Date Paste - Alternative Sweetener

I often use date paste in sweets, desserts, baking, smoothies, and on occasion eat it right off the spoon! Date paste is a great alternative to refined sugar, and its caramel taste and flavour is oh so good! 

Tomorrow I am planning to create a recipe for bean fudge, so I thought I'd prepare some date paste before hand. You could use mejool dates if you like, however I use regular pitted dates as they are a lot more cost effective.

There is no right or wrong way to make date paste, it is basically soaking, draining and whizzing!

Date Paste

Ingredients

Pitted dates 

Warm water for soaking 

Optional extras

Vanilla extract 

A pinch of salt 

Method

1. Place dates in a bowl or container. I used about 300grams which fills at 400gram jar or about 1.5 cups. 

2. Add in the warm water, making sure to fully the cover dates. Soak for a minimum of 1 hour or overnight, the longer you soak the better as they will be easier to whizz. 

Speedy method: boil dates in hot water for 1-2 minutes. You don't want too cook them, simply soften them. 

3. Drain the dates making sure to save the soaking water. Add the dates to a food processor using the S blade or heavy duty blender (it won't work in a normal blender unless you add load of liquid), you can add the vanilla and a pinch of sea salt at this point.

If you soaked your dates overnight, you probably won't need to add any soaking water, if you soaked only for an hour you may need to add in a tablespoon or two.

Whizz for about 3-4 minutes or until smooth, making sure to stop in between to scrape down the sides. Add soaking water if needed (make sure not to add too much liquid in order to keep its sweetness, I only ever use 2 tablespoons).

4. Transfer the date paste into a clean jar or container and store in the fridge for up to 3 months.


Enjoy!


Kim x

Master Cleanse Diary April 2015

Monday

8:00am First cup of lemonade at work, feeling tired due to lack of sleep and coffee! Accidentally put too much cayenne, so added more water.

10:30am Hot water for morning tea. Feeling motivated.

3:20pm Just finished work, feeling extremely hungry! This is the time of day where binge and eat all through the night. I can do it.

6:15pm Woke up from an intense 2 hour nap. I slept maybe 5-6 hours last night, as I had been used to sleeping late on school holidays.

Having some intense cravings for fried food, any food really! I remember why I do this again, it's helps me appreciate food and think about what I eat.

9:00am Watched Jake cook an amazing pasta for dinner tonight, so hard. Had my laxative tea, not bad.

10:30am Spent pretty much the entire night looking at my previous food pics and Instagram drooling! I think I'll try and sleep now, will probably dream about food.

Goodnight x


Tuesday

7:00am Just woke up and feeling ill. Had some hot water, and my lemon drink on the tube.

10:25am Short morning tea, marking the kids work to get me through.

12:10pm Lunch time is killer! So hungry and still feeling lethargic. Really considering having some soup or a salad after work.

3:30pm Work is finished. Not sure if I need to eat or I'm sick? Usually do these detox fasts during the school holidays where I can stay in bed the whole day! Not sure if doing it while I work is such a good idea, or am I not in the right mental space to keep strong?

5:00pm Just got home from work, such a long day. I am thinking tomorrow will be my last day...


Wednesday

8:00am Falling asleep on the tube. So tired.

12:30am Taught such a lovely class. Didn't stop for a morning break, so I could mark work. Now in lunchroom drooling over everyone's food, sipping on peppermint tea.

Really feeling like I realise why I did this detox in the first place. Sorry body! I had gotten to the point where I just ate anything without thinking, a lot of has to with the change of routine - moving to another country, new job, and also waiting for my partner to find a good paying job.

I really need to deal with how I deal with stress. As this is how I got to my heaviest a few years ago. I just can't go back, gosh I've come, so far 19 kilos down. For the last few months my weight has stayed the same, I'm happy that I haven't gained, but on the other hand feel silly for not doing anything to lose more! Time has stood still and I need to keep aiming for my goal weight.

Wow I just rambled so much, feeling better. Tomorrow I am going fast during the day, then eat a clean meal in the afternoon - fruits, veggies, salads and soups.


Health is wealth peeps!

Kim xx

Master Cleanse

If you know what I make out of these ingredients, you know what's about to go down! The master cleanse is not a quick weight loss fad it is simply a cleanse/detox to clean out any unwanted toxins.

The benefits are not only detoxification, (this may sound hippyish) but it can be seen as a spiritual journey/awakening to kick start healthy eating and exercise whilst also resetting your palate, which means getting rid of those nasty cravings!

I will be aiming for five days, and will hopefully continue through to the next five!

I made three batches to last me all day tomorrow.


Master Cleanse Lemonade

Ingredients

1 tbsp pure organic maple syrup
2 tbsp organic fresh lemon juice
1/10 tsp / a pinch of organic cayenne pepper
1.5cup (300mls) filtered water


How to carry out the cleanse:

*Make sure to use organic ingredients, you can find these as supermarkets and most health food stores.

*Drink at least 6 250ml cups a day. You can have it cold or hot.

*Make sure to drink plenty of water.

*You can occasionally drink caffeine free herbal tea such a peppermint.

*End the day with a laxative tea.

Good luck xx

Favourite Summer Products

This summer I have discovered some new products that I am in love with! Some of them are old favourites that have become staples in my home.

All fab eco/skin/animal friendly reasons aside, many people don't realise that many of these products are found in local supermarkets and are quite affordable, especially when you nab them at special prices! You really have to think of the value or cost of your own health, wellbeing and of course the planet!

I will let you look at the photo for brands and product info. If you have any questions, please ask below.


Kim xx

Home and Beauty Essentials Guide

As I have become more conscious of what I put into my body, I have also been more conscious of what comes into contact with my skin.

Ever since I was a young girl, I have had severe eczema. Steroid creams had always been my go to, even knowing that it wasn't natural and was thinning and fading my skin. Now my skin is better than ever, and I credit this to my diet and the products that come into contact with my skin.

The things I look for in home and beauty products are anything plant and mineral based with no nasty chemicals such as parabens and products using only natural fragrances such as essential oils. Of course for the ethical side, cruelty free - no animal testing and products that are biodegradable as well as packaging that is recyclable.

Around the same time that I went completely animal free, I went semi hippy and made all my own home and beauty products, it was amazing and so much cheaper! I made my own moisturiser, deodorant, perfume, toothpaste, cleaning products and even bronzer from cocoa. This was all possible on my school/work holidays. These days I find it easier to buy eco products from my local supermarket. Maybe one day I will be a stay at home mum, then I will aspire to do it again!

The following is what we have available at supermarkets in New Zealand and Australia. What I buy depends on what's on special at the time. I know it seems expensive, but can you put a price on your health and wellbeing? xx

Beauty

Hair
Organic Care Shampoo and Conditioner
Chantal Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - Leave in hair mask 

Face and body
Huckleberry Farms Basic Cream - My daily face moisturiser = miracle cream! 
Chantal Extra Virgin Coconut Oil - body moisturiser, make up remover, sunscreen
Eco Store - Peppermint lip balm 
Eco Tan - Tanning products
Lush - There 'Dream Cream' is amazing for dry hands and ezcema

Hygiene
Eco Store - hand wash and body wash
Lush - A range of beauty any hygiene products
Thursday Plantation - Tea tree deodorant
Phyto Shield - Lemon myrtle toothpaste
Red Seal - Fluoride free toothpaste 

Cosmetics
Inika
Natio
Innoxa

Home

Cleaning
Eco Store and Earthwise - Dishwashing liquid, all purpose cleaner, laundry liquid and cream cleaner for the bathroom.  

Jewellery Cleaner
Toothpaste and an old toothbrush

I will update this page regularly when I find new and exciting products! xx

Happiness❤️

I'm posting this shameless car selfie, as I am feeling confident and beautiful.☺️ 

It has been a year since I decided get myself out of a rut and turn my life around physically, mentally and emotionally. I have learnt that true happiness and well being is found within myself, not through anyone, anything, anywhere but myself. I have discovered my right to it.


I truly thank everyone in my life and my followers who are supporting me through this journey. My loved ones have truly blessed me with their unconditional love, support and friendship. And it is encouraging to know that my posts have inspired you, as I embark on my journey to becoming the 'real' me. 

Let us all be encouraged to find ourselves and embrace this journey called life. 



Remember it is not about the destination, but the journey. 

Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.



Kim xxx

Lunch at Little Bird Organics

This morning I had the best raw vegan lunch at Little Bird Organics in Ponsonby. 

It was so gorgeous in there, the food was so tasty and wholesome, and even my carnivore friend left feeling nourished and satisfied!

Let the pictures tell the rest of the story...

An irresistible selection of guilt free raw vegan goodies! 

Such a cute cafe. 

Chia Bircher - gluten free oats, chia, goji, apple, almond, lemon, cinnamon young coconut. Topped with coconut yogurt and berry-chia jelly. 

Bird Bowl - Kumara with activated pumpkin seeds, kale salad, raw sprouted bread croutons, quinoa and creamy mushrooms. Also had the cold brew coffee by Kokako.

Raw vegan espresso cheesecake to takeaway :)

I definitely will be returning for some whole food goodness. All of their food is organic, vegan and free from gluten, dairy, soy, sugar. What more could you ask for?!

Kim xx 

21 Day Cleanse!

It's that time again... Detox/cleansing time! I believe in eating a whole food diet, having all treats in moderation, and regular cleanses to give my body a break.

Around the same time last year I decided to kick my bad habits to the curb by completely changing the way I ate. I didn't even know that becoming vegan/vegetarian was going to be an outcome.

I had always wanted to be meat free, but never really tried it whole heartedly. Not until I did a 10 day juice fast inspired by Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead , when I came off the fast I reset my palate and decided to give veganism a go. Along the way I watched life changing documentaries like Earthings, Food Inc and Forks over Knifes which solidified my choice to stop eating animal flesh.

It has been a year on, and I am 18 kilos (39 pounds) lighter, my skin and hair is healthier, and I am all round feeling greater than ever!! The best part about being meat free is that there is not much temptation (try ordering at Mc Donald's) and it is so easy to keep the weight off.

Now back to the cleanse, even though I am 18 kilos lighter, I still have about another 10 kilos to go until I am at a healthy weight for my build and height! To read more about my previous weight gain click here.

So naturally, I am going to challenge myself to base my diet around fruit, veggies, bean and nuts. Twenty one days free of: gluten, preservatives, refined sugar, dairy and meat of course!


Wish me luck!!

Kim xx

Health Benefits of Drinking Lemon Water

Lemon water has become a new part of my daily routine. In the morning when I get to work usually I would opt for a cup of coffee! I've kicked that habit, and have replaced it with lemon water.

Method:
Squeeze the juice of 1/2 a lemon into warm water. Warm water works best, as cold water takes a while to absorb and hot water can kill some nutrients.

At first I was not a big fan of the taste, but you get used to it, and now I really enjoy it. I do this first thing in the morning when I am half asleep (yes at work), then by the time I'm finished, I'm ready for the day!

I had actually been doing this for while without realising the benefits. Here is some awesome info from lifehack.org

Source

11 Benefits of Lemon Water

1. Gives your immune system a boost

Vitamin C is like our immune system’s jumper cables, and lemon juice is full of it. The level of vitamin C in your system is one of the first things to plummet when you’re stressed, which is why experts recommended popping extra vitamin C during especially stressful days.

2. Excellent source of potassium
As already mentioned, lemons are high in potassium, which is good for heart health, as well as brain and nerve function.

3. Aids digestion
Lemon juice not only encourages healthy digestion by loosening toxins in your digestive tract, it helps to relieve symptoms of indigestion such as heartburn, burping, and bloating.

4. Cleanses your system
It helps flush out the toxins in your body by enhancing enzyme function, stimulating your liver.

5. Freshens your breath
It also helps relieve toothaches and gingivitis (say wha?). Because the citric acid can erode tooth enamel, either hold off on brushing your teeth after drinking lemon water or brush your teeth before drinking it.


6. Keeps your skin blemish-free
The antioxidants in lemon juice help to not only decrease blemishes, but wrinkles too! It can also be applied to scars and age spots to reduce their appearance, and because it’s detoxifying your blood, it will maintain your skin’s radiance.


7. Helps you lose weight
Lemons contain pectin fiber, which assists in fighting hunger cravings.


8. Reduces inflammation
If you drink lemon water on a regular basis, it will decrease the acidity in your body, which is where disease states occur. It removes uric acid in your joints, which is one of the main causes of inflammation.


9. Gives you an energy boost
Lemon juice provides your body with energy when it enters your digestive tract, and it also helps reduce anxiety and depression. (Even the scent of lemons has a calming effect on your nervous system!)


10. Helps to cut out caffeine
I didn’t believe this until I tried it, but replacing my morning coffee with a cup of hot lemon water has really done wonders! I feel refreshed, and no longer have to deal with that pesky afternoon crash. Plus, my nerves are thankful.

11. Helps fight viral infections
Warm lemon water is the most effective way to diminish viral infections and their subsequent sore throats. Plus, with the lemon juice also boosting your immune system, you’ll simultaneously fight off the infection completely.