Pretty Pink Cheesecake (Strawberry and Beetroot)

I've been asked to make a pink cake for a local charity event next week, so had a little experiment in the kitchen yesterday with some natural foods to give me the desired colour. Beetroot, cherries, raspberries and strawberries are the obvious choices for lots of colour... Ended up with a mix of strawberries and beetroot. Beetroot offers such a very strong colour, but used on it's own I figured it would completely overpower the taste of the whole cake, as it gives a powerful hit of 'earthiness'! 

I bought some gorgeous little heart cake pans the other days, so decided on a cheescake mix rather than a baked cake. Ideally going for lots of raw desserts, treats and snacks now his month particularly as I'm doing 30 days (90%) raw.

Really happy with the way it turned out, and it's pretty easy to make, that's the way I like recipes! 

Ingredients :

Base :

1 cup dessicated coconut

4-5 dates

1 tbsp raw, organic, fair trade coconut oil

1 tbsp raw cacao powder

Topping: 

9tbsp almond flour/ground almonds

1 tsp vanilla extract (or one scraped vanilla bean pod)

1tsp cinnamon (optional)

1 beetroot chopped and peeled

A handful of fresh strawberries 

Raw honey - to taste (depends on the amount of beetroot) 

1 tbsp coconut oil (as above)

Sprinkle of Xanthan gum (you can add more and whizz up again if it's too runny)

Coconut cream - add gradually to achieve the desired consistency 

Decorate:

Dessicated coconut

Freeze dried strawberries 

Method :

Whizz up all the base ingredients in a Nutribullet or food processor

Press mixture into a greased cake pan or muffin cases or similar- I used heart shaped mini pans and it made three.

Put in the fridge to set

Topping : add all the ingredients to a food processor and whizz up until smooth. If very very thick add some more coconut cream, if too thin and runny add another sprinkle of Xanthan gum.

Spread over the base and smooth down.

Decoration : whizz up the coconut and freeze dried strawberries , so the strawberries 'stain' the coconut.

Sprinkle over the top.

Cool in the fridge, and eat and enjoy! 

Stay healthy! 

Rx

Raw For 30 Days Days 1 and 2

I've been experimenting with raw food over the last six months, and the main reason for this is because I've been listening to my body. I've been lucky enough to travel to NYC, Greece and Poland in the last six weeks and whilst it's been Amazing the food hasn't always been what I would normally eat. 

So I feel a little out of kilter, a little sluggish, a little full of 'stuff'... and that doesn't sit well with me. Hence the 30 days Raw experiment. I'm not saying I'm going raw full time, in fact I pretty much know I won't ; there are some foods at the moment I don't think I can live without forever... But I'm always up for a challenge. I know if nothing else, at the end of 30 days I'm going to be so full of CLEAN food, and that has to be a good thing! 

I made the mistake of thinking it would be easy just to switch to a fully raw diet, but here we are in the middle of day 2, and I'm feeling a bit stuck. Yesterday for day one, I literally ate juices and smoothies all day to kick start my system. I can make all sorts of variations of these in my sleep so no problem there. I was hungry last night but I'd cut my calorie intake dramatically and did weights and cycled. Bed by 9pm, and not a minute too soon. 

Today I've been to the supermarket, and started automatically reaching for the things I'd normally buy... lentils, mung beans - can't eat because they need cooking (unless they're sprouted apparently) , pro biotic organic yoghurt , I usually get sheeps yoghurt, but supermarket yoghurt is definitely not raw! Butter... Noooo I can't eat butter! I'm definitely sourcing raw butter. 

Bought some nuts, and a bit of fruit and veg .. Feeling a little despondent. In the end I went to M & S and bought a ready made salad; cucumber, carrot, and  lots of different lettuce leaves just because it felt like a 'treat'! I did make home made pesto to liven it up a bit. No pine nuts in Wetherby so I bought cashews, and whizzed them up in my Nutribullet with oil, garlic and basil. Very nice!!! 

I felt great after lunch, but craved something sweet. Thankfully I had a few small squares of my home made, home devised, blackberry coconut fudge. ALL RAW! Yeah! With a nettle tea that hit the spot. But I have no idea at this moment what I'm going to have to eat later. Yep I'm already thinking about tea ! 

To help me out I've downloaded an ebook by the smoothie Goddess  (no, not me although I'd like that title!) on how to transition to Raw in 21 days. That's my bedtime reading for the next week.

I'll crack it; I know I will. My mind is made up- 30 days 100% Raw.

Rx

Liquid Breakfast!

I'm in Whitby this week, chilling with my family... Easy to let things go and think oh well I'm on holiday so I can relax my eating and drinking. I've made the decision that that's NOT happening, and once my mind set is right that's it for me. Partly because we're going to Greece next week and I'll be in a bikini, so there's some vanity attached to my decision. 

Anyway just made a fab smoothie and juice for breakfast ; drank them in the sunshine listening to the sounds of the seaside, and soaked up some Vitamin D - it's All Good, as Gwyneth Paltrow would say... 

Smoothie : Superfood Special

Bee pollen, Maca powder, coconut oil, cinnamon, spirulina powder, almond milk, RAW honey, local blackberries (picked by me) , green cabbage. Whizzed up in my Nutribullet. 

Juice : Lauren's Love

Cucumber, carrot, green cabbage, lemon juice, coconut oil, and apple. Whizzed up in my Nutribullet .

That's it, all done and dusted in a few minutes. And drink at your leisure!!! 

Oh and I had a nettle tea with them as it's a great detoxifier for the liver.

And I'd already had two mugs of warm water with lemon, and done some yoga. My tummy is smiling... Now to go to the beach.. 

Have a great day whatever you're doing.

Rx

Raw key lime cheesecake

I've been asked by so many people to come up with this recipe, and after reviewing my blogposts I did in fact make one a couple of years ago! Here's an updated, even yummier version! And so easy to make!  

I made mine in a pie/flan dish and covered the base with cling film to make it easy to remove.

Ingredients :

Base :

400g mixed nuts (you can use them raw, you can activate them, roast them, whatever you like) 

6-8 medjool dates

4 tbsp raw cacao powder

2-4 tbsp coconut oil - I use LucyBees

Pinch sea salt

4oz dessicated coconut (you can toast this too first if you like)

Topping :

3 ripe avocados

1 pack of coconut cream

3 limes - zest and juice

1 tbsp raw honey

1 tsp vanilla extract (the proper stuff not vanilla flavouring)

1 tbsp coconut oil

1/2 tsp Xanthan gum (to help it set) optional - you may not need this

Method : 

Whizz all the base ingredients up in a food processor- I use a Vitamix or my Nutribullet .

When it's formed a paste, not too wet, not too dry,  tip out into the lined pie dish. If it's too dry add more oil/dates, if it's too wet add more dessicated coconut.

Press down into the sides and base with the flat of your hands so that it's even.

Place in the fridge to firm up.

Topping Method :

Whizz all the ingredients in a food processor (as above) - it's that simple! 

Remove the base from the fridge, and pour the greeny topping over the base and spread with a knife.

Return to the fridge until set, or freezer if you're in a rush.

Decorate with lime slices if you like, it looks pretty, or you could dust with raw cacao powder.

Slice up and eat.

Enjoy. 

Rx

Morning Rituals

This morning I went to meet my best mate for a walk with her dog, early. When I got home after a lovely walk, cup of tea and a 'put the world to rights' natter I went home and realised something. I hadn't done what I usually do every morning ; my morning ritual. I'd never really thought about it as a 'ritual' before but guess I have been doing the same things most mornings for the last few years. It suits me, it works, and now it's what I do on automatic pilot- until today! 

So I thoughts I'd share with your my little routine, and would love to hear what you do each morning too, and your views on my mine!! 

My partner gets up ridiculously early, not my bag! I'm so not a morning person really so I start my day with a ten minute meditation using Headspace, it's an App I have on my phone (www.getsomeheadspace.com), and there are 10 days worth to choose from, so I select one at random. It helps me sort out my mind for the day.

I have the following quote by the side of my bed; I'm challenged sometimes with negative thoughts (aren't we all?) and find if I read this first thing it really helps to get things into perspective "You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you choose your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on your mind. That's the only thing you should be trying to control." Elizabeth Gilbert . 

Oil pulling

This is an ancient Ayuvedic remedy for mouth health, overall detoxing, and one of the first things I do when I get out of bed. I use coconut oil by LucyBee, for the yummy taste, and texture, but you can use any cold pressed oil.

You swish oil around your mouth, getting into all the nooks and crannies for a minute or so (depending on how long you have, you can do up to twenty minutes - needless to say I've never managed this) , and it pulls harmful bacteria, and other nasties out of the mouth, and possibly lower down the body, and the you spit it out. Do not swallow! 

Next up : Warm water with lemon. 

Warm water with lemon is my first drink of the day, it helps kick start the digestion after sleep. Lemon is a great digestive aid, and liver cleanser. Lemons are antibacterial, antiviral, have immune boosting powers and taste great.

I also take evening primrose oil, fish oils, probiotics, aloe Vera  and a liquid multivitamin drink . Sometimes I add milk thistle, magnesium baths, and enemas. I also do a liver cleanse twice a year.

Then it's yoga time ...I do at least ten minutes of yoga first thing every morning (and more later on in the day) to help start my day the gentle way! I either make it up as I go along, or I'll go to youtube and select a routine by Tara Stiles. She is yoga guru extraordinaire, and I love her dulcet tones in the morning too, as well as her amazing routines. Check out her handstand blog - what balance! The beauty of yoga is at you can do it to suit your mood - balancing, energising, sleep inducing, strong, gentle...  Tara has a great website www.tarastiles.com. 

And that's me ready for my day! And ready for my children... Lol!! 

My morning ritual is included in my new ebook Soups, Juices and Smoothies available to download at www.payhip.com/b/LgGs. 

Looking forward to hearing about your start to your day! 

Please leave comments!

Rx 

Wetherby's Pilates Lady...

Today's guest blogger is non other than the Pilates Lady of Wetherby... Lindsey Jackson. 

Lindsey and I met when we both lived on Raby Park ,in Wetherby, and our children Sam and Lauren were in the same class all the way through primary school (also both little brain boxes, always coming joint top in tests etc.) . We realised we both come from a background of wanting to give our body's and mind the respect they deserve, with nourishment through food and drink, through movement, and through positive thinking... Lindsey is often better at the latter than I am! She is an eternal optimist! 

She's answered the regular blog questions I pose to people, and I'm sure you'll be really interested to read her replies. Thank you Lindsey - I was looking for the photo of us drinking champagne at the Year 6 leavers party, but thought maybe it wouldn't be appropriate... not that we do that very often (may dig it out if I can!)

1. Tell us how you got into this field of work? 

I've always had a deep feeling inside that it's not fair if people don't have their health. That life is for living to the full - so we can contribute to others. But I guess I moved away from the NHS (where people are treated after becoming ill) to Pilates, and my Forever business, because I'd rather shut the door before the horse bolts. I want people to experience energy, vitality and movement. I do what I do because I can at least help people with this skill.

2. Can you explain how you help your clients to improve their health and well being? 

I always start with the person in front of me. By teaching individuals and groups in my Pilates I hope to help them improve their flexibility, get stronger, and counteract poor postural habits we all get into with our more sedentary lifestyle . Most of us sit too much, me included. My Forever business allows me to support those who want great nourishment and strong immune systems ...starting with a healthy gut. 

3. What are your top three health and lifestyle tips?

Remove packaged food from your diet. Move (in whatever ways you can ). Find something that really matters to you to do in life and do it with all your heart, with belief and passion.

4. How do you start your day? 

Aloe, hot water, and supplements... Then if I'm not teaching I run Max (labradoodle and oodles of fun) or I take the boys to school, teach and then crack on with building the business. I'd like to say I meditate every morning, but it usually ends up being on the hoof or an evening thing.

5. What's currently in your fridge ? 

Blimey, a mish mash of : salad, veg, homemade carrot soup, cheese, rice milk, smoked salmon, ginger, garlic, wasabi paste( love it on sushi) , home made chutney from last year, sugar free jam.. Give you an idea? 

6. What is your guilty food pleasure, go on tell us, you must have one? 

Early Grey Redbush. Addicted! But when I'm tired/need comfort I grate Willy's Venezeulan Black 100% cacao into rice milk and heat it to make a filling hot chocolate. Hemp milk good too, but rice milk sweeter. My other guilty pleasure is Jane Nichols raw chocolate cheesecake . Quite often eat that when no ones looking!  Oh, and your chocolate, courgette buns if you've made any, I could eat three or four of those. 

7. How do you keep yourself fit? 

Run the dog, walk everywhere I can, use my Pilates reformer abit, teach classes, occasionally go to a class at the gym... But generally it takes up too much time. I'm afraid I have to have functional fitness these days. I'd love to get to more classes. Yoga especially! 

8. What is your biggest daily challenge? The one thing that can pull you off course if you let it? 

A feeling of panic, when by mid day I've still not achieved much...and my list is so long it's unrealistic. I'm a dreadful optimist about what I can achieve in a day/hour/minute!

9. How do you relax? 

Walk...watch a film...meditate. Enjoying Deepak Chopras free 21 day mediation challenge just now. 

10. If you had three wishes that would help the planet, what would they be? 

That we live from love and not fear. That we get back to food in its natural state. That we find ways to reduce our energy use. 

Thanks so much Lindsey ! 

Rx

Silky Smooth Skin

Given  my long term digestive challenges, it's not surprising my skin has suffered. They say your skin reflects what's going on ,on the inside.... well all I can say is, I've come a very long way! 

I've always loved lotions and potions, and over the years have taken great pleasure in buying the latest face creams, sold along with an anti ageing miracle we all know will never come true. I've used Clarins, I've used Body Shop, I've  used Clinique, Estée Lauder, Creme De La Mere even... And I honestly don't think any of them made a difference that was positive. 

I've finally come to my senses; no more chemically enhanced beauty products for me. I need simple, I need cost effective , and although I use some branded products I'm liking the idea of using the products I eat, to put on my skin. This way I get a double whammy - feeding my skin from the inside out, and the outside in..

I've been hugely inspired by David Wolfes book Eating For Beauty... So many tips too many to mention. I highly recommend the book! 

So, a couple of days ago I set about making an all over  moisturiser using three ingredients ; yes, you read that right, just THREE ingredients. Try looking on the side of bought products, not only is there a long list of ingredients but half of them I can guarantee you won't be able to pronounce, let alone have heard of.

The first ingredient is Raw cacao butter ( the same I use in Raw chocolate so you can imagine the smell...). I melted it in Bain Marie style, gently until runny.

The next ingredient is coconut oil, again a lovely smell, and a product I use every day in meal preparation; and the third one is cold pressed organic olive oil- I use this in food lots 

too.

Mix these three ingredients up well  and then place in the freezer for a little while until they begin to set, approx 20 minutes.

Using a food processor, I use a kitchen aid, whizz up the mixture, until really creamy! Taste it, it's yum! 

And store in a jar... It will keep for months.. 

My children were all treated to a leg massage with this moisturiser, and loved the feel,   loved the smell, and loved the silky smooth feel of their skin afterwards.

An all round winner. Next time I'll experiment with putting essential oils in it..

Rx