Sunday, October 1, 2017
If you’ve been hanging around on my blog pages for a little while, you’ll know I’m regularly talking about how little time I have to cook. Strange, given ‘food blogger’ is my full time job right?! Things get in the way like content planning, emails, interviews and accounting. So when it comes to those who work long hours, have kids, maintain a gym regime and try to have some sort of social life, healthy food and sleep are the first to usually take a back seat.
So when I can across this new kitchen gadget that will literally save me about an hour a week in the kitchen, I got a little (over) excited. Anything that gives me more time for things like sleep, is treasured. Not only that, it helps get loads more veggies into your day, almost effortlessly – and that includes fussy kids too. Drumroll please…
Say hello to the new Kenwood ELECTRIC SPIRALIZER! Whoop!!
If you’re sat scratching your head, spiralizers make spaghetti out of any solid vegetable – think zucchini, beetroot, carrots, parsnips and more. I have a manual one at the moment I bought from Ebay for $5, and I use it on the daily. While it’s one of my favourite kitchen companions, I am always covered in vegetable juice and beetroot stains. I figure given the price I paid I can’t complain. Spiralizers are amazing if you’re avoiding gluten or cutting carbs, because you can replace almost any pasta or rice with these clever curls of veggies, and not feel like you’re missing out one bit.
This gadget also dishwasher safe, so there’s no finger-to-blades contact. I’m a little prone to kitchen accidents.
Now here’s where it gets interesting…
Not only does my new fave wonder product save stain-removal AND carbs, but I got mine for FREE by redeeming Membership Points at David Jones Online with my American Express Platinum Edge Card. With an RRP of $129, I actually didn’t spend a cent, and had it delivered to my door in just a few short days. When you shop online with David Jones, there’s a cool feature that allows you to pay with American Express Membership Points – either in part, or the full amount. That means if you don’t have enough points, you just reduce the total cost of the item (i.e. get is at a discounted price). It’s basically like having a DJ’s gift card to spend all sorts of fabulous things. I LOVE it. I treat myself to all sorts of lovely things – like plates, chopping boards and cutlery for food styling photos. It’s especially handy because I’m moving house soon and need a re-vamp of my everyday crockery without big expense.To join in on this savvy money-saving hack, just use your American Express Credit Card on your everyday purchases – such as groceries and petrol, to rack up those lovely little points, then spend them online at DJ’s.
So now you have the best kitchen gadget of 2016, let’s get making some yummy stuff.
Recipe: Light + Tasty Zucchini Fritters
Serves 2
Ingredients:
- 4 organic free-range eggs
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- 1 spring onion, diced
- 1 medium zucchini
- 1 tbsp coconut oil
- 100g feta or goats cheese
- Parsley and wholegrain mustard to serve
Method:
- Use your electric spiraliser to create zucchini noodles in a flash. If you don’t have a spiralizer just yet, you can grate the zucchini too.
- In a bowl, mix together the eggs, chili, onion and zucchini.
- Heat the oil in a frying pan on a medium-high health and dollop in the batter – allowing for 4 fritters.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes before turning and cooking for another 1-2 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove to two plates and crumble over the cheese, then serve with freshly chopped parsley and a big dollop of mustard – my fave.
Handy tip: I bought all my ingredients from Woolworths who offer TRIPLE American Express Membership Points for every dollar spent. I’m already earning points for my next treat!
Read more >> 10 Things I learnt about my health in 2016
Whilst I LOVE my job (we’re talking, pinch-myself in love with it), we all need a break sometimes. Often, all it takes to find your most inspired self is to step away from the daily grind and immerse yourself in nature. What better place to do that than Byron Bay? Just an hour’s flight from Sydney, you can head there for a long weekend (minus the jet-lag) and leave feeling like you’ve been on a tropical getaway.
Set on the most eastern tip of Australia, Byron Bay is famous for its pristine beaches and healthy lifestyle. The town was made popular by hippies and surfers in the 1970’s. Byron boasts a deep sense of spirituality, world class dining and adventure experiences, along with plenty of yoga.
To get the most of my relaxing weekend, I headed to The Byron at Byron – a beautiful resort just 15 minutes from the centre of town. Here’s why you need to book a trip there, pronto:
1. THE SURROUNDS
Set in 46 acres of wild rainforest, and just a short stroll from the beautiful Tallow Beach, this resort is luxurious and serene. Wake up from your deluxe king-size and meander the boardwalks through the rainforest that contains 200 species of native plants, over 90 species of birds and a range of native wildlife. In a clearing through the trees you’ll find the main buildings, architecturally designed built using natural materials.
2. THE FOOD
Head to breakfast where you will enjoy a huge range of fresh fruit, chia puddings, gluten free slices and muesli by Brookfarm. If savoury is more your thing, there’s eggs of every variety, gluten free bread and roasted tomatoes on offer. The seasonal menu features 75% local ingredients sourced from within the region, including high quality produce from Tenterfield lamb, Eastern Tweed King Prawns, Coopers Shoot Tomatoes, Byron Bay Pork and handmade Bangalow Cheese.For lunch, dine on the six metre wide verandahs overlooking the rainforest canopy, for an unforgettable culinary experience. The Restaurant practises Slow Food principles, sourcing produce from within the Northern Rivers region and working with local farmers.
Thursday evenings are a must, offering a meal centred around the best of the pick at the morning farmers market in the area.
3. THE HEALTH + WELLNESS ACTIVITIES
Every Thursday morning Head Chef Gavin Hughes treats guests to a complimentary tour of the Byron Bay Farmer’s Markets, offering the ultimate producer-to-plate experience. A must for any foodie!Check out the fabulous Spa & Wellness Centre with a signature treatment menu that captures the spirit of nature. It includes six luxurious treatment rooms, spa, steam room, relaxation area and Vichy shower to re-energise and quieten the mind. I opted for a rainforest massage – set in the middle of sub-tropical trees. Listen to the birds as your muscles are treated to pure bliss.
Set your alarm for the free 75 min yoga classes at 8am. The teachers vary daily, so you can be sure there’s a style you will resonate with.
Hire a bike from within the resort and take a trip to Lennox Head for views of the amazing coastline.
Want to break into a sweat? The report has an on-site gym for that, too. Winning.
PACKAGES
Boasting a plethora of tailored packages, The Byron at Byron is perfect for year-round holidays. Guests can choose from an array of packages including the Endless Love Romance Package, Gourmet Getaway Package for food lovers, Spa and Wellness Bliss for a wellness escape or Mother Earth, the increasingly popular baby-moon package. The Resort is also a favoured wedding and honeymoon destination.
The Byron at Byron Resort and Spa
Address: 77-97 Broken Head Road, Byron Bay. NSWPhone: 1300 554 362 or +61 2 6639 2000 (international)
Website: www.thebyronatbyron.com.au
Read more >> 10 Best Healthy Eats in Ubud, Bali
1. Earth Cafe
This store offers a “whole life concept” – aka, is a grocers and wellness store, as well as a cafe. It’s a great concept, and one that really appeals to the die-hard healthy eaters. So much so, that this is one of four locations on the island. I couldn’t spend the morning growing the shelves, new-age books, testing out organic hand creams and soaking up the vibe – it’s a pretty cool place. Serving up breakfast, lunch and dinner, these guys have something on the menu for everyone, at any given time of the day. Acai bowls, tacos, zucchini pasta, raw cakes, smoothies and teas are in abundance. Go wild.www.dtebali.com/earth-cafe-market-ubud
2. Soma Café
This was my favourite evening eatery – set around courtyard with twinkly fairy lights, the menu caters for raw vegans and every other dietary requirement possible. Service is kinda slow, but hey, you’re in Bali. Just sip on the essential-oil infused water and kick back, man. Better yet, get the Ojas Booster Smoothie (Cacao, dates, cardamom, maca, cinnamon, cashew and coconut milk). For those looking for something hearty (give me some protein!), there’s delicious fish stew and some other meatier options. gentle live music is often humming away in the background. You’re bound to leave feeling blissed-out.www.facebook.com/Soma-Cafe-Ubud
3. Alchemy
Alchemy Bali is the island’s first 100% raw vegan cafe & juice bar, organic health food store, and holistic clinic. It was my favourite casual dining spot (and I visited A LOT of places). The interior is kinda shabby (they were mid-renovation), but it only adds to the laid-back ambience. Try one of everything on the menu (especially the Hawaiian Pizza), and don’t go past the desserts. There’s tiny chocolates available, so make sure you share with a friend and pick as many as your stomach can manage. The peanut butter bars were my personal fave.alchemybali.com/
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4. Garden Kafé at the Yoga Barn Ubud
Yoga barn is the sole reason many people visit Ubud. It’s an amazing yoga school with open-air studios set in lush surrounding forest. It’s also home to the Garden Kafe – a raw foodies delight. It also has a special menu geared towards the Ayurvedic way of eating – but if that that’s not your jam (your thinking the WHAT way?), the dishes are yummy regardless. Theres also a selection of cooked foods for those that need it. The ambiance is garden-romantic with a lovely view, overlooking the terraced lawn & amphitheatre of The Yoga Barn. Tip: service is definitely on Bali time. Get there an hour before you’re hungry!www.theyogabarn.com/healingfoods.html
5. The Seeds of Life
I visited here often on my trip to Ubud. One taste of the raw pizza and I was hooked. They also save up killer raw onion bread and jimaca chips that are not to be missed. This raw food cafe in the centre of town is also a Taoist Tonic Bar, serving up elixirs and remedies on their extensive drinks menu. If you have some time, check out their raw food classes (including raw chef certification), or treat yourself to a relaxing yoga class.http://theseedsoflifecafe.com
6. Fivelements Sakti Dining Room
if you’re looking for fine-dining in Bali (which isn’t easy to find) this has to the at the top of your list. Set in a luxury boutique style hotel that just has 9 rooms, this is where celebs come to hide out. It’s a 30 minutes drive from the main part of Ubud, bu the tranquility that greets you is well worth it. Escape the bustle of the town and enjoy the seclusion with amazing food. We’re talking the best raw food you will ever eat. The Raw Food Chef – Maddy- has been trained extensively in America. He knows to execute amazing flavour, presentation and grace with every dish. I was lucky enough to try the raw degustation menu, and sampled so many exquisite dishes. The kind of place you want your partner to propose (did I say too much?!), surrounded by flowing water and native forest. Get back to real food, and nature, in this slice of paradise.www.fivelements.org/en/cuisine/sakti-dining-room
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7. Clear Cafe
Offering a delightful menu of frosty drinks, fresh fruit juices and hearty fare, Clear Café is an Ubud sanctuary. Most of the drinks are made with Irish moss, a mineral-rich seaweed and healing superfood. The menu is packed with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and raw options. – See more at: http://www.theurbanlist.com/melbourne/a-list/foodies-guide-ubud#sthash.68OCeqnd.dpufwww.clear–cafe-ubud.com/
8. Mozaic
Enter through the beautiful Balinese doorway into this fine-dining experience. A must for a special occasion, this place is worlds away from the hippy vibe at most Ubud eateries. The menu is seasonal and ever-changing, as they make the best of the freshest available ingredients. It’s unlikely that any of the dishes you have here are similar to anything else you’ve eaten before. The menu is inspired, creative and delicious. These guys also run workshops to teach you how to re-create food masterpieces at home. Yes please!www.mozaic-bali.com/mozaic-restaurant
9. Sage
Catering to vegans and veggies, this menu has less of a focus on health food, and more on delicious, hearty plates. Think burgers, waffles and chips. There’s still some delicious green salads to be had, but they come with a big helping of dressing too. Go here when you want to stuff yourself silly. You’re on holiday, after all.www.facebook.com/sagerestobali/
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10. The Elephant
These guys have a focus on sustainability, and gets the prize for the best view. Overlooking the beautiful Tjampuhan Ridge, head straight to the back of the restaurant for the best seats and you’ll be awarded with breathtaking scenery. The menu is HUGE, so take 20 minutes at least to browse all your options. Being 100% veggie, this is not the place to squash that protein craving, but there’s so many delicious options, I promise you won’t miss the meat!www.elephantbali.com/
Read more >> 24 Healthy Hours in Sydney
If you’ve followed me on Instagram, you’ll see on my Stories that I often show inside my fridge. There’s something so appealing about knowing what other people have stocked for when hunger strikes, and followers seem to love it.
So here’s what goes into my basket on a regular basis – my regular staples that you’ll find gracing the recipe pages most often. Don’t get me wrong, I usually go out for breakfast on weekends, or even enjoy a spoonful or two of my boyfriend’s ice-cream on a Friday night. Life is all about balance after all, right? Keeping tempting foods out of the house and out of reach really helps when it comes to a healthy diet.
If you only stock good food in your house, you’ll only eat good food.Scroll down to see what I look for when buying food.
My usual shop:
Focus on fresh, and then use the Health Star Rating (more on this below) to choose the healthiest packaged foods.- Almond Milk
- Salmon (smoked + fresh fillets)
- Chicken
- Tinned tuna
- Eggs
- Turkey Mince
- Bananas (for ice cream and smoothies)
- Broccoli
- Zucchini
- Walnuts
- Herbs + Spices
- Sparkling water
- Nut butter
- Greek Yoghurt
- Cherry tomatoes
- Blueberries
- Avocado
- Salad leaves
- Tomato Puree
- Lemons
- Cottage Cheese
- 85% Dark Chocolate
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What I look for when grocery shopping:
I always try to fill at least 70% of my basket with fresh produce. That is made up of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, organic eggs and fish.When it comes to the remaining 30% – tinned tomatoes, almond milk, nuts, seeds, yoghurt, protein bars and so on, it’s important to know what’s going into your foods. The Australian Government has made it much easier for us here – with Health Star Ratings now on the front of many packaged foods. When you’re in a hurry and don’t fancy navigating heaps of nutritional panels, the star ratings are super helpful. Quite simply, a 5 star yoghurt is healthier than a 3 star yoghurt. The star rating is based on a number of nutritional factors to compare products in the same category.
Discounts on expensive items – such as organic chicken.
I try to wait until a store has sale on their organic meats that are coming to the end of their best before date, and then load up the freezer. You save your pocket AND waste.
What foods always make it into your basket at the grocery store? Let me know if the comments below!This article is proudly sponsored by the Health Star Rating. Thank you for supporting the sponsors who make The Fit Foodie Blog possible. All images and opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.
Read more >> The Top 5 Must-Haves for Your Smoothie Bowl
With SO many tights on the market, how do you know which
ones are right for the way you move + shake it? Whether you’re sweating
it out in Bikram, throwing punches (in boxing!), or leisurely walking
the dog on weekends, I’ve got you covered.
I WANT TO FEEL…
TIGHT
Sucking you in at all the right places, compression tights
offer joint support for those knees, but also improve blood flow for
faster muscle recovery (so it’s totally legit to wear these all day!).
Keeping your muscles locked and loaded with these Tight Stuff Tights – complete with pretty scallop detailing.
HUGGED
We all need a comforting embrace. You need a classic style that holds you close and moves with you. Get that cuddle from these tights with a cheeky mesh insert for a little street style.
HELD IN
You need support for your key muscle groups, with some strategically placed stitching and ‘zoning’ to keep you secure through your abs, hips, bum and thighs. Opt for these crops to be caressed in all the right spots.NAKED
Well..semi naked. You need tights engineered to feel like second-layer skin that are super lightweight. You want to feel like you’re wearing next to nothing so you can bend and flex in every direction with ease. Feel bare with these tights.RELAXED
The perfect weekend attire – from Friday nights on the
couch, Saturday walks in the sunshine right through to Sunday brunch
with the girls. These pants should sit away from your body to give you maximum room to move. Get loose with some &go City Trek Trousers.
Given that I’ve had amazing use out of my trusty pair of black Lulu’s
for the three years, I personally recommend their range simply because I
can vouch for their quality. They also have an awesome returns policy
that goes like this: if a product is not working for you, tell us why and we’ll take it back. Now that’s customer service.
Do you have a go-to pair of tights that have seen you through hundreds of sweat sessions? Share with us in the comments below!
Read more >> How to Save the Planet in Your Swimwear
Just in time for the Aussie summer, two friends Audrey Petrelluzzi and Gaëlle Frouin-Dumas have launched Petite Terre Swimwear, a beautifully detailed swimsuit line made out of waste products like carpets, plastic bottles and fishing nets. This luxuriously designed swimwear is not only inspired by the Earth, but is also helping to save it. Win, win.
We believe that a swimsuit is way more than beachwear. It represents the essential path for freedom, travel, relaxation and the best memories from our journey through different lands. We are restless in our search to make this path last forever and to maintain the best memories of our lives concentrating our efforts towards on environmentally friendly swimsuits.Petite Terre Swimwear fabrics are made from 100% regenerated polyamide fiber from post-consumer materials saved from landfills and oceans all over the world. They are re-polymerized through a physical process and are turned into new fabric.
So just how are they doing it?
My Top Pics
There range is pretty extensive, with something that’s sure to catch your eye. Check out my favourites below.Made with their special blend of sustainable techno-fabrics, the swimsuits are multi-purpose too – great for a casual swim, surf or yoga session!
Read more >> Broga Tights for The Man in Your Life
More than one million Aussie blokes do yoga (or broga, since we like to shorten everything). Now they can finally channel their inner yogi wearing some proper tights thanks to a Melbourne local bizman Chris Teakle – founder of Warrior One. They are Australian designed, Australian made and as far as we know an Aussie first!
“No other company in the world makes yoga pants specifically for men, and I wanted a unique product that ticked all the boxes – functional, durable, comfortable, stylish and affordable,” Chris says.With 3 awesome styles to choose from (each in S, M, L), first timers and hard-core yogis will love them! No more awkward junk hanging out and about in downward dog. Celebrations all round.
WARRIOR 1
Full length leggings ($79.95),
WARRIOR 2
Below the knee leggings ($69.95)
WARRIOR 3
Short legging ($49.95)
Read more >> Beauty Expert Irene Falcone's Top 5 Superfoods for Skin
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The Kitchen Tool Every Busy Babe Needs + Zucchini Fritters Recipe
If you’ve been hanging around on my blog pages for a little while, you’ll know I’m regularly talking about how little time I have to coo...