Cacao Pops – superfood breaky for kids

Cacao Pops – superfood breaky for kids
Cacao Pops - Superfood breaky for kids
Serves 2
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Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 1 cup of puffed rice or puffed corn
  2. 1 tablespoon cacao
  3. 1 tablespoon hot water
  4. 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  5. 1 teaspoon acai + berry powder (bioglan)
  6. 1 tablespoon chia seeds
  7. 1/2 cup milk of choice
  8. 1 serve of probiotic powder (I use SB floractive from Bioceuticals, choose brand and dose appropriate for your child's age)
  9. If ur child can have nuts add a tablespoon of LSA
Instructions
  1. Mix cacao, maple syrup and hot water until cacao is dissolved. Add corn puffs and milk of choice and combine with remaining ingredients. Super quick and easy and a great way for your little ones to start the day!
Notes
  1. Way better for your kids that pre packed breakfast cereal. Naturally full of nutrients.
  2. Cacao - high in antioxidants, magnesium and iron
  3. Acai + berry - great source of protective antioxidants
  4. Chia - great source of protein, fibre and omega 3s
  5. Probiotic - very important for digestive health
Your Naturopathic Health http://www.yournaturopathichealth.com.au/

Raw Banoffee Pie

Raw Banoffee Pie
Raw Banoffee Pie
Serves 8
Raw whole food dessert, dairy free, gluten free, egg free refined sugar free.
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Prep Time
30 min
Prep Time
30 min
Ingredients
  1. Base
  2. ½ cup brazil nuts
  3. 1 cup shredded coconut
  4. 5 dates
  5. Caramel filling
  6. 8 dates soaked
  7. 3 tbsps of hot water
  8. 2 tbsps chia seeds
  9. 2 tbsps maple syrup
  10. 1 tbsp tahini
  11. ½ tbsp vanilla extract
  12. pinch of salt
  13. 2nd layer
  14. 2 ripe bananas
  15. 1 tbspn of cinnamon
  16. Cream topping
  17. 150 ml of solid coconut cream (Macro seem to the best consistency)
  18. 1 ripe banana
  19. ½ tspn vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. Soak 8 dates, chia with hot water in a seperate bowl. Allow 20 minutes to soak.
  2. Combine ingredients for the base in food processor until well combined. Press into lined cake tin or tart trays. Place in fridge to set.
  3. Combine all of the filling into food processor, mix until smooth. Spoon a thin layer into base.
  4. Layer banana above fillling, sprinkle with cinnamon.
  5. Whip coconut cream, vanilla and banana in food processor. Spoon onto top of pie and sprinkle with cacao.
  6. Place in fridge to set for at least an hour.
Your Naturopathic Health http://www.yournaturopathichealth.com.au/

Superfoods for digestion

Superfoods for digestion

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What’s your gut reaction?

Some people are proud of their ability to burp the alphabet or clear the room with their…um flatulence (for a more technical word) but for most of us, digestive problems can be embarrassing and extremely uncomfortable. Burning, cramps, bloating, excessive wind, constipation or diarrhoea are not subtle symptoms easily ignored. Whether it is a daily occurrence or bloating after a large indulgent meal, a change in our diet and lifestyle choices can make a huge difference to our digestive health. These symptoms do not need to be a part of your daily life.

Diet

Digestive relief with superfoods

Superfoods contain a concentrated amount of nutrients that can help to soothe those not-so-nice tummy problems. Here are some suggestions that are easy to incorporate into your daily diet.

Fibre-filled chia seeds

High in Omega 3, protein and calcium, these tiny seeds contain twice as much fibre as oats. Fibre improves digestion by speeding up the movement and elimination of waste through your body and should be a part of your daily diet. It is particularly important in the management of constipation. When soaked in water, chia seeds form a gel which has a soothing effect on your stomach. Great for treating sensitive tummies and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Low-fibre diets have been linked to diabetes, high cholesterol, cancer and heart disease – even more reason to use this wonderful superfood.

  • Chia can be added to your baking, salads, stir fries, breakfast cereals or smoothies, pretty much any meal due to their mild taste.
Soothing aloe vera

Have you ever calmed sunburnt skin with aloe vera? Well, this medicinal plant has the same soothing effect on your digestive tract. Aloe vera juice helps to balance the bacteria of your digestive tract and its anti-inflammatory effects on your stomach and intestines make this juice a great digestive tonic. It is effective in treating symptoms of IBS, reflux, indigestion and bloating.

  • Aloe vera juice can be taken straight up or mixed with water or juice.
Detoxifying chlorophyll

The phytonutrients in chlorophyll help to cleanse and detoxify the body. It is easy to digest and effective in reducing gas, bloating and acidity in the stomach.

  • Can be taken straight or diluted in water.

Lifestyle

Know your triggers

Keeping a diet and symptom diary is a great way to track foods that may be aggravating your condition.

Slow down and chew your food

Digestion starts in your mouth. Chewing slowly gives enzymes in your mouth a chance to get a head start breaking down the food you are consuming, it also signals your stomach to increase the flow of digestive juices. Not chewing your food, results in large portions of food being sent straight to your stomach. This will aggravate bloating, reflux and indigestion.

Hydration

Is important for both constipation and diarrhoea. Constipation because it helps to get things moving in your bowel and with diarrhoea it’s important to replace the fluids lost.

Coconut water

Another superfood, coconut water is a great way to replenish electrolytes depleted during diarrhoea.

Move it

Exercise is especially useful if you suffer from constipation. Your movement will increase the contractions of your bowel, improving digestion and elimination. Allow 2 hours after you eat to exercise, exercising at the wrong time can actually have a negative effect by slowing digestion down.

Stress less

The digestive system is very sensitive to stress. Stress causes inflammation in the digestive tract and can increase the effects of IBS, heartburn and reflux. Try meditation or yoga. If that’s not your thing, limit digestive stressors such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.

You can read more about the superfood products I have mentioned here on Bioglan’s website.

Superfoods for healthy ageing

Superfoods for healthy ageing

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Our generation is living decades longer than our predecessors. How would you like to spend those extra decades feeling?

I have to admit, I don’t like the concept of anti ageing. I don’t think it portrays a healthy perspective on an inevitable life process. I do believe in ageing well, preventing disease and not only eating to live longer but having a high quality of life, no matter how old you are. Superfoods should be a part of everyone’s diet. They contain concentrated levels of nutrients and are unprocessed, a perfect way to make sure you are consuming enough nutrients to keep your body and mind at its best.

Here are some simple tips on how to feel young at any age, protect yourself from the effects of aging and ok, maybe keep those wrinkles at bay just a little longer…

Diet

Nourish your body, don’t just feed it. Your diet should consist of whole foods, and as little processed foods as possible. Superfoods allow you to pack extra nutrients into your diet for healthy ageing.

Strong immunity with antioxidant-rich acai

Acai is a type of berry, particularly high in antioxidants, with 22 times more antioxidants than blueberries. Antioxidants help to keep your immune system strong and prevent cellular damage.

Acai is also low GI which is good for preventing sugar cravings. Snaking on sweets causes collagen to break down contributing to those wrinkles we are so keen to keep at bay. Low GI foods have are better for balancing blood sugar levels and are also important for weight management and maintaining energy levels.

You can take acai as a supplement or use acai + berry powder in your cereal, juices, smoothies or baking. An easy way to boost your daily antioxidant intake.

Protect your skin with Camu Camu 

Camu is a fruit from South America that contains the highest amount of Vitamin C than any other food source – it contains 23 times more vitamin C than an orange! Vitamin C is essential for collagen and elastin production for healthy skin and wound repair. It also helps to protect the skin from sun damage – a contributing factor to aging skin. Vitamin C protects against free radicals (damaged cells), its anti inflammatory and promotes healthy immune system. 

Camu has a mild citrus flavour and can be added to juices, smoothies, yoghurt, baking and desserts. 

Chia for Healthy digestion  

These tiny little seeds from south America are full of fibre, a great source of protein and omega 3’s. Fiber improves digestion,  helps the body eliminate waste and toxins from your body. 

Chia is a great source of anti inflammatory omega 3s that are beneficial for joint, brain and heart health.  

Chia can be added to your baking, salads, stir fries, breakfast cereals or smoothies,  pretty much any meal due to their mild taste.  

Boost your mood and memory power with Cacao – 

Cacao is the source of all chocolate products – with out the sugar and fat. Its latin name theobroma means food of the Gods. Cacao is full of nutrients and has been used for centuries its health benefits.Two cups a day has been shown to help with memory decline by improving blood flow to certain parts of the brain improving memory. Cacao contains mood boosting nutrients and is a good source of magnesium, iron for energy, heart and muscle health. Cacao is also super high in Antioxidants to protect us from age related health condition and illnesses 

 Cacao powder can be used in hot chocolates, smoothies, in baking and on your breakfast cereal. 

Lifestyle 

Exercise – is important on so many levels. Helps with weight management (decreasing risk for obesity, heart disease and diabetes), flexibility, and exercise helps to boost your mood and energy levels. 

Don’t smoke – its never too late to quit. The risk of premature death decreases by 50% if you quit smoking between 60 and 75 years of age. 

Stress less – stress can lead to damaged cells and premature aging. Find ways to reduce or manage the stress in your life – yoga, meditation or find a relaxing hobby you enjoy. 

 

For more information visit

http://www.bioglan.com.au/superfoods-2/

Antioxidant pops for little sore throats

Antioxidant pops for little sore throats
Antioxidant pops
Perfect for little sore throats
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Prep Time
5 min
Prep Time
5 min
Ingredients
  1. 2 cups of mixed berries
  2. 1 cup water
  3. 1 table spoon honey
  4. 1 squeeze lime juice
  5. 2 table spoon Bioglan Acai + berry
  6. 2 table spoon Bioglan Camu Camu
  7. 2 tablespoons Bioglan Coconut water powder
Instructions
  1. Blitz in a blender or food processor and freeze....thats it! You can eat straight away as a sorbet or freeze in ice block moulds
Notes
  1. Why is it healthy?
  2. When my kids have a sore throat this recipe is not only soothing but full of vitamins to help boost their immunity.
  3. The berries are naturally high in antioxidants.
  4. Acai + berry (i use Bioglan) - strengthens immune system
  5. Camu Camu - great source of vitamin C which is anti-inflammatory and good for immunity
  6. Coconut water - great source of electrolytes for rehydration.
Your Naturopathic Health http://www.yournaturopathichealth.com.au/

Boost your energy with super foods

Boost your energy with super foods

Tired of feeling tired?

Do you rely on that morning coffee (or two) or afternoon sugary sweets to give you that extra boost to get you through the day? In the long term these quick fixes can leave you more feeling more exhausted.

In todays busy world it is easy to feel run down. Fatigue can manifest in the form of mood swings, lack of concentration, headaches and a feeling of exhaustion. Instead of using stimulants for a quick boost, you can fuel your body with the right nutrients so that we have sustained energy to get us through the whole day. Here are some tips that ways to boost your energy that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine.

Nourish your body with super foods

The most nutrient dense foods on earth! Due to their concentrated level of nutrients super foods are a natural way to increase your energy and feel great through out the whole day.

Natural multivitamin – Spirulina powder

I promise you this stuff tastes better than it smells, you just need to know how to use it. More importantly Spirulina is packed with more nutrients than any other plant. It is high in protein, iron, magnesium and B12 perfect for boosting your energy through out the day.

My favourite way to have this superfood is in a juice. You can also use it in salad dressings, shakes or sprinkled on your cereal.

Fuel up with Coconut oil

Coconut oil is high in saturated fat but the type of fat it contains, actually has health benefits. Its easy to digest and quickly converted to energy for brain and muscle function.

Coconut oil is stable in heat can be used in baking, stir fries, raw food recipes and

Swap your chocolate bar for Cacao Powder

Craving chocolate? Heres a superfood substitute thats full of goodness without the guilt. Cacao is high in magnesium and iron which are important for energy production. Cacao contains certain nutrients that have a stimulating effect on the nervous system and helps to elevate mood. Cacao is a good replacement for that sugary treat but should still be consumed in moderation.

Can use in a hot chocolate, smoothies, in baking and in your breakfast cereal

Chia Seeds
High protein and high fibre, chia seeds help to maintain energy levels sustained energy and sensation of fullness. Chia seeds are also high in iron, calcium and magnesium.

Chia seeds have a mild flavour and can be added to cereals, stir fries, shakes and salads.

Maca

Rich in B Vitamins and other minerals this super food is a natural energy booster. Macca has a similar effect as caffeine but with out the side effects. 

Maca can be used in juices, smoothies, baking or cereals.

 

LIFESTYLE

Nothing with numbers– Did you know that some foods actually require more nutrients to digest than they actually provide? To avoid feeling tired and lethargic after a meal, try consuming whole, unprocessed foods with the right balance of protein, whole grains and fruits and vegetables

Avoid skipping meals – food is fuel for our bodies. Eating at regular intervals, every 3-4 hours, has been showed to maintain energy levels and improve concentration.

Stay away from stimulants – No Im not going to take your morning coffee away from you, well maybe not everyday, but it would be a good idea just to keep it to one cup a day and eventually just as a treat. Swap the sugary snack with dried fruit and raw nuts, or veggies and hummus.

Water – Even mild dehydration can cause fatigue. Consume at least 2 litres a day. Try adding a slice of fruit or fresh mint – it flavours the water with out adding unwanted calories.

Exercise- Exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing when you are exhausted but it can actually increase your energy levels.Even if its a simple 30 minute walk you will feel an improvement.

Naturopathic health for kids

Naturopathic health for kids
Natural health for kids
Natural health for kids


Why naturopathy for kids?

Our children deserve the best head start in life we can give them. Naturopathy comprises of nutrition, herbal medicine and lifestyle advice that works in harmony with their little bodies without any harmful side effects. Naturopathic consultations are designed to identify the cause of your child’s symptoms in order to restore their health so they can live their lives as they should – pain free and full of energy.

Naturopathy can be used to help improve –

Digestion – tummy aches, constipation, diarrhoea, bloating and gas

Immunity – frequent colds and flu, sore throats, allergies, infections

Behaviour – ADHD, autism, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances (many of these have links to digestive health)

Herbal Medicine and supplements

Herbal medicine and nutritional supplements help to compensate for any nutrient deficiencies or imbalances in their body. Herbal medicine can also be use topically without side effects.

Nutrition

Food is fuel. Food provides us with all the nutrients we need for our bodies to run efficiently. Children eat less quantities of food than adults so its important that every mouthful counts.

Consumption of sugar, preservatives and chemicals has increased with the introduction of processed foods. The food lines most of our supermarket shelves is so far removed from what was on the plates of our grand parents. The food that we eat, especially what we feed our kids should be as close to its natural form as possible.

Lifestyle

It is important to start healthy habits from a young age. Teaching our children to make healthy food choices and to live active life styles gives them a great head start in life.

Many conditions faced in childhood, if not addressed correctly can continue to effect your child in the adult life. Childhood obesity, allergies and behavioural problems are on the increase and its important to try to address the cause of your child’s health problems instead of treating only the symptoms.

Naturopathy can be used as a stand alone treatment and it can also be incorporated with current medical treatment.