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.

Soft Tones│Style

P lease excuse the terrible cropping I did to this picture, I am in serious need of a tripod! This was actually last saturday's outfit. The weather that day was perfect to wear these crochet/ lace shorts, cami and platforms all in the same hue. I went to see one of the many World Cup's matches to a sports bar (but it was a fancy one so the outfit didn't seem out of place :') ) but who cares anyway right? I get to wear whatever I want :3 I just hope there are many sunny days ahead cause I've been loving high waisted shorts!

Shorts - Forever 21 / Platform Sandals - Zara / Cami - Zara / Ring - Forever 21

Weekly Breakfast Ideas│Healthy Recipes

S o you know breakfast is important, right? Everyone agrees is the most important meal of the day. And in fact, it is true. I find myself making wiser choices for the rest of the day when I get a nutritious breakfast and I'm not starved by lunch time! But sometimes I just don't have the time to prepare a cooked meal like oatmeal or other porridge variation, so I often pack yogurt parfaits with fresh or frozen fruit or blend smoothies. I have a few recipes for you from this week and last week's breakfasts. I hope you get some ideas, and remember: don't skip breakfast! :) 

Blueberry Banana Yogurt Parfait - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole grain rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plain yogurt
• 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp (15 gr) goji berries

Place all in ingredients in any order and enjoy!

Kiwi Banana Granola - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup whole grain rolled oats
• 1/2 cup unsweetened plain yogurt
• 1 kiwi fruit
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
• 1 tbsp (15 gr) goji berries
• 2 tbsp cranberries or any dried fruit

Arrange all ingredients in a plate and dig in! 

Chia Seed Breakfast Porridge - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup quick cooking oats
• 1 cup water
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1-2 tbsp chia seeds
• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 banana, sliced
• 1 tbsp organic cacao nibs
• 1 tbsp (15 gr) goji berries
• 8-10 raw almonds

In a small saucepan add water and bring to boil, add the quick cooking oats and reduce heat to low. Simmer until oats are cooked (don't worry if the consistency is too runny, it will thicken as it cools) Add vanilla and chia seeds and stir. Serve immediately and add the rest of the ingredients. 

Green Smoothie - Serves 1

Ingredients

• 1 cup almond milk
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup strawberries
• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 cup zucchini
• 1 kiwi fruit

Blend almond milk and spinach first, then add strawberries, kiwi, zucchini and banana. Enjoy! You could also add 1 tbsp chia seeds or ground flaxseed for extra yumminess! 

Let me know what you think of these and do share if you will try any :)