Planet Organic Haul

Shopping is both my greatest devotion and weakness in life. Ask anyone who knows me well and they'll tell you of the inner peace I find within buying a shiny new pair of shoes. But most recently, this passion is being challenged with a love of trailing round health food stores like Whole Foods Market. Now if you don't get excited over buying nut butters and seeds then I'm sorry, it's just not going to work out between us. 

Heels and baobab powder don't quite go hand in hand, but they do share one common ground - one simply has no time to shop for either. So I placed an online order - and maybe an ASOS one alongside too - to have some unusual and interesting healthy foods delivered straight to my door. 

Clearspring Snack Organic Roasted Seeds and Soya with Goji Berry and Tamari Roasted Pumpkin Seeds. Inspiral Smokin' Coconut Pecks and Raspberry Coconut Pecks. Superfruit Cacao + Mint Raw Protein Bar. Biona Organic Spelt Pizza Bases. Buckwheat Cakes. EatReal Sundried Tomato & Roasted Garlic Quinoa Chips and Chilli & Lime Quinoa Chips. Sassy's Blondie and Red Velvet. Raw Health Organic Blissed Chocada Truffles. Raw 46 Crunchy Coconut Almond Butter and Crunchy Coconut Hazelnut Butter. Meridian Organic Strawberry Fruit Spread. Mr Organic Authentic Italian Arrabbiata. 

K

Food For Friends, Brighton

With darker nights approaching, I get this horrible sense of the Summer running away from me. I'm left in a sheer panic, realising I haven't done half the stuff I planned to when I watched the long break spread out in front of me. It turns out it's August, and between work, my days are diminishing. So with the sun finally shining again, Mum and I had spent the morning doing a spot of shopping down the Lanes in Brighton, to make the most of the fleeting Summer (or at least the very British version of it).

I have a list the length of my forearm of the most rave about places to grab food or eat in the city, but I suggested we sat down for lunch at Food For Friends, a vegetarian restaurant I had spent many a blogpost drooling over. We took advantage of the weather and their perfect people watching location and sat outside. Now with a great reputation for their flavoursome, home cooked food, with a menu that caters for a whole host of special dietary requirements (but don't be fooled - many a meat-eater has raved about this restaurant), our expectations were: 11/10.

And I can't say we were left disappointed. The food was delicious and the generous portions sizes were spot on. The staff were lovely and couldn't have been more helpful. 

Now Mum's a bit of a self-confessed haloumi addict, she's also not willing to much about it, and after catching a glimpse of their haloumi and portobello burger her decision was final. It came stacked in a brioche bun on top of fresh tomato, baby gem lettuce, gerkins and a red onion marmalade, served with triple cooked chips and a honey mustard mayo.

I went for one of their - many -  vegan options, the tahini marinated roast aubergine, stuffed with a delicious smoky chipotle pepper and tomato ragout, served with pan-fried saffron potatoes and courgette drizzled with a sweet pekmez dressing.

And even though we had all but demolished our food, we ordered two espresso shots with their homemade dark chocolate truffles to share, because we just couldn't resist. Now oh my goodness, these were the best things ever. So rich, but not too sickly, and they melted in your mouth like a lindt ball would, but I swear they tasted 10x better. I suggested that they start selling these immediately as it's sent me on a vegan chocolate truffle quest.

I also picked up this "I am SKINNY GREEN" juice from another Brighton health haunt, 42 Juice, to fuel my spin workout later in the day. 

And here's hoping I can fit in a few more days as lovely as this before the Summer is over.

K

July Top 5

And here are my July Top 5...

1. Peaky Blinders, Season 1 (available to watch on Netflix).

For those who haven't heard about this show, it's a period drama set in 1919, following the infamous Birmingham gang, the Peaky Blinders. Although I cover my eyes when the gory fight scenes come on, I became absolutely obsessed and finished season 1 in a week. Also give props to whoever created the soundtrack, because it's awesome. Eagerly awaiting season 2 to come to Netflix.

2. Sweaty Betty, Shorts & Sports Bra Co-ord. 

I picked this cool running co-ord up in the Sweaty Betty sale and haven't wanted to run in anything else since. Usually with shorts I find there's too much material and they come up a little big, but these are lightweight and there's no riding up-or-down or needing to readjust (and of course, you can't not get the matching bra). The sale is now over but their new season collection is now in stores. I’m currently obsessed with this print here.

3. Clinique, Liquid Facial Wash Mild (£16.50) and Clinique Mild Clarifying Lotion (£16.50).

These were my absolute skin saviours. A combination of stress and then laziness on the skincare front (listen to your Mother when she tells you to take your make up off after a night out) made my skin erupt in July. These Clinque Mild products were recommended by a friend who has amazing skin, so I didn't need much convincing, and are great on sensitive skin. I use the facial wash in the morning, and then the mild clarifying lotion, which is an alcohol-free acid toner, after cleansing to gently exfoliate the face without irritating break-outs. 

4. L’oreal Paris Color Riche Lipliner (£3.99) and Lipstick (£8.19) in 302 ‘Bois De Rose’.

Usually I like to rock more of a statement lip, but I've been loving this duo for a beautiful everyday pinky nude.

5. Raw Vegan Carrot Cake.

And lastly this month, I've been reminiscing this raw vegan carrot cake. It was my first attempt at a raw cake but it went down a storm with my whole family, including my Dad who gladly swapped a Saturday afternoon slice of chocolate cake for this instead. It was more of a cheesecake consistency so we all agreed it would be a great dessert. Find the recipe here.

K

The 10 Ugly Things I Learnt From Running

The ugly, the embarrassing and the frankly too much information things they don't tell you...

1. Crying as adult in public has never been more acceptable or appealing. Multiple times I've found myself on the brink of the tears swearing I'll never make it to the top of the hill, but everyone feels like that - right?

2. You know that inspirational, no idea how you're so positive all the time, #motivationalmonday instagram post person? You become her. But sometimes the only way you're going to make it through a run is by channelling your inner Buddha - "the more I run, the stronger I become".

3. Fancy a pedicure? Never again. Unless you can face getting out your blistered, sometimes blackened toenailed feet, it’s a no-go.

4. Without rhyme nor reason, some runs are simply terrible. You're breathing is all off, your muscles just aren't warming themselves up and it's only the second mile*, but some runs just don't happen at all, don't beat yourself up. * These runs often end up in tears.

5. And now that we’re talking about runs: Runs will either leave you with the runs all day, or leave you in intense pain literally unable to to go at all. Oh, and when your digestive system throws a curveball mid-run? Don’t get me started. 

6. You’ll never have been more offended than when other runners will straight-out ignore your smile and “good morning” - like whatever, it’s because they’re totally jealous of your co-ordinated running outfit.

7. Getting beeped at walking down the road can already feel degrading, throw in a sweaty, red-faced mess and...

8. There's nothing worse than feeling too cold on a run, unless of course you've wrapped up so much that you feel like you're about to pass out from heat exhaustion...

9. Now every one speaks about this amazing feeling that you get from breaking through the pain barrier, how you could go on for miles and miles and it's all la-di-da. I'd still like to experience this, please.

10. Lastly, sometimes, when you gotta' spit, you just gotta' spit, so don't give me that look.

K
What ugly things have you learnt running?

The Weekly Eat #1 + Bircher Muesli Recipe

Eat Better, Feel Better…

Here's a look at what I ate today:

Breakfast

8am: Apple and Cinnamon Bircher Muesli

We all hear it often enough, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and I also think it's the most exciting. But life is hectic and there's rarely ever enough time to sit down and eat a big, homemade breakfast, so we pick up easily alternatives in hungry-frenzies that are usually packed full of processed sugars and general nasties. These are going to spike your blood sugar levels and leave you craving the sweet stuff all day long.

This Bircher Muesli recipe is packed with oats, chia seeds and cinnamon all low in GI that are going to help stabilise your blood sugar levels, preventing that mid-morning sugar-crash and help to keep you full. You can also prep overnight and keep in a jar/tupperware to make for a quick and nutritious breakfast on-the-go.

Ingredients (Serves 1)

1/3 Cup Oats

2 Tsp Chia Seeds

100g Alpro Plain with Almond Yogurt

1/2 Apple Diced

Either 1/2 Cup Water (Or Almond Milk if you prefer it to be more creamy)

1/4 Tsp Cinnamon

To top

Fresh fruit

Nut Butter

Method

Mix together your oats, chia seeds, apple and cinnamon in a bowl with the soya yogurt and water. If you do prefer it to be creamier, you can use a dairy-free milk substitute in place of the water. 

Cover and leave to soak overnight in the fridge. If you’re planning to eat it on-the-go, go ahead and place it in a container.

In the morning, top with fresh fruit, nuts or nut butter to increase satiety. 

Post-workout Snack

11 am: Banana Coins with Peanut Butter

Usually I work out in the evenings, so without wanting to ruin my dinner, I just grab a protein shake, but as I went to the gym this morning, I wanted something a little more substantial to last me through until lunch. I sat down with the iPad and a mug of Positivitea “Thrive - Hibiscus, Strawberry & Cinnamon” tea which is specially blended (and all very fancy) for the chakras - check out their webpage here.

Also can't/won't promise that I did not dip back into the peanut butter jar.

Lunch

1pm: Rye Toast With Hummus + Veggies

Dinner

8pm: OhSheGlows Perfect Veggie Burger + Sweet Potato Wedges

As it was  Friday, I don't think you go wrong with your classic burger and chips with a healthier twist. I made a big batch of these veggie burgers to keep in the freezer to take out for BBQ's or quick dinners and cut up a large sweet potato into wedges. I skipped on the bun and had a naked burger with plenty of salad.

I also had a glass of white wine and watermelon and dark chocolate for dessert which wasn't photographed, but thoroughly enjoyed. 

Kay’s Kitchen Playlist:

Regina Spektor - Samson

The Almighty Moringa Miracle Chocolate Shake

Now if we were to play a game of Superfoods Top Trumps, Moringa Powder is the card we’re all going to want, and here’s why…

This world of superfoods in which we live can seem like a baffling, all very extravagant marketing ploy to make money out of an increasingly health-concerned (and apparently cynical) population. We have mulberries, goji berries and whats that? You’ve never tried any enchantedmagentaunicornforest-berries? You haven’t lived. And apparently, the less you're able to pronounce the word, the better it is for you, so don’t worry because no one pronounced quinoa right the first time. But, there is a reason why these mysterious people - who actually have the time to make fancy schmancy, instagram worthy breakfasts every morning - swear by them, and it’s probably why they have such fantastic skin…

For the past few months, and now for the foreseeable future, I've been supplementing for an iron deficiency anaemia and a B12 deficiency, which is a pretty common and very treatable problem. Coming off the tablets would inevitably cause my levels to drop but I totally feel like that prescription money could be better spent on a new pair of shoes (am I right?) The only further advice offered to me was to 'make sure you eat plenty of dark leafy greens' - really? If I possibly ate anymore broccoli than I already do, I'm gonna' turn into one myself. So I took research into my hands, and discovered that the tub of green powder gathering dust in my pantry (along with the other products I had picked up on a trolley dash through Holland & Barrett), was actually used to prevent and treat 300 illness worldwide, including anaemia. 

Having previously doubted Moringa, questioning "what could this superfood promise me that others couldn't?", I would like to retract that statement and admit that I could not have been more wrong.

So meet the heavyweight and powerhouse of nutrition, 

Moringa: Native to India, used to treat and prevent 300 illnesses worldwide. 25 times more iron than spinach, 17 times more calcium than milk and 15 times more potassium than bananas. Neutralises and reduces the damage of free radicals (the nasty molecules that speed up ageing and can cause heart diseases and cancers).

Nutrients: 92

Antioxidants: 46

Amino Acids: 18, with the 9 essential ones our bodies cannot produce.

Vitamins: A - Z

Omegas: 3, 6 and 9.

And whats even better, Moringa Powder is so easy to add into any meal. I made this Almighty Moringa Mircale Chocolate Shake as my post-run protein shake. Even with the slight green tint, the taste was undetectable. Naturally high in iron, protein and all those over heavyweight stats, it's great for your skin and your whole well-being. Super creamy, all naturally sweetened and great for muscle repair, it makes for a fab, guilt-free treat. And if it's going to help up my iron levels, I'd consider in a daily necessity, at least for the foreseeable future...

Ingredients

Serves 1 

1 Frozen Banana

1 Medjool Date (pitted)

1 1/2 tbsp Raw Cacao Powder

1/2 cup Water/Ice

1/2 cup dairy-free milk alternative, I use Almond Breeze Unsweetened Almond Milk

1 tbsp Moringa Powder.

Optional:

1 tbsp Nut Butter.

1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon

Method

Simply blend all ingredients together in a blender and serve pinterest-style in Kilner jars with paper straws*. Enjoy…

*Instagramming the hell of out this is not required, but highly recommended.

Kay's Kitchen Playlist:

Catfish and the Bottlemen - Kathleen, Cocoon and Pacifier

Homemade Cashew Cookie Nakd Bars

I’m rarely caught without snacks on hand, I’m that type of person who doesn't like to miss a meal, and you know, irrationally I fear getting stranded on a remote island or being faced with a hungry pack of wolves (always worth a try). But mainly, I carry snacks because finding plant-based food is like trying to find a needle in a haystack, and if you’re eating something nice, best believe I want to be too. 

Now despite their hippy, whole food credentials, Nakd bars can be found everywhere, which is fantastic. Amongst the chocolate bars and bags of sweets, I can even find one in a petrol station. I love pretty much everything about their little dairy-free, gluten-free bars and how I can grab one on-the-go now. That is everything bar the price (0.99p for a single bar, about £3 for a pack of 4) for something that is so cheap and easy to replicate at home. 

This recipe is taken straight off the back of the packaging of the Nakd bars, and when sealed in an air-tight container in the fridge, they keep for about a week, but my batch barely even made it passed the first evening. There’s no dairy, no gluten and no processed rubbish - just cashews and dates (and much to my Father’s disbelief, nothing else). 

Ingredients

| Makes 8 x 35g Bars |

156g Cashew Nuts

147g Medjool Dates (pitted)

Method

Line a square baking tray with cling film.

In a food processor or high powered blender, blitz the cashews until they form a fine powder. However, I do prefer to leave a few chunky bits of the cashews to make the bars a little crunchier. 

Add the dates and continue to blitz until both ingredients are well combined and you have a sticky dough. If you are using a blender, you may require stopping and starting as to not overheat the machine too much.

Take the cashew and date dough and press it firmly and evenly across the baking tray and leave in the fridge for half and hour. 

Once cooled, you can cut into bars and transfer into your air-tight container.

And there you go: cheap, healthy snacks to grab on-the-go

Kay's Kitchen Playlist

Another Story - The Head And The Heart

Need The Sun To Break - James Bay