For the love of Breakfast

Protein Pancakes with Blueberry - Dates Sauce.

T his is kind of a food diary of what I've been having for breakfast for the past two weeks. As you may already noticed I am forever trying new recipes and combinations. Eating whole foods has made my body and soul feel nourished and healthy. Eating organic isn't difficult as most people think. Taking time to understand nutrition will get you to a healthier lifestyle, you'll have more energy and overall feel better. Personally I love to cook and I do a lot of research on food nutrition, new and popular trends and I favour the vegan diet as it supplements with whole, raw ingredients. Lately I've been loving porridge (a lot!) after my morning run. It makes me feel nourished and recovered. There are so many variations you can try and that's what is important, not to get bored by eating the same thing everyday! I hope you get some ideas from this post :) 

Orange cocoa porridge topped with organic raw tahini, toasted sunflower seeds, organic raw cacao nibs and cinnamon and maple syrup sliced peaches.

Peach porridge with banana topped with raw walnuts and dried apricots.

Banana - Pecan Amaranth porridge topped with toasted pecans.

"Carrot Cake" Porridge topped with organic raw tahini and raw goji berries.

Orange Cacao Porridge topped with raspberries, organic raw cacao nibs, shredded coconut and orange zest.

Apple - Quinoa porridge topped with apple slices with cinnamon and maple syrup.

Detox Smoothie: kale, ginger, raw honey, frozen blueberries and cinnamon.

Healthy Snack Ideas│Recipes

H ere are a few snack/ breakfast/dessert ideas to change things up a bit, if you're looking for breakfast ideas only check out this post. I don't snack everyday but when I do, I do it once a day, either mid-morning or evening before dinner. Sometimes I crave sweet things but I hate the idea of getting trans fats, too much sugar o simply carbs to satisfy the craving! However, I do indulge on these things sometimes >.< But I try to make the healthiest version of what I'm craving. Anyway, one of my favourite food bloggers The Vegan 8  posted a few weeks ago this recipe. She makes the best food and it just takes 8 ingredients to do it! I followed the instructions just like on her blog, here's the recipe.

Spicy Caramel Lemon "Swirl" Bars by The Vegan 8

Mine look way different from hers because I only had dried shredded coconut at the time so I couldn't get the coconut butter right. But they still tasted delicious! Also, the "swirls" didn't happen for me, haha! But they were so yummy, I want to make more!

Cashew Cardamom Chia Pudding - Serves 4 (Adapted from The Kitchn)

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp chia seeds
• 2 cups water
• 1/4 cup hazelnuts
• 3/4 cups cashews
• 1/2 tsp vanilla
• 3 tbsp agave nectar 
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom

In food processor, puree the water, hazelnuts, cashews, vanilla, agave and cardamom. Try to really get it pureed or if you prefer to have chunky nuts on the pudding (like me) don't puree it as much. Mix in a medium bowl the chia seeds and stir to combine. Pour the mixture in 4 medium glasses or dessert bowls and cover with plastic. Refrigerate over night. When ready to serve garnish with fresh fruit or nuts.

I found the pudding didn't have a thick consistency, I think it's because of the water. Next time I'll switch to almond milk or add less water.

Cranberry Banana Yogurt Parfait - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup multigrain cereal (I used Kashi Go Lean Crunch!)
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp dried cranberries (or any other dried berry such as blueberries)
• 1/2 granny smith apple, sliced or diced
• 1/2 tbsp shredded coconut (optional)

Layer all ingredients in an air tight container for on-the-go or on a medium bowl for breakfast. 

Protein Smoothie - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened or vanilla almond milk
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup pineapple, diced
• 1 cup strawberries
• 2 tbsp protein powder (I used Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powder)

Blend spinach and almond milk first. Add pineapple, strawberries, banana and protein powder and blend again. 

Hope you like these recipes! 

Weekly Favourites │3

I t's all about the eyes for me this week, I've been feeling and looking so tired... Lucky for me there's nothing a good eye cream, false lashes and mascara can't fix! After getting on with this powerful combo I feel much more awake. I start with the Origins GinZing refreshing eye cream to kinda conceal those terrible under eye dark circles of mine, the cream has a bit of a shimmer/sparkle to it so it gives a nice glow and it feels so refreshing! Eyeshadow wise, I've been sticking to the Urban Decay Naked Basics Palette. I apply W.O.S under my eyebrows and all over my lids lightly, Naked 2 in the outer corners creating a V shape for depth and Venus in the inner corner to brighten! It's quick and easy. Most days I just do winged liner and the eyeshadow combination goes great with it. For lashes, I've been applying the Dior Diorshow Maximizer Lash Plumping Serum almost religiously. Every morning before mascara and at night before I go to bed. My lashes look fuller though I don't think they will actually grow longer, but we'll see. After the serum I apply Rimmel London Scandaleyes Retroglam Mascara* in Extreme Black, the wand on this mascara is amaziiiing. It has a concave shape so it gets every eyelash on my lids! Finally, those days when I want to add a bit more to my eyes I put the Dolly Wink eyelashes. My favourite are #10 Sweet Cat and #4 Feminine Style. 

What are your favourite eye products?

*Product received complimentary for testing purposes from Influenster.