your smoothie or porridge for a protein boost. Make your own nut milks or raw desserts (we are loving this raw cheesecake!). Personally I always have almonds, walnuts and cashews on hand.
Seeds: Sunflower, pumpkin and flax seeds can easily be added to your salads, Muesli, vege burgers or to garnish your smoothie, for an extra hit of vitamins and minerals.
Quinoa: Pronounced ‘keen-wah’, is highly nutritious, is high in fibre, protein, magnesium, antioxidants, the list honestly goes on and on. It looks like a grain but is actually a seed. A great alternative to rice and can be used sweet or savory or even as porridge using quinoa flakes.
Rice milk: A great alternative to dairy milk.
Want to go a little further?
Coconut yogurt: Again with the coconut, but if you love yogurt and don’t want to eat dairy, this is a great, yummy alternative. I use coyo brand.
Mesquite powder: Stabilizes blood sugar, low GI and high mineral content. Add to anything to get a mild sweet, caramely flavor, thus needing less added sugar.
Hemp seeds: Packed with omega 3’s and vitamins, contains high amounts of digestible proteins and amino acids. I add these to smoothies and sprinkle on top of porridge and smoothies.
Bee pollen: Contains nearly all the nutrients needed by humans! Rich in amino acids, protein, B-complex and folic acid. I use this the same way as I use hemp seeds. Want to know more? Check out this blog post.
Appliances:
A food processor: This is pretty much a must have and you don’t need to spend a fortune either. I recently purchased a 98-dollar Kenwood processor from Harvey Normans, that absolutely does the job. I use this for everything, for making all of my raw desserts, bliss balls, vege burgers…everything! It even has a blender attachment, two birds with one stone people.
Julienne peeler: Purchase from the supermarket or kitchen/homeware shop. This awesome utensil I use to make zucchini pasta. I will be posting a blog soon about zucchini pasta, it really is a delicious alternative to wheat pasta (who would have thought).
Juicer: These you can also pick up quite cheaply. I think juicing is a practice to incorporate into your life to achieve radiant, optimal health and a delicious way to ensure you are getting an adequate vege intake each day. If daily seems a bit much for you, just do it as often as you can, even a few times a week would be a great start.
All of the ingredients I use in my recipes can be found in your local health food shop or supermarket. For those of you on the north shore, I shop at Mr Vitamins in Chatswood and Discount vitamins in Dee Why. These both stock a huge range of products and good prices.
If you’re reading this thinking it’s sooo much stuff, I urge you to try and incorporate some of these into your diet, start with just one thing and see how your body responds. Once it’s in your pantry you will use it as it’s always on hand and it too will become habit for you.
Anything you use that’s not on my list? Comment below, I’d love to know!
Nourish Within 